Packing for London

{Gwyneth Paltrow in the Perfect Outfit for Sightseeing in London—naturally!}

It has been quite a hectic week trying to check everything off of my to-do list so that I can actually enjoy my vacation when we head to London on Saturday. If I get through everything by tomorrow afternoon, I think a vacation (and a cocktail) will definitely be in order. I am really looking forward to spending time with my husband in one of our favorite cities in the world and I know that we are both looking forward to the cool weather. As I am writing this, the temperature in Houston is 101 degrees. Luckily, the forecast for London calls for highs in the high 60s and lows in the 50s, so it will be great weather for sightseeing. Now I am just hoping that the rain chances will drop. We were so lucky on our first trip to London. The weather was sunny and gorgeous the whole time. I don’t know if we’ll be so lucky the second time, so I’m making sure to pack an umbrella, trench coat, and riding boots which are chic and comfortable for walking all day and will shield me from the rain if necessary. Because of the weather and the fact that I won’t be seeing crisp fall weather at home for quite some time, I am planning to pack jackets, suede booties, and clothes that I can wear in layers as the weather changes throughout the day. Luckily, I found some fabulous things last week at A Bientot for my trip. Now, I just have to think about how I’m going to put it all together.  Here’s a little of my outfit inspiration.

{Chic Layers—I’d wear my suede booties instead of sandals.}

{A Preppy, Cozy Look}

{Olivia Palermo’s look is at once polished and relaxed. What could be better for vacation?}

{Gwyneth and Cameron Rocking Layers and Suede Booties}

{I’d like this delicious leather motorcycle jacket in my closet STAT! Please and thank you.}

{Miranda Kerr always looks perfectly polished. I love her jacket.}

       {Michelle Williams in a chic Burberry trench coat, black skinny trousers, and Charlotte Olympia Flats}

   

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Any suggestions on what I should or should not pack?

Get the Look: Angie Hranowsky

Hi everyone! Arianna here, back with more decor inspiration. For this month's Get the Look, I'm featuring a space designed by one of my favorite interior designers, Angie Hranowsky. I love that it successfully incorporates a beautiful mix of styles and color in a fun and energizing way that feels inviting. Below are a few pieces for creating a similar look:

1- wall paint - Organdy by Benjamin Moore // 2- fine art print - The Pink Lake by Parima Studio // 3- Dorthy Draper inspired cabinet chest // 4- tangerine slipper chair// 5- book - 1940 Edition of I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson // 6- yellow vases // 7- vintage gilt faux bamboo glass coffee table

Sponsor Spotlight: Memorial Antiques & Interiors

{A Gorgeous Vignette at Memorial Antiques & Interiors in Houston, TX}

I am very pleased to welcome Memorial Antiques & Interiors as La Dolce Vita’s newest sponsor! Memorial Antiques & Interiors, or MAI as design-savvy Houstonians call it, is Houston’s premier resource for beautiful antiques and special vintage finds. MAI has grown significantly since my first visit in 2008, expanding to three stores filled with stunning vignettes curated by a group of more than fifty antique dealers, designers, and decorators. MAI has become a personal favorite shopping destination and a go-to resource for interior designers and smart shoppers in Houston alike. In fact, a few of my decorator friends have booths at MAI that I like to visit as often as possible. At MAI, you’ll find pieces ranging from European antiques to Mid-Century Modern, in categories including accessories, custom lighting, furniture, original art, and  architectural elements.

{I’m obsessed with this chic dresser!}

Be sure to visit often! I like to visit MAI as frequently as I can. It’s a fabulous destination for gathering inspiration and finding that special treasure. In fact, MAI’s famous “Anything Goes” Sale is happening tomorrow and Friday, September 5th and 6th. You can count on dealers bringing in extra inventory, surplus stock, and odds and ends at great discounts.In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a few pieces and vignettes that caught my eye on my most recent visits to MAI.

{You guys know how much I love bold prints, particularly Greek Key, so naturally, I died over this fabulous little side chair.}

  {More Fun Finds in the Same Booth}

{Classical Accents with a Modern Twist}

{This Chippendale table is so beautiful and timeless. I wanted it for a client, but it was too small for the space. Notice the gorgeous malachite dinnerware and vases, too!}

[How chic is this white lacquered demi-lune table? It would look killer in an entryway.}

{Friend and fellow decorator, Sally Wheat has a fun booth at MAI replete with her signature style.}

{My friends, Meg and Lauren share the cutest little booth called Navy. It’s small, but packs a stylish punch!}

{A Fabulous Array of Campaign and Chippendale Pieces}

{MAI always has beautiful, original art. I’m so glad that I can count on MAI to have the perfect piece to complete a client’s space. I fell in love with this oversized blue abstract at the height of my indigo obsession this summer.}

{How darling is this vintage tufted stool? The base is gilded, shaped like a bow, and has tassels! Does it get anymore feminine or glamorous than this?

Memorial Antiques and Interiors

8719 and 8731 Katy Freeway

Houston, TX 77024

713.827.8087

Open Monday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm and Sundays 1 pm – 5pm

www.MAIHouston.com

Pacific Palisades Perfection by Jeffrey Alan Marks

Last Friday’s “Fabulous Room” post featured a space by Jeffrey Alan Marks and while I was perusing his portfolio and beautifully redesigned website last week, I stumbled on yet another stunning JAM project that I just had to share with you. It’s no secret that the style I gravitate to the most and that is most reflective of my own style is a modern take on traditional. I instantly connected with the elevation of this gorgeous house in Los Angeles’ tony Pacific Palisades neighborhood. It’s stunning Georgian facade with white painted brick and black shutters is the kind of thing I dream about. I couldn’t love this more—unless it were my own, of course!

Jeffrey worked with the beautiful, traditional architecture and in his signature style, created a home that is at once elegant, inviting, and relaxed which is no small feat. The house is imbued with colors, and a great mix of textures resulting in a California cool vibe that is just formal enough. While I love every room in this house, I am in love with the elevation and outdoor spaces.

 

Which room in this gorgeous home is your favorite?

{Images via Jeffrey Alan Marks}

This Week's Quote

Happy Labor Day!