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Tip deLuxe
BEATING THE WINTER BLUES
It’s that time of year. Mid-winter (ugh!) And like most people, I am counting the days until spring.
As a Minnesota native, however, I’ve learned to fight the urge to hibernate and boost my mood in small, simple ways.
These are my top five tips for staying sane January through March.
1. HIT THE SPA
Schedule a facial and a body scrub. You’ll leave feeling polished, relaxed and rejuvenated.
In DC I like Hela, Karen Fisher and the spas at Lorien Hotel and Mint. In Arizona I trust
my face to Lindsay at L Skincare and in Minneapolis I enjoy The Marsh.
2. FUNK UP YOUR FINGERTIPS
Take a chance and wear a bold color on your fingers and toes a la Gwyneth (grey) and Eva (navy).
I’m currently rocking dark green on my digits. Try "Zulu" from Nars or “Here Today Aragon Tomorrow” from Opi.
3. SHAKE YOUR BOOTY
Lately I’ve been playing a lot of dance music at home and at work … Rhianna, Fergie, JT, Lady Gaga, etc.
And yes, when no one’s watching, I do get my groove on.
4. CLEAN HOUSE
Is there anything more refreshing than a clean house/office/car? Automatic ahhhhhh.
5. THROW A PARTY
No real reason required. Just gather your best buds and celebrate those friendships that last season after season.
My party prep must – the website drinksmixer.com. Try the French Martini and Goodnight Kiss recipes. Yum!
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Find Your Anthem
2009 dealt out a lot of heartbreak to a lot of people. And since the answers to our problems are often hazy at best,
sometimes the most we can hope for is a little enlightenment. Nothing moves me like music. A really great song
can raise your heartbeat and your spirits. So as we step into 2010, let’s lift our heads and turn up the music.
It’s time to turn this !@%$#% thing around!
– WHAT YOU WAITING FOR? –
Even a rock star like my girl Gwen can get held-up by her fears. This track from her
debut album spoke to me when I was nervous about taking the next step in my career.
It was the adrenalin push I needed to get on with it already!
– HUSTLE AND FLOW (IT AINT OVER) –
So you’re not a pimp from Memphis.
If you’re feeling stuck, lost or left behind, you’ll find meaning in this song’s hook.
– I WILL SURVIVE –
A classic shout-out to all the ladies who are moving out and moving on!
– PRAISE YOU –
There are only four real lines in this song, but the title and chorus of Fatboy Slim’s track are so
catchy, we don’t care. Who doesn’t want to hear the words “praise you” 25 times in a song?
– BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY –
Honest, aching lyrics strung into a beautiful melody by one of the coolest bands ever.
– YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE –
This song was released in the late 90s and directed at generation-Y, but would
be an appropriate wake-up call for adult America in the new millennium.
– DREAM ON –
I remember this song blowing my mind when I was in grammar school.
It still has meaning for me and Aerosmith still rocks 30 years later.
– LOSE YOURSELF –
The rhythm and momentum of this song raise your blood pressure and pull you into a specific moment.
Anxiety, fear and hope are so tightly woven in both the music and lyrics of this song, it’s palpable. Brilliant.
– THAT’S LIFE –
Sinatra’s smooth crooning and upbeat tempo bring elegance to an otherwise melancholy song.
Only the “chairman of the board” could pull the rug out from under you and leave you smiling.
* Favorite music sources: Pandora, itunes, Shazam and Metro Lyrics *
Happy new year from Luxe & Lucid!
Tricia xo
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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.
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House Dressing
I love Thanksgiving. It's a time for entertaining, celebrating and opening our homes to family and friends.
We all want our interiors to be at their best during the holidays. For me it's about creating an environment
that is beautiful, relaxed and welcoming for guests – whether it's in my own home or one of my client's.
Below are my iphone shots from a Huntley & Co. photoshoot this past Friday in Virginia. I am in love with
these images right now; they convey everything I love about decorating and setting a scene. Often the
best way to find ideas for your own space is to look at the examples of others. Hopefully you'll find some
inspiration for your own home and Thanksgiving table amongst the shots below. Happy holidays!
FORMAL DINING ROOM
LIVING ROOM
POWDER ROOM
(don't forget to style this space as well)
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Tip deLuxe
DIVERSIFY YOUR HUE
It's a common pitfall. You want a blue (or green or yellow or red) room and you think the answer is paint.
But alas, a room is not built on paint alone. A room with one color is like a song with one note – flat.
It takes layers of colors, textures, fabrics and finishes to really make a room "sing". The dining room
below from Bunny Williams is a beautiful example. The star of this room is a dramatic cerulean blue, but
it's the supporting shades of green, yellow, gold and cream that make it pop. Moreover, the designer
chose checked slipcovers, a large 18th century framed wallpaper panel and a collection of Chinese
porcelain to bring this shade of blue to life. So take Bunny's cue and diversify your hue!
photo courtesy of Ms. Williams' book "Point of View".
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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.
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall
“… Who's the fairest of them all?”
Snow White’s nasty stepmother definitely didn’t get the answer she wanted when she asked this question.
Maybe instead of looking for validation from a piece of glass, she should have consulted an interior designer.
In my decorator’s bag of tricks, mirror is often my go-to solution. It can make a space look bigger, improve
lighting and reflect the best assets of a room. It can even make the person looking into it appear to have a
smoother, rosier complexion. Too bad the evil Queen didn’t have my number ; )
A living room by Bunny Williams.
Mirror has been inserted into the paneling of this room for an elegant, formal look.
A Huntley & Co. client had a dark, constricted threshold in her DC apartment. I carved out an octagonal foyer and
added mirror to the walls to make the entrance of her home more spacious and more gracious.
Check out the “before” shot below.
Hard to believe it's the same space.
The mirrored ceiling at Sweetie Pie in New York adds to the magic of its delicious decor.
Doesn’t every woman dream of housing her wardrobe behind beautiful, mirrored doors?
Emma Jane Pilkington’s bedroom closet doors are absolute stunners.
I imagine the fashions within are pretty spectacular too.
This Kevin Haley vignette from House & Garden illustrates two of my favorite techniques
when applying mirror to walls: (1) Antique the glass and (2) Layer the surface with art or objects.
I love to hang an antique mirror on top of a mirrored wall at a bathroom’s vanity. It's a Huntley & Co. signature.
Adding a special piece – like this Venetian mirror – creates ambience without sacrificing functionality.
The mirrored stairhall of Coco Chanel's famous Paris apartment. Who knows better than Mme. Chanel?
And I couldn’t very well post a blog about mirrored walls without including Miles Redd’s
famous NYC bathroom. He just went for it and mirrored the s—t out of this room.
Glamorous, fun and over-the-top like the designer himself.
* Professional Huntley & Co. photos by Kevin Allen Photography *
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