Habitually Chic®

Chic at Cannes

2013-05-19T10:42:00.002-04:00

The Cannes Film Festival is in full swing on the French Riviera right now but stars have been posing on La Croisette since the first festival in 1947. The heyday for me was the time of the late 1950's to early 1960's from when these photos were taken. While today's celebrities look pretty good, they can't hold a candle to the movie stars of the past. C'est magnifique!

Sophia Loren, 1959

Natalie Wood sailing at Cannes in 1962.

Cary grant and Kim Novack in 1959.

Ingrid Bergman in 1956.

Cannes Film Festival in 1956.

Romy Schneider at Cannes.

Outside Cannes Film Festival in 1962.

Orson Welles in 1958.

A Dutch actress in 1962.

Natalie Wood looking tres chic at Cannes in 1962.

German actress Elke Sommer at Cannes in 1962.

Ginger Rogers at Cannes in 1956.

Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini in 1956.

Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty in 1962.

Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin at Cannes.

Elizabeth Taylor at Cannes.

Grace Kelly

Romy Schneider

Bon Weekend

2013-05-18T09:22:00.000-04:00

"Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty

outvalues all the utilities of the world."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

Photo by me via instagram

Take a Chance on Greece

2013-05-17T08:44:00.000-04:00

"Of all peoples, the Greeks have dreamt the dream of life best." - Goethe

For her third season of Chance, founder and creative director Julia Leach not only dreamed of Greece but traveled there to capture the spirit of the collection on location. She worked with local photographer Yiorgos Kaplasnidis and a local model in these stunning images shot on the island of Paros. Greece was the perfect backdrop to not only her signature stripes but new caftans and tunics debuting this May. The Chance ethos is described as "classics that travel the world" and if you can't get away, you can feel like you have thanks to Julia.

Chance Greece inspiration board.

(click images to enlarge)

Photos by Yiorgos Kaplasnidis courtesy of Chance (click to enlarge)

Bamboo Story

2013-05-16T19:54:00.001-04:00

One of the more avant guard rooms in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is Sara Story's Bamboo Story space. She provided background information on the design so I thought it would be nice to share it in its entirety.

" Sara Story's installation is a composition of form and color that invites viewers' heightened reflection through dynamic optical effects. In the abstracted sitting room, fractal upholstery pieces covered in solid colored lilac lambswool and binary pair of black and white coffee tables sit on a geometric floor pattern, establishing dynamic tension between figure and ground.

The walls are covered in the black and white rendition of the "bamboo" pattern from Sara's recently launched wallpaper collection. In Asian symbolism, bamboo is a sign of strength, and the pattern is reflected in a lilac ceiling polished to a mirror finish. A custom vanity in the bathroom displays a full spectrum of the same lilac hue, relief from the after-effect of looking at a rigorous checkerboard of black and white tile on the walls and floor."

Sounds good to me.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

All About Eve

2013-05-16T08:01:00.001-04:00

I always wish that readers would remember that the designers who participate in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House spend tens of thousands of dollars of their own money on their rooms. And more importantly, it's all done for charity before they criticize a space that's not their taste. That said, one of my readers did point out this morning that so far I've posted some of the more traditional rooms (this is not actually what she said but it's probably best not to post the actual email) so I'm going to highlight a few more of the modern spaces today. First up is the top floor "Family Lounge" by Eve Robinson & Associates. It's a light airy space with a custom grey hide rug by Kyle Bunting that elevates the room beyond the usual family rec room decor.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Chic Master Suite

2013-05-15T16:04:00.001-04:00

I didn't realize until the end of my tour of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House that Kathryn Ireland designed the only bedroom in this year's townhouse. I'm glad it was a really chic one then. Kathryn's style is usually very California Bohemian Chic but I thought she did a great job translating that to the East Coast with the use of all the antiques from John Rosselli and the Anglo-Indian Tester bed from Jonathan Burden. It also doesn't hurt that all the fabrics and wallpaper are part of her collection for Scalamandré.

The Impressionist painting is from Rafael Gallery.

The bird painting is by Hunt Slonem.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Introducing Aerin Lauder for Lee Jofa & Summer

2013-05-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

I remember speaking with someone last year about Aerin Lauder's line for Lee Jofa and today I saw the final amazing result. It makes me wish I worked on more design projects because I could scheme them, along with her carpets and home accessories a million different ways from Sunday. The fabric designs also grace the travel and make up bags in addition to the packaging for the amazing smelling candles. They don't have a label so they look very chic sitting out and you can use them to hold your make up brushes, from Aerin of course, or pencils after they burn down. I'm also excited to report that Aerin is opening a seasonal summer shop in Southampton on Saturday, May 25th. It will carry ready made pillows; bathing suits; her shoes, jewelry, and sunglasses; beauty and make up; and more. It looks like it's going to be one chic summer!

Aerin Summer

83 Main Street

Southampton, NY 11968

southampton@aerin.com

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Pretty Petite

2013-05-13T13:33:00.001-04:00

Interior designer Stephen Mooney designed the smallest room in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House with the biggest impact this year. It's a petite space designed as ladies writing room that is a serene oasis in the chaos of the rest of the house. It would make an excellent room for blogging too. I wonder if they'd let me come over with my laptop.

Designer Stephen Mooney in his room.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Paperless Post Now Offline

2013-05-13T11:38:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of attending an intimate dinner last week to celebrate the collaboration between everyone's favorite online stationer, Paperless Post, and Oscar de la Renta. The twist being that now you can purchase physical stationery and invitations to be mailed at the post office and not just via email. The resulting pieces take inspiration from Oscar de la Renta's runway and bridal collections and would be perfect for your summer soiree or upcoming nuptials. In fact, they're even a great excuse to invite your friends over to your apartment to watch Sunday night television. I think even Oscar would approve of that idea.

Weekend Gallery Guide

2013-05-10T09:07:00.002-04:00

It's supposed to be almost 80 degrees in New York today which would make it a great day to visit the Frieze Art Fair on Randall's Island. Over 180 of the world's leading galleries will be exhibiting their works inside and out and some of New York's best restaurants are on hand when you need a pick me up. Getting there is half the fun too. You can take the ferry or the Joe Fresh Shuttle Bus.

Frieze Art Fair New York

Randall's Island

Friday, May 10: 11am–7pm

Saturday, May 11: 11am–7pm

Sunday, May 12 : 11am–7pm

Monday, May 13: 11am–6pm

Tickets $42

Students $26

When the rain returns on Saturday, I recommend heading inside to take advantage of all the new gallery openings. Elizabeth Peyton will be showing her new works at Gavin Brown through May 13th.

One of my favorite art books that was also on Jenna Lyons desk is Cecily Brown. I've never seen her work in person so I'm excited to head over to Gagaosian Gallery on Madison Avenue to see her new show. It will be on view through June 22nd.

While at Gagosian on Madison Avenue, why not stop in and see the Dennis Hopper: The Lost Album show also up through June 22nd. It includes the actor's photographs from the 1960's that haven't been exhibited since the 1970's.

While you're uptown, why not pop over to Sotheby's to see the amazing Man Made: Jean-Michel Basquiat. I've already seen this one and can attest that it's worth seeing before it ends on June 9th.

If you prefer to stay downtown, then make sure you check out the Anselm Kiefer show at Gagosian at the West 21st Street gallery.

Bon Weekend!

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Coverage Begins

2013-05-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

I am finally allowed to start posting my pics from the 2013 Kips Bay Decorator Show House today and I can't wait to share these chic spaces. The designers work so hard on them and don't always receive much recognition so it's always been important to me to highlight their efforts.

When I toured the house a week ago, it was still receiving a few finishing touches at the entry so I decided to start at the top and work my way down. Barbara Ostrom Associates designed this beautiful aerie retreat that looks like the perfect space to curl up and read a book or do some writing at the desk. The style is best described as traditional with a twist and is the perfect way to kick off my coverage.

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2013

161 East 64th Street

New York, NY 10065

May 7 - June 4, 2013

Monday through Saturday 11am - 5pm

Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8pm

Sunday Noon - 5pm

No entry 1/2 hour before closing

Entrance fee: $35

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Lighten Up: Part Deux

2013-05-08T10:51:00.001-04:00

Despite the monsoon that flooded down on New York this morning, I'm still trying to lighten up my apartment and wardrobe for summer. Although the unspoken rule is that you can't wear white until after Memorial Day, I think we all know that rules were meant to be broken. Enjoy!

I need to find sunglasses like the ones Michelle Pfieffer wears in Scarface.

Celine

Ralph Lauren

Jean Michel Frank

Images via tumblr and pinterest

Lele Sadoughi Jewelry

2013-05-07T16:23:00.000-04:00

I was introduced to Lele Sadoughi Jewelry recently through Moda Operandi. The designer of the line Lisa "Lele" Sadoughi started the J.Crew jewelry line in 2006 and is currently the Design Director at Tory Burch so she's got quite the pedigree. What I love most is that the prices aren't crazy expensive. I pre-prdered a fall 2013 bracelet on Moda Operandi but it won't arrive until July or August so I did what any immediate gratification seeking fashionista would do, I went to her website to see what I could buy now. The Scepter Necklace I ordered this weekend arrived today and it will perfectly coordinate with the Milky Way bracelet when it arrives later this summer. She also has lots of colorful pieces perfect for summer.

Happy Shopping!

Lotus and Scarab Necklace

The black and white Scepter Necklace that just arrived. I look forward to wearing it with my black and white summer dresses and all my grey dresses this winter.

The black Milky Way bracelet I pre-ordered for fall from Moda Operandi that will arrive in July or August. It should be available on Lele's site later this summer.

The white Milky Way bracelet I will be ordering from Lele Sadoughi when it's available on her site. It will look perfect with all my white summer dresses.

Punk: Chaos to Couture

2013-05-06T16:51:00.000-04:00

It would be interesting to hear the logic behind the decision to choose Punk: Chaos to Couture as the subject of the The Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute exhibition this year. Especially considering they already examined some of these themes in the recent shows AngloMania and Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. I will admit that it's not my favorite show but it wasn't as terrible as I was anticipating. I sat next to fashion reporter Suzy Menkes for the remarks portion of today's press preview and she was very not impressed. She thought it would have been more interesting to see the clothes within the context they were shown on the runway and real life. I'm sure it will appeal to the younger set and it's worth checking out but I really hope they choose a pretty theme next year. How about Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy?

Curator Andrew Bolton fielding questions.

Guess who?

All photo by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Wicker Park

2013-05-06T07:30:00.000-04:00

Warmer weather doesn't just mean lighten up your wardrobe. It's also a great time to lighten up your decor. There is nothing that says summer like wicker, rattan, bamboo, and other natural fiber furniture. It's not just for outside or beach houses either. As you can see from these examples, it looks pretty great everywhere.

Miranda Brooks Home

Hamptons Designer Show House photo by me.

Design by Schuyler Samperson.

Design by Patricia Fisher Design.

via House Beautiful

via Coastal Living

Design by Thom Filicia.

Tory Burch Residence.

Jacques Grange home in Portugal with chairs by John Himmel.

Aerin Lauder Residence with chairs by Wicker Works upholsters in China Seas fabric.

Babe Paley in Jamaica.

Design by Shannon Berrey Design.

Design by Thom Filicia.

via Veranda

Home of Hubert de Givenchy.

Oscar de la Renta's Punta Cana home.

via House Beautiful

Design by Markham Roberts.

Top Image: Ashley Whittaker Design

Bon Weekend

2013-05-03T19:21:00.000-04:00

The weather in New York could not be more beautiful and it will continue all weekend. Hooray! The Park Avenue tulips above are standing tall and proud all along the Upper East Side.

While this dapper gentleman and most of the city were enjoying some time in the sun.

Many interior designers like Kathryn Ireland (above) were putting the final touches on their rooms for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. I was on hand to photograph the rooms this week and will posting them beginning on Thursday, May 9th. If you want to see it for yourself, it opens to the public on Tuesday, May 7th and will run through June 4th.

Bon Weekend!

Photos by me via instagram

Chic at Work: Alexa Hampton

2013-05-01T15:25:00.000-04:00

Interior designer Alexa Hampton is someone who is as comfortable talking about Corinthian columns and classic architecture as she is RevitaLash and hair care, and that's why I love her. In an industry that sometimes takes itself too seriously, she is a breath of fresh air and one of the funniest people I know. Alexa's father was the legendary designer Mark Hampton and after his death she took over the firm that he founded in 1976. She's also written books including a new one that will be out this November and is now designing a very chic collection for HSN. I popped over to her office to chat about it recently and give you a peek at what to expect. Alexa had a hand in all the designs including those that carry her signature Greek key motif and made sure it all feels as good as it looks. The linens are going to be another great item for the summer rental season and beyond. There are some pieces already available online or you can tune in to HSN on Thursday, May 2nd when Alexa is live on air. Who knows, you might even get some beauty recommendations while you're watching.

The blue and white lines are perfect for this summer.

Just a sampling of what's in the collection that will eventually include furniture.

Alexa waxing poetic about your new products.

A headboard slip cover that fits the headboards in the collection.

This is going to be a top seller I can already tell!

I need these towels! The 6-piece Turkish Towel Set is only $49.95 too.

I've never thought of red as a color to use in a bedroom but this collection is changing my mind with her 6 piece jacquard comforter set.

Inspirational drawing for the Alexa Hampton for HSN collection.

I told Alexa that I just want to come over once a week and look at all her books. She doesn't even need to be there but obviously it would be more fun if she was.

She has duplicates of all her favorite books at home too.

Tools of the trade.

Love these plates!

I brought Alexa a copy of my book and she sat down to read it again.

So jealous that she has a copy of The Givenchy Style!

The rainy day view from her office. Not too shabby.

Schemes.

Another catalog I don't own yet.

Bill Blass was a dear family friend and one of Alexa's drawings that she gave to him ended up in the auction as "drawing by unknown 20th-century artist" which she joked could not be truer.

A drawing of Alexa's father Mark Hampton.

All photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic.

I was not compensated in any way for this post. But I would totally take a set of towels as a thank you!

May

2013-05-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

The world's favorite season is the spring.

All things seem possible in May.

- Edwin Way Teale

photo by me via instagram

Dazzling Domaine

2013-04-29T22:56:00.005-04:00

I've mentioned that it was coming and I am happy to announce that Domaine Home is finally live! Hooray! Give yourself plenty of time to check out this new home site from the founders of Who What Wear, Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr. Helmed by magazine alum Mat Sanders, it's chock full of fabulous decor, celebrities, and even a few recipes. As part of their media network, Clique Media, you might even see a few contributions from me down the road. Enjoy!

My sneak peek in January.

Design by Jeffrey Allen Marks and Ross Cassidy.

Home of Katie Nehra.

Home of Lea Michele.

Lighten Up

2013-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

It was a gorgeous weekend here in New York but I was surprised how many people were still dressed for winter. It's definitely time to store the boots and tights and banish the black. I'm all about non-color colors like buff, nude and tan with a little pale pink thrown in for good measure. Hope this inspires you to lighten up too.

Tom Ford Nude Vanille Lipstick

Design by Veere Greeney

OPI polish in Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs.

Bag by Celine

Photo by Tommy Ton

Muslin samples in Marissa Webb's studio.

Grace Kelly

Design by Thom Filicia.

Inspiration for bikini season.

Bon Weekend

2013-04-27T08:59:00.002-04:00

The weather is beautiful so why not pick up a copy of the Wall Street Journal with the WSJ magazine inside and head to the park.

Bon weekend!

Intriguingly Chic

2013-04-26T10:02:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you run across spaces that aren't exactly your own personal style but are so full of intriguing details that you can help but be enamored by them. That's how I feel about this Paris apartment by Jean Louis Deniot. I love the marble entry with jib door, the grey and gold color scheme, the striped bathroom, and I especially love the gold kitchen cabinets. It's proof that you can find great ideas in any interior if you look hard enough.

Bon weekend!

Tuscan Chic

2013-04-24T09:07:00.003-04:00

When I first found out that antiques dealer Gerald Bland and his artist wife Mita Corsini Bland had a home in Tuscany, it took all my will power not to beg them to let me visit. Now that it's featured in the May/June 2013 issue of Veranda magazine, I'm pretty sure everyone is going to be begging for a stay. Veranda was kind enough to offer a sneak peek before the issue hits the newsstands on May 7th. The house is actually a farmhouse that was left to Mita who is Italian and it's just as lovely as I expected.. The couple has filled the renovated space with a few antiques but nothing too precious which is absolutely perfect.

To see the couple's Manhattan home, click here. You can also read more about Gerald Bland in my book Creativity at Work.

Photos by Alexandre Bailhache for Veranda

Reminder: J.Crew My Shoe Story Contest Ends Soon

2013-04-22T15:25:00.002-04:00

Don't forget you have one week left to enter the J.Crew My Shoe Story contest. It ends on Monday, April 29, 2013 so what are you waiting for?!

Shoes transport you: from the cobblestone streets of SoHo to the cafes and canals of Venice, comfortable, chic, shoes allow us to explore fashion and culture. With this in mind, J.Crew’s new Italian shoe collection has the style of New York and the craftsmanship of Italy.

For a chance to win a $1,000 J.Crew shopping spree and a trip for two to NYC, share your interpretation of how your world reflects the mix-and-match fashions of NYC and the cultural community of Italy.

PIN IT TO WIN IT: HOW TO ENTER

Subscribe/Log-in to Pinterest
Follow J.Crew on Pinterest
Create a board entitled “My Shoe Story”
Pin 5 shoe or product images from jcrew.com or J.Crew Pinterest together with images of the places that inspire you
Use the hashtags #jcrew and #myshoestory in the pin descriptions
Click here to enter

PRIZE PACKAGE

One winner will be selected and will receive a trip for two to NYC, a tour of the Vogue offices, a $1,000 J.Crew shopping spree with a Very Personal Stylist, and dinner for two at a NYC Italian hot spot.

Bonne Chance!

Photo by me via instagram for this sponsored post.

Judging a Room by its Covers

2013-04-22T10:09:00.000-04:00

Not only am I going to need a library to house all my books someday but shelves on which to display my favorite covers. A lot of time and effort goes into the cover art of books so why not display them as you would a painting. Chandelier Creative, above, even opens some of them up. Now that is creative.

Kelly Wearstler

via Heart Home Magazine