I had missed the famous season and I’d  be lying if I said I wasn’t sad to have missed that time which has inspired so many to say with a sigh, “I love Paris in the springtime.”  I was, however, lucky enough to witness Paris’ fashion enthusiasts daringly test the season’s trends, well before the rest of us safely follow suit.

I regret to say that as a fashion blogger I still haven’t mustered the courage to ask complete strangers for a photograph or be forward enough to just snap a shot without permission; however… I’ve attempted to somewhat artistically (refrain from commenting otherwise) capture the colors that I repeatedly saw on the streets and its people.  These color palettes are inspired by the city’s stone walls, fashion accessories, street-style silhouettes that teeter between feminine and masculine and of course –  delicious pastries.

{Teal lace dress by Lover | Arabian Nights – Hand crafted ceramic earrings by Ware Clay}

{Elie Tahari S/S 2012}

These warm neutrals, pastels and brilliant hues create a perfect balance to the cool neutrals and teals…..

{1. Tan in Soho bag | 2. Little Red Riding Hood bag | 3. Veneto Clutch & Crossbody | 4. Ladurée macarons | 5. Silk gown by Elie Tahari | 6. Photo by  Stockholm Street Style | 7. the Sartorialist }

…..while silhouettes and playing match up perform similar balancing acts.  Soft feminine hair, draped silk and sweet pastel colors are off set with rock and roll pieces (think worn faded boyfriend jeans), clean, masculine blazers and leather embossed patterns and studs.  

{Carousel delights by Louis Vuitton | Veneto Clutch leather details | Lace-up stilettos by Tommy Ton at Style.com | Valentino Red | Balmain blazer}

Adding versatile pieces to your wardrobe that work well together and offer some contrast will offer you several different outfits you didn’t even know existed in your closet. Enjoy and have fun playing dress up!

]]> http://www.dnliving.com/?feed=rss2&p=790 1 http://www.dnliving.com/?p=742 http://www.dnliving.com/?p=742#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:27:18 +0000 Veronica http://www.dnliving.com/?p=742 Continue reading →]]> We got this amazing antique samovar from Morocco and even though I’d like to think of us as the type to lounge around sipping tea from a samovar I decided to put it to realistic use for our living room’s much needed lighting project.  It turned out more amazing then I expected.  The warm detailed brass combined with the sheer size of the lamp makes it both exotic and luxurious.  Each unique trait including every nick and dent you find in antique samovars make it that much more special.

{Below: A gorgeous samovar from Pure Style}

These step-by-step instructions can also be applied to other things you may love around the house that you’d like to convert to an everyday functional lamp.  For those of you who are not yet ready to venture on this exciting project; here’s a little thank you for stopping by.

Materials Needed:

1. “Make – A – Lamp Kit” (found in any hardware store)
2. Lamp Pipe Kit (the pipe is also called a nipple – the long tube cavity that holds the wire and supports the bulb set)
3. Latex gloves (optional but these can protect you from getting painful metal splinters)
4. Drill
5. 5/16 drill bit (slightly smaller then the pipe)
6. Hammer
7. Measuring tape
8. Heavy duty shears* (only necessary if you have to cut out something extra to create a solid base)
9. Aluminum sheet* (found in any hardware store)
10. Adjustable wrench (not absolutely necessary but very handy)
11. Wire strippers
12. Light bulb
13. Long metal nail
14. Screwdriver with different heads

*If the harp’s bottom is smaller then the samovar’s top lip than it’s probably a good idea to add an aluminum strip for extra support.  I didn’t necessarily need one but added it anyways.

Step 1: Identify the base

Normally this would be the very bottom of the piece you’re converting into a lamp.  In this case, there was a metal flap that was used for letting heat come in and out.  The flap wouldn’t be secure enough or provide a clean drill so I removed the entire thing.  Start by trimming with shears and then finish off by grabbing the entire piece and pulling it out with the wrench.

Step 2:  Determine pipe length

Measure the distance between the very top of the samovar’s lip to the samovar’s base that you just decided on.

Step 3:  Unassemble samovar

Step 4: Create a pilot hole

Before drilling, you’ll need to create a tiny hole that will keep the drill from slipping.  Secure the nail on the screwdriver (to get extra length) and tap a hole with the hammer in the very center of the base.  **Do this sitting down with the samovar between your legs.  Otherwise, hammering on a hard surface can dent a weak or narrow part of the samovar.

 Step 5: Drill

• Drill with the 5/16 drill bit in the very center of your base where the pilot hole was created.
• Once the hole has been drilled, re-drill and make the hole slightly larger by putting pressure evenly on the sides of the hole so that the pipe fits securely.  **Do this gradually and check frequently with the pipe to avoid making the hole too large.

Step 6: Thread the lamp cord, insert and secure pipe through the base

Once you’ve thread the cord inside the pipe, insert pipe (wires up) from the base.  Secure with the washer and nut provided in the pipe kit

Step 7:  Assemble without going past the socket cap

Step 8: Wire

• Strip 4/5th of an inch of insulation off the wire
• Tie an underwriter’s knot
• Match the hot wire to the hot terminal and the neutral wire to the neutral terminal by tucking the wire behind the terminals’ screws the way you’d tuck your hair behind your ear and tighten screws with the screwdriver.  **Usually the ribbed wire is the neutral wire and terminals are differentiated by one being brass and the other silver.

Step 9: Secure socket interior and finish assembling

• Insert socket interior into the socket cap while pulling cord downwards from the bottom end
• Assemble remaining pieces

Voilá!

Think:  Hawaiian/tropical flavor with really bold surfer colors and silhouettes.  Tiki inspired, bold prints with touches of neon.  Key colors are orange, watermelon, tangerine, and grass green with black as the base color.

Accessories:  Flat sandals, strappy  sandals, embellished details, rafia soled wedges (see below), enamel accessories, layered necklaces, shiny crystals, plastic bracelets, colored eyewear, neon rope belts, patterned scarves and last but not least turbans.

Giuseppe Zanotti rafia wedge sandal

Issa

Pantone colors from left to right: Vermillion Orange, Mock Orange, Aurora, Fandango Pink & Online Lime.

The key designers who each had a different take on “Tropical Punch” (a conversation singled out by trend forecast firm, Fashion Snoops) were Dior, Prada and Stella McCartney.  Stella’s collection left you feeling happy and satiated as if you just gulped down a cold glass of fresh lemonade, ready to lay back down on a bed of warm grass:

Dior’s pinup muses strut down the runway wearing bold colors such as vibrant (almost neon) tangerines, turquoise and fuchsia, tropical inspired prints, crochet knits with sailor caps and exotic colored feather accessories.

Throw in a drunken mad sailor and you have Galliano’s last show.

While Prada took on a whole new direction.

I know fashion gurus all over the world read this blog as scripture (that was a joke) but I don’t want this to be read as fact; it is merely my interpretation of the collection.  For all I know Miuccia Prada could have been inspired by a basket of bananas and that Chiquita’s* irresistible figure.   Believe it or not I’m inspired by random things like that all the time.

*Dik Browne,  who created Chiquita Banana, is the same artist who created Hagar the Horrible comic strip.

However, the closer I looked at Prada’s SS11 collection the more I saw George Barbier’s paintings come to life (watch this).

The hand drawn style scrolls…

…the stripes and shoes…

… the short, modern hair cuts..

all with a dash of Dr. Seuss inspired accessories that scream, “I don’t care, I just came to play.”

Even though these trends are unique from the rest (well, some more so than others) the message is consistent throughout: have fun, play and explore.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own.
And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

-Dr. Seuss

D&G Spring '11

Think:  Peasant, bleached denim, patchwork patterns, eyelet dresses, overalls, large cabbage rose prints, railroad stripes, polka dots, single color checks, bold colors such as fire engine red, bright pink (e.g. fucia), and grass green.  Use navy to blend with these bold colors since the contrast would be too sharp with black.

What I love about this look is that it really does an amazing job telling a story.  The colors, fabrics and silhouettes capture the warmth of the sun and new beginnings.  Looking through D&G‘s S/S ’11 collection you can almost smell the fresh strawberries and fertile grass.  Man, those Italians are good.

These are great because they can be easily worn with a jean or leather jacket and you’re good to go.

D&G (left), Isabel Marant (right)

However, I wouldn’t suggest doing the same with this Antonio Marras number.

{Cherry Pantone forecast colors from left to right: Turtledove (12-5202), Poinsettia (17-1654), Fandango Pink (17-2033), Cradle Pink (12-2905), Summer Green (14-0156), Patriot Blue (19-3925)}

To be continued with Tropical Punch…

With this stagnant, rough economy it’s no surprise we turn to purchasing fashion pieces we intuitively understand.  Nothing’s more comforting than the familiar and many high fashion designers seem to agree.

Think: Flowing fabrics, soft and feminine silhouettes, plunging necklines, high waist bell-bottoms, chunky bracelets, floppy hats, ankle strap platforms, cinched waists all in warm honey neutrals as a base color with citrus and blue hues as your accent colors.   Let the good times roll….

{Paul & Joe}

{Valentino, Costume National}

{YSL and Fendi Spring ’11 ad campaigns}

*These Pantone colors (shown with Marc Jacobs‘ Spring ’11) were chosen by Fashion Snoops, a trend forecasting and consulting firm based out of New York.

{Orange Popsicle (#17-1350), Lemon Chrome (#13-0859), Honey Gold (#15-1142), Poinsettia (#17-1654), Deep Blue (#19-3847), Blue Curacao (#15-4825)}

Stay tuned for the last but not least trend forecasting looks to complete your shopping list.

Gianfranco Ferre Spring '11

*This information was taken from a seminar hosted by Fashion Snoops, a trend forecasting and consulting firm based out of New York.  dN Living has revised the content for its site’s readers.  The colors used are all Pantone.

{From left to right:  Alberta Ferretti, Emilio Pucci. Colors used in moodboard:  Lemon Chrome, Azalea, Jojoba, Nile Blue, Blue Curacao, Black}

Think:  70s folklore, mix patterns, layering, long length skirts, sheer fabrics, bold colors, cotton eyelet, crochet, off the shoulder silhouettes, art nouveau inspired.

Colors: periwinkle blue, jade/emerald green, neutral tan, mustard yellow, and pink/reds.

Boho colors for men: sienna, grass green, mustard yellow.

Fabrics for men: linen, textured, washed out plaids

_________

{From left to right:  Roberto Cavalli, Oracle Fox.  Colors:  Egret, Moonbeam, Warm Sand, Pale Blush, Nile Blue, Dusky Green}

Think: Skin, suede, all about detail with a little bit of shine, animal print, safari animal, military detail with a pop of color, soft sand pink, peachy nudes, aqua sanded blues, beaded crochet, long, layered, dramatic, ethnic patterns, with wood, bone and metallic details.

*Everything with a “sanded” worn feel and fringes!

{John Varvatos.  Photo credit: Shei Magazine}

Sahara Expedition for men:  Simple, neutral/warm gold base colors with blue and red as the popup colors.

Sahara desert fabrics for men:  water repellent, burnout jerseys, meshes, heathers.  Silhouettes:  Safari silhouettes, roll up sleeves, tank tops, functional.

The moment I saw this look I immediately thought about one of my favorite bloggers, Oracle Fox, an Australian artist that is a constant inspiration.  Her talent and eye for design and beauty never cease to amaze me.

Off the Runway to Your Closet:

{Dress: Free People ($68), white tank: James Perse ($50), lace-up boots: Jeffrey Campbell ($328), fringed scarf: Emilio Pucci ($760), suede shorts: Michael Kors ($250), dip dye scarf: Banana Republic ($59.50)}

{Roberto Cavalli: Mother-of-pearl gold-plated earrings ($415),  gold-plated tusk necklace (($1,445)}

Sorry, I had to throw those in in case you had a couple thousand laying around.  Although it’s tempting to tan especially for these looks; never underestimate the power of soft blush and chocolate eyeshadow.  Stay tuned for the next top looks!

[Shoe by Yves Saint Laurent / Gaultier S/S 2011]

I was reminded of Majorelle Blue a few months ago when I was watching a documentary of Yves Saint Laurent’s life.   Majorelle Blue was trademarked by the French artist Jacques Majorelle and was the main color used in the artist’s largest art work, Majorelle Garden.  Purchased by Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge in 1980, the garden and it’s villa became a sanction for Saint Laurent and eventually his resting place where his ashes were scattered 28 years later.  The garden’s hypnotizing blue was not the only thing that inspired Saint Laurent.  Here’s an excerpt from Times of Malta describing this unique love affair…

The designer was born and raised in the then French colony of Algeria and found something familiar in Marrakesh when he and Berge arrived there in the late 1960s.

Morocco inspired some of the daring colour combinations in Saint Laurent’s creations – orange with purple, pink with red – that earned him a reputation as the designer with the best colour sense of the 20th century.

“I remember we used to drive up to the mountains near Marrakesh,” said long-time Marrakesh resident Bill Willis, a close friend of Saint Laurent who designed his villa.

“We would see Berber peasant women carrying their bundles of firewood who wore the most wonderful colour combinations – he inspired himself a lot from that.”

A painting of Jacques Majorelle. Although the unique shade of cobalt blue was named after Jacques Majorelle; the color is commonly seen in Moroccan tile, Berber clothes and homes.

I can’t help but think of him when I see the bright color in Morocco or on the runway…

Our friends' beautiful villa in Marrakech.

Dior SS11 & Majorelle Garden

It was no surprise when after playing with endless color possibilities, my eyes and heart kept wandering back to that mesmerizing blue and eccentric yellow.  Here’s an inspiration board and mockup design I put on Russian model, Irina Shayk because well… she’s gorgeous and exotic; much like the colors themselves.  This paparazzi photograph captures her jet set look while sporting a white tee flawlessly.

On this diaNoche postcard: Emilio Pucci, Jardin Majorelle, Majorelle bamboo walkway, Tom Ford's Bois Marocain perfume

Photo credits: Emilio Pucci, Jardin Majorelle, Majorelle bamboo walkway,  Tom Ford’s Bois Marocain perfume

diaNoche shirt

Anthropologie's Sun Shades Dress

Last week I received The Stylish Blogger Award from APPLESandRUBIES and semiweeklyeats!  I’m both extremely honored and slightly anxious about the list of 7 things you may or may not know about me that I have to include in my acceptance speech.  I’ll make this quick and painless for the both of us… Here goes:

1.  I sleep with my eyes open.  Scary,  I know.  I also found out a couple of years ago I’m incapable of blinking (fully that is – otherwise that’d be really scary).  I like to think this is my only flaw…. or at least this is what I tell my husband.  This imperfection is easier to bare knowing my favorite villain, Wilhelmina Slater has the same problem.

2.  My dream is to have a shared warehouse full of my friends and their incredible talents.  Kind of like Duff from Ace of Cakes – I couldn’t think of a better executed career.  What’s the point of having success if you don’t enjoy creating and sustaining it?

3.  Last week I went to go see a narration of Brian Greene’s children’s book, “Icarus at the Edge of Time” with music by Philip Glass.  It’s a story about a boy who runs away from home to explore a black hole.  I’m ashamed to say I fell asleep halfway through the show, probably with my eyes open.

4.  I love vinegar.  I could talk about this for hours but I’ll spare you the torture.  Aside from being delicious, it’s also an amazing way to clean your home.  I love the fact that it does an awesome job without using harsh chemicals that are bad for your family and the environment.

5.  I’ve worn glasses since I was 5 years old.  My first pair were extra large and hot pink.

6.  I was carried into our wedding reception  in a domed chair encrusted with crystals and pearls.  By then I had already lost my voice and couldn’t yell at the two arguing men who almost dropped me because they couldn’t agree which direction to go.

Here’s a close up:

7.  This past Friday I sipped hot spiked cider overlooking the White House from the rooftop of the W Hotel.  Sometimes I forget how amazing this city really is.

Thanks again to Loretta and Jesse; you two add so much to my morning ritual.  Here are the blogs I’d like to pass on this award to who also add style, humor and inspiration to my mornings and evenings:

• Pure Style Home
• McDonalds in Paris
• What Would Karl Do?
• Constance Victoria
• Caroline Pham Design
• Oracle Fox
• pve design
• Disarming Darling
• Studded Rose
• emilia

Riad Dixneuf la ksour’s courtyard in Marrakech | Hand painted ceramics: diaNoche Home | diaNoche Living photo: Sahara Sunset | Brown hue aficionado Chloe | Harbor Breeze Caribbean Brass Ceiling Fan

I couldn’t help obsess over Logue’s studio in The King’s Speech and the sense of calm it gave me despite the tense scenes that were shot in the loft.  I was relieved when they decided to practice there rather in the Royal Palace where boring pastels clashed with garish primary colors in overly ornate distracting rooms.

Logue's therapeutic wall

No, I’d rather learn and live in a place surrounded by the comfort and elegance of the color brown.  It doesn’t demand your attention (it doesn’t need to) and it plays nicely with other colors including black.

diaNoche's "Medina" shirt

Z Gallerie's Pierre Mirror. This decadent art deco inspired mirror has added so much life to our living room without being overbearing

Harmonious Palette: Wheat, caramel, chocolate, blue/grey & pale turquoise

Riad Dixneuf la Ksour's sitting room | Knights in Cordoba t-shirt in onyx

Perfection: Nezami Rug from Restoration Hardware