Friday, June 29, 2012

A Weekend in Vogue

This weekend I plan to lay low and beat the heat but next week, next week should be a good one... I only work two days; Tuesday night the boy flies in and stays until the following Monday; Wednesday we celebrate the Fourth on a boat with friends; Thursday we pray that everyone else is Chicago goes to work so we can hit up the beach; Friday we escape the city and head up to Madison for the weekend; and Sunday we BBQ at home!  Why can't every week be a two day work week?

But back to the weekend...we are in the 100's here in Chicago and the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife!  If and when I do leave the comfort of my home, I can only hope that I look as stylish as the ladies pictured in Vogue's favorite summertime snapshots! Bon weekend!

(Images via Vogue)

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Project Garrahy | Master Bedroom

I figure you're probably sick of the art kick I've been on so today I bring you the power of (wall) paint! I'm working with a client right now to help them spruce up their new condo before they move in. Last night I stopped by to check out the progress.  The first picture above shows what the master bedroom looked like in the real estate listing...not bad, but definitely not good....

The paint color was not awful but given that the room does not get a ton of natural light we decided to lighten things up a bit and paint the walls White Chocolate by Benjamin Moore.  Better and brighter.  To add interest to the neutral palette we are hanging a gorgeous textured wallpaper by Kneedler Fauchére behind the headboard.  I'm usually not a fan of the "accent wall" but I'll make an exception for pricey wallpaper.  The awkwardly placed sconces are getting the boot and new antique brass swing arm lights from Circa will be hung. I photoshopped the wallpaper and sconces into the picture above so you can get an idea of what it's going to look like. Pretty sophisticated, right? And don't you worry, the intense cherry floor will not longer be the first thing you notice when you walk in because we plan to cover it up with a lovely warm silver jute rug. It's going to look good, real good! 

Don't you just love how a few small changes can completely change the look and feel of a room? Just wait until you see the living room...

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

A Matisse Moment


It never ceases to amaze me how inspiration can come from any place at any time.  When I was in New York I went to the Met to see the Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit and ended up finding this beautiful painting by famed French artist, Henri Matisse (1869-1954).  Espagnole: Harmonie en bleu (Spanish Woman: Harmony in Blue), 1923 belongs to a small series of portraits in which Matisse depicts Henriette Darricarrère.  In each case, she appears before a different fabric background and is outfitted with various ethnic costumes and accessories.  Here she is dressed as a Spanish woman.  Although this painting was completed in 1923 the interior, with its patterned tablecloth, floral wallpaper, bright colors and hint of whimsy, feels very current. Art is one of my favorite sources for color inspiration -- I always seem to find new and interesting combinations. Above I've gathered some interior objects inspired by Henri's use of color and pattern! Are you feeling this modern day Matisse moment?

settee / yellow pillows / turkish kilim pillow / vintage oushak ruggreen venetian lamps / zanzibar gold leaf mirror / cobalt blue bench

(Images by Kristin Kerr)

Monday, June 25, 2012

Loving Law

Oh the fantastic female forms created by British artist Natasha Law. I've admired Law's work for quite some time and last week, to my delight, I got the chance to see her work in person.  I was walking down Madison Avenue when I spotted one of Law's elegantly minimal yet emotionally charged portraits hanging in the new Milly boutique.  Since then, I've honestly not been able to stop thinking about just how much I need one.  The photographs and descriptions of Law's works do not do them justice.  Executed on sheets of aluminum, it's the shiny, thick, and almost liquid-like surface that makes these simplified forms so interesting.  I was honestly tempted to grab the Pink Jacket on Yellow painting off the wall at Milly and make a run for it.  I didn't, obviously, but I did add owning one of her paintings to my ultimate wish list.  Take a peek at more of Natasha's work over at Voltz Clarke and Eleven gallery and let me know if you're loving Law just as much as I am!

(Images 1-4 Natasha Law / 5 Christina Murphy / 6-7 Voltz Clarke / 8 Sara Gilbane)

Thursday, June 21, 2012

J'Adore Clic


Founded in 2008 by former owner of Calypso St. Barth, Christiane Celle, Clic may just be the least intimidating art gallery I have ever set foot in. Located on the corner of Broome and Centre Street in SoHo, the gallery is easily recognizable from its black storefront with the words “j'adore clic” written across the front.  I was a little nervous to walk in alone but the space was extremely approachable.   I spent a solid hour in the gallery flipping through the stacks of rare art books and boxes of affordable prints. The large Prada Marfa photograph behind the register caught my eye, as did the clever prints of Karl, Anna, Marc and YSL by Dan Oehl...I'm still contemplating buying one for my bathroom.  The next time in in NY I most definitely plan to stop by Clic and see what's new...because I don't know about you but I simply j'adore affordable art!

(Images: Clic and KK for Simply Smitten)

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

New York | ABC Home

I really tried to edit my NYC pictures down to a single post but it just wasn't possible. By now most of you are probably sick of hearing about my trip but I'm guessing there are a few out there that want to take a little looksy inside some of my favorite shops. 

Today's installment of pictures were taken at New York design mecca, ABC Home. I could have spent hours searching through the six floors of heavenly goods but since Paul was with me I had to power shop. See Paul pictured above, doesn't he look thrilled?  What a good bf he is.  But back to the goods.  The ABC Home annual summer sale started the day I arrived.  Twenty percent off almost everything can really get a girls heart going.  For a second I felt the urge to deplete my saving and purchase the entire pile of Madeline Weinrib rugs pictured above but luckily I had enough self control (aka Paul) to say no and walk away.  I ended up leaving the store empty handed but I did find a perfectly peach lacquered sideboard.  So I must ask, have you been to ABC and if so, what did you purchase?

(Images by KK for Simply Smitten)

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The Little Black Jacket

Karl Lagerfeld’s ode to The Little Black Jacket was was my first stop upon arriving in NY. I spent a solid hour roaming around the exhibit admiring the styling and versatility of this truly coveted coat. If this exhibit proves one thing, it's that The Little Black Jacket is both timeless and ageless.  Above are a few of the pictures I snapped, Stella looks stunning, no? Who do you think wears their LBJ best?

Be sure to watch the making of the jacket here!

(Images: Kristin Kerr for Simply Smitten)

Monday, June 18, 2012

New York | Shopping

I'd like to think I looked this fabulous while roaming the streets of Manhattan this past weekend, ha!  I got so wrapped up with work, packing and planning last week that I never got around to posting my shopping guide.  Sorry! I ended up stumbling across a few additional stores over the weekend so I'm happy I waited.  I'm going to sort through the hundreds of pictures I took tonight so be sure to check back tomorrow for more details from the weekend. Until then, check out the highlights on Instagram.

SHOPPING

Where I went...
ABC Home - I found a sideboard for a client that was recently rented by J.Crew for their catalog.
Aero Studios - Love me some Thomas O'Brien.  I noticed many of the pieced from his Designers Vision space were for sale.
C Wonder - Not as wonderful as I had hoped but they did have a lovely selection of baubles.
Calypso Home - Smaller than I had expected.
Canvas -  Beautiful ceramics! The new Jason Wu furniture line was definitely designed with small NYC dwellers in mind.
Clic Gallery - This lovely gallery sells affordable prints and hard to find books.
Flair - No words. Just go.
Haus Interiors - A tiny space packed with big style.
J. Crew Bridal - You don't have to be a bride to linger over the Parisian decor or piles of cashmere.
John Derian - Walls filled with Hugo Guinness and tables stacked with decoupage and Astier de Villatte
Ochre - Their lighting is pretty as a pear
Pearl River - My go to place for inexpensive blue and white porcelain and bamboo blinds
The Evolution Store - Disturbing and fascinating all at the same time.  This is the place to go for crystals, geodes and coral.
The Future Perfect - They carry Lindsey Adelman lighting, enough said.
The Strand -  My happy place.
White on White - Midcentury Modern designs for less.

I spent most of Thursday roaming up and down the streets of SoHo...I made it to the Little Black Jacket exhibit and got carried away shopping for Paul at Ben Sherman.  Paul was a good sport and bopped in a few stores with me on Friday and Saturday but lets be serious, a boy can only handle so much shopping...

Where I still need to go...
Wyeth 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Pretty Little Pom-Poms

"A recent trip to the Amalfi Coast inspired our Resort 2013 collection — soft whites and seafoam green with shades of pink, purple and blue. We did traditionally rich fabrics in casual, effortless ways." — Tory Burch 

The second I saw this Pom-Pom Resin Necklace from Tory's 2013 Resort collection I was reminded of this Proud Mary Textiles' pillow I've been lusting after. I like the idea using pom-poms to add a splash of color to a pillow but I'm not sure I'm sold on the idea of wearing them. Thoughts?  If you're digging this look then be sure to check out Tory's entire resort collection, including the necklace pictured above,  on Moda Operandi.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

New York | Art + Culture

I'm headed to New York later this week to celebrate my boyfriend's Birthday and our nine year anniversary.  I have these notebooks filled cities and places I want to visit and in them I keep a list of stores, restaurants and museums.  This week I plan to share bits and pieces of my NYC list with you.  I arrive Thursday morning and have the whole day to roam around the city by myself before Paul arrives.  Below are a few of the galleries, exhibitions and parks I hope to visit.  I'll share my shopping and dining plans later this week!

ART + CULTURE
 
18 Wooster Street - Chanel's Little Black Jacket exhibition features more than 100 black-and-white photographs of figures including Sarah Jessica Parker, Kanye West, Yoko Ono and Tilda Swinton wearing Chanel jackets that were made specifically for the photos. The photos will also be made into a book to be released later this summer.

Julie Gaul Gallery - I'm dying to see Maira Kalman's work in person

The High Line - Located on Manhattan’s West Side, this historic elevated freight rail line turned public park, seems perfect for a Sunday morning stroll

The Kips Bay Decorator Show house - I'm hoping to make it to the house before it closes on Thursday -- I just need to see this office in person! 

The Met - Visiting the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a priority. It sounds fascinating. Since Elsa Schiaparelli died in 1973, she and Miuccia Prada never actually met. The exhibit explores the idea of them having "impossible conversations" about the similarities between their fashions. The Ellsworth Kelly Plant Drawings exhibit is also on display.

The Pace Gallery + Pace Prints - Pace Prints is a publisher of contemporary fine art prints as well as a gallery that exhibits and offers for sale a wide variety of prints by contemporary artists from the 1960s to the present.  They sell prints by some of my favorite artists like Donald Baechler and Robert Mangold.


(images: one / two / three)

Friday, June 8, 2012

Happy Sun-Soaked Weekend!

This is exactly how I plan to spend my weekend. Well, actually, it will probably look more like this. Now that it's nice out I find that my weekends are far less productive. Does anyone else have this problem?  The Green City Market, Old Town Art Fair and two client meetings are on the agenda for the weekend. Busy, busy bee...but I wouldn't have it any other way!

What are your plans for the weekend?

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Girl Crush | Marissa Web

Truth be told, I first fell in love with Marissa Webb, former head of women's design at J. Crew, for her stunning long black locks and insane sense of style. Shallow, I know. But the crush turned into admiration when I found out that she left the safety of her job at J. Crew to "pursue other opportunities".  I've been following Marissa on Pinterest and Facebook since her departure last fall and I must say, my crush has reached an all-time high. Not only does she post pictures of her enviable style but she also interacts with her fans, responds to questions and shares peeks of her day to day life. Cute and down-to-earth...a killer combination. And if all of that is not reason enough to love her, she has a pug named Max and a drum set in her living room!