Weekend Inspiration #2

circa 1875 Victorian house -  photo via gardenandgun.com

Quote of the Week - W. Clement Stone

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share...

- W. Clement Stone

Eat . Drink . Be Thankful!

I am thankful for my family, my friends old and new, my little four-legged friends Ralph and Daisy, and the opportunity to wake up everyday to life on the most amazing planet ever! I love you all. Have a wonderful day! 

xoxo C

Turkeys have heart attacks? And more cool facts about Thanksgiving (and turkeys)

image via dumpaday.com

Did you know that 91% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving? Or that 50% of Americans put the stuffing inside the turkey? Or that Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey? Or that turkeys have heart attacks? 

These are just a few of the cool facts I discovered about Thanksgiving (and turkeys) on the website coolest-holiday-parties.com. 

Want to know more? Click  | here | and read on...

At Home in Silver Lake

I love all things mid-century modern; especially architecture and home decor. This fabulous mid-century house in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, is home to fashion stylist Jessica de Ruiter, husband, sculptor Jed Lind, and baby James.

The interior decor is spot on, with their use of warm woods, Moroccan rugs and kilims, vintage Ikat pillows, and built-ins. For the exterior landscaping, they used unmanicured plants such as creeping fig, lavender, sage, melaleuca other native plants.

The house combines all of the best elements of mid-century modern; large glass windows, open spaces, simplicity in design and decor, and integration with nature. California dreamy!

Take the home tour | HERE | at C Home.

photo by Douglas Friedman, via c-home.com

Elegance, Class, Sophistication, Glamour, CHIC, and Style

Jenna Lyons - photo via stylopolist.blogspot.com

Ines de la Fressange - photo via markdsykes.com

This post is the fifth in a series about elegance, class, sophistication, glamour, chic, and style; words that are often used interchangeably when referring to attractive, well-dressed people, but which don't necessarily mean the same thing. Today, I'm going to talk about chic...

chic: attractive, fashionable, stylish; an element of fashion meaning "stylish" or "smart" 

Chic is a French word, established in English since at least the 1870s. It weaves a slightly different spin, compared to the other five words, because it's the most superficial; meaning that it is almost more about the clothing than the attitude; although attitude is always important, otherwise one is just a clothes-hanger.

In my opinion, chic is less about classic and timeless; it's fashionable, of the moment. It could be elegant and sophisticated, but doesn't have to be; it could be classy or glamorous, but not necessarily. Chic women (and, I suppose men, although I usually associate chic with the ladies) know what is current, fashion-wise; but they also have the ability to adapt cutting edge fashion to suit their unique style. 

Chic women love fashion. They have fun with it; but they also take it very seriously. Many of the most chic women I know of are in the fashion and beauty business. Who is chic? In my opinion - model, Kate Moss; Amanda Harlech, well known muse for John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld; J. Crew's executive creative director, Jenna Lyons; former editor-in-chief of Paris Vogue, Carine Roitfeld; Ines de la Fressange, French model, aristocrat, and fashion designer; and the late Lou Lou de la Falaise, designer, associated with Yves Saint Laurent. Très chic!

Weekend Inspiration #1 - Chanel

Chanel - Spring Paris Fashion Week 2014 - Source (Imax Tree)

I love these bracelets!
{The End}

Quote of the Week

Do not let your fears choose your destiny. - unknown

Comfy Cozy Bedroom

image via eve wilson, production - lucy feagins/the design file

image via eve wilson, production - lucy feagins/the design file

Vicki Wood's bedroom has all of the elements I love; minimal decor, rich, walnut brown hardwood floors, built in storage,  and a comfy, cozy bed with natural, lightweight, multi-textural layers of French linens, in creams and neutrals. And, while I think perfectly made up beds with lots of strategically placed decorative throw pillows are lovely, I prefer this more casual look. 

See more of Vicki's loft-like apartment, which is housed in Sydney's first warehouse conversion, that was once a shoe factory | here | in The Design Files.

Do you want to be unique, or do you want to belong?

Do you want to be unique, or do you want to belong? It is my observation that most people want both. We like to think that we are singular; special. However, we also seek out the companionship of others; particularly the ones with whom we share common traits and interests. People just naturally seem to gravitate toward like-minded people.

Unconventional types reek of radical open-mindedness; but you're not likely to find them dining with the bourgeoisie at an exclusive, upscale, suburban country club. And, most main-streamers turn up their noses at "weird" cuisines, preferring predictable fare over fusion tacos and quinoa burgers; so you probably won't catch them having lunch with friends at an inner city food truck park. No matter how vehemently we reject labels, you cannot deny that most of us fit into a category of some sort, whether it's mainstream, or abstruse.

I'm always amused by people who argue against the impact of pop culture, trends, the media, advertising, and other people on their lifestyle; as if every idea they have, and everything they think or do, just spontaneously occurs without any prompting from the outside world. It is my opinion that, we are all exposed to ideas, concepts, and trends, and we are either intrigued and/or inspired by them, or we reject them. Either way, we are affected by them.

So why are we so obstinate about admitting that we are influenced by others; and that, even though we desire to be unique individuals, we still have a need to be a part of something larger than ourselves? Beats me. It's a paradox; one of those mysteries of life that makes human beings so fascinating.

C

Finally! It's Sweater Weather

Crisp, cool autumn air; golden leaves crunching underfoot; roasting marshmallows by a bonfire - Sweater weather is finally here! I'm loving this super soft, chunky, alpaca mix cowl neck pullover from Steven Alan. It's loose enough to allow for those few extra holiday pounds that you will inevitably gain, but stylishly fitted enough that you won't look like Uncle Bert.

Shop Steven Alan | here |

cowl neck pullover sweater by raquel allegra, for steven alan

images via steven alan 

Elegance, Class, Sophistication, GLAMOUR, Chic, and Style

undated publicity photo courtesy Running Press

This post is the fourth in a series about elegance, class, sophistication, glamour, chic, and style; words that are often used interchangeably when referring to attractive, well-dressed people, but which don't necessarily mean the same thing. Today, I'm going to talk about glamour...

Glamour; Exciting or mysterious attractiveness usually associated with striking physical beauty, luxury, or celebrity. Seemingly mysterious and elusive fascination or allure; charisma; bewitching charm.

Ahhh, Glamour! Of all of the words above, glamour is probably the hardest to put your finger on. Why? Because it is mysterious; unexplainable: and it's the most difficult to attain, unless you just have it; that "it"-ness that draws people in and holds them spellbound. 

To me, one of the most glamorous women in the world was Marilyn Monroe. Certainly, there are women who are more elegant, classy, and sophisticated than Marilyn; but she had that charismatic allure that was undeniable; she had glamour. And now, over fifty years after her death, she continues to be an icon of glamour.  How many women still purchase Chanel No.5 because of Marilyn's claim that she wore nothing to bed except Chanel No.5? Does it make them glamorous? Probably not; but hope springs eternal...

Other glamorous people? Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra; Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Clark Gable and Carol Lombard; William Powell and Myrna Loy. Who do you think of when you hear the word, glamour?

C

Quote of the Week - Marcel Proust

Daisy Mae Fuzzoli, the squirrel whisperer

The real voyage of discovery lies 
not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

- Marcel Proust

Pia Wallen Cross Blanket - Minimal Perfection

photo via myscandinavianhome.blogspot.com

pia wallen cross blanket

My hunger for minimalist decor is satiated by this 100% organic cotton, black and white cross blanket from Pia Wallen. Love!

Find it |here| at Norsu Interiors.

And check out the rest of the fabulous Scandinavian home above, |here| at myscandinavianhome.blogspot.com

C

Brunello Cucinelli - Bellisima!

Brunello Cucinelli is one of those places where my fashionista alter-ego goes wild. Their website proclaims their motto: "Beauty is our salvation!" And beautiful it is! We have a Brunello Cucinelli Boutique here in Dallas, at Highland Park Village. Everything is amazing! Exquisite design; superb quality; luxurious fabrics. Bellisima!

These are a few of my favorite looks from BC; but you can drool over the entire website |here| 

all images via the Brunello Cucinelli website

Ten Random Things About Me

When I was a kid, I had a doll named Alice. She was 36" tall; basically just a few inches shorter than I was. I used to tell my friends that she was my extremely quiet younger sister.

I was once asked to leave an open-all-night grocery store at 2 am, because I was "surfing" on the suds from the machine they used to clean the floors. (btw, this was NOT at all recently)

When I eat a sandwich, I eat all around the part where my index finger and thumb are holding it, and then throw that bite away. (Apparently, it is an inheritable trait, because my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter does the same thing)

I have a serious phobia regarding doctors, hospitals, medications, and medical procedures; especially ones that involve needles or anesthesia. As the result of my anxiety, I often say things that are wildly inappropriate. ie; to the doctor who had just performed my colonoscopy (without anesthesia because of my fear of meds) "Was it good for you?" 

I once drove on the interstate at night for over an hour, without turning on the headlights...wondering why it was so dark.

I once painted one of my ex-husband's toenails red while he was taking a nap. (Overton people, it was NOT Rick)

On Thanksgiving, a few years ago, I went to the ER because I was certain that I was suffering a massive coronary; but instead, it was indigestion from eating six pieces of pie. (I couldn't decide) 

And speaking of pie, I once drove over 120 miles round trip, for a piece of coconut cream pie from The Log Cabin, at Exit 143 on I-40, between Nashville and Memphis.

I once caught the kitchen curtains on fire while attempting to fry chicken. (note: never try to put out a grease fire in the sink) 

I've dropped my cellphone four times in the toilet, and once in a full-fat cappuccino. 

elegance, class, SOPHISTICATION, glamour, chic, and style

Nora and Nick Charles a.k.a. Myrna Loy and William Powell - from The Thin Man film series

This post is the third in a series about elegance, class, sophistication, glamour, chic, and style; words that are often used interchangeably when referring to attractive, well-dressed people, but which don't necessarily mean the same thing. Today, I'm going to talk about sophistication...

Sophistication:  the quality of refinement — displaying good taste and subtlety rather than crudeness, stupidity and vulgarity. In the perception of social, sophistication can link with concepts such as status, privilege, and superiority.

Sophistication adds yet another element to the mix. A sophisticated person is certainly elegant; but also cultured, witty, and hip to the ways of the world. Sophisticated people are most often well-traveled and well-educated; whereas, elegant people are not necessarily cultured, erudite, or worldly. 

Do sophisticated people have class? That depends on your definition of class; because for many, sophistication and class are synonymous. For instance, in last Monday's post, I quoted the Merriam Webster Dictionary's definition of class as, "social rank; especially high social rank, and high quality." However, a lot of people today don't equate class with social status or wealth; rather, they associate it with good taste, high moral standards, and refined behavior. I think it's safe to say that most sophisticated people are class acts; and if they're traveling the world, staying in nice hotels, and dining in fine restaurants, they might have healthy bank accounts. 

To-MAY-to...to-MAH-to...if you call someone sophisticated; or classy, for that matter; who is elegant, immaculately dressed, well groomed, smart, and polite; but they're not a member of the Royal Family or in the Forbes 400; I don't think anyone is going to challenge you.

Who is "sophisticated?" - In my opinion, Diana Vreeland, former Vogue Magazine editor in chief, taste-maker, and style icon; Nick and Nora Charles, aka. William Powell and Myrna Loy, from the Thin Man movies; pianist/cabaret singer, Bobby Short, who performed regularly at Cafe Carlyle in NYC; and don't forget Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, and Duke Ellington; and every Cole Porter song every written. I once heard someone compare Swiss art dealer, Thomas Ammann, to a superbly designed, finely crafted, precision made Swiss watch. Since then, that image has always come to my mind when I think; "sophistication." 

C

Ode to Ralph

When I come home in the evening, what's in store?

did you chew up my books or poop on the floor?

you're kind of excitable; never a bore

but I'll never ask you to hit the door

you're a scruffy little canine

and that's just fine

you're kind of inconvenient

but your love is mine

C

Quote of the week - Pablo Picasso

pablo picasso, photographed by irving penn

Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working.

- Pablo Picasso

Are We Leaders or Are We Sheep?

Where do self-defining choices originate? Are they the result of truly visionary ideas, concepts, and preferences? Or are we mostly influenced by others? Family and friends, nature or nurture, people we wish to emulate, pop culture, trends, etc.. Are we leaders, or are we sheep?

Well at some point, someone had to have had an original idea, right? Like Pablo Picasso. He was an artistic genius; and he invented Cubism, a totally new and innovative style. Wasn't he a leader?

Perhaps. Cubism was an idea/style pioneered by Picasso, along with a few of his contemporaries; Georges Braque, Juan Gris, Fernand Leger, Robert Delaunay, and others. However, Cubism was based on Paul Cezanne's three components; geometry, simultaneity (multiple views) and passage (an attempt to describe, in visual terms, the concept of the Fourth Dimension)

If you look at Picasso's masterpiece, Les Demoiselles d' Avignon, painted in 1907, you'll notice how the faces of the women resemble African tribal masks. And, his abandonment of perspective in favor of a flat, two dimensional picture plane appears to be an adaption of Primitivism, an artistic style also implemented by Henri Rousseau, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Klee.

Picasso's "original" ideas were inspired by African tribal art, Primitivism, and Cezanne; as well as collaborations with fellow artists; and probably a number of other things. So, while he is definitely a rock star in the history of art, Picasso was not without outside influences.

The truth is, it is almost impossible to trace an idea or concept to its absolute, original source; because absolute, original sources are nebulous.

For instance; who was the first hipster? Aside from the fact that no one will admit that they are, or ever were, a hipster; who knows? My guess is that hipsters morphed into existence.

Maybe "once upon a time" there was a techy nerd in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, who read Wired Magazine, and idolized Kerouac and Burroughs; and he had college buddies in an obscure indie band, who wore heavy-framed, geeky glasses, ironic tee shirts, and old school sneakers. Perhaps his girlfriend was a vegan chef/yoga instructor, and she and her girlfriends shopped at vintage clothing stores and thrift shops because they hated the mall, and rejected mainstream consumerism.

Maybe they were avid followers of an international organization that promoted socially minded causes, "green" living, and progressive politics. Most likely they were coffee snobs :), who hung out at their hip, local, roast-their-own-beans, WiFi access, coffee shop. They communicated with their friends via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or the latest version of iPhone; and so on. Soon, an ever-expanding network of like-minded folks had snowballed into the subculture that we now call hipsters.

But trying to identify the first hipster (or bobo, or hippie, or beatnik) is like trying to solve the dilemma of the chicken or the egg; you can't.

The truth is, we are human recipes; combinations of known ingredients; with maybe a little unidentifiable spice thrown in. We are fabulous works in progress; experts at gleaning concepts, ideas and inspirations and making them our own. Leaders or sheep? What do you think?

Good artists copy, great artists steal.

- Pablo Picasso

C

Gareth Pugh Coat - sigh

image via traffic los angeles

This is what my fashionista alter-ego wears when she meets friends after work for drinks, or a reception at the happening la galerie de l'instant. She is so chic...

I so desperately want this grey wool coat from Gareth Pugh. Sadly, it's about $3000 over my clothing budget; but a girl can dream, right? And those shoes...swoon!

C

shop

traffic los angeles 

| here |

image via traffic los angeles

Those Fabulous Chairs!

image via www.garancedore.fr

Occasionally, an image will just catch my eye; like this one; a pair of mid-century leather chairs, that belong to Marine, a stylist at French Elle, and her boyfriend Eddy. Those delectable red-orange chairs; the blond wood floors; that striking, graphic rug that pulls it all together; so simple, but simply divine!

See more photos of Marine (such a cool name!) and Eddy's chic living space in the Marais, a historic district in Paris | here |

Elegance, CLASS, Sophistication, Glamour, Chic, and Style

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis - photo via style noted

This post is the second in a series about elegance, class, sophistication, glamour, chic, and style; words that are often used interchangeably when referring to attractive, well-dressed people, but which don't necessarily mean the same thing. Today, I'm going to talk about class...

Class: social rank; especially high social rank; high quality

Simply stated, class is elegance with status and funds. Class implies a golden aura; a genteel patina; the proverbial "silver spoon." A person can be elegant without high social rank, however, class requires either being born into high social rank, or somehow rising above the fray to attain it, or possibly marrying into it.

A person can be elegant without loads of money, but since class dictates a superior level of quality, it therefore requires a certain amount of disposable income. On the other hand, just because someone has a pedigree, or a lot of money, does not necessarily mean they have class, ie: tacky and tasteless runs deep in some extremely blue-blooded families, and ostentation can be very expensive. 

Occasionally, you will hear someone say, "she is so low class," or "he has no class." Wait a minute! Low class? What does that mean? "Low" class is someone with very little status or funds; and usually cheap, cheesy taste. And "no" class is pretty self-explanatory. However, the word class is most often used to describe a person who is elegant, well-mannered, well-bred, well-dressed, and well-off.

Who has class? I always think of women like the late Jacqueline Kennedy; Dina Merrill, daughter of Wall Street financier E.F. Hutton and Post cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post; and heiress and socialite, Gloria Vanderbilt. Elegant, aristocratic, wealthy, and oh so classy!

C

Time for a change