Men in Black at the Oscars

While watching the Red Carpet pre-Oscar Show last night in an intimate setting at the St. Regis (winning in best hotel category)  and loving the looks of Michelle, Gwyneth, Stacey K. and Penelope (not Anne Miller) among others, and so NOT understanding the look of Louise Roe (WHO???), my husband sent me into a giddy fit when he remarked " wonder who those guys are wearing" - pointing to those 2 guys from Price Waterhouse who carry the sealed envelopes of all the winners. My research says they were wearing black and if they are the same as a few years ago they were wearing Longchamp.

photo credit Matt Brown.

I see a very hot Spring - how about you?

Well, I had my tickets in hand for NY Fashion Week shows but never made it over due to other more pressing and unexpected matters. So instead, I only watch from afar. I have seen photos of huge hats, romantic and goth makeup, graphic patterns and color combos with fall fashions trending toward a more subtle palette than Spring. What some people wore - click here to see - my favs, in beautiful blues, are Zoe Saldana and Hanneli Mustaparta; the rest - not so much.

Well, that is what is to come.

What is happening now...with the Pantone color of the year being a feisty tangerine, we can all get in the mood for lots of sunset colors and intense fashions. (Of course you can find desert/dune back drops of color  playing nicely off of the hot hues.) The Pantone spring color report on fashion colors is here.  Happy energy with a kick.

And, today, with the mild winter at hand on the east coast, jacket-less children (they are never cold anyway!) and spring fashions on display, I thought I would share my favorite current spring trends: intense color, color blocking, animal print pants (leopard is and has been my go to print) and ladylike and romantic florals. A sampling...

Carven dress
photo  Zoe Online

Nothing to say but Jimmy Choo
photo Saks.com

Not so much a fan of one shoulder but love these silk pants from
Alice and Olivia
photo Saks.com

Love this look from Malene Birger, so wearable!
photo Saks.com

Bought similar jeans for my daughter - Citizens of Humanity
 photo Saks.com

Dreamy lemon palette from Oscar de La Renta
 photo Saks.com

Can't find these in my size anywhere - help! J Brand jeans
photo Saks.com

Going for a similar pattern in blue - Current/Elliott jeans,
photo Saks.com

For the nails, while I always like the fashion forward looks from Butter London (and their good for you ingredients),  I am really loving  Chanel's Spring/Summer colors, aptly named April May and June.

My personal wish list for Spring: A lace hot pink dress, an orange top to go with... anything... and a pair of turquoise animal print jeans to wear with some towering black shoes. Expect to see my nails in Chanel's May or maybe June. I am also thinking of adding a pop of color to my husband's closet.

Robert Rodriguez dress
photo Saks.com

Robert Graham
photo neimanmarcus.com

Prada
photo neimanmarcus.com

And, of course, for spring stationery  - how about some tangerine ink and or paper? Floral and animal print liners? Yes, to all of it! Just some ideas and recent projects:

Custom stationery on tangerine paper with printed orange liner
Checkerboard collection

Custom letterpress stationery with rounded corners, tangerine ink
Smock 

An oldie but goodie from Luscious Verde

I have this liner - with my Arzberger Stationery

The liner papers we get from papermojo.com  - great selection.
Also, gotta give photo credit to Chloe T for the orange mirror above and thanking Carol again for giving it to me.

There is so much to look forward to!

Can you teach color sense?

I have taken some time off from my posts and am now happy to return in order to share what I believe is a great discussion of color. And those of you who read regularly know how much I love the topic of color!

This is from Salon.com and was written by Jude Stewart. 

Happy color reading!

Can you teach color sense?

Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest - 20th Anniversary

Well, it keeps getting better and better! Fresh snow and Deer Valley Resort's finest efforts meant we could all enjoy skiing during opening weekend - December 3rd. The event accommodations were at the fabulous Montage Deer Valley and JUMA Entertainment* created yet another top notch event (and much sought after invite). The show aired last Sunday on CBS and the event helped to raise funds for Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s charity Waterkeeper Alliance. It was a weekend filled with fun, food, skiing, parties, celebrities and all for a great cause - the environment. And, MARY J. BLIGE and GAVIN DEGRAW performed live in an intimate setting - now that was awesome. Take a look at some highlights and fun. I couldn't mention everyone or put in all the photos or I might lose ya! Don't forget to watch Larry David's piece and also Gavin below.

And look for the event again next year - first weekend in December!

Me and my hubby* - the man that makes this happen

Love Terrell Owens - his team won the race and we love his hat too!

Hugs in the tent at lunch

Watching the race

Perrey Reeves from Entourage with my friend Stacey - look at the Di Modolo medal Perrey won

Funniest introduction by Larry David on Saturday night

****Larry David was a riot Saturday night introducing Bobby Kennedy at the Auction - click here to listen - this is a CAN"T MISS.

Simple table scape but it works

Biggest draw at the Auction

Here is a little piece from the concert...

Alan Tudyk from Suburgatory having fun (Steve the Pirate, Dodgeball)

More hugs - at the concert

At the concert with my girl!

From Housewives of Beverly Hills, Taylor Armstrong

And then, to close the weekend...

Who went to the spa instead of skiing on our last day?

Not me, I went skiing.

Raving about Cakeman Raven

I had a birthday a few weeks ago and my husband got me an outrageously delicious and special birthday cake - made by famous Cakeman Raven - the red velvet cake expert. And I got to watch him - Cakeman, not my husband -  decorate it before my eyes; he worked effortlessly and within a few minutes - viola!  -beautiful. And it gets better because when it melts in your mouth you cannot believe you waited this long to try the original red velvet cake. My suggestion: go get some - he makes over 5000 cakes a month!

What does red velvet cake taste like? Some say like chocolate cake - well there is some resemblance but it is not just a red chocolate cake. For me - it is the texture that makes it stand apart.

"A real "southern treat", described as an aphrodisiac dessert, deep in its bright redness and buttery crumb texture accents the sweet cream cheese frosting, mellowing out the pecan oils from the crusted pecan garnish.


After the first bite, you're hooked!"


Here are a few shots on location in Brooklyn with JUMA execs and crew - watch for upcoming TV show. I will keep you posted but in the meanwhile, let them eat cake!

Taking in the local color

Marlyn Dintenfass Painting at the Babcock Gallery, NYC 

My coat matches the painting above

How many blues do we see in this Louisa Matthiasdottir painting? At the Tibor de Nagy Gallery , NYC

Just a few shots of some works I saw recently in New York. Always love color and to explore new artists.

Treedom: Luxury Eco-Friendly Tree Houses

Photo courtesy of Lost At E Minor

These eco-friendly luxury tree houses are unbelievable. I would love to throw a party in one of these - or just hang with family - anything really as they pretty fantastic. Click here if you want to see more.
I found them on one of my favorite sites - Lost At E Minor. They are built by a company called Blue Forest. 

Not even sure if this would this be downsizing.