Inspired by: Balmain

I was recently reading Degaine, a lovely Canadian-based fashion and style blog and fell in love with these photos she had posted from the Balmain fashion show back in February. I fell in love with each and every one of these looks...the fabrics have my head spinning!

The trends are also so close to what we are seeing in home interiors right now as well that I decided to have a little fun and share a few accessories finds to match!

Zambia Throw, Z Gallerie

The rich aubergine hue of this plush pillow is a great match!

Empire Pillow, ZGallerie

This print is so similar to outfit #2...don't you think?

Overleaf Yellow by Marni Rug, The Rug Collection



This gorgeous Tibetan wool rug seems to be inspired by outfit #3!

Architectural Wallpaper by Chesapeake



Just like the striking black and cream/gold combo on that last outfit, this wallpaper brings the drama.

So how did I do? Hope you had as much fun reading as I did pulling this all together!

Project: Spring Napkins

Easter is a week away and I'll be hosting my hubby's family. I've been preparing a bit, decorating here and there but felt I was missing something. Then today I found these sweet DIY Spring Napkins over on The Purl Bee.

It seems that if you can sew, you can make these napkins. I have so many scraps of fabric and lots of ric rac ribbon...I am so tempted to give this project a try!

And if I do, you can be sure the photos will be here :)

Then, I of course went on a little hunt for napkin rings to go with them...aren't these from Crate and Barrel just a perfect match:

They remind me of a project we did at one of the magazines I worked at. My amazingly creative pal simply popped the heads off of faux flowers similar to these and glue them onto wide pieces of sturdy grosgrain ribbon. A simple project and more cost effective too...although at $2.95 each these from Crate and Barrel are a steal.

I love decorating tables, its one of my favorite things to do. How about you...how are you decorating for Easter?

Black & White Rooms

Black and white is another one of my favorite color combos so I thought I would do a little search for inspirational rooms in black and white. What did I find? A collection of rooms that are so well put together, I just had to share them...enjoy!

This bedroom is just over-the-top glamour. My dream bedroom...this one is from the Beautiful Designer Bedrooms slideshow over on House Beautiful. Swoon! How can you not LOVE that fantastic black glass chandelier?!!

The next three images I found over at Canadian House and Home's website (my new favorite place to visit!)

The rug is the real showstopper here and I love how it so smartly ties the room together. Plus, those pops of yellow work so perfectly to break up all of the black and white...I'd love to sit and have a cocktail here.

Ok, I don't usually go for such a stark room (or deer antlers) however, I think this room is so cleverly styled. Plus, that tufted ottoman with the cow hide chairs are to die for. Love.

Finally, I may be cheating with this next room because there is a lot of color going on, but it is controlled so nicely. The bursts of color are almost like little gemstones scattered about. This room is so brilliant. From the zebra rug to the interesting handwritten artwork (?!) to the gorgeous blooms on the drapery, this room just screams style!

Hope you enjoyed my picks...what about you? Do you decorate with black & white in your home?

DIFFA Dining by Design Show, NYC

The New York Times web site today has a fantastic slideshow of all the amazing designer tables at the DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Dining by Design Show in NYC that was on Monday night. All proceeds from the night go to the DIFFA foundation, a wonderful organization.

This year's tables were so creative, so amazing, I was bummed I didn't go see them myself. Here, my faves:

Designer David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group had the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's (my all-time FAVE) playing on a screen behind their gorgeous table, which was divided with a curtain of Swarovski Crystals. Can you say dream-come-true?

Another favorite, the fixture above Eric Warner's table for Aesthete seems to be dripping with gorgeous purple ribbons...how creative and colorful! I want to do this for my upcoming birthday :)

Finally, this showstopping table by the designer Arpad Baksa really caught my eye. See how the red just pops? His design was called "All the Webs We Weave." and according to the NY Times it consisted of 50 Gloriosa lilies that were all suspended with fishing wire from a bicycle wheel. GENIUS! I love the unique use of ordinary supplies to make something beautiful.

To check out all of the photos, head on over to NYTIMES.com slideshow. Enjoy!

Spring Fling

Spring is officially here! Time to spruce up our homes. In honor of the new season, I've pulled together a few of the spring things I am craving right now:

Ranunculus Flowers

With their tissue-thin petals and soft pretty colors,they are the perfect flower to welcome spring into your home. I can't help but fall in love with them. This gallery of bouquets from Martha Stewart Weddings is just breathtaking. Look for ranunculus at your local shop and bring a few stems home, you'll be glad you did!

Butterfly Vase

So delicate and pretty in white, this sweet vase from Paper-Source is a must. I love how the butterflies seem to be fluttering right off the vase. So perfect to wake up a home-office desk, or any desk for that matter!

Portico Mirror

There really isn't a better way to bounce that energetic spring sunlight around a room than with the use of mirrors. A large, oversized one like this one from Z.Gallerie, is just the way to do it stylishly in a bedroom, living room, hallway - anywhere that could use a little extra shine.

Opaque Linen Grommet Window Panels

Speaking of sunlight, it's also time to change up the window dressings. I need something a bit lighter that will let some of that sunshine in but still allows for some privacy. These panels from West Elm would be perfect in my bedroom. Time to shop!

What are you craving for spring?

Loving Lilac & Brown

Although my wardrobe may not always reflect it (hello closet full of black!), I actually love color. I am especially inspired by unique interesting color combinations like my current favorite...lilac & brown.

Perhaps that's why I can't help staring at this gorgeous photo from Martha Stewart Weddings.

These two shades play so nicely together, don't they? They are modern, fresh and a little moody. Love it.

How about you? What colors are inspiring you right now?

Blog Love

Photo via Madebygirl.com

Ever since the fabulous Blog it Forward mashup began, I have been meeting some wonderful new bloggers. And finding other new blogs through those, etc.

I thought that I would share a few of them here with you all...I recommend that you pop on over for a visit!

MadebyGirl

Max and Ellie
Design Crush

RickshawDesign

Lavender and Limes

Shelter

Habitually Chic

Style Files

That Girl in Pearls
La Dolce Vita

Mrs. Lillien

and of course....sfgirlbybay!

Have fun!

Inspired by Williams-Sonoma

Since it was so rainy this weekend, when I did get out I decided to head to Williams-Sonoma. Easter is coming soon and since that is our big holiday to host, I decided I needed a little inspiration.

When I arrived, I was happy to see how prepared they were for Easter. Not only was the front of the store filled with Easter goodies such marshmallow ducklings, malted chocolate eggs, jelly beans and sour gummy bunnies....

...but the table in the back of the store was beautifully set for a lovely Easter holiday.

How sweet are these little bunny taper candle holders? I think they are my favorite part.

I controlled my tempation to purchase, well everything, since I know I have a lovely closet full of tabletop goodies. However, I did purchase a little jar of Herbs de Provence and picked up their recipe card for an Herbs de Provence Leg of Lamb, using said herbs. I cannot wait to test it out.

How about you? What inspired you this weekend?

Bronze Beauties...

A few years ago, certain home accessories were all about stainless steel, nickel and brushed chrome. I know because I fell for it! My kitchen appliances, most light fixtures and the accent lamps in my living room...are all about that cool shine.

Now, it seems its time to go warm. Bronze is back...well, it has been back for awhile, actually. However, lately, I'm noticing a lot more warm, bronze accessories creeping up...and I like it.

Lighting. I was at Porto Vivo in Huntingon, NY this week for the LI Pulse party. These oversized bronze light fixtures that were in the center of the restaurant stole my heart. Amazing, right?

Window shades. My friends at Hunter Douglas recently alerted me to this trend...how fabulous do these shades look? Sheer bronze fabrics, yes, please! These are from their Alustra Duette honeycomb shades series. So elegant.

Decorative furniture. I am in love with this oil-rubbed bronze Etagere from Restoration Hardware. I love this for a bathroom or really, more for a living room or bedroom.

And these Mission-style house numbers also from Restoration Hardware are just so fun and fabulous...I had to include them!

Projects Inspired by The New York Times

I was reading the NY Times' Home & Garden section online this morning and found lots of inspiration for a few projects this weekend.

First up, this amazing inspiration board that had my heart beating a little faster.

Not only is it a beautiful photo, but such a lovely curated collage of inspiration! I love how neatly everything is displayed using a similar push pin.

Note to self: lose the mis-matched assortment of random pushpins and invest in a prettier, grown-up set like these from The Container Store:

Ok, project number 1 for this weekend is set: create a new inspiration board for my pending spring decorating projects.

Next up? Project #2....create a gallery wall of photos....similar to this one.

How fun. I've been noticing a trend in "gallery" photo displays, I even wrote about them last month and am determined to create my own. I love how this one uses primarily, what looks like vintage papers and other ephemera. Really nice. (Hm, maybe I need a trip to my local antique store this weekend?)

So who does this home belong to? Brooklyn-based architects Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler, who opened up their lovely one-bedroom aparment/workspace to the NY Times for this amazing slideshow. And props to Leigh Davis, who photographed their home so beautifully.

I love being inspired unexpectedly, don't you?!

Live Colorfully...by Kate Spade

So says the happy email I received from the Kate Spade web site this morning :) What a cheerful way to start the day.

In honor of this happy idea...here are a few colorful finds that I'm craving from the site today.

Garden Party Wool Scarf

I love wearing scarves, especially during those transitional times such as spring and fall. This one is so pretty and is rocking my favorite color combo: shades of purple and green.

Moon River Double Pearl and Bow Necklace

Ok, it is not full of color, but a nod to Holly Golightly? I'll take it and wear it with a simple hot pink sheath. Perfection.

New York Minute Idiom Bracelet

This bracelet reminds me of balloons and gumballs! I'd wear this to a garden party, a child's birthday party or any other spring event!

Imogen Sandal

How gorgeous would this be paired with, well any summer outfit! I am picturing it with a flowing white gauzy dress and lots of gold jewelry:)

The March issue of Long Island Pulse!

I'm so happy to share my two latest columns in the March issue of LI Pulse (great cover, right?!)

First, I talked with Estela Lugo from the oh-so-popular Modern Dose. Have you ever checked out her site? Well, I highly recommend you go there and get ready to shop! Estela has a great selection of furniture, accessories for the home and kids too. She and I talked about how "Modern" style has changed and what it means today. Check out the article here.

This month's Expert Q & A was with Christine Zampaglione of NY Design Pod in Patchogue, NY. Christine is a founding partner of this new, exciting showroom for interior designers.

I had so much fun talking with Christine and am so excited to spread the word about her fabulous showroom. You can check out the article here and check out her web site here.


Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

My Favorite Gowns at the Oscars...

I thought this year, the gowns were just fabulous! Well, not all of them...but most of them just blew me away! The current ladies of Hollywood certainly brought glamour back this year. Here are my favorites:

Sandra Bullock : The Golden Girl (and Oscar Winner!)

Gorgeous and classy in gold! And I read that she wore Chanel Rouge in Paris, a classic red. Amazing.

Jennifer Lopez: The Diva.
I LOVED this dress. The color was perfect for her skin tone and it hugged her curves perfectly. The train was quite the debate on Twitter last night, however, this dress would not have been the same without it!

Cameron Diaz: Shimmering Princess
She looked stunning in this gold, sparkly gown and she was quite funny on stage too.



Demi Moore : The Knockout

As Rachel Zoe would say (who probably dressed her) - this dress was bananas!
She is STUNNING and her body is just crazy good for 40+.



Penelope Cruz: Spicy Fashionista.
Loved the rich color and the gatherings on the dress...that treatment reminded me so much of my wedding gown, which I loved :)

Vera Farmiga : The Newcomer (that got to kiss George Clooney!)
I am a sucker for hot pink ruffles...this was amazing. She looked so fresh and modern.

Kristen Stewart: Fun, Fearless...and Shy
Even though she was so awkward on stage, the girl captured that modern-tortured-glamorous-Twilight look perfectly in her midnight navy gown.

Jennifer Lopez photo via Harper's Bazaar. All others via HuffingtonPost.com

How about you? Who wore your favorite gowns of the night?

Oscars Party Tips - Celebrity Style

Can you believe it is nearly time for the Oscars? Yep, they're THIS Sunday! With all of its glitz and glamour, the Oscars are a great excuse to throw a party.

Just ask Sir Elton John,who is once again throwing his post-Oscars bash and HIV/AIDS fundraiser this year. His amazing parties always draw the A-list as evident by this photo below of Elton (left) with Posh Spice, Elton's partner David Furnish and Eva Longoria Parker.

Photo via BizBash.com

This year, I did a little research on how these celebrities party post-Oscars. I gathered a ton of great tips from Elton's party and Madonna and Demi Moore's party too!

Then, for us normal folks, I put a budget-spin on them for us normal folks. You can check out my tips, including how to recreate the amazing tables at Elton John's 2009 party (below) over at Holidash.com.

Photo via Holidash.com (via Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Looking for recipes? Don't forget the classic Oscar party master, Wolfgang Puck. He's been catering the Governor's Ball in Hollywood for years. Last year I went crazy for his short rib recipe and included it in my 2009 Oscars Party article at Celebrations.com.

This year? I'm droooling over his announced plans to serve Prime Mini Burgers with Cheddar and Remoulade - YUM!

via abcnews.com

Me? I'll be watching with the hubby, rooting for George and Sandra, drinking a little champagne with my Oscar ballot in hand! :)

York Wallcoverings: Inspired by Disney

York Wallcoverings is just one of those brands that continues to inspire with every new collection and their Walt Disney Signature line is no exception. I recently received a lovely email about York's latest wallpaper designs, all inspired by Disney's iconic film, Fantasia.

The film is such a whimsical masterpiece, I was so excited to see what the designers at York came up with. Here are a few of my favorites, along with the artwork they were inspired by:

Pixie (bottom) was inspired by The Nutcracker Suite scene (directly below) as the forest is awakened by a blanket of dewdrops delivered mid-flight by the dewdrop fairies. So pretty, I see this in a nursery or even in a bathroom.

Illuminata (bottom) was also inspired by The Nutcracker Suite scene (directly below) and its whimsical dewdrop fairies illuminating the forest in the early morning. I love this design for a nursery or a child's room. I would love to paper one wall in this! So inspiring!

I also happen to love the Allegro pattern (below), another Walt Disney Signature pattern. So cool, I think it would be great for smaller projects like papering the inside of a closet or even just to frame and hang in a bedroom.

There are so many other pretty designs, go check out the entire Walt Disney Signature collection at York Wallcoverings. You'll be glad you did!