As an interior designer I am constantly meshing my style with a new client’s. I am challenging them to leap out of their comfort circle with a bold new color, texture, piece of art, or furniture shape. I cannot get enough of pattern, color, and texture but a room needs a few classic staples to ground it and make it feel comfortable. The same goes for your wardrobe. In this post we have included our classic picks for women, men, and the home. Stay tuned for our future post on the classics with a twist.
Her Wardrobe:
The LBD: This neckline and cut reminds me of Audrey ( can’t go wrong with that!) The twist in the front makes it modern day.
http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=6244&sid=24&pid=
The deep v flatters most figures and it has some stretch to it:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/47496#
The Bandage dress by Herve Leger: I wore one (in blue) on New Years! They are so comfortable and suck you right in!
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/64994#
The Striped Tank: I own this and wear it at least once a week!
http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=6150&sid=24&pid=
A pair of skinny jeans and a pair of flared jeans: my two favorite pairs I own as I gravitate towards a 70s relaxed bohemian look or a modern classic look:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/35074#
Favorite movie/ Favorite Jeans: Love Story by J brand:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/35070#
Cotton trench by Burberry:Instant chic. I throw mine on rain or shine. If my outfits leaves something to be desired this is the perfect cover up. You can also belt it with one of your own belts.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/76693#
The Knot satin clutch: I LOVE the color and the woven pattern is a Bottega classic. It is the perfect size to fit your blackberry, lip gloss, and camera.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60777#
Tote Bags: weather they are in linen canvas, leather, or alligator skin I can’t seem to get enough of them. I carry clients fabrics and floor plans in a large tote from LL bean:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/33381?parentCategory=504173&feat=504173-tn&cat4=504161
I love the deep green color and the square brass hardware – a modern classic!
http://www.sanga.com/store/shop_item.htm?itemid=76&sid=24&pg=1
ivory and navy canvas tote by celine:
http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/product/Matches-Fashion/Bags/celine-cel-x-16457-2dbf-bags/15749?colour=white
The blazer: as we have seen in 2009, paired with a cocktail dress or jeans and a t-shirt this can be far from boring:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/64645#
divine layered lapel and white silk inside the cuffs- the devil is in the details:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/63344#
Equestrian Boots for the City: I have several pairs and live in them in the New York Falls and Winters. Your utfit looks immediately pulled together:
refined: Chloe:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/48246
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60159#
worn in chic:
http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=6120&sid=172&pid=
Rainboots: we have all seen this one. Works with a dress or your jeans tucked in!
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/48443#
Staple Black Pump: every girl needs a pair or two – these will sass up any outfit:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/48414#
Staple Black Flat: these will go with anything and both are unbelievably comfortable. Wear with your favorite pair of skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, and skinny jeans- voila!
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60212
Similar shoe different company:
http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=6181&sid=168&pid=
Classic color, height of fashion: These beautiful tan leather platforms will modernize any LBD in your closet- an investment piece:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60225
The bikini: This brand has been creating classic pieces for years. I am not one for the plain black bathing suit. I go classic with the print and bold with the color:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/61998#
My favorite sunglasses: The classic gold rimmed ray-ban. This style works with any outfit.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/41762
An Hermes Scarf: You can wear as a belt, a shawl, a halter shirt, tie around a bag or frame as art.
http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=10738&leftCategoryId=10707&topCategoryId=127524&parentCategoryId=127531¤tColorId=10738&displayUnitCategoryId=0&nbItem=0
His Wardrobe:
A cashmere sweater will get you through cool summer nights as well as autumn, winter, and spring. This is an investment all year round.
Jeans: A few classic pairs in different washes:
http://www.earnestsewn.com/pages/#page=top,denim,mens,hemingway,Hemingway.220
http://us.levi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3935094&cp=3146842.3146844.3146855.3146924
A Barbour Jacket: A waxed cotton shell ideal for staying dry.
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=8978&dir_id=885&cat_id=15997&subcat_id=11296
RM Williams Boots:
http://www.rmwilliams.com.au/
The Blazer: A classic navy blue 3 button blazer.
http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3002707&cp=1760781.1760816&ab=ln_men_cs1_sportcoats&parentPage=family
Button-down shirts: Whatever your color preference. A simple blue and white check works with many color combinations and sport coats.
http://www.us.thomaspink.com/fcp/categorylist/men/Shirts?resetFilters=true
Ties: A solid, a stripe and a pattern.
http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3951787&cp=1760781.3157011&ab=viewall&view=all&parentPage=family
Similar ties available at: http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductArray.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374304398417&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=1264417393866&SECSLOT=BR-Salvatore+Ferragamo&brandname=Salvatore%20Ferragamo
http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3951782&cp=1760781.3157011&ab=viewall&view=all&parentPage=family
*similar ties found at Ben Silver: http://www.bensilver.com/fs_storefront.asp?root=1&show=21
A pocket square: This is a guys chance to show his flair. You should have one simple white linen pocket square in your arsenal if you are wearing a busy shirt or tie. Note- your tie and pocket square should NOT be matching patterns!
A Classic watch that works with all of your clothing:
http://www.rolex.com/en#/?s_kwcid=TC%7c7853%7cmens+rolex%7c%7cS%7cp%7c3833178341
Home Design:
An english arm sofa: These sofas can work in any setting. The gentle slopping arms and tight back are timeless. Your sofa should be an investment piece. The better it is made the longer it will last. You will be able to update it by reupholstering.
Available through: http://www.wshome.com/products/p139/index.cfm?pkey=csofas%2Dloveseat%2Dsofas
For a high quality sofa call Geroge Smith: http://georgesmith.com/
For a better price look at restoration hardware- go with white and spruce it up with throw pillows: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1622099&navAction=jump&navCount=3
A tufted leather chesterfield sofa: Though I am not a fan of leather sofas in general, this worn tufted leather sofa speaks to me. The arms and the tufting make this the perfect lounging sofa for men or women. It reminds me of a sofa that stars in the Thomas Crown Affair ( the original). I would throw two ikat pillows on it to punch it up and call it a day.
http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/furniture/item.asp?item_id=5790&haid=7&t=1#mce_temp_url#
same look better price: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1605024&navCount=7
*Buy an hermes scarf and turn into a pillow or buy at Vivire.com:
http://www.vivre.com/product/Shop_By_Category/Home_Decor/Pillows/HERMES_-x22-VUE_DU_CAROSSE-x22-_SILK_SCARF_PILLOW
Also: see Ankasa throw pillows in Lexington Ave post
striped wallpaper from Farrow and Ball: block printed striped wallpaper is a great way to add height to a space. It takes the eye from the floor to the ceiling. In a neutral color this will serve as the perfect backdrop to pops of color or a art. The stripes lend a tailored pulled together look to the space:
http://www.farrow-ball.com/productdetails.aspx?pid=WFBP7057&cid=WPL&language=en-GB
Standard woven tortoise shell bamboo shades:
http://www.theshadestore.com/product/standard-woven-wood-shade?
Sisal Carpet: great to layer traditional oushak carpets or a more modern dhurrie on top of this to create warmth and character. Sisal also tones down any glitzy pieces you may have in the room. They also look great as a backdrop for more modern furniture.
Available through cB2: http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=700
Available through: http://madelineweinrib.com/ama/cotton_flatweaves/Olivia-RobinsEgg.html
Lamps: If I have grounded the room with other objects I may opt for a spicy pairs of lamps to add some personality. However a pair of these beautiful lamps are a great additional to any room. Christopher Spitzmiller’s pieces are traditional with a modern twist. He uses the finish, the shape, and the color to set his lamps apart from the pack of imitations out there:
http://christopherspitzmiller.com/lamps.asp
Chest of drawers: The serpentine shape of this piece can be masculine or feminine. I love the deep mahogany color:
http://mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=7418
Faux Bamboo arm chair: Great as a dining chair or desk chair. You can move this all over your home and never get sick of it. Repaint it, reupholster it!
This side table is wrapped in leather and hand stitched. Very vintage hermes looking. The simple shape keeps it modern and the hardware is beautiful.
http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/furniture/item.asp?item_id=14300&haid=8&t=0
Chandeliers:
Antiques will take you far- don’t abandon them because you can only imagine them in the setting of your childhood home! Surround them with modern new pieces and you have created a sense of history. I love the brass and crystal chandelier below. I picture it above a dining table with clean modern chairs and lacquered grey walls.
Email Sara Gilbane Interiors for pricing: http://www.sentimentoantiques.com/go.php?page=detail&cid=5&scid=15&inum=K1150
Breakfront: Now that everyone has a flat screen tv they are finally making pieces to hide them! I cannot resist this chippendale piece! The design on it is so fun. Paint this a dashing teal and add antiqued mirror and hide your tv today!
email us for purchase info: http://www.cbellfurnishing.com/palm-beach-collection/palm-beach-collection-cabinets/1406772
Bookshelves: Free standing open with open sides. These will keep your space feeling open and the shagreen detail on the shelving is beautiful. Perfect to display your most treasured items.
Available through Mecox Gardens: http://mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=7311#
Charles V club chair: Everything about this chair is wonderful! Shown in the stripe below it is masculine, clean, and classic. Reupholster with a new fabric to completely change the look. The deep tufting, and the gentle slope make this a chair you could sit and read in for hours ( and look fabulous doing so!)
http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/furniture/item.asp?item_id=13729&haid=6&t=0
A cashmere throw: keep yourself as warm and cozy as your room now feels:
Above available through: http://mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=2642#
Similar look lower price: http://www.wshome.com/products/p126/index.cfm?pkey=cdecorative%2Dpillows%2Dthrow%2Dblanket
xo,
S
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