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Crushing It
COLIN FIRTH
Last week – the Oscars. This week – Vanity Fair. Every week deserves a dose
of Mr. Firth. Handsome and elegant with disarming British wit, this talented and
considerate actor is the picture of perfection. As a designer, aesthete and woman
I can’t get enough. After all, a girl cannot live on interiors and fashion alone.
Ladies beware, you too may be crushing on Colin before this post is through.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE FIRTH FILMWORK:
Apartment Zero
Valmont
Pride and Prejudice
The English Patient
Shakespeare in Love
Bridget Jones's Diary
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Love Actually
Trauma
Then She Found Me
A Single Man
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West End Process :: Concept
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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!
The aforementioned cover – evidence of my intuition, insight, brilliance??? ; )
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 west village townhouse. Blue that’s sexy and masculine and unexpected. Perfection.
And wouldn’t you love to drive home to chez fabulous in a 1968 midnight blue Jaguar?
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.
These stilettos would do the trick! Gucci’s Debra heel.
.
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.
A vintage silk folding screen in my bedroom as seen behind my slippers in the photo above.
And a beautiful blue Degas book on my bedside table.
Timothy Paul carries linens, accessories and some of the most beautiful pillows in town.
David Collins' London home is a lesson in layering … dozens of shades of blue.
The gorgeous spread was featured in Spanish AD.
The perfect foil to the Collins' living room above? Joan Holloway sipping a cocktail.
Miles Redd is a designer who knows how to sex-up interiors with bright, bold colors.
Dress as Caribbean vacation in last month’s Vogue Nippon.
Muriel Brandolini mixing cobalt, acid yellow and magenta in her own New York parlor.
The same colors as seen in Balenciaga’s fall ‘09 ad campaign with Jennifer Connelly.
The Stella McCartney bag I carry during the winter months.
The color changes from indigo to midnight to black depending on the light.
And the electric blue hooded jacket I love to layer over simple slacks and tees.
I was deeply imbedded in my blue obsession as of December – my 2009 holiday cards.
Two clutches from Vivre. This company always nails it with accessories.
One doesn’t typically associate cameos with cobalt blue … but how striking!
A country home with a complex and completely original palette like only my man JB could do.
For evening, dramatic blues look best on strong, sexy, confident women.
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.
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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
February 6, 2010 – May 9, 2010
Portraiture Now: Communities
November 6, 2009 – July 5, 2010
Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor
November 19, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration
February 13, 2010 – April 11, 2010
A Dream … but not Yours: Contemporary Art from Turkey
National Museum of Women in the Arts
February 12, 2010 – May 16, 2010
Turner to Cézanne: Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum of Wales
January 30, 2010 – April 25, 2010
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Unleash Your Power!
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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!
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.
Lush arrangements that are colorful and dramatic.
Michael Lanni’s creations are unique, architectural and exotic.
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.
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.
This catalog is my go-to source for everything chic and dramatic, especially jewelry. Fabulous!
Bobbie is local, but her pieces have global sophistication.
Her one-of-a-kind necklaces are for the the chic, risk-taking woman.
For the woman who loves vintage. This jeweler’s inventory always blows my mind.
.
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.
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.
Virginia native Jason Andelman creates hip, modern confections.
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.
Bourbon Steak at The Four Seasons
Elegant interior, elegant cuisine, elegant service.
Sophisticated dining in a laid-back environment.
Fashionable and romantic – imagine Jimmy Choo as a restaurateur.
And don’t forget to tell your girl just how much you love her with a handwritten note!
This exquisite Valentine is a Delphine Studio design available through Etsy.
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Purple Reign
It's over.
I'm not a guy, I'm not a jock and I haven't lived in Minnesota for twenty years.
But I do have three brothers and a father who are die-hard Vikings fans. So despite
the fact that I'm a fashion-loving, bauble-wearing, design-obsessed girlie-girl, I was
truly crushed by Sunday's loss. In honor of my home team and those who love them,
Luxe & Lucid is featuring all things purple this week. Who knew football could be so inspiring?
The power of purple brought to life by artist Mark Rothko.
Emma Watson in Teen Vogue – darling. And check out her ride!
Saipua, a florist in Brooklyn, has the lushest, most incredible arrangements I have ever seen.
I’ve been on a bit of a fragrance kick lately. YSL’s Parisienne has notes of blackberry, rose and sandalwood.
Kelly Wearstler’s new book HUE (I have a signed copy!) and photos of her home office.
I loved Gucci’s 2009 spring/summer ad campaign.
Only girls this gorgeous could rock intense violet eye shadow.
I became fascinated by the work of Josef Albers as a fine arts major in college.
The German artist was a color theorist whose “Homage to the Square”
series illustrated the relationship and interaction of adjacent colors.
Incredible! A pair of amethyst cufflinks from Kimberly Klosterman.
Two rooms by Solis Betancourt – my mentors and professional heroes – both featured in Southern Accents.
This aubergine clutch from Anya Hindmarch is insanely chic.
Louboutin’s signature red heel gives this ladylike lilac pump a little va va voom.
Aerin Lauder’s dining room in Elle Decor showcases the sexy sophistication of purple.
Speaking of glamorous, successful, New York women.
Plum Sykes wearing, well, plum … and violet, raspberry, etc.
A vignette of lilacs, reds and creams in the Virginia living room of a Huntley & Co. client.
And an ottoman upholstered in an orchid-hued moiré in another client’s Pennsylvania Avenue pad.
One of Reese Witherspoon’s best red carpet moments.
Her deep purple ombré Nina Ricci gown was a stunner.
And because I'm always looking for an excuse to Google Colin Firth …
Only a man as handsome as this Oscar-contender could rock a lavender ascot and look dashing.
– Professional Huntley & Co. photos by Kevin Allen Photography –
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Sign Language
I’m a January baby and a proud Capricorn.
I can’t say that I’m an astrology advocate, but I do get a kick out of reading my horoscope this
time of year. Besides the fact that I often find my cosmic description to be dead-on accurate,
I love the idea of my life and character being written in the stars. A very anti-Capricorn concept
to say the least which is why this is a once a year indulgence. Luxe & Lucid is a platform for
celebrating what makes us unique as individuals – whatever the context. Sign me up!
Famous Capricorns … I’m in pretty good company.
This pair of ram’s head bookends from Sjae Alexandre is so good-looking, it almost makes me want to be an Aries.
A candle from Soular Therapy’s Astrological Aromatherapy collection.
Cancer’s keynotes are Jasmine and White Rose.
Astrology has even inspired a company as traditional as Wedgwood to produce a zodiac collection.
All 12 signs including Pisces shown here are available through replacements.com.
Russian Vogue’s take on Aries, Capricorn and Gemini respectively.
Silver Zodiac Cufflinks by artist Michele Delville.
A mid-century mirrored zodiac clock from Flessas Design in New York.
And a large-scale wall sculpture also from Sjae Alexandre in Los Angeles.
Asha by ADM’s gold and mother of pearl Sagittarius ring.
Kris Kristofferson would probably cringe knowing I've included him in a blog about horoscopes.
How could I resist when he has an album titled Jesus was a Capricorn? Mr. Kristofferson is one of
my heroes. And it's a short list. He is a true renaissance man with, in my opinion, the coolest resumé
of the 20th century: Rhodes Scholar, Oxford graduate, helicopter pilot, Nashville legend, movie star.
If you don't know anything about this über-brilliant and eternally cool Everyman, it's time to find out.
A feature on Capricorn from the blog Love Smacked & Starstruck. So accurate it’s scary!
Check out what’s in store for your sign in the months to come.
Happy birthday to all my fellow January babes!
Tricia xo
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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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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.
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
