Shiny Object Syndrome

Dolce and Gabbana/Miles Redd

I never met a rhinestone, paillette, sequin or light catching accoutrement I didn't like.  Shiny object syndrome is defined as "the attraction to objects that exhibit a glassy, polished, gleaming or otherwise shiny appearance."  Gleaming is as gleaming does, captures my attention, excites me and casts a dramatic "glow" on everything around it!  Glitter, metals, mirror, pearls, chains, appliqués ~ nothing is off the table in fashion and home decor in this moment.

I thought this would be a fun runway to room post as there is so much eye candy everywhere you look!  Fashion's more is more aesthetic always makes my heart beat a little faster.  As the arc of a trend always shows us, more is more leads to less is more soon after.   So, while embellishments are having their moment and fashion is in full out glamour mode ~ Get your glitter on!

Balmain is doing it. ~

Dior is doing it. ~

Chanel is doing it  ~

Gucci is doing it. ~

Gucci/Marks and Travano

Saint Laurent is doing it  ~

You can do it too!

The same result can be had using any light reflecting material.  Several that I mentioned above metallic, mirror, metal, as well as foil and fabrics like lurex, brocades and panne velvet shouldn't be ruled out.  The luminosity of fabrics and materials like high gloss paint and lacquers that radiate color or shine captivate us.  Iridescence has a modernity.  Shine on you crazy diamond!  Show the world what you're all about!

Lanvin/Tom Dixon

Chanel/Floto + Warner

Tom Ford/via House Beautiful

Seta Apparel/via Luxe magazine

Balmain/Kelly Wearstler

Get your glitter on, because it won't be too long before all we clamor for simplicity and quiet elegance.



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Be Still My Heart

Valentine's Day is once again upon us.  I myself do not need a day to show and tell those I love that I love them.  But, a token of affection is always appreciated this Valentine's day or better yet, any other day.  Nothing says I love you like a ruby red Baccarat heart, but professing it with the written word on Dempsey and Carroll stationary is a good place to start.  I do so love a good love letter, much to the chagrin of my husband.

I understand writing love letters and showing signs of affection is good for your heart and overall health.  It reminds us of the simple joys in life; being grateful for the love and laughter, companionship and communication that make our lives complete.

A shagreen box from the Aerin Collection is a pretty reminder on a vanity or by the bed ~

Something a little more permanent perhaps, like wallpaper?  It's subtle but gets the point across (all your walls)

unknown source, share if you know

A druzy stone would be a weighty reminder of how much you are loved ~

Kelly Wearstler must be in the mood for love ~ her alpaca throw envelopes you with the vibe

Show me your big (bronze) heart on marble ~

AND she collaborated with the artist Shantell Martin to give voice to her iconic pieces using a graphic depiction with lines and language ~

A Jim Dine lawn sculpture tells the world you are loved in a big way ~

Tracey Emin's neon proclamation would make this girl's heart flutter for sure ~

We all know it's the sentiment that counts!   I would like to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am to all of you, my readers, friends, and family for the support and encouragement I have received over the years.

 More importantly ~

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

                                               Buddha

Remember that, if you remember nothing else!

Kelly's Killing It

The 2,800 sq. ft. flagship store of Kelly Wearstler in a late Deco era building on a nondescript corner on Melrose Ave. in LA is a study of contrasts.  Ebony and Ivory, raw and refined; all rooted in regency high style glamour.

Kelly's aesthetic as it applies to her clothing, accessories, interior design, the architecture and design of the building, to her licensed products for Sferra, The Rug Company, and Pickard, as well as collaborations with Schumacher and Lee Jofa, among others, all have one very identifiable voice.
See my post here on her accessories line from when she introduced it a year ago; it's timeless.  The mixed metals, dark woods, moody vibe injected with gold, minerals, and marble look absurdly glamorous, just like Kelly.

The entrance to the store, and especially the stone encrusted pull, give way to a treasure trove of riches beyond.

Upon entering the store, it is a visual feast for the eyes.  You are immersed into a total lifestyle experience.
Kelly describes the woman she designs for as one who is a "risk taker, soulful, with a spirited sensibility.  She loves life, art and travel.  She puts unexpected things together and pushes boundaries.  She's curious and being curious-that's what keeps people challenging themselves."

Custom crystal light fixtures wrapped with iron are show stoppers!

All things co-exist beautifully, each enhancing and informing the other.  The art mannequins posed gracefully around the store look as if they are enjoying their surroundings as much as I was.  

I was told the fashion and decor change constantly to keep things fresh and exciting.
Kelly is inspired by everything from surrealism to the 1940's thru the1960's.  Kelly recently researched  bands like The Clash when dressing her boys and their band mates (they are 9 and 10) for a gig.  They are called The Negotiators.  Isn't that cute?  That British punk rock vibe looks like it made its way into her ready to wear line as well.

Heading to the dressing rooms ~ every corner an opportunity to WOW

Kelly's attention to detail did not go unnoticed.  Kelly's aesthetic translates to everything she does.  From a branding standpoint, she is adept at maintaining consistency ~ from the clothing racks and hangers, to the architecture of the store, to the details of her accessories.  Kelly has created a unique world, and we all want a piece of it!

above and below via nonsensesensibility

Kelly's unique furniture and high style signature accessories can also be purchased thru her storefront on 1st Dibs

Kelly, who just finished her 4th book, Rhapsody, has multiple interior design projects in the works, more product development in the pipeline, and plans on opening several stores, the next being New York in the not too distant future.  How does she do it ??

MIND BOGGLING ~

  

ph: 3,5,7,9,11 Samuel C. Frost: remaining CLI unless otherwise noted.

My Day in LA

We left on time, were on schedule, didn't encounter the dreaded traffic we were told to expect, and yet... I don't know what happened.  The day just got away from me.

I did manage to see my friend Clayton at Plantation; always a go to resource for me.

I wandered into MIX Furniture, where I was so impressed with the depth of merchandise imported from around the world.

Maybe there was too much of this at The Ivy, but we were having fun

On a beautiful sunny day in California you just drink in the cabbage roses that are everywhere, and get lost in the vintage textiles and warmth of this place.  

We lingered longer than expected...

I rushed over to Kelly Wearstler, where it was literally a feast for my eyes.

I will do a more in depth post on Kelly next time.

So ~ all the sudden, to my surprise. I ran out of this...

  Nathan Turner had closed, as did many of the design shops I had hoped to visit.  I was hoping to stop by (and that he would be there) since we bonded in Paris, but alas, it was not to be. 

 This is all I saw of Martin Lawrence Bullard's place next door.  Don't forget, Million Dollar Decorator's new season begins Nov. 13th.  I can't wait!

Rose Tarlow was open, so I ducked in there.  It's very serene and elegant.  Rose has a refined eye, yet her interiors still manage to feel casual.

love this corner chair in the stairway

I managed to get a peek in Dragonette on La Cienega, and fell in love with this agate lamp for a client.  It would look great with the corner chair!  They were nice enough to keep the store opened a little longer for me.

I did not accomplish as much as I had hoped, but had a great time and enjoyed everything I did see.

There was nothing left to do but have an early dinner, which we did at Cecconi's, and loved it!

A good time was had by all.  And by all, I mean me : )

ph: CLI