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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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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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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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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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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.
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
