The City Sage

Lately Loving: Dunes and Duchess Candelabras

My ancestors arrived in America in 1651--a fact that tugs relentlessly on my nostalgic heartstrings. I envision my forebears battling long New England winters, wrapped in nightshirts and caps, huddled around the fire and reading by the light of hand-turned candlesticks. So when I saw the new decor collection from Dunes and Duchess, it was like my delusions of historical grandeur had come to life.

Dunes and Duchess was founded by stylist and editor Stacy Kunstel and her husband photographer Michael Partenio. The line is concise amd covetable. Oversized candelabras, lamps and sconces feel grounded in the past yet relevant for today. To give you a feel for how awesome they are, two design firms independently used them in home tours for the last issue of Rue--no collusion, promise!

I'm something of a drama queen, so I find myself drawn to the black ones; those silhouettes are so striking (and dare I say sexy?!) If eye-popping isn't your thing, check out that raw limed wood. It's ideal for any bare, industrial space, or a Swedish-style interior too. Frankly these pieces could slip into any room in which you were determined to find a home for them. Nightshirt and cap not required.

Images: Design by The Novogratz, Photo by Matthew Williams for Rue Magazine. Design by Rachel Reider Interiors, Photo by Emily Anderson for Rue Magazine.

Group Health Coaching: New Year, New You!

Remember when I told you about the health coaching group I'm participating in? I wanted to pop in and give you an update--it's going really well, and I'm a firm believer in sharing successes. So far I have: 1) Lost weight without even trying. 2) Eaten kale or another leafy green twenty-nine of the past thirty days. 3) Started attending (and enjoying!) a 6:30 am workout class! 4) Stopped counting calories.

Last night the huz came home with ice cream, and I didn't eat it. Not 'cause I agonized about it but because I just didn't want it. And on Tuesday I accidentally missed the group's check-in call. I wasn't working or stressing--I was completely absorbed in organizing the living room. And that felt great. So I what I'm saying is, there've been some positive changes 'round these parts, all thanks to the group!

P.S. Health coaches Lacy Young and Lisa Thiele are starting another round of the group health coaching series. I really encourage you to check it out. You'll be amazed at the difference small, manageable adjustments in your diet and your overall mindset can make in your quality of life! Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Giveaway: Photo Shoot with Kelly Stonelake Photography!

Oh boy oh boy oh boy, am I ever excited about this one! There are giveaways and then there are GIVEAWAYS, and this falls into the latter camp. I'm partnering with Kelly Stonelake--the very same photographer who did yesterday's outfit post--and we're giving one reader a couples photo shoot styled by me, shot by Kelly, completely free! 

Here's the scoop: It can be you and your fella, your bestie, your mom, your business partner, whoever you'd love to have a 'You & Me' photo shoot with. In addition to photos by Kelly and styling by me--by styling I mean wardrobe, props, a theme if that's your thing--we're going to bring someone aboard to do hair and makeup. Plus our pal Charmed by Ingrid Anne will be donating jewelry for the winner! 

And as for geography, we'd like to stay in the Bay Area but if you convince us that we must road trip to Sheboygan, then we're down! To enter do three things: 1. Like Kelly Stonelake Photography on Facebook. 2. Like Charmed by Ingrid Anne on Facebook. 3. Leave a comment here telling me the vision for your winning shoot (include your location, please). Ready? Thinking caps...ON!

Fine Print: We'll select a winner two weeks from today. Scheduling for the shoot will depend on all three parties--you, me, and Kelly. You have to be ready to have a lot of fun. Them's the rules!

Get Dressed: Pattern Play

I've posted my outfits here on The City Sage from time to time, and one of my goals for this new year is to share my wardrobe with you on a more regular basis. I have a closet full of clothes that I love, but because I work from home they almost never see the light of day! So I'm thrilled to have spent time with photographer Kelly Stonelake to capture some of the looks I'm especially fond of lately.

I'm detail-oriented in everything I do, and my personal style is no exception. It's the little things that get me: a notch-back collar on a blazer, the laser-cut flap of a cross-body bag, a pair of suede boots with subtly embellished fringe. Plus I love to play with the unexpected; who knew the black and white polka dots of my new Kelly Wearstler scarf would mix so well with these patterned Rag & Bone jeans?  

Of course, it's not all an intellectual excercise. A general rule of thumb? If you happen across a tree swing and your outfit prevents you from hopping on and having a go, you shouldn't be wearing it in the first place! (How cool is this? Someone has installed these swings all around San Francisco and they're pure, epic fun!) Tell me: what are your rules for dressing?

Photos: Kelly Stonelake. Shopping Guide: Scarf courtesy of Kelly Wearstler. Blazer, Theyskens Theory. Jeans, Rag & Bone. Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim at Feature Boutique. Boots, Joie. 

Chock Full of Ideas: Martha Stewart Living January 2012

Have you picked up the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living? If the answer is no, then you need to run--don't walk--to the newstand and snap this baby up. I know I say it every time I blog about this magazine, but it keeps getting better and better! The January offering is jam-packed with interiors eye-candy, DIY's I actually want to do, recipes I can't wait to try...it's so YUM!

Maybe it's that I've caught the resolution bug, but as I flip through the pages I am caught by how many of these ideas I'd like to implement to make my daily life more smooth and enjoyable. The restaurant ticket bar as a desk catch-all? Genius! And the feature on kitchens is not to be missed--that first photo is one of several that will have you drooling and rushing to sort your glassware collection.

Plus the whole issue has such a lovely 'fresh start' vibe to it, just like any January publication should. The colors are bright and energetic; the textures are just right for the winter season--cozy, homey. I want to knit a blanket, and build a yurt, and milk a goat. (I think I'll scale those to-do's back a bit and perhaps just organize my bathroom closet, but hey, it's the thought that counts!)

Do you have household goals for this month? Mine include: Getting the living room in order (it's a war zone!) and tossing old cosmetics that have expired. Share them with me and let's keep each other accountable! Twitter is a great place to do that. Follow me at www.twitter.com/citysage and tell me all about what your January intentions are--we'll check in on each other!

Images: Martha Stewart Living, January 2012

Welcome, 2012!

Happy New Year! How did you ring in 2012? I was asleep when the clock struck midnight. I've never been one to party the night away, much preferring to rest up and spring from bed on New Year's Day feeling refreshed, bright-eyed, and ready to set the tone for how I want to live the coming weeks and months. But I was delighted when several texts from friends and family awoke me at 12:05 am!

After a flurry of back-and-forth best wishes, I slept 'til 7 am, then spent a wonderful day yesterday in peaceful yet productive meditation. I organized the kitchen cupboards, went for a long run, took a nap with the kitties, and thought a lot about my 2012 intentions. Because there's nothing like the start of another year to get us reflecting on what we'd like to do differently...

For me, 2011 was a huge time of upheaval, and I know that it was for many of you as well. Here's to a 2012 that feels more settled. Here's to creating stability, to taking care of ourselves and of each other, to finding the things big and small that make life easier and more enjoyable for us all. I'll be thinking and sharing more on this topic here, so stay tuned. Cheers to new beginnings!

Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.