Archive for September, 2012

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What the Gaga?

Friday, September 28th, 2012

Red 24! Red 24! Hut, Hut, Hike!

We’re huge fans of Lady Gaga and her incredible (and quite unique) sense of style (not to mention that her music keeps us on the treadmill longer!) but there are times when we have to say, “What the gaga was she thinking?”  For instance, last week she appeared at hat designer Philip Treacy’s London Fashion Week showcase in what we can only describe as a football helmet made  of flowers to the amazement (and amusement) of many.  Perhaps she was channeling Edward Steichen’s 1937 work, Heavy Lilies…

Head Full of Flowers

or more recent, flower filled fashion and photography projects?

Madame Peripetie’s Dream Sequence

Fashionable Florals

In any event, her look reminded us of this darling picture…

Flower Child

and if we were her, we would have chosen something a little more subtle.  Then again, rumor has it she wants an internship with the fabulous Philip Treacey.

Blooming Beauty

Do you fall head over heels for this look?  Let us know…

Photos via Daily Mail, Pinterest, Madame Peripetie, Numero-Korea and Musubu-Musubi

 

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Q & A with House of Brinson

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

A Creative Couple

Ever since we met the very talented Susan Brinson at the ALT Summit in New York, we’ve been dying to profile her work along with her husband, William’s, beautiful photography here on The Buzz.  House of Brinson is their joint venture, a blog where they document all aspects of art, design, photography, food and life in general, and their aesthetic is all about contrast: black and white, light and dark, masculine and feminine, old and new, rustic and modern.

Artichoke

While Susan, an art director and designer, is into all things visual and crafty (and is known for her obsessive holiday cookie baking!), William, a still life and food photographer, is a foodie, always thinking about the next meal.

Queen Anne’s Lace

It’s no wonder that our mouths were salivating when we perused his portfolio.  We were thrilled that this dynamic duo agreed to take part in our series and loved their fun, unique answers!

The Moment – Tulips

1.  What did you want to be when you were a child?
S:  Mostly an artist, but sometimes a lawyer
W: Stunt man

2.  What is your necessary luxury?
S:   LaMer skin cream
W: Leather booths

The Moment – Roses

3.  What is your favorite decorating accessory?
S:  Succulent flowers
W: Vintage lamps

4.  Where do you window shop?
S:  Ferragamo via Pinterest
W: John Varvatos

5.  What makes a house a home?
S:  A casual mess, or looking lived in
W: My family, Susan and Nero (our boxer dog)

The Moment – Dusk

6.  What is the most enjoyable part of your day?
S:  Coming home from work to an overly excited boxer dog and my husband
W: Morning

7.  What is your favorite flower?
S:  Peony
W: Garlic blossom

8.  If you were a cocktail, what would you be?
S:  Amaretto and cream, on the rocks
W: Vodka Martini, strong and a little dry

9.  If your life were made into a movie, what would be the title and who would play your part?
S:  Taste, Kate Winslet  (She has nice eyebrows.)
W: Lunch with Will, of course Brad Pitt would play me

Black and White Things

10.  Name one thing from your “Bucket List”
S:  Visit Machu Picchu
W: Purchase a motorcycle

We wish we could have added more pretty pictures to this post…  Thankfully, Susan and William have fabulous sites so we urge you to visit both!

Photos via House of Brinson

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Monday Mood

Monday, September 24th, 2012

It’s Monday – what mood are you in?

Serene Setting

Quiet

Pronunciation: /ˈkwīət/

Subdued; not showy or garish (though there’s a proud peacock in the room!)

Photo via Melanie Turner Interiors

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Decorating for Dummies

Friday, September 21st, 2012

Mirror, Mirror

As promised, here are some of our favorite smart but easy decorating tips that Woman’s Day included as a handy pull-out in their 75th anniversary issue (see last week’s post on timesaving tips for more!)  We love that the first tip appeared in the January issue in 1938 and it’s as valid today as it was then: Place a decorative mirror so it reflects a window to provide the illusion of space as well as a pleasing picture.  Others include…

Books Upon Books

#23 – Books are great for filling up empty spots.  Stand or stack them on shelves, tables and the mantel.

Soothing Neutrals

#37 – Neutral doesn’t have to mean “beige.”  Try pale shades or blue, green or pink for a hint of color that won’t fight with your furnishings.

Buds and Blossoms

#61 – If you like fresh flowers but bouquets are too costly, buy (or pick!) just three or four flowers and arrange them in small-necked vases.

Pillow Play

#31 – If you’re shy about using bold colors, use them as a lively accent in pillows.

Color, Scale and Design

#42 – Mixed patterns should share at least one of the elements: color, scale or design.

What are some of your favorite decorating tips?  We’d love to hear!  Happy fall to all.

Photos via Pinterest

 

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Autumn Leaves

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Falling for Fall

“The falling leaves drift by my window, the autumn leaves of red and gold…”  This Nat King Cole favorite never fails to remind us of the fleeting nature of fall. We love the bright, sunny days, the crisp nip in the air, dressing in layers and adding autumn hues to our homes…

Shades of Fall

Fall Comfort

our menus…

Fall Tea Leaves

and to our wardrobes.

Fall’s In The Bag!

Fall’s Flat

How will you be celebrating the fall season this year?

Photos via Pinterest, Layla Grace, Madeline Weinrib, Terrain, Net-A-Porter and Banana Republic

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Monday Mood

Monday, September 17th, 2012

It’s Monday – what mood are you in?

An Artful Display

Crafty

Pronunciation: /ˈkraftē/

Dexterous; skilled.  Don’t you love all the little handmade projects that come home from school when the kids are young?

Photo via Heart Home

 

 

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A Stitch in Time

Friday, September 14th, 2012

The Road Not Taken

It’s still a mystery around here why Woman’s Day magazine shows up every month (we think it has something to do with the demise of Domino and Hearst having to fill subscriptions) but when it does, we always seem to glean a tidbit or two of useful information.  October marks the magazine’s 75th anniversary and included in the issue were two bonus pullouts – one on decorating (which we’ll cover next week) and one on “timesaving tricks and little indulgences.”  Along with #18 (Take a different route during your walk.  You’re bound to see something you have never noticed before), here are some of our favorite smart tips from the past 75 years…

A Fashion Plan

#3 – Plan out more than your clothes the night before.  Decide on shoes and jewelry, too.

Tea Time

#16 – Instead of brewing your tea in a mug, use a teapot so the drink will properly steep and stay warm.

Peppermint Adds Pep!

#46 – Take a deep whiff of peppermint.  Research shows that the scent can stimulate your brain and help beat an afternoon energy slump (we prefer ours in candy form!)

Easy Breezy Salad

#50 – Mix the salad dressing in the same bowl you’ll use for the salad for quick cleanup and fewer dishes.

The Biggest Word You’ve Ever Heard

#72 – If you can’t turn off your thoughts when you go to bed (and our minds are constantly ON), spell long words backwards…

We know we’ll be applying some of these to our own busy lives and may come up with tips of our own now that early mornings and late nights are part of our daily schedule.  Do you have any favorite timesaving tricks or little indulgences you’d like to share?

Photos via Pinterest, The Coveteur, Petit Elefant, Epicurean Mom and Zoe Ingram

 

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The Magazine DuJour

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Cover Girl Christy Turlington

What’s the magazine DuJour, you ask?  It’s the latest and greatest online and print endeavor by the ever self-reinventing Jason Binn, founder of Niche Media, formerly of Gilt Groupe and now senior advisor to the CEO of Colin Cowin Enterprises (see what we mean!)

Hermes’ Festival des Metiers in NYC

With the Internet fast becoming a vehicle to creating a multi-dimensional adventure for readers of print media, Jason has created a seamless product that could grace “a coffee table for three months while the digital experience keeps it current, intimate and immediate.”

Iris Apfel Captured by Bruce Weber

Filled with great articles on fashion, food, interior design, art, shopping, travel and more, DuJour is sure to become a favorite on everyone’s reading menu.  Here’s a sampling of some of the articles that caught our eye…

MONC XIII by Natasha Esch

Moroccan Magic

Fall 2012 Lipstick Trends

P.S.  As much as we wanted to include pictures from DuJour’s online site, we read somewhere that Jason created a strategic partnership with Getty Images last year and we didn’t want to get into trouble again!  But we’ve made it easy for you to access the actual article on the site – just click the pictures above.

Photos via AdWeek, Chic ‘n Cheap Living, Life Style Hunters, MONC XIII, Katie Sellers and Fashionbased

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Monday Mood

Monday, September 10th, 2012

It’s Monday – what mood are you in?

Elements of Wood and Stone

Natural

Pronunciation: /ˈnaCHərəl/

Relaxed and unaffected; spontaneous…  don’t you love Joslyn Taylor’s innate ability to create harmony with nature?

Photo via Rue Magazine

 

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You’re Invited to a Wedding

Friday, September 7th, 2012

Making a Peach of a Pair

When we were asked to write a post for Kate’s new series “I Do II”, we jumped at the chance…  After all, it’s been over 18 years since our own receptions and while we wouldn’t trade our hubbies in for the world, we love having a reason to throw a party.  So grab a glass of pink champagne and be our guest over at Party Resources!

Photo via Matchbook Magazine

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