I am a sucker for scarves. They’re a great accessory, adding texture, feeling, and warmth to any look. Scarves aren’t just for chilly days but can be worn any season of the year.
Bindya — Absolutely one of the softest scarves I own.Tory Burch Fret Tile ScarfYigal Asrouel StoleAlexander McQueen Feather Print Scarf
A beautiful scarf can add a splash of color or be more subdued. This spring, I have been leaning toward a zest of colors. There are tons of choices that can change the look of one outfit or dress up something more casual. I love wrapping a scarf around myself and never leave the house without one.
Loro Piana Soffio ScarfRag & Bone Ombre Crescent ScarfValentino Leopard Print ScarfYigal Azrouel Ikat Print ScarfChan Luu Ombre Cashmere and Silk Scarf
I first stumbled across jewelry by MeiraT Designs when looking for a Christmas gift for my mom.
I first stumbled across jewelry by MeiraT Designs when looking for a Christmas gift for my mom. I wanted something a bit unusual, which is exactly what I found. When I later visited the MeiraT website, her philosophy of “designed for a woman, by a woman” really resonated with me. These pieces are meant to be wearable day and night, beautiful and noticeable.
MeiraT has had a lifelong interest in jewelry design, drawing inspiration from her European and Middle Eastern background. What I love about MeiraT Jewelry is the asymmetry of many of the pieces. Some elements of her designs have a rawness to them, as if the stones are are just dug out of the ground and left unpolished. At the same time, they are delicate.
There’s a consistent rhythm to the jewelry across the brand. The pieces are organic, dainty and pretty. There really is something for everyone with MeiraT Designs, whether you prefer diamonds and gold or a more earthy tone.
You can see more jewelry by MeiraT Designs on her website. She is also on Facebook and Twitter.
Browsing through designs from various Fashion Week events inspires me and provides a boost to my creativity.
Here in Connecticut, brutal temperatures and piles of snow make spring feel like a distant dream. In the fashion world, however, spring lines have already been designed and are being launched at events around the world. This exciting look at trends and styles to come captures the attention of anyone interested in fashion. In particular, New York Fashion Week (Feb 6-13) and Paris Fashion Week (Feb 25-Mar 5) provide an exciting venue for designers to showcase their new pieces.
Isabel Marant
The worlds of fashion and design influence each other in so many ways. Colors, patterns, textures, and styles transpose from one medium to the other, so that looking at the world of fashion provides insight into the world of design. My own love of fashion is closely intertwined with my passion for interior design. Browsing through designs from various Fashion Week events inspires me and provides a boost to my creativity.
Valentino
Here are some more of my favorite fashions that are coming out of this year’s Fashion Week events:
Pamella RolandMiu Miu: I love the color combination of this retro look.Pamella RolandChanel: Always chic.KenzoNina RicciBreathtaking design by Mabille.Zuhair Murad Haute CoutureGuy LarocheVionnetVionnet
Blueberry and yellow is one color combination I really love.
A few days ago, I saw some freelance work my Project Manager Jess was working on. She makes beautiful cards, and was testing colors for her creations. One of her palettes used blueberry and yellow, and it struck me as so appealing. The next day, Krystal, another project manager, came in dressed in a really great outfit with the same blueberry and yellow palette. I love how inspiration can come in tiny ways like this; a lovely card or a striking outfit. Inspiration doesn’t have to come from some grand scheme but can be found in so many places. These colors became the inspiration for an entire family room design.
The contrasting shades of blueberry and yellow bring out the best in each other and provide such a bright, rich hue. It’s a graphic and eye-catching combination, with the darker blue bringing out the sunniness of the yellow. It brings to mind warm summer days, something most of us are looking forward to this time of year. In both interior design and fashion, blueberry and yellow are so uplifting.
During the winter, I tend to gravitate toward chunkier jewelry like the pieces designed by Ashley Pittman.
During the winter, I tend to gravitate toward chunkier jewelry like the pieces designed by Ashley Pittman. Her jewelry is so edgy and can make an entire outfit. I like the way many of these jewelry designs make sounds as I wear them, adding another layer of sensation.
Horn PendantHorn BangleKumweka necklace with horn and bronze.
Ashley Pittman Collection jewelry is handmade in Africa, with a portion of the profits helping to fund education and health improvements in rural Kenya. Each piece is hand crafted from natural indigenous materials such as ethically sourced horn, bronze, and semi-precious gemstones. I consider my Ashley Pittman jewelry to be heavy artillery in my collection of accessories.
Dark Horn Fuvu EarringsShaba Bangles, horn and gold-toned bronze.Kubwa topaz and horn ring.
You can find Ashley Pittman on Facebook or see more of her designs on her website.
This year, Pantone chose Radiant Orchid as the Color of the Year.
This year, Pantone chose Radiant Orchid as the Color of the Year. This color has a lot of saturation and really lends itself to pulling in both lighter and deeper hues of fuschia for balance. Radiant Orchid is fearless and radiates femininity. It also reminds me of a well dressed man in a beautiful suit with a gorgeous pop of color underneath. That’s the true genius of this color; I think even a real guy’s guy can wear it and exude confidence. This color is seductive. While it isn’t a color everyone would immediately think of when designing an interior, it can be used very well. I think Amanda Nesbit (see cover image) was ahead of her time in using this color in her designs. This color sparks inspiration. As Pantone describes it, “Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health,” which we all wish for in a prosperous new year. What do you think of Radiant Orchid?
Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people.
Tomorrow night we’ll say goodbye to 2013 and welcome a New Year full of possibilities and new opportunities. 2014 will also be The Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese Zodiac. Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people. These strong, beautiful animals and their close relationship to mankind throughout history are deservedly admired for their grace and their role in human history. It’s no wonder that so many artists, including interior and fashion designers, turn to the horse for inspiration. In the Chinese Zodiac, the horse is known for being warm-hearted, strong, and intelligent. Incorporating equestrian themed designs into your home or style naturally conveys these same attributes.
I’ve featured some of this photography in the past, but I think it’s worth sharing again. A stunning piece of horse photography is a dramatic art choice for any room. Lisa Cueman, Bob Tabor, and Roberto Dutesco are three photographers whose horse images are simply incredible.
Photo by Lisa CuemanRoberto DutescoLisa CuemanRoberto DutescoBob Tabor ImagesRoberto Dutesco
In interior design, using equestrian art or other horse-themed elements can add style to a room without being too overdone. You can use items such as saddles or stirrups as accents, or go with a more subtle look by incorporating equestrian patterns. Think of leather, warm tones, natural materials, and elegance.
A room I designed for a client.By Leslie Cohen DesignFrom Elle DecorDesign by Mar SilverUsing equestrian elements as accents. From Apartment Therapy.Design by Thom FiliciaA more subtle equestrian influence. Design by Patrik Lonn.
There are also a lot of great ways to add an equestrian flair to your wardrobe. I love the idea of adding a really cool accessory to give your look just a hint of the equestrian without being over the top.
Iconic Hermes scarf.Equestrian belt by Ralph Lauren.Another gorgeous Hermes scarf.Hermes Cuff
How would you incorporate an equestrian feel to your home or wardrobe?
For a statement piece or to dress up an outfit, these are my favorite examples of J Crew’s current jewelry line.
I picked up a J Crew catalog the other day and saw this amazing jewelry. Many of the pieces have a retro look with great colors and textures, a sort of Art Deco vibe that I find so appealing. For a statement piece or to dress up an outfit, these are my favorite examples of J Crew’s current jewelry line.
1. Compass Rose Necklace: From the Lulu Frost line by Lisa Salzer, inspired by estate jewelry. I love the modern twist to this retro style.
2. Embroidered Cascade Necklace: I love the rich tones of this asymmetrical piece.
3. Compass Rose Earrings: Great pairing of modern and vintage design.
4. Citron Stone Necklace: Love the contrast of citron and darker hues.
5. Fanned Leaf Necklace: Great texture to this necklace.
Fashion + Decor is the kind of inspirational site that I love.
Fashion + Decor is the kind of inspirational site that I love. The site’s contributors take a specific fashion look and translate it to an entire space. It’s clever, resourceful, and so interesting.
Fashion + Decor appeals to me because it takes what I love (fashion) and turns it into what I do (interiors). It’s also a great tool for introducing different looks to clients and expanding their imaginations. It helps to push boundaries and break out of the typical box.
One useful aspect of the site is the way you can filter by color, room, season, and more. The navigational tools are really well done and the overall design of the site is really user friendly. It’s just pure inspiration to me!
Navy and gray make a great combination and are so satisfying during short, chilly days!
This time of year, with cold weather setting in, I begin to gravitate toward heavier, textural fabrics and colors. I think of handsome, masculine hues and the pleasure of wrapping yourself in cashmere and wool. Two colors that I associate with this season are navy and gray. They make a great combination and are so satisfying during short, chilly days!
