Archive for the ‘Blacks’ Category

September 12th, 2012 No Comments

weddings: matthew robbins centerpiece

Matthew Robbins has been contributing for Martha Stewart Weddings for years now. I’m sure you’ve seen his beautiful floral design grace the magazine pages and on television appearances. Matthew released a book this past spring entitled “Inspired Weddings”. Here is a beautiful floral blue and violet centerpiece in a black urn Matthew did for a wedding. Finding special containers and pieces to create a unique celebration environment is one of Matthew’s hallmark traits. If you are looking for something other than your basic glass containers that your local florist might provide, try visiting your local prop house that … Read more

September 10th, 2012 No Comments

color palette: navy and violet

It’s fashion week in NYC and although this isn’t from the new Jason Wu collection, (photo from Vogue) the color palette is very inspiring. Deep navy and cool violets paired with black accessories, a touch of pale violet and a whitish gray is a gorgeous palette- for fashion, interiors, tabletop, weddings & celebrations. I’m definitely going to be wearing this color palette for fall and winter. Here are some classic picks for your wardrobe…. Navy Juliet Dress, $80, and Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater in Fresh Purple, $198, both from J.Crew, Parker Blue Eternity Scarf, $200, from Barneys, Hutton … Read more

August 29th, 2012 No Comments

weddings & celebrations: finding the perfect ribbon

When you are searching for ribbon- whether it’s for your wedding bouquet, favors or holiday wreaths… one of my styling sources is Masterstroke Canada for ribbons. Owner, Steven Fraser, is an expert in the field and has a very extensive collection. From satin to grosgrain to velvet, you can find most any color, width or novelty ribbon you can imagine. If you don’t see it on their online store, then I’m sure they can help you find what you are looking for. I highly recommend them as the ‘go to’ source for ribbon.

August 22nd, 2012 No Comments

weddings & celebrations: eggplant color inspired floral centerpieces

Our eggplant inspired color palette this week lends itself perfectly to many different varieties of flowers. These gorgeous arrangements are all by Michael George, one of the premiere florists and event planners in New York City. Clockwise: Purple and Pastel Mix, including black callas and ilex berries mixed with soft pastel rambling rose (in a black glass cube), Purple Fringe Tulips, Monochromatic Purple Mix, with hydrangea, roses, tulips and novelties, Black Miniature Calla Lilies, Dark Purple Composition, with dark stock, iris, anemones, rununculus and mini callas, and Chocolate Cosmos in mint julep cup. If you’d like to order any … Read more

August 21st, 2012 No Comments

tuesday’s tabletop: using eggplants, plums, black olives, wine & garlic as your centerpiece

These items all have a beautiful color palette….eggplants, deep plums, black olives, red wine and garlic with a bit of purple striations. Using food as your centerpiece is always pretty and very easy to pick up at the grocery store while you are selecting your food for your menu. By putting these items in black bowls and grounding them with black linens, dishes and glasses, it makes a sophisticated, yet approachable table setting. Black linens and plates might seem a bit dark to some people, but coming from my stylist point of view- it makes food look fantastic! … Read more

August 20th, 2012 No Comments

this week’s color palette: eggplant shades

This eggplant still life was photographed by Sang An and styled by me for Oprah Magazine. It’s one of my favorite shots we did together. The colors are so rich and natural. I know all the stores are pushing fall right now- (too early for me! summer isn’t over yet!) but here in the height of summer vegetables we find these gorgeous shades in eggplants. So even though I think most of us associate these colors with fall, they are found during summer in nature. They are so deep and saturated and beautiful. I love it. I would love to … Read more

August 14th, 2012 1 Comment

tuesday’s tabletop: succulent centerpieces

I was asked to design a table for Hampton Cottages and Gardens for the Hampton Classic (an equestrian competition). It was very last minute and the event was outside in very hot, humid temperatures. Traditional flowers might not hold up in the heat- so I chose to use different varieties of succulents, so I was sure it would look crisp and clean. I used different sized Jars bowls and Mud Australia bowls (available from my store) to plant the succulents in and topped off the dirt with small white seashells to finish the centerpieces. The tables were all … Read more

August 9th, 2012 No Comments

Chip it! i love this paint color finder tool from Sherwin-Williams

Oh my gosh! I love this paint finder tool called Chip It! from Sherwin-Williams Paints. You take any photo and upload it into the Chip It! tool and it will automatically sort through hundreds of paints and find matching paint colors pulled from the photo’s color palette. Use a photo that inspires you and instantly it tells you what paint colors to use! I uploaded the tomato photograph that inspired this week’s color palette and this is what the Chip It! tool came up with….wow! How great is that? Try the link above to upload your own photos and … Read more

August 4th, 2012 No Comments

Trove Wallpaper, by Jee Levin and Randall Buck

Trove, founded in 2006, has risen quickly with many awards under their belt already as well as two patterns being included in the permanent collection at Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. Trove pushes the limits of scale and repeat with most patterns 12 feet high and 3-6 feet across. They mix traditionally recognized design elements with non-traditional application and eco-friendly materials. One of their newest patterns is called “August” (featured above). As part of Trove’s science inspired Spring 2012 Collection, the August pattern portrays past queens from Denmark, Japan, Romania, Italy, Greece, Prussia and India. Though the queens have their … Read more

August 3rd, 2012 No Comments

friday shopping: lynn’s picks for black and white

Thinking ahead to some romantic cool fall nights by the fire- treat yourself to some much deserved luxury! Herringbone Cashemer Throw, $470, by Hugo Boss, available at Bloomingdale’s,  Velvet Robe, by Kumi Kookoon, La Ligne De Chanel Professional Eyeliner Duo, Noir-Lame (for that sexy, smokey eye), $45, from Chanel, Mens’ Beveled Polished Black Carbide Ring, $169, from Tungsten (makes a great gift for him!).