crumpets & rococo noir

A rococo room in Gatchina, Russia

rococo = rocaille (Fr.) + baroque (It.)

Rococo is an 18th century style that infiltrated both fine art and interior furnishings. It is characterized by asymmetrical and fanciful, curved lines (the word "rocaille" is French for "shell") and ornate decoration.  Rococo rooms were designed as complete pieces of art, the furnishings complementing and completing the architecture.  The decorative style spread throughout Europe from England to Prussia, although some of the best preserved examples are in Russia.  

Personally, I LOVE the attention to detail and whimsical presence, which is why I'm crazy about its return.  Leave it to one of my favorite Italians Roberto Cavalli to come up with a terrific pair of rococo-inspired pants...

image courtesy of style.com

If you can't afford those, try one of these magnificent little teapots from Rosanna.  They are the perfect addition to any table - modern chic with a hint of fabulous, frivolous history - and it just could be the most stylish cup of tea you've had.  Now all you need is a crumpet.

Rococo Noir teapot, $35.00, sugar bowl and creamer, $30.00

www.rosannainc.com

independence day

happy 4th of july!

green chic

image courtesy of inhabit.com

This is the perfect time to talk about the planet... right before Independence Day!  And, since I am celebrating instead of writing tomorrow, let's talk flair.

Green is here to stay.  Eco-friendly designs are showing up everywhere from recycled-wood furniture to water-based varnishes and dyes.  One of the latest trends is eco-apparel and reusable shopping totes. Thanks to British handbag designer Anya Hindmarch, being green can be chic. Her "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" tote has been spotted on celebrities and style icons across the globe.  

Our aim with this project has been to use our influence to make it fashionable not to use plastic bags. 'I'm Not A Plastic Bag' was designed as a stylish, practical, reusable bag that would raise awareness of this issue and spark debate. 

- Anna Hindmarch

Special people will be able to get their hands on the reissued tote this summer. Luckily, other designers have come out with fantastic totes that are easier to acquire.  Ahhh, saving the planet has never been so easy.  

Here are a few of my favorites:

left to right: Green Is In, Be Green. Not Mean., and It's Good To Be Green 

100% recycled canvas totes from Whimsy Press, $28.00 each

whimsypress.com

BCBG Be Chic Buy Green canvas tote

www.bcbg.com

Method Plastic Bag Rehab ripstop-nylon tote, $15.00

methodhome.com

Rebecca Minkoff's organic cotton The Bread & Wine Bag, $99.00

blue exclusive to shopbop.com