Love Quotes: Anne Hathaway

I look my best after an entire hair and makeup team has spent hours perfecting me. When do I feel my best? When I haven't looked in the mirror for days, and I'm doing things that make me happy." - Anne Hathaway

Hue as Muse: Red and Pool

[ photo credit: Jason Wu via Style.com,  My home Ideas ]

This room reminds me of the perfect indoor hammock -- a place to catch some Z's after a long day with my favorite book and my toes curled in the sand. To complete this ideal day Jason Wu's flawless interpretation of a shirt dress would be just the right thing to throw on over my sunburned shoulders as I race out of the house to meet up with some friends for a fried grouper sandwich and a tall glass of sweet tea to chase it all down. - C.C.

Benjamin Moore Heritage Red ext. rm
Parker Paint Waterside 7573M

A Nod to Jackie O's Palm Beach

We know her for the classic style that still has us in pearls and Jack Rogers; Jackie O. She was the style icon in the '60s, but let's imagine that she is still strolling along the shoreline in Palm Beach, toting the kids along today. What would she be wearing? I pulled aside some things I thought the queen of Camelot would wear, but what do you think?

You can't talk about Jackie's style and NOT mention Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals.  I like to have fun when I'm shopping for new JRs. The most recent addition to my collection are a blue  pair with orange whipstitching for game days (Go Gators!). For a slightly dressier flip-flop, you better make an appointment for a pretty pedicure, because these Mystique sandals are sure to attract attention.

 

JACKIE OHH II Ray Ban sunglasses

Ahh, the infamous Jackie O sunglasses. There have been imitators and copycats, but I think Ray Ban really captures the shape (obviously) and the style. She wasn't afraid of color, and these shades definitely take a funky fearless owner to rock the '60s mod look.

Some other suggestions? The Tocca Juliana dress is so flattering and has a cute belt to match. A Stella & Dot necklace from their Palm Beach collection. And DVF's gold chain bracelet is like a cool little puzzle...seriously, it took a second look to see how it closes!



This Lana Marks bag would for sure be in Jackie's purse collection today. Working right out of Palm Beach, Lana's the designer and CEO of her company, which produces luxe bags like this fuchsia Positano Tote. For the Jackie O's of today, can't you see yourself whipping your shades and blackberry out of this bag? - Lauren Gonzalez

4 Questions for Summer Thornton

Summer Thornton is an interior designer based out of Chicago, IL. We took one look at her portfolio and fell in love...

LL: What has most influenced your style?

Summer: I think the contrast of my upbringing and youth compared with my current life really influences my designs. I grew up in rural Illinois. Literally I saw deer in the forest behind my house growing up on a regular basis. So nature, natural elements and unpretentiousness were all big parts of my upbringing. After college I moved to Chicago, and rather quickly became intrigued by art deco, architecture and fashion. So my style is some blend of rural and urban.

LL: How do you describe your style?
Summer: Ha. I always have a hard time answering this question. The tough thing for a designer is that at some point, sometimes we only become known for one type of design, and I'm still exploring, experimenting, and stretching my design style. So I'd hate to say that I have one style. Some things that are constant are an obsession with contrast, bold color, and layers of pattern built around a traditional core.

LL: Who are your style icons?
Summer: Hands down my favorite designer is Miles Redd. Every time I see a design in a magazine that blows me away, it's his. Kelly Wearstler is fantastic too. I love how she layers bold patterns... it's out of control beauty. Outside the interiors world, I really like drawing inspiration from fashion and photography. Grace Coddington, Vogue's Photo Editor, is a visionary and creative powerhouse. As far as fashion designers I love Alice Temperley, Tracy Reese, Erin Fetherston, Marc Jacobs and you can never go wrong with Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel!

LL: Who do you most admire?
Summer: I really admire people who take risks, go for their dreams, and don't let anything get in their way. They keep life and our world a curious and interesting place. And I'd be completely remiss if I didn't include my parents. They provided a great foundation for me in my upbringing. I've learned so much from them and always appreciate their wisdom, guidance, and advice.

Summer Thornton has experience from designing for country homes to high rises in the city. If you would like to learn more about her designs become a fan of the firm's facebook page where you can receive regular updates! - Kara Holloway

Daily Find: Michael Kors' (deceptively affordable) Time Pieces

[ 1. Gold- $250.00, 2.Silver- $195.00, 3. Tortoise- $250.00, 4.Horn- $250.00, 5.White- $195.00, 6. Black- $195.00 ]
 

I have seen these Michael Kors watches all over sorority row. Naturally, I have one too so I had to share them with you guys- they go great with anything you wear! - K.H.

John + John = A Recipe for Perfection

[Photo Credit: John Robshaw and Apartment Therapy]

Recently, textile designer John Robshaw and decoupage artist John Derian teamed up with Cisco Brothers to produce a line of worldy upholstery pieces. Robshaw’s wonderfully eclectic textiles that draw inspiration from his international travels paired with Derian’s love for vintage flavor  was a recipe for perfection. Honestly, we're surprised it didn't happen sooner!

[Photo Credit: John Robshaw]

I’m in absolute love with this flirty little sofa. It has the bones of traditional furniture with the curves and fabric of a contemporary piece. The result is a perfect throne.

[Photo Credit: John Robshaw]

Robshaw’s bold print is a perfect contrast for the traditional legs of Derian’s chair. Because of its old world-made-new appeal, this chair would look great practically anywhere, but I think it would look particularly wonderful pulled up to an old wood desk with a glam lamp and a few of Derian’s plates displayed on the wall.  -Ellen M. Hill

Love Quotes: Carrie Bradshaw

Carrie Bradshaw's infamous closet, photo credit HBO.
 

Don't give me a diamond- just give me a really big closet"
- Carrie Bradshaw

Meg Carter: Baubles by the Bay

As a gal who wears pearls religiously, I might be a bit biased when I say that the stunning  hand-crafted creations by Meg Carter Designs are perfect additions to your accessory arsenal for spring and summer (but I'm saying it anyway). Using natural materials like seashells, corals, and freshwater pearls, Carter calls  her pieces “the perfect little indulgence," and I agree!

The idea began in the summer of 2003 when Carter, with the help of her father and his ship modeling tools, fastened her son’s vacated hermit crab shell to a strand of pearls.  A statement piece of beautiful brilliance ensued. Pretty soon her stunning sea-inspired creations began turning heads and turning up in resort boutiques and charming local shops throughout New England, Bermuda, South Florida, across the Pacific in Japan, and across the pond in the UK. See if there’s someone near you that carries Carter’s designs here!

One of Carter's most recent adventures, TOWN, is "a contemporary collection of iconic classic style" that fits a more refined "off season urban look." Though it’s always heartbreaking to say farewell to the beach, (as Alice over at Summer is a Verb, who tipped us off to Meg, well knows) perhaps this line will make the culture shock back into a city state of mind just a little bit easier.

 

I know I’m shamelessly name dropping here, but if you’re sporting one of Carter’s gorgeous  pearl creations you’re among the good company of Lilly Pulitzer and Katie Couric! Add one of her shell statement pieces to a Lilly dress for a perfect spring getup or pair one of her TOWN designs with your favorite little black dress for a night out in the big city.

As I was looking through Carter’s website, I couldn't help but drift off into sunny memories of lollygagging in beautiful places with my favorite people- fishing tournaments and June birthdays with my family at Ocean Reef, getting lost (on purpose of course) with girlfriends in Palm Beach, Easter sunrise services in the Keys, sand splashing up my ankles while riding beach cruisers to lunch in the Abacos  (what I wouldn't give for some cracked conch and guava duff right now)- good gracious I'm jonesin' for some summertime!

We're shelling out a beautiful pair of "Quatrefoil" pearl drops! Love them? Want them? Leave a comment and let us know which Meg Carter piece is your favorite and you'll be in the running!

A Friendly Little Pickup and Mail Day

 

 Today I got to meet the super cute and energetic Sarah from 'Through Pink Colored Glasses' when she came by the studio to pick up some stationery she'd ordered (above). We had a great chat and she got to see Front Porch Studio in the flesh! She loved her stationery (yay!) and I loved meeting her!

Today was also a great mail day! Meg Carter sent along some jewelry treats (including one to give away to y'all at a later date ;) ) and a fun mix CD.

To top it all off, two of our best friends are getting married and their Save the Dates came in from the printer today- look how pretty!!

...another wonderful day in the studio.

John Hart Design, Houston TX

I stumbled upon Jon Hart Design when I was tanning with a friend. She was using one as her pool/everything bag and it immediately caught my eye -- especially the monogram!

I had no idea that Jon Hart Design is a total craze in Texas, but knowing now that owner Don Snell got his start in Houston, I'm among the well-informed.

Named for Don's heart-shaped keychain, Jon Hart Design started as a tent shop and side business for Don when he was an aspiring actor.  He's since expanded to over 150 different styles!

I love the durability of the canvas - it makes it the perfect go-to bag, maybe even better than (gasp!) Longchamp! Plus the accents of English Leather trim add a sophisticated little touch. Some of the collections also have the option of Texas Mink! Either way, I'm totally obsessed. - Claire Camp