The City Sage

The Lighter Side of Elle Decoration France

Is your pulse still racing from all the moody drama of last week's ode to Elle Decoration France? I know mine is--so let's slow it down with these more sedate (though no less breathtaking) images from the magazine's softer side. It's just what I need to get me through a hectic Wednesday!

At first glance I thought this was an entryway. But (brace yourselves) it's a bathroom. Yup, those sculptural consoles are sinks, and that big black door opens onto a lush garden. It's a tropical toilette paradise!

I envision this space as part of a home high in the French Alps. Can't you picture Heidi's French cousin* traipsing down this staircase for a day of herding very elegant goats?

Hmm...shopping cart as decor. Proof that the French really can get away with anything and still look gorgeous (if a little odd). On a more practical note, don't you adore the teeny mirror on the wall?

Ah, every French chef's arsenal: a bright and airy pantry stocked full of herbs. And don't forget about the dried lavender and braids of garlic suspended casually from a peg. This scene puts my messy spice drawer to shame!

Of course anyone would be inspired to get the pantry under control if the kitchen windows looked onto such a patio as this! Brew a cafe au lait, smear a croissant with nutella, and greet the day as the warm breezes of Provence wash over you...

I'm loving the contrast of this romantic wallpaper with the sharp angles of the warm wood headboard. I don't usually go for florals, but the simple palette of chalk white and charcoal grey has stolen my heart.

Ornate bed, slouchy pillows, mismatched frames and a single shot of color: just throw in bright natural light and some seriously cramped quarters, and you have a picture perfect illustration of French decorating insouciance. Swoon!

*Not that Heidi, silly! This Heidi!

All images courtesy of Elle Decoration France .

Outfit to Room: Current Elliott/Fall '09

In honor of this week's Current/Elliott boyfriend jeans giveaway--you can still enter here!--I couldn't help but do a little Outfit to Room with the denim magic wrought by Current/Elliot. Never has the Texas Tuxedo looked so good--especially when reinterpreted as a country modern dining set.

Feathers and flowers in rainbow sherbet shades send a whimsical message, but juxtapose them against a steely-hued jacket or brass fittings and you'll still be taken seriously (maybe).

The hippy vibe of a denim tunic is offset by a twirly white skirt--to get the same dreamy, dramatic feel in the bedroom, juxtapose linen with crystal, raw wood with lace. 

I swear I've seen photos of my mom wearing jeans like this in the '70's. She'd probably run screaming if I told her they're coming back. Still, I can't get enough of this earthy, faded mishmash of eras.

Stripes and denim: a classic combination--but the pairing of a girly dress with a tough jacket adds an unexpected twist. And speaking of unexpected, the pop of the towel against the muted interior hues makes this one of my favorite images of all time. 

GIve a nod to the ladies, then a nod to the gents. A frilly dress looks smashing against the masculine polish of a dapper vest--a juxtaposition that works equally well with a delicate antique table and a tufted leather couch.

Fall's coziest must-have? An oversized, ultra soft button down: accessorize with bedhead hair, then dive between the sheets for an autumn afternoon nap. Denim at its decadent best!

All fashion images courtesy of Current Elliott. Interiors Credits: 1, 3 Simple Style 2, 6. Flea Market StyleAtlanta Bartlett 4. Found Style 5. Marie Claire Maison 7. Twig Hutchinson

Giveaway: Current/Elliott Jeans from Chickdowntown.com!

I have a drawer stuffed full of jeans, yet again and again I reach for my trusty Current/Elliott boyfriend jeans--they're so super soft and they seem to go with everything. So I am thrilled to announce that the generous folks at Chickdowntown.com have offered a pair to one lucky reader! This Tattered Destroyed wash brings the perfect touch of weathered luxe to every outfit.

Pair them with a clean button down and cheery cardigan for a vibe that is preppy with an edge. Ladylike ballet flats and a roomy tote are work ready, and polished accessories offset the relaxed sensibility of the jeans. Oversized shades complete a look with the Jackie O. seal of approval!

Hit the town with a simple yet sexy tank and ruffle jacket. A skull clutch and feathered heels give the ensemble an air of playful glamour. Elegant earrings and a statement necklace sparkle, and it wouldn't be Friday night without a spritz of perfume and a swipe of the perfect pink!

But my favourite way to wear boyfriends? Throw them on with a cozy tee, stylish sweatshirt, and sweet flats. Add a vibrant bag and scarf, and you're ready for anything!

So how do you win? Just visit Chickdowntown.com then leave a comment here telling me what you'd wear your boyfriends with. Plus, you can get extra chances to win by blogging or Twittering this giveaway--just be sure to let me know if you do so I can throw your name in the hat twice. On Sunday night I'll randomly select one reader to win a pair of Tattered-Destroyed boyfriend jeans by Current/ Elliott. Monday's don't get more awesome than this!

Yippee! Weekend!

Phew! What a busy week! Every time I crossed an item off my to-do list, two more popped up. Which got me thinking: we write to-do lists for work, but why not for things we enjoy? So I'm starting my weekend fun-to-do list, and I'm including my new favorite workout, a little pampering, and playing this addictive song on repeat. What's on your fun-to-do list? Perhaps you might:

• Update your accessories wardrobe by entering this week's giveaway!
• Visit Designed to Design and fall irrevocably in love with this gorgeous blog.
• Go crazy for Every. Single. Thing. in Whitney's Etsy shop.
• Hunt for The Perfect Blazer. If you find it let me know.
• Cleanse your palate with refreshing mint.
• Join a club. Or two. Or four.
• Feel foggy--in a good way.
• Redecorate according to the genius of Louboutin.
• Get nude. (With a new make-up look, of course! Why, what did you think I meant?!)
• Just lounge.

Whatever makes your list, have a wonderful weekend!

Image Credits: 1. Elle Decoration France 2. Melodie McDaniel 3. Shun + Hideki 4. Burcu Avsar

Magazine Lust: Elle Decoration France

From the country that brought you crème brulée, haute couture, and Marie Antoinette*, comes that grande dame of all decorating magazines, Elle Decoration France. Every issue is a treasure trove of interiors indulgence, and I'm like a greedy pirate plundering its glimmering pages.

The magazine highlights a mix of decorating styles, but I'm especially drawn to these antiques-laden spaces. Think rundown manors and timeworn pieds-à-terre--just right for hosting elite soirées or holing yourself away to pen your ouevre.

Even if you don't succumb to fits of ecstasy at the sight of all this faded glory (and in that case, what's wrong with you?!) there's still some serious inspiration to be gained from all this neoclassical goodness. Textures are multilayered, colors are rich and complex. Royal purple bench? Come to mama, my pretty!

And who knew that chartreuse and mauve is a match made in heaven? I love the idea of creating a hallway haven by painting the walls the same hue as the curtains, then lining the curtains in a dramatically different shade. Gleaming white floors and a crazy-quirky cabinet don't hurt either.

Another lesson from les français: even in opulence there must be order. Absent is the tacky, classless brick-a-brack of other periodicals (cough, Architectural Digest, cough). Instead you'll find carefully edited objets that seem to have grown organically over centuries.

Of course that doesn't mean you should take your vows of abstinence from les plaisirs! A massive gilt mirror is the ultimate in French fabulousness, especially in the bathroom. Drape your silk negligée over the chair and slather yourself with expensive body cream--preferably one that contains caviar.

You know how French girls possess that uncanny ability to look stunning no matter what they're wearing? Apparently that applies to French interiors as well. Damask wallpaper in robin's egg blue, fussy gold upholstery, and ancient prints matted in crinkled card--somehow it's totally working for me. Do we think Garance would approve?

It doesn't get better than this. A grey claw foot tub projects quiet continental élan, and mocha cream walls envelop the space with warmth. Battered wood floors offset the lavish rococo curves of the mirror and fixtures. The only thing missing? Me, in the bath, with a flute of champagne.

*Yeah yeah, technically Marie Antoinette was Austrian, but just go with it, okay?

All images courtesy of Elle Decoration France .

Getaway Get-the-Look: L.A.

With summer's long lazy days a distantly fading memory, my thoughts turn to that greatest of institutions: the weekend escape. Just pick a spot close enough to make travel a breeze, but far enough to provide a change of scenery. For me, that means L.A! Imagine rollerblading along the shore in Santa Monica, shopping the boutiques in Venice, grabbing drinks at the Chateau Marmont, then maybe popping over to Rodeo Drive for a 'tiny souvenir'.

No one--and I mean no one--does laid-back glamour like Angelenos (case in point!) The key to L.A. dressing is blending haute with boho, polished with faded, fashion-forward with devil-may-care. A paisley print dress and a long silky tunic pair equally well with a classic denim jacket. Slip on soft moccasins or fierce suede heels, then accessorize with a slouchy bag and femme scarf. Top it all off with earthy-luxe jewelry--which could be yours if you enter this week's giveaway! Like, hella rad!

Image Credits: 1. Kayt Jones 2. Grace Huang 3. Chris Blott 4. Norman Jean Roy

Giveaway: PONO Jewelry Gift Certificate!

Nothing says fall fashion like refreshing your accessories wardrobe. And no one understands that better than the kind folks at PONO--they're offering a $50 gift certificate to one lucky reader! PONO has been spotted on Gossip Girl, in the pages of InStyle, and around the wrists of such style mavens as Beyonce and Julianne Moore.

But you don't have to be a celeb to adore these pieces! Inspired by classic elements, vintage design, and nature, PONO makes a statement using wood, shell, resin and horn--like this amazing Tusk Necklace. And best of all? The entire process, from conception to creation, is eco-friendly (think reclaimed materials and mega charitable contributions).

PONO is available in boutiques around the country, but we web dwellers luck out with the near wholesale prices at the online PONO Annex. Digging the earthy-luxe vibe of the PONO Paradox Earrings? They cost $260 at retail but shop the PONO Annex and they're only $55! The resin Element Bracelets would look stunning with a simple sweater--and you can splurge for cashmere because the bracelets are $58 instead of the $290 you'd pay at retail!

How to enter the giveaway? Just pop over to the PONO website and tell me how you would spend the $50 gift certificate! And for a second chance to win, become a fan of PONO on Facebook! Please be sure to provide your email when you leave a comment--that way I can contact the winner. Have a very stylish Tuesday, everyone!

Prettiest. Bedroom. Ever.

Just in case you didn't get enough serene bedroom goodness this morning, feast your eyes on this jaw-droppingly beautiful bedroom re-do from blogger Desiree at Vosges Paris! I'm simply in awe of the fact that this is Desiree's actual home, not a magazine shoot. It's absolute perfection!

The room features finds from all over the world--shutters from Andalusia, an Indian temple door, Moroccan silver--and the quiet global vibe is at once soft and dreamy yet layered and complex. Imagine the stories these pieces could tell!

The entire Vosges Paris blog is a stunner--I encourage you to see the rest of the bedroom photos and explore Desiree's archives!

All images courtesy of Vosges Paris.

Bedrooms: Serenity Now!

I've mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: my bedroom is a disaster zone. I've spent so much energy on the public rooms of the house that I've neglected my personal space. Well, now it's time to dive in and create the calming retreat that I've always dreamed of.

With any project, before I choose specific elements I always identify the mood I'd like to capture. I'm envisioning a space that feels decorated but not overdone, something equal parts stylish and soothing. The above example of the stainless steel bed frame and the homespun knit blanket illustrates this dichotomy perfectly.

Clever touches make for more than meets the eye. I love the playful twist of the white-on-black/black-on-white lamps. And a single iconic drawing placed high above the bed is a striking alternative to a large canvas. (Update: Readers Nadia and Melafrique have identified this gorgeous bedding as being from Habitat. Swoon!)

A

A smidge of pattern in an otherwise spartan space. Neutral hues keep the stripes in tune with the rest of the room. And I'm noticing a trend in many of the images I've pulled--they eschew formal headboards in favour of meaningful artwork and luxe linens. Perhaps I'll follow suit?

We have two large windows in our bedroom and I've toyed with the idea of putting the bed in front of them. Scale and positioning is key; it works here because the bed is so low that it doesn't block the light. Isn't it wonderful to imagine snoozing like a cat in those sun puddles?

Perhaps a bit more rustic than I'd like in my current space, but what attracts me here is the casual mix of pieces. The wrought iron bed, the quirky chair turned bedside table, the timeworn trunk: they aren't too matchy-matchy, yet taken as a whole they foster such a soft and inviting sensibility.

Bedroom perfection! This space has it all: snuggle-in texture (via the linens) interesting lines (a mix of curves and angles, all united by the monochromatic color scheme) and an unexpected element (that pendant lamp!) Only one question remains on this Monday morning: Can I go back to bed?!

Image Credits: 1, 3, 7. Living Etc. 2, 4. Simple Style 5. Old & New 6. Country Living

Happy Weekend!

The weekend is upon us! Anything exciting on your plate? The huz and I are taking a road trip to attend my cousin's sweet sixteen--it's a Woodstock themed party so we're dressing in bellbottoms and tie-dye! I'm also looking forward to catching up on some of this week's don't-miss goodies:

• Lanalou Style: a breathtakingly beautiful new (to me) blog.
• When we lived in Brooklyn we stored our bikes inside; they never looked nearly this good!
• One of my all-time favorite posts: it's dreamy, moody, and perfect for fall.
• An amazing black, white and yellow tea party. How can I score an invitation to the next one?
• One day I will live in a house where I can have a dog. And I will buy one of these.
• There may be a trip to NYC in my near future--so of course I'll need a Central Park outfit!
• They say all that glitters is not gold, but I'm inclined to disagree.
• For those who enjoy 'well placed piles': clever and creative lessons in styling your stuff!

I'm also honored to have been nominated for a Divine Caroline Love! That Site award and would be honored if you'd vote for me. Have a smashing weekend!

Image Credits: 1. Haynes-Roberts 2. Teen Vogue via A Glamorous Little Side Project 3. Katya de Grunwald 4. Roland Bello