fashion Archives - Page 5 of 8

House of Eleven

I recently discovered House of Eleven, a new fashion line that I really love.

I recently discovered House of Eleven, a new fashion line that I really love. Their urban designs are right up my alley! Edgy but feminine with great use of leather and an appealing price point, this is clothing I could easily wear during the day and still be ready to go out at night. Here are some of my favorite pieces from House of Eleven’s current line:

1. Taylor Leather Rider Leggings: So versatile, a must-have item.

2. Chantal Dress: So chic! You could add a blazer and some great jewelry.

3. Emma Mohair and Croc Leather: Playful yet funky, I love the combination of textures.

4. Lola Boyfriend Muscle Tee: You can dress this up or down.

5. Kelly Short Lace and Leather Dress: A touch of glam with such a cool pattern.

6. Naomi Leather Bomber Jacket: So great with a white shirt!

What do you think of House of Eleven’s look? You can view more of their styles by visiting their website. House of Eleven is also on Facebook and Twitter.

Best Fall Scarves

Adding a scarf to an outfit changes your look in an instant.

I love scarves. Adding a scarf to an outfit changes your look in an instant. Once the weather cools, I love the feeling of being wrapped up in a scarf and the way it adds color and texture to my look. If you have a few simple outfits as a foundation, wearing different scarves changes the whole ensemble. Like a new pillow in the living room, a scarf is a great accessory that adds a punch of color. When winter sets in, there is nothing like a fur scarf (faux is fine!), to warm you up while also feeling luxurious. There are endless options with scarves once you think of all the possible colors, styles, and materials as well as the many ways you can wear or tie this interchangeable accessory. Some of my favorite scarves have been in my collection for years; some never go out of style and others come back. The popularity of scarves can even be translated to your home design. They can be made into pillows, as one example.

Here are some examples of great scarves for fall and winter. With such a range of possible styles, you can find the perfect scarf for almost any outfit or occasion.

1. Mary Katrantzou Caven Square Scarf

2. J Brand Adah Scarf : Super casual and oh so comfy!

3. Stella McCartney Python Print Scarf

4. Javone Fur Scarf I love the loop!

5. Yigal Azrouel Lady Face Scarf. Yigal Azrouel scarves are my favorite. They are large and have such impact in design. The best accessory of all time!

6. Alexander McQueen Classic Modal Skull Scarf

7. Ann Demeulemeester Goat Fur and Leather

8. Yigal Azrouel Snake Print Scarf

9. Diane von Furstenberg Masons Animal Print Scarf

10. Calla Engineered Scarf by Tory Burch

Day to Night Fashion

When it comes to my own wardrobe, I don’t think of it as being divided into day or night wear.

I am so fortunate to have the freedom to wear what I want during the day without being obligated to follow a corporate dress code. Most times, what I wear when working can be easily translated into what I wear for a night out. My approach to dressing stems from watching how my mom handled her wardrobe when I was a kid. She had clothes for working during the day and clothes for going out at night, but she never mixed the two. She had an approach to dressing that worked for her, and from that I learned to be confident about developing my own style.

When it comes to my own wardrobe, I don’t think of it as being divided into day or night wear. My style is similar to my taste in other areas, which is to start with a basic look that’s appropriate for meeting with clients or working around the office. My typical outfit of black clothing and heels is often perfect for going out after a day of work. Here are some examples of items I’m likely to wear during the day:

When making the transition from day to evening, having a simple base wardrobe means you can change out accessories to give your look an edgier vibe. By changing your shoes or jewelry, you can give yourself a funkier look that’s perfect for drinks out with friends.

These Jimmy Choo booties add a shot of color to your look.

Scarab Drop Earrings by Eddie Borgo -- add something fun to your look. — Scarab Drop Earrings by Eddie Borgo add something fun rather than something safe.

There are other items that I’d easily wear both during the day and at night. I’d be as comfortable meeting a client to look at samples as I would meeting my best friend for dinner dressed this way. If you don’t have the same wardrobe freedom at work, starting with a few basics that can be mixed and livened up with different accessories is a great way to be ready to unwind and have fun after a day at the office.

Falabella Fold Over Clutch, classic and appropriate for day or night.

What are your strategies for taking your look from day to night?

Eddie Borgo’s Fall Jewelry Collection

I’ve always found Eddie Borgo’s jewelry designs very inspirational.

I was reading through the most recent issue of Harper’s Bazaar over the weekend and was so glad to see a feature on Eddie Borgo, one of my favorite jewelry designers. I’ve always found his designs very inspirational.

Pentagram Pendant with Horse Hair Strips, from the 2012 Collection.

Pointed Floral Pendant from the 2010 collection.

For the Fall 2013 collection, Borgo found inspiration from the ancient Egyptian world of Cleopatra. As with his past designs, Borgo spent time carefully researching designs and themes before creating his own interpretation of Egyptian jewelry, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art many times to study examples from this fascinating, lush time period. I love the story of Cleopatra and think every girl at one time or another wishes to live that kind of lavish life – I know I did. To see Borgo take his inspiration from Cleopatra is really exciting.

With mixed metals and stones such as jade, howlite, and onyx combined with Egyptian iconography such as the eye of Horus, this jewelry line presents a modern, graphic style while still paying homage to the fascinating and mysterious life and times of Cleopatra.

Jade Cube Bracelet with great detail on the interior, back side of the piece.

To see more of Eddie Borgo’s designs or to find a retailer, visit his website.

Color Obsession: White

A naturally reflective and bright color, white accommodates a range of accent hues and pairs so well with natural tones.

White is a great color in both design and fashion. It is so clean, crisp, and refreshing. A naturally reflective and bright color, white accommodates a range of accent hues and pairs so well with natural tones. During the warm summer months, white looks cool against sun-kissed skin whether worn all over or just with accessories. How do you like to use white?

1. Modern barn design in white by Robert Young Architects.

2. Kimberly McDonald Geode and Diamond Earrings

3. Eames Molded Plastic Dowel-Leg Side Chair from Design Within Reach

4. Valentino Studded Leather Tote

5. Vanderhurd Cushion

6. Cavetto Wallcovering from Weitzner Limited

7. Beautiful white living room. Image via Safavieh

8. Christian Louboutin Very Prive

9. White dress by Alexander McQueen

Quilted Pieces in Design and Fashion

I’ve been seeing a lot of great design elements that incorporate quilting.

I’ve been seeing a lot of great design elements that incorporate quilting. I’m not talking about your granny’s quilt, but about using this look in unexpected places. Quilted pieces add texture to a room without competing with existing patterns. Combined with modern materials and colors, quilting becomes a great addition to a space. It can be used in many different mediums such as leather, stone, and fabric. It brings a layered pattern to the interior without being overly graphic.

Quilted leather wall panels from Spinneybeck.

Established & Sons Quilt Ottoman — Established & Sons Quilt Chair

Sofa no. Two Twenty. Two from The New Traditionalists.

Mini Quilted Mosaic Tile from Complete Tile Collection

Like other design trends, quilted elements are also making their way into fashion. As an accent or large pattern, quilting takes a traditional element and elevates it to create a modern, chic look, especially when used in surprising ways.

Roberto Cavalli Quilted Stretch Leather Skirt

Gianvito Rossi Quilted Leather Biker Boots

Jason Wu Daphne Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag

What do you think of this modern take on quilted pieces?

Color Obsession: Tangerine, White, and Chocolate

Lately I have been obsessed with the way these three colors look together: tangerine, white, and chocolate.

Lately I have been obsessed with the way these three colors look together: tangerine, white, and chocolate. This combination is very strong and can be so graphic. You have to be confident when using a color like tangerine; whether it’s an accent or covers the entire ceiling, you’ve got to be comfortable with it. When combining two dominant colors like tangerine and chocolate, you need to think about how to tie them together. White accomplishes this nicely. People tend to associate these dark colors with fall, but combined in this way, they can be used all year.

1. Love the color combination and use of barn doors. Via House Beautiful.

2. Parquet Smoke White Rug by Elte

3. Estate Betteridge Collection Carved Black Onyx and Coral Cuff Bracelet

4. Hand-painted wallpaper from Gracie

5. Knighton Lantern by Jayson Home

6. Ceramic Lamps from Christopher Spitzmiller, Inc.

7. White Lacquered Strie Wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries

8. Gorgeous carved door from Marrakech (source)

9. Miss Benin by Christian Louboutine

10. 2013 Spring Fashion by Issa

My Favorite Magazines

You hear a lot about how the digital age is taking over the publishing market, but I still love my stacks and stacks of magazines.

You hear a lot about how the digital age is taking over the publishing market, but I still love my stacks and stacks of magazines. Pinterest may be a great way to save and organize online inspiration, but I like to do some things the old, reliable, consistent way and that usually means ripping pages out of magazines when I see something I love!

My stack of magazines consists of Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Architectural Digest. These staples of design inspiration are always a welcome sight in the mailbox and keep me updated on what my favorite designers and architects are doing, upcoming trends, and new products and books. Every issue has something valuable.

Of course, there are design magazines that I follow online as well. These would include Lonny Magazine, Interiors, and Traditional Home. Reading online is more interactive, with links to follow and images to pin to Pinterest. I definitely enjoy this medium, but do hope it never entirely replaces print magazines.

I also love some fashion and health magazines. I read Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar online, both of which are great fashion resources. I get a lot of inspiration from the world of fashion. The health magazines I subscribe to are Shape and Women’s Health. Both contain valuable, real-world information on a subject that is very important to me. I also like the recipes in Women’s Health, even though I don’t often have time to try to them out.

Everyone needs a trashy, veg-out type of magazine, and for me, Us Weekly does the trick. I read it backwards!

Which magazines do you read regularly?

My Beach Essentials

This time of year, we spend so much time at the beach that it’s practically our home away from home.

This time of year, we spend so much time at the beach that it’s practically our home away from home. I love the beach, and it’s always been a big part of my life. In order to fully enjoy a day of sand and sun, there are certain essentials that I always have on hand for beach days. Here’s my list of must-have items for lazy hours at the beach!

1. A big, floppy hat! This Scarf Top Floppy Hat from San Diego Hat Company is perfect.

2. Sunscreen is always a staple. I stick with the basics, like Hawaiian Tropic‘s SPF 30 Sheer Touch Lotion.

3. I can’t live without my Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses!

4. A big, big beach towel like this one from Hermes.

5. An amazing beach blanket. I love this one from Steven Allen. It’s great for both the beach and the home!

6. Letarte is my first stop when hunting for the perfect bathing suit, like this Adjustable Bikini in Navy.

7. A great bag! Mine is from Ralph Lauren‘s Rugby store, which sadly no longer exists. This bag has traveled with me for years.

8. We got these beach chairs from a local hardware store and they are perfect, with a mesh storage pocket and straps so you can carry them on your back.

9. Blistex Deep Renewal: A must before and after the sun.

10. Crinkle Shorts. When you’ve had enough sun, throw these on with a white t-shirt and call it a day!

11. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, to rejuvenate your hair after a day in the sun.

12. Tory Burch Flip Flops — another must!

13. A cooler for snacks and drinks, preferably something light and portable like this one from LL Bean.

14. A beach wagon is perfect for toting everything from your cooler and towels to the kids’ toys. This Foldable Beach Wagon is easy to pull across the soft sand and carries up to 100 pounds.

What are your favorite beach essentials?

Wood

I love the organic rawness of wood.

I love the organic rawness of wood. It is so beautiful and can be used in its simplest, natural form. With so many types of wood, each with its own finish and texture, you have incredible design opportunities. Instead of assigning wood to the floor or furniture, consider using it in a more unconventional place!

1. Kona Wood Rug, Crate and Barrel

2. Arteriors Wood Chandelier

3. Olga Guanabara Coffee Table

4. Roost Wood Veneer Shades

5. Jil Sander Lizard and Wood Shoe

6. Divan Sofa from Hudson Furniture

7. Design by Habachy Designs and Design Within Reach

8. Wood iPad Case from Root Cases

9. Wood Cuff Bracelet by Kara Ross

Cover image shows coffee table design by John Houshmand and lighting from Clubcu.