Luxe & Lucid

The Alchemy of Opposites

I mentioned in my last post that I like a little “rock-n-roll with my ladylike”.  That statement describes more than just my fashion sense – it’s a personal credo, a balancing act and the foundation for how I design.  Contrasting modern with traditional, sexy with conventional and subtle with provocative allows me to enjoy all the world has to offer.  More importantly, it’s the incongruity and tension that makes a room or collection [and even a relationship] sing.

  

 

   

Huntley & Co. interiors.

  

  

 

 

Mixing pieces that seem incompatible gives an ensemble just the right edge.

   

(L) Dries Van Noten, (M) unknown (R) Christopher Kane

 

 

 

 

It’s not easy to find a car when one’s style is epitomized by dichotomy. But this weekend, I actually spotted my dream ride.

 

 

I had never seen the Volvo 1800ES; it’s from the early 70s.  Part roadster, part wagon.  Stylized yet practical.  Sexy and a little weird.  I AM IN LOVE!

 

 

 

 

Dynamic duos – Opposites attract and are, truthfully, more interesting.

   

(L) “Portland, Oregon” blends Jack White’s tinny, rockabilly melody with Loretta Lynn’s old-school country style.

(M) Even more intriguing than Jesse and Walt’s differences on Breaking Bad are their internal dichotomies – troubled yet innocent heroine addict and conservative yet calculating high school teacher.

(R) Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller – the love story of a fragile seductress and brilliant playwright.

 

 

 

 

Food may be the most tangible way to enjoy nature’s complex and complementary offerings.

 

   

(L) Apricot stuffed pork shoulder with soy/honey glaze. (M) Figs and blue cheese wrapped in prosciutto. (R) Cannelini bean, salmon and caviar canapes.

 

 

 

 

Another one of nature’s delicious offerings – MEN!

     

 Polished/scruffy, strong/approachable, sexy/odd, clever/intelligent.  Mmmmm, one of each please.

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

* You can find these photos and links on my Pinterest page *

 

[Re]defining Beauty

I made a long overdue trip to the nail salon this weekend for a mani/pedi. And while scanning the assortment of possible nail colors from which to choose, I stumbled upon a stunning shade of peacock blue. It's one of my favorite colors in general - rich, complex, almost regal - so the thought of it on my fingertips was titillating. Sure enough, I love it. Not only do I think the shade of blue is absolutely stunning, but in a strange way, I think it complements my skin tone. It's funny then that some of the conservative loved ones in my life don't share my enthusiasm. Don't they see what I see? What's not to like? Some people think pretty is synonymous with conventional. But I think some of the prettiest things are those that are actually unconventional. I'm not talking about anything bizarre or distasteful. I mean looking beyond labels and stereotypes and thinking about what makes something beautiful ... the confidence with which a man carries himself, the complex ideas behind an abstract painting, the texture of an unusual plant. Of course, what's stunning will always catch our eye, but sometimes beauty and substance wear an unexpected guise.

 

 

 

 

 

My peacock blue manicure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A study for “Woman Pulling Up Her Stocking” and “Salon in the Rue Des Moulins”.

Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec found inspiration in bars and brothels. Unseemly venues perhaps, but the artist found warmth and vivid color in these unlikely spectacles.

Felicity Brown’s 2010 collection was inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec’s work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tilda Swinton is a chameleon on and off-screen. She can look ethereal, severe or aristocratic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people don’t like modern art or furniture. It’s hard to understand with gorgeous, sculptural shapes likes these.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who needs gold or diamonds? Dahlia Kloss’ necklace is a showstopper without precious metals or stones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although two of the world’s deadliest snakes, the Rosy Boa and Malayan Coral Snake are also two of the most beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Hawkes, Mick Jagger & Adrian Brody.

The talent and swagger of these men makes their unconventional looks incredibly sexy.

Tricia's 10: UHOF

 

 

       

My mother always told me, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

 Does that maternal wisdom apply to blogs?  It probably should, but I just can’t help

 myself.  We have a folder in the Huntley & Co. files labeled “UHOF”.  The [yoo-hawf]

folder contains images of designs we find to be, ahem, aesthetically challenging.  I’ll

admit it’s a little snarky.  What can I say - my staff and I simply believe it’s irresponsible

not to document design work that dares to go beyond good taste to, um well, the …

 

- Ugly Hall of Fame -

 

 

 

 

 1.  hollywood mcmansion ½ columns do not a mansion make!

 

 

 

 

 

2.  80s bedroom ½ even the decade of decadence can’t excuse this decor

 

  

 

 

3.  one-of-a-kind stag chair ½ perfect if your house is on the island of Dr. Moreau

  

 

 

 

4.  Celine Dion wedding attire ½ “I said more crystals!”

 

 

 

 

5.  satin bedroom ensemble ½ the love child of paris hilton and cotton candy

 

 

 

 

6.  Dutch sculpture, 1972 ½ terrifying - yet sold for 13,000 EUR at auction  

 

 

 

 

7.  flatscreen tv lift½ only in America

 

 

 

  

8.  dc dressing room ½ the ceiling from hell

 

 

 

 

 9.  shower tile mural½ who needs coffee when your morning starts with this?

 

 

 

 

 

10.  album cover½ career killer, web favorite and my new screensaver

 

 

 

 

If any of the above comments offend you, lighten up.

If you can’t get enough, click on these websites for more snarky fun:

 

www.uglyhousephotos.com

www.salamitsunami.com

www.uglypersianhouses.com

www.worstalbumcovers.org

www.gofugyourself.com

 

 

 

Tricia ; )

True Romance

I am fortunate – especially this time of year – to have the two words above feature prominently in

 my life.  But it wasn’t always the case.  I know how lackluster single life can be regardless of how

 much one relishes his or her freedom.  Love and happiness do, no doubt, go hand in hand.  But that

doesn’t mean you can’t imbue your reality with some of the magic of romance sans sig-other.  It comes

down to simple things like finding beauty and stirring the senses.  As a designer, I do this for a living,

so I found alternate avenues to joy when I was on my own.  Below are some options for all the

fabulous “independents” out there.  Neither a significant amount of funds nor effort are required.

 

Love when it comes to you, but live well in the meantime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- SEE -

 

 

 

Whistler’s Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery of Art.

 

 

 

 

“I am Love” featuring Tilda Swinton and the backdrop of Milan and the Villa Necchi Campiglio.

photo courtesy of Mikado Film/Magnolia Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- HEAR -

 

 

 

Jazz at the Kennedy Center.  Toots Thielemans & Kenny Werner play April 2.

 photo courtesy of Eddy Westveer 

 

 

 

 

Before she was the first lady of France and after she was a supermodel, Carla Bruni

released an album called Quelqu’un M’a Dit on which she sings and plays guitar.

The music is sweet but throaty – whispery and detached romanticism. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- TASTE -

 

 

 

No prep required, but the perfect indulgent meal.

Charcuterie, truffle cheese, a baguette, fruit and a bar of Swiss chocolate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- TOUCH -

 

 

 

A massage may be the only acceptable substitute for you-know-what.  I’m headed to

the Lorien Spa in Old Town Alexandra with one of my best girlfriends in a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

Or bundle yourself in one of may favorite textiles – alpaca.

I received the dreamiest wrap from Villa de Alpacas for Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- SMELL -

 

 

 

 

Luxe Custom Perfume Creation is the perfect “I’m treating myself” type of indulgence.

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

- PS … AND LAUGH! -

 

Whether or not you are a parent or a dog-lover, I guarantee this video will bring

you an infinite amount of joy when you watch it.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 

Think Pink

  

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am saluting one of my favorite colors - pink. 

This lovely hue often gets a bad rap.  People think it’s a saccharine shade that should be

 reserved for little girls’ bedrooms and bubble gum.  But pink can be as versatile and sophisticated

 as any color in the spectrum.  I’ve used it in dining rooms, bathrooms and living rooms.  And it’s

always warm, sexy, feminine and inviting.  Now before all you modernists and men poo-poo this idea,

 I’ll let you in on a little secret.  Whenever I use pink in a room, the crew on site (plumbers, electricians,

millworkers, etc.) always love it.  I”m talking about macho, physical, hardworking guys.  But believe

it or not, if you envelop them in pink, they suddenly feel calm, comforted and completely at home. 

I’m not kidding.  It happens without fail.  Maybe pink isn’t just for girls after all?

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

A pink gown – in the right color, the right cut and with the right complexion – can be an absolute stunner.

L to R:  Diane Kruger in Christian Lacroix, Naomi Watts in Stella McCartney and Natalie Portman in Rodarte.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My girl Gwen rocked a custom John Galliano pink and white ombre silk faille dress on her wedding day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I keep these heart-shaped “Make Out Mints” at the ready in case of an intimate chat or smooch.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

A rose quartz cabochon ring by Arunashi Jewelry.

Pink, polished and modern.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leigh Viner’s work is utterly feminine but with a sexy edge.  Find this freelance artist

and photographer’s collection of prints and original works through JKL Design on Etsy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miles Redd is never one to shy away from color and his New York living room is no exception.

A lipstick red sofa against bubblegum pink walls.  Yes, I actually love this combo.  Granted, I

would probably tweak the saturation and tone of each of these hues (case in point – the

Huntley & Co. dining and living rooms below), but I do think Mr. Redd is on to something.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another “Redd” room – these pink walls have a base that’s more salmon, less blue.

This shade of pink is a beautiful foil for the graphic black and white of the chair and artwork.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spotted this delicate chandelier with pale pink crystals on Friday at the

Ebanista showroom in DC.  It’s elegant, charming and not too sweet.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I stumbled upon this GORGEOUS light fixture while trolling online.

It speaks to the “bubble” chandelier look that’s been popular the past few

years, but is a warmer, more organic version … like candy-coated jellyfish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently purchased this Modern Alchemy candle from And Beige in Adams Morgan.

I can’t get enough of the scent and am equally amused by the company’s description ...

“When unbridled lust is confined within a single sexually charged location, the perfume is unmistakable.

This torrid fragrance is of sultry orris root, musk, ancient civet, peru balsam and rarest plai.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I always go to Saipua – floral designers in Brooklyn – for color inspiration.

Their arrangements are so lush and gorgeous with an effortlessness about them.

This is how you arrange pink flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A painting by the 19th century portrait artist Giovanni Boldini.  Portraits as beautiful

and seductive as this one of Marthe deFlorian are, unfortunately, remnants of the past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Boldini painting above reminds me of this study I designed for a client.  She requested a pink and

blue color scheme for the space and I was notably doubtful at first.  I’m not really a pastel kind of girl

(unless you counteract it with something dark or edgy), so this was new territory for me.  But it turned out

beautifully.  The soft colors were the key to creating a peaceful work environment for a busy woman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A year or so later, the same client wanted her dining room reinvented.  Again she was

drawn to pink.  This time I didn’t hesitate.  Soft rose-colored walls and coral/brick red

mouldings and trim throughout.  It’s an unusual color scheme that has a magical glow

during candlelit dinner parties.  I love trying new things and clients who takes risks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indeed, 2009 was the year of pink for Huntley & Co.  Probably because we were fortunate

enough to have independent, savvy female clients who wanted to bring fashion and glamour

into their homes [and lives].  This metallic, faux bois wallcovering is one of my all-time

favorites.  It comes in several incredible colors including this blush one.  I had it cut into

squares and hung in contrasting directions to highlight the pattern and luminosity of the paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I carried this pink tote around all summer and was sad to retire it for the season.

 

 

 

 

 

To all the women, including my late Grammy P, who have waged the war against breast

cancer with courage and dignity.  We honor you this October and all year long. 

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

One

  

  

  

   

As of September 2010, Luxe & Lucid is one-year-old.  And what a year it’s been!

To celebrate, I’m recapping some of my favorite posting moments and sending a shout-out to

 all those who’ve tuned in during my inaugural year online.  Life in the blogoshpere has been an

unexpected joy and labor of love (with equal emphasis on "labor" and "love").  Stay tuned for

more interiors, more fashion and more adventures in year two.  Anything could happen!

 

Tricia xo

  

  

 

 

 

- SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 -

The Gold Standard

My first post is still one of my favorites.  And my love affair with gold is still going strong.

  

  

 

  

 

 

 

- NOVEMBER 6, 2009 -

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

 

 

It’s pretty exciting to see one of my interiors make the rounds on the internet.  This photo from

last year showed up on dozens of sites and seemed to incite a “mirror-on-mirror” craze. 

And I couldn’t get enough of the comments like those below …

 

"That Tricia Huntley Venetian mirror over a normal mirror is my fave bathroom ever!!!"

- Sarah (Matters of Style) c/o Little Green Notebook

  

"I have had my eye on this design feature for awhile [and} looking for a place to incorporate it.  I absolutely love the [first] picture."

- sillybee c/o Apartment Therapy

  

 

 

 

 

 

- DECEMBER 4, 2009 -

L.A. = Love Affair

My trip to LA last November was fabulous.  Inspiring and fruitful.  I incorporated

several of my finds into Huntley & Co. projects, including the apartment in Switzerland.

 

 

 

 

 

- JANUARY 1, 2010 -

Find Your Anthem

 

 

My favorite Luxe & Lucid entry from the past year. 

A personal and cathartic statement delivered via a hip, irreverent post.

 

 

 

 

 

- JANUARY 19, 2010 -

Sign Language

 

 

The obvious fun of this post was celebrating my own zodiac sign.  But I stumbled upon a

lot of other interesting and unexpected tidbits while researching as well.  And who knew I

would be able to incorporate one of my favorite artists – Kris Kristofferson – into a blog about

horoscopes?  That’s the secret joy of blogging; you never know where it will take you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- MARCH 5, 2010 -

A Day in the Life

 

 

As many of my readers may now realize, I try to find the humor in my job and the precarious situations I

so often find myself in.  This was one of those days.  I know we sometimes accomplish the impossible,

but it’s all in a day’s work.  Still, it was nice to pull the curtain back for once, so everyone else could see the

reality of my glamorous (ha!) life.  And comments like the one below help me smile through the madness.

 

“Holy Crap, pardon me, but y’all are amazing.  Love that your client was right there.

Tricia, you have nerves of steel and fabulous style to boot”

- Claire / High Gloss Blue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- MAY 11, 2010 -

Scents & Sensibility

 

 

This post pulled me deeper into my romance with fragrances.  Intoxicating, sensuous, glamorous.

And a key player in the battlefield of love and passion for millennia.  I can’t get enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

- JULY 1, 2010 -

Designer DNA

 

 

I loved that fellow designers and fashionistas were able to find inspiration in my digital storyboards.

 

"Fabulous idea.  I think I fit into board #2 myself.  Delicious.”

- Stefan / ArchitectDesign

 

 

 

 

 

 

- AUGUST 26, 2010 -

Heavens to Etsy

 

 

Blogging about Etsy turned out to be a slightly dangerous undertaking.  One, because

it led to shopping.  Shocker.  And two, because it elicited my first negative comment from

a reader [who called me a snob].  Ugh.  Seriously people, I work 7 days a week and write

this blog in my after hours – i.e. between 7PM and 4AM – cut me a little slack please.

Whatever.  I still got me some gorgeous earrings (above) and a sick vintage brooch.  Snap!

 

 

 

 

 

 

- SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 -

25 Signs You May Be Working Too Much

 

 

It’s good to know from suffering comes so much joy.  I think everyone who read this

post – including me – got a big kick out of it.  Every time I look back at that painful and

delirious list, I laugh.  Like they say, truth is stranger than fiction.  Yes, this is my life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A big thank you to all my readers and subscribers.  I love your feedback, so keep it coming.  And a

shout-out to my international fans.  Your attention to my fledgling blog is really exciting.  Here’s a list of some

of the countries who’ve checked in with Luxe & Lucid from around the globe this year.  Love, love, love it!

 

 

Austria

Australia

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Canada

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Costa Rica

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Egypt

Finland

France

Germany

Georgia

Gibralter

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Italy

Jordan

Japan

Korea

Mexico

Morocco

Malaysia

Nigeria

Netherlands

Norway

New Zealand

Peru

Philippines

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Russian Federation

Slovak Republic

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Swaziland

Switzerland

Thailand

Turkey

Taiwan

Venezuela

Viet Nam

(C)happy

 

I spent this past weekend on Martha’s Vineyard.

Apart from several trips to Newport for hotel work a decade ago, I haven't spent any

time in New England.  I tend to migrate west for family get-togethers and downtime.

And being the contrarian-enthusiast that I am, I was tentative about a preppy endemic. 

I.e., an island saturated with bobbed hair, lockjaws and Lily Pulitzer ad nauseam.  Oh

ye of little faith (and so much paranoia)!  I didn't know what I was missing.  Pristine

architecture, majestic beaches and charming shops abound.  Add world-class

seafood to the mix and you have the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. 

 

 

 

* FRIDAY *

 

 Since our destination – Chappaquiddick – was east of Martha’s Vineyard,

we decided to take a driving tour of the island’s west side upon arrival.

 

 

  

 

 

First stop - The views of Gay Head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To know me is to understand that I am a HUGE Jaws fan.  It’s one of my favorite

movies of all time (see the October Luxe & Lucid post “Mad About Macabre”).  Several

key scenes were shot in Menemsha (above) as well as on other parts of the island.

 

 

 

 

Aprés dinner and before hopping on the Chappy ferry, we stopped for a nightcap at Atlantic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Mike Benjamin Band was headlining – they’ve played for Mary Steenburgen and

President Bill Clinton – and absolutely rocked the house.  We danced until we were soaked

through and closed down the bar.  Haven’t done that in a few years and loved every minute of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

* SATURDAY *

 

 I woke up at 6AM ready to tackle the day’s itinerary and

enjoy the small window of sunshine forecasted for the weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

To make the most of it, we started the day with a little exploration and a walk on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Followed by shopping for groceries at the famous (and newly renovated) Morning

Glory farmer’s market.  I brought their blackberry/strawberry jam home to DC.  Yum!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 But the real highlight of the day (well, for me) was a visit to Island Alpaca.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I fell in love with these animals when Sandra Jordan made a visit to Huntley & Co. this

spring.  Sandra’s eponymous company manufactures and imports incredibly beautiful

textiles from Peru.  She has a true passion for her fabrics and the Alpaca breed itself. 

How could she not?  Just look at those faces!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two babies and several “colorways” from Island Alpaca’s herd.

 

 

 

 

 

 This little fella’ had a passion for grooming.  So cute!

 

 

After all that excitement, we continued onto Vineyard Haven to do a little

sightseeing and shopping.  Below are a few of our stops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RILEY'S READS

A charming children’s book store owned by the very knowledgeable Zoë

Pechter.  Check out her blog for new releases and recommendations.

 

  

BRAMHALL & DUNN

Great linens and tabletop items with [you guessed it] a slightly preppy

theme.  I did, in fact, find several sheet sets and coverlets from

Pamela Kline and Le Jacquard Français that were quite lovely.

 

 

RAINY DAY

A vast assortment of gifts, paper goods and tableware

that range from sweet to sophisticated to amusing. 

 

 

MIX

An eclectic mix of modern and vintage accessories.  I left with a darling

pair of sunglasses.  You can also find classic Golden books, antique

typeface letters and colorful dinnerware.  And the staff couldn’t be friendlier.

 

 

A. E. KIRKPATRICK

A slightly kooky jewelry store tucked away off of Main Street.  I found

a chic, bendable gold-plated snake bracelet/necklace for a song. 

I'm using it as a sculpture on my living room coffee table.

 

 

 

 

 

A great accessory that will change up my tablescape in a snap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our long and active day required a nap and a nice dinner in Edgartown. 

We dined at Restaurant Détente, an unassuming spot in Nevin Square. 

Casual décor, excellent wine list, award-winning fare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

* SUNDAY *

 

 It’s hard to believe we had already packed all the activities above into 30 hours.

We didn’t slow our pace much on Sunday.

 

 

 

Morning is a great time to view Chappaquiddick’s wildlife in its natural habitat.  Besides

the incredible sea creatures (horseshoe crabs are freaks!), the bird-watching on

the island is pretty incredible.  We saw all of the species below during our visit.

 

 

 

 

clockwise from top left:  Osprey, Oyster Catcher, Snowy Egret and Cormorant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later we headed to East beach across infamous Dike Bridge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve never been the beachy-type, but I found all sorts of design inspiration

in the sand – a collection of shells and other organic materials that will

make great samples for custom furniture finishes.  I know …

Could I be any more entrenched in my profession?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way back to the house we stopped for a stroll through Mytoi Gardens. 

A Japanese-style garden and cultural treasure protected by the The Trustees of Reservations. 

Still beautiful in the rain, I would like to go back when the gardens are lit by sunshine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the inclement weather, we went for a sail on Cape Poge.

The increasing winds turned a casual cruise into an exhilarating 2 hours.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you say “exhausted”?!  Only 3 things left to do …

Eat, cocktail, and relax.

 

 

And that’s how you do a fabulous weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

LUXE & LUCID RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR VISIT TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD

 

- The Vineyard’s official site is www.mvol.com and has a lot of useful info.

- Design Sponge’s December post featuring MV is Grace Bonney’s extensive, personal guide.

- I also like the New York Times Travel Guide because it includes reader recommendations.

- The island has an excellent radio station.  Tune into mvyradio and you’ll be set for the weekend.

- If you’re an architecture and/or design buff, bring your camera and do a walking tour of Edgartown.

- Pack layers for travel before July.  The weather can turn on a dime and become quite chilly when the winds pick up.

- With that said, a first time visit before the crush of July 4 is a great idea.  You can enjoy the island sans mob.

- Most important?  Make sure you travel with the right partner in crime!

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

P.S.  Final cool moment of the weekend?  Bill Murray on our flight from MVA to LGA.

 

 

Sign Language

I’m a January baby and a proud Capricorn.

I can’t say that I’m an astrology advocate, but I do get a kick out of reading my horoscope this

time of year.  Besides the fact that I often find my cosmic description to be dead-on accurate,

I love the idea of my life and character being written in the stars.  A very anti-Capricorn concept

to say the least which is why this is a once a year indulgence.  Luxe & Lucid is a platform for

celebrating what makes us unique as individuals - whatever the context.  Sign me up!

 

 

 

Famous Capricorns … I’m in pretty good company.

 

 

 

 

This pair of ram’s head bookends from Sjae Alexandre is so good-looking, it almost makes me want to be an Aries.

 

 

 

 

A candle from Soular Therapy’s Astrological Aromatherapy collection.

Cancer’s keynotes are Jasmine and White Rose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrology has even inspired a company as traditional as Wedgwood to produce a zodiac collection.

All 12 signs including Pisces shown here are available through replacements.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Russian Vogue’s take on Aries, Capricorn and Gemini respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Zodiac Cufflinks by artist Michele Delville.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A mid-century mirrored zodiac clock from Flessas Design in New York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a large-scale wall sculpture also from Sjae Alexandre in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Asha by ADM’s gold and mother of pearl Sagittarius ring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kris Kristofferson would probably cringe knowing I've included him in a blog about horoscopes.    

How could I resist when he has an album titled Jesus was a Capricorn?   Mr. Kristofferson is one of

my heroes.  And it's a short list.  He is a true renaissance man with, in my opinion, the coolest resumé

of the 20th century: Rhodes Scholar, Oxford graduate, helicopter pilot, Nashville legend, movie star. 

If you don't know anything about this über-brilliant and eternally cool Everyman, it's time to find out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A feature on Capricorn from the blog Love Smacked & Starstruck.  So accurate it’s scary!

Check out what’s in store for your sign in the months to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy birthday to all my fellow January babes! 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

Tip deLuxe

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES

It’s that time of year.  Mid-winter (ugh!)  And like most people, I am counting the days until spring.

As a Minnesota native, however, I’ve learned to fight the urge to hibernate and boost my mood in small, simple ways.

These are my top five tips for staying sane January through March.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. HIT THE SPA

 

Schedule a facial and a body scrub.  You’ll leave feeling polished, relaxed and rejuvenated.

In DC I like Hela, Karen Fisher and the spas at Lorien Hotel and Mint. In Arizona I trust

my face to Lindsay at L Skincare and in Minneapolis I enjoy The Marsh.

2. FUNK UP YOUR FINGERTIPS

 

Take a chance and wear a bold color on your fingers and toes a la Gwyneth (grey) and Eva (navy).

I’m currently rocking dark green on my digits.  Try "Zulu" from Nars or “Here Today Aragon Tomorrow” from Opi.

 

 

 

3. SHAKE YOUR BOOTY

 

Lately I’ve been playing a lot of dance music at home and at work … Rhianna, Fergie, JT, Lady Gaga, etc.

And yes, when no one’s watching, I do get my groove on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. CLEAN HOUSE

 

Is there anything more refreshing than a clean house/office/car?  Automatic ahhhhhh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. THROW A PARTY

 

No real reason required.  Just gather your best buds and celebrate those friendships that last season after season.

My party prep must – the website drinksmixer.com.  Try the French Martini and Goodnight Kiss recipes.  Yum! 

 

 

 

 

 

Find Your Anthem

2009 dealt out a lot of heartbreak to a lot of people.  And since the answers to our problems are often hazy at best,

sometimes the most we can hope for is a little enlightenment.  Nothing moves me like music.  A really great song 

can raise your heartbeat and your spirits.  So as we step into 2010, let’s lift our heads and turn up the music.

It’s time to turn this !@%$#% thing around!

 

 

 

- WHAT YOU WAITING FOR? -

Even a rock star like my girl Gwen can get held-up by her fears.  This track from her

debut album spoke to me when I was nervous about taking the next step in my career. 

It was the adrenalin push I needed to get on with it already! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- HUSTLE AND FLOW (IT AINT OVER) -

So you’re not a pimp from Memphis.

If you’re feeling stuck, lost or left behind, you’ll find meaning in this song’s hook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- I WILL SURVIVE -

A classic shout-out to all the ladies who are moving out and moving on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- PRAISE YOU -

There are only four real lines in this song, but the title and chorus of Fatboy Slim’s track are so

catchy, we don’t care.  Who doesn’t want to hear the words “praise you” 25 times in a song? 

- BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY -

Honest, aching lyrics strung into a beautiful melody by one of the coolest bands ever.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE -

This song was released in the late 90s and directed at generation-Y, but would

be an appropriate wake-up call for adult America in the new millennium. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- DREAM ON -

I remember this song blowing my mind when I was in grammar school.

It still has meaning for me and Aerosmith still rocks 30 years later. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- LOSE YOURSELF -

The rhythm and momentum of this song raise your blood pressure and pull you into a specific moment.

Anxiety, fear and hope are so tightly woven in both the music and lyrics of this song, it’s palpable.  Brilliant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- THAT’S LIFE -

Sinatra’s smooth crooning and upbeat tempo bring elegance to an otherwise melancholy song.

Only the “chairman of the board” could pull the rug out from under you and leave you smiling.

 

 

 

 

* Favorite music sources:  Pandora, itunes, Shazam and Metro Lyrics *

 

Happy new year from Luxe & Lucid!

Tricia xo

 

 

 

 

 

Tip deLuxe

STEALING BEAUTY

We’re embarking on a new year (a new decade actually!) and you’re ready to make some changes

to chez vous.  Where to start?  Everyone, even professional interior designers, need a jumping off point,

a focus, a raison d’être.  It’s called inspiration.  And without it, you’ll spend the next six months going around

and around in circles trying to figure out “what’s my style???”  So take a little time during this holiday break,

grab a stack of magazines (remember those?) and start tearing.  Don’t think about it, just rip out what you like.

Fashion layouts, jewelry ads, interiors, food features … whatever speaks to you.  When you’re done, pull aside

the two or three that say “THIS IS ME!” and file the rest away.  Yes, steal some beauty and allons-y!

 

 

 

 

 

Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall ‘09 campaign and a beautiful Payard feature from Town & Country Travel magazine.

Confectionary images to inspire the interiors of the girly-girls out there.

 

A room by designer Anne Coyle.

 

If you could live inside the Fall Gucci campaign or the latest Gorsuch catalog then you

respond to texture, layering and luxury and should book a trip to St. Moritz immediately.

Tom Scheerer’s Kip’s Bay Showhouse bedroom.

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe you’re a traditionalist with a saucy side.  Like these ladies captured by Kate Spade and Slim Aarons. 

Think vivid colors, floral prints and vintage accents with a little leather thrown in.

 

 

A Miles Redd bedroom from Domino.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you drawn to sleek, sexy, fashionable images?

Then let David Bowie and Marni’s 2008 collection be your inspiration.

A Chicago installation by Kara Mann.

 

 

 

 

Let the dark side of life be your muse.  Like these images from 1992's Dracula and the blog Tedore.

The current vampire craze could inform a dark, dramatic space.

Anthony Gianacakos’ East Harlem bedroom from Lonny magazine.