a Prettier Place • FASHION ART DESIGN MUSIC TRAVEL

PREEN BY THORNTON BREGAZZI Resort 2013

2013-05-13T10:58:00.000-04:00

///FASHION
Preen presents a resort collection inspired by American artist Jeff Koons with oversized poppy and hydrangea prints on simple day dresses, pencil skirts, and cropped sweatshirts. I love how they mixed audacity and simplicity to create a very wearable collection. - Marie Trepanier

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

MANUFACTURED TOTEMS

2013-05-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

///ART

You may wonder if the photos by Alain Delorme are real but unfortunately they are. Don't be fooled by the bright colors and the flawless photography - it is a very hard and precarious life. I have seen it first hand when I was in Hong Kong a few years ago. Still, there is something mesmerizing about them, almost a metaphor for life: How much can we pile up and carry before it comes down, crumbling on us?" - Marie Trepanier

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SCINTILLATION

2013-05-09T09:07:00.000-04:00

///VIDEO
This experimental film by Xavier Chassaing was made with over 35,000 photographs. It combines an innovative mix of stop motion and live projection. The intro is a little bit long but be patient - it's really worth it! - Marie Trepanier

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

STEVEN MEISEL'S MIDCENTURY HOUSE IN LOS ANGELES

2013-05-08T12:42:00.000-04:00

///INTERIOR DESIGN
After visiting Trousdale Estates, Beverly Hills for a photo shoot, photographer Steven Meisel bought this 1963 house located in the luxurious community developed in the ’50s and ’60s. Designer Brad Dunning kept the 1960s swing style and I love how he incorporated green accents throughout the house - the green chairs in the living room, the leather bed frame and the green onyx in the bathroom - to name just a few.
The house also boost an unconventional home office/master bath. “That space was my idea,” confesses the photographer to Architectural Digest. “It just made sense to me—take a shower, get dressed, make a few calls, and do a little work. I love that room.” - Marie Trepanier

The driftwood-and-glass table and curved sofa are original to the house.

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LA BOHEME

2013-05-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

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EVOCATEUR • STUNNING GOLD LEAF JEWELRY

2013-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

///FASHION

Handcrafted in Connecticut, Évocateur is a collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry made with 22K gold leaf and sterling silver leaf. The pieces are modern and contemporary but look like they came out of Gustav Klimt paintings. I love the contrast between the vibrant colors and the rich tone of the gold leaf. Aren't they all absolutely stunning? I want them all! - Marie Trepanier

Évocateur is offering an exclusive discount to my readers.

Enter the code APP20 at checkout to get 20% off

Valid until May 13th, 2013.

ERDEM RESORT 2013

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

///FASHION
On Erdem’s inspiration board, the Queen of England's been sharing space with his research photographs of Upper East Side ladies, posing neatly on their upholstered sofas and armchairs, and Amish women, in their long, modestly cut dresses. “There’s a lot of patchwork and embroidery going on. I don’t really know what you’d call it—Old Lady meets Amish? But what I want to show is how someone can wear it in a serious, grown-up way—and how someone else can do it in a bonkers young way, too.” via

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BLOOMING GARDEN

2013-05-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

///ART

I was very impressed with the work of Alexandra Sophie, a 20-year-old self-taught French photographer. There is something very beautiful and powerful, poetic and provocative about her ongoing series Blooming Garden (Jardin Fleuri) which depicts different stages in the lives of women. Such a beautiful representation of femininity with nature. The feminist in me - yes, I said the F word - was very proud! What do you think? - Marie Trepanier

Virgin Soil Blackberries/Mature

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THE EXOTIC HOME OF DESIGNER JOHN ROBSHAW IN NYC

2013-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

///INTERIOR DESIGN

When he’s not traveling the world in search of inspiration for his textile designs, John Robshaw heads home to a haven of exotic treasures in Manhattan. Robshaw travels to places like Vietnam, Bolivia, and Zimbabwe to collaborate with local artisans on fabrics that combine traditional techniques with fresh pattern and color.

The sofa is upholstered in a linen by Robshaw and topped with his pillows.
Ihe bone-inlay side tables hold mango-wood lamps fitted with shades by Robshaw.
A mask from an Indian market, Turkish calligraphy mirrors, and a wood cow sculpture adorn the wall.

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

TOTE STORY

2013-04-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

///FASHION
I have been obsessed about finding the perfect tote for my upcoming trip to Paris... - Marie Trepanier

(First Row) Michael Kors Miranda Tote, Dooney & Bourke Side Stitched Shopper, Reed Krakoff Atlantique Mini Leather Tote, blue mk, Anya Hindmarch Tiny Tim Leather Tote
(Second Row) Issey Miyake Lucent Bao Bao Shopper, Reed Krakoff Boxer Tote, Valextra Isis Shopping Tote, Alaïa Laser-Cut Leather Tote, J.Crew Farmer's Market Tote
(Third Row) Tiffany & Co. Jitney Tote, Victoria Beckham Georgia Tote, Michael Kors Jet Set Leather Tote, Sophie Hulme Buckle Tote, Dooney & Bourke Large Shopper

SHE SAID, SHE SAID WITH MARISA TOMEI

2013-04-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

///VIDEO
This video for the Co Spring 2013 collection features a couple (Marisa Tomei and Elodie Bouchez) on the brink of divorce attempts to divide their possessions through mediation. It sounds like a drama but it will make you smile for sure. - Marie Trepanier

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

CLOUD INSTALLATIONS

2013-04-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

///ART

Berndnaut Smilde is a cloud artist. You didn't misread. Smilde has discovered a way to carefully regulate temperature and humidity to contain and capture clouds before their rapid dissipation. Absolutely lovely! - Marie Trepanier

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

Mikhael Kale • Lookbook S/S 2013

2013-04-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

///FASHION

Canadian designer Mikhael Kale hits all the right notes with this spring collection featuring psychedelic prints, metallic detailing and delicate ruffles in rich lavender, ivory, inky black and sky blue. I especially love Kale's contemporary take on ladylike style. - Marie Trepanier

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

Catherine Palace in St.Petersburg

2013-04-22T13:06:00.002-04:00

///TRAVEL

On my travel bucket list, there is St.Petersburg for all its treasures from Imperial Russia - not only for the Hermitage Museum but also for all the magnificient palaces in the area like the Catherine Palace. The Catherine Palace is named after Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great, who ruled Russia for two years after her husband's death. - Marie Trepanier

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CHAIRLIFT Cool as Fire

2013-04-10T09:35:00.000-04:00

///MUSIC - LISTEN TO...

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Ulyana Sergeenko Couture Spring 2013

2013-04-09T11:07:00.000-04:00

///FASHION

I never thought that Ulyana Sergeenko could outdo herself but she did with this divine collection! If I ever were invited to the Oscars, I would wear one of her breathtaking gowns on the red carpet. Absolutely magical and dreamy. - Marie Trepanier

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

A Rustic Farmhouse in the Hills of Italy

2013-03-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

///INTERIOR DESIGN

Architect Benedikt Bolza rebuilds the rural houses of Umbria Italy - centuries old and in ruins - into luxurious villas. He transformed his family’s estate - a 2,700-acre estate in the wooded hills of Umbria, Italy, into a grand and rustic dwelling for his young family. I especially love the glass atrium over the inner courtyard and the dining alcove which is big enough for his family of seven. Oh and I almost forgot the lovely garden room with the fireplace - where I can easily picture myself lounging - Marie Trepanier

The architect designed most of the drawing room’s furnishings,
including the wood-and-brass console, the sofa, and the cast-bronze cocktail table.

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Floral Fantasia

2013-03-21T12:06:00.000-04:00

These fabulous photos are from Architectural Digest China. I love how they featured fashion and interior design in the same editorial. Simple idea but very effective and innovative! - Marie Trepanier

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Objects of Desire No. 3

2013-03-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Clockwise Hermès vintage Courchevel 35 Birkin bag $24,155, Burberry Prorsum trench coat $1,995, Christian Dior sandals with metal ring $1,200, Miu Miu cat eye sunglasses $390, Vers iPod alarm clock $220, RJ Graziano Filligree Floral Earrings $38, French Sole ballet flats $185, Ghibli Green and Gold Python Daily Planner Agenda $219

I wish I had $25,000 to spend on a bag because it is a hell of a beautiful bag! - Marie Trepanier

Dreaming of Paris...

2013-03-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

///TRAVEL ///MUSIC
During the last month, all my summer travelling plans fell trough. My boyfriend bought a restaurant a few months ago and can't take time off work. My sister can't come with me to Italy because she scored her dream internship and my friends can't travel for various reasons. I was so disappointed but after a week of feeling sorry for myself, I booked a trip anyway. I will be visiting Paris in June!

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

Red Valentino Fall 2013

2013-02-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

///FASHION

There are not many collections that I would buy every single item from. Red Valentino is the exception. How can I resist an Hansel and Gretel theme with folkloric embroidery and petticoated skirts in marzipan and gingerbread prints? I even did my hair milk maid style today so I am fully ready for whatever Red Valentino wants to throw at me! Anyone from Red Valentino listening? - Marie Trepanier

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

Amsterdam

2013-02-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

///TRAVEL

I have been thinking about spending some time in Amsterdam this summer. While researching what to do and where to eat in the city, I stumbled upon this lovely campaign for Amsterdam 2013 - 2013 being a milestone year for the city. I love the bright colors of the campaign and the nod to its famous landmarks. - Marie Trepanier

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

Wild Child

2013-02-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

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A Brit in Italy • Article No. 5

2013-02-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Amy Jones is the columnist for A Prettier Place. She is a twenty-something Brit who, after studying languages at university, volunteering in Kenya and traveling around the world for a bit, decided she wanted to experience a bit of la dolce vita.

We are family… I’ve got all my brothers and sisters and uncles and cousins and nephews….

Do you come from a big family? Are you one of three or four siblings, with an array of aunts and uncles and lots of little cousins? Well, I’m not. Yes, it’s true, yours truly is an only child. My mother has one sister, my father one brother. So you can imagine that our family get togethers are rather modest affairs. And this always suited me down to the ground, it was what I was used to.

And then I moved to southern Italy.

CHECK IT OUT =====> HERE

LOOKS (Winter)

2013-02-19T09:39:00.001-05:00

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