A peek inside Kelly Wearstler's Melrose shop

 
I just love going back to LA, my time there was so good! I got to see my favorite people and visit a few of my favorite places. One place in particular I had been dying to see was the new Kelly Wearstler boutique on Melrose. I am beyond ecstatic that Kelly went from interior designer to fashion designer, which is such a rare feat. Incredibly inspiring, (I can totally remember graduating from college and moving to LA to be the next Kelly Wearstler...still working on that,ahem.). Anyway, I just love this woman and her glam edginess...

Pardon my photos, they are the best my little iphone could capture. The styling in the store is just beyond. While I love the clothes and accessories, all I could marvel at were the furnishings and styling. The entryway is pure glamour and the marble walls are incredibly chic. 
Little accessories in white, black and gold (my favorite color combination) were throughout the store. 
 
 The chicest part, the dressing rooms. Antique mirrored walls and gold light fixtures next to gold art. I just can't get enough of her style. If you haven't been yet, you MUST GO! 
A few of my favorite things...

Olivia Chair/ Bronze Legs/Brass Kaleidescope/Female Figure/Gold Dip Dish

10 things that rocked my world this week...AUGUST 4

1. My week has been incredibly design fulfilled. I swear, I can't say enough how much I love what I do. To start off, I began with meeting up with the design duo that raised me. They molded me, fed me, and shaped the very designer that I am today. Plus, they got a brand new website that is gorgeous! You must check it out now...Woodson & Rummerfield House of Design

2. Our time at Vegas Market was filled with cool stuff. We all stayed at the Aria Hotel in the City Center which was ridiculously huge, I was in awe. My room had a pretty cool view of the city too. 
3. We had an amazing time with Traditional Home magazine who sponsored our events. We had great dinners with some designers and bloggers I just love. We even did a treasure hunt around to find our favorite things...I loved this teeny patterned leopard print tufted chair. So very Las Vegas. 
4. I feel like birds have been the theme of this trip, I see them everywhere. I loved these chairs sitting out by the water fountain in the walkway. LOVED THESE LOVE BIRDS.
5. I also feel like the artsy gal in me is emerging. I found these splatter paint pillows that I just could not get over. I think the 80/90's are coming back my friends...oh, wait, maybe they already are. 
6. While I was in Vegas, this was my office...and in the other bed next to mine was my partner in crime Cassandra...we had a blogger/designer headquarters in our very hotel room. Thank goodness for room  service and strong coffee!
7. After so many moments in Vegas, I had to jet back to LA to get a little business and pleasure done. Being back in Santa Monica just feels so right to me. Sunshine, smoothies, convertible car rides, hiking, etc. The things I love so much about my favorite city. 
8. There are a few of those things, you know, that you must do when you come back to your home. The Beverly Hills hotel is one of them. I always die over the decor, each time I go, its like I have never been before. I get so excited because you can just feel the history of old Hollywood. Love it.
9. Of course, I had to swing by the new Kelly Wearstler boutique on Melrose. This was my first time since it opened and let me tell you, its an experience. It's like walking into her home, just as glamorously designed as ever. I walked out so inspired (& wanting to move back to LA), she has just taken interior design to another level. Thanks Kelly for making our design world that much more bas a**! 
10. The best part of being back in LA is making fresh squeezed orange juice from the backyard. Deelish! 

WHAT WINDOWS WANT

 I hope this post serves as a sort of public service announcement. I'm currently working with a new client on a living room space. They have some great pieces like a rug and sofa but just really don't know where to start. What I immediately noticed was their gorgeous and big bare windows. For me, when it comes to decorating, first thing you need to do to make a home warm and cozy...
JUST ADD CURTAINS...

 Honestly, curtains are like makeup, they complement the windows and highlight the bones of a room. They can make your space look taller, add a dose of gorgeous color, block out too much lighting, give extra texture + dimension, etc. There are so many things that gorgeous textiles will do for your space. Especially if you are renting and can't paint the walls, curtains can give you just what you need. If you don't have curtains up and are wanting to add a little something to your space go, get some and hang them up...now! 
 Now, if you are wondering what kind of curtain or panel you should buy, beautiful curtains range all different colors, shapes, lengths, patterns, etc. I prefer to keep the pattern very simple, nothing too dramatic or busy but with bold color. Make sure to measure your windows correctly and always go a bit longer, the more fabric the better. 
 I love the look of color on color, like this kelly green on chartreuse green. In my apartment I have grey on greige and I love the way it looks almost monochromatic-like. 
 
Mixing colors works great too, this hot pink on brown walls is such a chic mix and light blue walls with a dash of lipstick red just makes the room have instant swagger. My decorista brain is just brimming with ideas for my new apartment, I am beyond thrilled to incorporate some fresh new color combinations, especially with this new little fashion inspired philosophy I have going on.
 
images via: one. two. three. four. five. six. seven. eight. 

How to keep a fashion forward home

Waking up this morning in LA has made me the happiest girl. As much as I love my life in New York City, there is nothing like being at home in Hollywood, my city of Angels, where I truly believe my heart belongs. Now that I am in pure relaxation mode, I can reflect on the things I learned at Vegas Market. On the last day I attended a seminar about Food, Fashion and Furniture and how the worlds collide. The panel was given by some great girlfriends of mine, Cassandra, Emily and W Magazine (so I couldn't miss it). It was so informative and I learned some insightful and surprising new things. Being a girl who comes from a love of design first, then to fashion, I often don't think of things the other way around. However, I came with a few things about keeping on trend in your home...

#1 The best way to keep trends in your home is incorporating them through smaller items. Keep them throughout your space in places where they are unexpected, so they cause conversation. Like in this fashionista inspired space.
#2 Be like Kelly Wearstler and use funky trends on your tabletop while entertaining. I love how she used this diagonal black and white stripe with a pop of neon pink for a dinner party. 
#3 Do not be afraid to paint your walls. It's not permanent and a pretty inexpensive way to spice things up a bit. This edgy installation was done with a little paint + neon tape.
#4 Constantly using different patterns and looks and mixing them. Like a fashion forward girl, mix up things with switching out different patterns. Like fashion, keeping things in the same color family is always your best bet to making it work. 
#5 Like any fashionista, make sure to check out all international shelter publications like Living Etc (pic above) for style inspiration. Notice the eccentric shape coffee table, artsy lighting, open stacks of magazine with no shelving, whimsical console...Try adding 1 element of European Influence to your space and watch the instant fashion forward feeling come alive. 

office space of the day...WHITE GLAMOUR

It's about that time to leave Las Vegas and I am more than ready to go. Next stop on this trip, Los Angeles. Can't wait to get back to my beloved city, it always just reminds me of Hollywood Glamour.  I really wish I was working from this gorgeous + glamorous space today...
white floors + white rug + gorgeous black desk + pretty fireplace + sexy sconces + pop of leopard=
domestic bliss

DREAM APARTMENT: White walls that work!

Being at Las Vegas Market is incredibly exciting, I am spotting so many goodies that I want for my future new apartment. Interestingly enough I have a serious love affair with neutrals right now. Maybe its because its summertime or just a little bit of me growing up a bit. Whatever the reason, I'm noticing lately how some spaces with white walls can be just as glamorous a deep colored ones.
This fabulous room is by Sally Wheat and is a perfect example of how I want my new apartment to look. The lines of the sofa and club chairs are so glam and perfect especially when paired with white walls + hints of gold and lavender...

It's really very summery to pair pastel accessories with white walls. So, in effort to keep it more city like and appropriate for fall, I could add traditional pieces with classic lines and extravagant details. 
Heavy fabrics also add a little something sophisticated too. 
Not too sure that lavender would be my dream accent color but the look of these apartments just make me swoon. Below, this look is a little more city glamour and less french. Mirrored coffee table, vintage chairs, beautiful screen, pop of zebra. I just love the living room layout.

Now, I must not forget when imagining my dream apartment two things are essential...
excessive moldings and herringbone floors. It makes white walls that much more perfect, am I right?

images: two. three. four. 

Style-icious Sunday: Summertime travel essentails

My bags are packed and today I am off to Las Vegas Market. I'm beyond excited to reunite with my favorite people in our lovely design community. There is gonna be some serious fun happening. As I was packing things, I realized how much I love gold and nudes. They are my staples for my summer wardrobe. Michael Kors makes the best accessories to travel with. Everything goes with gold of course! 


10 things that rocked my world this week...July 28

1. I can't believe I have been in this city now for so long. So many struggles, so many hurdles and I have to say that I feel stronger than ever! So, when I visit friends with amazing views I just sit and awe.  I'm beyond blessed to call this city home and I seriously get thankful each and every day. 

2. One thing about living in this city is that people that you love leave. It's heartbreaking BUT you get to celebrate with incredible dinner parties. One of my best girlfriends is moving back to the west coast and we had a lovely time together.
3. Back to another positive note about the city and the summers by the beach...carrying fabulous summer bags. I just love toting these babies around town. It's so very beach chic. 
4. My affections for mirrors in the kitchen is something I am obsessed with lately. 
5. Enough said, right?
6. These rugs. I want. I want. I want. Well, first I need a new apartment with enough space to put them in but yes...I want! 
7. My church rocks. Literally. the music is bananas. and my pastor. he is awesome. this weeks message on relationship really rocked my world. Sooooooo goooooood! 
8. Hello sequins aztec skirt. My girlfriend showed up to dinner with this cute little number on and I about died. I'm such a dork because I love the skirt, but I really want a pillow! BUY THE SKIRT HERE.
9. Lately I've been getting together with some fabulously savvy women and I love when we get together and talk business. Brainstorming, ideas, support, encouragement.  It's just awesome! 
10. Oh, yes. my favorite part of the day...sunset. It totally rocks my world.

FASHION FOR HOME

Since I have been apartment dreaming, I have already started shopping around for my new furnishings and my heart is leaning toward modern pieces. Of course I will always love my vintage and glamorous furnishings but throwing a little modern in the mix never hurt anybody. 
So, I was delighted to be introduced to FASHION FOR HOME, a lovely source for fabulous + fashionable furnishings. (say that a few times...) Not only do they have art, lighting, sofas, chairs but even a few traditional looking pieces, like this gorgeous secretary desk that I am seriously considering. Mix it up with a glitzy chandelier and a few modern pieces and you are set. 
or maybe a little something like this...


MY DREAM NYC APARTMENT

It's been just over a year now that I have been in my adorable apartment in the city. I moved in July 15th of last summer and thinking about the past year is such a roller coaster of emotions and accomplishments. I can't even believe its been a year. However, it's also the time to find a new apartment and this happens to be one of my favorite things in the world...
DECORATING A WHOLE NEW APARTMENT.
  Nothing makes me more excited, I just love the whole process. 
As I try to visualize what I want in my next apartment I think to myself, modern, white, a view, dining room, ample room for an office, etc. Then I happened to come across this gorgeous space and I thought to myself, this is EXACTLY what I want...

I love the clean white walls of this apartment and the light floors. It's located in the upper west side too, so I know its in my dream location. The kitchen is modern with stainless steel appliances and see through shelving. The track lighting is a little ick, but there is a bar and hello a mirror in the kitchen. My favorite decorating trick! 
 Plenty of room for a dining table.


Great lighting in the bedroom and just enough room for a cozy bed with a little extra seating.
 Great bathroom flooring and a clean, white bathroom. It's sheer perfection! Saying my prayers now. 


Italian Greenery...Le Sirenuse

Today I am giddy with delight because the weather is close to perfection. I have a lot of traveling coming up next week (heading to Vegas Market with Traditonal Home Magazine and then over to LA for some work + play). I am beyond excited to get back to the city of perfect weather everyday, but what I am really daydreaming about it is traveling to Europe and hitting up the Italian beaches. 
Then I came across these pictures of the gorgeous hotel,  Le Sirenuse in Italy...

 Another perfect anecdote to plain white walls is gorgeous greenery. I mean it just takes this decor to an entirely different level. It also gives the color scheme for the rest of the decor. Golds, glamorous shades of green and elements of earthiness...
 I just love the architecture of everything and the accessories. Of course the little details are so delightful too. 

Art + room: pretty portraits

gorgeous rug + amazing chrome/wood table + black accent wall + chandelier + portrait of a lady =
domestic bliss
Portraits are always a keeper when it comes to home decor, I think they give a sense of nostalgia and history to a space...

While one single portrait can make a beautiful statement no matter what room, a group of portraits is also very chic. I can really describe why it looks so great, but I find that it really makes me want to create stories about the people in them. That in and of itself can be a fabulous conversation starter. 
Of course, because I love all things feminine, the female portraits are so sweet and lovely. I am constantly looking through the cities thrifts and fleas for good ones. Haven't found one yet, but i'm on the lookout. I'll keep you posted! 

1. image via design crisis (Erin Williamson) 2/3/4/5/6

5 ways to style your sofa table

There is always room for more tables and I am a total fan of putting tables behind sofas for more space. The possibilities are endless...
1. Have a fabulous console loaded with your bar cart essentials

2. Create a storage area with beautiful baskets and your favorite books.
3. Make use of the space to keep extra seating for when guests come over. 
4. Create a cool workspace with funk and fresh accesories.
5. Invite guests over to the area by adding cute seating and a round table for a conservation spot.


1/2/3/4/5

10 things that rocked my world this week...JULY 21

1. Summertime in New York City. Long warm days full of sunshine and sometimes a bit of rain. The appropriate time to wear all of my brightly colored pretties I brought from LA. Endless taxi rides because the subway is too hot. Listening to my old school classic summer tunes en route to business appointments. Ah. The good days.

2. A very posh outdoor corner of TriBeCa. The walls are black, the gravel matches, and the killer street accessories are vivid greens. 
3. Words I strongly related to from this months InStyle magazine...
4. In the issue, they featured Cat Deely's home in LA an boy did I fall fast for her boho chic style. We all know how much I love LOVE so that art + the mirror, just stole my heart.
5. A true secret weapon of success. Notebooks filled with ideas and information. Mind just happen to always be in pink! 
6. A unique chandelier that graces the white walls in the beach house so perfectly.
7. A book you must own! Home is where the heart is by Ilse Crawford rocks my world! 
8. Every time I get to do a photo shoot of some sort, I just feel magical. Like a kid in a candy store for the very first time. I think the lights and cameras are just too cool. It's where magic, creative ideas and vision just comes alive! 
9. Since I am never in the car anymore except when heading to the Hamptons on the weekends, I have begun to cherish the long road trip. Great conversation, lots of music listening and stops to those quaint little small town stores. After a long week in the city, I just love these types of things.
10. A little advice for your weekend....

office space of the day...ESSENTIAL GREENS

gorgeous green parsons desk + bamboo chair + dark wood floors + silver lamp + pretty plant =
domestic bliss
This adorable home is fitted with the prettiest of green accessories...

An art wall with kelly green frames and a painted stair runner to match is such a stylish idea. I can not get enough of how cute this is. 
Hints of grey and yellow are blended in perfectly with the pretty greens. I love it. 
Mixed metallics go a long way in this entryway. The gold geometric light fixture and sunburst mirror add such dashing personality to the entryway.
This amazingly stylish house can be found here.