This Week’s Quote

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Fabulous Room Friday 10.15.10

Have you read the anniversary issue of Lonny? In my opinion, it is the best issue to date. I loved the polished interiors in this issue including the gorgeous JK Florence and JK Capri hotels which I have blogged about on many occasions and the homes of Palmer Weiss, Lulu de Kwiatkowski, John Robshaw, Eddie Ross, and Celerie Kemble, whose terrace is this week’s fabulous room. Can you imagine having a terrace like this, in Manhattan of all places?! It is stunning in it’s simplicity. There is a romantic element to the simple chairs and table that she chose which are attractive, but allow the view to be the true star of the space.

Fall is upon us and Celerie’s terrace would be the perfect place to take one’s morning coffee, curl up with a book, or have cocktails with friends before it gets too cold. Can you imagine taking in this magnificent view everyday?

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I am in Napa having fun and enjoying the outdoors on another work trip. More on that next week!

 

{Image Credit: Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine}

The Style Files: Crystal Gentilello

Over the past year or so, Crystal Gentilello and I have bonded over a shared love of all things Italian and other uncanny similarities. In fact, back in June when she shared her “10 Things” list on La Dolce Vita, I told her I felt as if her list were my own. It’s a funny thing, this blogging world, in the way it brings together such like-minded people. Chances are, you probably know Crystal from her blog, Plush Palate and her newest project, Rue Magazine, which just launched it’s first issue last month. Never one to back down from a challenge, Crystal followed her passion and pursued her dream of starting a magazine. Crystal is drive and genuine personality are both inspiring and endearing.

 

Name: Crystal Gentilello

Occupation: Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Rue Magazine

Hometown: Seattle

Current City: I’m moving to San Francisco from Chicago in just a few weeks!

 

{Crystal’s Apartment as Featured in Rue}

LDV: What inspired you to begin your career in interior design and publishing?

CG: Interior design and writing have always been my two life passions. As a little girl, I couldn’t get enough of either. I spent hours and hours on end journaling and rearranging my bedroom. But it was much later in life when the epiphany of how I could marry the two came to me. Today I live out both my passions through publishing the online shelter publication, Rue Magazine.

{Crystal’s Apartment as Featured in Rue}

LDV: What do you love most about it? What is the most challenging aspect?

CG: I love that what I do is a mix of the artistic and the analytical. The business side of running a magazine gets my excitement going just as much as the creative parts. I’m very much a blend of left and right brain. The most challenging aspect is charting new territory – the learning curve is steep. But when there is a will, there is a way!

{The Rue Girls - Image Via Alaina Kaczmarski}

LDV: Where do you find inspiration?

CG:  From creative, gracious, intelligent and business savvy women. I am so fortunate to have a really strong inner circle of trusted friends in this industry. They are all doing amazing things with their careers in interior design and keep me pushing for bigger and better too.

{Interior Design by Darryl Carter}

LDV: Who are some of your personal style icons?

CG: For fashion, Kate Middleton. She's mastered that tricky balance of exuding sex appeal and class all at once. For interiors, Darryl Carter. His work is visual brilliance in my eyes. Darryl’s clean, warm aesthetic where balance and scale work in perfect harmony, speaks to my own design sensibilities.

{Crystal’s Apartment as Featured in Rue}

LDV: How would you describe your own style?

CG:  I would say it’s elegant, sophisticated, and clean. I gravitate towards the classic over the trendy, quality over quantity, and restraint over indulgence.

{Crystal’s Apartment as Featured in Rue}

LDV: What is the trait you most admire in a person?

CG: A strong sense of self.

{Crystal’s Apartment as Featured in Rue}

LDV: What is your principal weakness?

CG: I’m a perfectionist.

{A Project by Woodson and Rummerfield as Featured in Rue}

LDV: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

CG: "Who are you not to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?" 

{The First Issue of Rue}

LDV: What do you consider your greatest achievement?

CG: A few months ago I would have said living in Italy for three years, which was an invaluable period of person growth for me. Today, I would say publishing Rue Magazine. It's the most challenging endeavor I've ever embarked on, but it's also the most rewarding, fulfilling, and extraordinary experience I've ever had.

{Crystal’s Apartment as Featured in Rue}

LDV: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?

CG: I have to say I’m fortunate to be living it! I do what I’m passionate about, I travel all the time, I have amazing friends and family, and I’m optimistic and excited about the future! Can’t get much better than that!

 

Bloom: I’m a classic girl at heart so a simple rose.

Food: European cheeses, dark chocolates, Roman artichokes, and black truffles are impossible for me to resist.

Drink: The only beverages I ever drink are water, coffee, and wine.

{Diane Von Furstenberg wearing one of her Iconic Wrap Dresses – Image Credit}

Thing to Wear: Clothes with simple, form fitting silhouettes. I can't think of anything more flattering than the iconic DVF wrap dress or a pair of skinny jeans with sky-high heels.

Destination: I never tire of Italy, but I'm dying to experience the Maldives.

Season: Winter. It's cozy, has the best holidays, and the fashion for the season is my favorite.

{Painting by Sarah Matson Westover}

Meal: Much too difficult to answer, but most likely something home cooked and Italian.

Musician: I’ve been listening to a lot of Dave Matthews lately.

 Artist: I just discovered the art of Sarah Matson Westover on a recent photo shoot and am in love with her work!

Film: So many, but Good Will Hunting and La Vita E’ Bella are always favorites.

Television Show: I actually don't really watch TV. I turn it on maybe once a month at most. Instead, I’m always on my laptop!

Book: The Alchemist and Eat Pray Love

Magazines: Town & Country has become a new favorite since Stephen Drucker became editor in chief.

Blogs: coco + kelley is an absolute favorite. I also adore the city sage, haute design, and dress design decor.

Texture: As we move into the colder months...velvet.

Fabric or Pattern: Right now, I’m really into geometric patterns.

 

Color: Black is always stunning.

Scent: Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir  

Extravagance: Fine wining and dining.

Quote: "Leap and the net will appear."

I’m off to Napa!

I am Napa-bound this morning for another work adventure, some fabulous food and wine, and hopefully a little fun! Don’t worry, I will continue to post today and tomorrow and will share the details of my trip with you next week.

 

{Image Credit: Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects}

Current Wish List: Books

{Mary McDonald Interiors}

With my birthday coming up in a few weeks, I have had a few friends and family members ask what to get me for my birthday. I never really know what to say when people ask me that, but I’ll tell you what two things I can never have enough of: beautiful stationery and inspiring books. While there are endless options for beautiful stationery, there are a few books that are currently calling my name. The first, Mary McDonald Interiors (above) is the just-released tome by one of my favorite designers. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!

{HUE by Kelly Wearstler}

The first edition of Kelly Wearstler’s newest book, HUE sold out and yours truly missed out. A new limited edition is set to be released on November 1st, three days before my birthday.

{Rooms to Inspire in the City by Annie Kelly}

I’ve had this book on my wish list for some time now. It features such a great mix of styles.

{Alberto Pinto Table Settings}

Sometimes, looking at beautiful table settings can be just as fun as creating them. Alberto Pinto’s book is filled with sumptuous and elegant table settings.

{Women Then: Photographs 1954-1969 by Julia Morton}

There is something so glamorous about women of past generations. The majority of people no longer treat dressing themselves with the same care and formality that was common until the end of the 1960s. It would be so fun to go through this book and find inspiration from the chic women of the 1950s and 60s.

{Ina’s New Book, How Easy is That?}

Lastly, my favorite food personality, Ina Garten has a new book coming out this month called “How Easy is That?” in which she shares easy to prepare, fabulous meals in the true Barefoot Contessa style.

Olivia Palermo’s New Look

We’re used to seeing Olivia Palermo looking like this. A gorgeous, ultra-chic girl with beautiful, long hair. In fact, many would say that her hair is equally as fabulous as her style. While attending the fashion shows in Europe, Olivia debuted a new, shorter look. She is stunning either way, but I feel like her hair was part of her signature. What do you think?

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10 Things I Can’t Live Without: Emily A. Clark

Emily A. Clark has found such a great balance between design content and personal anecdotes for the blog she shares a name with. Not only does she share her design inspiration, but she also frequently shares her own design work which lends a more personal side to her blog. She is super sweet and talented, so I am very happy to share her “10 Things” with you all today.

#1.  My family   

I can't imagine life without them.  It's incredible to me that God has blessed us with these three sweet babies.  They entertain me, keep me busy, drive me a little crazy and make me very happy.

#2.  Diet Dr. Pepper and Special K Red Berries

Or, as I like to call it, "the breakfast of champions."  It's how I start every morning, and it has become a slight addiction.

#3.  Time with my friends

As I've gotten older, and the longer I'm a stay-at-home mom, time with my girlfriends has become more important to me.  It's good to have those people in your life who you can really be yourself around. . .

#4. Seasons

As much as I love warm weather, I love the changing of seasons even more.  I can't imagine living in a place where I didn't experience the blooms of spring and a pretty snowfall, all in the same year.

#5.  Music

I love to sing.  I sing in the church choir, I sing in the car and sometimes, I sing in the shower.  It makes me happy (and entertains my kids).

#6.  Reality TV

Yes, I know.  But, it's my little escape from reality after every one else in my house goes to bed at night.  And, doesn't it make you feel better about yourself to know that you would never act like those crazy women on TV?  Sure it does.

#7.  Color

My home office

While I always admire those beautiful, neutral rooms online and in magazines, I can never resist throwing in a bold color in each room in my own home.  To me, color is exciting and instantly creates a statement.

#8.  Bargain Shopping

I found these lamps for my office at a home decor outlet for $8 each!

I have no desire to jump out of an airplane or climb a mountain.  I get my adrenaline rush from finding a great deal.  I love scouring thrift stores or walking down a clearance aisle to find a treasure that no one else was able to see the potential in.  And, I admit, I'm the world's worst about telling guests how little I paid for something when they compliment it.  I take strange pride in this skill. . . .

#9.  House Projects

I found these dining chairs for $12 each and gave them an update.

Ask my husband, I'm Type A in a bad way.  It takes a lot for me to sit still; my mind is always racing about things I want to do or should be doing.  Nothing makes me happier than spray painting a piece of furniture and moving things around in our house.  Some people play golf; I play decorating.

#10.  Jesus

I've saved the best for last.  Without Him, none of the other stuff matters.  He is my joy and my salvation, and I'm glad to know that He is always with me.

 

Thanks to Paloma for asking me to be a part of this fun series!