Art of Shade: Eco Chic Fashion

The other night I went to my first green tweetup in Downtown Hollywood. It was great meeting other local tweeters who are also eco minded. I always seem to find something new and interesting in Hollywood be it an antique fair, a cool wine bar or a new gelatto cafe. I will definitely write more about Hollywood. But for now, downtown is a lazy town with great character that is close to the Beach and in the midst of a redevelopment. One of the most eco chic and refreshing newcombers is Art of Shade, a couture fashion boutique uniquely based on recycle and redesign.

Designer Kaycee Armstrong's designs are one of a kind and custom pieces of art, reflective of her own take on repurposing and individuality. Each piece is reconstructed using recycled materials like sweaters or the men's dress shirts used below. Everytime I step into their creative showroom, that is often open late or hosting trunk shows, I am inspired.

Spring 2010 Home Color Trends

Just in time for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, the Pantone Color Institute has officially announced the colors for Spring 2010.

Designers describe this palate as happy, colorful, cool, modern, fresh, delicate, wearable, romantic, feminine, earthy. Inspired by the seaside, country garden sunsets, weathered neutrals, global travels, urban jungle, iconic natural images of Georgia O Keefe and the fluid romanticism of Degas ballerinas. 1930s, 40's, 70's

1. Amparo Blue - a brighter blue references the ocean & tropical beaches
2. Turquoise
3. Sunshine, Aurora yellow
4. Coral
5. Romantic Violet is reminiscent of Spring blooming
6. Tomato Puree Red
7. Neutrals are comforting but luxurious like the new “bubbly luxury" of Pink Champagne
8. Tuscany, a warm beige perfect with Coral or Violet
9. Dried Herb green
10. Cool Eucalyptus gray

Home & Interiors Color Trends 2010: Also recently released

1. Green Market - Visual Appealing, Artisanal, Urban - colors like tomato puree, apple green, paprika
2. Resourceful - Sustainable, Preserving, Originality, Value- golden ochre, aqua sky, mauve orchid
3. Transformations - Modern Nostalgia, Romantic, Graceful, Soothing - lavender grays, stratosphere blue, pale gold, cameo pink
4. Ambiance - Understated, Layered Neutrals, Retro Glam, Sensuous - coffee bean, cognac, silvered pink
5. Galaxy - Metaphysical Presence, Illusion, Passage of Light - turquoise, orchid, peridot, stormy violets, golds
6. Gatherings - Global, Cultural References - copper, smoked blue, cyprus green
7. High Definition - Refined Glamour, Sleek Sophistication, Clarity - black, white, gray with dramatic pops of fuscia, purple, silver & gold
8. Pastiche - Upbeat, Unexpected, Tongue & Cheek Playfulness - a potpourris of blues, mimosa yellow, strawberry ice

I love how these colors are happy, uplifting and hopefully a tell all for the future. It is so inspiring. My favorite way to include a trend is in the accessories. Just as you might splurge on one red dress or a few colorful bangles you can select sofa pillows with a pop of bright color and your living room will take on a whole new look. Express your passion for eating healthier or living greener by changing up the dish towels and artwork in your kitchen with new colors like tomato red and paprika from the green market palate. Or, if you are in need of a new paint job, replace your beige walls with a fresher, more modern neutral like lavender gray or a deeper green.

Decor Trends & Tips Fall 2009: Bloom

Butterfly window treatments
Butterfly Bench
Amy Butler Rug
Nature and the beauty of flowers, butterflies and all that blooms has never been more inspiring - literally. And color from nature's garden: Cool blues, royal purple, bright pink, red rose, yellow and lime green are the perfect pops of color for accessorizing this Fall. There is a renewed appreciation for our environment, whether it is a natural motif or actually organic and eco friendly. It will transcend style or any other trend and it is here to stay...grow & evolve.

So you can feel good about investing in one of a kind hand made items and supporting your local artists. Collecting and combining ethnic, artisan finds from different cultures.

It also means that there is little reason to put away your summer flea market or Target finds.

Enjoy a garden party with your friends inside with the same dinnerware that you used over the summer. Replace sea shells and crisp cottons with a layered look of linens, branches and leaves from your backyard or a huge bouquet of red roses.

Combine your coral prints with warmer beiges and grays.

Bring one great floral rug into a minimal space for a grand statement.

Add texture to your sofa with a mix of damask and floral embellished throwpillows, cashmere and wool throws.

Julie & Julia - Happy Birthday Julia

Tomorrow is Julia Child's birthday, born August 15, 1912. Like many, my husband and I went to see Julie & Julia last Saturday night. Yes, there are some harsh critics out there, but I thought it was just wonderful! I knew I was going to love the scenes in Paris and the food of course, since I love to cook and I love everything French. Meryl Streep was fantastic, a complete transformation from let's say, her character in Mama Mia. But I was also particularly inspired by Julie's commitment to her blog. And Julie & Julia's mutual desire to make a difference with food and writing.

It has inspired me to take time to revel in joie de vivre. This week, we have taken time to look at our pictures from Paris & Provence, enjoy wine together on our balcony in the evenings and I am reading My Life in France, Julia's memoir. I also tracked down Julie's blog http://www.juliepowell.blogspot.com/. Reading all of her previous entries and her current insight is fascinating.

This will be the first of my posts celebrating everything I love French. We will also begin Miami Moments for those living in South Florida. Miami Moment: Through September 4, Darryl Moiles, executive chef at Four Seasons Palm Beach is offering a special menu featuring Julia Child’s favorite recipes from The Art of Cooking. Julia Child frequently dined at Four Seasons Boston and visited the kitchen where Chef Moiles began his career.

Elizabeth Bailey's Eco Friendly Bedroom - Hampton Designer Showhouse

courtesy of Newsday

courtesy of Interior Design

The Hampton Designer Showhouse on Long Island opened July 26th and pictures of the rooms have been circulating. This year, I am inspired by the eco friendly bedroom designed by Elizabeth Bailey. She layers a soft color palette of pinks and blue/gray with luxe upholstery and elegant yet organic fabrics to create a show stopping bed. By combining high end furniture and fine antiques with vintage pieces and great artwork, I think this room becomes a beautiful example of modern, thoughtful, sustainable design. I just LOVE it!

I spy too a floor pillow (above) in Aspire by Mod Green Pod. If like me you are so disappointed that you can not be in the Hamptons right now to see for yourself visit Habitually Chic and MA Belle of Rubie Green fabrics( also featured) for more amazing pictures.

New Eco Friendly Art

City Living Baby! is pleased to add artwork by Print Pattern & Paper to our must haves collection. Each piece is a stylish find that is eco friendly or locally made and hand selected for you and your home.

Rebecca Peragine, founder of Print, Pattern and Paper is involved in work around the world that is environmentally conscious and helps better the lives of women, children and families globally....and it is translated through her work . Each piece incorporates natural elements, recycled materials and is printed with soy ink on 100% organic cotton canvas or recycled paper.

But what I love most about these pieces is that they are beautiful. While they have a vintage appeal to me they are fresh & modern. They stand on their own with any style of decor without ever being cutesie or too vibrant. And the brand new ABC's & Numbers posters are perfect learning tools for your little one as well. Each piece will be equally charming in the nursery or playroom as in the kitchen or family room....Enjoy Them!

Cupcake Chic

I took a little blogging break in July but I am back and in honor of my summer birthday this post is all about the cupcake. Have you noticed it's resurgence? I have become a little obsessed and still on a local search for the perfect one. I am still partial to Little Red Hens in NYC...

In the meantime, I have found stylish cupcakes for every age from organic crib bedding to my favorite Tiffany charms. Notice how cupcakes go a long way if you are not eating them :)

Are you decorating your child's room with a cupcake theme or craving something sweet for you? Here are a few tips:

1. Consider Pink and chocolate paint colors or candy colored stripes for the perfect backdrop and the rest is in the decadent details.
2. Select favorite artwork, a charming picture frame, switch out a few cabinet knobs and your well on you're way....all of which can easily be recycled in a year or two.
3. Keep the colors and design simple and fresh. Resist overdoing it.

What I would really like to do soon is plan a cupcake & cocktails party. We'll have to wear the part, Break open the cupcake kit, send out the cupcake invites and check out all the adorable party favors from tea light holders, to mini candles.

Organic Cupcake Tee, Crib Bedding & Artwork Bedding
Apron & Plates
Eco Friendly Gift Wrap

PS. How cute is the Halloween costume?

Under The Sea

If I were to put together a list of summer trends than the nautical look & Anchors Away from yesterday's post would be one and Under the Sea would certainly be another. I think Coral is officially here to stay as is animal print - it has become a classic. And this summer, it is interpreted in different colors other than coral pink and in so many more sophisticated materials from dinnerware to sconces and of course textiles.

I love too how the fish, turtles, whales and other sea creatures have made their way to the mainland too.

Eco Chic Coral Print - Oliveira Textiles
Coral Sconce - Z Gallerie
Coral Dinnerware - WS Home
Pillows - WS Home
Mirror - Mecox Gardens
Table - Oly
Fish napkin holder - Jonathan Adler
red coral napkin ring - Vivre
Sea urchin Candlestick - Vivre
Barnacle Vase - Vivre

Artwork by Annie Lawrason - CLB
Tortoise Lamp - Jonathan Adler

Anchors Away

How fun! Add a big splash of summertime to any room. Perfectly charming gift ideas for dad too.

Green Find:

LOVE these totes from Sea Bags, a wonderful company that gives back to their community. All bags are made from recycled sails. Use them year 'round for magazines and misc. toys.

My all time favorite chandelier is sure to make a beach house out of any home.

Salad Plates - Wisteria

Thomas Paul Anchor Pillow - Anthropologie
Red Flagship Pillow - Gracious Home

Paperweight - Restoration Hardware

Nautical Pillows - WS Home

Anchor Rug - Jonathan Adler

Tote - Sea Bags

Chandelier - Beach Dwelling

Viceroy Miami

Last week I posted on Club 50 at Viceroy Miami and this weekend I had the chance to visit. I only wish I had my camera with me but for now these brochure photos will have to do. If you are planning a trip to Miami or live nearby and are looking for a spa day or weekend away, Viceroy Miami is a must. From the moment you enter the lobby you are captivated by the exquisite interiors of one of my favorite Designer's, tastemaker Kelley Wearstler.

With 150 rooms, the hotel is intimate, luxurious and feels residential. Typical of Wearstler's Hollywood Glamour style, exotic marbles and wood finishes create the space from top to bottom, bejeweled with luxe chandeliers & sconces, lavish consoles, fine upholstery. She also combines aqua grasscloth wallcoverings and scenic artwork that quietly whispers beach resort.

Situated within the residences of Icon Brickell, Kelley Wearstler not only had the opportunity to partner with her husband of KOR Hotel Group but also the iconic (no pun intended) Philippe Starck. With amazing views of the Miami port and Brickell key, the pool deck includes 3 infinity pools with Starck's trademark, floating seating area, a large communal dining table, a handpainted tile rug, a grand fireplace and plenty of room to party.

The Spa designed solely by Philippe Starck has to be the most beautifully serene space I have ever seen. A palatial golden yellow chandelier hangs over a white marble, 5000 sf water lounge and a floating library overlooking Key Biscayne.