naturally en vogue

I've really been drawn to texture the last few weeks. Texture can be created in many ways. Visually, colours may fade from one to the other (a gradient concept called degrade). You can also see a degrade effect with fabric combination (One of my favourite suits for women was from Dior and featured a chenille that had been burned out with acid towards the bottom to look like lace. The thick chenille with the transparent, delicate burnout made the perfect gradient). Layering colours and fabrics is the perfect way to add character and depth to any ensemble. Or living space. Or garden.



I love layering textures, patterns, and materials. And not just for clothing either. On a recent trip, the hotel had a massive atrium, and I absolutely adored seeing the landscape designs. Fashion always takes a cue from nature, and this is definitely a good thing.


Love how the red stalk of the plants pops against all the shades of green. Just how brightly coloured heels always make denim pop - adding a splash of colour is the difference between "vom" and "vogue".


This really interesting slice of wood was sitting on a cocktail table inside a department store. The glossiness of the lacquered dark table + the matte finish of the wood, and the incredible geometric grain and shape + the weave of the carpet = fabulous.


I absolutely adore everything that's happening in this above picture. The colours in the small hand knotted carpet in the top corner bring a modern splash of colour and texture, whilst the large area rug brings an added warm dimension, breaking up the pattern from the floor (notice: the colors of the wood floor are also in the area rug and the table cloth), and finished with yet another pattern introduced through the table cloth. It's all about proportion when mixing patterns. Pay attention to shapes and sizes. Keep the same colour family as your focus, and pepper in pops of colour for accent and pizzazz. The intricacies of the wood floor + the larger scale area rug + the geometry of the table cloth with the colour splash of the small carpet= perfection. And I can't get enough.



I snapped the photograph above inside Restoration Hardware. I can't get enough. I've always loved vintage steamer trunks, so to see a massive trunk transformed into a desk = must. have. now! The rich tones of the Mayfair Steamer Secretary Trunk's leather provide an incredible warmth, the metallics of the buttons make the lighter chestnut leather buckle chair come alive. The mix of media - leather, wood, metal, linen - it's so well done. Classic modernity at its best.



I captured this photograph inside Billy Reid - an incredible American designer who focuses on the most minute details for a genuine authenticity. I've been yelling for yellow for a while now, so to see this rich velvet sofa, with the terrific textures of the wood floor and area rug, you can imagine how excited I was. I can't get enough. (and as if it didn't look cool enough - add in the fact that the wood floor was reclaimed from an old cotton mill factory in New Orleans - and then it's instantly thrust into an entirely new stratosphere of coolness.)

one for you, one for me?

A client and I were talking the other day about my blog. He was looking around his apartment, taking a visual inventory of all the things he had amassed over the past few years, and got to thinking. Almost everything in his apartment came from my suggestion - whether through casual conversation, specific request, or recommended on my blog. And I must say, I'm kind of jealous. Piece by piece, I'm hoping to own most of them as well. Comfortable luxury isn't about going randomly and stuffing your house full of expensive things. Comfortable luxury is all about convenience, feeling casual and relaxed, and knowing that there's something special happening. Your favourite cashmere sweater. A hydrating body wash. The warm glow and fragrance of a fabulous candle. Freshly laundered linens.

And just so you know, I'm not paid to recommend the products and services you see here. If someone gives me something for free, and I review the product, you'll know about it straight away.




-- Yellin' for Yellow! I love yellow. It's the perfect pop of colour, especially when paired with navy, black, chocolate, white, or khaki. For those of you who "can't wear yellow", try layering it over another more neutral colour. For example, layer a chocolate brown tank under a bright yellow tank, so the colour nearest your skin is the colour most suited to you.

I'm loving this yellow jacket and stripped tank from Akris Punto. If you've never heard of Akris or Akris Punto, they're a Swiss brand under Creative Director ALbert Kriemler. Akris, the higher end couture range, and Akris Punto, they're ready-to-wear collection, feature some of the most exquisite tailoring and versatility - especially in the functionality and ability to mix-and-match separates.

Leather High-Collar Jacket: Top yourself in this sunny leather Akris Punto jacket. Luxurious, modern and radiating with the rigor and vigor you expect from Albert Kriemler. Sun leather. Notched stand collar; open front. Long sleeves; bracelet cuffs. Fitted silhouette. Made in Switzerland. US$ 2300 Striped Scoop-Neck Top: Yellow stripes envelop this Akris Punto top for an uncomplicated look to add to your wardrobe. While these stripes can stand alone, they show well under a jacket. Yellow and white striped knit. Scoop neckline. Sleeveless. Fitted silhouette. Pull-on style. Cotton/spandex. Made in Switzerland. US$ 325

sprite style

add some bubbly fresh, crispy flavours to your style and instantly wash away the winter blues.

-- neon. Marc Jacobs' stinky rat t-shirts come in the perfect colours. I wear his t-shirts when I exercise, as added prevention from reckless cars whilst biking or running and affectionately refer to them as "construction cone orange", "electric tennis ball green", "oh-my-god, that's bright yellow", and "hyper pigmentation pink". Layer these colours with your tone-on-tone khaki, gray, or black, and you'll be set for an incredible night out. Just remember: limit the use of these intense shades or you'll end up looking more billboard and less Beverly Hills.


-- prints. Floral, animal, geometric, haphazard. Channel your inner Missoni, Roberto Cavalli, Etro, and DvF. Even conservative brands like Theory have invited themselves to the printed party. Pair a fantastic tie-dye printed blouse under a blazer for work, and then swap out the dress pants / skirt for your favourite skinny gray denim, and you're instantly transformed from business power to social star.


-- check out these brands, too: Isabel Marant, Cathy Waterman, and Hoorsenbuhs.