The City Sage

Up On the Roof!

During the summer in San Francisco, a sunny day is by no means a guarantee. Even my neighborhood, reputed to be the warmest part of the city, sees its fair share of fog and mist. So when a cloudless sky greets me on a July afternoon, there's only one option: head up to the roof!

If this lucky occurrence happens on a weekday, I bring my laptop and work. If it's a Saturday, I'll sip Diet Snapple and read up on important news. This particularly bright afternoon found me fresh from a haircut and dying to break out the silk playsuit Lauren Moffatt kindly sent my way. Fun, no?
 

To my Bay Area guys and girls: If you're on the hunt for a salon, look no further than Ginger Rubio. I asked Kelly for late '60's bombshell layers and walked out feeling like Marianne Faithfull. Add a slouchy hobo bag, killer wedges and a faded denim blazer, and I'm ready for more than just the roof!

P.S. Required listening.
P.P.S. Thank you all so much for your support and enthusiasm for yesterday's announcement about Rue Magazine, the online magazine I am co-founding!

Fashion: Playsuit, Gifted by Lauren Moffatt. Blazer, Helmut Lang. Wedges, Stella McCartney. Hobo bag, M0851.

Introducing Rue Magazine!

It is with great honor that I announce the biggest and most exciting undertaking of my life thus far. Introducing Rue Magazine, a new online interiors and lifestyle publication that I am launching together with Crystal, Alaina and Caitlin. The first issue will premiere in September, and we're spending the summer criss-crossing the country to gather fresh new inspiration. In fact I'm in New York City right now for a week of photo shoots with some of the biggest names in home design, fashion and entertaining!

Visit our website for a little teaser, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook as we build up to our big debut! Now if you'll pardon me, I think I'll go hyperventilate with excitement :)

Image credits: Photography by Emily Anderson--the first taste of the 100% original content we can't wait to bring you!

Summer in the City with Hayden-Harnett

I've said it before but I'll say it again: no one does city girl chic like Hayden-Harnett. And their fresh-off-the-camera Summer 2010 photo shoot kicks the brand's irresistible urban eclectic vibe into high gear. Naturally I couldn't resist incorporating my favorite images into some mood boards!

Can't you practically feel the heat radiating from the sidewalk? The juicy colors and simple shapes make me nostalgic for gritty frypan days in Brooklyn; rooftop patio parties; afternoons in Prospect Park with iced tea, a frisbee, and a sweaty boy. With this song as the soundtrack, of course!

Since moving to San Francisco I don't go anywhere without a jacket--even in July--which is why I'm obsessed with the Noemi Anorak (above). It's the perfect outer layer: army surplus tough with thoughtful details like a drawstring waist, adjustable sleeves and a shirttail hem. Because East Coast or West, you never know when a sultry summer thunderstorm is just around the corner!

P.S. A huge thanks to Style Me Pretty for showcasing my Pride and Prejudice project and video! It's an honor to appear on their exalted pages :)

Image Credits:1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12. Elizabeth Perrin for Hayden Harnett. For full credits and tons more images visit the Hayden-Harnett Facebook Page! 2, 6. Anthropologie 3. Maison Francaise, March 2010 10. Canadian House and Home, December 2009 11. The Green Vase via Oh Happy Day.

The Inside Scoop on my Pride and Prejudice Shoot!

Okay, time to share some favorite shots and the insider scoop from my Pride and Prejudice wedding spread for Nonpareil Magazine! This project was an epic undertaking and would still be a spark in my imagination if not for the incredible contributors who helped me. Firstly I'd like to thank Villa Montalvo in Saratoga for hosting us. I can't imagine a more memorable venue for a wedding!

The gorgeous table settings were courtesy of Gump's, a San Francisco homewares institution. Can you picture me waltzing in and taking my pick from their incredible selection of fine china? Kid. In. A. Candy. Store. As for the table, the Huz built it with scrap wood and pillars from Ohmega Salvage. It looked great but was it structurally sound? Um, we had a 'don't touch the table' policy on set.

The Fashion. Oh my gosh, you guys, the fashion. Elizabeth Dye of The English Dept. custom made all the boleros for us--that striped one was inspired by the recent BBC production of Emma! She also created the pin-dot gown in the shots below. All other gowns were courtesy of Bella Bridesmaid, an amazing resource for bridesmaid and bridal gowns that I wish I'd known about when I got married!

Holy guacamole. The dessert spread. All the treats were generously donated by Miette, my favorite San Francisco sweet shop. Cake stands arrived courtesy of Wisteria. The tea cups, saucers, serving plates and silver you see throughout the spread all belong to me, my mother or my grandmother. I loved being able to include a family touch!

Definitely my favorite detail in the whole project, these tiny miniature portraits are a spoof on the current trend in wedding photography to have the bride and groom poise while holding polaroids of each other. I totally cracked myself up with this one--and I owe a huge thanks to the Huz for photoshopping our models' faces onto old portraits from the 1800's!

No wedding is complete without accessories! Myra of Twigs & Honey custom designed all the headpieces for the shoot. Don't those flowers slay you? The antique-inspired reticule bags are from Moyna. Gemstone baubles from Fuss Jewelry oozed elegance and romance. And that stunner of a ring above? My very good friend Juliano of Juliano Jewelry made it. He's a diamond master!

The cake: swoon! Gabby at Cake Coquette came up with the lovely swirling vine and butterfly pattern based on a swatch of silk Chinoiserie I found. And the breathtaking flower arrangements from Sharla Flock Designs took this project to a whole other level. Sharla's work has appeared on the cover of Martha Stewart Weddings so I knew we were in expert hands!

Our models Sterling and Shaye worked the shoot courtesy of Look Model Agency. We couldn't have asked for a more smoldering couple! All the men's apparel that Shaye wears is from John Varvatos, whose 'tailoring meets rock 'n' roll' sensibility made for the perfect brooding Mr. Darcy vibe. And our hair and make-up artist Sherrie Long blew me away with the looks she created for Sterling!

Bella Figura stopped their presses and asked their team of letterpress gurus to create a custom stationery suite. You cannot go wrong with Bella Figura's astounding designs, which are all printed on vintage equipment with eco-friendly inks and papers. Kathryn of Dream a Little Dream Events picked up her graceful pen for the escort card calligraphy. I saved the one that reads 'Elizabeth Bennett!'

The bench in the foreground was loaned to us by Wisteria--they are the nicest folks you'll ever meet! Finally, that folding screen in the background? The Huz built it with my mom--who kindly flew all the way from Toronto to help out! Let's just say that in spite of my attempts to have everything ready in advance, we had to bring a circular saw to the set.

Last but definitely not least, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Lisa Lefkowitz for sharing my vision and capturing it through her peerless lens. Lisa is a true artist and it was the highlight of my professional career to collaborate with her. And naturally, a massive thank you goes out to Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV for the video he created of the project. My friends, colleagues, and readers, right now my cup runneth over and I am brimming with joy! Have a glorious weekend :)

To see more images from this project, to read my complete write-up, and to get some fun downloadable DIY's, please head to this month's issue of Nonpareil Magazine!

Sponsored Links: Complete list of credits: Photography: Lisa Lefkowitz Photography / Concept, Production and Styling: Anne Sage of The City Sage/ Florals: Sharla Flock Designs / Hair and Makeup: Sherrie Long / Cake: Cake Coquette / Paper Goods: Bella Figura Letterpress / Calligraphy: Kathryn Kalabokes of Dream a Little Dream / Table Settings: Gump’s / Furnishings: Wisteria / Fashion: Custom made by Elizabeth Dye/The English Dept. (Boleros, Polka dot bridal gown) / Ready-to-wear by Bella Bridesmaid (Cream chiffon bridal gown is HB6953 by Saja; blue bridesmaid gown is Santorini, pink bridesmaid gown is Sonoma, both by Swoon / Hair pieces: Custom made by Twigs & Honey / Dessert buffet: Miette / Diamonds: Juliano Jewelry / Other Jewelry: Fuss Jewelry / Models: Shaye and Sterling for Look Model Agency / Location: Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, California / Video: Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV / Men’s Fashion: John Varvatos / Handbags: Moyna Sponsored Links: Pass 1z0-048 exam fast to explore the better job opportunities. Join today for complete set of JN0-343 dumps and 000-087 practice exam.

Breathtaking Video from My Pride and Prejudice Project!

Tomorrow I'll share some favorite images from the Pride and Prejudice wedding editorial I did for Nonpareil Magazine. But in the meantime please enjoy the video of the project, created by the incredibly talented Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV. So far I've watched it a zillion times and counting!

P.S. Can we talk about our incredibly hunky Mr. Darcy (aka Shaye)? And our gorgeous Elizabeth Bennett (aka Sterling)? Both worked with us courtesy of Look Model Agency, and they were a dream to have on set!

Lately Loving: Over-the-Top Girly Glamour

I try to remain unbiased--I really do. I try to appreciate all decorating styles and espouse the merits of each. But sometimes I just want to paint all my walls pink, upholster all my furniture in sumptuous velvet, and inlay all my surfaces with glittering mirrors. What can I say, I love the glitz and glamour of opulent Hollywood style!

The part of me that swoons at the sight of zebra print also can't resist a faux bamboo bench. And it's the same part that considers lacy lingerie a must-have decor accessory. Naturally, this inner diva also loves pampering facials, weekly mani-pedis, and long lunches with the girls--though whether she actually gets those things is another matter entirely!

Still, a girl can dream. This look is pure indulgence, so shop accordingly. Ignore your mother's fashion advice and pair a killer dress with equally show-stopping shoes. Slip something pink and lacy underneath. Buy your jewelry according to how it will look on your vanity table. And don't forget at least one monogrammed piece. Because it's all about you, dahling!

Shopping Guide: Dress, Lace Bodysuit, Sunglasses, Quilted Purse, Pink Watch, Black Watch, Ring, Bracelet, Shoes, Zebra Chair, Gilt Mirror, Initial Pillow, Ceramic Bird Bowl, Pink Gourd Lamp, Mirrored Nightstand. Image Credits: 1, 5. Living Etc., May 2010 2. Liselotte Watkins 3. Sarah Kaye 4. Lonny June/July 2010 6. Emplume 7. Phil Poynter 8. House Beautiful Sponsored Links: Subscribe for online HP2-E31 training and get guaranteed success in real exam using 117-301 dumps and 650-251 practice exam.

A Wednesday Evening Breather Brought to You by Vogue Living Australia

Is it just me or is this your craziest, busiest summer yet? I'm running non-stop from pillar to post, with no sign of a break on the horizon! So pause with me for a mid-week moment, and let's all envision ourselves whiling away the afternoon in this breathtaking Sydney apartment.

This is my kind of modern in a nutshell (or in a sea shell, if you please!) Airy white Mission-style architecture sets the scene for furniture that seems to float across the parquet floor. An iconic chair meets with a cozy sofa and casually arranged flowers to say, 'Take off your shoes and stay awhile.'

But my favorite part of this spread? The living tree in the big glass demijohn bottle. Usually I am anti-houseplant to the extreme, but this flowering speciman positively makes the space. Now everyone take one last deep breath; the weekend is only two days away!

Images Credits: Ditte Isager for Vogue Living Australia. Interiors by ara design studio--for more of their work check out Crystal and Caitlin's blogs!

At Last! My Biggest Project Ever Is Revealed!

Remember two months ago when I was horribly mean and teased you all with mentions of a big project about which I couldn't divulge the details? Finally the day has arrived and I can spill the beans! I was utterly honored to concept, produce and style a photo shoot for the phenomenal wedding magazine Nonpareil. It was the most fun I've ever had!

You can see the results of the photo shoot here! As well, I thought I'd share the mood boards that starting the ball rolling. The theme for this issue of Nonpareil was 'A Silver Screen Soiree', and we received a list of movies or television shows from which we could draw inspiration. For me, choosing 'Pride and Prejudice' was a no-brainer.

Then the excitement really began! I chose a palette and an overall sensibility--ruled by the fashions, interiors and general mood of Jane Austen's era. I plundered portrait archives for hair and outfit ideas, and headed straight to Style Me Pretty for floral and decor directions. And I created my dream list of vendors and contributors--a dream that came true in the final result!

Naturally I'll be back soon with more on this project--including more of the photos themselves and a shout out to all my incredible collaborators. But humor me while I draw things out just a little. After all, what kind of wedding obsessed style junkie would I be if I didn't?

1. Millie Holloman via Style Me Pretty 2, 12. Domino 3. Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty 4, 16. Martha Stewart Weddings 5, 6, 11, 13, 15. Unknown 7. Laurie Frankel 8. Living Etc. 9. Country Living 10. Sarah Seven 14. Prospect Park Peristyle P.S. If you recognize any of the uncredited photos, PLEASE let me know where they're from! I feel terrible for misplacing my sources!

Lately Loving: Crayon Box Brights

This post is dedicated to the little kid in all of us. The one who wore Rainbow Brite underpants well into elementary school. The one who stares, transfixed, at jelly bean displays. The one who (still) puts her Crayolas in rainbow order. She likes things bold and bright, so that's what we'll give her! 

This little kid has big kid style sense. Her favorite fashion designers are Pucci and Missoni. She lives for MAC eyeshadows and lip gloss that tastes like bubblegum. She'll order any cocktail as long as it's unnaturally blue or green, and her most hated word in the English language is 'greige'.

Even if 'greige' could be your middle name, indulge your little kid once in a while. Place a yellow Eames rocker in your white-on-white living room. Toss an Adler pillow on your crisp ecru bed. Line the inside of your lingerie drawer with hot pink paper and store your days-of-the-week panty collection there. Just think of it as finger painting for the soul :)

Image Credits: 1, 6. Inside Out, May 2010 2, 12. Amanda Pratt 3. David Shields 4. World of Interiors 5. Grace Huang 7. Maison Francais, March 2010 8. Elisabeth Toll 9. Greg Sorensen 10. Elle Decoration UK, May 2010 11. Living Etc., May 2010

Book Review: French Country Style at Home

Don't get me wrong, I love stereotypical French country style: the toile, the ticking stripes, the sun-bleached reds and blues. But sometimes a little variety is nice, and French Country Style at Home is just what the decor doctor ordered! It goes beyond whitewashed floors and Louis chairs to deliver a healthy dose of eclectic French style.

One lovely feature of this book is the broad representation of different regions in France. This space comes from a home near the border with Spain, and I love seeing the Spanish influence in the design. The vivid colors of the rug, the spare and hardy personality of the chair--it's the embodiment of a hardy Pyrenees mountain dweller!

The palette in this image is phenomenal. Shades like lemon, tangerine, strawberry and pistachio reminds me of a favorite gelato stand I used to frequent during a summer-long stay in Nice. And the best part is that this vignette is much friendlier on the waistline than a triple-decker cone!

I often get emails from readers asking my advice on how to reconcile their elaborate decor taste with their husband's desire for simplicity, and I will definitely be referring them to this bedroom in the future! The variegated salt and pepper hues will satisfy even the most macho fella, while a floral runner and chic headboard speak to feminine wiles.

But don't despair! French Country Style at Home isn't completely devoid of the 'traditional' scenes we've come to expect of French homes. This variation on a Louis XVI chair has a timeless grace that would allow it to slip easily into any interior. I love it here with shades of gray and indigo.

And of course I couldn't review a book about French country style without the requisite image of a kitchen hutch and dry goods canisters! But even here there's something fresh and unique; maybe it's the bold cherry red, maybe it's just my imagination, but I'm more convinced than ever that the French simply do everything better!

All images courtesy of French Country Style at Home, by Sebastien Siraudeau.