San Francisco Here I Come!

This week, I'm headed to San Francisco for a little sightseeing and another book signing.  I can't wait to catch up with my friend Grant K. Gibson and see recently transplanted New York designer Allison Caccoma in her new city. I look forward to seeing Caitlin Flemming of Sacramento Street and meeting all my blog readers at Hudson Grace.  I'm also excited to be staying within walking distance to all at the Hotel Drisco. Seeing the Painted Ladies is also high on my agenda.  If you have any suggestions of places to go and things to do, definitely let me know. 

I would also like to thank J.Crew for featuring outtakes of Jenna and Frank's offices on 770 Behind the Line.  You can also read some fun interviews I did on Cosmopolitan.com and Daily Candy. 

After a week off for Thanksgiving, I'll be back at it with a signing at Jayson Home in Chicago on November 29th from 6:00-8:00pm.  Be there or be square! 

Chic at Work: Stephen Shubel

I'm embarrassed to say that I've never been to San Francisco so I'm getting excited about my upcoming trip. There are so many great interior designers in the city including Stephen Shubel. I was checking out his new website and all my favorite projects of his including this loft that also served as his office.  Seemed a perfect time to post the new photos since my book is all about being chic at work. 

Bon weekend. 

The Chicest Wedding

During fashion week, I read that Vanessa Traina was a newlywed.  I didn't realize she had gotten married so a quick Google search ensued.  I found beautiful black and white images of her wedding to artist Max Snow on Purple DIARY by Oliver Zahm online and wondered if it would be published in Vogue. Today when I picked up the November issue, I found the color photos I was waiting for.  It is one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever seen.  For those of you who don't know, Vanessa Traina is the daughter of novelist Danielle Steel.  She could have had a huge society wedding with hundreds of guest.  Instead, she had an intimate affair for 80 friends and family in her mother's home in San Francisco. Of course, her friends include famous fashion designers and celebrities but even they couldn't eclipse the beautiful bride.  Her dress was designed by another designer friend Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy.  I loved the embroidery and bracelet sleeves and zippers. It was a mix of tradition and modern touches and perfect for the fashion forward bride. 

Photos by Samuel Lippke & Allan Zepeda for Samuel Lippke Studios and Oliver Zahm

Chic and Colorful and Art Filled

The calendar says spring but the temperature says winter. Makes me wish I had a conservatory like Alexis and Trevor Traina in San Francisco. Vogue featured the home in the December 2009 issue and just posted some party pics online today.  It was fun to see the dining room set for a chic lunch to celebrate the new Balenciaga exhibit at the de Young Museum and a visit from Hamish Bowles who curated it. 

The Trainas renovated the home and added the conservatory by Amdega. The furniture was designed by Ann Getty who collaborated on the interior design with the couple and interior designer Thomas Britt.

The dining room set for lunch.

I love the pop of pink stemware against all the green in the room.

The chairs were designed by Ann Getty and Andrew Fisher designed the abalone topped tables.  The chandelier was found at Coleen & Company.

The entrance hall is perfect for tricycle riding.  The artwork is Studio Wall Drawing: 13th May 2004 by Keith Tyson.

Another Keith Tyson painting, History Painting (Baden-Baden, 1942) hangs in the entrance gallery.

Thomas Britt thought the red velvet by Sabina Fay Braxton would be the perfect backdrop for Trevor Traina's photography collection.  Queen Elizabeth II, 1999 is by Hiroshi Sugimoto.

Alexis and Trevor Traina with their children in the drawing room.

Thomas Britt also designed the Lucite banister which adds a modern touch to the old house.  Hanging on the stairs is Walking Cake II by Laurie Simmons.  The artist's daughter Lena Dunham wrote, directed and starred in an independent film Tiny Furniture which is also worth checking out.  Hope this colorful home brightened your day!

Photos by Andi Hatch and Francois Halard