Today's Must Have: Nov 30, 2012

Alexander Wang Black Suede Cameron Ankle Boots

How gorgeous are these Alexander Wang Ankle Boots? What I love about these shoes is that they are the perfect transition between winter and spring. Yesterday, I was watching video's on Youtube of the spring 2013 fashion shows. Even though I haven't whipped out my winter jacket yet, spring fashion is already on the shelves. These shoes would look great if paired with a skirt. The shoes have such a unique design that you want to show them off. Let them make a statement. What do you think? 

'Non-Traditional' Photography

http://www.lorinix.net

New York City photographer Lori Nix describes herself as a 'non-traditional' photographer. It takes several months for Nix to construct each scene. According to Nix, much of her work focuses on danger, and disasters with a touch of humor. Nix's newest body of work "The City", featured below depicts either something natural or as a result of mankind that will empty the city of human inhabitants. (ABOVE) "Bounty", is an incredible photograph that shows the beauty and mystery of the world below the water. A ship, cars, and many other such things are found below. (BELOW 1) "Beauty Shop" is such a cool, unique photograph. One thing I don't think I'll ever see living in the NYC area is an empty salon! (BELOW 2) "The Subway", I love that everything inside the subway train is rusted from the ceiling to the walls, however, the seats still hold their vibrant color. They really pop against such a somber backdrop. (BELOW 3) "Library", is one of my favorites of Nix's work. I like to envision the library and how it once looked. I would actually plant those trees on purpose! They add a lot of character. What do you think of Lori Nix's work?

   

http://www.lorinix.net
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Room Spotlight: Asian Exotic Treasures

http://www.elledecor.com

I always love seeing spaces designed by people who do lots of traveling. These spaces are always infused with a certain energy, a creativity that has no bounds. This space designed by John Robshaw has so many wonderful pieces from around the globe. The Syrian table is breathtaking. The unique detailing at the base adds so much interest to Robshaw's New York City Dining Room. The chairs have a very classic English feel to them, but also a strong Eastern influence. The one piece however, that would change the look of the space significantly is the large art piece. It ties together the space into one Exotic, well-traveled Dining Room. Each piece in this space has its own voice and tells its own story. It's so important that each piece in a space has its own voice! Which piece is your favorite? The rug, chandelier, table, what is getting your juices excited? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Portugal's Villa Extramuros

© Adrià Goula

Built and designed by Vora Arquitectura in Portugal, this stunning 2011 modern home reaches all the right heights. Much of the architecture surrounding this home is heavily influenced by the Neolithic period. The architecture of the home moves forward, however, still has certain influences of that time and style. (ABOVE) Walking up to the home you are immediately taken back by the shear size and weight of the structure. It has a solid look, and many hard right angles. The minimal landscaping keeps with the architecture of the home. The large window to the left of the front entrance opens. You really feel like you're bringing a piece of the outdoors inside. (BELOW 1) The home is built around a central courtyard. I'm a huge fan of courtyards. It's a great way of connecting the home, and making each space very accessible. (BELOW 2) Rooms on the second floor are connected by a large breezeway. The contrast in materials creates much visual interest. Walking the breezeway one can look onto the central courtyard. (BELOW 3) A large balcony above the front entrance allows one to soak in the view and architecture. A large central cut separates the upper and lower levels of the structure. This creates a "peak hole", very cool. (BELOW 4) The home is set on wonderfully landscaped grounds. How gorgeous are those trees on opposite sides of the walkway. The pool is fabulous! What do you think of Villa Extramuros? 

© Adrià Goula
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© Adrià Goula
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© Adrià Goula
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© Alexandre Gempeler
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Missing From Your Closet + Cyber Day Deals

(1) 30% off--Roberto Cavalli Printed Crepe Jersey Dress, (2) Dannijo Luna Earrings, (3) Equipment Exciter Stud Print Silk Shirt, (4) 40% off--Miu Miu Suede Platform Pumps, (5) 50% off--Jonathan Saunders Roselyn Printed Pencil Skirt, (6) Kelly Wearstler Metallic Leather Clutch, (7) Topshop Necklace, (8) Le Specs X Henry Holland - Hoodie Sunglasses, (9) 30% off--Chloe Fringed Patent Leather Loafers, (10) Closet

Happy Cyber Monday! I'm so excited to get back to blogging today after the long Thanksgiving weekend. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving I had to go into surgery to have something removed from my right side. All I can say is--I'm glad to be out of the operating room. Hopefully a full recovery is not going to take too long. How was everyone's Thanksgiving and Black Friday? I was so fortunate to have my family change their plans and come over to my place for Thanksgiving! My surgery prevented me from driving, so it was such a treat to have my family come to me AND cook! Speaking of food... check out my food board on my Pinterest. 

Being Cyber Monday, there are SO many fabulous online deals. Here are a few:

Alice & Oliva: 20% off site wide

ASOS: 30% off use code CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL

Bloomingdale's: $50 off $250, and 50% off a great selection of products

Charm & Chain: 35% off site wide use code LOVEIT

DVF: Additional 30% off sale items use code HOLIDAYSALE2012

French Connection: Free express delivery EXPRESS12

Henri Bendel: 30% off orders of $100 or more use code CYBER12

Intermix: 15% off regular priced merchandise use code CYBER15

Kate Spade: 75% off select merchandise and free shipping over $200

LN-CC: 20% off full priced pieces use code LNCYBERCC

Max & Chloe: 25% off site wide plus get free tote use code CYBER12

Net-A-Porter: 50% off select merchandise

Oxygen Boutique: 20% off full priced items use code CYBERMONDAY2012

Rebecca Minkoff: 50% off select merchandise

SSense: 30% off select merchandise

Shopbop: Up to 70% off select merchandise use code BIGEVENT12

Yoox: Up to 40% off select merchandise use code YOOXTHANKS

Today's Must Have: Nov 21, 2012

Chloe Oversize Blush Raglan Sleeve Bomber Jacket

How gorgeous is this Chloe Jacket? A great oversize bomber jacket is crucial in any closet. It both makes a statement and keeps you warm during these winter months. The color is what made me gravitate to it. It's very soothing and unexpected. The back of the jacket has a more tailored look, so pretty! I see this jacket paired with a great pair of slim-fit pants. White is very clean and classic, but don't be scared to wear a great printed pant. What do you think of the jacket? What would you pair it with? 

Colored Pencil Sculptures

http://www.lionelbawden.com

Australian artist, Lionel Bawden, cut Staedtler colored pencils in half to create a phenomenal sculptural collection. Each colored pencil is carefully shaped and placed. Together these pencils make for a statement. (ABOVE) This sculpture is sort of shaped into a continuous diamond. The sculpture plays with patterns and colors. The purple base is equally as important as the actual sculpture, as it sets the tone. (BELOW 1) The colored pencils spill over the white base. The thick colored pencils towards the bottom give the form depth and ground it. I love that rich purple, pink color of the pencil. (BELOW 2) This attached sculpture, looks like two ears perked up! Or--a set of eyes? The center of the sculpture sort of resembles a pair of earrings. (BELOW 3) This sculpture looks like a starfish. I love how Bawden caved in the sculpture. Makes it look more visually interesting. If you flipped the sculpture onto its side it would make a pretty sick serving bowl! What do you think of Bawden's work? 

http://www.lionelbawden.com
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Room Spotlight: A Glam Lady's Room

© Rizzoli

This bathroom featured in the new Kelly Wearstler book "Rhapsody" has amazing feminine touches. From the Rose Gold colors to the retro crystal chandelier, who wouldn't see themselves in this space? I am immediately drawn to the stone walls. The texture is incredible. It adds so much depth and drama to the space. The vanity is adorned with square mirrors. The mirrors reflect the light adding some sparkle. The doors opposite the vanity go all the way to the ceiling. This definitely makes the space feel larger. Isn't the touch of stone above the transom brilliant? What do you think of the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

NY Country Estate

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

I was mesmerized by this grand Chappaqua, NY estate when I came across it. It's spread on over 80 acres of land and features a tennis court, basketball court, pool, and much more. The home has over 20,000 square feet of living space, it was build in 2004 and has many different architectural influences. My first thought when I learned of its 20,000 square feet--who needs so much room? It's definitely not the home for a couple! (ABOVE) I really like the center motorcourt. It's not obnoxiously large, like some new constructed homes like to make them. The boxwoods and shrubbery soften the facade and add much curb appeal. I like the breezeway to the left and symmetrical Bow windows. (BELOW 1) The large infinite pool is to the left of the main house. The separate pool house makes changing and showering very convenient. The pool deck is a wonderfully designed relaxing escape. (BELOW 2) Nestled within the large oak and spruce trees is this fantastic tennis court. What a great place to exercise and get your A-game on! (BELOW 3) Directly behind the home is this gorgeous large yard. The different levels with flowers and rock wall really make the space feel right. It's such a great place to play with the kids or dogs! (BELOW 4) The back of the home is stunning. I love the center dome. The back of the home has a very Colonial Revival-Neoclassical architectural style. What do you think of this estate? 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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Playing With Photography

http://www.matthewbrandt.com

Los Angeles Artist and Photographer Matthew Brandt, has a way of manipulating original photographs to create a work of art. (ABOVE) "Kool Aid 1"  is Tropical Punch, Raspberry-Lemonade, Lemonade, Grape, Kool Aid on paper (multi-layered silk screen). The mixture is applied onto the falls in Yosemite. (BELOW 1) "American Lake, WA C1", this wonderful photograph of a lake is part of a series of Lakes and Reservoirs, in which Brandt soaks each photograph into the specific lake or reservoir that they represent. (BELOW 2) "Dexter Lake, Or 4" belongs to the same series as the photograph above. I love the colors to the left and right, looks as though fall is moving in. (BELOW 3) "Mary's Lake, MT 7" also belongs to the above series. I'm loving the texture of the photograph. It doesn't look like a photograph, more like a painting. What do you think of Matthew Brandt's work? 

http://www.matthewbrandt.com
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Missing From Your Closet

(1) Tibi Two Tone Maxi Dress, (2) Nicole Romano Snake Chain Loop Earrings, (3) Aminaka Wilmont Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Shirt, (4) Christian Louboutin 120 Patent Leather Slingback Pumps, (5) Miu Miu Wool Cady Skirt, (6) Kelly Wearstler Pleated Clutch Jewel Box Enclosure, (7) Nicole Romano Crystal Formation Pendant Necklace, (8) 80's Rona Halfer Round Sunglasses, (9) Jil Sander Mirto Metallic Leather Penny Loafers, (10) Eva Longoria Closet

Design Video: Cityscape Chicago

"Cityscape Chicago" is a creatively shot video by photographer Eric Hines. Hines photographed approximately 30,000 images of Chicago between July and October 2012. He than combined the images, making it appear as a timelapse. I find it amazing how Hines was able to combine these images so well, so that the photographs really look like a seamless video. In addition, Hines photography skills beautifully captured the magic and beauty of such a vibrant city. What do you think of Eric Hines's work? 

Too Hot To Handle: Winter 2012 Boots

(1) Golden Goose Black Braided Leather Short Biker Boot, (2) Jeffrey Cambell Black Leather 8th Street Spiked Red Toe Boots, (3) Pierre Balmain Black Leather Fringed Ankle Boot, (4) Givenchy Black Ribbed Leather Ankle Boot, (5) Maison Martin Margiela Purple Patent Ankle Boots, (6) Versus Purple Combo Leather Network Boots, (7) Dr. Martens Metallic Gold Mie Boots, (8) Lanvin Gold Leather Boyish Ankle Boots