Art that looks like interiors...

1. Interior via “Chic by Accident”
2. Unknown
3. Interior via Elle Decor
- Lauren

Stylin' Mammas: Tahoe City

This summer finds us in Tahoe City, CA for two sun-soaked weeks.  Days are spent bouncing from the pool, where my son hones his swimming skills , to the rocky Commons Beach where my husband can take a spin on the kayak while the kids clamber around the adjacent playground, to the bike path where I take my daily walks while my daughter snoozes in the stroller.  We finish with meat on the grill and white wine spritzers as the kids fight to keep their eyes open long enough to eat dinner on the deck.

Tahoe elevates casual to an art form: the term "no shirt, no shoes, no service" does NOT seem to apply to the general populace.  But Stylin' Mamma takes no breaks on trying to look her best.

For active days, a go-nowhere swimsuit is a must.  If Kristy Walsh can play Olympic beach volleyball in a triangle top, surely I can wrestle my son in the pool in one.  For activewear shopping and paddleboard rentals, look no further than Tahoe Dave's  on the main drag. 

To go from beach to burgers at the Bridgetender , throw on a soft camp shirt, and easy denim that shows off those tan gams.  Flatforms are edgy but comfy for strolling the town.

Tahoe's snowboard-to-paddleboard locals are high on eyewear.  You can't swing a cat without hitting the latest and greatest Oakley has to offer.  Oversized, bright colored: this is the place to rock your more daring sunnies -- with polarized lenses, of course! 

For date night, the River Grill serves up seafood alongside the Truckee River, where the last of the rafters are taking a sunset drift as the Alpenglow sets in and the guitarist strikes up at the fire pit.  Come prepared to hum some Fleetwood Mac -- and bring a cozy sweater to throw over those crisp white khakis.

Accessories are minimal...if worn at all.  And skip the watch: you're on Tahoe Time now.

- Jaime

The House: Kitchen Concepts Part Two

So, as I mentioned in my last post about the massive kitchen renovation we are undertaking, well, part one of the massive renovation involves re-thinking the layout of the kitchen and moving a powder room.  Part two is the fun part that involves the selection of materials and finishes and hardware. Well, the hardware is obvious - we are using Nest Studio's baubles of course and adding a touch of glam by going satin brass.  From there I had to bring in the brass elsewhere with a satin brass faucet from Newport Brass, an over the sink vintage pendant from Restoration Hardware.  White Shaker cabinets and a subway tile backsplash keep our cost down and the look clean and grey marble countertops add a touch of class.  Because the wood floor in the kitchen (under the old linoleum) is pretty beat up and a different species than the rest of the house, we are going to sand it down and paint it.  I'm actually really excited about this. It's both economical, unique, and durable. I might do a pattern later on a la the bottom photo.  Also bringing in another retro pendant in the breakfast niche from Circa Lighting and doing a custom brass island to fit in our narrow space - similar to this one from Crate and Barrel that I photoshopped the finish on (but cleaner and with shelves below).  And if you're extra curious you can follow all my ponderings and selections for our new house on my pin board here.

Fall Fashion Wish List

Hi, all!  This is Soyoung from Dogear Press, and I’m happy to be popping in over at The Eagle’s Nest while Jess is busy with renovations on Chez Davis East.  I don’t know about you all, but I can’t wait to see how their house turns out… I thought I would kick off my Eagle’s Nest visit by sharing a few items from my fall fashion wish lists.

It’s hard to believe that summer is drawing to a close.  While I will be sad to see the long sunlit days go, I can’t deny that I am looking forward to the fall.  I love the first hints of crisp air, the changing colors of the leaves, and the prospect of my favorite holiday – Thanksgiving.  I am also an absolute sucker for fall fashion.  The September fashion magazines (ah, 900+ page Vogue) and catalogs (hi, J. Crew) are my absolute favorites.  For this year’s fall shopping, my goal has been to restock some of the basic pieces in my wardrobe.  I tend to be drawn to neutral colors and classic silhouettes, so I’ve been trying to liven up my new basics by looking for some pieces with a bit of a twist – whether it’s via bright colors, or a slightly different shape (loving the smoking loafer as a new go-to flat).  In my alternate reality I’d be making some more extravagant purchases.  Below are items on my fantasy and reality lists.

Alternate Reality

1. Sonia Rykiel fall 2012 rtw

2. Dries Van Noten fall 2012 rtw

3. Chloe ethel zip-tote satchel

4. Lanvin bootie

Replenishing Basics

1. Zara double-breasted overcoat

2. THML colorblock sweater

3. J. Crew café capri 

4. Sam Edelman aster loafer

4. Sam Edelman aster loafer

Art that looks like interiors...

1. Dining Room by Stephen Shubel
2. Dining Room by Arbre De Matisse Lourdes Gutierrez
- Lauren

New York International Gift Fair Roundup

So Kelly from Studio DIY and I hit up the NYIGF on Tuesday at the Javitz Center.  We were both new to the gift fair and it was about as overwhelming as we had anticipated.  Luckily we wore sensible shoes and only made the mistake of bringing a few heavy items along with us.  I think the stationery in the main show and the home decor items at Pier 94 were my favorites.  I'm so excited to sort through all the collateral I got and sign up for trade accounts at some of the great lighting and accessory companies that I came across. As usual, being overwhelmed by all the visual stimulation, I didn't take enough photographs, but here are a few instagrams of some of my favorite finds.

Stylin' Mammas: The Party of My Decade

It's August 2012, officially, meaning my 10th anniversary is fast approaching!  One decade, five apartments, two continents, two kids...we've been busy, to say the very least.
In honor of the occasion we are throwing a strictly grown-ups cocktail party in about three weeks.  Mommy needs an outfit that says "10 years older, and better than ever".  At the moment I'm torn between two looks: relaxed bohemian hostess -- inspired by The Ice Storm, complete with vintage "dead stock" jewels, or 80's-inspired glamour girl, with a pearl-and-diamond costume choker that references my wedding jewelry.  For the buffet, some elegant card holders describing the food; for the champagne, some vintage-inspired barware.

Bohemian-hostess wife:

Modcloth Local Muse Dress
Sam Edelman Sophie Sandal
Banana Republic Dome Button Earrings
Decades Vintage Necklace
Bronze Place Card Holders
Champagne Flute

80's-glamour wife:

Modcloth Wave to the Crowd Dress
Boutique 9 Kimberly Pumps
Anne Taylor Necklace
Pearl Studs
Essie Stylenomics Nail Color
Elephant Place Card

- Jaime

The House: Kitchen Concepts

So, the largest, most detailed renovation we are doing in the new house is the kitchen.  Currently the kitchen is a bad flashback to the 50's and there is an overly large powder room at the back that is modeled after a meadow of screamingly colorful flowers (sans the flower scent).  Here is what it looks like now.

And what it looks like in plan.

We're thinking we will widen the kitchen opening to the dining room, close up the door to the living, and move the powder room to the original fridge and pantry location. This gives us a more open space and allows us to create a set of french doors that will open onto a future deck.

More concepting to follow (think white shaker cabinets, grey marble and some fabulous hardware from Nest Studio).

Upstairs Patio Redesign

Recently my friends Kellie and Adam asked me to help them with the design of their upstairs patio. I had previously helped them with the interiors of their home, so I jumped at the opportunity to work with them on an outdoor space.  They're out in LA, but since I'd seen their patio before and knew their style, I figured it was a challenge that I could tackle (and Kellie provided some thorough photography and measurements).  Here is what the patio looks like right now.

As you can see, it's a bit of a dust bowl and could use some TLC.  Adam and Kellie generally use the patio for lounging, reading magazines and enjoying a cocktail.  They like having lounge chairs that they can move around to take advantage of the shifting sun and shade throughout the day.  Here is the plan I came up with.  Two wide, comfortable chaises, a few ceramic stools as cocktail tables, a small flexible umbrella (mainly to shade the dog), a storage bench for cushions, and a cocktail cart.

The overall look has a Tuscan feel. Nancy from Weeds Bloom Landscape Design is helping with the planting and using economical wine barrels as well as salvaging some of the existing zinc planters for a rustic wine-country feel.

Art that looks like interiors

2. Interior by Florence Lopez  

3. Kitchen by Albert Hadley

- Lauren