The perfect cut

So often here in 'the states', I feel men do not know how to dress correctly. Ill fitting suits seem to be the biggest complaint I have (especially here in DC!) other than undershirts peeping through dress shirts and WHITE SOCKS (the horror!!).
This is how a suit is SUPPOSED to fit. Fitted but not tight, with 1/2"-1" of sleeve showing - perfect!via the sartorialist

fretwork

One of my favorite mass marketers is William Sonoma Home. Their collections are high quality for a reasonable ( but still high-end) price and it's a great mix of traditional and modern pieces with great lines. Recently on their website I saw under the sale items these Fretwork tables.

Growing up, my parents had 2 sidetables and a coffee table that looked exactly like these ( and I always though were so 70's ) that many many childhood accidents surrounded and so I always hated them -but these aren't so bad really. Are they back from the 70s? Do my detestations of this fretwork stem from childhood injuries or just genuine dislike now I wonder??? It's an existential crisis!!

I would prefer them if they were lacquered black, white, or some bright color ( kelly green, chinese red? ) but hey, since I'm not buying them anyway what do I care. Big markdowns though, I guess they're not very popular with other people either!

Check them out ONLINE and other sales as well! While there check out this SERIOUSLY stylish Essex Dresser! which would go very well with my cartier clock ( see below! )

Clock

I think this clock is the most chic thing I've ever seen! If anyone wants to buy me a VERY extravagant gift, I would be a very very happy guy ;-) The blue matches my eyes, it was made for me! LOL I can always dream, can't I?

You can find it on EBAY. Yes -those are DIAMOND encrusted hands!

The price reminds me of a line from one of my favorite movies:

"GURRRL, you could have gotten a SATURN for that!"

QUIZ: name that movie!!!!

Architectural Digest

the foyer -you know I love a foyer

There has been a lot of bashing in the blogosphere about Architectural Digest lately and it makes me sad. I understand the point of what bloggers are saying that the homes featured have no personality -but in my opinion it is because it's called ARCHITECTURAL digest for a reason. It's not called 'interior design homes'. The focus here is on the interior ARCHITECTURE ( right up my alley! ). I always think these are what the homes look like before being turned over to the owners.the library - BEAUTIFUL couches and love the mouldings!

To prove my point about how fabulous this magazine is and maybe sway some opinions here is a home featured in this month's issue, April 2008.

2 images of the living room -i love the tall ceilings, french doors and the mirrored console table!

This is a Neoclassical townhome in Belgravia neighborhood of London for a young couple ( who obviously have beaucoup bucks! ). Interior design by Grant White.

guestroom sitting area - can i visit??!! I love this fireplace, parsons desk and mirrored screens!

The interiors were restored and also brightened up considerably I'd imagine. How can you not LOVE this house??

the master bedroom -got me again with the beautifully mirrored nightstand and that coffee table! Sigh for a fireplace!

Dwell

I used to like Dwell magazine but then felt it was getting a little too generic. This article however made me change my mind. Check out this remodeled Barn!online at www.dwell.com

Fred and Ginger

ginger's "skirt"


I generally dislike Frank Gehry -there I said it. I do agree that his buildings' form in the past 10 years are unique and stunning but after seeing the documentary about him and his way of working and his blatant love of publicity(more suited to britney spears ) I really dislike him and think he gives architects a bad name. He may bring architect's closer to 'art' but I think his connection to what a REAL architect is is thin at best. He gives the impression to the general public not associated with architects ( and other designers as well ) that architecture is play and 'drawing pretty pictures'. The fact that his part of the process is crinkling a piece of paper and then getting the credit is a little bit unnerving to me. However.......that being said.....My love of old movies and the sheer whimsy of this apartment building in Prague really speak to me. I love the fluid lines and how easy it is to read Fred grasping Ginger and twirling her around the dancefloor. One of these days I'll get to Prague to admire it ( then later talk about how over-rated Frank Gehry is! ).
close up of 'fred'

True Love

To start out the week, I thought I'd post a lovely song from one of my favorite movies, High Society. Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly

A friend's apartment

My friend Henry has amazing taste; these are some pictures from his apartment. It's very similar to my apartment because it's a studio in the middle of the city and space is at a premium. He decided to maximize the space by having a stylish futonbed which doubles as a couch.I just love the mix of colors, the tiffany blue and white with the wood floors. He installed the moldings himself for interest and installed the chandelier. For storage he has a mixture of white shelving and galvanized steel boxes. The white-painted table really lightens up that corner and leaving the chairs natural is a beautiful contrast. I think the whole effect is really elegant and chic! Hope you enjoy!

Old school glamour

Do you know what I miss? Glamour I'm talking 1930 -1940's movie glamour. We know that it's made a comback in interiors (hollywood regency, mirrored furniture, Miles Redd ) but what about in personal style? Even movie stars go to walmart in flipflops and baggy sweatpants. You never saw Grace Kelly or Fred Astaire go ANYWHERE in either of those items ( and I'm sure they'd prefer Target to Walmart anyway! ).
That is why I love Dita Von Tease. She may be the burlesque queen but she has STYLE in spades, even while stripping I'm sure. Just to prove my point, these are pictures of her out and about -some candid shots and some from special events. Total knock-out, knock-down GLAMOUR ( I'm not screaming, it just deserves all CAPS ). You just know she has a beautiful mirror-encrusted decadent bathroom ala. Miles Redd and a huge paneled walk in closet.

Maybe we don't all need to walk around totally 'done' -but no more grubbiness ok, take some time with your appearance! Life is too short to be so ugly!

If Dita is too old-fashioned for you - we'll always have Posh!

turquoise & red

One of my favorite color combinations is turquoise with red accents; very French. I realized while going through my files that this combination comes up quite a bit -even if just in small touches such as turqoise lamps with red shades like here in Charlotte Moss's office. I have a set of cafe table and chairs from my grandparents that is turqouise with red cushions on the suits - super chic, I've always loved it! Unfortunately it's in storage as I don't have room for them. I'll always have my inspiration files though!
Miles Redd's old apt. had lots of red and turquoise accessories!and a more sedate form from Katie Ridder to finish with :-)