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Designer DNA
At Huntley & Co. when a new project begins, the first thing I do is develop a concept.
I pour over books, magazines, websites and my own archives to find inspiring and
expressive images. Ones that will represent the client’s sense of style and capture the
spirit of the proposed interior. Sometimes I file them in the client's binder. Often I
make an actual storyboard, so everyone (including me) can refer to the "design snapshot"
again and again for guidance and clarity during an often lengthy process. It's a rewarding
exercise that I eagerly tackle. So what's the problem? Ugh – trying to do it for myself!
I'm planning some future redecoration at chez Huntley (hopefully a new chez Huntley)
and I've been "scheming" for months. Designers are like doctors, we're our own worst
patients – we struggle to apply our professional objectivity and discipline to our personal
lives. So what's a frustrated decorator to do? Pretend I'm a client! I've pulled together a
collection of photos that speak to me for style, mood, color and content. So which story-
board represents the real me? Maybe they’re all me. Whew, I better find a bigger house!
Tricia xo
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Tip deLuxe
LOOK TO NATURE
In an era when so much design is bold and over-the-top, it can be challenging
for the average person to step outside his/her comfort zone and make unique decorating
decisions. One way to overcome this obstacle is to look to nature. Chances are if it – color,
pattern, texture – works in the natural environment, it will work in your home. Look
at the examples below and you’ll see – even Mother Nature has a glamorous side.
As seen in last week’s Luxe & Lucid post, my shelling excursion
on Chappaquiddick yielded a wealth of design inspiration.
Cool, distressed planks and endcuts for wood floors in a beach house or country home.
This shell’s pattern would make a colorful, yet delicate faux finish for a table, cabinet or mirror.
I gathered these acorns while on a walk in Battery Kemble Park last fall.
The warm tone and subtle striae would make for a beautiful wood finish.
Think outside the box and the ubiquitous animal print and the animal world
can add a unique and unexpected layer of interest to your interior.
Who knew? Chartreuse is a natural color! I would love to develop a living room
color scheme based on the Silvereye’s feathers – chartreuse, beige and grey … done!
And just such a room exists – the cool, sophisticated 2007 Kips Bay living room by Eve Robinson.
To quote Ms. Robinson, “The living room is about the color of life. It is fresh, confident and colorful.”
James Rixner’s take on the same combination of hues.
Snakeskin was the textile this past year. Inspired by fashion and the fabulous
footwear of Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, I designed a custom console table for
a client’s downtown bachelorette pad and had it wrapped in a faux snakeskin leather.
This incredible photo taken by Shannon Plummer illustrates the complex texture of an elephant’s skin.
SJW Studios has a wallcovering that when installed on the reverse, mimics just such a texture. Or
you could enlist the talents of a decorative finisher like Colorfaux Designs who created the look below.
Tortoiseshell is both classic and modern – a finish that will never go out of style.
I mean, really … could the shell above be any more beautiful?!
Huntley & Co. is fabricating a mirror similar to this Mitchell Yanosky
version to hang above the vanity in a client’s master bath. So chic!
And finally, the haut monde of animal skins. Shagreen. The pebbled skin of rays and
sharks can be found in its natural form – for a price – in accessories and furniture.
But it’s also being replicated these days in finishes and textiles to great effect.
I will never, ever tire of this naturally glamorous material.
clockwise from top left: Clement Rousseau chair c. 1921, the Toulon Mirror in a Huntley & Co.
powder room, Jacques Adnet antique secretaire and bronze/shagreen/agate vases R&Y Augousti.
… and faux shagreen paper covering walls and hidden doors in an H&C bedroom.
You don’t need to look far. Rustic, subtle or glamorous – nature can inspire any interior.
Tricia xo
* POSTSCRIPT *
Huntley & Co. is featured this week in the Before & After section of lushclick.com – a modern
girl’s online design and lifestyle resource founded by Elizabeth Manresa. Check it out!
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(C)happy
I spent this past weekend on Martha’s Vineyard.
Apart from several trips to Newport for hotel work a decade ago, I haven't spent any
time in New England. I tend to migrate west for family get-togethers and downtime.
And being the contrarian-enthusiast that I am, I was tentative about a preppy endemic.
I.e., an island saturated with bobbed hair, lockjaws and Lily Pulitzer ad nauseam. Oh
ye of little faith (and so much paranoia)! I didn't know what I was missing. Pristine
architecture, majestic beaches and charming shops abound. Add world-class
seafood to the mix and you have the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
* FRIDAY *
Since our destination – Chappaquiddick – was east of Martha’s Vineyard,
we decided to take a driving tour of the island’s west side upon arrival.
First stop – The views of Gay Head.
To know me is to understand that I am a HUGE Jaws fan. It’s one of my favorite
movies of all time (see the October Luxe & Lucid post “Mad About Macabre”). Several
key scenes were shot in Menemsha (above) as well as on other parts of the island.
Aprés dinner and before hopping on the Chappy ferry, we stopped for a nightcap at Atlantic.
The Mike Benjamin Band was headlining – they’ve played for Mary Steenburgen and
President Bill Clinton – and absolutely rocked the house. We danced until we were soaked
through and closed down the bar. Haven’t done that in a few years and loved every minute of it.
* SATURDAY *
I woke up at 6AM ready to tackle the day’s itinerary and
enjoy the small window of sunshine forecasted for the weekend.
To make the most of it, we started the day with a little exploration and a walk on the beach.
Followed by shopping for groceries at the famous (and newly renovated) Morning
Glory farmer’s market. I brought their blackberry/strawberry jam home to DC. Yum!
But the real highlight of the day (well, for me) was a visit to Island Alpaca.
I fell in love with these animals when Sandra Jordan made a visit to Huntley & Co. this
spring. Sandra’s eponymous company manufactures and imports incredibly beautiful
textiles from Peru. She has a true passion for her fabrics and the Alpaca breed itself.
How could she not? Just look at those faces!
Two babies and several “colorways” from Island Alpaca’s herd.
This little fella’ had a passion for grooming. So cute!
After all that excitement, we continued onto Vineyard Haven to do a little
sightseeing and shopping. Below are a few of our stops.
RILEY'S READS
A charming children’s book store owned by the very knowledgeable Zoë
Pechter. Check out her blog for new releases and recommendations.
BRAMHALL & DUNN
Great linens and tabletop items with [you guessed it] a slightly preppy
theme. I did, in fact, find several sheet sets and coverlets from
Pamela Kline and Le Jacquard Français that were quite lovely.
RAINY DAY
A vast assortment of gifts, paper goods and tableware
that range from sweet to sophisticated to amusing.
MIX
An eclectic mix of modern and vintage accessories. I left with a darling
pair of sunglasses. You can also find classic Golden books, antique
typeface letters and colorful dinnerware. And the staff couldn’t be friendlier.
A. E. KIRKPATRICK
A slightly kooky jewelry store tucked away off of Main Street. I found
a chic, bendable gold-plated snake bracelet/necklace for a song.
I'm using it as a sculpture on my living room coffee table.
A great accessory that will change up my tablescape in a snap.
Our long and active day required a nap and a nice dinner in Edgartown.
We dined at Restaurant Détente, an unassuming spot in Nevin Square.
Casual décor, excellent wine list, award-winning fare.
* SUNDAY *
It’s hard to believe we had already packed all the activities above into 30 hours.
We didn’t slow our pace much on Sunday.
Morning is a great time to view Chappaquiddick’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Besides
the incredible sea creatures (horseshoe crabs are freaks!), the bird-watching on
the island is pretty incredible. We saw all of the species below during our visit.
clockwise from top left: Osprey, Oyster Catcher, Snowy Egret and Cormorant.
Later we headed to East beach across infamous Dike Bridge.
I’ve never been the beachy-type, but I found all sorts of design inspiration
in the sand – a collection of shells and other organic materials that will
make great samples for custom furniture finishes. I know …
Could I be any more entrenched in my profession?!
On our way back to the house we stopped for a stroll through Mytoi Gardens.
A Japanese-style garden and cultural treasure protected by the The Trustees of Reservations.
Still beautiful in the rain, I would like to go back when the gardens are lit by sunshine.
Despite the inclement weather, we went for a sail on Cape Poge.
The increasing winds turned a casual cruise into an exhilarating 2 hours.
Can you say “exhausted”?! Only 3 things left to do …
Eat, cocktail, and relax.
And that’s how you do a fabulous weekend.
LUXE & LUCID RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR VISIT TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD
– The Vineyard’s official site is www.mvol.com and has a lot of useful info.
– Design Sponge’s December post featuring MV is Grace Bonney’s extensive, personal guide.
– I also like the New York Times Travel Guide because it includes reader recommendations.
– The island has an excellent radio station. Tune into mvyradio and you’ll be set for the weekend.
– If you’re an architecture and/or design buff, bring your camera and do a walking tour of Edgartown.
– Pack layers for travel before July. The weather can turn on a dime and become quite chilly when the winds pick up.
– With that said, a first time visit before the crush of July 4 is a great idea. You can enjoy the island sans mob.
– Most important? Make sure you travel with the right partner in crime!
Tricia xo
P.S. Final cool moment of the weekend? Bill Murray on our flight from MVA to LGA.
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Genius at Work – Darrell Dean
Washington is a strong city for design.
Incredible architecture, international influences and award winning talent.
But to the larger audience, we're seen as conservative and predictable.
Sure we don't have the inventory of New York or the edginess of LA, but take a
closer look and you'll find innovators, risk-takers and geniuses in their fields.
One of those virtuosos is Darrell Dean of the eponymous antique store on
Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown. His finds are always fresh and striking and
completely original. The man is brilliant. His shop is a constant source of
product and inspiration. If I could, I would buy the entire cache. Where is that
generous benefactor?! Thank God for trusting clients and interesting projects. I
stopped in Darrell Dean this weekend and was blown away as usual. I shot 40+
photos while browsing the two levels. Interior designers far-and-wide, take note!
The store front on Wisconsin Avenue at P Street.
Perfectly situated between Cherry and Café Bonaparte.
A pair of brightly upholstered mid-century swivel chairs.
These would be sick if recovered in a buttery beige kidskin.
This glass-topped, faux parchment table is a show-stopper.
How did I describe Darrell’s inventory … “striking and completely original”?
Case in point. A nautically inspired, zoomorphic chair
I have been eyeing these crystal encrusted lamps for a looong time.
… As well as this 1970s faux tortoise, multi-faceted table.
I think I’m going to place it in the Huntley & Co. Lake Geneva project in Switzerland.
One reason I love Darrell’s pieces is that they are often graphic and sculptural.
Like this table – both the top and the base are interesting
These lamps are actually quite large, and with the stripes, very striking in person.
It’s hard to find a good planter these days. This one is the right
size and glamorous without being over the top. Tempting.
Speaking of glamour. A pair of white leather and brass armchairs from the 50s.
And don’t they look comfortable?!
A pair of patchwork, salvaged wood obelisks. Love!
Darrell Dean epitomized. Dramatic and unique, but not too perfect.
One last shot before I leave and then across the street to Puro Café for lunch.
Another relaxing, fun-filled weekend while Nina is at boot camp. Two more weeks!
* * *
1524 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-6330
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Road Trippin’
On Friday I delivered my sweet but stressed Norwegian Elkhound, Nina, to a trainer in
Virginia for a much-needed behavioral boot camp. To make the most of my time sans-dog,
I inaugurated my three weeks of freedom with a series of excursions to Warrenton, The Plains
and Maryland's western shore. Road trips are a great way for a curious, visual or adventurous
soul to satisfy his or her inner explorer. And better yet, you avoid the airport … which is like
sticking hot needles in ones eye these days. With a little planning and the right companion,
2 days and 3 nights plus a few hundred miles can be just the escape you've needed.
Summer weekends are here, DC urbanites. Get packed and get going!
I stayed at The Black Horse Inn on Friday. The perfect setting for
a Virginia bed-and-breakfast with rolling hills and grazing horses.
A view of the property's north side.
The stables are a short walk from the main house.
Like everything on the property, the stalls are nicely detailed and well maintained.
We had dinner at The Rail Stop on Friday night in The Plains.
A casual spot once owned by local Robert Duvall.
After dinner we walked across the street to Forlano’s Market and had a glass of wine on the front porch.
This market/restaurant is the perfect addition to Main Street – charming, unpretentious and filled with
locals and visitors alike. Dinner here will be on my itinerary the next time I visit hunt country.
I planned on a quiet afternoon in old town Warrenton, but as it turned out, Saturday was the town’s
annual spring festival replete with bands, booths and lots of interesting characters. Classic people-watching!
Looking down S. 3rd Street to E. Lee Street.
I love the architecture, history and intimacy of southern towns.
We had lunch at The Iron Bridge Wine Co. on Main Street. Delicious food and
great wine in a handsome setting with excellent service to boot. Worth a trip.
On the way out of town, the clever signage for Tri County Feeds caught my eye.
So much so that we pulled over to take a look inside. In fact, the company
is a retailer specializing in riding gear and services for the equine set.
I’m no great equestrian, but if I were, I would definitely buy this saddle and outfit. So chic!
Sunday required a change in gears with a drive to Maryland and a cruise up the Potomac back to
DC via boat. I commented at one point that the shoreline reminded me of Lake Minnetonka.
That is until I saw a little estate called Mount Vernon perched on a hill on the Virginia side.
Once up the river in DC, we stopped for awhile to enjoy the views. Where else can you drift on a
boat on a beautiful day with little water traffic and gaze at the Lincoln and Washington Memorials?!?!
Wrapping up the perfect easy-breezy weekend.
Looking forward to more local adventures while my canine kid is at camp!
Tricia (and Nina) xo
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Scents & Sensibility
One of the best things about spring and early summer is the smells.
Honeysuckle, lavender, gardenia … mmm. Besides encouraging my obsession for flowers,
the scents of the season have kick-started a bit of a love affair with women's fragrances for me.
In the past, I was always a one-bottle-babe. I thought of perfume as part of my identity, like skin
tone or eye color. As in "I'm fair, brown-eyed and I wear L'Air du Temps". But these days I'm not so
conventional. Or better yet, not so boring. A woman has more than one point of view, more than one
mood. Mademoiselle cannot live on Chanel No. 5 alone! Fortunately, there are a bevy of talented
perfumers available to muse our muzzles. Fresh, floral, earthy or exotic – whatever your essence –
there's a scent to describe your internal allure and intoxicate your senses. Bottle-up and be amazing.
The fabrication of fragrances dates back to ancient Egypt.
This Etruscan vessel is a perfume vase. Designers take note.
In addition to my standard Coco by Chanel, I acquired three new fragrances this year.
Calypso Figue by Christiane Celle, Brigitte by Tocca and Sole 149 by Pucci – a birthday
gift from a girlfriend. Beyond the scents themselves, I like that I can change them up
and layer them according to my mood and my adventures for the day.
Four classics from the first half of the twentieth century that are still popular, still chic.
Chanel No. 5 (1921), Arpège (1927), Acqua di Parma (1930) & Fracas (1948).
I’m intrigued by the ad for Balenciaga’s new fragrance. It speaks to a cultivated and
sophisticated aesthetic that appreciates the contrast of textures, eras and styles.
It’s described as a muted scent of soft violet with a woodsy-musky base.
Speaking of advertising, how does one sell a smell? Clearly, it’s all about the power of the
image. If I wear perfume ABC by company XYZ, I will be beautiful/sexy/desirable, etc.
Below are some memorable ads from recent years and the impressions they left upon me.
L’EAU AMBRÉE by Prada
– warm, sensual and modern –
ETERNITY MOMENT by Calvin Klein
– men will fall in love with you –
FLOWER BOMB by Viktor & Rolf
– feminine but powerful –
JUICY COUTURE PERFUME by Juicy Couture
– for the social deb with a wild side –
CB I Hate Perfume is the brainchild of Christopher Brosius. He creates fragrances based on moments
and experiences. I’m dying to try In the Library, Russian Caravan Tea and Fire From Heaven. His
concept “scent is life” is brilliantly simple. You have to love a guy who studied the arts at Carnegie
Mellon, Columbia and Parsons, drove a taxi in New York, went on to work for Kiehl’s and says things
like “People who smell like everyone else disgust me.” Cool, irreverent and scary-talented. Love him!
Fragrances for the home have become as popular as fragrances for the body. They’re another
way for us to express who we are and share what inspires us. I love Antica Farmacista's
products. I discovered their Vanilla, Bourbon & Mandarin room diffuser a few years ago.
It’s absolutely delicious and is my home’s secret weapon. Shhhh.
Aedes de Venustas is another favorite source of mine (I can’t believe I’m giving away
all my secrets!). I find amazing fragrances for myself and for friends and family.
Boule d’Ambre by L’Artisan Perfumer. Amber crystals encased in a terracotta sphere.
I have the Odalisque candle by Cire Trudon in my bedroom. Its notes of citrus, wood bark and
orange blossom are sexy and comforting and not overwhelming next to my bed. The company
was founded in 1643 and developed scents for the Court of Versailles and Napoleon.
A simple but amazing gift for that special someone? Primavera room spray from Santa Maria Novella.
It is said to capture the scents of a Tuscan garden in spring – cherry blossoms, gardenia and dogwood.
Heavenly! Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world and was
established in 1221 by Dominican Fathers. I would also love to buy their Caprifoglio eau de cologne –
a unisex fragrance with the essence of honeysuckle. Those monks knew what they were doing!
And not exactly old compared to the scents above, but nonetheless “vintage”.
These oldies-but-goodies were favorites in their respective eras.
OBSESSION by Calvin Klein
– you’re an elusive and enigmatic muse –
This commercial looked like the celluloid love child of John Pawson and M.C. Escher.
But I did love the tagline – "Ahhh, the smell of it."
ENJOLI by Charles of the Ritz/Revlon
– for the wife/corporate go-getter/sexpot who’s kickin’ ass and takin’ names –
I loved this ad when I was a little girl. I know, not surprising ; )
It’s incredible, isn’t it, that we can wear so much history and inspiration on our skin?!
Fragrance is a magical part of nature … of life. Just remember, use it in moderation.
You want to beguile and entice, not overwhelm or offend!
Tricia xo
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Capitol File Magazine – Georgetown Gem
The latest issue of Capitol File magazine dropped this week.
I'm thrilled to say that a Georgetown pied-a-terre designed by Huntley & Co.
is featured in its pages. Not only because it's a big, glossy spread (yes, hello!),
but also because it's one of my favorite projects in recent years. The residence was
a disaster with amazing potential – an 80s interior (think white laminate and pleated
valances – bleh!) in the heart of Georgetown with views of the canal. Luckily, this
hidden gem was purchased by my client, an Irish businessman with great taste and
the desire to take risks. Millwork modeled after English cabinetry, a state-of-the-art
German kitchen, bathrooms of marble and onyx, a custom wood parquet floor and
every luxurious textile known to man: velvet, shagreen, ostrich, cashmere and silk …
the end result was a rich and inviting space perfect for dramatic entertaining or quiet
nights at home. The consummate American landing pad for a European world traveler.
Speaker of the House Pelosi graces the cover.
The opening pages feature the terrace off the kitchen and a photo of my client overlooking the den.
A view from the den into the foyer with art found in DC, Chicago and Spain. The bust is a
tongue-in-cheek reference to my client’s business in aerospace trading and airline consulting.
The top photo features the kitchen – a favorite of most visitors. It includes a
stainless steel backsplash, two modern pendants found down the street in Cady's
Alley and a bar/table that slides away from the island for additional seating.
The photos beneath are of the study, den and guest bedroom.
Additional photos of the project not included in the magazine …
I love the powder room. It’s a shoebox of a space, but we gave it maximum impact
with dramatic color, unique materials and a serious mix of traditional and modern.
The master bedroom with hidden closet doors, leather slingback
bed, custom pillows and warm, contemporary lighting fixtures.
This is how I do sleek and contemporary – with dramatic contrasts in tone and texture.
The vanity is high-gloss white lacquer, the walls and ceiling are covered in chocolate, faux leather
tiles, and the shower is a combination of polished Calacutta tile and a tumbled marble fan mosaic.
To fully understand what a transformation this was, check out the
collection of “before” photos below. Yes, it is the same place!
Hoping you all find a bit of inspiration for your own homes!
Tricia xo
* All professional photos by Kevin Allen *
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Gorgeous George(town)
I spent Thursday evening at the incredible home of Deborah and Curtin Winsor in Georgetown.
They graciously hosted the Georgetown House Tour Patrons’ Party in their 34th Street residence.
The impeccable interior, sprawling garden and sheer size of the house left all who attended in awe.
Debbie and Curt are old friends and couldn’t be a lovelier couple – their gracious, relaxed style
was the perfect complement to an elegant evening. So how did this guest return their hospitality?
I made my way around the first floor snapping photos with my iphone. What can I say? I’m an
interior designer, blogger and columnist – I can’t help myself! But being the gentleman that he is,
Curt was happy to oblige and shared some fantastic renovation stories with me. This power couple
not only powered through a complete gut job of the house, but did so in record time. The result
is a grand, yet warm and comfortable family home nestled in the heart of Georgetown.
Please forgive the quality of my photos – I was trying to be inconspicuous ; )
A view of the residence from 34th Street.
(photo courtesy of The Georgetown Dish)
Entrance hall with seagrass and classical mouldings.
(photo by Christy Schlesinger – my partner in crime for the evening)
The sitting room has chocolate painted walls and Fortuny drapes.
William Morris paper and a marble-topped demilune vanity in the powder room.
The first floor public rooms are connected to the garden level rooms with a wide sweeping stair.
The salon with its knole sofa, family portraits and garden views is polished and bold.
(photo courtesy of Washington Life)
The contrasting palette of creams and browns continues in the dining room …
… And kitchen. Two seating areas, a separate bar and professional grade appliances. Fabulous!
Thank you to the Winsors and the Patrons’ Party hosts for a beautiful event.
And don’t forget! The Georgetown House Tour is this Saturday from 11:00AM to 5:00PM.
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Unleash Your Power!
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Tip deLuxe
BE A RECESSIONISTA
It’s a tough time for fashionistas.
Most of our pocket books are quite a bit thinner these days and [God help us]
the 80s are making a comeback on the runway and in department stores. So I
was more than a little discouraged when I started my spring shopping a few weeks
ago. Faded blue jeans, buttoned shoulder details and ruffled skirts? Bleh – If I
couldn’t pull it off at 16, it’s not going to work at 39. However, while amusing myself
with a tour de force of the local retailers in Carefree, Arizona this weekend, I found
my salvation in the least likely of places … the strip mall. That’s right. Armed with
Starbucks latté in hand, I mosied over to Target, then Sherre’s and made a final
stop at Chico’s (gasp!). Not only did I find a selection of cosmetics, lingerie and
clothing that were surprisingly fabulous, but not a single item approached the $100
mark. That’s worth a trip to the strip anytime. Trade in the title "fashionista" for
"recessionista"? Maybe not so painful after all.
Look at all my goodies!
Shots of all my fun tops.
This beaded jacket only cost me $65 – Can you believe it?!
Trying on cheap and chic glasses at Target.
And I love the cosmetics section. Target carries some fantastic brands.
Napoleon Perdis, Jemma Kidd, Boots, Sonia Kashuk and Pixi.
Hip, colorful compacts from Napoleon Perdis.
And rising star Jemma Kidd’s line is the hippest thing in the UK and now the US.
Boots – another UK import – has super skincare products.
While Target veteran Sonia Kashuk makes professional-style
brushes like these as part of her cosmetics line.
Rocking old school peds is another great way to save money without skimping on style.
I love my Dr. Scholl’s and Minnetonka Moccasins. The mocs cost less than $35
and a friend picked up the sandals for me at a garage sale. Now that’s a deal!
Shopping in unexpected places usually yields me positive results. I found
these tunics at Timothy Paul – a home and bedding store – for under $50 each.
Imagine how much two Tory Burch tunics would have cost me.
And what better to pair with the items above than a vintage ring or brooch.
Need a new vintage source? Try your mother. That fabulous costume
jewelry she sported in the 70s will give your outfit just the kick it needs!
Still need some help stretching those recessionista dollars? The 8 principles below got me
through my lean graduate school years and have been my standards for shopping ever since.
1. Take stock before you shop.
Go through your closet and make a list of what you need. You’ll avoid purchasing
those items you buy again and again even though you have too many already.
Do you really need another Hermes scarf?
2. Avoid trendy looks – especially unflattering ones.
NO ONE looks good in parachute pants.
3. Cover the basics. Flattering jeans, tailored black slacks, lightweight sweaters, simple tailored
tees and good shoes. These are the items that build the foundation of your wardrobe.
4. Buy items that can work in multiple seasons or that can be layered easily.
5. Shop out of season. This is a hard one for me and something I need to work on.
Clearly, winter boots are going to cost less now than when November rolls around.
6. Accessorize with jewelry, scarves, hats, etc.
One outfit can transform into multiple looks depending on your accessories.
7. Be careful of sales. You’ll end up buying more than you want and not what you need.
8. Invest in quality. I have pieces in my closet that are 10-20 years old.
They still look good and add something unique to my wardrobe.
Consumers in crisis - this too shall pass.
Tricia xo
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Spring Fever – DC Style
I don’t think I have ever been so excited for spring.
We just endured a brutal winter here in Washington and I think we’re
all ready for a new season. The good news is that thanks to all that snow,
spring seems to have come early to the nation’s capital. Our magnificent
cherry blossoms are already blooming and this past weekend’s temps were
absolutely heaven-sent. In celebration of nature’s glorious transformation,
Luxe & Lucid is highlighting all things fun, fresh and flowery this week.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh … spring has arrived!
H&G’s 2007 issue with Chloë Sevigny embodies the magic of spring.
The stone terrace, the roses, the dress … inspiring and lovely.
Is there a more beautiful spot in spring than DC’s tidal basin?!
The perfect finish to a day of viewing cherry blossoms? A late afternoon lunch with
your beau in a romantic setting like The Greenhouse at The Jefferson hotel below.
Or for true al fresco dining, try DC hotspots Perry’s in Adams Morgan,
Poste Moderne in Penn Quarter and Kafe Leopold’s in Georgetown.
Or just skip lunch altogether and have a sexy, disheveled romp in the park!
Louis Vuitton does it with dirt, doves and Lara Stone.
I do actually love spending my weekends in the park (sans romp); it’s a necessity
when one has a dog. DC has incredible outdoor destinations. My favorites are
Montrose, Battery Kemble and Dumbarton Oaks above.
Great for casual Saturdays and Sundays walking around Georgetown,
these bamboo-buckled Gucci flats are a warm weather staple for me.
As is this playful tote. I call it my “brunch bag". I carry it on
weekends when I’m running errands and lunching with my girls.
As for the rest of my spring wardrobe – I need to do some serious shopping.
Here are some looks I’d like to rock … from Jigsaw, Two Minds and Pucci respectively.
And for evening maybe a flowing pastel ensemble from Donna Karan.
Perfectly timed with the onset of spring, I received this card last week. The modern
cherry blossom motif speaks to the brighter, sunnier days of spring. It inspires
me to punch up my interiors with deep, saturated colors – especially yellow.
Like the chairs in this Vicente Wolf dining room …
… and the walls in this dynamic bedroom.
(who’s the designer?!)
Luxe & Lucid wishes everyone a wonderful spring.
And come see the cherry blossoms if you can – you'll never forget it!
Tricia xo
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