Contest: Cabbage & Roses At Home with Country

Readers!! I only have 3 comments for the Cabbage and Roses book giveaway! It ends this Friday, so make sure you leave a comment on your thoughts. Otherwise, I have 3 readers who are happy their chances of winning are awesome...

OH, and thank you to Fabulous Finds for including me on her list of top 10 favorite blogs!

Look for Less: Fashion

As promised, I've scouted out some top fashion trends right now and brought them to you on the cheap. Enjoy!

Fashion

Skinny cargos are everywhere right now. Particularly this J Brand pair that's selling out. But for $230?

Victoria's Secret to the rescue. Only $49.50.

Studded belts are the perfect touch of rocker. This one, for $250 on Net-A-Porter is nice.

But one from AE for $19.50 sounds a lot better.

It looks as if chambray is still having its moment in Spring 2010. I held off purchasing the overpriced J.Crew button down last year and found one last week at Marshalls for $16.99! Anyway, here's one from Splendid for $148:

And an even cuter one in my opinion, from Urban Outfitters. $58

Happy shopping!

Look for Less

One of my favorite things to do when I find an outfit or interior design I love that's too rich for my wallet is to replicate it on the cheap. And that's exactly what I've done here for my lovely readers:

Interior Designs

Moroccan poufs are so much fun. They instantly add a little bit of worldly design to your space. But many we see in some of the top interior magazines aren't exactly cheap. Here, I found a pair of 2, that's right 2, for $69. Hold your applause please...

It's counterpart: $395 at Serena & Lily (by the way, this website has drool-worthy goods)

I have to say, I was sucked into purchasing this mirror, especially after my peacock post on it. From Pier1 for $249.

It's counterpart: $2,399 from Wisteria

I've always wanted to own a garden stool, and my wish finally came true this past week! Found the cutest one at Marshalls for $29.99! I'll post pics at a later date. Anyway, I've always loved this image and have even used the color scheme as inspiration for my office:

Here's a very affordable option ($99.95) from ZGallerie:

It's counterpart: $335 from Neiman Marcus.

Check back later for my fashion portion of the Look for Less!

Pample Mousse Design, Inc.

I have found a new idol and her name is Delphine. Perusing the internet for some new interior inspirations, I came across Pample Mousse Design. I was in awe over the amazing interiors this company created, and had to know who was behind them all. Her name is Delphine Krakoff, and if you recognize the last name, you're right. She is Reed Krakoff's wife, the man responsible for all the amazing Coach purses you own. Delphine is so inspirational to me because her background is so inspiring. She grew up in Paris, earned a degree in business, and worked at some of the biggest fashion houses in Paris, like Dior and Louis Vuitton. Delphine also discovered her passion for interior design by accident, as did I. I took a stab in the dark, emailed her, and asked if she'd be interested in doing an interview for my blog. A few days later, here's her inspiring interview:

1. What an amazing background you have! Growing up in Paris and working at some of the biggest fashion houses in the industry must have been amazing. How has your background in the fashion industry translated into your interior designs?

It relates a lot. It's all about what I learned in the fashion industry like color, proportion, and texture. It's directly applicable. From a business perspective, I know how to run my business because I've worked for fashion companies and understand logistics and budgeting and all the skills you need to run a successful business.

2. If we took a peek in your closet, what would we find?

Well, I'm French, so my friends might say I have a French uniform. I'm always wearing striped sailor shirts, Chanel jackets, skinny pants, ballerina flats. I have a more classic style, like Prada, and I prefer architectural pieces. I'll soon have Reed's clothing line along side his bags as well! Reed's line will launch in August.

To check out Reed's line, click here.


3. And of course we’d all love to know how you’ve designed your own home. Do you have a certain style you’ve used?

We've been collecting furniture for a long time. The look is extremely layered ranging from Louis XVI to Chippendale, Queen Anne, 40's, 70's and to Contemporary. A home is much more interesting and unique when layered, and not all purchased from the same store. People own things that they don't want to throw away and I will include them in my designs. Just like in fashion, with a favorite pair of jeans in your wardrobe, you should build upon that vs. starting from scratch.

4. Can you tell us a little bit about your latest project?

Right now, I'm working on a big townhouse on the Upper East side. They're a young family with young children so we can relate well. Their point of view is interesting in that they only want to collect art from artists that are living. We just purchased a table from the young designer Joris Laarman. He only graduated from college 2 years ago and is doing amazing things. The advantage to choosing art from artists who are alive is that they can create unique things for you. My biggest design work right now is designing Reed's new stores. (JEALOUS!!)

5. Do you have a fashion icon?

Of course it's rather cliche to say Audrey Hepburn, etc. but for me, it's women who know who they are and understand what looks good on them. You can go buy the chicest outfit on Madison Avenue and look like a page from a magazine. Women who understand their own style is my fashion icon.

Isn't she inspiring? Check out some of her designs:

I had to make an outfit to match the last image. I couldn't resist:

P.S. Don't forget to enter the contest for the new Cabbage & Roses book!

Cabbage & Roses

I have a serious treat for you stylistas today. A wonderful reader sent me some info on a London based home and fashion company called Cabbage & Roses. Yes, that's right a company that specializes in home goods as well as apparel. You know we love that here! The images on their website are to die for:

And now you can put them on your coffee table. The founder, Christina Strutt, just released her book, At Home With Country: Bringing the Comforts of Country Home. I know, you may be thinking Country style is not for me. Oooo how wrong you are. Just check out some of these images from the book:
She even has modern country! This is my fav.

And her apparel line is right up my alley with all those striped tops! How cool would you sound if someone asked where you got your shirt. "Oh from a London based boutique". Serious fashionista credibility. Here's how I'd pair my striped Cabbage and Rose top for a summer day on our boat:

If you're like me, you have no idea how to convert pounds into dollas, so click here for Google's converter.

Oh and by the way, would you like to own her new book? I'm giving one lucky reader the chance to win one! All you have to do is make a comment on this post and you're entered. (And if you're not a follower, please do so!) The contest ends next Friday, April 2nd. Good luck!

Polka Dots

Polka dots have seriously grown up! I was quite surprised in my research, there were tons of great options out there for incorporating it into your wardrobe as well as your decor.

I felt it only appropriate with April around the corner to post these super cute polka dot rain boots. Check out this pair at Target for only $20! Don't believe they could work for you? How about now?
Kate Spade, how we love you. This is actually a shift with a sweater on top.

Ann Taylor is my new obsession. I am in love with what they're doing right now. Gone are the days of drab suits for these guys. What makes this top so interesting is that the dots aren't perfect circles.

Check out this amazing huge headboard that connects both the twin beds. I've never seen anything like it:

That polka dot chair is making me very envious:

I would pay to sleep in this guest room. Ikat dots are to die for:

Elements of Style Blog

I just happened upon an amazing blog discovery and had to share it with my gals! It's called Elements of Style published by a very talented interior designer in Boston. Some of you may have already heard of it, but the images she posts are breathtaking and her writing style is just as impressive. She even has Fashion Fridays and has made rooms into outfits! Sounds like we would get along swimmingly. Click here to check out a recent Room to Outfit post. By the way, that shade of Chanel nail polish should be in every one's collection! I looked for it at Nordstrom a few weeks ago and didn't find it. Anyway, awesome blog Erin from Elements of Style!

Be sure to check back, I'm announcing another fun giveaway soon!

Jenna Lyons' Home

Most of you probably remember these images from when Domino published them, but I could stare at them all day long. It's the home of the woman who's closet you most envy, Jenna Lyons. I recently left from working at J.Crew and miss it a lot. As the creative director for J.Crew, she's transformed the company into a store who's line leaves you salivating over the ruffles and couture-like pieces. Let's take a trip down memory lane and step into her home. Who knows, she may have even redecorated by now? Jenna, if you're reading this, which I'm sure you are, and you've redecorated, please send me new pics. Thanks.

Probably my favorite part of Lyons decor style is her fearless ability to use black. Perfect example of decorating like you prefer to dress, because seriously, who doesn't like wearing black?

Her dressing room brings tears to my eyes just imagining what's in there.

What a bold entry.

Hints of Tribal

There's something so fun about wearing prints that looked like you just stepped off the plane from an African safari. For me, it reminds me of summer and warm weather. And one of the most popular interior design trends of 2010 is a well-traveled room.

What I love most about this room is the fireplace looks like a standard fireplace in a builder's home, yet the owners were able to make it completely their own. The wallpaper accent wall is an amazing tribal print I'd love to steal.

Such a fun entry. It's chic and glamorous with the mirrored table, yet the accents of the horns and twig stool make it very tribal. Well done.

Just found this table via ZGallerie.

I can't recall where I picked up this image. I'm in love with the idea of these vignettes looking like treasures from a recent vacation:

Let 'em think you picked up this necklace on your last safari adventure (at ShopBop):
Incorporating tribal into your wardrobe on the cheap (at F21):

A pretty pic from ChicagoMag:

For more ideas on the spring trend, check out Elle Decor's Trend Report.

Pretty Pastels

Ahhh Spring, how we love you. I just received the April issue of Elle Decor with a write-up on pastels becoming the next big trend in both interiors and fashion. At first, I was a little frightened because an overuse of this color group makes it look like Easter exploded all over the place. Elle Decor did a good job at making it very appealing.

A sunny yellow pastel paint always looks cheerful, even when the weather is rainy.
Found in Elle Decor, I'd love to put this in a little girl's room. Or my room, whatever's easiest...

This little vignette combined two pastels seamlessly. Love the lucite table and fur rug.

In a word: pretty.

Valentino is the only designer who could pull of designing a pastel yellow chiffon dress in the shape of a flower. It's beautiful:
One of J.Crew's infamous blouses:
I think what works best for wearing pastels is if they are a flowy material that pulls away from the body. Just say no to a pastel suit.

And for a little beauty tip, I've been seeing lilac nail polish everywhere lately. I think I'll give it a chance this weekend:

Have a great weekend everyone! (and sorry for the late post, I'm working on decorating a model home! More to come on this project...)