Haute Khuuture: 2010/05

Monday, May 31, 2010

Sets and the City

Since Memorial Day was formerly known as Decoration Day, it's only fitting that I accompany our national holiday with a design tasting of SATC II, as opposed to a completely biased and subjective critique of the best movie ever!!! (next to SATC 1 of course) Although I would have nixed the Abu Dhabi arc in favor of more 5th character NYC action, I was delighted nonetheless to see the 2.5 hours of fabulous fashion paraded against a glittering desert oasis. Who knew the Middle East could be so sexy?

On to our favorite cosmopolitan couple and their impressively chic Manhattan apartment. Dutiful downgrade from the posh penthouse that Carrie and Big initially inhabited, but a major upgrade on decadence and eclectic design. Let's see what y'all think.

A mix of high end vintage finds and contemporary furnishings outfit the Prestons' apartment. Featuring textiles from Donghia, Lee Jofa, and Paul Smith, the showstopper in this set is undoubtedly the blue velvet sofa that makes its debut as Carrie and Big's scene-stealing roommate. Also loving the mid-century modern coffee table and the ingenious tablescaping of the paperbacks. For bookworms like Carrie (and myself), this is definitely a clever and convenient take on displaying daily reads.

The dining chairs are upholstered in Lee Jofa's Belgravia fabric. A little bit of whimsy against the clean hard lines seen in the interior teak built-ins. Perfect combination of masculine and feminine. DYING over the antique chandelier looming over the rosewood dining table. Definitely feels like Big's stamp in the space adjacent to a kitchen he undoubtedly had a hand in designing.

The entire apartment is decorated in muted shades of browns and blues. A perfect backdrop for the dull and monotonous married life Carrie is itching to break free of, albeit still luxurious and desirable. Wallcovering by Cole and Son in the Rococo Damask pattern. The headboard is upholstered in Kravet's Gate Tuxedo pattern, surely meant to be a contemporary contrast against the traditional damask in the background.

Ahhhh...La piece de resistance. His and hers closets done in the most haute and humble way. Demarcated by dark and light wood finishes, the composition is the star, not the couture.

Carrie's grown-up apartment continues her quest to keep a piece of the single gal inside of her. Glamorous and a little bit gauche, a Marni rug grounds the bedroom while Pottery Barn settees grace the sitting area. For a fashionista like Ms. Bradshaw, designer digs are the only way to go!

And who can forget the fashion that started it all.

photo credits: Warner Bros.

Peace. Love. LOL

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Sunday, May 30, 2010

Indian Summer

The temperature is rising, the air sticky and sweet, aahhhh it finally feels like summer here in SoCal. It's taken me awhile to get used to these dog days. I've been holding onto our chilly springtime weather for some months now, but alas it's finally time to shed the old skin to summon the new. Now all I need to complete this transformation is a bronzed base, some major bling, sexy, sultry, surf-drenched hair and presto- change-o!..I can finally channel the Bahraini Diva inside who's been dying for some heat.

Vintage Vogue India editorial: October 2007

photo credit: Vogue India

Peace. Love. LOL

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Friday, May 28, 2010

In the Closet

The thing I love most about residential design is being able to sneak a peek into the lives of a potential client. I absolutely lovelovelove seeing how people live. A home speaks volumes about personality, character, habits, and hobbies, but more so; it allows me a chance to dissect the homeowner's conventions in the hopes of instituting a newer, more functional approach to bettering their lives, one space at a time.

But going beyond mere living spaces, the best thing about surveying interiors has to be the closet of course!! It's like a twofer ticket into a magic kingdom where I get to lull over labels while mentally cataloguing the perfect place for the perfect piece. I could blueprint dressing rooms my entire career and I think I'd die one happy designer. Bury me in Balenciaga why don't cha and watch me come back as the season's new IT bag.

Anna Sui's closet photo credit: style.com

Paris Hilton's closet photo credit: style.com

photo credit: instyle mag

Jenna Lyon's dressing room photo credit: instyle mag

photo credit: arch digest

Kelly Wearstler Dressing Room: photo credit: Canadian House and Home

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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Let's Talk About Sex

Big was always the one for her. Even as Carrie spent two seasons flip-flopping between the furniture maker (match made in heaven for me, her notsomuch) and the developer mogul, I was always rooting for the one she just couldn't shake. If you didn't follow their complicated relationship from the beginning, you could never fully understand why Carrie and JP would ride off together in a screenplay sunset...but honestly, it may not be for you to understand...it's simply for you to accept. Their chemistry is palpable, dynamics a thing to be desired, and the sheer and utter sexual tension between the two shoots from the screen like you're watching SATC in Imax 3D {Not a bad idea eh?..I'm starting a petition}

Don't believe me? Check out old school Vogue shot by Annie Liebovitz in May 2008 when the first feature length film debuted. On-screen or off- some things never change.

photo credit: style.com

SATC II comes out today- can't wait to see it with my girls!!!...Monday Movie Review to follow :D

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Hell Belle of Elle

I used to want to name my firstborn Olivia. I imagine she'd be wholesome and sweet, curious and creative, unassuming in nature and unaffected by her surroundings. She'd be the first to volunteer for additional work and the last to leave when there's a major deadline. She'd present herself in thoughtful attire, sure to put forth a charming, sophisticated, and distinctive image parallel to the genuine appeal of her likable character.

Nowhere in my musings did I fantasize my daughter to be anything like Olivia Palermo from the City; however, Ms. Palermo's done such a great job of creating this nasty, pompous, snarky TV personality that I can only associate the moniker with this bitch from a reality show on MTV. Playing an accessories department associate for Elle magazine, Olivia spends her days sabotaging co-workers (and ex co-workers too when given a chance) and her nights gallivanting around Manhattan posing as an Upper East Side socialite. One can only assume how much "reality" accompanies the "actuality" of her character, but one thing's for certain...The girl CAN dress. From uptown to downtown, Olivia is never without her signature wavy locks and that air of pretention, but I find myself tuning in every Tuesday just to see what flavor of chic she's wearing in that half hour. Now if my daughter can only have one thing in common with Elle's belle from hell, I'm hoping it's her inimitable style.

photo credit: tfs

Peace. Love. LOL

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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Yikes Stripes!

Nothing conjures up vintage Coco quite like the contrasting graphic of black and white stripes. You can take this nautical notion from seafarer chic to au courant couture simply by adding bold shots of color to lessen the severity of this versatile pattern. Conversely, keeping everything else neutral allows the design to stand alone and scream for attention, so be very, very wary of where you concentrate your creation. Be it the foyer, the boudoir, or even your own personal wardrobe, if you can't rock stripes with some major conviction, don't even bother attempting it at all...I'm just sayin' ;D