Fabulous Room Friday 09.28.12

This week’s “Fabulous Room” is a dining room dripping in glamour. Designed by Lorenzo Castillo, this amazing dining room is part of a private residence in Madrid if you can believe it. I simply love the custom banquette, the show-stopping crystal chandeliers, the wall lined with mirrors,  and the fabulous tables. I like the idea of two smaller tables paired with the banquettes as opposed to having one really large table. I suppose it was the one practical element in this visually stunning room. The color palette and use of mirrors bring to mind the glamour and luxury of Old Hollywood while the overall design stays true to European elegance.

{Glamour and opulence reign supreme in this dining room by Lorenzo Castillo. Wouldn’t this be an amazing setting for dinner parties?}

{The space is punctuated by black lacquer doors and a matching buffet. The washed finish of the floors anchors and softens the effect of the reflective elements in the room like the mirrors and chandeliers.}

{You know your home is fabulous when Vogue UK commissions Mario Testino to shoot a fashion spread there!}

Stay tuned as I will be sharing more of this amazing designer’s inspiring design work early next week. Have a wonderful weekend!

{Images via Lorenzo Castillo}

Glamour Obsession: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Merlot

{A burgundy top coat mixed with brown and lots of leopard has me swooning!!!  Love, love, love}

Happy first week of Fall LDV Readers! Vanessa Stern here from Vanessa & Valentine!!!  I'm officially on maternity leave and due any minute now with my 2nd child!  It's got me thinking how excited I will be not to wear elastic waist pants anymore.  Instead, I've been daydreaming of deep,rich hues of burgundy, bordeaux, and merlot, not only to drink, but to wear.  Here's what's inspiring me... 

A rich overcoat mixed with a luscious leather bag is not only functional, but the epitome of classic cool.  The large gold accessories take this from being boring to unique...I want the whole look!

I'm really digging the pairing of a bright red sweater with burgundy skinnies!  The friendship bracelets are pretty rad too, for an extra dose of color! 

Top off an all black outfit with a deep rich coat and you are set!!!  I want that Chanel purse and her hair color is beyond gorgeous!

Every time I see a leather bag in this color I am reminded of the 70s when this color reigned supreme!  This Celine Bag is on my wish list!!!

If you don't feel like wearing clothes in this color, buy a little lipstick and make it your signature shade this Fall!

How about sporting a simple gray sweater with a pair of burgundy pants?

My favorite combo by far is paired with black, gold accents, and leopard...

This room is so rich and cozy...

I picked up a new bottle of Chanel Vamp in May, just so I had it on hand this Fall for my manicures and pedicures.  It's the perfect shade and I get so many compliments.  It's so fun wearing this color!

 Essie also makes a cheaper version called Wicked that is a little darker, but just as good!

I love Miranda Kerr's burgundy tote and the little dog is cute too!

Burgundy paired with navy and camel is so smart looking.  I love how the chambray shirt looks with these pants!

...and if you don't feel like wearing anything in this hue you can always just drink your Burgundy, Bordeaux, or Merlot!  Cheers Everyone!

Xo,

Vanessa

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Global Architecture: English Country House

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Hello LDV readers! Brendan here of (BAD) Blog About Design. English country houses have always held a great place in my heart. They feel grand, yet still manage to feel like a home. English country houses were often owned by individuals who also owned a home in London. Until the agricultural depressions of the 1870s, tending to these homes was the prime employment for many rural communities. Generally, those who owned an English country house, owned a large part of land around the home and used some of the land as a means of rental income, this was quite popular until World War I. English country houses have a wide range in architectural styles from Baroque, Palladian, Gothic, etc., these homes were designed to make a statement. (ABOVE) This English country house is located in St. George's Hill Weybridge. It has some influences from Palladian architecture. I like the mansard roof, and clean landscape design. (BELOW 1) Large outdoor spaces are added perks to owning an English country house. I just can't image how long it must take to mow all that grass! (BELOW 2) This English Country house is located in Honeybourne. It has a much less grand feel and more of a quaint charm, it feels more like a farm house.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com 1

http://www.sothebysrealty.com 2

(1) Herve Leger Laser Cut Bandage Dress, (2) Dannijo Adalyn Necklace, (3) Marc by Marc Jacobs Thunderdome Travel Doctor Bag, (4) Dannijo Cecile Earrings, (5) Burberry London Felted Peplum Jacket, (6) Overture Judith Leiber Ombre Concave Side Rectangle Clutch, (7) Jil Sander Music Heavyweight Satin Skirt, (8) Stella McCartney Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses, (9) Made Her Think Spike Rhinestone Ring, (10) B Brian Atwood Fontanne Iridescent Pumps

The Fashion: For the looks above, I was inspired by how those who would come from London to their English country houses would dress. The looks have both of a "city" feel and "English country" feel, and still manage to look and feel current. Fall 2012 is all about making a splash with "wine colored" pieces. The Marc Jacobs doctor bag, is a wonderful wine color and has that "city", "English country" feel. The Burberry peplum jacket feels more "English country" to me. I see it paired with a long flowing skirt or a shorter pencil skirt for a more "city" feel. It's definitely current as the peplum is still making a splash this fall 2012. The Brian Atwood pumps are all "city" to me. Every city girl needs a little shine when at her English country house! Which piece is your favorite? (BELOW 3) Lastly, this classic country estate located in Bromyard dates back over 700 years. It's a wonderful English country house that has many acres of land. Architecturally the house feels both like a classic and farm house. What do you think of all the English country houses featured?

http://www.sothebysrealty.com 3

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Fabulous New Finds from Seaside Interiors

La Dolce Vita is thrilled to have Seaside Interiors on board as a sponsor again! Housed in a charming bungalow in South Tampa, Florida, Seaside Interiors brings together a fabulous assortment of furniture, decorative accessories, and gifts that are modern, fresh, and of course, inspired by effortless and elegant coastal living. Founded by owner Kimberly Nix in 2007, Seaside Interiors’ mission is “to help you with your design project, whether it is looking for the perfect end table or decorating an entire room. We want to help you find quality products, while making your shopping experience memorable...all the while transforming your home into a proud statement of who you are.” We couldn’t think of a better way to shop!
Seaside Interiors recently revamped their website, making it easier to shop and more visually appealing than ever. To go along with their fabulous makeover, they’ve also added countless new items to the shop. Below, you’ll find a sampling of the items I am currently coveting from Seaside Interiors.

{Clockwise from Top Left: Navy Pillow with Hampton Trim | Willow Polished Nickel Bucket | Vero Iron and Linen Chair | Winchester Hammered Iron and Glass Side Table}

{Clockwise from Top Left: Wendy Glossy White Web Porcelain Lamp | Appliqué Orchid Suzani Pillow | Pascal Iron and Glass Side Table | Beetle Appliqué Linen Pillow}

 

Closet Confidential: Inspiring Fall Fashion

{the perfect leather tote and velvet loafers}

Hi LDV readers! It's Liz with another installment of Closet Confidential and today I wanted to share some inspiration for fall style. It is getting chilly in Chicago, which has forced me to assemble my fall wardrobe a bit early. I have turned to Pinterest in hopes of finding new ways of wearing pieces that I already own {plus a few new pieces thrown into the mix, it's too hard to resist!}.

{a leopard blazer}

{layers of fabulous necklaces, like this and this}

{print on print}

{tweed jackets}

What is inspiring your fall wardrobe?

Until next time! Have a stylish week.

xo Liz

{images via}

A Glamorous Home by Sally Wheat

{Malachite, Marble, and Leopard make for an Ultra-Glamorous Space}

My good friend, Houston-based interior designer, Sally Wheat recently sent me a sneak peek of a new project she just had photographed which I couldn’t wait to share with all of you. Initially, she sent me the image above and upon seeing the fabulous malachite drapes I asked Sally for more, more, more! I adore malachite and typically opt to wear it rather than decorating with it. I love how bold this look is. It certainly takes moxie to have such a statement-making design element in one’s home. What I love most about it is the fact that the malachite evokes images of Hollywood Regency glamour. I had the amazing opportunity to attend a luncheon at Tony Duquette and Hutton Wilkinson’s fabulous Beverly Hills estate, Dawnridge last year and malachite reigns supreme in that amazing residence. It turns out, the fabric Sally used for the drapes is actually from the Tony Duquette Collection for Jim Thompson Fabrics-- so my immediate reaction to them makes perfect sense! You can see more of Dawnridge in the current issue of Lonny, but for now, let’s take a look at this glamorous, modern home Sally designed.

{A Close-Up of the Malachite Drapes and a Brass Bar Cart}

{Sally always scores the most amazing vintage finds like this fabulous marble and brass cocktail table.}

{I love the symmetry in this Hollywood Regency vignette. The emerald lamps are a perfect complement to the malachite drapes on the opposite side of the room.}

{In the foyer, Sally created visual impact through the use of a large-scaled painting and a chic pair of leopard ottomans.}

{While the family room is decidedly more relaxed than the more formal living room, it still looks rather polished. Notice the way Sally organized the books on the shelves by color. I also love that she painted the backs of the bookshelves for visual impact.}

{The family room feels so inviting.I love the mix of stylish vintage furniture and modern design elements.}

Do you think you could ever incorporate a design element as bold as the malachite drapes into the decor of your home? What is your favorite statement-making piece in this home designed by Sally?

{Image Credit: Laurie Perez Photography for Sally Wheat Interiors}

Jet Set Style: Rosie Huntington Whiteley

Drop-dead gorgeous British model and actress Rosie Huntington Whiteley always looks amazing whether she’s on the red carpet or she is photographed gallivanting around London or New York. Being the jetsetter that she is, she is often photographed in airports and I am always in awe of how chic and pulled together she manages to look. We may not all have her stunning looks, but we can certainly emulate her chic approach to jet set style. Rosie opts for comfortable, classic pieces such as skinny jeans, easy tees, flats or boots and layers them with stylish items like killer jackets, sunglasses, and handbags—style staples that instantly make an outfit look pulled together. This woman knows how to travel in style! Below, I’ve pulled together a few outfits that emulate Rosie’s enviable travel style.

{Look No. 1: Black-Out! Rosie looks uber-chic in black from head to toe.}

{Get the Look: Gucci Round Frame Sunglasses | Temperley London Adamina Silk-Trimmed Wool Cardi Coat | Alexander Wang Pelican Weekender Bag | Fiorentini & Baker Nubis Suede Ankle Boots | Paige Premium Denim Legging in Black Glass}

{Look No. 2: Classic Pieces with an Edge}

{Get the Look: Splendid Long Sleeve Tee | J. Crew Schoolboy Wool-Twill Blazer | N. Peal Cashmere Leopard Scarf | Marc by Marc Jacobs Werdie Tote | Victoria Beckham Super Skinny Low Rise Jeans}

{Look No. 3: Rosie turns up the volume on this looking by choosing polished, statement-making pieces like the emerald green suede bag and sumptuous tan leather motorcycle jacket.}

{Get the Look: Stella McCartney Round Tortoiseshell Sunglasses | Michael Kors Leather Motorcycle Jacket | Balenciaga Classic City Bag | Rag and Bone Newbury Classic Booties | J Brand 901 Jean Leggings}

Which one of Rosie’s jet-setting looks is your favorite? I love them all, but am definitely partial to the first look. I love wearing all black and this outfit looks as cozy as it does chic.