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Mother Nature, The Original Muse
I created the inspiration board below for a client this week. The concept of “bespoke-modern-organic” is specific to this particular project, but it’s also an underlying theme I try to channel in my work. I often find that design is at its best when it is inspired by something true and natural. And I don’t mean conservative. Mother nature is not exactly bourgeoisie; she rocks some pretty crazy stuff. She informs some of the most interesting, avant garde art and design. She’s the perfect muse.
Samples of stone slabs and my Christmas wrapping from last year.
The “bloom” of the coolest plant ever, Asclepias (aka Monkey Balls). A pillow in the new Kelly Wearstler fashion boutique at Bergdorf’s.
The underside of a mushroom being prepped for dinner. Several pleating options from a favorite textile manufacturer in the DC Donghia showroom.
The ribcage of a dinosaur skeleton at the Museum of Natural History. A sculpture at Darrell Dean in Georgetown.
A beautiful shell I found on the beach in Chappaquiddick last summer. House of Lavande’s Seashell Cuff.
The incredible artist, Julie Wolfe, took this photo in the Amazon rainforest while traveling via the Art in Embassies program. My chic, French friend Sophie wears this delicate, yet modern bracelet with flair.
The simple beauty of a bird’s nest finds its way to a handcrafted gold ring.
Thanks ma’ for all the goodies!
Tricia xo
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Tune Out and Turn On
I’m inspired as of late. I’m finding crazy/wonderous/beautiful things everywhere I look. It’s like I’ve snapped out of a foggy stupor. I haven’t discovered a new vitamin or taken up Buddhism, but I have made a committed effort to unplug from the oversaturated and under-inspired world of regurgitated design. It’s become pretty obvious lately that most of what’s online, in magazines and in the stores is the same recycled concept over and over again – i.e., a random mix of genres with the ubiquitous pop of color, pseudo-ethnic pillows and obligatory mid-century focal piece. Bleh, enough! In this day and age it seems that the internet has become our main source of inspiration – I think that may actually be one of the seven signs of the apocalypse – and everyone is plugged into the same circuit. So as one who is not only guilty of this crime, but who champions the cause (yes, I realize as a blogger I am the pot calling the kettle black), I say turn off your smartphone, log off Facebook, ignore this week’s blog feed and look around you. There is beauty in the world!
Tricia xo
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Scenes from a Vacation – Part II (finally!)
As mentioned in my last post, I added an extra day to my northern California vacation so I could spend some time in San Francisco before heading back east. I hadn’t been to the bay area in years and had honestly forgotten what all the fuss was about. But I figured why not make a pit stop in an old stomping ground and segue a bit more gently back into life in DC. I was more than taken with the heavenly weather (68 degrees in August) and the lively urban atmosphere – crowded cafes, locals out walking their dogs and great shopping – in Pacific Heights where we spent the day. And although the word “hip” could be used to describe the area’s watering holes, shops and fashions, it didn’t smack of trends like some cities. San Francisco is like the popular kid in high school: confident and cool without even trying. And a vibe like that may as well be crack to someone like me. I couldn’t get enough. Shopping I did – and successful I was.
Thanks San Fran for sharing your mojo with me!
CIELO A store full of gorgeous, high-end European brands.
I picked up an Ann Demeulemeester blazer with chic, refined detailing …
… a scrumptious orchid-colored puffy jacket with cropped sleeves and sweet yet almost "goth" kitten-princess necklace.
NEST The perfect name for a boutique with a homespun yet vagabond flair.
New and vintage toys (check out the gorilla!), artwork, jewelry, furnishings and accessories.
I purchased this silkscreened tiger tote, printed cotton robe and wood handle purse … and love them all.
HEIDI SAYS SHOE SALON The sole-ful sister store of the Heidi Says fashion trifecta.
I found these flattering and totally versatile nude, patent leather wedges from Vera Wang Lavender.
ELIZABETH CHARLES A uniquely curated collection of fashions and accessories.
This boutique was uh-MA-zing! I fell in love with everything.
JONATHAN ADLER Ebullient, over-the-top fun from this eponymous shop’s designer.
CROSSROADS Vintage and consignment clothing, shoes, etc.
My [sporty, crunchy, anti-fashion] friend Lori nearly died of heart failure when I walked out of the dressing room in this get-up. Yes I bought a pair of gold lamé, parachute pants and a cropped grey hoodie. I think they’re fabulous, comfortable and totally hot.
JURLIQUE Skincare, bath and body products.
My masseuse in Sonoma recommended that I pick up a bottle of essential eucalyptus oil and add it to my morning shower to help relieve my nagging cough.
OTD Out-The-Door Vietnamese restaurant.
We recharged at Out-The-Door with noodles, dumplings and wine. Yummm!
SWIG Last stop … cocktails of course!
With a sexy vibe, live music and bar stocked to the hilt - this club was the perfect finish to a perfect day!
Tricia xosf
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M.I.A.
Not exactly.
I actually have a fabulous post ready to go. I just can't seem to publish the damn thing. Too many photos, too many megabytes. I've tried to upload it about forty times over the last five days and nothing seems to work. I am more than a little suspicious that Verizon - and our ridiculously slow internet speed – is the culprit. That company is the devil! Unfortunately that means "Scenes from a Vacation – part II" won't be seen for a few more days … until I can make it over to my boyfriend's house and borrow his computer.
Sorry all. What can I say? Sometimes this side venture is a little less luxe & lucid and a lot more luxe & looney!
Tricia ; )
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