White Hot!

{Gwyneth Paltrow, the embodiment of polished perfection dazzled in her chic, white Tom Ford gown and cape at last night’s Oscars ceremony.}

Two things stood out to me during last night’s Oscars ceremony. First, I need to watch The Artist and Hugo as they swept most of the awards last night. And second, white is definitely the color of the moment. I wasn’t completely blown away by any of the looks I saw on the red carpet, but my three favorites all had one thing in common—their gowns were white. Gwyneth Paltrow takes top honors from me as “Best Dressed”. In a sea of bedazzled gowns, I love that she opted for elegant simplicity. Her statuesque figure is perfect for the fabulous white Tom Ford gown complete with a matching cape. She kept the look minimal, sporting only a diamond cuff and had her hair pulled back into a soft, stylish ponytail. Perfection!

{Rooney Mara was phenomenal in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and she looked fantastic last night. Her white Givenchy gown is structured on top, befitting her affinity for rigid looks, but the rest of the dress is soft and flowing. The bangs and red lipstick add to the 1930s vibe of her look.}

{Milla Jovovich really brought the glamour to the red carpet. Her white, one shouldered Elie Saab gown is beautiful and fits her like a glove. Paired with loads of diamonds, soft waves, red lips, and a fabulous box clutch, the look is the embodiment of Hollywood glamour.}

 

Who did you think was “Best Dressed” on the red carpet last night? How about “Worst Dressed”? Did you happen to like any of these three white looks?

This Week’s Quote

{Image No. 1 via Harper’s Bazaar | Image No. 2 via Pinterest}

Fabulous Room Friday 02.24.12

{This beautiful dressing room features exquisite woodwork. I love the effect of the high gloss finish and contrasting paint colors. The nickel hanging shade is a gorgeous, versatile piece that I was awestruck over upon first glance. The glossy finishes throughout add such polish to the space.}

Discovering a designer who is new to me is always such a sweet surprise. After viewing Spanish designer, Luis Bustamante’s portfolio for the first time yesterday, I was beyond impressed. The Madrid-based designer’s work is slightly more classical than what I tend to post on La Dolce Vita, but it is completely stunning. No detail is spared. Every space is perfectly curated—Bustamante takes chic sophistication to a completely new level. The spaces he designs could be considered museum quality, if there was such a thing. After visiting Madrid for my 30th birthday in November, I realized that “Madrileños”, as residents of Madrid are called, are some of the most stylish people on the planet. Tradition reigns in Madrid and that is reflected in their interiors. Things take a more classical turn in this well-heeled city than they do in Barcelona.

I’ve talked about feeling a sort of “design overload” in the past. Over the years, it has become harder to find spaces that I am truly moved by and honestly find different than anything else. Bustamante’s work has done just that for me. I could go on and on, but I’ll save it for Monday, when I’ll be posting a “Style Profile” story on Bustamante. Today, let’s focus on this amazing space. I’d like to call it a “gentleman’s suite”. I simply had to post both the dressing room and bedroom since they are both incredibly stunning and couldn’t bring myself to narrow it down to just one.

{I love that the bedroom is done in crisp white. It’s a complete contrast to the dark, moody dressing room. It is no less tailored, though. Everything is so handsome!}

{I love the use of color and texture. No matter how slight, it adds such rich depth to the room.}

{Notice how Bustamante has used the same lamp design throughout the bedroom and dressing room. I usually love mixing lighting up a bit, but the result here is fabulous. It adds continuity to the space and makes it feel like a luxury hotel property. I also love the abstract paintings near the console table.}

{The masculine bathroom features marble, classic sconces, and black and white striped wallpaper.}

 

{Images Courtesy of Luis Bustamante}

The Luxe Report: Timeless Color Palette

Hello, fabulous LDV readers. It's Rebecca from Young Sophisticates with another installment of The Luxe Report.

What's the best way to create a timeless, chic and cultured look? Embrace a black and white color palette.

This Rachel Zoe Fall 2012 runway look has me rethinking the wisdom of a black and white ensemble. Take that same sophisticated, simple color palette, and carry it over to your living space. The living room (pictured below) is beautifully modern and unfussy. The zebra rug grabs your attention, making this room perfectly balanced and interesting.

{Photo Credit: Rachel Zoe RTW Fall 2012 via vogueandcoffee; ELLE DECOR via Lucky Mommy}

Global Architecture: Parisian Chic

http://www.travelvivi.com/top-5-places-to-visit-in-paris/

Hello LDV readers! Brendan here of (BAD) Blog About Design. Paris is the city of great food, high fashion, impeccable architecture, and all-out glamour. The architecture you see in Paris today is the result of mid-19th century urban remodeling. Until the beginning of Haussman's advent, Paris was a city of narrow streets and half-timber houses. During Haussman's advent, quarters were leveled, and wide avenues lined with neoclassical stone buildings took their place. Much of the medieval city was destroyed, an estimated 60%. (ABOVE) Paris houses many of the world's magnificent cathedrals. The Basilica of the Sacré Coeur was built on Montmartre from 1875-1914. The cathedral is built in the Romano-Byzantine style by architect Paul Abadie. The stone dome is a highly visible landmark in the city. A few streets away from the Sacré Coeur is  Place du Terte, a square where many artists set up their easels and paint. Place du Terte was where many now famous artists such as Picasso and Utrillo painted away. (THE FASHION) For both sets I was inspired by the photograph of the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur. The dresses and accessories mirror the structure's rigid lines and intricate details. I am a huge fan of the drape dress on the right. It's light and perfect for the spring. The sunglasses are also a favorite of mine, they're the perfect accessory for an afternoon in a Parisian Café. In the second set I am in love with the 70s print maxi dress. It's chic, glamorous and perfect for a day in a Parisian park. The enameled rope necklace is brilliant, it adds a dash of the unexpected. Who doesn't love a surprise?

(1) Torn by Ronny Kobo Tara Pleated Dress, (2) Maxazria Hi Low Drape Front Dress, (3) Maison Martin Margiela Cable Temple Sunglasses, (4) House of Harlow 1960 Blackened Metal Arrowhead Pendant Necklace, (5) Charles Albert Agate Slice Ring, (6) Brian Atwood Blayne Suede Pumps 

(1) Susana Monaco Nolita Dress, (2) Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Strapless Maxi Dress, (3) Stella McCartney Rounded Sunglasses, (4) Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer Necco Enameled Rope Necklace, (5) 3.1 Phillip Lim Abichi Satchel, (6) Alexander Wang Emina High Heel Sandals

http://www.elledecor.com/decorating/articles/francophile-fantasy-new-york

Designer and Architect Robert Couturier, designed this 9,000 square foot Manhattan penthouse to suite the needs of a couple that craved French interiors. The penthouse, a 1920s gem overlooking Central Park, had not been updated since the 1970s. Courtier stripped the home of its dark wood paneling and gave it energy, with a home that is French, yet does not feel stuck in the past. The way in which Courtier planned the Living Room, allows for multiple conversation areas, as well as the ability to move and reconfigure its layout. The sofa, 1970s French Plexiglas arm chairs, and upholstery of the Louis XV duchesse en bateau, give the space its contemporary edge. However, the wall treatment, and Louis XVI mahogany cabinet are uniquely 17th century French. (THE FASHION) For both sets I was inspired by the room designed by Couturier. In the space, Couturier incorporates patterns. The shimmer dress to the left has a great pattern and captures the look of the space brilliantly. The shimmer dress can be dressed up or dressed down. The scarf wrapped sandals are so beautiful and perfect for a glamorous afternoon of shopping on the Champs-Elysees. In the second set I am in love with the halter gown. It's a beautiful color and is perfect for any event when in Paris. The accessories that go with this set are beyond major. I can't choose one that stands out! 

(1) Marc by Marc Jacobs Cordosa Shimmer Dress, (2) Alice by Temperley Long River Dress, (3) Citrine by the Stones Evening Chain Earrings, (4) Michael Kors Jet Set Tortoise Ring, (5) Botkier Eden Satchel, (6) Avec Moderation Print Scarf Ankle Wrap Sandals

(1) Marc by Marc Jacobs Clark Twill Dress, (2) ISSA Print Halter Gown, (3) Kenneth Jay Lane Enamel Bib Necklace, (4) Linda Farrow Luxe Snakeskin Curved Square Sunglasses, (5) Chan Luu Beaded Wrap Bracelet, (6) One by Nairobi Wedge Sandals

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80622842/on-the-streets-of-paris-architecture

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82825418/paris-photo-passage-st-roch-elegant

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