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I've always loved this Marc Jacobs Spring 2004 dress that Carrie wore in an episode of Sex and the City (the one where Kristen Johnston's character falls out of the window). Actually, I would happily wear any of the ethereal creations that came down that runway.
Screencaps by Moodboard
I'm ingesting vitamin C like crazy in hopes that I feel better in time for my birthday and New Year's Eve. For a little help pushing through I thought I would post some New Year's Eve inspiration this week.
The sequined wig is over-the-top wonderful for editorial, but I think a few sparkles in the hair would be pretty for a party.
Image created by Moodboard from Vogue Best Dressed/Photography: Patrick Demarchelier
This will be the second Christmas in a row that we didn't put up a tree or decorations. Last year it didn't matter so much, because we were busy planning a trip to Italy, and we got to experience the holidays over there. But this year I turned into the Grinch. Not even the Grinch, because it wasn't that I oppose Christmas, it's my favorite holiday, but I had no holiday spirit.
We are juggling a lot, with a job change, a possible house purchase, and living above a seriously crazy couple in a duplex. But everyone is feeling the grind aren't they? I'm grateful there was a new job opportunity and that we can even contemplate buying a house. But all this worrying doesn't leave much room to think about anything else.
Then my husband surprised me with tickets to the Nutcracker on Wednesday, and I was excited to finally have something to really dress up for. I wore my favorite piece in my closet, a vintage sequined Chanel jacket that I found in a consignment store, along with this Lanvin for H&M poufy skirt. When we entered the building it was packed inside with people wearing jeans. I've never felt so overdressed, and immediately the resentful feelings I have about this lethargic, mundane city I live in came bubbling to the surface. Doesn't anyone care anymore?
And then a shy voice said, "I love your dress." I looked over at a line of little girls, as one by one they told me that I looked beautiful or that they loved my dress. I sat down in my seat still blushing in the darkness as we watched the ballet. There was a beautiful "snow" scene, and all of sudden it appeared they were dappling the audience with lights as well, but then I realized it was actual snow drifting down from the ceiling landing wetly onto my cheeks and clothing. The children were gasping in delight and wonder as they reached up to touch the snow.
We broke for intermission and it happened again, as I was suddenly surrounded by a group of girls exclaiming over my outfit, and their little hands reached out to tentatively touch the sequins or the lace on my skirt. We ran into a colleague of my husband's, who told us it was community night, where children and adults from local social service agencies are able to experience The Nutcracker at no cost.
These girls remind me very much of another little girl I knew, and despite living in extreme conditions, they continue to see and appreciate the beauty in this world.
Take that, Mr. Grinch.
The Moodboard family wants to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
I would destroy these heels within three seconds of wearing, but they are my favorite shade of green. Net-A-Porter, $580
I blogged about Ashley Stark's home when it was featured in Domino, and was excited to see her new apartment in Elle Decor. I thought it would be fun to see how she incorporated old pieces into new spaces.
Mirror and lambswool covered chair in dressing room before:
Mirror and lambswool covered chair in dressing room after:
Living room furniture upholstered in brown velvet before:
Living room furniture, now covered in charcoal and pinstriped fabric, after:
Mirror used in dressing room before:
Sideboard used in living room before:
Sideboard and mirror used in dining room after:
Snakeskin bench and black square mirror in the foyer before:
Snakeskin bench and black square mirror in the foyer after:
What do you think of the changes? I still love her before dressing room with that fantastic changing screen. What do I like that is new? The update of the printed rug that contrasts perfectly with her snakeskin bench. And I don't know if there is a bad place to put a vintage Tommi Parzinger cabinet, but it looks great in the new dining room.
Scanned images created by Moodboard from Domino March 2006 and Elle Decor December 2011/Photography: Paul Costello/Eric Piasecki
Happiness is...Shalom and Amber back together in Vogue.
Image created by Moodboard from Vogue January 2012/Photography Steven Klein
I'll try to promise not to post anymore about the December issue of House Beautiful, but I keep turning back to these two pages. The spread is perfect with the juxtaposition of light and dark, print and pattern.
This is a little traditional gone wild, and I like it. The home we are looking at has a similar chandelier in it, and I made sure that it comes along with the house if we buy it.
Photography: Moodboard/ Victoria Pearson/Image 2 & 3 scanned by Moodboard from magazine
Is Dianna wearing a dress from the Mary Katrantzou collection for Topshop?
This is the runway version of the dress.
1st image: Just Jared 2nd image: Vogue.com
Both of these bathrooms are featured in the Dec/Jan issue of House Beautiful—an excellent issue by the way–and they are almost mirror images in the use of classic lines and color.
The first bathroom belongs to visual merchandiser Mark D. Sikes. He painted the walls with Benjamin Moore High Gloss Black, which looks stunning with the texture of beadboard under it.
The second bathroom is from Waterworks co-founder Barbara Sallick. I love how she describes the tile:
"It's handmade, and the tile makers are like artists, the way they create that glaze. There's a richness and creaminess to it, a warmth that felt right next to the marble floor."
Oh, and that 1920's sink and mirror will do nicely as well.
Images created by Moodboard from magazine/Photography: Amy Neunsinger/Miki Duisterhof
I have a habit of straightening magazine racks as I browse them. It drives me crazy when bookstores have the current month out without pulling last month's or magazines are piled on top of each other.
Anyway, that is how I came across an old issue of Elle Decoration France. I have never seen this version at our bookstore, and I did a double take when I saw it wadded up in a back shelf behind another magazine. I'm so happy I did though, because I adore this home belonging to architect Laura Gonzalez.
Her home is a modern take on shabby chic, with a great mix of of gorgeous wallpaper, Southwestern textiles, vintage pieces, and shiny objects. I also love the color scheme of soft grey, matte black and warm caramel.
Scans created by Moodboard from magazine/Photography: Nicolas Tosi
