Green = Warm Weather Approaching

I think maybe once a year I do a post on how the color green makes me feel--especially when the weather starts to warm up. As you may know, green is all the rage right now (see the latest House Beautiful). The weather is certainly an inspiration, but green is everywhere: fashion, design...well I guess that's it.

This is from Madewell's spring Look Book. I love the casual look of the belted dress with low suede boots and a scarf.

This would be for the prep in me (which is most of me). Bright colors just mean warm weather! From Kate Spade. Speaking of Kate Spade, how obsessed are you with the Florence Broadhurst theme they are doing? Read more about her HERE.

The treatment of the walls in this bathroom is so beautiful and washed out. I'm especially loving the fact that Carrier and Co put the sink in front of a window but then to solve the vanity problem hung a mirror in front. The light that comes in is beautiful.

Speaking of light, Meg Braff designed this sweet light green sitting room with a monochromatic palette on the walls and upholstery.

Here is another green wall in grass cloth wallpaper. Look at all the plaid and checks in this image--amazing. By Wells and Fox.

John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon are always showing us the most fun bright designs out there. On their new site Madcap Cottage I found this burst of green--what a difference that slipper chair makes in this picture.

From working HERE for a little over a year right after college, I love bobbin chairs. This one upholstered in a green and white fabric is very charming against the aqua green backdrop. Taylor Interior Design.

I really just want a house in Connecticut in the country (with a pool and tennis court) with a breezy open feeling and pretty Sister Parish green fabrics floating around. Is that too much to ask? Actually I just selected a bright green lampshade for a project we're doing and its going to be super springy and happy. How about you all--are you feeling green?

Happy Friday!


Alicia B.

Happy Birthday to my Sister!

Joe Nye from his book Flair.

Yup, this is how things roll in my family. Anyone who matters has a birthday in Spring or Summer--it's just the way things are.

Want to know more about the birthday girl? My sister is the baby in the family, has more nicknames than anybody I know, works in finance but is obsessed with Joe Nye. This hot redhead has nothing on my ginger sister--from the Sartorialist.

She's supremely fashionable, unlike her boring preppy sister (moi). Image from Kate Spade.

She is my go-to person (one of two--I have two sisters, okay!) if i'm having a life conundrum, or more importantly if I have a cute picture of a kitten I have to show her.

I hope you have a fabulous, flair filled birthday (even though I won't be there to celebrate). 23 is going to be a ridiculous year!

xoxo
Alicia

Waiting for the other shoe to drop...

I mean that in a hopeful way, not a sad way. I'm literally waiting for some shoes to drop out of the sky and land on my feet. As you know, I'm getting married in August and I've been busy looking for shoes, the dress (found it a long time ago), the perfect invitations, the list goes on and on. I've been absolutely loving the shoes though. Wedding shoes can be SO much fun and also very extravagant looking. While I'm mostly a ballet flats kind of girl lately (b/c I have 80 year old knees), I'm gearing up to wear some 3 inch heels on my (OUR) big day.

These, from Kate Spade are SO gorgeous. They are perfectly appropriate but with a little bit of bling on the heal. It's like a little surprise at the end--love it.

I'd prefer some color underneath my white dress. These would be perfect. Kate Spade.

Pom Poms? Don't mind if I do. I DO. These are from Anthropologie's Wedding line BHLDN. They have the most beautiful designs. Found via this amazing new blog!

I'm obsessed with these. The pattern on them is like mini confetti and with a huge pink flower to top it off, it's like a party on a shoe. Also BHLDN.

AND of course we need some sparkle. I love the tailored bow on the peep toe. BHLDN

I'm usually a low maintenance girl (don't laugh), but when these shoes are flashed in my face, I go a little bit crazy. I love how much fun you can have with a wedding shoe and I know that I def want some color on mine. Kate Spade also come out with a whole wedding line, much to my intense glee. It's literally the cutest place on the internet. Does anybody have any ideas for other places that sell fun wedding shoes? I mean OBVI Christian Louboutin, but this girl can't wear 4" heels. Thoughts?

Alicia B.

Friday Faves

Happy Friday! I couldn't be more over the moon jazzed that it's friday even though it looks like THIS today in NYC.

I'm absolutely OBSESSED with this little ad campaign with Bryce Dallas Howard (a beautiful redhead!) for Kate Spade. How gorgeous is she, and how fun and happy are these colors? You know I love color and nothing is making me happier than this. Except one thing, today is my last day at my current job and I feel like this picture looks. I've accepted a new job to work for one of my favorite interior designers (not an architect, like my current job) and I can't wait to get started!

This little interior makes me think of spring and warm weather. Lounging around with fresh air coming in and out of that huge window. Alexandra Angle.

This soft yellow is so calming and beautiful. This stunning interior is by Muriel Brandolini whos portfolio I HIGHLY suggest scanning through. It's surprising and different, yet I still love it.

Wish me luck in my last day working for a firm who's main color scheme is grey and black with pops of stainless steel and moving forward to a firm who loves color just as much as I do! What is new with all of you, my presh readers?? Weekend plans?

Alicia B.

Happy Valentine's Day !

Feed me some pink macaroons.

Today is about love!! Let's celebrate Valentine's Day with some pink, one of my favorite colors.

Make your valentine some cupcakes like Martha Stewart! YUM.

This is from Betsey Johnson's apartment--isn't it fabulous?! The soft pink and romantic crystal drop sconces contrasted against the modern hard chairs and gold candlesticks are amazing.

Dallas Shaw created this adorable valentine for Kate Spade. Cute!

I'm looking for a duvet, and if I needed a pink one, this would be "the one". From Lands End, which is ALL up on my radar lately for their hot new home collection!

A little pink goes a long way and dispersing it around the room like Cath Kidston is very effective and beautiful.

Pantone just made pink the color of the year because they just wanted to spread the love, right? To tell you the truth, this holiday sort of sneaked up on me this year and I haven't exactly (or at all) done anything for my fiance/valentine! Some people are single and really hate this day but just think of all the great candy that comes about on this holiday!! And...I'm wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day! I love my readers!

Alicia B.

Honeysuckle: The Color of 2011

Last year was turquoise and this year we're onto Honeysuckle; a fun and bright colored pink! I love color so I'm excited about this color for 2011. Here's another resolution for you: bring more pink into your life! Many people shy away from a pink in their homes because it can be seen as unsophisticated and girly but I think that couldn't be further from the truth. Hit it...

I think people are scared of pink sometimes because they're afraid that it won't match with everything else in the room. This room by Amanda Nisbet certainly proves that this isn't so! She has browns in that gorgeous rug and oranges in the drapery and a yellow sofa. This looks incredible without looking like a Lilly Pulitzer dress threw up all over a room (not that that would be bad...).

Ahhh Jamie Drake, my color idol. He uses pink nearly everywhere to make this traditional and geometric bedroom. I adore the pillow cases with a simple pink border and that lamp is gorgeous. It reminds me of Vaughan gourd lamps...

Here is a much brighter pink as the backsplash for this sitting room by Amanda Nisbet. Color in the back of a bookcase is a must.

Nothing is bolder than this. A brilliant pink vintage sofa up against a bright blue wall? I love it. From MFAMB. This feels so fresh and especially with the little pop of yellow flowers off to the right.

Here is a softer version of it with this gorgeous fabric. I wish I knew who made it but it certainly stands out among all the soft neutrals in this space. Photo from Farrow and Ball.

Kathryn Ireland created this stunning fabric filled bedroom with different bright pinks and pink paint up to the chair rail.

This honeysuckle pink throw is used as a table runner on the upholstered ottoman. What a fun rug--is it part of this collection at ABC Carpet? These bright elements help to brighten up an otherwise soft room. Room designed by Deborah Lloyd found in Lonny Mag.

As you know, fashion always follows interior design (they just want to be like us). How adorable is this pink pom pom scarf?! It's from Kate Spade and is hand knitted by a woman in Bosnia as part of their Hand in Hand (created by Deborah Lloyd!) partnership with Women for Women International. A good cause and a cute scarf. Done and done.

I secretly think that Pantone just loved my new background of my blog so they changed it a little and made it color of the year! But seriously, pink, honeysuckle, faded salmon color--whatever you want to call it--is fun and whats the point if something isn't fun and its just "nice"? Agreed? What do you guys think about this choice?

ALSO, bt dubs, I MAY OR MAY NOT be having a give-away coming up so stay on me!


Alicia B.

Holiday Gift Guide 2010 Alicia B. Style

These polka dotted ceramic trays ($48) from Apartment 48 would make the perfect gift. Apartment 48 has the most amazing gifts--visit their store in Manhattan if you have the time. They have amazing horn accessories!

Every year now all the bloggers come out with "Gift Guides" for Christmas, Hanukkah or other holiday events, which are basically all about, "look at me and what great taste I have!" Right? Well, now its my turn. I'm not going to suggest to you where to find ANOTHER ikat pillow, or a sparkly clutch, because the answer is Pottery barn, and J Crew. Or Etsy and Etsy. I have fun ideas and a little bit unusual taste. Here is what I want if I could buy it all for myself.

Stationary is always a hit. I love this one with the Florentine paper envelope liner. One Kings Lane has TONS of great gift options--cashmere throws, beautiful candles, and cards!

Ask yourself (literally, out loud), who wouldn't LOVE an oversized acorn? It would make the perfect coffee table accessory or bookcase display objet. This is from my new favorite store that I discovered down in Tribeca around the corner from where I work, Just Scandinavian.

I'm pretty standard when it comes to jewelry, and I should really jazz it up with some costume pieces. This Zebra ring for only $38 is designed by Rachel Roy my old roommate's designer flavor of the month.

Another great gift that rarely gets re-gifted are tea towels! How cute and Scandinavian is this one with fish on it?! Find it HERE at Just Scandinavian.

I'm really into these little bouquet necklaces. This one is from Boden: Boden Corsage Necklace for $64.

Have you checked out the Kate Spade Home section lately? Do so immediately. These plates, designed by Bella Foster for KS are just adorable and they have a corresponding hors d'oeuvres plate.


Scarves are fun all year round, so this is really the perfect gift for anybody (or me). This Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarf is $118.

My fiance has been gabbing about how much I would love this book that I'm wondering why he hasn't bought it for me yet. Syrie Maugham has so much style its amazing that they were able to put it in a book. I will have this book, thanks!

I'm the middle in our family, so this wine label "Middle Sister Wines" really spoke to me. They're based in California and have such a cute concept. I gave a few bottles to my older sister for her birthday this past year! Wine is ALWAYS (almost) the perfect gift.

So if you're looking for a gift for pretty much anybody, take your pick from the choices above! I'm super behind this year on my gifts. Life gets hectic but you always have to be thinking of others at this time of year. The time for giving. Anyway, no ikat pillows or sequin clutches here although those are great gifts too! You can fine some cute pillows at MY store, as well. How about you all? Are you behind like I am?

Alicia B.

Friday Faves

This week has really been great. Work has been quite busy (take that, recession!!), and I finished my class for the semester! Next semester I'll finally be taking Auto Cad--I'm quite excited to take it. At last. And at last, it's Friday! It's time to sit back, and enjoy some beautiful design.

Matthew Patrick Smyth designed this beautiful room in a London townhouse. I'm IN LOVE with that carpet. It's different and I love that shade of blue.

Navy/emerald blues are everywhere this Spring. Isn't this skirt adorable? From Kate Spade for $295 in Emerald.

I'd love to enjoy a fun summer evenning at this outdoor dining room under the wisteria. By Robin Bell.

What are you all up to this gorgeous (minus Saturday) weekend? I'm planning on hitting up Central Park if the weather is nice and get my tan (okay okay, I burn) going for the Summer. I know I say this almost every weekend but I really want to go to the flea market. I'm thinking of maybe even going to the Brooklyn Flea Market! Is anyone else going? Tell me more!


Alicia B.

Blueberries and Raspberries

One of my best friends is getting married this summer and she mentioned that she liked blue and fuchsia as her wedding colors. I thought that sounded like a great idea because it reminded me of blueberries and raspberries. Besides strawberries, those two fruits are nearly the REASON for summer. Anyway, I was thinking about it, and wanted to see how this could be applied to interior design. Everything in my life revolves around interior design anyway, so lets check it out!

I'm not sure I'd be able to read as calmly as these children in this room. That wall color makes me want to play, not work. It's such a fun color with the much more subdued blue coffee table and x-based bench. By Eddie Ross.

Melissa Rufty, whom I discovered thanks to La Dolce Vita, may be one of my new favorite designers. I love her use of color and pattern. Really fabulous.

Masucco Warner Miller is ALL over the place right now; which is great! This is a child's room but I love its playful sophistication. The blue is very blue and the raspberry is well placed.

Kate and Andy Spade's shakey spread in the NY Times was inspiring from an interior design standpoint (only). This blue leather desk chair is a welcome contrast on that bright colored wall. I love that photograph above the desk. Creepy, no?

Diamond Baratta always delivers when in comes to color. I know this room is primarily a blueberry, but the flowers are so beautiful and add a punch of contrast.

A bedspread is a great place to start because you can easily switch it out whenever you feel like it. I love the laptop on the pink pouf and cotton candy blue lamp though. Living etc.

Ooo glamorous and romantic. Plus there's a MacBook so you know this person has great taste. Note the color combo but also all the different textures--very pretty. From Living Etc.

Angie Hranowsky really knows how to get me! A zebra pelt on the floor, a really beautiful pendant over the table, and french doors out to an enticing terrace. Though she didn't use MUCH of the two colors we have in mind here, they certainly make enough of a point.

I really wish I had a window to look out of while I'm at my desk. I have lovely pictures and an inspirational poem which is sometimes just as nice. The blue on the seat cushion sort of reminds me of those blueberries with a little white frost over them right before you touch them, no? Designed by Joe Nye.

I'm not sure what it is but something about this color combo is making me think Summer. Perhaps because is reminds me of seasonal fruits? Possibly. I love this color combo so I know my friend's wedding is going to be gorgeous. Plus, I'm a bridesmaid so she's all set!


Alicia B.