Valentine’s Day Style Guide

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’ve been seeing red lately! As an adult, I don’t really see Valentine’s Day as a day for romance. However, as a total girly-girl, I love the idea of pink and red flowers, decorations, and various fun touches. Wasn’t Valentine’s Day so much more fun when we were kids exchanging cards and candy? Whether you’re coupled up, have exciting plans to hit the town with your girlfriends, or you plan to spend Valentine’s day with your DVR, I’ve put together a little round-up of goodies that are perfect for getting in the Valentine’s Day spirit! From hostess gifts to romantic jewelry to put on your wish list to a few wardrobe must-haves, you’re sure to find something to ask Cupid for this year.

{1. Opening Ceremony Ace Bag | 2. Jennifer Fisher Burnish Diamond Letter Cuff | 3. AERIN Three Hearts Nesting Dishes | 4. J.Crew Matchstick Jean in Poppy | 5. Gorjana Alphabaet Coin Necklace | 6. Ark & Co. Winter Red Blazer | 7. Tory Burch Robinson Envelope Wallet | 8. AERIN Heart Wine Stopper | 9. Kate Spade Be Mine Studs | 10. J. Crew Tassel Tank Swimsuit | 11. Jean Michel Cazabat Ella Suede D’Orsay Pumps | 12. Small Monogram Necklace}

{Which of these flirty frocks is most reflective of your style? From Left: Ohne Titel Colorblock Shirtdress | Diane von Furstenberg Yazmine Dress | Three Floor French Exchange Dress | Giambattista Valli Gathered Strapless Gown}

My Favorite Room: Erica Cook

Hi there! It's Erica Cook from Moth Design. I'm delighted to be here today on La Dolce Vita for the My Favorite Room series, sharing my family room. Oh how I love this space.

Aside from the kitchen, my family room is the hub of all activity in my home and the space where I spend the very most time with my 5 boys. This is where we celebrate Christmas, entertain, where we gather for movies, reading, together time, talks, etc. This room has been host to so many great memories ( my smallest little guy took his first steps here).

This palette is likely one that best represents my true interior design aesthetic and it's the style I find easiest to live with. Layered neutrals and textures feel low key, yet refined. The use of leather and other washable natural fibers; a mix of linen, cotton velvet and wool, mean that we live in the space and don't worry so much about spills or wear and tear. Nothing is fussy or precious and my boys can be boys.     

However, the light backdrop walls, mixed metals, turned ottoman legs and some delicate accents mean the space is balanced and neither too masculine or feminine.

This room was originally the kitchen in my home, before I moved it to the back of the house. It certainly isn't the largest space, but it has great windows, lots of light and has always been inviting.

The art here is my own. An acrylic canvas that I did years ago and framed agate trivets. It's great to be surrounded by things you love and I find the space rejuvenates my sense of inspiration.

Images Tracey Ayton

 

So there you have it. My Favorite Room. I hope you enjoy this peek in to my home. Thanks so much for having me Paloma!

xo Erica

Get the Look: Sally Wheat

{This vintage buffet will be part of Sally’s event tomorrow!}

If you’ve read La Dolce Vita for a while, you probably know how much I adore Sally Wheat, both as a friend and as a designer. I know that many of you are huge fans of Sally's chic style as well, so I have some exciting news! Tomorrow, January 22nd, Sally will be having a Tastemaker Tag Sale on One Kings Lane which she has assured me will be filled with many fabulous, one of a kind pieces, some of which you may have seen in her home in years past. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a touch of Sally Wheat’s style to your own home! Here’s a sneak peek of a few items you can expect to see in Sally’s sale on One Kings Lane:

{Upholstered Leopard Stools}

{Vintage Sciolari Brass and Chrome Chandelier, Antler Lamp, Pierre Frey Pillow}

{Portrait of Lady with Orange Background}

 

{First Three Images by Laurie Perez Photography}

 

This Week’s Quote: Know Thyself, Love Thyself

{Image Credit: Emily McCarthy}

Fabulous Room Friday 01.18.13

This week’s “fabulous room” is a fresh and vibrant family room designed by Brittany Stiles. I was drawn to this space because it is tailored and pretty without feeling over the top or unattainable. So often, I spend my time admiring spaces that would cost a fortune to create—this room, though filled with so many lovely pieces, feels completely inviting and livable. It’s stylish without feeling precious.

{I really like the neutral palette throughout the space as well as the mix of fabrics and textures from the leather ottoman to the thick, woven wool rug. I also like that they didn’t choose to hide the television since many of us live with the TV on display. After all, the Real Housewives aren’t going to watch themselves! The frames around the television elevate the look of that side of the room tremendously.}

{A View of the Family Room from the Kitchen}

{Brittany has used an interesting mix of lighting, textiles, and unique furnishings throughout, creating a fresh, eclectic space.}

{I really like this vignette. The shape of the chair would be right at home in a traditional or modern space. I also love that Brittany has incorporated two of my favorite design products—David Hicks La Fiorentina fabric on the pillow and a pair of Bryant Sconces by Thomas O’Brien flanking the fireplace.}

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Images via Brittany Stiles Interiors}