Trending with the Classics

The reviews are in!

Black and White is trending big this Spring. 

  

Celine 

"Black and White Takes Over"

 Spring 2013 via Forbes

Vuitton

Celine

Textures, geometrics, lace...

March Jacobs Spring 2013 via Harpers

via i concierge...BLACK & WHITE— Black and white has always been a staple in classy women’s wardrobes. These two colors are classic and when paired together and can really bring a certain refined elegance, even when done in perforated leather or lace. However, be careful and stick to different textures, otherwise you may look like a waiter.

I couldn't agree more. 
 Black and White are a staple and always will be.
  Crisp, Classic, Elegant

It was Love at first sight when I spotted these great cruvy cabinets on a recent Connecticut antiquing trip

I would love to pair them

 with a variety of black and white textures.

An antique topiary lamp all in black would add a touch of whimsy

This painted screen would be a statement worth investing in
Something to keep forever, classic and elegant.

Black and White houndstooth with pops of color
 mix the classic with the contemporary
Hotel Vendome, Paris
via

A touch of gold and crystal 

old and new

and Artemis to finish it off! 

Black and White
Fresh and Crisp - We love it!

The Italians Have it!

 We couldn't help but feel like Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in the classic  1955 movie "To catch a thief"

 

 

Sure they were in the French Riviera

 

and we were careening around the hills of Tuscany

 

 

The sights, the sounds, the food all conspire to make one feel Italian or even Grace Kelly for at least a little while

 

 

 

Dining on the coast

 

 

Simple, elegant meals.  How do they take a few simple ingredients,

flour, tomato, cheese and sea salt and turn it into a mouthwatering feast!



 

 

 

 

Oh yes, The Italians have it! 

 Whether it's jewelry, fashion, furniture or the Fiat!

 

 

This quiet spot in the Hotel was so beautiful.

The chandelier took my breath away.

The fireplace and draperies pulled elegantly to the side.

soft and lovely

We saw the most amazing lighting everywhere we went.

This piece is so much fun!

Oh Santa please?

A wall of greenery as fresh as spring

The shapes and curves of Italian furnishings provide
inspiration to take back home.

 

 

Design Statements everywhere provide a feast for the eyes

A wonderful blend of old world and new world 

Ancient frescoes rest quietly above a wedding just outside

 

What a lovely spot for a celebration!

 

 

 

 

 

 These draperies were as light as air, billowy and full

 

 

Though it's holiday season here, I'm dreaming of the lights of the Italian Coast.

 

Oh yes, the Italians have it!

 

 

Summer - French Style!

 

The french really know how to make the simple sublime

Simple abundance of food, family, friends, and wine

The french country home of Kathryn Ireland in this month's Veranda is the summer home one dreams of. 

 Ireland has created a home where friends are always welcome!

What a lovely way to spend a summer evening, preparing simple meals of summer vegetables and cheeses

The weather today inspires a trip to the farmer's market

What a beautiful setting for a summer meal

via Cote de Texas

  Fields of Lavender delight passersby

The french embrace statements of natural beauty

A tangled retreat with simple french ticking

quiet, peaceful, simplicity

Fields of lavender make their way back home

A grand entryway

The french have it - they know simple beauty!

A shaded path welcomes you back home

A simple, elegant, farmhouse meal

"Life slows down here and the days are very long. 
 You get to do things everyone used to do." 

 Kathryn Ireland