The Luxe Report: Fall Style Inspiration

{Bright Pop of Yellow, Wrapped in a Super-Luxe Fur, via tumblr}

Hi La Dolce Vita readers! I’m Rebecca, the founder of the fashion site, Young Sophisticates, and I’ll be writing a new fashion column, called The Luxe Report, here on La Dolce Vita. The Luxe Report will showcase the best in designer fashion and trends, with an emphasis on luxury and glamour. There will be links at the end of each post so you can shop the chic styles you’ve seen, and get the look! Some of my favorite things, right now, include… pink peonies, the fashion featured on Gossip Girl, Lollia Tea Leaves & Honey candle, OPI black cherry chutney and baking double chocolate cupcakes. I’m all about sophisticated pieces, with feminine detailing. My favorite designers include Proenza Schouler, Marchesa, Jason Wu, and Oscar de la Renta. I share Paloma’s “classic with a twist” aesthetic in fashion and interiors, and that’s why I am thrilled to be a new La Dolce Vita contributor.

 

Right now, I am daydreaming about luxe fur coats, fit-for-a-princess Issa London dresses, bright pops of color, and a bit of tweed and houndstooth thrown in the mix for good measure. Which fashion trends are you inspired by this season?

{Classic Pointy Toe Heels, Tortoise Sunnies, Minimalist Vibe Skirt & a Sexy Chic Fur Coat, via tumblr}

{Ladylike & Modern, Issa - London Fashion Week - F/W '11, via tumblr}

{Parisian Chic; Effortlessly Cool Clemence Poesy via tumblr}

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off to High Point!

I am heading to High Point this morning for the Fall Market. I am excited to see the newly expanded Visual Comfort showroom along with over 200 new introductions from our fabulous roster of designers. I got a sneak peek of the new designs at our product photo shoot a couple of weeks ago and there are so many stunning, covetable pieces. I’ll be at the market for work until next Tuesday. There are a few fun events planned for the weekend and it’s always so nice to draw inspiration from the beautiful showrooms.If you have plans to head to High Point this weekend, be sure to visit our showroom on the second floor of the C&D Building!

Design Under the Influence: The Louis Ghost Chair

Hello, I'm Erika Brechtel of small shop! I am by trade a graphic designer; by education, an art historian and interior designer. So I thought it might be fun for La Dolce Vita readers to take advantage of my past schooling and get quick "lessons" every now and then on a little historical background in matters of art, furniture, decorative arts, etc. but in the context of modern design! Fun, right? Today's brush-up: what is the difference between a Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI chair? Let's take the ever-popular (and a fave of mine!) Louis Ghost Chair by designer Philippe Starck for Kartell. Recognize it? We all know and still love it.

Perhaps you know, perhaps you don't and are thrilled to learn that this chair is a modern interpretation of a French chair typical of the Neoclassical period of Louis XVI's reign (1774 - 1791):

The Neoclassical period took its cues from Greek and Roman symmetry and classic geometries, but was also in direct response to the ornately curvilinear and overtly feminine Rococo silhouettes of the previous period (Louis XV's reign, 1715-1774). You know that sexy S-curve "cabriole" leg, those super fancy and flourished pieces, often with shells and foliage? All of that is Rococo. These softer lines, and lighter fabrics and colors, were in turn a direct response to the heavier fabrics and imposing forms of the previous Baroque period during -- you guessed it -- Louis XIV's reign (a.k.a. the "Versailles" Louis). Got all that? If not, here's a (very) simplified chart to keep it all straight and help you quickly identify the characteristics:

What comes next? Directoire (post-French Revolution) and Empire (Napoleon's era), but we can get into that another time! (See this is fun, right?) So whether you are a professional or a hobbyist: drop some knowledge on your colleagues and clients, or just have something to think about next time you see a certain room or piece of furniture. I hope you will use it as you wish, and enjoy!  

{Image sources and more on my Pinterest board}

Visual Comfort Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Erin Barry, entry #222 for winning a gorgeous pair of lamps in the Visual Comfort Lamp Giveaway generously hosted by our friends at Circa Lighting! Erin has selected a pair of the beautiful Carousel Table Lamps by Barbara Barry. I actually have this same style in my home and I am sure she will love them.Thank you to the hundreds of readers who entered as well as to our partners at Circa Lighting. Congratulations, Erin!

Remember, you to follow Visual Comfort & Co.’s blog, Facebook, and Twitter!

Birthday Wishlist

I’ve had a few thoughtful family members and friends ask what I’d like for my upcoming 30th birthday in a few weeks. Usually, I am terrible at figuring out what I want, but this year, I actually have a few items on my wish list. Around the holidays, I’ll usually post gift guides and wish lists and my friends always tell me how helpful they are because they know exactly what to get me! I kind of wish my husband would start making wish lists because I always have a hard time thinking of what to get him. Speaking of my husband, I am incredibly lucky that Fabian is taking me to Spain for my birthday this year! I am so thrilled and am counting down the days until we are there in mid-November. I know we could both use a little time away soaking up the culture, sights, and fabulous food in Spain!
Aside from that, my wish list includes a few new discoveries that I’ve recently come across. Beyond anything material, I am thankful to have the most incredible husband and best friend in Fabian, a wonderful family, great friends, my sweet puppy son, Tate, a job that I love, and of course, this blog and all of my fabulous readers. I feel like I really am living “La Dolce Vita”!

{I’ve worn Stella by Stella McCartney for a few years, but I would definitely mix it up ever since I smelled Prada’s New Fragrance, Candy. It is intoxicatingly delicious. The rich scent is perfect for Winter. Available exclusively at Neiman Marcus.}

{I adore Inslee Haynes’ gorgeous illustrations. I would love to commission a custom illustration from her at some point, but I would also love her 2012 Calendar to jazz up my office space.}

{I love quatrefoil and turquoise on just about anything so naturally, I loved this little necklace when I spotted it on Pinterest. It’s made by hand by jennijewel, a Los Angeles-based designer who sells her jewelry on etsy. If you know me, then you probably know that I love all jewelry, so cocktail rings, chandelier earrings, and pretty necklaces are always on my wish list.}

{This stylish tome on the life of 1970s muse, Marisa Berenson is sure to be filled with inspiring images.}

{Former Vogue Editor, Diana Vreeland lived her life by her own rules. I cannot wait to dig into “The Eye has to Travel”!}

{Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s “Live, Love, Decorate” is filled with “delicious” interiors and plenty of celebrity homes—naturally, dahling.}

{Believe it or not, there are actually a couple of design magazine subscriptions that I don't currently have-- Veranda and Canadian House and Home.}