It's All Greek To Me

via Jonathan Adler

If you've read my blog in the past, you may have seen my post about a dining room re-do.  I can report that nothing has happened, so far, except a bunch of brainstorming. Sigh...isn't that how all creative genius begins? Yes? Maybe?

In these brainstorms, sometimes, I think a semi-gloss navy wall paired these fine friends would do the trick:

personal photo

How can you go wrong with a Scalamandre, Schumacher, Ben Moore equation? True, the old bank account would get hurt but the result is pure perfection.

Other times, I think a Greek key partially wallpapered wall would be subtly stylish- just applied from the chair rail to the ceiling. This pattern can be subtle in taupe and grey or bold in black or any of the 30 Ben Moore color wheel options they match. How fun is that idea? 

 via Decor Pad

 via Decor Pad

via Decor Pad

And I'd be lying to you if I told you a lattice work wood didn't pop into my mind a time or two...maybe just on the ceiling, maybe just along the walls...

via Pinterest

Katie Lee Joel's house designed by Nate Berkus via Pinterest

Maybe on the ceiling AND the walls?

 Mix and Chic via Pinterest

At this point, the decision remains up in the air. How do you feel about wallpaper in your house? Or textured appliques? Or dark, glossy paint? I have very little experience with it all, personally, but do appreciate a strategically placed pattern any day of the week!

Red Carpet Round-Up: SAG Awards

Emma Stane in Alexander McQueen

On behalf of my sartorial sisters, I'd like to thank the members of the Screen Actors Guild. We asked for more drama on the red carpet and you brought it. Full party skirts? Check! Sequins? You betcha. Color??? HALLELUJAH. Even though there was a bit of a white out on the red carpet, those who did wear a color rocked it...for the most part.

Now for my Red Carpet awards. The clear winner, at least in my eyes, was Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen. Not only was her dress flirty and fun but Emma also sashayed down the press line like a girl going to her first prom. She appeared fun, effortless and classy all at once. Well done, my fellow strawberry blonde. (Nevermind if hers might be from a bottle.)

Rose Byrne in Elie Saab

Major kudos to Rose Byrne for her "Scarface" reincarnation. She rocked this sequined jumpsuit like it was 1971. Though I obviously did not see her in person, this photo doesn't do her justice. The hair, make-up and fit of this get-up were perfection.

Kyra Sedgwick looked damn fine in this Pucci number. The lady has got it going on! 

 Kyra Sedgwick in Pucci

And I was delighted to see a colorful Oscar de la Renta frock on Emily Blunt. Where is all the ODLR this year?? Her sequined clutch was perfection against that apple green.

Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta

I don't usually adore the looks of the E! hosts but I have to give it to Giuliana for wearing not only a colorful, interesting geometric pattern but also a serious metal statement necklace. Maybe she could have pulled her hair back, no?

 Giuliana Rancic in Basil Soda

The best looking couple hands down goes to Armie Hammer and his gorgeous wife Elizabeth Chambers, both in Gucci. Holy hotness! His tux was actually a really beautiful midnight blue. Usually I wouldn't go for it but Armie's approachability and modestly made the black alternative approvable. Elizabeth looked flawless and she ushered in the white out on the Red Carpet...

Armie Hammer and Elizabeth Chambers in Gucci 

The white out continued with Viola Davis in an ethereal Marchesa stunner.

White gradually faded to gray with Tilda Swinton in Lanvin, another 70s style ode...

Precious Ariel Winter ushered in the gray with another surprisingly stylish frock, this time by Collette Dinnigan and shoe by Miu Miu. Two awards shows in a row this girl has appeared fresh and age appropriate. Calling Lea Michele! (Sorry, girl and Gleeks.)

Finally, we must pay homage to Glen Close and her Zac Posen gown. How fab does she look?? Ladies who are concerned about body issues, this is the dress to wear. That corseting! That fishtail skirt! Those chiffon sleeves!! It's proof that you can WERK no matter your age...

Last night's Red Carpet was way more fun to watch than the Golden Globes. Of course, it wasn't all fab and there were some styles that I really wanted to like but just couldn't bite on- Michelle Williams in Versace, Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Couture and Sofia Vergara in Marchesa. 

There were so many obvious trends on the carpet as well- the white/grey/beige thing is still happening and lace topped just about everything. Later this week, we'll talk trends and find some Red Carpet to real life style. 

Until then...happy Monday to you! 

TGIF

Elle Decor via Pinterest

Thank GAWD it's Friday! It's a dreary, rainy day here and all I want to do is climb back in bed for a long winter's nap. 

This bedroom from Elle Decor is my all-time favorite. The muted tones, fluffy white linens and warm accents offer the instant snuggle factor. Colorful bedrooms full of pattern are no doubt beautiful and charming. But a room like this one, I can relax in.  

What are your plans this weekend? Wishing you a great one!

40s Flattery

 W Magazine

via FabSugar

In keeping with the spring fashion daydream, one of the more surprising styles we've seen popularized by multiple designers is the resurgence of 1940s-inspired dressing. When I think of the 40s fashion, women drawing lines up their leg to give the appearance of nylons pops into my brain. 

Luckily at the present time, we're not in such dire straits. Forties fashion comes by way of a gentle, feminine silhouette cut from vibrant patterns and colors. Highlighting the waist and wrists while emphasizing the bust and a strong shoulder added key figure flattery to the dresses of that decade and today. Way back when, this cut resulted from the lack of materials. Today, it's just plain cute!

 via Asos

 Milly via Net-A-Porter

Miu Miu via Net-A-Porter

I love this style for showers, luncheons and other daytime, ladylike events. Keep it modern with loose hair and natural make-up, like the celebs below. The minute you add an obvious finger-wave, you appear to be playing dress up!

via FabSugar

So what do you think? Is the vintage-inspired look for you? 

New Moon Florals (And We're Not Talkin' Twilight Here)

via The Pursuit Aesthetic

 via Elements of Style

 via Elements of Style

Tonight the world will experience a New Moon, the first of the year. And with this New Moon comes an new energy surge. Personally, I have been STRUGGLING since the holidays ended- tired and wiped out from too much work and play. Starting tomorrow, let's hope we'll all get a little more energized, starting with our wardrobes...of course!

How about riffing off a bright and peppy spring trend, the good old floral pattern. Usually, I'm not one for a frou frou style but the florals of 2012 have attitude. Mix them in with stripes, wear a leopard heel, don a bright statement necklace or go Carrie Bradshaw and strap into a dominatrix heel. 


However you wear them, wear them with confidence- don't be a shrinking violet.

via Sex and the City film

A few great options are below, in case your wardrobe is missing this patterned spring staple. Wear them now with black skinny jeans, army green barn jackets or cable knit sweaters. Wear them later with breezy tops or skirts, chino shorts and colorful flats.

via Asos

 J. Crew via Net-A-Porter (LOVE the chartreuse heel)

 Jason Wu via My Theresa (SWOON!)

via Zara

And just in case you aren't sure how to toughen up your fleurs...

 Alexander Wang via Net-A-Porter

 via Asos

 Burberry Prorsum via Net-A-Porter

 via Topshop

via Topshop

So tomorrow when you go to get dressed and you feel a little groggy, pull out those brights and florals and tough them up with a little gladiator inspired black leather. You'll merge winter with spring in one fell swoop and hopefully everything will start coming up roses...

Day Glo Sophisticate

via Harper's Bazaar

It seems like every winter, I hit a wall with my black clothes- a big, fat, dark brick WALL. Do you do the same? This impact causes an equally strong desire to find all things colorful and make them WERK with the winter wardrobe, which is why the day glo rage might just be my saving grace!

I refuse to use the word NEON as it invokes 1980s puff paint shirts and the smell of old Jellys. Bleck! But day glo sounds lovely and bright and SOPHISTICATED. Just check out the woman photographed above from Mr. Blasberg's Best Dressed List in Harper's Bazaar. Or the Proenza Schouler ad below. These women aren't jumping over a Skip-It to get to the Paula Abdul (or "Paula Abdoo" as we who watch "American Idol" like to say) concert. These ladies look stylish, chic and polished.

via Proenza Schouler

Pairing your chartreuse, fuschia or electric blue with its darker, more bold counterpart seems to be the key to day glo gone right. Navy or forest green with chartreuse (see the Textile by Elizabeth & James look below) looks divine. Even brown and black, a la Proenza Schouler or the Chloe clutch below, adds just the right touch of drama to keep the pieces sophisticated day glo instead of oh no.

 via Stylelist

via Because I'm Addicted

How can I invoke this adoration right now? How about a pair of day glo sneakers? Wear them with your navy sweaters and dark blue jeans now. Pair it with a teal blue blouse and white shorts later. 

I think I'm in love. 

via Ann Mashburn

Red Carpet Round-Up: Golden Globes

We sat. We watched. We critiqued.

During last night's Golden Globe Awards, we witnessed everything from let-downs to snooze-fests (what's with all the nude, beige, blush, greige, blah!) to some major WOW moments, though not nearly as many as I would have liked. 

My two top picks for best dressed have to be Claire Danes in J. Mendel and Emma Stone in Lanvin. These ladies really can do no wrong in my eyes but they also brought the most FASHION to the awards show.

Claire's laser cut black and white column gown looked so interesting and chic. Overall the front of the dress was very understated but those gorgeous cutouts along the shoulder and back knocked her look out of the park. Add red lips and a sophisticated 'do and we're into major hottie territory. Jordan Catalano is drooling right now. That is a look to win in, my friends!

Emma Stone gets mad props for wearing COLOR. Thank you, Miss Emma, for bringing some drama, including those jewel embellished cap sleeves. Gorgeous!

Claire Danes in J. Mendel

Emma Stone in Lanvin 

Rooney Mara did not disappoint in her signature black. Ladies, this is black done RIGHT- flowing yet fitted in all the right places, sexy cut outs fastened with demure bows. Her sleek pony and perfectly lined eyes kept her looking youthful and fresh. Love!

 Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci

"Modern Family's" Ariel Winter arrived in a gorgeous amethyst Dolce & Gabbana frock. Her precious ensemble was age appropriate and fun. Moments like these should occur more frequently on the Red Carpet!

Ariel Winter in Dolce & Gabbana

And though I was bored with all of the lack of color, Shailene Woodley from "The Descendants" did sparkle in Marchesa. Many of us had a "who's that girl" moment. I'm looking forward to seeing her style choices at future events.

Shailene Woodley in Marchesa

Mermaids Sophia Vergara and Evan Rachel Wood shimmied down the carpet in petrol blues. While my jaw didn't necessarily drop for them, their dresses were interesting.

 Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci Premiere

Sophia Vergara in Vera Wang

Of course, we can't post on the Globes without at least mentioning Charlize Theron's 1920s princess moment in Dior, Tilda Swinton's powder blue Haider Ackermann, Michelle Williams sweet Jason Wu and Jessica Chastain's beaded Givenchy. I didn't love them and I didn't hate them. But I do appreciate their choices and fashion sense.


Most of the men last night also looked very dapper. A classic black tux ALWAYS works. Thank you, Colin Firth and George Clooney.


What did you think of last night's Red Carpet? Who were your favorites? 


Can't wait til the next Red Carpet!