Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Chinoiserie Chic

As a follow up to my Griffin and Wong post, I thought I would post a little chinoiserie wallpaper inspiration.  I also learned more about the history of the wallpaper from their site and thought you might like to read it as well. 
Chinese silk wallcoverings are one of the earliest global luxury products. Originally, the exclusive domain of Ming Dynasty Chinese nobility, by the 18th Century, the papers  had also been widely adopted by the English and French nobility as the high-water mark of interior design. In France, they were known at the Louis XIV Versailles court as” papiers peints panoramique”. 
 Chinoiserie wallpapers that depicted flowers, birds and butterflies subsequently became the rage of the day with the affluent 18th and 19th Century European Commercial class, and became a standard of elegant living during this period. With the gradual shift of wealth and power to the New World, silk wallpapering followed, and the look became closely associated with the rise of the railroad and manufacturing dynasties of the Vanderbilt, Huntington and Carnegies (many fine examples of silk wallpapering still exist in Newport and other Eastern US historic homes). 


via de Gournay

via de Gournay

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berger residence. 

de Gournay

Marjorie Gubelmann apartment via Elle Decor. 

De Gournay wallpaper in Balfour Castle. 

Tory Burch residence, 

Pauline de Rothschild


Aerin Lauder dressing room. 

Elsie de Wolfe residence. 

via Thomas Jayne

Elsie de Wolfe bedroom. 

via Michael Smith

Pauline de Rothschild residence. 

Ann Getty residence 


Abbotsford House

de Gournay

Aerin Lauder dressing room again. 


Ann Getty residence via Harper's Bazaar.

Martha Angus

Miles Redd via Elle Decor

Jeffrey Bilbuber

Thad Hayes room with Gracie wallpaper. 

via Thomas Jayne.

Janklow residence. 

Sponsor Spotlight: Griffin & Wong

I have first hand experience with many of my blog sponsors which makes it easier for me to recommend them to you.  I dealt with Griffin and Wong when one of my design clients wanted chinoiserie wallpaper in her bedroom.  The project ended up going in a completely different direction but I loved working with Douglas Bray who handles client projects for the company.  I know many people, including my readers, dream about decorating a room with hand painted Chinese wallpaper but the expense can be a huge deterrent.  The best thing about Griffin and Wong is that you can completely customize your order at a reasonable price.  They offer 27 different designs on 22 background colors to mix and match to your heart's content and they can also match any color from Benjamin Moore.  Wait are you waiting for?!  Go forth and decorate!




Monday, December 3, 2012

Happily Everlane After


One of the first things I did when I returned from my last book signing trip was clean out my closet.  I actually had to since I could barely close the door and I really needed to get rid of some stuff.  I read once that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time.  I know what works for me but yet I give in to trying new things and regret it which was why my closet was jam packed with things I never wore. 

From now on, I’m sticking to chic basics dressed up with great jewelry and shoes which makes Everlane perfect for me.  I was thinking about ordering from them for a while but just wasn’t sure about sizing and quality.  Lucky for me, they have a “Not a Shop Pop Up” going on right now in New York.  I stopped by on Sunday and got to try on everything and confirm that it all feels as great as it looks.  You can only buy the cashmere sweaters with elbow patches on site and I look forward to picking up mine this weekend as well as placing an order for a few more, as well as some scarves and belts. I think I might have to make a little more room in the closet again. 

74 Gansevoort Street
at Washington Street
New York, NY 10014
Through December 9, 2012
Open daily 11:00am – 8:00pm














Holiday Giveaway: Ex Voto Vintage

I may not have gotten any gift guides up yet but I do have a holiday giveaway for you.  Ex Voto Vintage is generously offering one lucky Habitually Chic reader their Minny Necklace with Laurel LocketThe necklace was named after their friend Octavia Spencer's "Minny" character from the film The Help. Octavia wore this necklace on several occasions when promoting the movie and now it can be yours.  

To enter, please "like" Ex Voto Vintage on their Facebook page and leave a comment under this post saying if you will keep the necklace for yourself or give it away as a gift. Anyone who emails me directly will be disqualified. Please note that the locket will not be engraved.  One entry per person through 11:59pm on Friday, December 7, 2012. A winner will be announced on Saturday, December 8, 2012. Good luck!

This giveaway has ended and Jennifer Newman has won.  Good luck next time to everyone else!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Chic Reading: WSJ Magazine

I had to go to multiple stores yesterday to find a copy of the Wall Street Journal with the December WSJ Magazine insert.  If you missed it yesterday, you can luckily read all the stories online.  You should definitely read All the Pretty Houses about designer Daniel Romualdez and his gorgeous homes seen here and also the features on Herve van der Straeten and John Derian. Happy reading!














Photography by John Spinks

Saturday, December 1, 2012

December



















I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.

'We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,'
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.



- Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing