Fall fancy

Now that the weather has definitely turned cooler but the sun is still out I can't wait to dress up in fancy clothing. For some reason cool weather screams for the opportunity to dress fancy with loads of layering while still feeling comfortable.  I love the neurotic colors of this painting along with the crazy patterns.  This outfit would brighten up any fall day while making you feel like a million bucks. 

1. Lamb wrap, $1,800
2. Two-tone leather gloves, $70
3. Black pumps, $770
4. Floral print silk dress, $430
Portrait of Johanna Staude, Gustav Klimt

Wired

These organizational tools have a definite artistic inspiration.  Their wiry frames create interest as they perform their daily functions.  The two works of art in the middle have a modern appeal and would create interest and depth in any room.  I like the fact that all of these pieces are utilitarian combined with an artistic air and I can't wait to integrate them into my own organizational repetoir.

1. Wine rack, $115
2. Wire shop baskets, $98
3. Postcard holder, $48
4. Metal basket shelf, $39
Brooch, Georg Dobler
Mobile, Alexander Calder

Charleston Cruiser

Charleston is definitely known for its biking population. I'm sure we have more cruisers per capita than any other city. On my way to work this morning I saw a young woman biking through downtown ... and she was dressed adorably! She had on perfect fitting jeans, an ivory cardigan with a few strategically placed navy stripes, and to top it off RED FLATS! I immediately took note in order to recreate her casual yet well defined look. I think this will be my new weekend uniform.

The origins of the bicycle are shrouded in mystery. It is not possible to attribute its invention to any single person. Still, what is clear is that the early ancestors of the modern bicycle were in use by the early 1800s.  In 1817, Charles, Baron von Drais, of Sauerbrun, devised a front wheel capable of being steered. He also gave it a padded saddle, and an armrest in front of his body, which assisted him in exerting force against the ground. Granted a patent in 1818, he took his Draisienne to Paris, where it was again patented and acquired the name vélocipède, a term that was to continue in use until about 1869 when the word “bicycle” came into use.

Mohair retro-stripe cardigan, $70
Dojo Stretch Trouser, $155 
Lola Ballet Flat, $39
Rattan Bicycle Basket Inline, $40
Dino Bicycle Bell, $8
Smithsonian Institution Libraries : Kenwood Improved ladies' Special Bicycle

Madame X

The woman in this painting was a young socialite named Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau.  As an American expatriate married to a French Banker she became notorious in Paris for her beauty and rumored infidelities.  She wore lavender powder and prided herself on her appearance. (How scandalous!)  In this portrait John Singer Sargent, the artist, wanted to create a study in opposition - her pale skin against the dark dress.  He painted her as a woman posing ostentatiously in a black satin dress with jeweled straps, a dress that reveals and hides at the same time. 

Madame X has a certain je ne sais quoi. She is sexy in an overt yet very demure manner. To emulate her style you must choose a classic silhouette with an unexpected element that creates a vulnerability accented by sensual beauty. I prefer giving a classic style a hint of glamor through accessories like the fur and feather wrap or simply letting the dress speak for itself just as this long lacey number does.

1. Stella McCartney Lace Gown, $2,995
2. Feather Clutch Bag, $56 

3. Maison Martin Margiela Wrap, $1,000

4. Balenciaga Bow Back Dress, $2,150

5. Badgley Mischka Pump, $200
Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), John Singer Sargent

Natural Instincts

The vase in the middle is such an inspiration for me.  The natural qualities of the beeswax shaped into a modern silouhette gets my mind racing about natural materials being utilized and repurposed for modern needs.  These types of objects seem to have a built in history which makes them all the more attractive.  Each of these pieces has a primitive quality that could lend itself to any contemporary space.      

1. Woods Wallpaper, $198
2. Claw bottle opener, $24
3. Graphic Robin Console, $2,895
4. Watson horn magnifier, $42
5. Horn lamp, $395

6. Faulkner trunk, $1,795
7. Butterfly pillows, $220
The Honeycomb Vase "Made by Bees" by Tomáš Gabzdil Libertíny

An oxford a day ...

This fall season has created an oxford shoe for every occasion.  I like that the oxford shoe can be so versatile.  There are leather oxfords for the day time, sequins for a little pizazz, and satin for a night out on the town.  Although oxfords are tailored in appearance these show a playful and modern side.  Magritte's The Son of Man is a perfect fit for these oxfords because he too is enjoying an apple a day while I am enjoying an oxford a day.

1. Rocket Dog, Oxford heels, $50

2. Marc Jacobs, Glitter-Leather Brogues, $775
3. Steve Madden, Melanee Oxford, $99
4. Dolce Vita, Harrison Oxford, $182
5. Corso Como, Violet Heel, $70
6. Forever 21, Leopard Oxfords, $20
7. Sam Edelman, Kat Oxfords, $150
8. Pura Lopez, Platform Oxford, $370
The Son of Man (Magritte) 1964

Delightfully Sinful

No candy at Halloween would be sinful so I decided to make an incredibly rich treat that would satisfy all of my taste buds. When trying to decide what to make I immediately thought of these skull cupcake papers that I had discovered at the beginning of the month. The next step was choosing the flavor ...

I didn't want to make something cliche like pumpkin or devil's food so I chose an extreme that would delight the senses and create interest ... chocolate and chili with a vodka frosting! The ancient Mayans were responsible for the spicy combination of chocolate and chili and what better season to recreate this ancient tradition.  These cupcakes are a grown-up's perfect Halloween trick or treat.