HABITUALLY CHIC DESIGN®

Summer Rerun

I'm busy working today and trying to get through a thousand annoying emails so I'm posting an oldie but a goodie from 2008. This fabulous house in the Hamptons used to belong to Steven Gambrel before friends of LA designer Ruthie Sommers bought it and asked her to decorate the place. I love the colors and casual feeling which is perfect for a house near the beach. It was published in House Beautiful so you can read more about the details online. Enjoy!

Photos by Don Freeman

Counter Space

I am excitedly marking my calendar for the opening of Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen which opens at The Museum of Modern Art on September 15, 2010. As you can see from the photo of a kitchen in Frankfurt circa 1926, kitchen design has come a long way. Kitchens used to be relegated to the basement or out buildings, a lot of which had to do with fire prevention and the fact that many people had servants. A far cry from the wide open kitchen/family rooms that are the norm today! On display at the exhibition will be two complete kitchens, many appliances, and a range of artwork. Should be interesting!

Tory Burch's Chic Seoul Boutique

Tory Burch just posted photos of her new freestanding boutique in Seoul, South Korea. I love how it looks more like a home than a store. When I first saw the photo above, I actually thought it was Tory's home! I am definitely going to have to find out if where to find that fabric or wallpaper on the walls. I love it!

Chic in the Heat: Part Deux

As I mentioned, the Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic took place this past weekend on Governor's Island in New York. My vote for best dressed goes to Veronica Webb in Rachel Roy. It was extremely hot and she looks divinely cool! I love it! Maybe I should try a hat instead of a scarf!

Chic in the Heat

"Sex appeal is fifty percent what you've got and fifty percent what people think you've got." - Sophia Loren

I love this photo of and quote by Sophia Loren. It's been so insufferably hot and humid in New York lately that I'm having trouble feeling chic. I wish I could wear a scarf on my head with as much confidence as Sophia but I'd probably end up looking like a milk maid. I'll guess I'll have to find another way to look chic in the heat! Keep cool and carry on!

Serena & Lily: Not Just for Kids Anymore

I've shopping Serena & Lily for nurseries and children's rooms for years so I was very excited when they expanded to adult sized bedding. They didn't just expand on the linens though. You can now buy furniture, paint, pillow, rugs, and more! For those who don't have a designer and need a little help, you can shop by room which gives you the entire scheme or if you're more advanced, you can just shop by item. They also offer custom upholstery and even sell fabric by the yard. I have been thinking about buying some new linens for my own bed and the Aqua Gobi Embroidered Sheets are calling my name. They are also offering free shipping on orders over $99 until July 5th. Happy Shopping!

Portrait of a Rider

When I was researching my last post on Equestrian Chic, I came across an interesting book entitled The Private Passion of Jackie Kennedy Onassis: Postrait of a Rider. Jackie started riding at a very young age as you can see by some of the photos here and continued to ride with her own children. She spent much of her time riding in Middleburg, Virginia and attending horse shows throughout her life. Horseback riding teaches poise, posture and confidence so perhaps it is what accounted for her ever present grace under pressure. Definitely makes me want to sign up for lessons! Giddyup!

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." - Winston Churchill

Equestrian Chic

One of my readers asked me if I had any advice on how to display a saddle in a home. I could only come up with one photo of a saddle sitting on a stair banister since I think most riders keep their saddles in the tack room. I did however find lots of homes with riding boots lined up and other riding accoutrements on full display. Enjoy!