Food and Drink
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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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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.
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District Design
New York, LA, Paris – Sure, everyone knows these cities are the “it” destinations for design and fashion.
But there are fabulous finds in any city if you’re a chic and savvy girl (or guy) who knows how and where to look.
“DISTRICT DESIGN” is a new, recurring feature from Luxe & Lucid that will be highlighting great shopping
around the US and beyond sourced by my most stylish friends and colleagues in-the-know.
District Design vol. 1
MICHIGAN
My sorority sister, Beth Warner, is one hip chic. In college, she radiated effortless cool while
the rest of us were still trying to find our groove. She moved back to Michigan after school and
opened the successful clothing boutique Les Femmes * in Bay Harbor. These days she’s a
private fashion consultant and mother to the cutest 5-year-old you’ve ever seen. She may not be
rocking the late night scene anymore, but I guarantee she’s the coolest mom in the carpool lane.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE HOME FURNISHINGS RESOURCE?
Huzza in Harbor Springs.
A store with the most amazing hand-picked furnishings from around the world. Laid-back luxe at its finest.
WHERE DO YOU BUY YOUR LINENS?
They carry linens from Matouk and have custom embroidery that resembles artwork.
(linen photos above courtesy of monograminc.com)
WHAT FASHION DESTINATION CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Linda Dresner in Birmingham, MI.
Simple, chic – Rick Owens, Balenciaga and Lanvin flats for picking up my son from school.
WHAT WAS YOUR LAST STELLAR FIND?
My Francesca Romana gold/emerald quartz cocktail ring.
WHAT'S THE BEST KEPT SHOPPING SECRET IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN?
B. May Bags in Petoskey.
The most exquisite handmade snakeskin, and croc-embossed handbags.
HOW DO YOU WORK YOUR FASHION LOOK INTO YOUR INTERIOR?
Kate Moss and Kelly Wearstler embody my ultimate fashion/design inspirations,
so I incorporate the 70’s glam and boho-chic look into my home …
… From my dressing room ottoman with its Lucite base
to the Lulu DK fabric on my breakfast room banquette.
(interior photos above courtesy of Traverse Magazine)
WHAT DINING SPOT DO YOU LOVE FOR BOTH ITS MENU AND ITS DECOR?
Chen Chow in Birmingham.
Kobe beef seared on 600 degree lava rock and sushi to die for. And great cucumber martinis too!
WHAT WAS THE LAST INSPIRING PLACE YOU VISITED IN MICHIGAN?
The Richard Avedon exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Such a big event and important part of fashion history.
THANK YOU TO BETH AND HER WONDERFUL SOURCES IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN!
Future District Design posts will feature Dallas, Barcelona/Madrid, Minneapolis and Birmingham, AL.
* Beth has since sold her business Les Femmes to a former employee.
The store is now located in Harbor Springs.
