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Tip deLuxe
STEALING BEAUTY
We’re embarking on a new year (a new decade actually!) and you’re ready to make some changes
to chez vous. Where to start? Everyone, even professional interior designers, need a jumping off point,
a focus, a raison d’être. It’s called inspiration. And without it, you’ll spend the next six months going around
and around in circles trying to figure out “what’s my style???” So take a little time during this holiday break,
grab a stack of magazines (remember those?) and start tearing. Don’t think about it, just rip out what you like.
Fashion layouts, jewelry ads, interiors, food features … whatever speaks to you. When you’re done, pull aside
the two or three that say “THIS IS ME!” and file the rest away. Yes, steal some beauty and allons-y!
Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall ‘09 campaign and a beautiful Payard feature from Town & Country Travel magazine.
Confectionary images to inspire the interiors of the girly-girls out there.
A room by designer Anne Coyle.
If you could live inside the Fall Gucci campaign or the latest Gorsuch catalog then you
respond to texture, layering and luxury and should book a trip to St. Moritz immediately.
Tom Scheerer’s Kip’s Bay Showhouse bedroom.
Maybe you’re a traditionalist with a saucy side. Like these ladies captured by Kate Spade and Slim Aarons.
Think vivid colors, floral prints and vintage accents with a little leather thrown in.
A Miles Redd bedroom from Domino.
Are you drawn to sleek, sexy, fashionable images?
Then let David Bowie and Marni’s 2008 collection be your inspiration.
A Chicago installation by Kara Mann.
Let the dark side of life be your muse. Like these images from 1992's Dracula and the blog Tedore.
The current vampire craze could inform a dark, dramatic space.
Anthony Gianacakos’ East Harlem bedroom from Lonny magazine.
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THE LUXE LIST – Holiday Hostess Gifts
It’s that time of year when friends and family invite us into their homes to celebrate
the season. And if your mother “taught you right”, you don’t show up empty-handed.
So what to buy that special host or hostess? Your gift doesn't have to be expensive,
but it should be thoughtful, attractive, and well, something the person might actually want.
So to ease your mind and your wallet, Luxe & Lucid has hand-picked ten hip, holiday
hostess gifts below. You’re sure to be a hit, so enjoy yourself and party on!
Coffee table books are a no-brainer. Both beautiful and meaningful.
Rizzoli publishes some of the best.
The household item no one knows they need, but no one should live without – the candle snuffer.
When not in use, this one from Match is like table art.
I personally believe you can never have too many table linens.
Who wouldn’t want a set of Sferra’s linen napkins designed by Kelly Wearstler?
Which leads me to my next obsession … napkin rings.
The latest designs are like jewelry and are sure to delight a glamorous hostess.
A cashmere blanket is the perfect cold-weather gift, especially if you’re an overnight guest.
I love the gorgeous hues above from Williams-Sonoma Home.
These fold-up leather slippers are stylish, useful and on sale for less than $35!
Some of us spend more time at our desks than anywhere else, even our homes.
Why not give that stylish man you know a desktop calendar that will brighten up his desk and his day?
Is it just me or is cheese beautiful? I love the colors, the smells, the packaging.
A selection of French cheeses from Dean & Deluca for the foodie in your group.
I’m a big fan of Claus Porto liquid soap and have it at home and in my office.
I mean seriously, could this soap get any better looking?
Everyone, and I do mean everyone, loves candles.
Seda France's lovely little pagoda boxes make them the perfect pre-packaged gift!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LUXE & LUCID!
Tricia xo
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Lonny
Luxe & Lucid was on hiatus last week. My home laptop was corrupted by a virus (good times),
so I wasn’t able to blog. Here’s a quick post until the next in-depth Luxe & Lucid installment …
Although it breaks my heart to watch so many shelter mags shutter their production, I am happy to report
that one forward-thinking and stylish girl has come to the rescue in our time of need. Michelle Adams has
launched LONNY, a new online design magazine. Currently into its second issue, the “e-zine” is winning rave
reviews and already has 10,000 fans on Facebook. I am beyond impressed with its stylish content, beautiful
photography and easy-to-use web format. It takes A LOT to impress me, so let me assure you that this is one chic
periodical and well worth a bookmark. I’ve “torn out” some of my favorite pages from Lonny - volume 2 below.
The Cover
Every page is printable, email-able, blog-able.
A gorgeous spread on the Hotel Keppler. A definite contender for my next trip to Paris.
The article on uber chic Haus Interior is a showcase for the magazine’s slick, stylish photography.
I pretty much love everything in their Gift Guide.
This is a dressing room in J. Crew’s upper east side shop.
It could have been a Huntley & Co. design!
A detail from Kate Spade on 5th Avenue.
I don’t know what I’m looking at, but I love it.
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L.A. = Love Affair
I made a pit stop in LA for a couple of days on my way to Arizona for Thanksgiving.
Sunshine, shopping and some of the best design sources in the US – it was heaven!
Below are some highlights from my fabulous 48 hours in the city of angels.
I stayed at the Chamberlain in West Hollywood.
A Kelly Wearstler-designed boutique hotel tucked away in a lush, leafy neighborhood.
First stop – Jean de Merry.
Huntley & Co. is doing the modern wing chair and chandelier below
in an apartment overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland. So cool!
The Collection Los Angeles is a great new resource I haven’t used before.
They have an incredible selection of vintage furniture, lighting, accessories and jewelry.
Like the vases above and the matchstick caddies below.
Funny how the only bauble in the bunch is what made its way into my shopping bag.
So predictable!
Downtown is signature LA – sexy and chic with the nicest salespeople to boot.
Loved the lacquered red side tables below.
I thought I had died and gone to heaven at Dragonette.
Patrick Dragonette’s eponymous shop is gorgeous online, but in person it’s on a whole different level.
Gorgeous vintage and custom furniture, lighting and accessories.
And his vignettes are insane!
After all of my hard work on La Cienega, I made my way over to Melrose.
For a lovely meal at the charming bistro Comme Ca.
And to explore the beautiful courtyards and gardens of the neighborhood.
And of course, a trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without a little retail therapy.
I fell in love with the beautiful things at Temperley London.
Wrapping things up in the Chamberlain lobby before checkout.
Sad to go, but off to AZ for more sunshine!
Footnote: There are dozens of other LA hotspots, but some worth a stop:
Bar Tosca at La Boheme, Lucques, Paul Marra,
Dolce Vita, Kitson, Decades and Anastasia Salon.
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
