Thank you House Beautiful ..

Thank you House Beautiful for including me in your list of "Design Moms" with the likes of India Hicks and Kelly Wearstler.. Amazing!


Thanks to the amazing Karen Walrond of Chookooloonks, once again, for this special picture of me..

Now.. all I need is that holiday in the Bahamas.. and a gorgeous outfit to wear! or two.. or three..
Kind of dreaming about the new Jason Wu.. of course! How could I not be, after seeing this show live during New York Fashion Week with Brizo?

and these Gucci are just up my alley :-)

via style.com

Just in case, anyone is offering!
Lastly, thanks so much to Brooke Foster for the invite.

Happy Mother's Day to ALL moms.

2012 Year in Review: Can you say Polka?

So after another amazing few days of ALT Summit, I have arrived back to New York feeling overwhelmed, inspired, exhausted, excited, ...um, exhausted, and a little anxious.. and did I say exhausted yet?

So you get what I mean, right?

Almost exactly 1 year ago I posted about ALT Summit as a first time attendee, and how I felt pretty much the same as I do now (except that I didn't cry as much this time in between each panel - Yes, I am a crier - Don't judge me!)


So, as I hung my badge from this year, I realized that it might be fun to take a look back at some of the high points of 2012, and send a little thanks to all that made it special. Just take a look at some of the badges I have kept as souvenirs, and YES it has been a pretty busy year, to say the least.

2012 - my year to discover everything I could about blogging

Kick started by ALT Summit/January of 2012 - known as the Year of the Bun, 

& meeting Ben Silbermann of Pinterest - which in turn started my love of Pinterest

(but of course)..

and getting my portrait taken by Karen Walrond of Chookoolonks as part of her 1000 faces photographic adventure.

Graciously, this blog was nominated as a finalist for "Best New Design Blog" as part of the Design Bloggers Conference in L.A. Hall of Fame, where I finally met in person some new online friends, that have meant the world to me over the course of this year.

One person especially - Leslie Carothers of The Kaleidoscopic Partnership, has rocked my world in the most incredible way, beginning with our collaboration on The Curtain Exchange 2 week Curtain & Drapery Series which still to date have been some of my most popular posts (check them all out here!) to the beginning of Olioboard which is now a widely popular online moodboard site. 

With Olioboard in 2012, I visited the Nate Berkus show, spoke with Leslie at High Point Market about how it could work in "tandem" with Pinterest, and visited BlogHer in New York City.

While at High Point, I was able to visit all of the amazing showrooms and brands as one of the lucky Style Spotters with 25 highlighted finds that I wanted to showcase as what I thought would be sure bets for the next season. So, did I get them right? Check out my Pinterest board on all my finds!

I was invited to curate a sale for the fab online flash sale site, Joss & Main (that also was responsible for the exciting Alt Summit Clue party my my last post). See how everything comes full circle?

My trip to Blogfest with with a visit to the Kips Bay Showhouse, and a great conversation between Ann Maine of Traditional Home and Alexa Hampton

I was able to cover some really fantastic fairs, shows, events and previews as a Design Blogger such as Holiday House, New York Gift Show, Piers Antique Show, and so many more that it would be impossible to list them all (just give the search button a whirl).

September, not only the month I was born in, BUT, also the month of Brizo's New York Fashion Week trip to view Jason Wu's Spring/Summer 2013 collection presented

as well as my trip as part of BlogTour London with Modenus.

Check out all the BlogTour posts here!

and finally back again to this year's ALT Summit - The Year of the Polka Dot!

images: Justin Hackworth/Brooke Dennis
via ALT Flikr feed

So what is 2013 all about?

I want 2013, to be about DESIGN. Bringing my Interior Design practice to new heights while helping my clients achieve a beautiful space filled with happiness and love, as we design their homes together.

Oh ya, and a new website & blog, lots of speaking engagements and education, a little strategy makeover consulting for some special clients and, well, a few things I just can't share (wink, wink).

So please continue to follow along with me as I share my journey with you: with candor, with the utmost gratitude for your loyalty and love, and with a "smidgen" of good humor!
Here's to a stellar 2013 for you all!

New York Fashion Week - Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2013 with Brizo

Versailles and sensual photography from the great Lillian Bassman, are among many of the influences of the Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2013 collection at this season's New York Fashion Week.

I was one of the lucky few to be included in front stage seating as part of the Brizo Blogger 19 to be invited to not only attend the show but have the special privilege of an intimate "After Party" showing where we shared Jason's first viewing of how the show came together - seen from the eyes of the camera! I must say of the entire experience, this part was especially moving.. as we watched his nerves and excitement as we applauded his efforts and success! 

My journey began with an intense immersion into the world of Brizo and how the evolution of a sketch becomes a reality.

3D "print out" Maquette / Sketches by Brizo designer Seth Fritz

all the way through to the creation of the "Little Black Dress" of the Jason Wu for Brizo Collection!

Carolyn Murphy opens Jason Wu S/S2013 (Photo:Filippo Fior/GoRunway.com)
 / Jason Wu (Brizo) Single Handle Lavatory

There is a strong thread that seems to continue throughout all of Jason Wu's creations. His inspiration, whether for his Brizo Collection (which I shared here) or whether in the play of mirrors from the great master painters & the contemporary version of the Palace of Versailles' black and white checkerboard flooring of his Spring/Summer 2013 Collection runway.

"Las Meninas" Diego Velázquez c.1656 Prado w/self-portrait of the artist at left & a reflection of King Philip IV and Queen Mariana in the mirror at the back. Versailles:  Grand Trianon...marble checkerboard floors via

via

Lillian Bassman from Brooklyn, NY, & most well known photos were taken from the late 1940s to 60's after working as a graphic designer when photographer Richard Avedon encouraged her towards a career in photography. Most images were published in Harper’s Bazaar, among others, & Vanity Fair magazine singled her out as one of photography’s Grand Masters".





It was all about the composition and poses of her models, often posed in profile or looking away from the camera with a soft seductive quality to them ... and at the age of 87, Bassman puts truth to the testament that "you are never to old", as she begun to use "PhotoShop" to manipulate the final touches of each of her images. I can't even figure it out!

Jason hinted at his love for her images and that it played a strong part in the creation of this season's collection...

(Photo:Filippo Fior/GoRunway.com) / Lillian Bassman via

The Powerful Woman of Today

The juxtaposition of Structure & Form through sharply cut out leather and grosgrain ribbon trimming 

(Photo:Filippo Fior/GoRunway.com) / Lillian Bassman via  

and influenced by designers and fashion from the past, among them images from the 1990's, such as Bavarian born Ellen von Unwerth's "Fraulein" with model Tatjana. (Paris, 1992)

(Photo:Filippo Fior/GoRunway.com) / Fraulein by Bavarian born Ellen von Unwerth - greatly influenced by Bassman

and Sensuality & Femininity are key elements to this collection.

Naughty & Nice has never been sweeter!

(Photo:Filippo Fior/GoRunway.com)

Lillian Bassman via /  (Photo:Filippo Fior/GoRunway.com) 

The soft shimmer of cloud-like tulle and the use of Lace and "Jason-esque" Bows on both the accessories and designed pin-thin embellished heels, with crystals, lace, embroidered and stud details.

(Photo:Filippo Fior/GoRunway.com) 

As my time with Brizo came to an end, and having had the chance to become so close in such a short time with the team that makes up each and every part of the process - from conception to completion  from inspiration to production, it had become crystal clear why these two brands had become so closely intertwined and why their relationship makes so much sense.



The highest and most careful attention to every minute detail...

Siderna Collection - Brizo 
Cascading waterfall in modern sleek design, with glass detail &
*New* Smoky Glass handles which are Amazing!

For being aware of each and every element of their surroundings and allowing themselves to be free to create, uninhibited and without boundaries...

Tresa Collection - Brizo
With a European Flair and Style

For being Trend Setters, rather than Trend following... through Style and Sustainability & Hi-Tech solutions...

All of the newest technologies via Brizo

I think it is safe to say that all 19 of us, will never look at a Faucet the same way again, and I can't wait to start using mine!

Have I inspired you to get to know Brizo a little better? Looking to remodel your Bathroom or Kitchen.. Find out more, at Brizo.com

The warmest of heartfelt of thank yous, to each and every member of the Brizo team: Richard, Brian, Laura, Jai, Judd, Seth, Celine (who sadly I did not get to meet), Mandy (wishing you the most wonderful next few months) Sarah, and Kristen, as well as all of the others "behind the scenes" that made it possible....

Thank You, for being the most gracious and thoughtful of hosts and for allowing me to become part of the Blogger19 alum!

111 Years! Bergdorf Goodman Celebrates on Fashion's Night Out

I shared some of the visual "eye candy" from my trip to Bergdorf Goodman as they celebrate their 111 years for the first time since 1951, as one of the leaders in the Fashion Retail industry.. bringing great taste and style to the everyday woman.

As part of my trip to New York Fashion Week with Brizo (read more here and here), and on the eve of Fashion's Night Out with some of the #Blogger19 group we visited Bergdorf Goodman and were immediately '"oohhhhhing and ahhhing" as we walked up the beautifully designed windows.

Sketches by Jason Wu and Manolo Blahnik
Limited edition pieces to celebrate 111 years Bergdorf Goodman

An exclusive anniversary collection by more than 100 designers, a documentary film and a book. There is only one Bergdorf Goodman in the world: The pinnacle of style, service, and inspiration, since 1901.




The legendary Fifth Avenue windows have been unveiled with the theme “111 Years of Extraordinary.”

Every window was as expected, and incredible tribute to the many designers of couture and high fashion that have graced their floors throughout the years, but also, to the building and history with icons such as Jackie O images and old hat boxes intermingled so artistically with old plans and elevations of the building itself.

...and of course, every dress and selected piece of fashion was simply breathtaking and exquisite in design, color and quality.

Here are some of the images I took throughout the night...

This one presents 111 years of fashion by artists Samantha J. Smith  & Mark Gagnon #bgwindows

Akris - Black  cashmere coat w/Black & White Bergdorf Goodman Facade
photo-print silk lining. One shoulder gown in Black & White Bergdorf Goodman
Facade photo-print silk. Earrings: Lorraine Schwartz
Photo: LUCIANA VAL- FRANCO MUSSO for BG

The iconic facade replicated by Akris in the stunning photo-printed on silk one shoulder gown and cape (right and above).

Window highlights include:

- Bergdorf Goodman’s history through archival photographs, illustrations and memorabilia offering a mixed-media narration of Bergdorf’s since it opened as a dress atelier in 1901.

-A unique paper sculpture installation of twelve costumes represent a history of fashion since 1901 by New York artists Mark Gagnon and Samantha J. Smith 

-A fanciful lavender version of “5^th and 58^th,” Bergdorf’s famous New York City corner.

- Visit  5^th/58^th, the Bergdorf Goodman blog for an audio tour, and hear David Hoey, BG’s visual director, give a behind-the-scenes tour of the windows.

5th Ave window featuring Bergdorf Goodman archive

Simply incredible...

Make sure to come back tomorrow as I share my Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show experience with the team of Brizo!

*unless otherwise stated: all images (C) Dec-a-Porter

Fashion's Night Out with the Bloggers of Brizo Blogger19

Most of you know and have heard about Fashion's Night Out and as the group of Fashionistas that I am attending the Brizo Blogger19 event (as I talked about in my last two posts - here and here) and I finished our culinary journey at the incredible Sur la Table we decided to paint the town and headed over to Bergdorf Goodman!

So in case you haven't been following along on Facebook or on Intsagram - first of all, Shame on You!..and so I thought I would share with you some of the snapshots from my visit to the Party happening at the Iconic Bergdorfs.. with this incredible live bouquet Ceiling Light Fixture made of bamboo...




A Main Floor installation by renowned Belgian floral architect Daniel Ost.  The walls and ceiling were layered with structures (some which hang) that have been created with bamboo and over 500 lavender orchids.

To help set the stage: just try and imagine great music playing with fantastic DJ's on every floor...

thanks to the very kind foot model - Laurie Gorelick 

just a few of the pretty things that caught my eye.. 

Glad there wasn't much time for shopping!

Tomorrow - I am off to the Jason Wu Fashion show and can't wait to share it all with you!