Illuminated by Black and White

Sophisticated and timeless, black and white are a duo that never fails. When your decorating budget is slim to none, they never blow your cover. They get along beautifully with other colors and can make the novice decorator look like a bonafide pro. Here are a few lighting options in black and white (and transparent) at various price points. Which are your favorites?

{Bourgie Lamp by Kartell, Kulla Pendant Lamp - Ikea}

{Mother of Pearl Pendant Light by Jaime Young Lighting,

PS Maskros - Ikea}

The sheer black shades of this next set remind me of hosiery and the latest legging crazy that's popping up on the streets and the runways of New York. This may be one of the few wearable trends of Fall 2009. You be the judge.

{Clarita Collection Chandelier by Artcraft,
Shimmer Chandelier by Vienna Full Spectrum}

{Starburst Table Lamp and Cabaret Table Lamp, both @ Spiegel.com}

If you so choose to rock this latest trend, by all means please know the difference between tights and legging (pants)! .

An anonymous person feels so passionate about this offense that they have created a website warning against this very fashion faux pas...and it is hilarious. The site also has downloadable DIY press kit and printable flyers. I'm serious, click the image below to see for yourself.

Thoughts on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Isn't it ironic that when Labor Day passes we take on the essence of the Fall season (especially our wardrobe) only to have Mercedes Benz Fashion Week bring our focus to Spring 2010. I find it a bit difficult to even consider warm-weather clothing when I am looking forward to stylish boots and sweaters, hats, coats and scarves. Could it be in order to afford some of these designer duds we need to save two whole seasons to purchase Spring's "it" garments? Just a silly thought...

Last night I came across an interesting article that questions the need for fashion week. The writer raises some thought provoking questions:

• We all know our economy has changed consumer attitudes and fashion week this year is not the same as three years ago. So...is fashion week still relevant in this economic landscape?

• How can a designer remain relevant in the fashion industry when most of the designs are being replicated by fast retailers and being copied worldwide before the pieces have hit the stores?
  

The author further backs her point of view with a statement made by Diane von Furstenburg during a CFDA fashion week town hall meeting,

“The consumer has been trained to buy on sale. The clothes in stores are not in season, so she is confused. Why should she go out and spend money early in the season, when in fact come September and October, when the season actually changes, the next season is there and it’s called resort? We are putting all the energy into something that the consumer isn’t really getting, because by then it’s on sale."

Ah-ha, so designers do get it after all...I thought it was just me! I hate how retailers rush into the next season in the midst of the current season!

By no means do I stand in opposition of Fashion Week, but in the state of our current economic conditions I'm waiting expectantly to see just how creative designers will be in making their creations affordable and what will become the new normal regarding what we pay for the designer look? Your thoughts?

Anyhoo, in case you are still interested in what's been going on, here's a sneak peak the Spring 2010 Collection of one of my favorite young and hip designers Christian Siriano.

{images via Mercedes Benz Fashion Week website,
Siriano photos via NY Mag}

Here's Another Design Quiz! - Sproost!

If you are still in the mood for taking design quizzes, visit Sproost where you can take a quiz to discover your personal style and find home furnishings that suit your design preferences.

This quiz, unlike the other, took me by complete surprise! My result was a combination of :

French Eclectic...

Modern Elegance...

...and Rustic Revival

Ok, now your turn! Name Your Decorating Style!

-HAPPY FRIDAY-

Finding Your Style with Deborah Needleman

I was "visiting" Tam over at GetItGirlStyle where she posted an excellent quiz she found on the HomeGoods website. The HomeGoods StyleScope was created by founding editor-in-chief of Domino magazine, Deborah Needleman (luuuuv her!). The premise behind the quiz is that "great style doesn't require great sums of money. It comes from self-knowledge and surrounding yourself with things you love that suit your lifestyle." I believe the quiz helps you to hone in on the true you while making the decorating process less intimidating. For those of you pressed for time, it's a ten-question quick and dirty quiz that is surprisingly accurate...at least for me. My HomeGoods StyleScope is Elegant Classic. Read results below:

The quiz results also gives you tips on making your home a little happier!

Click here to take the quiz and be sure to return here to share your results with me! Hope to chat soon, Ciao!

Speaking of Labor...

First and foremost, I'd like to wish everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

And speaking of labor, as in labor and delivery, it seems that most of my friends are expecting or have recently welcomed a new arrival. This year, might I add, is the year of the boy! One of my new hobbies is making inspiration boards for baby showers. Since Disney decor is really not my thing, I've been brainstorming on alternative themes for showers. One of my favorites is the one below, "Prepping for A Boy." I've actually given this to one of my girlfriends who is planning an upcoming shower. I can't wait to see what she comes up with based on my inspiration board. I'm so eager to help, maybe she'll read this blog post and put me out of my misery and assign me a task!

This inspiration board, "Ahoy, It's A Boy" was for my friend Niya whose shower was given this past May. Included in the design , but not shown below, was a wooden hand-painted model ship which we used a centerpiece on the dessert table. She loved it much that we included it as gift for her little captain and is now an adorable room accent.


Creating an inspiration board is useful when planning any event, not just baby showers. It helps everyone to keep focused when shopping and provides an excellent visual for those who need a little help envisioning the concept. Have you ever used a inspiration board for your special event?