Saturday marked the Spring Solstice and warm weather is on the way! There was gorgeous weather this weekend here in New York but today is less than with dreaded rain...If you can't enjoy the weather outside, bring spring to your house and your nails...



I found this great color at QQ Salon on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. Get this look anywhere with OPI's Lucky Lucky Lavender.

Unfortunately, It looks like we might to wait a few days for spring weather so head to the MoMA for some very interactive exhibits! I stopped by last week to see Tim Burton's exhibit and got side tracked by Marina Abramovic's The Artist is Present and Ernesto Neto's Navedenga.

The Artist is Present features Marina Abramovic sitting at a table during the museum's hours. She welcomes patrons to sit across from her as her exhibit space is recorded on camera. More information here : http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/965

Ernesto Neto's exhibit invites you to actually enter his work of art! Made of a translucent mesh, patrons are allowed to enter the sculpture, one at a time, to experience every aspect of Navedenga. More info: http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1032








And one from the Tim Burton Exhibit- this exhibit was packed so if you can take a moment from work and go on a Tuesday morning I recommend it!


And lastly, some fab fete inspiration from the MoMA's information desk. Flanking the desk were two high impact arrangements made solely from Cherry tree branches.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

I hope everyone is having as beautiful a day as we are in New York! The parade has been quite the celebration all the way up 5th Avenue. I hope all of you are having a great time celebrating!

Here are a few tips for living green while celebrating green today!

Walk or ride your bike to your favorite pub!

If you're planning your own fab fete, keep it green by buying locally grown produce and bringing your own non-plastic bag to the grocery store or market.

Dim the lights and invest in some fabulous green soy-based candles like these!

While we're on the topic of lighting, why not switch out your
regular bulbs for fluorescent bulbs?



These are the basics, for more ideas on living green visit TheGreenGuide.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day! (Tomorrow)

Named for patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, this holiday originally centered around the color blue. As Saint Patrick used the three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity, green began to take over the March 17th celebration starting as early as the 17th century. It is rumored that St. Patrick's Day originated as one day in which you could take a break from lent. There was often a large feast and alcohol. In 1903 the holiday became official in Ireland and has since made its way around the world.

In New York, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated all over 5th Avenue. This year's parade will start at 11am and will run up 5th Avenue between 44th and 86th streets, ending at 5pm. The official seating stands are at 68th street and seating is first come first serve. Click on the link below to read more on New York Magazine! http://nymag.com/guides/stpatricksday/parade/


Here are a few links to St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in a few of my other favorite cities...Enjoy!

Atlanta, GA - http://www.stpatsparadeatlanta.com/
Baltimore, MD - http://www.irishparade.net/
Charlotte, NC - http://www.charlottestpatsday.com/
Charleston, SC - http://www.charlestoncocktail.com/event_stpattysday.html
Denver, CO - http://www.denverstpatricksdayparade.org/
New Orleans, LA - http://www.nola.com/stpatricks/
Raleigh, NC - http://www.raleighstpats.org/
Washington D.C. - http://www.dcstpatsparade.com/



Adding Green to Your Day...

If you decide to skip the bar scene this year and host your own fete, you can still drink green beer! And who would want to miss out on that? Simply drop in 4-6 drops of green food coloring into a light beer (sorry, no Guiness here). Stir and sip!

(Traveling Troll)

PESTO AND SPINACH PASTA

(thekitchn.com)

You can buy dried spinach pasta at any grocery store. Mix with pesto for a delicious, easy, green dinner!

PESTO INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
  
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, chopped
  
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Blend basil leaves and pine nuts in a pulsating food processor.
2. Add 3 peeled, minced garlic cloves.
3. Slowly add olive oil while the food processor is on.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve over spinach pasta with sauteed asparagus, mushrooms, or whatever is handy! More recipies to come tomorrow!

Green Fab Fete Inspiration....

Dive In and Enjoy!

Photo Credits: Katherine McPhee Photography, Polyvore, Fox News, CocoCozy Blog, Young House of Love

Living in Fashion Continued...

Bringing Calvin to the Kitchen...

Style.com

These kitchen images are from Canadian House & Home's Readers Design Contest!
Above kitchen designed by Jilaire Wagner of Saskatoon

Designed by Tara Lawrence of Canada

Both spaces embody Calvin Klein's clean lines and minimalist approach to classic designs perfectly.

Designing a space based on a piece of clothing or art doesn't necessarily have to mean changing the entire room. You can always use accessories to bring in elements of your favorite trend. See clean lined, Calvin-inspired items below!



MODULAR COFFEE TABLE BY WEST ELM


GORGEOUS 1960's ITALIAN MIRROR FROM ELIZABETH BAUER DESIGN IN NEW YORK




CHRISTIAN LIAIGRE FOR HOLLY HUNT ECUME CHAIR



These three pieces are all completely different, and inspired by different eras. However, they each follow the Calvin Klein trend of clean lines and quiet color quite well!

Living in Fashion

I love the idea of living in fashion. Why not live in a home that reminds you of your favorite outfit? Below is a little interior inspiration....

Here in New York, fashion week takes over twice a year as designers showcase invigorating new trends. I love to see every look at Vogue's Style.com. The lingerie look continues and transitions from lace to bustiers and sheer shirts. Everyone from Christian Dior to Rochas seemed excited about a new take on chiffon and silk.

Christian Dior - Photo by Monica Feudi

Runway to Room....

This Manhattan dining room was designed by Brian McCarthy encompasses classic design with a touch of sexy.

Decorator Martha Agnus makes impact with this red bathroom!





My favorite spring trend is what I like to call tribal gone wild. Major patterns and bright colors dominated at Basso & Brooke, Dries Van Noten and Tory Burch.

Basso & Brooke - Photo by Marcio Madeira

Dries Van Noten - Photo by Marcio Madeira

Tory Burch - Photo by Marcio Madeira

Runway to Room...
A great way to use bold pattern is with wallpaper! Wallpaper is back in a big way and is great when used in small spaces such as a powder room, bedroom or office. Pattern on the walls offers excitement in the home and Jay Jeffers portrays this perfectly!

Stay tuned for even more fashion week runway to room inspiration!