• Singin’ the Blues

    I was recently asked by a publisher what I thought the prevailing design trend for 2010

    would be.  My answer was immediate and definitive – seen here in the quote I sent her:

     

    RICH SHADES OF BLUE!

    Prussian, Midnight, Cerulean & Turquoise.

    Everyone is looking to get a lot of "bang for their buck" these days and that applies to

    color as well.  Deep, intoxicating colors like those mentioned above bring a sense of

    richness to a room when applied to walls (with paint, paper or fabric).  Moreover, these

    shades of blue are überhip – perfect for the young, the bold and the stylish among us. 

     

    Lo and behold, the next day Elle Decor’s March issue dropped with a deep blue room on the cover.  Snap!

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    The aforementioned cover – evidence of my intuition, insight, brilliance???  ; )

     

     

     

     

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    And a sick spread inside featuring GORGEOUS jewelry and home accessories.

     

     

     

     

    One of my favorite Vogue covers of all time.  Winona never looked so beautiful.

     

     

     

     

    steven gambrel's home west village

    Steven Gambrel’s west village townhouse.  Blue that’s sexy and masculine and unexpected.  Perfection.

     

     

    1968-Jaguar-340-Auto

    And wouldn’t you love to drive home to chez fabulous in a 1968 midnight blue Jaguar?

     

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    Maybe you’re a little more diva and a little less duchess?

    You might prefer to put your Manolo to the metal in an electric blue model from ‘84.

     

     

     

     

    Gucci Debra heels

    These stilettos would do the trick!  Gucci’s Debra heel.

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    After a long day of wearing said stilettos, it’s time for a comfy pair of slippers.

    Textile maven Gretchen Bellinger made these plush peds for me in a luxurious Bellinger mohair.

    Yes, she's a rock star and yes, I worship her.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Gretchen Bellinger

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    A vintage silk folding screen in my bedroom as seen behind my slippers in the photo above.

     

     

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    And a beautiful blue Degas book on my bedside table.

     

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    Timothy Paul carries linens, accessories and some of the most beautiful pillows in town.

     

     

    david collins - remember the london

    david collins london apartment 1_2

     

    David Collins' London home is a lesson in layering … dozens of shades of blue.

    The gorgeous spread was featured in Spanish AD.

    mad men - Joan Holloway blue dress

    The perfect foil to the Collins' living room above?  Joan Holloway sipping a cocktail.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    miles redd hague blue

     

    Miles Redd is a designer who knows how to sex-up interiors with bright, bold colors.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    vogue nippon feb 2010 CC magstyle tfs

     

    Dress as Caribbean vacation in last month’s Vogue Nippon.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Muriel Brandolini mixing cobalt, acid yellow and magenta in her own New York parlor.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    The same colors as seen in Balenciaga’s fall ‘09 ad campaign with Jennifer Connelly.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    The Stella McCartney bag I carry during the winter months.

    The color changes from indigo to midnight to black depending on the light.

     

     

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    And the electric blue hooded jacket I love to layer over simple slacks and tees.

     

     

     

    Xmas Card 2009 - P1

    Xmas Card 2009 - P2

    I was deeply imbedded in my blue obsession as of December – my 2009 holiday cards.

     

     

     

     

    blue clutches

     

    Two clutches from Vivre.  This company always nails it with accessories.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    One doesn’t typically associate cameos with cobalt blue … but how striking!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    bilhuber penn farmhouse - bm van deusen blue

     

    A country home with a complex and completely original palette like only my man JB could do.

    ladies in blue

    For evening, dramatic blues look best on strong, sexy, confident women.

     

     

    jeans

    And let’s not forget about the original indigo – denim.  Whether dressed up or dressed down,

    jeans are ALWAYS sexy.  Illustrated by BFF's Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham.

     

     

  • Tip deLuxe

    VISIT A MUSEUM

    I’ve been sick this week.  A huge bummer that doesn’t leave much room for blogging!

    So here’s a quick tip to tide you over until my next post.

    Tricia xo 

    For most Washingtonians, Snowmageddon has taken its toll.  We're worn out, burnt out

    and bummed out.  Whether you’re looking for an escape from the snow or require a little

    personal inspiration, a museum is a great place to start.  There are some fantastic exhibits

    on display right now in the nation's capital.  So just when you've begun to question your

    reasons for living here – guilty as charged – remember, we're privy to some of the most

    incredible art (and architecture and history) in the world.  And it's right at our fingertips. 

    People, this is  W A S H I N G T O N   D C.  Snow be damned!     

         

      

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Georgia O'Keeffe: Abstraction

    The Phillips Collection

    February 6, 2010 – May 9, 2010

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    portraiture now

     

    Portraiture Now: Communities

    National Portrait Gallery

    November 6, 2009 – July 5, 2010

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor

    National Geographic Museum

    November 19, 2009 – March 31, 2010

     

     

     

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    Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration

    Hirshhorn

    February 13, 2010 – April 11, 2010

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    A Dream … but not Yours: Contemporary Art from Turkey

    National Museum of Women in the Arts

    February 12, 2010 – May 16, 2010

     

     

     

     

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    Turner to Cézanne: Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum of Wales

    Corcoran Gallery of Art

    January 30, 2010 – April 25, 2010

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • What a Girl Wants

    OK boys.

    It’s time to snap out of that beer-and-chips induced Superbowl fog and back into reality.

    That’s right. Valentine’s Day is Sunday.  Am I sensing a little panic?  Maybe a cold sweat?

    But don’t worry – I’m here to help.  And I’ll let you in on a little secret.  We’re not looking for

    diamonds or a trip to Bora Bora.  What we want from you is a little effort and a bit of insight

    into what's important to us.  It shows you care.  It shows you listen.  So follow the guidelines

    below and show the girl you love that, yes, YOU ARE THE MAN!

     

     

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    FLOWERS

    Receiving flowers from a man is one of life’s simple pleasures.  Alas, all flowers are not the

    same.  You may think a dozen red roses from the local grocery store is a nice gift.  But you

    might as well pick up a MacDonald’s Big Mac and wrap it with a red bow.  Cheap and easy

    is not the way to say “Je t’aime”.  Think unique, glamorous, one-of-a-kind … like your beloved.

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    Ultraviolet

    Lush arrangements that are colorful and dramatic.

     

     

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    Volanni

    Michael Lanni’s creations are unique, architectural and exotic.

     

     

     

     

     

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    Saipua

    I’ve mentioned before how much I love Saipua’s flowers.  But they only deliver in

    New York.  So if you’re lucky enough to live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, it’s time

    to drop some not-so-subtle hints to your man about these incredible blooms.

     

     

     

     

    JEWELRY

    Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but these days I find many women are less concerned

    with jewelry houses and labels and more interested in unique, statement-making pieces. 

     

     

    vivre jewelry

     

    Vivre

    This catalog is my go-to source for everything chic and dramatic, especially jewelry.  Fabulous!

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    Bobbie Medlin

    Bobbie is local, but her pieces have global sophistication. 

    Her one-of-a-kind necklaces are for the the chic, risk-taking woman.

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    Robin Katz

    For the woman who loves vintage.  This jeweler’s inventory always blows my mind.

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    SWEETS

    Not all girls love chocolate, but those who do are typically fanatics.  If so, a Whitman’s

    sampler isn’t going to cut it.  Washington has some fabulous chocolate shops with staff

    who are knowledgeable and eager to help you select that perfect Valentine’s Day treat.

     

     

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    Locolat

    This Belgian café has a delicious menu, wine and beer, outdoor seating and delightful service.

    And then there’s the chocolate.  Owner and chef Niel Piferoen creates his specialty  

    pastries, truffles, etc. on site.  A true gem for the beau who aims to impress.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Artisan Confections

    Virginia native Jason Andelman creates hip, modern confections.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DINNER

    For me the key to a romantic dinner is an intimate space, a unique menu, stellar

    service and a dimly lit, sultry atmosphere,  Ask for a booth with some privacy,

    but avoid no-man’s land in the back; you want to enjoy the buzz of the restaurant.

     

     

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    Bourbon Steak at The Four Seasons

    Elegant interior, elegant cuisine, elegant service.

     

     

     

     

     

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    Cashion's

    Sophisticated dining in a laid-back environment.

     

     

     

     

     

    Darlington House

    Fashionable and romantic – imagine Jimmy Choo as a restaurateur.

     

     

     

    THE WRITTEN WORD

    And don’t forget to tell your girl just how much you love her with a handwritten note!

     

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    This exquisite Valentine is a Delphine Studio design available through Etsy.