Life

Blogfest Recap: Kips Bay

My first stop on day two of Blogfest was at the Kips Bay Showhouse; it was my first time so I was really excited to see some of the amazing designers featured. I’ll be the first to admit that not all of the rooms were my cup of tea, but that’s what’s so interesting about this event — there really is something for everyone, from traditionalists to modernists and everything in between.

I had two favorite rooms, and one of them definitely fell into the “hip” category: the stereo lounge designed by Brad Ford. I’m always looking for ways to hide electronics but this design beautifully embraced the stereo speakers and equipment and made it the focus of the room. The round white speakers almost looked like art on the walls, and I loved how a record player was actually built into the giant wooden coffee table.

Another one of my favorite rooms was on the opposite end of the decorating spectrum, total femininity and opulence, designed by Amanda Nisbet. The pink wall coverings and loud artwork were bold choices with an already ornately trimmed room.

And how about this flooring? It’s all in the details…

Image 1 and 3 via Brad Ford

Home

Blogfest Recap: ELLE Decor Modern Life Concept House

Stop number two on my whirlwind in New York for Blogfest was at the ELLE Decor Modern Life Concept House where we got a sneak peek of the designs. When I first walked in I was like a moth to the flame zooming towards this luxurious leather chair in a bright olive-green paired with stacks of design books on immaculately styled shelves.

Design was just one element of the spaces, the tables were set and the bureaus were styled — the rooms were all about the details. In the swanky 70s style living room with shag carpets they were setting the mood with the TV on — The Graduate was playing in the background.

And in the kitchen a black and white color palette and simple graphic art set a soothing tone that would certainly let the food stand out (I am on the hunt for those salty prints!). I loved the designer’s practical calling card, a big bowl of matches to grab and toss in your pocket.

Life

Blogfest Recap: Hearst

I’m back from Blogfest and am almost fully recovered; chatting with so many amazing bloggers  and designers can really wear a girl out! But I have lots to share and thought I would start with first part of conference held at Hearst Tower. The opening lunch hosted by House Beautiful was gorgeous — peonies were the unofficial flower of the event, everyone was taking advantage of their short season. And do you see those giant bags on the chairs? These were the swag bags of all swag — magazines for days and my favorite freebie, a copy of the new book, House Beautiful Blue: 360 Ways To Decorate With Blue. I already started to pick through it on my train ride back and it’s beautiful.

Following the delicious welcome lunch and after making lots of new friends (whose blogs I’ll share later in the week) we listened in on a panel discussion with Hearst editors Newell Turner of House Beautiful, Dara Caponigro of Veranda, and Mark Rozzo of Town & Country. All three were incredibly gracious and very open when talking about magazines’ relationship with blogs, they all agreed that there’s a place for both mediums in the space. In fact, they called on bloggers for being the beat editors that find trends and sources in the places that big magazines don’t have the time or staff to cover. My favorite moment of the day was when Newell Turner proclaimed he maintained a no-diva policy at House Beautiful, he doesn’t waste his time on that — which is probably why the magazine has such a down to earth feel to it.

Then we capped off the day with some champagne before we were whisked off to the ELLE Decor Modern Life Concept House … more on that tomorrow!

DIY

Cute as a button.

Before I head out for the weekend I thought I’d share a little craft I pulled together for the Bachelorette party I’m attending. I bought some clear button holders at the craft store, and picked up blingy engagement ring stickers from the scrapbooking section. I made a template for the buttons and cut out each piece of paper and added an “O” sticker. I hope the bride-to-be likes them; I will certainly be wearing one tonight as I order drinks!

PS: You can download the template here!

Home

Bejeweled.

How gorgeous are these lamps by Robert Abbey? I think they look like giant jewels — the faceted shape is so modern and glamorous. I’m eyeing the aqua one… and the green one… and the pink one…

Lamps sold here.

Life

Viewing party.

I had a mini-viewing party with one of my best girls — we woke up and started watching at 5am with a spot of bubbly and then topped off the morning with some official “Royal Wedding Donuts” from Dunkin Donuts. It was so fun to watch! I can’t imagine how amazing it must be to view in London today. I’m a sucker for weddings so I thought it was incredibly romantic, I especially loved the moment when you could read Prince William’s lips mouthing “you look beautiful” to his bride to be. And I loved the dress, it was perfectly timeless. So tell me, did you watch the Royal Wedding this morning? The dress? The kiss? Let me know what you thought!

Life

Royal wedding preparation.

In preparation for the Royal Wedding, Kate Middleton has had to do a lot of important things like practice her kiss, get approval from the Queen, and keep giant secrets about her dress. I’ve also been furiously preparing by:

It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it! Are you ready for tomorrow??

Life

How to be like Kate.

Though I’m sure you were excited to read this post because you thought I would bestow advice on how to be more like me, it’s another Kate I’m talking about today — Ms Middleton and her fashion sense. She’s no wild-child of style, but she does always look polished and dressed for the occasion.

Kate sticks to her roots with a Barbour jacket, and has been known on occasion to pair hers with some wellies for more casual days in the countryside. But for special occasions she gets a little more wild and dons some pretty wild fascinators in her hair. I think a Ban.Do ostrich pouf would do the trick for copy-Kates. And it’s no surprise the Brit loves her Burberry; she’s been seen wearing her Burberry trench to a handful of events since her engagement announcement. Plus we can’t forget what will forever be an iconic look for Kate: the blue wrap dress. The actual Issa dress sold out in less than a day after Kate wore it, but a million knock-offs are now available so we can all have our royal blue moment.

What do you think of Kate’s style?Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Life

It’s all about the dress.

Let’s be honest here, this little shindig happening on Friday, the royal wedding? People are excited about it, I mean, the girl is marrying prince-charming. But what am I really excited about? The dress. It’s all about the dress. 

I was watching a special on TV this weekend about Princess Diana’s dress and I learned that during the broadcast of her wedding dress makers began sketching and cutting patterns immediately in order to replicate the look. Knock-offs of that famous dress were assembled and for sale in less than 24 hours after the wedding aired!

I know I’ll be waiting on the edge of my seat for the first glimpse of white.

Grace, Carrie, Audrey, Jackie, Priscilla and Carolyn have all worn amazingly iconic wedding day looks. I’m sure Kate can expect the same royal treatment.

 
 
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