Red Carpet to Room: Oscar Recap!

It was Hollywood's big night, with early mixed (actually kind of terrible) reviews of the red carpet and the hosting chops of Seth MacFarlane.  Since I've only actually seen one of the nominated movies (Argo, on a plane last weekend), I paid more attention to trends in attire than in anything else.

No awards event is complete without a bazillion LBDs... and I noticed more than a few black dresses with striking (and that doesn't always mean good) geometric patterns created through metallic contrast.  My favorites were Norah Jones and Stacey Keibler, while I despised Hallie Berry's (ugh, are those shoulder pads?) and Nicole Kidman's (just bad and weird).

When the lines are right, I love the mood created by the stark contrast of black and gold, as in the interiors below...

Though purple is my least favorite color, two of my favorite dresses of the evening fell in this color family.  Jennifer Garner's gown contrasted so beautifully with her coloring...

 But I loved even more the color, fit and lines of this gorgeous dress... 

... which reminded me of this dining room in its tone, elegance and timelessness.

There was a lot of red on the red carpet, but I wasn't necessarily impressed.  These dresses...

were to this....

What this dress....

is to this...

Jane Fonda looks amazing... but would look even more amazing if this color was toned down a few shades....

Ditto on this room...

Maria Menounous is beyond gorgeous, but I thought the Pepto tone of this gown cheapened her look.  This is a color I encounter at Justice in spades. 

Easy on the pink, people.

I loved Helen Hunt's navy dress, even before I learned it was from H&M!

Emily A. Clark nailed navy on a budget, too!

But my absolute favorite dress of the night belonged to Amy Adams, who wore a quietly unexpected color whose femininity lay in its soft cascading ruffles.  

Something about the absence of color can be so pretty sometimes...

Hope you enjoyed the night!

Deb

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Madeline Weinrib Branches Out...

There's great news if you're as big fans of textile designer Madeline Weinrib as we are.  She's collaborated with shoe god Manolo Blahnik to create a line of shoes being sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus...

So fun!  I think the rose ikat slippers are the most "her", don't you?

Though at price points between $595 and $775, I'd probably prefer to save up for one of her iconic rugs...

Which would you prefer?

Deb

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Pretty in Pink (But Prettier in White)

What is UP with Jessica Biel's pink wedding gown?  Why would such a gorgeous girl, with such a beautiful figure, choose to walk down the aisle in this pink fluff ball piece of hideousness?

I positively detest it.  Sorry, Jessica.  You're young and getting married for the first time -  why not white?

Oftentimes I love when people go bold and daring when it comes to the design of their wardrobe and homes, but I guess I'm a traditionalist when it comes to the tradition of weddings!  

And I mean no disrespect to the color pink, which I happen to enjoy when it's used with restraint.  There have been some great rooms trending on Pinterest and around the web that show us how it's done - I'm loving the palest of pink paired with gold or tan accents as in the rooms below...

What do you think of Mrs. Timberlake's gown?  Is it just me?

Deb

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Emmy Trend Spotting

Did you watch the Emmys last night?  I watched a bit before falling dead asleep, but was awake long enough to trend spot some dazzling gowns in bright yellow hues!  Luckily, none of the stars sporting the trend were wearing the same dress (I was at a wedding this weekend where not two but three people were wearing the same dress, which is never fun, unless you're a bridesmaid...)

Julie Bowen looked amazing (as she always does), in a curve hugging bright yellow/green number. Normally I can't say as I'd go for a color like this, but in a season where neon is so hot, I think it was spot on...

...and it reminded me of this Amanda Nisbet room, which she admitted sounded awful in concept, but  knew would work...

I've always thought Julianne Moore is such a stunning beauty (and design aficionado, as I blogged about here).  It's nice to see her (or anyone) look so beautiful on the red carpet without entering into the competition of who's showing more skin..

In tone and spirit, Moore's gown reminded me of this beautiful living room, which conveys sophistication without taking itself too seriously...

Clare Danes and her tiny her baby bump also chose bright yellow...

...as did the designer of this punchy living room - love!

What do you think of this season's bright trends?
Deb
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The Office Behind "Kate Spade"

Kate Spade is one of those designers who consistently has fresh, new products but is able to maintain the brand esthetic without compromising.  Their products are new, fun and creative, but maintain a classic sensibility. 

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

Ever wonder who is the creative force behind Kate Spade's incredible line?

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

And where the heck they sit down to work to come up with ideas like this? Yes, this is an iPhone wristlet. Genius.
 

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

Well, here is a glimpse into Kate Spade's Creative Director Deborah Lloyd's office as seen in Traditional Home magazine.  Her office environment is stunning and inspirational – take a look!

“I don’t like a space where everything matches,” Kate Spade Creative Director Deborah Lloyd.  Lloyd’s love of mixing traditional and modern shows in her vibrantly feminine Manhattan office.  The space’s bold hues and midcentury pieces make for an inspirational playground.  “I’ve always loved color, pattern, gorgeous fabric, and all that glitters,” says Lloyd.

Time to get inspired by those inspiration boards!!!  Notice they include fashion as well as textiles,  cars, movie posters and drinks!

Here are some of my favorites from Kate Spade's new fall line!

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

I bet you were wondering why I posted a photo of a book?  Nope...it is a clutch. Look at the incredible details on this!

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

How INSANE are these?!?!?

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

And I might just have to get an new iPad case...

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

I am pretty sure I know a child or two that this hat would totally fit:

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

And a husband that these would be perfect for:

Source: katespade.com via Becky on Pinterest

And if you want to check out the entire Traditional Home article, it will be on newsstands until September 25!

Happy reading and shopping!
Becky

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