Back in Black............Black Walls in Design

Would you ever paint your bedroom black?  How about your living room?  There is something so automatically chic about a black room. Or even a black wall in a neutral space.  

What do you think?  

Don't you LOVE the Flokati Rug?  My fave.......

It's settled.....
black walls  = clean, sophisticated elegance.  Where do I start?  The hallway to my bedroom is similar to this one..... Hallway first, master bedroom second?  Time to bribe the painter (aka adorable hubs)..........  

"If it looks right, it is right".

Designer Dorothy Draper

Born into wealth, Dorothy Draper was the first woman to establish an interior design firm in 1923, when a woman going to business by herself was considered risky as well as socially uncommon.

Drapers confidence, and unique style gave her an ability to step out of the common historical designs of her time, and run ahead of designers of her time because she didn't feel pressured to conform. Her confidence allowed her to make the right decisions every time- “if it looks right, it is right”.

Draper designed for the very wealthy society figures. But that was not all, she had commercial business knocking on her door as well. She often custom designed for hotels, restaurants, theaters, department stores, commercial establishments, corporate offices. She designed furniture for Ficks Reed, Heritage, as well as a many fabric lines for Schumacher. 

(credit to Hollywood Regency Furniture...)

 History's First True Interior Designer

The actual profession of interior designer is credited to Ms. Draper, who was commissioned to decorate all thirty-seven floors of the Hampshire House hotel in 1937 Manhattan. Even though renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright called her an "inferior desecrator," Ms. Draper had decorated scores of offices, restaurants, hospitals, and even a car for Packard (in 1952) and an airplane interior for Convair (the 880) before she died in 1969.

Ms. Draper also left a legacy through a number of books, as well, including a string of books on entertaining etiquette, some of which have recently been reprinted to help modern socialites entertain guests and be the life of their parties. In a way, Dorothy Draper was the Martha Stewart of her day, offering tips on a wide variety of issues to her eager readers.

Although Dorothy Draper is no longer a household name, she had an enormous effect on American interior design ideas in her day, and though she had her detractors (like Frank Lloyd Wright and others), there's no denying that she was the one who made the profession of interior designer possible for all those who came after her.

Much of Ms. Draper's work hasn't survived to the current day, but you can still see some of Ms. Draper’s work in various places around the country. For instance, there are still Dorothy Draper chandeliers hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. For a less prosaic look into Ms. Draper’s influence, just look for the blue-and-orange facades of the many Howard Johnson restaurants that still dot the countryside from coast to coast. Their color scheme was first suggested by Dorothy Draper.

The science of interior design has come a long way over the past seventy years. Today, it's a multimillion dollar industry, and incorporates aspects of environmental psychology, and architecture, as well as product and furniture design to create spaces that work well and are esthetically pleasing to their owners.

See Dorothy Draper's Interior Design Ideas

Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

America's "Dream Home" Maker Jeanette Fisher, author of best-selling real estate investing and interior design books, has researched the effects of the environment on emotions for over 15 years. She is the author of over ten books, including university textbooks, and encyclopedia articles on color psychology. For more information on interior design psychology, free ebooks and newsletters, please visit  Design Psychology

Permission granted to publish this article as long as the bio remains intact with a live link to http://www.designpsych.com

Check out these images from Dorothy Draper design:

A buffet of Hollywood Regency.......................


Thank you Dorothy Draper - 


....................................................................more to come............................

Show Me Your STRIPES!

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel on the Cote D'Azur, 1930's.

FOREVER our goddess of chic.  How did she know?  Ms. Chanel had this crazy, natural instinct for what "worked".  Not even that simple..... her style was and remains genius. One of my favorite looks made famous by Coco is (are?) the simple, nautical stripes...........  If I remember right, she actually started this look with an actual sailor's shirt,  and her male friend's pants & belt.  I love it.  The simple construction and ease putting this look together will always reign in my top 3.  

Check out a sampling of striped fashion for 2010.  Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel is definitely keeping it alive!

STRIPES in the home are screaming hot right now.  We've been seeing this trend since last year in the design world and it just keeps on keepin' on. 

The above rooms designed by one of our faves, Jonathon Adler, showcase such a simple way to grab this trend.  I've seen this herringbone (or Chevron)  patterned rug in several versions from around $200 (IKEA) to $2,600 (Jonathon Adler rug above), for example.  Add this piece to any room and it will beam your space into luxe-ville for sure.

Stunning stripes for Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, 1964.

Even Barbie had the look in 1959 (then again in 2008 when Mattel - relaunched the original).

OKAY, so now, I am for sure rambling, but, just one more striped fascination.  Drapes, curtains, window coverings.......... any of these (especially in black and white) will take that space of yours and give it the simply chic - graphic simplicity that will make any design aficianado proud.  

Bye for now............

Mid-Century Moroccan....

This could possibly be my absolute favorite style of decor.... the combination of mid-century design in conjunction with the ever so seductive Moroccan flavor is flat out genious. The linear design that comes with our favorite style from the 50's and 60's really does go hand in hand with the clean, razor sharp elements found in  Moroccan or moorish style decor.   So many layers to this space.  I'm just going to sit here and get inspired.

Think it's time to take a trip ....  http://www.visitmorocco.com/index.php/eng

Loving Leopard

So loving leopard right now in both fashion for the body and home.  Has it every really gone out of style?  Check out this vintage swing coat in Leopard.  This is so cute.....  I have to find one! Love the black skinny jeans - I think I would switch it up with some black combat style boots..... I don't know, but I do know that my goal before the end of December is to find one of these ....  if you know of vintage coat like this in a small or medium.... hit me up!  I'm interested!

LEOPARD UPDATE :)    Check out what CHANEL is doing for Fall 2010.....  I'm dieing a little over this one.....  leopard print AND rhinestones all in one perfect little caviar bag....   pick one up at your local CHANEL boutique for 4K and some change.....  sigh....

Crazy love for this chaise.....

http://www.furfin.com/furniture/2010/2/1/vintage-furniture-in-middle-eastern-fabrics-by-bokja.html

Opium chaise lounge and Flower Power chair from the Classics Collection.

 

source: Bokja

Old Hollywood Regency Style Master Suite

Could this master suite be any more glamourous?

I'm really into looking at master suites lately as I'm nearly ready to redocorate mine.  Literally, I'll be doing much of the work myself and will be working with a clearly cut, "recession style" budget.  This doesn't really bother me though, as sometimes it’s fun to add a piece or two to a room that didn’t come from a retail store. Mixing the old with the new and creating an eclectic feel can really make a room feel fresh, comfortable and like it took years to collect everything. If you are an avid DIY er, there is no limit to the fabulous pieces you could create and customize for your home.

Between furniture consignment and thrift stores, a little creativity along with some sore muscles I'm determined to do something fabulous in my right now kind of boring boudoir. 

Who knows how it will turn out.......  fingers crossed...

to be continued (before and afters, along with some DIY tips are on their way).....

The final residence of Marilyn Monroe can be yours.....

The estate where Marilyn Monroe tragically died has just gone on the market for $3.6 million.




Located in the Brentwood area near Beverly Hills, this Spanish colonial-style Los Angeles home features not only Monroe nostalgia but also 23,000 square feet of beautiful land, four spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms, and of course, a stunning swimming pool.  This home is rarely for sale, grab it if you can!


This is estate is apparently called the “crown jewel” of the neighborhood. Now is your chance to own a piece of Hollywood history.

There are many theories as to how Marilyn Monroe actually died.  The following link (courtesy of true tv) has a major amount of information on this subject.  Sadly, this story seems to have repeated itself many times in Hollywood. 


http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/celebrity/marilyn_monroe/index.html

I do have my own opinion on this story and was prepared to editorialize it here, however, when it comes down to it, it's just so sad.  Regardless as to how Marilyn passed, she is, has been, and always will be missed by millions of people worldwide.

Nettie Rosenstein - Homage to a fairly obscure mid century fashion designer.

Actress, Jessica Alba wore  a beautiful pink floral Nettie Rosenstein cocktail dress Circa 1950’s to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. 

I think Jessica could wear just about anything and look totally fabulous -   the fact that she chose this Rosenstein frock is very interesting.  In a time where the heavy hitters (Vuitton, Marchesa, Chanel, Oscar) are throwing themselves at stars like Jessica she chose the sweet, cotton candy pink chiffon dress.  Actually, I believe stylist Rachel Zoe found it for her.... but ultimately, it was her choice.  Wasn't it? 

Nettie Rosenstein (1890-1980) was an acclaimed Jewish-American fashion designer, based in New York between c.1913 and 1975.  She was particularly known for her lbd's....  little black dresses. (thank you Wikepedia)

Nettie Rosenstein (in pink silk) on Jackie Kennedy in 1961. 

This designer is officially on my "To Find" list!

Vintage Rayban Wayfarer Sunglasses... The epitome of classic chic

Audrey Hepburn..... (like you didn't know) in my favorite Vintage Wayfarer sunglasses.  These glasses look good with everything!  You can find them in consignment stores and Ebay for around $200.  The new version of the "Classic" style - which were designed  the same as the original - will set you back about $140.  Easy to find online at Rayban.com or in most any sunglasses store at your local shopping mall.  By far my personal favorite sunglasses - well maybe tied with my vintage Rayban Aviators - very sturdy - with what seems to be a lot of UV protection.  As far as I know anyway.  Regardless, if you haven't already, get a

"new" or "vintage".  You won't be disappointed! 

Some well known faces that also sport these shades:

The Vintage Floozy shop will be carrying the  "new" - classic style wayfarers as of September 15th.  Blog followers will receive 20% off retail AND $1.99 shipping.  Now, you can't beat that!

Vintage for the Home

Vintage for the Home

Are you inspired?

Many of us have crazy-busy lives.  During all of the chaos, if you were to stop for second to think to yourself, "Am I having fun?  Do I feel fulfilled? Am I happy with my surroundings?".   It wouldn't be uncommon to think to oneself, "Hmmm.... I don't know, maybe not".

The absolute first thing we can do to make our lives fulfilling is to actually say to ourselves, " I am happy.  I'm grateful.  My life happens the way that it's supposed to."  After putting these thoughts into our minds, immediately, we should feel a shift toward a more positive self.  It's really that easy. 

With this newly acknowledged positive self, it's time to just take a look around.  Take one look at the room in your home that you retreat to after a busy day.  Maybe it's your family room, kitchen, or bedroom.  Regardless as to which room this most commonly visited space is, do you like what you see?  How do you feel in the space?  Is it organized, functional, pleasing to your eye?  If you genuinely have to answer no to any one of these questions (many of us would easily answer no to all three!), its time to make a change.  Simple changes to our surroundings in conjuction with this newfound choice to be positive will, absolutely change your life. 

It might not happen overnight, but, with a little bit of effort, we can all find the Vintage Floozy within ourselves.  What does this mean?  Something different for everyone.  For me, it means that I love where I'm at, mind and body, in my own life.   I'm an individual with my own ideas.  What I enjoy or find beautiful may not be the same thing as whatever is "in vogue" right now.  That's okay.  That's better than okay.  Trust yourself to choose what your life will look and feel like. 

The next step:  Finding inspiration -

to be continued..........