fashion Friday: Chanel

Chanel is a Parisian fashion house, founded by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.  The brand is one of the most established and recognized brands in fashion.  They specialize in couture, handbags, perfumes, cosmetics, among others.  Coco Chanel wanted to replace sexy pieces of clothing with pieces that displayed a casual elegance.

Her designs are timeless, and have remained relatively constant throughout the years.  Today, they are most known for the "little black dress", which remains a staple in most women's wardrobes (although not usually a Chanel dress).  Chanel has had many high-profile celebrities endorse its products, such as Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightly, and perhaps most famously, Marilyn Monroe.  The Chanel No. 5 perfume is one of the most iconic perfumes known throughout the world.

color palette: black and white

I AM ALL OVER THIS!  Black and white is quite possibly one of my all-time favorite color combinations.  It is simple, clean, and so timeless.  When I think modern, I think white, and nothing goes better with white than black!  One thing that I love to use as a main inspiration is contrast, and NOTHING is more of a contrast then black and white.  Check out some of these spaces:

I love the very subtle pop of green used in this room above.. and I am dying over all of the Lucite!

When using a color palette as simple as black and white, you want to make sure to add lots of interest in other ways, such as texture.  This room above uses a wonderful shag carpet to break up the flatness of all the white.  I also love the super-low coffee tables.

Stripes are a perfect way to add dimension to a room that is decorated solely in black and white.

I love the pink details in this bathroom.

coming soon!

Coming next week, we will have our very first designer interview with Mila Hermanovski, a finalist from Project Runway Season 7!  We're going to talk to her about her amazing designs, being on Project Runway, and her thoughts about how fashion influences home design.

succulents

Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, and roots.  This gives succulents a more swollen or fleshy appearance than other plants (this is called succulence). 

Succulent plants have become my absolute favorite plant to have around the house.  They are very low-maintenance and require little watering.  Although they thrive in warm and sunny climates, setting them in a window or under a growing light for up to seven hours a day will allow them to flourish.  Their unique architecture and odd appearance add so much character and life to your home.  I have several succulent and cactus plants throughout my home, and they have become such a passion for me.

Succulents don't always have to be potted plants.  They are also great to use in arrangements, like this one above.

ellegant

Last week when I was at the drugstore, I picked up a copy of Elle Decor, and I instantly fell in love with it!  It is created by the publishers of Elle magazine, and for me, it is a collection of pure inspiration.

pillow talk

I am all about velvet details right now, and I am thinking about pillows!  Crate & Barrel has some really chic velvet pillows in an array of sophisticated colors.  I think when choosing a color for a pillow, contrast is something to keep in mind.  Velvet is the perfect accent material.  Velvet pillows are plush, lush, and just lovely!

omg!

I was so lucky to have the chance to meet Alexis Stewart before the show.  We ran into her outside the studio (and when I say we "ran into her", I mean that we hung out in front of the studio for an hour and saw Alexis walking in).  Contrary to what "people" (like Tim Gunn) say about Alexis, I have to say that my experience meeting her was nothing but a pleasure.  She was really sweet and really down-to-earth.  She spoke to me for quite a bit, took pictures, and signed my book.  The show was great!  Alexis and Jennifer are doing a really great job.  If you want to watch a really fun hour of talk (where no topic is off-limits), then tune into Whatever with Alexis and Jennifer, only on Hallmark, weekdays at NOON.

multicolor man

Takashi Murakami is a contemporary Japanese artist who works with painting and digital media.  He takes popular themes from mass media and pop culture, and turns them into 30-foot sculptures, paintings, or commercial goods.  He is also the mastermind behind this famous multicolored Louis Vuitton print:

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mr. adler

What can I say about Jonathan Adler?  The store is amazing.  He sells everything, and it's all so quirky, chic, and colorful.  It has wall art, bath accessories, furniture, candles, bedding.. EVERYTHING!  If you're looking for a unique gift, check out Jonathan Adler.

nyc

Truly one of my favorite and most inspiring places to be is New York City.

what inspires me

House plants

Andy Warhol

Stripes

Louis Vuitton luggage

Toys

Great food

Gift wrap

Newport, Rhode Island

Technology