Habitually Chic®

NYFW Fall 2012: Lauren Moffatt

2012-02-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned before that fashion shows are extremely expensive to produce. That's the reason why some young or smaller designer houses are forced to get creative and show off site from Lincoln Center. Lauren Moffatt showed her Fall 2012 collection at a school on Mott Street Thursday and it couldn't have been more perfect. According to the show notes, the collection was "inspired by the innocent and classically undone style of a schoolgirl...the timeless color palate and buttoned up silhouettes is effortlessly chic with just a touch of mischievousness that lurks behind every schoolgirl's peter pan collar and pleated skirt." I especially loved the colorful print shown on some of the pieces in the "art studio" and will definitely be buying a few things for fall.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Gimme Shelter

2012-02-08T19:49:00.000-05:00

Speaking of mood boards, let's take a minute to behold the not one but two epic mood boards in the Shelter Half pop up shop in Los Angeles. My photographer friend Nicholas Maggio was kind enough to take me by for a visit on my last trip. Shelter Half is dedicated to Made in America products and is a carefully curated mix of interesting products, artwork, furniture, and even some food. It was organized by Davide Burruto, the owner of Environment Furniture who I unfortunately missed meeting in LA and in New York when he was in town for the New York International Gift Fair. Among the items for sale, I especially loved the Retro Specs and Arcana books. And if I had any wall space left in my apartment, I would definitely buy some art by Brady Erickson. I highly recommend stopping by on your next visit to Los Angeles.

Shelter Half

161 La Brea Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323-936-0225

Mon - Fri 11:00am - 6:00pm

Sat and Sun 12:00pm - 6pm

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

In the Mood for Fashion Week

2012-02-08T10:23:00.001-05:00

Today is the beginning of Fall 2012 Fashion Week in New York. As you know, one of my favorite aspects besides the runway shows and actually viewing the clothes is seeing the designer's mood boards full of inspiration. Jason Wu just posted his on tumblr and it already has me excited for his fall collection and all the upcoming shows. Happy Fashion Week!

Sponsor Sale: Serena & Lily

2012-02-07T17:09:00.002-05:00

In case you want to buy yourself or you sweetheart a treat for Valentine's Day, Serena & Lily are offering 25% off all signature patterned sheeting. Click here to shop and use code 25LOVE at checkout now through February 14, 2012.

Happy Shopping!

Domino Special Edition

2012-02-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

Just in case you haven't already heard the news, Condé Nast announced today that they will publish a domino magazine special edition called "domino Quick Fixes" on April 17th. Considering that my birthday is April 18th, this will be the best birthday present ever! According to the press release that every blogger in the land received today, it will be filled with domino's "best home decorating stories, focusing on easy, often inexpensive changes that make a big difference." Can't wait!

Green with Envy

2012-02-06T11:51:00.000-05:00

Every time I see a green interior like the ones in The Rug Company collage above, it makes me want to completely redecorate. I also don't think I wear enough green. I do have a big green cocktail ring but maybe I need a pair of army green pants or a bright green blouse. Something to think about as I start to shop for spring. It is the green buds on the trees that are the harbinger of spring so maybe clothes can do the same. The March 2012 issue of House Beautiful also celebrates this envy inducing and awe inspiring color. Green is good.

Park and Bond

Mark Rothko

via The Selby

via The Rug Company

Joanna Hillman of Harper's Bazaar

Kelly Wearstler

Elle Decor

Tommy Ton

More is More

2012-02-05T13:34:00.000-05:00

One of the most special things I was able to do on my recent trip to Los Angeles was visit Tony Duquette's legendary home Dawnridge and meet Hutton Wilkinson. The timing couldn't have been more perfect since the Tony Duquette for Coach collection was just launching with parties while I was in town. For those of you who don't know, Hutton Wilkinson started working for Tony Duquette in 1971 and after the designer's death in 1999, he has been keeping his designs and legacy alive. When the first Tony Duquette book was released in 2007, Bergdorf Goodman dedicated their holiday windows to the designer and I remember attending the book party. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine that I would eventually visit Dawnridge in person. Just another one of those pinch me moments that have come about because of my blog.

While there, my friend and I noticed a more modern house next door that seemed to be connected to Dawnridge but I forgot to ask about it. Fast forward to the March issue of Harper's Bazaar where I found out that it's Hutton Wilkinson's new house that he shares with his wife of 35 years, Ruth. He says it's his most personal design and full of over the top detail, gorgeous colors, and lots of gold. The photos make the perfect juxtaposition to some of the new pieces from the Tony Duquette for Coach collection. Just another example of how art, design, fashion, and jewelry can inspire each other. And maybe if I keep dreaming, someone will buy me that fabulous malachite ring for my birthday. Hint, hint.

Photos by Christopher Sturman for Harper's Bazaar.

Start Your Engines

2012-02-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

Leave it to an Italian to create a collection inspired by hot rods and American in the 1950's. Spring 2012 at Prada would make a Pink Lady proud. Not sure if I will be wearing those sandals with flames on them but I might have to have one of those new handbags. Bon Weekend!

Club Monaco Culture Club

2012-02-02T22:07:00.000-05:00

My love of Club Monaco is no secret. I always love their great dresses and jackets and shop them every season. Of course, this meant it was an even bigger honor to be asked to be the the featured contributor to their Culture Club tumblr page for the month of February! Only two posts are up so far but I have lots of treats up my sleeve especially involving fashion week and the dreaded Valentine's Day. I was actually asked out on a Valentine's Day date today so things are already looking up and we're only a few days into the month! Hooray!

Sponsor Discount: AM Living

2012-02-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a Valentine's Day gift for your sweetheart, you might want to visit AM-Living. They are generously offering HC readers 15% off any purchase for the month of February with the code HABCHIC. I especially love their Nautical inspired items and Campaign furniture. I say throw a little something in the cart for yourself too. You're worth it! Happy Shopping!

Heart Throb

2012-02-02T12:15:00.002-05:00

I'm going to have to check and make sure I don't have a fever that's making delirious. Normally, I hate anything cutesy and would definitely not be caught dead wearing anything with hearts on it. That being said, I'm kind of loving the heart throb print at J.Crew. I was in the Collection/Bridal store on Madison Avenue yesterday and thought it looked kind of cool in person. I also saw Alina Cho wearing what I thought was a heart throb print dress at the Christian Louboutin party last night. Turns out it's a shirt and skirt combined to look like a dress. Now that's chic. I draw the line at actually wearing it on Valentine's Day though. That would definitely mean I wasn't feeling myself.

Red Hot

2012-02-01T22:30:00.000-05:00

They say April is the cruelest month but for me, I think it's February. I loathe Valentine's Day and any other holiday for which I am made to feel inferior for not having a date. But in the spirit of if you can't beat them, you might as well join them, I'm deciding to embrace all things red this month. As an Aries, red is supposed to be my color yet I never wear it. They say men are most attracted to women wearing red. I did meet my college boyfriend while wearing a dark red duffel coat so they could be on to something. This also seemed like the perfect day to post red since I'm attending the 20th Anniversary party for Christian Louboutin tonight at Bergdorf Goodman. Might have to invest in a new pair of red soles and maybe even a red dress. Look out February!

Elle Decor

Bruce Springsteen by Frank Stefanko via The Impossible Cool

Tommy Ton for Style.com

Elle Decor

via Citizen Couture

Elle Decor

Belle du Jour

Miles Redd in Elle Decor

Balenciaga shoes by Tommy Ton

Elle Decor

Tommy Ton

Book available here.

Photo by Phil Oh

Poster available here.

March Madness

2012-02-01T09:21:00.000-05:00

The March issues of magazines are starting to arrive and I swear I still have September issues I still haven't gotten rid of yet. One that I am most excited to receive though is Harper's Bazaar. They've revamped the design and placed the enviable Gwyneth Paltrow on the cover. I'm pretty sure there are going to be a run on memberships to Tracy Anderson after everyone sees the issue. Sigh.

Photos by Terry Richardson

Chic in LA: Kelly Wearstler Boutique

2012-01-31T10:58:00.000-05:00

Instead of depressing you with more photos of the Viceroy Anguilla, I thought I'd revisit my trip to Los Angeles. While there I was able to pop into Kelly Wearstler's new clothing boutique on Melrose Avenue. For those of you who don't know, she also designed the Viceroy Anguilla, so my jumping around actually makes sense. The store is full of quirky details as well as tons of marble which is has become known for as an interior designer. The clothing isn't for everyone but I love her printed blouses and dresses for spring. She also showcases her china collection and other accessories. Kelly Wearstler is too cool for school but that's why I like her. If everyone played it safe, life would be very boring.

Kelly Wearstler

8440 Melrose Avenue

West Hollywood, CA 90069

323-895-7880

www.kellywearstler.com

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Viceroy Anguilla Beachfront Villa

2012-01-30T10:25:00.000-05:00

On the charter boat from St. Maarten to Anguilla, one of the crew members told me that a lot of people who visit Anguilla end up extending their trip. After experiencing the island and the Viceroy Beach Resort, I can see why. None of us wanted to leave. The words most often used to describe Anguilla are heaven, paradise and magical and it was definitely all three. Everywhere I turned was a view more picture post card perfect than the last. I joked at one point that I thought the Viceroy paid sailboats to sail by the property just for effect. It was that gorgeous.

I have to run to the New York International Gift Fair today so I'm just leaving you with a view of Beachfront Villa 4 where we stayed. It had five bedrooms, beach access, a private infinity pool, its own golf cart, and even a cat. You can also see the difference in the view from we arrived just before sunset to the vivid turquoise ocean and blue sky we awoke to the next morning. Heaven indeed.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Off to Anguilla

2012-01-26T08:30:00.002-05:00

You're probably saying to yourself, "didn't she just get back from LA?" The answer is yes. But when someone asks you if you want to attend a press trip to Viceroy Anguilla when it's January in New York, the answer should always be, "abso-freaking-lutely!" So with just three days downtime, I'm headed off for a little fun in the sun. I will be enjoying crystal clear waters, 80 degree temps, yoga, poolside spa treatments, and more. To paraphrase Carrie Bradshaw, "just go ahead and feel what I want you to feel...jealous." Just kidding. You know I'd take you all with me if I could. Well, not all of you. Just the nice ones.

Later skaters!

Chic Hollywood Hills Home: Part Deux

2012-01-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

Hopefully by now you've had time to digest the chicness of the first floor of the Hollywood Hills home of Mark D. Sikes from my last post Get ready for even more amazing interior design on the second floor. The shelves that hold all his magazines are definitely going in my inspiration folder for my future home. Enjoy!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Chic Hollywood Hills Home: Part I

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

One of the most fun things I was able to do in Los Angeles was meet interior designer Mark D. Sikes. Not only did he let me visit his gorgeous home in the Hollywood Hills but photograph it as well. You might recognize it from the December/January 2012 issue of House Beautiful. And before I go any farther, a full resource guide can be found online here since I know I will get questions about where to find things. It's always fun to see a space you have seen in a magazine in person. They only have room for so many photos so you miss so much. What struck me is how "East Coast" the house looks and not at all what you expect to see in Hollywood or California for that matter. You can see the influences also of Oscar de la Renta's house in Punta Cana and even Whitney Fairchild's Hamptons home that was featured in House & Garden magazine years ago. Mark used to work in visual merchandising but has transitioned now to interior design and it's clear that he has a great future ahead of him. I took so many photos that they wouldn't fit in just one post so this is a look at just the first floor. Pretty amazing huh?

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

High Style: Tabitha Simmons

2012-01-23T13:54:00.000-05:00

I've asked a few people to be featured in the book from whom I didn't hear back. Former model and stylist turned shoe designer Tabitha Simmons was one. But it all makes sense now. The five story townhouse that she shares with her husband photographer Craig McDean and her family is featured in the February issue of Vogue. There is no competing with Vogue or Tabitha's fabulous style for that matter. Architect Annabelle Selldorf blew out the back walls and replaced then with lovely paned glass windows and doors that let in lots of light. Landscape designer Miranda Brooks created the outdoor areas that further convince me that I definitely want to live in a townhouse and not an apartment building someday. Maybe I should making shoes.

Photos by Francois Halard

Chic in LA: Kendall Conrad

2012-01-22T19:57:00.001-05:00

My trip to Los Angeles was so scheduled that I barely had time to breathe but I did manage to find some time to shop. On Saturday, I met a friend at Brentwood Country Mart which couldn't be cuter. And thanks to the power of twitter, Julia Leach of Chance, alerted me that I had to stop by the Kendall Conrad pop up shop there. I'm so glad she did too because not only did I love the small store design and wall of black and white photos but the fabulous leathergoods. I'm not a girly girl so I prefer clean lined bags and accessories and sometimes even buy those designed for men. Kendall Conrad gets my aesthetic and I seriously could have bought one of everything. The bags feature brass hardware influenced by equestrian accouterments and her Spanish heritage which extends to a jewelry line of rings and bracelets. I ended up buying the Esclava chocolate leather and brass cuff bracelet but I have a feeling that I'm going to be ordering the Maquillaje make up bag in white leather and a laptop case before long. She even designs items for dogs and men. (I so want to make a joke that they are the same but will refrain.) I was also beyond surprised to find out that no stores in New York carry Kendall Conrad. Some chic shop owner needs to get on that!

Photos courtesy of Kendall Conrad

LA Lady

2012-01-19T20:04:00.000-05:00

Those of you who follow me on twitter already know but I thought I should mention to everyone that I am currently in Los Angeles. I'm busy shooting a few last subjects for my book and meeting up with friends old and new. My schedule is pretty jam packed which is the reason for the lack of posts. Besides shooting for the book, I have managed to photograph some fun places and stores and hopefully I can get them up on the blog soon. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the 65 degree temperatures and the laid back lifestyle. Later skaters!

Photo of Los Angeles by Nicholas Maggio

Chic in Atlanta: Sid Mashburn

2012-01-17T23:30:00.000-05:00

While I loved Ann Mashburn in Atlanta, I kind of wanted to move into Sid Mashburn and marry their handsome salesman Randall. It's a mecca for menswear and impeccable custom suiting. The tailors are on site to cater to your sartorial pleasure and couldn't be sweeter. If you're a Southern gentleman or even a Yankee, get thee to Sid's the next time you're in Atlanta. And tell Randall to call me.

Sid Mashburn

1198 Howell Mill Road

Atlanta, GA 30318

404-350-3135

Randall on the phone.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Chic in Atlanta: Ann Mashburn

2012-01-17T14:29:00.000-05:00

Also top on my list to visit in Atlanta were visiting the Ann Mashburn and Sid Mashburn stores. I had heard so much about them that I couldn't wait to check them out for myself. I can definitely say that they don't disappoint. The men's store Sid Mashburn opened first in 2007 and it took some prodding by the couple's five daughters to convince their mother to open Ann Mashburn, the ladies store in 2010. Ann Mashburn herself is actually quite qualified in the fashion realm having worked under Polly Mellon at Vogue in New York as well as for Glamour and J.Crew. She also happened to be around the day I visited and could not have been nicer. That made the visit even more special.

Of course, I couldn't leave without buying a little something and what I bought is actually a testament to Ann Mashburn's great design skills. I loved the Jackson Pollock look of a splatter print shirt but it was a pop over which usually never looks good on me. (A pop over is a shirt that only buttons half way down like a tunic.) I need pieces that give me a waist but I decided to try it on just in case. It was perfectly fitted and nipped in at the waist and very flattering. More importantly, the collar stays put when you pop it up. The shirt gets an A+ in my book and I have a feeling I'll be calling down to Atlanta to order it in every print!

Ann Mashburn

1198 Howell Mill Road

Atlanta, GA 30318

404-350-7132

Ann Mashburn

The splatter print shirt designed by Ann Mashburn that I bought at the store.

These new Taffin candles by James de Givenchy smell amazing!

The moodboard was pretty epic!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Chic in Atlanta: Pieces

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

I am embarrassed to say that I had never been to Atlanta, Georgia before Americas Mart invited me down to speak. I took the opportunity to stay the weekend and see some sights. At the top was stopping by the store Pieces. I shopped from them online for my bachelor pad project in 2008 and it was fun to see the store in person. Owner Lee Kleinhelter has so much inventory online that I was expecting a larger boutique but she packs a lot into a small space. Lee was unfortunately shopping the Mart so I didn't get to meet her but I definitely enjoyed my visit. I highly recommend it to any designer visiting Atlanta. Or you could always do what I did and shop online.

Pieces

3234-A Roswell Road, NW

Atlanta, GA 30305
404-869-2476

www.piecesinc.com

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Off to Atlanta

2012-01-13T14:19:00.000-05:00

I am off to Atlanta this weekend to attend the Atlanta Market and to speak on a great panel at AmericasMart. Maxwell Gilingham-Ryan of Apartment Therapy, Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio and I will be discussing Daily Design: How the Everyday Inspirations from Blogs Change the Industry on Saturday, January 14 from 3:00-4:00pm in Building 1, Floor 14, Seminar Room. A cocktail meet and greet and book signing will follow so I hope everyone attending the Market will stop by and say hello!

I also look forward to catching up with friends in Atlanta including interior designer Courtney Giles and stopping into chic stores like Pieces, Sid Mashburn and Ann Masburn. Hope ya'll don't miss me too too much while I'm gone but you can always follow my adventures on twitter.

Bon Weekend!