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one-five-eleven
January 2011 is a big month for me.
Huntley & Co. celebrates its fifth year, mon amour and I mark our 1-year anniversary, and [gulp] I turn the big 4-0!
I’m more excited than anxious about this milestone. I actually like getting older, believe it or not. With every year
I feel stronger, more in control, more the woman I am meant to be. But just because I like getting older doesn’t
mean I like feeling older. And it’s tough not to when one’s birthday is in January. Without a ten-day respite in
Bora Bora or a major cosmetic overhaul, it’s pretty difficult to look good this time of year. So this next week I’m
going to do a little cleansing, running, scrubbing and shopping to whittle away some of time’s and winter’s ill-effects.
Hopefully by 01/05 I’ll realize that I’m not getting older, I’m getting better!
The last thing I want to do in the winter is workout. But luckily DC is sans snow right
now, so I can hit my favorite parks with Nina, get some fresh air and burn a few calories.
What I don’t burn off, I’ll scrub off. Not really, but polishing the bod couldn’t hurt.
My ethnic heritage is Norwegian, German, English and Irish – the European jackpot for
pale skin. Because of my fairness, I’ve avoided sun worship for the last twenty years. It’s made
a huge difference in my skin, but come January I’m as pale as a ghost. Thank goodness for
spray tans. This is a great pick-me-up for winter or any time of year if you avoid the sun like I do.
None of the above would make a bit of difference without a trip to the salon.
Hair can make or break a look (unless you’re Natalie Portman) and I’m
terribly overdue for a cut and highlight. Brennan, get your a– back from vacation!
I could use a real vitamin boost – for color, energy, etc. – so I’m considering going
hardcore and downing a wheatgrass shot every day for the next week. I have a pretty weak
constitution, so it could get ugly. Worth it? We’ll see. If I can’t stomach the wheatgrass
shots, I do have Jillian Michaels’ Detox & Cleanse system. Pills seem a lot more palatable.
If I do manage to choke down aforementioned wheatgrass shots (bleh!), I think
I deserve a little something pretty. I spotted these dresses at Barney’s Co-op
in Georgetown last week. Perfect for a romantic birthday dinner with Le Beau.
After Barney’s I can head over to Bluemercury and pick up a couple of
products to improve my pout. My lips are chapped and cracked from the
dry winter air. And a little color on my lips is always a good thing. After all ….
I expect 40 birthday kisses!
Tricia xo
Happy birthday to all my fellow Capricorns!
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Stocking Stuffers a la Georgetown
I am fortunate enough to live in Georgetown – an urban village in DC with cobblestone streets, historic
architecture, charming restaurants and fabulous shopping – the perfect setting for Christmas. So
as things quiet down, I'm going to grab a latté, enjoy my city, and pick up stocking stuffers from my
favorite vendors. Below are nine items you may want to pick up for yourself. But buyers beware,
some of these items are one of a kind and I may have already beaten you to the punch. ; )
1. J. CREW
3222 M Street NW
leather driving gloves
2. JEWELERS’ WERK
3319 Cady’s Alley NW
brooch by Reiko Ishiyama
3. SIXTEEN FIFTYNINE
1659 Wisconsin Avenue NW
vintage boxes
4. HAPPY NAIL SALON
1607 Foxhall Road NW
gift certificate for manicure …
or the polish itself – “Wicked” by Essie
5. DEAN & DELUCA
3276 M Street NW
collection of sea salts
6. SAXBY’S
3500 O Street NW
Mistletoe coffee beans
7. BLUEMERCURY
3059 M Street NW
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
8. OLIVER DUNN (aka Moss/Catherine Roberts)
1657 Wisconsin Avenue NW
owl Christmas ornaments
9. THE LANTERN
3241 P Street NW
vintage books on travel, art and history
Happy holidays to my fellow Georgetowners and Luxe & Lucid readers worldwide!
Tricia xo
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Tip deLuxe
GIFT GIVING – HOLIDAY 2010
OK people, here it is. Luxe & Lucid’s holiday shopping guide for 2010. I realize it’s the
11th hour, but don’t tell me you don’t have a little shopping left to do. If not, I hate you.
If so, great! Because the list below is going to get you excited and encourage more
spending. Your wallet may not thank me, but your friends and family will.
Happy Holidays!
THE ROMANTIC
You may not be a romantic yourself, but it’s awfully fun to buy for those who are.
Look for dramatic and drop dead gorgeous items.
Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors photographed by Rebecca Plotnick.
Coro cameo earrings
Alice in Wonderland vintage-style place cards
LE NAUTIQUE
Nautical gifts are often fairly cliché. It’s challenging to find a unique and sophisticated
gift for a loved one who lives for the water. You know who you are. Here are some options
that are a lot less expected and perhaps even chic enough for the land-lovers among us.
Thomas Paul Octopus throw woven of baby alpaca. See more on that below ; )
Blue coral stationary found at blissthink on Etsy.
Verdigris seahorse lamps based on a 1940s design.
Paperweights/ornaments available through www.ropewright.com.
THE TYPE A
People are intimidated by the Type A. But this superhuman couldn’t
be easier to buy for … just look for things that make the world a better, more
perfect place in which to live. Yes on a superficial level, but you get the idea.
Elsa Peretti candle snuffer
Ribbon dispenser box
So simple. I wish I had invented these hangers.
Slip this handbag organizer into her purse and you just saved
her 5-10 minutes every day. The gift of time … ahhhh.
THE VAGABOND
S/he loves travel, foreign movies, red wine and French rap music.
Think original, textural, natural – all with a story to tell.
A vintage pottery beads necklace found in a Tokyo flea market.
A vintage satchel in mint condition. A great find that would make a great gift.
Assorted lip balms in natural scents.
Samuel 5×7 leather bound journal from American Book Arts.
THE PREPSTER
I’m not preppy myself, but I get it. It’s a look that’s fun, fresh, pretty and happy.
What’s not to love about a combo like that? Bring on the florals, bright colors,
graphic prints and monograms. I’m feeling p[r]eppier already.
Chevron print personalized notecards
If she doesn’t have it already, this is a library must-have
for preps and Domino-lovers (i.e. pretty much everyone!).
Frances guest towels from Leontine Linens.
Seda France Pagoda Candles can be found at A Mano in Georgetown.
THE ANIMAL LOVER
Oh, where to start? Pet clothes, pet portraits, animal-inspired jewelry,
tableware and linens, books, artwork, etc. etc. As a professed and devoted
animal-lover myself, I can’t get enough of this stuff. Feline, canine, cute or
costly – there is something to satisfy every creature-enthusiast’s obsession.
Vintage stacking hedgehog ashtrays. So cute!
Winter Kitty perfume oil. A natural fragrance inspired by “felines,
fireplaces, and snowflakes”. I’ve been intrigued for months and
December may be just the time to sample this unusual scent.
Two dog beds that are so good-looking, you won’t be upset if Fido decides
that he prefers the floor. Beds by Dransfield & Ross above, Fleabag Bed below.
Polar Bear Exiting Deyrolle, 2005
William Curtis Rolf
An original charcoal drawing by Bob Kimball. So lovely
it’s worthy of your beloved feline or canine companion.
Vintage Italian brass Osprey box.
Afteil is one of the beautiful female alpacas available for sale at
Island Alpaca on Martha’s Vineyard. Such gentle, gorgeous creatures.
I would own one in a hot second if I could. Look at that face!
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK
This holiday season as in all seasons, remember to give to those who need it most.
Countless charities hope and wait for caring, generous individuals to make a difference in the lives
of the homeless, hungry and abused. For every donation you make to one of the organizations
below*, Luxe & Lucid will make one in kind. Blessings to you and yours this season.
Tricia xo
* World Vision, The Washington Humane Society and the IOCP Sleep Out.
Please email Luxe & Lucid for more information.
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Wuzzup?
I’ve received several requests from readers (colleagues, friends, etc.) for an
update on chez Huntley. I wish I could say things were further along, however, I am
happy to report the purchase of a few fabulous items that I’m dying to put in place.
All were great deals, but more importantly, they all have a Tricia-esque sensibility
and suit the house beautifully. If I survive the renovations (God willing), I may just
have one rock star pad to blog about. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned!
A general inspiration board for the public spaces.
My first purchase for the house. I stumbled upon this pair of
Platner chairs at a flea market in Pennsylvania in September.
A vintage Brutalist chandelier for the dining room (or guest room or ???).
I actually purchased this Louis XVI-style lit de repose years ago, but
always had it in storage. It’s finally found a home in my living room.
What a find. This Paul Evans style coffee table is sick!
These chairs will be gorgeous once I reupholster them.
I’m planning to use them as conference chairs in the H&C studio.
Simple, tailored and comfortable – my criteria for all sofas – whether traditional or modern.
I have scoured the floorcovering world for a funky, graphic, asymmetrical stair runner.
Apparently they don’t exist. At least not in available materials and colors that will
stand up to the paws of my canine kid. This is my best find so far. I’ll buy five or so,
cut them to fit the stair, seam them together and bind in a contrasting tape. Voila!
The ceilings in the new H&C studio are über low, but I still want a decorative
fixture at the entrance for impact. This unusual “chandelier” is just the piece.
Another hidden gem I unearthed from the POD. This little Lucite martini
table was a gift from my former boss, Paul Sherrill, from Solis Betancourt. *
Not exactly a critical element to the interior, but a great find nonetheless.
I visited the workshop of Katherine Hackl while in Princeton over Thanksgiving and
purchased several pieces of pottery. This bowl is in a different vein than her typical
work and reminds me of Mirό. It’s sitting on my dining room table and looks amazing.
Hopefully I’ll have more images to share over the next few months
… and won’t have lost my mind along the way.
Tricia xo
*postscript*
My beloved former bosses at Solis Betancourt have just published their first book, Essential Elegance.
It’s filled with their stunning work and should be on everyone’s Christmas list. Paul and José are
doing several book signings, including one this Thursday evening 12/9 at Bulthaup in Georgetown.
Head down to Cady’s Alley to get a signed copy and to meet these two brilliant, charming men.
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
