Lela Rose- Spring 2010 in stores now!

From the moment I saw the first model walk down the runway I was hooked. Lela Rose’s Spring 2010 collection centers around the sun faded palette of Alex Katz and the splashes of saturated color seen at Venice Beach. Combining texture and blocks of color, silhouettes resemble sculpted surf wear while soft wave and cascade shapes bring an ocean feel to the collection. Wrapped skirts, seamed sheaths, and sport jackets are redefined through sunset tweed, matte stretch linen and daybreak printed cotton. Cashmere t-shirts and paneled cardigans in colors such as highlighter, grass green and watermelon bring an effortless balance of casual and luxury.

Lela’s pieces are just plain pretty. I find myself reaching for many of my Lela Rose pieces when I am searching for that perfect dress, fun top, or skirt that can pack a punch. The lines are always graceful and the details make her pieces modern and unique.

The above stripe comes in fuschia as well as navy blue and I got the skirt shown above as well as a tank top in the same pattern- I cannot get enough of stripes!

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53460008&eItemId=prod53450025&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dlela%252Brose%2526_requestid%253D15433

This top also comes in a dress. The acid yellow, grey, and seafoam blue look beautiful together. The geometric print has a modern edge. Perfect with white jeans or a skirt.

I love this dress! It makes me feel like a 1960’s barbie- in a good way. If you have purchased Kelly Wearstler’s new book the colors will look familiar. The fabric looks a lot like Kelly’s new office featured in Hue.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/65717

This fabric is simply stunning in person. It is very soft to the touch and the brush strokes resemble feathers. A totally modern take on classic black and white.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53430023&eItemId=prod53430023&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dlela%252Brose%2526_requestid%253D15433

The perfect dress for a garden party or for your rehearsal dinner. This fabric reminds me of my wedding dress ( more on that below).

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53430037&eItemId=prod53430037&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dlela%252Brose%2526_requestid%253D15433

Tie-dye is big for spring and this dress fits the trend. It also comes in a flowing top. The colors are beautiful and the fabric is so soft.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/65719

All 3 of the above outfits jump out of the Alex Katz painting shown here. The skirt pattern is fun with greys, blacks, and blues. You could pair this with a simple white t-shirt and be ready for the day. The orange dress looked stunning on the model. Such a lady-like drape in a totally modern punchy color. I adore the emerald green dress with the tealy blue razor flutter edge. The body is one piece of silk but the detailed razor edge has several blue and green pieces on top of one another. These pieces flutter when you move. Amazing!

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53460009&eItemId=prod53450026&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dlela%252Brose%2526_requestid%253D15433

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53430027&eItemId=prod53430027&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dlela%252Brose%2526_requestid%253D15433

This neon yellow dress felt very 1960’s glam. The print and color are totally modern. It also comes in a floor length gown.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53430032&eItemId=prod53430032&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dlela%252Brose%2526_requestid%253D15433

Lela Rose’s aesthetic of adding whimsy to elegance through brilliant color and hand crafted details has brought a fresh point of view to modern American fashion. Lela was raised in Texas and went to school in Colorado where nature, its surrounding landscapes, and the sublime colors it offers have long been an inspiration. Today, Lela continues to draw from these early influences as she designs clothes for the modern sophisticated woman who embodies a spirit of effortless elegance.

After graduating from Parson’s School of Design in 1993, she went to work with two esteemed designs, Richard Tyler and Christian Francis Roth. There she honed her love of couture fabric as well as fanatic attention to detail. In 1998, Lela’s vision and passion compelled her to create her signature collection, Lela Rose. Through intricately designed and finely detailed separates, dresses and jackets, Lela has established herself as a renowned designer.

The Lela Rose collection is built on a design philosophy of creating hand finished clothes that exude a casual luxury and refinement. The beautifully embellished fabrics are the foundation of this innovative collection and speak to the elegance of its personality with a nod to the era of glamour.

In fall 2006, Lela Rose launched the Lela Rose Wedding collection. She expanded into footwear in 2007, partnering with Payless Shoes to create the Lela Rose for Payless brand of fashion forward shoes at an extremely affordable price. In 2009 Lela launched Lela Rose Bridesmaid.

With such incredible successes under her very stylish belt she is one to keep your eye on! You can find her pieces at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Net-A-Porter.com among other stores.


Lela stitched my name and Jays along with our wedding date onto the inside of the skirt for a personal touch.

The V in the front of the dress was mirrored in the back. I wanted a very simple silhouette with a more organic material used on the bottom. The entire dress was made of a washed silk and the modern tatted lace was attached over it.

Bridesmaids dresses colors were inspired by the hydrangeas that were all over the property. She copied a dress that had gone down the runway for fall. She has now added a similar style to her Lela Rose Bridesmaid collection:

http://www.dessy.com/dresses/lelarose/lr102/

Lela even made the sash for my little flower girls dress:

An interview with Lela Rose and my favorites from fall 2010 to come soon!

xo,

S

FashionInspirationInterior DesignShopping

What’s In My Bookshelf

ThiThis post should be called “what isn’t in my bookshelf”. I am a collector of books, therefore our bookshelves are overflowing with every type of book. Aside from my collection of magazines ( every issue of House Beautiful, Elle Decore, House and Garden, Domino, World of Interiors, and Veranda), fiction and non-fictions books, and clients folders, I have a huge collection of books that I reach for when I need inspiration. The topics range from textiles, to architectural styles, to fashion, to artists, to table settings, to hotels, to interiors, etc. You never know what might move you. Each client requires a fresh eye and a different style.

xo,

S

AntiquesArtBooksFashionInterior DesignTravel

French Watercolors for Sale

A selection of watercolored gouaches on hand made paper and traditional lacquers signed by the naturalist painter La Roche Laffitte

Information on the artist and studio:

Born in 1943 in « Maisons Laffitte » France.

Contemporary artist specialized in watercolor gouaches.
An artist who finds his inspiration in the treasures of the nature and transcribes his vision of the animal and vegetal world.
All his works are unique, precious of a remarkable accuracy, the fruit of a minute observation. Framed in hand made beautiful parchment paper wrapped around wood.

La Roche Laffitte :
Education : Académie André Lhote 1960 – 1961

FL-8- Bright and happy – this can be hung as a pair with the below print or separately.

17″ x 21″

On sale for: $429.00 + shipping

FL-13- I love the bright wild petals of this flower. Its size makes it perfect for a bedroom, bathroom, or smaller space

17″ x 21″

On sale for: $429.00 + shipping

FOU-13- This is a beautiful print. The size lets you see all the details of the brush strokes. This would be a great piece for a living room, study, or hallway.

29″w x 42″h

On sale for: $1,200.00 + shipping ( retail price $2,000.00)

MOL-4- These shells are so realistic. The colors are beautiful.

21″ x 27″

On sale for: $612.50 + shipping

MOL- 8 – The soft curve of the nautilus shell in pale neutrals with deep chocolate brown accents.

21″ x 27″

On sale for $612.50 + shipping

POI-15- I love the soft blues, vibrant coral, acid green, and charcoal grey in this piece.

17″ x 21″

On sale for: $429.00 + shipping

POI-17 – The lanvin blue and acid yellow are so pretty.

17″ x 21″

On sale for: $429.00 + shipping

Email me with inquiries.

xo,

S

ArtHomesInterior DesignShopping

French Antiques and Silk Ikat Fabrics…

Say no more…I am hooked. One of my favorite stores combines my two loves and is completely perfect. I would buy everything in this store if I could. I visit this store for the perfect table, lamp, fun lamp shade, or just to be inspired. It is located on Antique Row ( 243 East 60th Street) on the Upper East Side. They sell to The Trade only so please email me for inquiries. I have posted a few of their pieces to whet your appetite:

Louis XVI French Arm Chair – early 19th century. Upholstered in a fabulous rich ikat.

Art Deco style 4-panel linen screen with nail head trim

French 1940’s- set of four cerused oak chairs. So unique!

Folding french campaign chair circa 1870. I love these as desk chairs.

James Mont 3 panel screen – USA 1940s. I love the red paint with gilt touches. The circles over the antique mirror are beautiful.

Empire Style Bench- French 1920’s

xo,

S

AntiquesArtFabricInterior DesignShopping

Due to weather…


SAD! Our flight on United out to Aspen was canceled this am! We have looked everywhere, tried everything, and cannot get a flight out of here until Sunday! Needless to say, Aspen is not happening. After dealing with the disappointment and hours on the phone canceling connecting flights, dinner reservations, etc, we got ourselves together and hatched a new plan. Not ones to be easily dissuaded, we have opted to keep our long weekend adventure based… The new local is beautiful, snowy, and we will have a GREAT new vacation spot to write up for you on Tuesday! Stay Tuned!

xo,
S and J

Real EstateTravel

Isabel Marant Spring 2010

The spring 2010 collection from French designer Isabel Marant will be arriving at Barney’s any day now and I am drooling in anticipation. A few favorite looks from the show:

Above is three of my favorite pieces together. The black fringed pirate boots, striped mini dress in silver lame, grey, pink, and teal. The tweed jacket with the glimmering jeweled edge. This piece will be mine.

Fun, fun, fun! This red Chiffon dress is the perfect night out dress.

I love this striped top. Worn with grey or white jeans it is perfect. The sleeves are great.

I love these shorts and the vest. All of her pieces are easy to throw on and feel pulled together.

Above is one more shot of my MUST HAVE jacket for the spring- glittered edge tweed jacket…..le sigh.

Marant is also opening a boutique on Greene Street in SoHo- it was supposed to open in February so keep your ears open. She will carry her main line plus her less expensive Etoile line. Her jewelry and accessories will be available as well. Start saving!!

xo,
S

FashionShopping

Fashion Week – NYC

Amidst the snowflakes you can feel the rising energy in New York City. Tomorrow, Fashion Week starts! I was at the opening of the new Hermes Men’s Store on Madison and the after party on Lexington last night.Though not associated with fashion week it felt like the perfect kick off for it!

The after party was held at the Armory last night and boasted 5 different rooms, each styled to the nines. One room was designed like a speak easy with live jazz bands playing, tables serving oysters, shrimp, and beef carpaccio and as many tom Collin’s as your heart desired. The second room was staged as a dock in a shipyard. Huge freight containers, twinkling lights and the sound of waves crashing, ships passing, and seagulls transported you to any port around the world. They had a variety of food stations including, tacos, crepes, dumplings, indian food, and tea. The third room, which was a huge hit with my husband was the gaming room. This sleek room had a massive bar and every game imaginable: air hockey, ping pong, pool, etc. They served mini hamburgers and french fries. The fourth room was designed as an old library and had an amazing wine and cheese bar as well as lobster tails, sliced ham, and creme brulee. The final room was a stark glossy white room with DJ Coleman ( former Bungalow 8 DJ) spining tunes that got everyone dancing on the dance floor.

A few notes from style.com:
Hot designer Alexander Wang has teamed up with “it girl” jewelry designer Gaia Repossi. Models in his show will accessorize with bracelets, earrings, and accessories made by the duo.

The Row ( Mary-Kate and Ashley) will have their first seated presentation.

Vogue.com has featured a few inspiration boards done by designers. I was lucky enough to get into Lela Rose for an interview ( that post will be up soon!) and snapped a shot of her inspiration board for Fall ’10:

I am looking forward to so many shows this season:

Lela Rose

Rag and Bone

Chloe

Alberta Ferretti

Tibi

Phillip Lim

Derek Lam

Vera Wang

The list goes on forever! Get your daily runway updates at style.com

xo,

S

FashionShopping

1st dibs- Wednesday picks

Every wednesday morning I am on 1st dibs. Hunting for special pieces for various clients. Here are my top picks from the selection added today.

French 1970s Pelican lamps by Chervet. The curve of their necks is beautiful! I have a special love for pelicans from all my time spent in Florida. These beauties would be great anywhere.

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=379817

19th century Chinese platform bed. This has sent me over the edge. Straight out of my Tony Duquette fantasy home. Red lacquer, intricate details. Incredible!

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=382244

Above image is my all time favorite Tony Duquette room.

American 1940’s Tortoise Glass Custom Cabinet. This is yet another amazing piece. The sides and front of the cabinet are black and tortoise glass. Stunning.

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=382744

American 1940’s knoll sofa upholstered in velvet with nailhead trim

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=382912

French 1970’s dining table base made in the style of Chervet. Being an Aries I love these rams heads.

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=379685

American 1980’s- buffet made with tessellated bone with large brass peacock feather like pulls. This is perfect for a client of mine in Connecticut!

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=382972

Louis Phillipe Mirror- I love the silver gilt and this guy is huge at 4’10” high

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=373206

xo,
S

AntiquesInterior DesignShoppingUncategorized