{inspiration} An Inspired Mismatch of Pattern

As it is Monday most of you are probably looking to read about a wonderful interior space, designer or stylist whose work or images will inspire us for the wonderful week ahead...but today I thought I would veer a bit off course. Still holding true to showcasing inspired work I thought we could talk about how to find interior inspiration in unexpected places.
Over the weekend I was flipping through the August issue of Instyle and found a great article entitled "10 New Style Statements". The spread talks about how to use traditional apparel pieces and patterns but tweak them in ways to make your look totally modern. This is the exact idea many of us use in designing interiors to achieve spaces with that great dynamic of timelessness and relevance. I used the image above to highlight how a great mismatch of prints and pattern can create a look that is uniquely personal and fresh. Why the outfit works is key in translating this idea into an interior space: 1. Pair prints that won't compete with each other. In this case one print is a bold, ornate pattern (the floral) and the second is a smaller, more graphic print (the polka dots) which will read as a neutral. 2. Use complementary colors that fall in the same color family (deep jewel tones are used above). 3. Give the look weight or a grounded affect by using a neutral (the leather belt) in a natural fiber. 4. Add a few statement accessories to make everything sparkle (the rings).
If this idea of getting inspiration from an outfit is still a stretch for you, think of it this way: A tufted, burgundy sofa with a beautiful gold and blue pattern weaving through it, partnered with a pair of chairs in midnight blue with soft cream dots, a leather ottoman in deep espresso, a tonal, gold rug and fabulous metallic lamps. And that is how the outfit above becomes a fresh look for your home. Inspiration is everywhere... have a great week!

*photography by Ilan Rubin via Instyle Magazine

Tommy Hilfiger + Des Moines

I unfortunately will not be able to post anything new today as I am lending my visual assistance to the opening of the new Tommy Hilfiger store (located in the Jordan Creek Town Center). How very exciting to have another fashion brand finally come to the town! Happy shopping to all who stop by and I will be back blogging on Friday!

All I Want for Christmas is Grace Kelly's Wardrobe

I will be making a trip to London in April. The spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly, one of the most popular and iconic actresses of the 1950s, will be on display at the Victoria & Albert museum in London from April 17th - September 26th 2010.

Tracing the evolution of her style from her days as one of Hollywood's most popular actresses in the 1950s and as Princess Grace of Monaco. The display will present over 50 of Grace Kelly's outfits together with hats, jewelery and the original Hermès Kelly bag. Dresses from her films will be shown as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar award in 1955.

Grace Kelly as Tracy Lord in 'High Society', 1956.

The exhibition will feature dresses from her films such as 'Rear Window'. The dress Kelly wore for the film, above, inspired Carolina Herrera to design her own version.

The belted, short-waist dress, by Barnell of New York, which Kelly chose to wear for the announcement of her engagement, will feature at the V&A.

The display will also include the lace ensemble worn by Grace Kelly for her civil marriage ceremony to Prince Rainier in 1956 and 35 haute couture gowns from the 1960s and 70s by her favorite couturiers Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Yves St Laurent.

Azzaro

If you are not familiar with theOutnet then point your browser HERE. Created by the team behind the award-winning fashion website NET-A-PORTER.COM, theOutnet is a global shopping destination devoted to selling discounted designer womenswear and accessories. As Natalie Massenet, Founder and Chairman of NET-A-PORTER explains, "Great fashion won't disappear - it will go to theOutnet."

This week, theOutnet.com turns the spotlight on Azzaro – the iconic brand to wear now. The “it” label since the 70s, it is a byword in refined glamour with a timeless appeal. With discounts up to 60% off, it’s worth a click.

Karl Lagerfeld

Photograph by François-Marie Banier

For as long as I can remember I have felt a connection to people who relentlessly embrace their dreams and strive for the best. As a young girl my affinity was fostered through books. I grew up in a suburban neighborhood with two local libraries. During the long lazy days of summer my mother would drop me off at the library for regular rendezvous with F. Scott Fitzgerald and Truman Capote.

Then, as now, I loved nothing more than the thrill of being surrounded by endless stories of intrigue, fashion, parties and travel. But most of all I loved the encounters with captivating subjects. Along with my childhood home, these were the inspired worlds that profoundly shaped my young thoughts, ideas and views.

Photograph by François-Marie Banier

I am most fascinated by the complexing genius that is Karl Lagerfeld. My interest was fuelled several years ago after reading Where Karl Lagerfeld Lives by John Colapinto and Alicia Drakes' brilliant book The Beautiful Fall.

The uniquely confident and iconic Lagerfeld (born Karl Otto Lagerfeldt) is widely recognized as one of the most influential fashion designers of the late 20th century. Over decades he has collaborated with many fashion houses including Chloé and Fendi. However, it was his appointment to the House of Chanel in 1982 that elevated his reining status in the world of fashion.

Photograph by Karl Lagerfeld

Since moving to the UK I have become smitten with the shelter magazine Elle Decoration. Just when I think I’ve seen their best issue ever I am proven wrong the next month. Yesterday I picked up my April copy for the plane, but had to take a peek at the exclusive photos of Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris apartment. As Diana Vreeland once said, “Few things are more fascinating than the opportunity to see how people live during their private hours.”

Photograph by Karl Lagerfeld

The entire issue, including the 12 page Lagerfeld spread, is jaw dropping. My advice, get yourself a copy and find a cozy spot to read and devourer each photo. The last page features a fantasctic 1970 photo of style icon Gloria Vanderbilt - sheer perfection. Enjoy!

Fun + Flirty for Spring

Photo via Garance Doré

I was pondering Hollister Hovey's post on nail polish when I fortuitously came across the above photo while searching my files. It got me to thinking about spring and the fact that it may be time to abandon my dark nail polish for awhile. I have also switched my perfume in anticipation of warmer weather. Here are a few of my favorite finds for the season. What must haves are on your list? Either real or imagined...we can always dream.

Bold tones rule for Spring 2009. Just as brighter colors turned up the runways for Spring 2009 Fashion Week, nail polish colors have followed suite. For a quick update try Essie One of a Kind Poppy Red Kiss or Deborah Lippmann Purple Rain, a shimmering lilac frost created by Zac Posen.

For spring think pink! I love the color pink, but can't force myself to wear pink clothes. Now I can added it to my wardrobe in a very fashionable way. The ever-popular Plasteramic Watch goes Neon.

The asymmetrical silhouette is huge for spring. Shoshanna's version, with a banded waist and ruched skirt, makes for the perfect little black dress.

The one-piece wonder is back! I for one love the jumpsuit. Of course, my sisters tell me that's because I am 5'9. I think this Alice + Olivia flutter sleeve jumpsuit is super stunning. Very Studio 54.

I recently received a bottle of Lea Extreme by Lea St. Barth from the gracious Christine Elia. I am in love with this scent! A powdery almond scent, mixed with hints of vanilla and musk, it's perfect for warmer months.

A pop of color is a must for the men too. This Michael Kors Tie-Dye Shirt is very cool. For a fun look at fashion, visit www.whatisjameswearing.com.

The biggest must have on my spring list is a bee friendly flower garden. My son has been studying the alarming trend of bee decline and is determined to make a difference. Together we are encouraging everyone to plant chives this spring.

Any flowering plant is helpful but bees love chives, which are very easy to grow. Rosemary, comfrey and lavender are also good options. If you don’t have a garden, plant a few in pots or window boxes. Every little bit helps.

Photo credit: model Mélanie Bernier/photo via Garance Doré

Profile: Carlos Souza

When it comes to sophistication and style Carlos Souza defines both words. An internationally recognized style icon, Carlos began his fashionable and formidable career with the incomparable Valentino. In his 20+ years with the Italian fashion house, he served as vice president of worldwide public relations, celebrity liaison and confidant to the legendary designer.

Inspired by his upbringing in Brazil, life in Europe and international travel, Carlos founded his own jewelry line—Most Wanted Design (MWD). An unpretentious mix of metals and precious stones are the foundation of Carlos’ unisex jewelry. Yes, unisex. Carlos publicly acknowledges the fact that it takes “guts" for men to wear his jewelry designs, yet many have wisely followed his fashionable lead.

His Most Wanted Design millennium debut took place on a yacht in the Caribbean with Claudia Schiffer, Liz Hurley, Tim Jeffries, Giancarlo Giametti and Valentino. Carlos gave Valentino and Giancarlo his unique, inscribed Charlemagne crosses, and thus his collection was born.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
My travels, fabulous friends and my sons.

What are your most prized possession?
I prize my health, sanity and acute intuition.

What are the things life you cannot live without?
Love, peace of mind and yoga.

Who has inspired your personal style?
I have lived and worked in the very high altar of Haute Couture when exercising my PR activity for the house of Valentino. Nowadays I find that inspiration comes in the simplest forms and from nature.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
My sons. They have very good direction in these hectic times that we are living.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
Coetzee and always some Rumi.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
I love to retreat to my farm outside Rio when I want to shut off the phone and my PC .

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
To feel love, peace and harmony inside my heart and to share that feeling with the people closest to me.

Past or present who or what has most influenced your direction in life?
The love of my family and close friends. They influence me daily in my quest to be a better person. A good direction indeed.

Profile by Ronda Carman

Kenneth Paul Block

Always fascinated with anything Truman Capote, I just finished reading Deborah Davis’ book Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and His Black and White Ball.

Intrigued by the illustration of Amanda Burden, in the borrowed black and white striped gown designed by Cecil Beaton for My Fair Lady, I was reminded of the work of Kenneth Paul Block.

One of the most influential fashion illustrators of the twentieth century, Kenneth Paul Block made his mark on the world of fashion at Women's Wear Daily in the 1950s. Long identified and celebrated for his drawings and water colors of such society icons as Babe Paley, the Duchess of Windsor, Jackie Kennedy and C.Z. Guest, he also became a favorite of the leading fashion designers.

Scores of designers hired Mr. Block to illustrate their collections, including, Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, Pierre Cardin, Garavani Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene and Oscar de la Renta. Block also documented the work of up-and-coming designers Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis and Halston.

Attending the shows in Paris, London, Milan and New York, Mr. Block was one of the first to capture the latest trend-setting styles of the 1960s and the post-war shift of couture to prêt-a-porter through illustration.

More of Mr. Block’s work can be seen in the beautiful book Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Paul Block by Susan Mulcahy, with a foreword by Yves Saint Laurent and an introduction by Isaac Mizrahi.

'Runway to Change'

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be a political commentary, nor is it meant to alienate McCain supporters. I just find it fascinating the way fashion and design can permeate so many facets of life. Recently several designers including Derek Lam, Isaac Mizrahi, Tracy Reese, Tory Burch, Rachel Roy, Rag and Bone, Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen and Diane von Furstenberg sketched and designed clothing items and bags for the Obama campaign. Runway to Change is an unprecedented political collaboration from New York's fashion industry.

For the record, I did search the MaCain website for a similar project and would have posted similar items had they existed.

Designed by Tracy Reese

Designed by Tory Burch

Designed by Derek Lam

Designed by Diane Von Furstenberg

From the Obama website: All of products are union and USA made and produced. All purchases made on the Obama Store are 100% contributions to the campaign and count towards overall contribution limit.