SATURDAY STYLE INSPIRATION : Interior Rooms that EVOKE EMOTION

Good Morning Trendsetters.  Its a beautiful morning here in Atlanta Georgia.....Looking out my open window to see the rows and rows of trees all colored in different shades of golds and oranges, a sky that is bright blue and of course the slight crisp chill with the smell of chimneys burning in the air lets me know that FALL is FINALL HERE!......I love it. Feeling Inspired today. God must have a lot of style to put this world together with all of its intricacies and grandeur.

There are many things that bring inspiration for me. Beautiful ART, Warm moments with friends in cozy little corners, extraordinary lighting, beautiful bathrooms, the right song with the power to evoke  emotion and sooooo much more.

 I was in a book store the other day I came across NEW CLASSIC INTERIORS by Alessandra Branca.    

INSPIRATIONAL!!!!!!

I have admired interior designer Alessandra Branca for years now, author of the lovely new book New Classic Interiors. She has homes in Rome, Chicago, and New York (perhaps others I haven't yet counted!), and her new book liberally shares her creative vision with the world. I find that generosity refreshing in our industry.

When your grandfather is a Vatican Museum art historian and you've grown up in Rome surrounded by the greatest classical art and architecture, you're fated for a wonderful life in design. Alessandra Branca's book CELEBRATES THE CLASSIC  while infusing it with EVERYDAY PURPOSE.  Her interiors are comfortable, elegant, and witty -- and her book gives a lot of inspiration for homeowners and folks in the design profession. Here are a few tips and observations that we loved.

TAKE A PEEK INSIDE THE BOOK

ENJOY!

I love hooded chandeliers. Dont you?

Ms. Branca is the QUEEN of COZY.......I adore this room!!!

Ms. Branca loves to incorporate pops of red into almost all of her design.......

I love RED!!

SOOTHING or TOO BUSY?????

Well I hope you were TRULY INSPIRED TODAY to Make your SPACE a little more Beautiful.

GLAM Friday's - Inspirational Beauty!

Hey Trendsetters! Now that Ive blogged a whole week on different topics that I love and items I definitely believe you should try, I thought I would relax. It is in fact Friday! Time to party!  However I did come  across these photos of Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen, which of course were inspirational and beautiful and i thought i would share them.  LUCKY YOU!!  The Photographers, Nino Munoz and Mario Sorrenti along with a team of highly skilled makeup, hair & wardrobe stylists all came together to capture the amazing presence of these two women!  We all could look that good if we only had our own personal team. RIGHT??

1940's POOLSIDE GLAM at it's BEST!

Kate Moss shot by Maria Sorrenti for Vogue Paris

Love the Bathing Suit!......

I'M IN THE ARMY NOW!!!!

Gisele Bundchen shot by Nino Munoz

I never REALLY liked camouflage  until Gisele wore it!!

Do you FEEL INSPIRED!.........

Well Try out this GLAM Drink!.....

Have a Great Weekend!!

          

THURSDAY: PURPLE SMOKE- Ladies Grab Your Makeup Brushes!

MOVE OVER BLACK

There's a NEW COLOR in TOWN - PURPLE

There's no denying it: Arresting shades of bright orchid, mauve, plum and eggplant are delivering purple power to MAKEUP TRENDS this season, presenting obsession-worthy color to eyes, lips, and nails. We definitely got  a snapshot of  "the violet aesthetic" this spring and summer, but it's become a full-forced makeup movement this fall. From delicate, ethereal lavender eyes and cheeks, lush PLUM STAINED lips and eyes at Dior, to the deep, sultry pouts with MAC cosmetics, we're powerless to purple's charm. It's definitely a BOLD, get-you-noticed look, but it's also a SUPER-FRESH take on the requisite browns and berries we see EEEVVVRRRY FREEEKIN autumn. So, if there's one fall trend on its way to luring you in, THIS IS IT!!

Love me some Christina Aguilera!.......She has a beautiful canvas for a FACE!

Eyes: Whether you go with shimmery lavender effect or a dramatic pigmented plum, try any of these tools for casting a purple gaze.

Above, from left: Carolina Herrera fall 2010 backstage beauty photos via Carolina Herrera; L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo in Electrified, $8, available at L'Oréal Paris; TarteEmphasEYES Aqua-Gel eyeliner in Plum, $18, available at Ultra. 

Above, from left: Dior fall 2010 runway photo via Dior; Dior fall 2010 backstage beauty photo via CoverGirl/Pat McGrath; M.A.C. Palace Pedigree lipstick in Cunning, $14, available August 26 at M.A.C.; YSLRogue Volupté Perle in Mesmerizing Purple, $34, available at YSL Beauty; Dior Serum de Rouge in Plum Serum, $32, available at Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Above, from left: M.A.C. nail polish in Concubine, $12, available August 26 at M.A.C.; OPI Nail Polish in The Color To Watch, $8.50, available at Ultra; Orly Plastix Nail Polish in Purple Pleather, $7.50, available at Orly Beauty.

One of my friends on YouTube does an amazing tutorial on how to re-create the Purple Smokey Eye. Check it out!!!

ENJOY LADIES!!!!!

Wednesday: 2010 FALL FASHION TREND for GENTLEMEN

WE ALL LOVE a man in UNIFORM!

The 1980s fashion revival is coming to a close. THANK GOD!!!!    But the revival on earlier periods, particularly from the 1930s and 1940s, is still going strong. So what to do then with the military fashion trend which has proved the stalwart of fashionisers' wardrobes for the past 2 years? EVOLVE it. Revolutionize it!.  Play down the over-the-top glam pieces taken directly from the 80s, and infuse the historical military look with something far more classic, far more relevant to 2010 - 2011. Introducing the Autumn (Fall) / Winter 2010 evolution of the men's military clothing trend.

I LOVE LOVE a Full length navy Pea Coat with a tapered fit!!!

I kind of LIKE the buttons.

MORE BUTTONS!!!

FURRY LEATHER BOOTS!!........Love them!

THE AVIATOR. 

TUESDAY'S Delectable DESSERTS!

Stylish {Mini} S’mores Cupcakes

I’m always looking for an excuse to be creative and stylish if it involves being in the kitchen, So i was perusing the internet for something to serve at one of my dinner parties as a fun little treat to end the meal and i just came  across these amazing little treats and i thought you might enjoy them.  It’s ok, you don’t need to act surprised, just restating the obvious, but we all love cupcakes and s'mores not only because it creates a sense of NOSTALGIA  but because they taste sooooooo freeeknn AMAZING.....so without further adieu:

{Mini} S’mores Cupcake Recipe

Adapted by Annie’s Eats

Graham cracker crust Ingredients:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
5 1/3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Cake Ingredients:
Chocolate Cake Mix. (YEAH Im guilty........WHat??)

Frosting Ingredients:
8 large egg whites, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
½ tsp. cream of tartar
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350° F.  Grease (or line) mini cupcake pan.  In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter; mix well with a fork.  Drop about 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture in the bottom of each cupcake liner and press down to line the bottom. Bake for 5 minutes.  Remove from the oven.

To make the cake batter, turn the box over and follow the instructions… or if you have more time than I did, here’s the s’mores cake recipe.

Divide the batter evenly – on top of the graham cracker crust, filling each about ¾ of the way full.  Return the pans to the oven and bake about 8-12 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool in the pans for approx. 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting, combine the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in the top of a double boiler. Heat the mixture and whisk frequently. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer or pull up your sleeves and get ready for a strenuous arm workout.  Whisk starting at low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. This may take a while. Mix in the vanilla until combined.  Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.  If you don’t own a kitchen torch, you can brown the frosting under your oven broiler. but keep an eye on it, it can turn quickly.

You may enjoy as is, which I guarantee you will or if you feel daring, you can assemble these fun cupcake skewers. Beware: the cupcakes were a bit top heavy, but I was able to keep them on the stick long enough to photograph them.

FASHION FAUX PAS MONDAY: Attack of the Sagging Pants!

One of the fashion PHENOMENA  that continues to baffle me especially here in ATL  is the idea that walking around with the waist of your pants at your knees is somehow appealing...........Seriously?    That is to be considered fashionable?......... I fail to see the appeal in having to either widen my gait in an attempt to always have my legs far enough apart so as to not lose my trousers or having to physically hold my pants up with one hand as I walk down the street........Besides IF YOU HAVE A BUBBLE BUTT......Show it off through your JEANS not your UNDERWEAR!!!!.............LOL

Researchers have concluded that SAGGIN' originates from the PRISON SYSTEM. Inmates were not allowed to have belts due to the possibility of them being used for suicide or violence. Thus, their pants sagged; and of all the people for the youth of our nation to model themselves after, inmates are obviously the most appropriate choice. In today’s society, children (and in some cases adults) look up to and impersonate people who have broken the law vice those who either embrace or enforce it. The fact that the HIP HOP culture has embraced saggin’ like it has, lends more credence to the claim that saggin’ is an acceptable practice.

I guess I just don’t understand the kids of today.  From wardrobe to work ethic, attitudes to actions, our country is in trouble. The people walking around with the underwear displayed as a part of their outfit might be the leaders of tomorrow. Those who cannot grasp the concept that the waist of your pants is supposed to be at your waist are the same people who are going to be making and enforcing the laws or they will be the ones breaking those laws governing the safety and conduct of the future WORLD. Am I the only one who sees this as an issue?

A message to those who “sag”: Pull up your pants.

To the parents who let their children sport this style: Do you not realize that your child’s inability to properly wear their pants makes you look CRAZY. Come on People BRING THOSE PANTS UP TO CODE!!!!..........LOL..........No for real PULL EM' UP!!!

SATURDAY STYLE INSPIRATION - (FRENCH DECOR)

So i Have been Decorating My moms house out in the Atlanta burbs this past month with a new spin on a traditional French Country aesthetic.  (Posting Pictures SOON!!) But i came across these AMAZING Photos on line that I SOOOOO Love!.......Especially for this type of look.......I thought i would share them with you.   ENJOY!!!!

I love the how the designer went with a neutral pallet with the decor in the armoire!

HOW ABOUT SOME FABOULOUS FRENCH BEDROOMS.......

I love the black iron chandeliers (simple and elegant) and the little plates 

hanging on the wall.....DELICIOUS!!

The  canopy DRAPING over the bed has a very Shabby Chic appeal to it.

And we can't forget about the DINING ROOM......Paint an Open Faced CHINA HUTCH black

and your almost there.....compliment by a SILK TAFETA table cloth and some french chairs.....BAM!!

Oh and dont forget about the hanging plates.......

I LOVE LOVE LOVE beautifully lit SCONCES 

I HOPE YOUR WERE TRULLY INSPIRED TODAY.......

StyleCode Episode 2 Part 1 How to Organize Your Closet

ORGANIZING YOUR OWN CLOSET

So Here is My second Webisode of StyleCode.....On this episode I actually got the chance to clean out and organize my closet......For the sake of the show......(it doesnt normally look that good)

This is Part 1 Check it out.

HERE ARE PICS OF MY CLOSET.........I Love an Organized closet!!! In Fact in my new home in Atlanta I am turning my 3rd room into a Dressing room that would make Tom Ford JEALOUS!


My Closet.......LoveSooooo ORGANIZING a closet can be a daunting task for most of us. But it really doesn't have to be. There are a few simple steps that can help bring a little uniformity to that room that you always try to hide from your dinner guest and family that suddenly SHOW UP.......unannounced.

STEP 1.      If you DONT WEAR it anymore, GET RID OF it!!!    Most women love to keep dresses and suits hoping to fit into one day after they lose that nagging weight that just wont go away. BUTT.....really most people need to get real with themselves and get rid of all the wardrobe that is out of date and doesnt fit. This will make room for all of the new FABULOUS wardrobe that 

currently wear.

STEP 2.       Organize your clothing by color. It makes it easier to find tops and pants alot quicker, especially when you late to work or some event. 

STEP 3.      GET RID OR ALL of your mis-matched HANGERS.......(wire & plastic hangers.)  Take

yourself down to TARGET or IKEA and pick up some wooden hancherry woodgers. The come in light color, dark cherry wood and black. It will make your closet look more like a boutique instead of a GOODWILL.

   STEP 4.     If you have alot of shoes........MOST women and gay men do, ORGANIZE them by color and what your are worn for (office, gym, church, fancy events).  You can purchase upright shoe prongs or shelving from 

    IKEA that will help hold your shoes.

STEP 5. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP

  DRY CLEAN YOUR CLOTHES..If you want 

 to preserve them DRY CLEANING is the way to go. I dont care what the detergent commercials promise!!!  Washing your cotton dress shirts, pants, and dresses actually breaks the fibers of the fabric causing them to progressively fade. You will save money in the long run by not having to replace your clothes every 6 months because the look worn out and old.

HERE IS THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW.......MORE GREAT INFO ON CLEANING OUT YOUR LIFE. Check it OUT!