Spring/Summer 2012 Trends

        Both on and off the runway, the aquatic theme has been one of the most prominent trends of the 2012 spring/summer season. Serving as an updated version of the traditional floral themes seen in past spring/summer seasons, this year’s overarching aquatic theme can be broken down into two main categories: tropical florals, and surf/sportswear. From Proenza Schouler’s Hawaiian-inspired floral dresses and Mary Katrantzou’s underwater seascapes, to Dries Van Noten’s mixed florals and Ksubi’s monochromatic ensembles, tropical prints are a season staple. Many designers have also incorporated head-to-toe florals and monochromatic prints into their looks, another one of the season’s main trends.

      Designers have drawn inspiration from aquatics and tropical nature, not only in terms of patterns and prints, but also in regards to silhouettes, fabrics and textures. Versace’s Neoprene biker jackets, Michael Kors’ fitted scuba dresses and Stella McCartney’s scalloped slip dresses are reminiscent of traditional aquatic gear, and reflect the season’s “surf couture” style. Alexander Wang was one of the pioneers of the season’s sportswear trend, with blue botanical prints, fish-scale textures, zipper-front parachute dresses, and brightly colored polo shirts. Wang’s fascination with motocross and NASCAR racing proved to be a huge influence in his spring/summer collection. Isabel Marant’s high top Willow sneakers also keep in line with the season’s style and give an elegant twist to the sportswear trend.

       

       The revival of the peplum, which was popular in the ’80s, has proven to be one of the season’s most popular silhouettes. Everyone from Jason Wu and Vera Wang to Rodarte and Thakoon have incorporated the feminine silhouette into their collections. The peplum also featured prominently on the red carpet at the 2012 Met Gala. Actresses like Elizabeth Banks in Mary Katrantzou, January Jones in Versace, and Emma Roberts in Escada all sported the trend, a sure sign that peplum will continue to be popular in the coming fall/winter season.

      Among the various accessory trends—metallic accents, chunky cuffs, white pointed heels, statement earrings —tribal accents have been the most popular street style and runway trend of the season. Tribal inspired clutches, shoes and jewelry figured heavily in the spring/summer collections at Burberry Prorsum, Bottega Veneta and Proenza Schouler. Many designers have incorporated organic textures like raffia, straw, beads and wood into their designs to enhance and accentuate their tribal looks.



Bar Necessities: Micro Zester

The ultimate bar needs a micro zester!


Sometime in the early 90's a couple of woodworkers stumbled on the ultimate food and bar tool.  Looking to make a sharp tool to round corners, the micro plane was built.  But only after a fluke incident did this wonder tool end up in the kitchen, after Canadian woman found her husband's tool and decided to use to finely zest an orange for a cake.  This tools' tiny razor-like edges are formed by a  process called photo-etching in which holes are dissolved with a chemical, leaving edges that finely slice instead of tearing or shredding.  To make insanely rich chocolate milk, heat some milk and grate in high quality chocolate.  Or turn this gizmo over some pasta, find a chunk of hard cheese (I'm using aged hard Gouda these days) and grate till your hearts content to create a pilllowy-cheesey-cotton-candy like topping.   But the best use for this super tool: the bar.  It magically slices and liquify fruits and vegetables, creating a completely different marriage with alcohol than traditional muddling.  But the difference is real.  Think of difference between the brightness of pressed juice versus canned juice.  Any bartender or home foodie worth their weight in vodka needs only a few simple tricks to make insane cocktails and impress.  Here are a few of my favorites:



The Spa Gimlet
1.  2 ounces vodka
2.  1 strong squeeze of fresh lemon or lime
3.  1 tablespoon micro grated cucumber
4.  1 teaspoon sugar or Agave syrup.
5.  Splash of gin
Shake well with ice and strain into a martini cup, or serve over a large ice cube.

Ferris Mulers Moscow Day Off.

1.  2 ounces Vodka

2.  1/2 teaspoon micro grated Ginger (peeled)

3.  1 TB Honey

4.  4 ounces club soda

Stir well and serve over crushed ice.

Tijuana's Revenge 
1.  1 ounce Anejo or gold tequila 
2.  4 ounces peach juice
3.  Splash of club soda
4.  4 swipes over a micro grater with a jalapeno - drag the jalapeno about 2 inches each swipe, you should have less than a tic-tac worth of juice and jalapeno pulp. Turn the grater over and slide the pulp into shaker.
Serve over ice, salted rim optional.

1. Zyliss Fine Grater $14.99, 2. OXO Good Grips Fine Zester/Grater $9.99
3.  Microplane 35002 Home Series Fine Grater $12.40, 4. Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater $12.18

Bold Wallpaper

I have been thinking about using wallpaper somewhere in my home- either in the bathroom, my bedroom, or a wall in the living room. I absolutely adore the geometric shapes and colors in these rooms, and the best part is that it is temporary. What a great way to update your home decor and add a splash of color!

Quote of the Week

Courtesy of Pinterest

Inspired by Marrakech

Marrakech was once colonized by the French, the Spanish and the Portuguese and takes inspiration from all three cultures.  Many artists and designers have been inspired by this country.  Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent had a villa in Marrakech where he stayed to design his collections.  Many of his designs were influenced by the time he spent there.  I am most inspired by the ornate French Moroccan interiors of his villa.  Add a touch of Marrakech to your space with these home accessories.  

Inside the L.A. Home of BCBG's Max Azria

For those of you unfamiliar with Max Azria, he is a fashion designer and founder of the brand, BCBG, named for the French phrase "bon chic, bon genre." His home in Los Angeles is one of my all time favorites, with its unique combination of modern and traditional with such creative and generous use of colors and patterns.

Max Azria was born in Tunisia and grew up in France. As a young adult, he designed a line of women's apparel in Paris and then moved to Los Angeles in 1981.  In 1989, Azria launched BCBG MAXAZRIA, and was credited for offering designer fashion at affordable price points.  He was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 1998.

Azria now maintains numerous designer collections such as Max Azria Atelier, Max Azria, BCBG Generation, and Herve Leger.  He acquired the Hervé Léger fashion house in 1998, marking the first time in history that an American designer had acquired a French couturier. This business savvy designer has since built a billion dollar empire with his fashion designs. He is such an inspiration!

Decorating with Flatware

Whether you are eating on the couch while watching your favorite TV show or hosting a dinner party flatware is  both functional and reflection of your style. How do you choose a set for your home?

Follow our quick flatware trend guide:

• Vintage-inspired: heavy handles and ornate patterns are reintroduced into contemporary dinnerware
• Sculpted surface: soft and deep handle etchings add interest to silverware
• Natural handles: wood and bone materials offer a natural alternative to steel
• Curved: streamlined handles are elegant and serve a functional purpose
• Minimal: clean edges and slim handles are versatile, fuss-free designs
• All-over gold: a novel, eye-catching alternative to traditional silver

1. Anthropologie - worn silver vintage set 5-piece silver plated metal $36 (available in stores); 2. Macy’s - Oneida “Curva” 5-piece set $63; 3. Westelm - gold flatware 5-piece set $29.00; 4. CB2 - Pattern 714, 20 piece set $59.95; 5. Crate and Barrel – Mesa flatware 20-piece set $89.95; 6. Ikea - Rustik 20-piece solid beech set $29.99