It's summer time..pop your collar...

"People ask how can a Jewish kid from the Bronx do preppy clothes?Does it have to do with class and money? It has to do with dreams." -Ralph Lauren

There are few people who do the preppy lifestyle better than Ralph... I love Ralph Lauren because you can look at him (in jeans or a tuxedo) and know exactly what his home must look like...or at least I do...
I love people watching, I am shameless I know...but it is one of the huge perks of DC- best people watching! But because I have a mild to severe obsession with fashion, design and personal style, when I people watch and see someone interesting, I immediately try to imagine what their home must be like... So I have decided to challenge myself on this...

So what does this guy's home look like? 

based solely on this outfit...

his classic- slightly over the top dramatic bedroom (complete with pottery barn bedding)

I'm a bit torn on his dining room- either of these would suit him!

Oh look- his friends agree with me!

Longue or Lounge...

Use the American spelling (lounge)or the French (longue)but no matter what the Chaise is possibly one of my favorite things...and yes I know I have a lot of favorite things- a girl can change her mind and have many many favorites.

The traditional French chaise longue typically has a carved wooden frame to accent the upholstery and is more long and narrow than the American versions that has gained in popularity. The American versions lean more toward the sofa roots than the chair roots of this unique piece of furniture.

I instantly think of these pieces for bedrooms as a glamorous and romantic place to quietly read a book or curl up and chat on the phone with an old friend and a cup of tea... or a very chic place to pile laundry ( I mean really-let's be honest here!)

Yet these hybrid chairs have been adopted into living rooms around the world. The growing popularity of media rooms has thrust the chaise style into the main stream as they have started sprouting off the ends of sectional sofas.

They have also become sleek pieces of art that make a dramatic statement. I think a more modern updated chaise or bench is a great option instead of a love seat in a living room where you don't want a heavy uphostery piece or where you have a view you don't want to block.

I have wanted one for my bedroom for a long time...and low and behold my Fairy Godmother has granted my wish! I came home from my weekend with my aunt with one in my car! It is a little loved but it is in great shape and I can't wait to spruce it up. It is a traditional French version much like this one.

So now I get to do a little planning to make it my own... and once i make a decision I will share some before and after pictures. But oh what to do with it?

Do I use this as an excuse to use one of my favorite fabrics Paradiso Sky by LuLuDK

Keep it feminine and romantic (and use a little purple to make the Laker Fan happy)??

Really amp it up with a bold modern in a bright color?

Play it safe with a luxe neutral?

Graphic and modern to update it?

Keep it true to it's roots and use classic French Ticking Stripes?

With such a classic piece of furniture this is going to be a hard decision because I really think anyway I go it will be the most perfect addition to my bedroom!

photos: Calico Corner, LuLuDk, French Quarter, Casa Nova, DecorPad, Lifeshop, John Houshmand

Librarian Chic...

I give my sister a really hard time about 95% of the time...ok 98%. As I have mentioned previously we are different, a bit like peanut butter and jelly -totally opposite but compliment each other and belong together..in that comparison I would say she is the reliable more healthy peanut butter that everyone loves and I am the messy, likely to stain colorful jelly that people either love or hate. For the record I think you must have both together otherwise you really are just missing out...
So while I love bold graphic modern and my favorite color is Hot Pink my sister is classic and a bit more refined and sensible than me...I call it Librarian Chic! So in her honor today, (it's her birthday today!) I shall go a bit more sensible and tap into my inner Librarian and try to impart my most favorite chic findings.

I am going to skim right over the obvious mentioning of books and head right to what I believe is the essence of a good library...the sofa. The chesterfield sofa is synonymous with libraries...it's classic lines and tufting make for a cozy spot to curl up and read a good book. And leather is a must in a library, it will age and become as timeless as a good classic.

A solid desk is key as are good shelves. But I think just as important in the modern library is a small bar... OK so maybe not so sensible but come on- you know it is a good idea. Since everyone might not be a fan opt for a cabinet style that you can close up or go for a bar cart that you can wheel out when necessary- War and Peace goes down a lot smoother on the rocks.

Every library needs good lighting... and layers of it! Keep it moody with overhead fixtures on a dimmer and add in a layer to read by either with floor lamps or wall swing arms in more updated finishes and styles.

Cozy Cardigans are a must to keep you warm while reading- I personally think the cardi has come a long way since Mr. Rogers and am pretty sure these from Anthropologie would make me feel smarter

Classic desk accessories add a touch of nostalgia to the library and help out in solving impromptu geography debates... 

And every good librarian need some sassy glasses to toss off as she lets her hair down... So my sweet sissy, on your birthday make sure you toss off the glasses and let your hair down! Have a fabulously chic birthday!

photos: Anthropologie, Hudson Hotel, Barnes and Noble, Roost, HabituallyChic, Sara Gilbane Interiors

Is it an Eagle or a Dragon???

While some people like to think it is the claw of a Griffin (mystical dragon creature that dates back to the 1500's) it is undoubtedly the claw of an eagle...even if it was the claw of a griffin because they were believed to have the body of a lion with the claws,head and wings of an eagle. Regardless of what creature it is modeled after the claw-and-ball foot is one of the most intricate furniture designs to master, and one of the scariest to me as a child.

As a child I had nightmares that out furniture would come alive and crawl around the house with those creepy talons.... As I have grown up I have come to appreciate it a bit more. It is one of the most difficult carvings for a craftsman to master, because if it is not perfect it just doesn't work... The claw-and-ball foot started appearing on furniture in the early 1700's typically with a Cabriole style leg. In England these feet became popular on mahogany wing chairs during the reigns of Queen Anne and George I. On this side of the pond claw-and-ball feet  became the staple foot of the American "Chippendale" period. The claw-and-ball foot also started replacing the pad food on high chests-of-drawers in the mid to late 1700's.  Most crafted in and around Philadelphia by immigrants that had apprenticed under European Rococo furniture makers. This style became extremely popular in American cities among the gentrified set.

Over a hundred years later this popular foot found itself propping up cast iron tubs and today it remains a symbol of fine craftsmanship. Today the claw-and-ball foot is no longer shown off with just a lovely stain...they are getting delicate patina finishes and fresh lacquer finishes that help bring this classic foot into a   new generation of furnishings. Instead of classic upholstery patterns antiques are also getting a new life with more updated fabrics like the pink claw-and-ball footed daybed.

Kohler's even updated their classic claw foot tub for the new generation

However, the most refreshing thing to happen to the classic claw-and-ball is Virgina based wood crafter Jake Cress. One time actor turned woodworker, Jake, has made my childhood nightmare a piece of art with his whimsical take on traditional furniture.

Even trend setters Arteriors Home are nodding at the historical foot with their Lola Table

Eagle or Griffin call it what you will, but this somewhat scary foot is here to stay...

photos: Jake Cress, Arteriors Home, Hickory Chair, Reeves Antiques, WoodWorkingTag, The Ball and Claw.