Sending thoughts of gratitude and appreciation to all of the veterans and active members of the military on this Memorial Day. Thank you for your service.
What Do You Wear to Bed?
2 hours ago
Monday, May 26, 2014
Friday, May 23, 2014
Fabulous Room Friday 05.23.14
This week, I stumbled across this beautiful New York living room designed by one of my favorite designers, Timothy Whealon. I remember this feature well from when it ran in Veranda in October 2010 (P.S. How does time keep flying by so fast?), but it really resonated with me this week. I love the fresh color palette, mix of furniture styles, and the impact of unexpected elements like the huge centipede photograph by Fernando Laszlo. The gilded Eric Appel lamps provide a great contrast to the antique chandelier while the over-scaled pattern of the custom rug provides a fabulous focal point. The combination of these elements makes the room striking and completely unforgettable.
I love when a larger room has separate, distinct seating areas. Every piece in the room is of distinguished provenance, yet the mix feels relaxed and inviting, which is no small feat. It looks like the perfect place to spend part of the long, Memorial Day Weekend, doesn’t it?
{Images by Max Kim-Bee for Veranda}
P.S. If you are planning to do some summer shopping, there are tons of great sales happening this weekend. Here is a round-up of events I will be shopping:
Nordstrom: Half-Yearly sale for Women's & Kids (Spring markdowns on women's & kids apparel, shoes, accessories and more) | Ends June 1
Neiman Marcus: The Real Deal sale | Save up to 40% off the latest styles in Sport Shop, Contemporary/CUSP, and Dress Collections | Ends May 26
Serena & Lily: 20% off everything | CODE SUMMER20
Intermix: Additional 40% off of sale products | Ends 5/28
Joie: Receive an extra 20% off sale items through 5/26 | CODE MDW20
Loeffler Randall: 30% off // Ends 5/26
Gigi NY: Memorial Day Weekend Trifecta, receive free shipping, free personalization +a gift w/purchase! | Ends 5/27
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Wrapped Up: For Dads and Grads
For this edition of Wrapped Up, I was originally going to a combination board for Dads & Grads. But, I got so inspired by all the great things I was discovering for dads that my post just sort of took off in that direction. Honestly, many of these gift ideas would also be good graduation gifts for young men. Or, if you're still in a gift rut you can check out Blueprint Modern or my Pinterest boards for more ideas.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Dissecting the Details: Blair Harris
Hello fabulous LDV readers! Nancy of Marcus Design here, and I'm thrilled to be back with another Dissecting the Details. Today's topic of interest is the living room designs of New York-based Blair Harris. I've spotted 3 key elements that Blair tends to use in her glamorous spaces, let's dissect:
I love that Blair adds a cozy little nook for reading to most of her designs. It helps the room appear 'approachable' and liveable. Add built-in book shelves that are carried over the doorway and I am in heaven!
I love the airy quality of Blair's living spaces, and the pastel tones she uses can be manipulated to appear masculine or feminine with carefully selected accessories, as in the 2 examples above.
There's nothing more appealing to the eye than symmetry. It's been tried and tested and in my books, it wins every time. Whether with simple frames above the sofa, or an elaborate layout of furnishings in a mirror-image arrangement, the effect always works!
And there you have it, 3 ways that Blair Harris creates glamorous, yet liveable and inviting living rooms. Visit her site to see more from her portfolio.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The Style Files: Alexis Swanson Traina
La Dolce Vita is more than just the name of my blog, it is an active pursuit in my daily life. To me, “la dolce vita”, or the sweet life means an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures along with a love and admiration of stylish places and inspiring people. Anyone with an appreciation for living la dolce vita is probably well-acquainted with the Swanson family of Swanson Vineyards. Swanson Vineyards is a personal favorite and is a go-to for me every time I am in Napa. The setting is chic, charming, and whimsical and their wines are outstanding. Alexis Swanson Traina, Creative Director for her family’s eponymous vineyard and the cheeky label she conceptualized, Modern House Wines is the mastermind behind all of the charming nuances which have gone into creating two such special and unique brands.
We recently had a conversation to discuss how Alexis wound up working for the family business, the people who most inspire her, and what style means to her. The thing I most admire about her is that she is part of an incredibly chic and savvy family, lives an enviable lifestyle, has a rewarding and creative career, yet she is so sweet and has such a down-to-earth sensibility. There is no flash to Alexis, only substance and a heart of gold. Alexis is also the author of Alexis’ Napa a chic blog with whimsical style focusing on the chicest things Napa has to offer. It is a must-read if you’re heading to Napa Valley anytime soon.
Paloma Contreras: As Creative Director of your family’s vineyard, Swanson Vineyards, you’ve been able to create a chic, whimsical, and hip brand unlike anything else I’ve ever seen in Napa Valley. Did you always know that you would eventually work for the family business?
Alexis Swanson Traina: I graduated from college and immediately started working with my dad—and just stayed put. I didn’t go to UC Davis or arrive with any particularly valuable set of skills. I was a very good observer/listener/storyteller. I was fascinated by culture/rituals/ceremonies and the wine industry allowed me to explore and illuminate all of these. I was so lucky my Dad encouraged me to pursue all of my instincts.
PC: What do you love most about your role with Swanson Vineyards and Modern House Wines?
AST: I love the creative process and finding the freedom to express myself in a way that is relevant and connects emotionally with others.
{As of last fall, Modern House Wines are now available exclusively at Target for under $13. Alexis created this collection of wines with the wine lover in mind, seeking to capture a cheeky spirit while providing a good, affordable wine.}
PC: Where do you turn for inspiration?
AST: I turn to music, magazines, Instagram, my sisters, my husband—and always keep my ear to the ground.
PC: Who are your personal style icons?
AST: My sisters, mother, mother in law, sisters in law, and friends.
PC: What is your guilty pleasure?
AST: Hot Glazed Donuts
PC: Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?
AST: Those immediately around me—all of whom are pushing themselves daily to create better/differently.
PC: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?
AST: Every morning I wake up to the squeaky voices of our children rooting in bed with us. It is a moment I will cherish forever and won’t last long.
Go-To Outfit: Anything with army green
Style Mantra: Confidence= Sexy
Scent: Fracas
Piece of Jewelry: A ring I wear as my wedding ring given to me by my husband that has a sweet expression we share together.
Color: Raspberry
Flower: Gardenia
Design Element: branches/specimen botanicals
Era: 70s
Hostess Gift: Modern House Wines
Meal: NY Steak at Ruth’s Chris
Drink: Cappuccino
Way to Unwind: With a glass of Swanson wine
Weekend Destination: West Marin
Hotel: Villa Feltrinelli
City: Paris
Museum: The Rodin Museum in Paris
Artist: Photographer, William Eggleston
Song that Always Puts Me in a Good Mood: “Under Pressure”
Actor: Elizabeth Taylor—love her shamelessness!
Risk Worth Taking: LOVE
Greatest Extravagance: Good hair color
Don’t you just love Alexis’ style and sensibility? I adore her! For a tour of her stunning San Francisco home, check out this feature in ELLE DECOR.
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