Design Star: Ryan Korban

Recently, I learned of 25 year old "meticulous, self-made" interior designer Ryan Korban (on Elements of Style) and I'm loving his work! Ryan's website www.ryankorban.com even opens with "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. Super cool.

Fun With Words: "Cali"

Sometimes there are words that should never turn into slang. The abbreviated version does no justice for the original term and hearing it used in daily conversations can really make the word sound incredibly annoying. Maybe I'm alone in this. Maybe I'm too observant. But, when people refer to California as "Cali", I ask myself why. Does it really take THAT long to actually say the whole word? I mean those extra 3 syllables are a bit daunting...riiiiiight. I know, I know, we're all SO busy, we just don't have time to say it all. But, please, do me a favor and show some respect for the beautiful State of California. And don't call it Cali. The only person who made the word Cali actually sound cool, was the Notorious B.I.G....cut to, "I'm going going, back back, to Cali." Admittedly, that rap would sound pretty lame if he said California.

Les Hommes

London based trio Les Hommes are top on my playlist this week. Altsounds.com sums up the trio's vibe..."On their eponymous debut album expect to hear cool bossas to cliff-top drives along the Amalfi Coast, full-on pumping dance floor batucadas, and exotic Moog-meets-organ grooves that tap into the images of lost party scenes - all within the confines of a modern organ trio."

Listen to "Intraspettro", "Hommage", "The Forth Homme", "Six & Eight", and "The Way Out."

Home Sweet Home

Studio apartment living doesn't have to look like a temporary living situation. After all it's my home and home is where the heart is. The Hancock Park studio apartment I moved into exactly 2 years ago, went from drab to fab for about $500 in improvements. The right color palette, furniture courtesy of Ikea, Goodwill, Craigslist, my Mom and sister, and designer sampler fabric swatches turned this less than average looking space into a welcoming home. You'll find me here atleast for another year.

Inspiring photos and spaces provide a solid foundation for redesign projects. The Paris apartment style appealed to my personal style and vision for my home.

This photo is courtesy of Teen Vogue circa 2008.

Special shout out to Vanessa of Vanessa + Valentine.

Sunday Night Blues

About this time each Sunday, I reflect on the week ahead and tie up all those loose ends around home that I just won't get to (or want to) once I submerge back into the Monday through Friday routine. So, instead of thinking about it atleast for the next hour...I found some pretty blue pieces to take my mind off all that. Monday will roll around soon enough.

Matthew Williamson + turquoise chiffon = dreams of poolside glamour

The LBD remains namely so...instead the B is for blue.

This Kimono shades of jade mini dress is sexy for cold winter nights as we transition to spring...with just enough coverage in all the right places.

Turquoise NEVER goes out of style. I love these Cabochon dangles.

TWENTY TEN

There's certainly a lot to smile about this time of year. Year in and year out, the clear January LA sky reminds me of new beginnings. This is the time to reflect on the infinite possibilities of the 365 days ahead and how this will be the best year to date.

My get up and go song for today: LOVELY DAY by Bill Withers

"When I wake up in the morning love and the sunlight hurts my eyes. And something without warning love bears heavy on my mind. Then I look at you and the world's alright with me. Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be a lovely day! When the day that lies ahead of me seems impossible to face and someone else instead of me always seems to know the way. Then I look at you and the world's alright with me. Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be...a lovely day!"

Peace and Love in 2010,

Cuvée Chic