Showing posts with label black. Show all posts
Showing posts with label black. Show all posts

HAUTE LEGS



    When it comes to stockings I'm spectacularly boring: it's black, nude or nothing.  But after peeking at an advance copy of the new book Emilio Cavallini, I'm thinking of legwear in a whole new way.  Since his start with Mary Quant in the 1960s to this very moment, Cavallini has produced decades of stunning designs--daring die-cuts, complex prints, sweet polka-dots, fluorescent florals, vivid color mixes--that can only be described as haute couture hosiery.  It's wearable art.  And then it's actual art as well:  Cavallini uses his stockings as though strings to weave complex spiralgrams and geometrics you can hang on your wall.  (Those are stockings in photos 3 and 4, above.)  And then there's the art of the book itself, with its lavish photos and silver foil cover sheathed in sexy black cut-out tights.  It's all an over-the-top treat--with prices to match (stockings in the Emilio Cavallini online boutique average about $25, the book lists for $100, although Amazon offers pre-orders for under $60).  A splurge for a book or pair of pantyhose; not so much for art to put on your coffee table and couture to sheathe your legs. Before indulging in the latter, though, I'd have to learn the art of putting on a pair of hose ... without getting a run in them.

    Photos by Nicola Ciona from Emilio Cavallini.  Edited by Benedetta Barzini. With 250 photos of both the stocking collections and the artwork created from them.  Coming March 2011 from Skira, distributed by Rizzoli.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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LOVE. PASSION. WORK. PLAY. LIFE.

WORK & PLAY


    Work & Play.  In your life, do they merge and blend? Or remain distinct?  And do you like it that way?  No matter where you land on that spectrum, there's ways both bold and subtle to make any job just a bit more delightful.  Such as this frothy concoction of a desk.  So absolutely fabulous, it would perk up the dreariest of tasks.  Stay tuned all month for more ...


    Tutu Desk by Black & Spiro via Absolutely Beautiful ThingsSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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THE SUMMER WE READ GATSBY


    Before we head into a fun, fresh Fall season I thought I'd wrap up our summer posts with one last beach book, particularly since it's set on the East End of Long Island, where we kicked off our "The Beach, The Book, The Look, Let's Cook" theme in July.  The Summer We Read Gatsby is a breezy, entertaining read, with a charming cast of characters you'd happily share a beach house with summer ... after summer.  (Hint, hint, author Danielle Ganek:  a sequel would be swell.)

    What are some of your best memories from this summer?  And how will you be spending the Labor Day holiday?

    NOTE:  Style Maniac will be taking the week off and will return in September with lots of stylish goodies.  I truly enjoyed all of your wonderful comments and contributions here and on the Facebook Page this summer, and look forward to many more in the seasons to come.


    Image via danielleganek.comSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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BOOKS & BOOKS

    Now here's a bookstore built for a Style Maniac: fresh, inviting modern interior; well-edited selection of new fiction, local authors and stylish coffee table books (many of which have been or will be featured on this blog); a helpful staff, robust events calendar and charming children's section--plus locations near some wonderful beaches.  The newest branch of Books & Books (pictured above) opened on Main Street in Westhampton Beach earlier this month; other locations can be found in Bal Harbour, Miami, Coral Gables and Grand Cayman.

    Photos by Doreen CreedeSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL




    Just a glimpse of these brooch bouquets brightened my dreary January day.  They touch on so many things I love: beauty, originality, my treasured collection of vintage costume jewelry inherited from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers; and wrap it all up in a timeless design filled with history, sentiment and joy.
     
    Each piece is one of a kind, created by floral designer (I'd call her an artist) Amanda Heer from jewelry provided by a bride's family.  In addition to brooches, Amanda often includes an antique watch set at the hour of the ceremony.  Though intended as a wedding bouquet, these would be just as amazing as an anniversary gift or an accessory in your home.

    Brooch bouquets first discovered on this is glamorous.  Photos courtesy Amanda Heer, Fantasy Floral Designs.  Photo credits:  Alice Hu Photography (top); Hanssie Trainor Photography (middle); and Barnet Photography (bottom). Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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CITY SIDEWALKS

HE SELLS SEASHELLS

BIRD BATH

    When challenged with decorating a small space I tend to go for dark and dramatic. Particularly for a powder room or guest bath. Since they are not used that often it's a jewel box of a treat every time you open the door.

    That's certainly the case with the Nina Campbell wallpaper I chose for my mother-in-law's guest bath, a classic 1950s style with yellow and black tiled walls and floor. Not the easiest combo to work with, but this rich black and gold pattern did the trick, adding a dollop of glamour to the space.

    Nina Campbell "Birdcage Walk" available through The Redecorators LLC, 215-429-2000.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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PATIENCE IS NOT MY VIRTUE

    "I'm very patient ...
    I can always wait until I get my own way ...
    as long as it happens now!"
    Possibly the only thing I like more than this femme fatale's philosophy is that dress ... and those drapes! (Very Trina Turk/Palm Springs chic, don't you think?)

    "Femmes Fatales" notecard from the Curtis Publishing Company (formerly of Philadelphia) Saturday Evening Post collection discovered at Head House Books (fortunately still in Philadelphia). Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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PEACE. LOVE. MUSIC. ART. BABY.

PHILLY FAVORITE: Core de Roma

    A few weeks ago I suggested eating in on Valentine's night and eating out another time to enjoy better service, food and prices. Another way to save money: choose a BYOB or find out about BYO specials at restaurants with a full bar. The latter has become a lot more common recently, but one of our favorite spots, Core de Roma, has offered patrons that option for years.

    Just around the corner from our home, Core de Roma Trattoria serves up great Italian food and the friendliest, most welcome atmosphere of any restaurant I've ever been to. All thanks to owner Papa Gigi and his sons. Ask for the Artichoke alla Romana special and enjoy a break from washing dishes. Buon appetito.

    Note: The nifty photo effects above were created with the free and easy to use Sumo Paint application. Give it a try!

    Photo by Doreen Creede
    Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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"SNAP OUT OF IT!"

    One Wednesday a month I get together with a great group of movie divas to see new flicks at the Ritz Theatres. For this "column" I thought I'd instead cover favorites you can watch at home. So in keeping with this month's theme of love and laughter, the first Diva DVD is: Moonstruck.

    I've been watching this movie for over 20 years and it never fails to make me laugh. A brilliantly funny script (with lines like the title of this post), great acting, rich photography. Plus some great recipe inspirations!

    On a personal note, the Grand Ticino restaurant featured in the film was owned by my grandfather's relatives.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/black
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