Spotlight on: The Frederick R. Weisman Foundation

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of touring one of the most interesting and comprehensive contemporary art collections through the Weisman Foundation. The foundation was created by Frederick R Weisman-a voracious art collector and friend of many artists featured in his collection. The tour takes place at the former Weisman estate in Holmby Hills-he and his wife, Billie, wanted visitors to experience art in the intimacy of their home and how they lived with art. Their collection is magnificent-the tour covers over 400 works of art in 1.5 hours!  Here are some of my personal favorites as well as a few for pure shock value. To learn more about the collection and to reserve a tour click here.

My absolute favorite painting in the entire collection was this De Kooning:

De… read more

Favorite New Find:Lost Art Salon

I lov, love, love the article in the May 2011 issue of Town and Country about Lost Art Salon. Lost Art Salon is a  gallery located in San Francisco that specializes in curating “salon-style” art arrangements for private clients. Their website has hundreds of affordably priced, small-scale pieces that the two owners will group together depending on specific preferences to create a gallery of art that looks haphazard but is actually very carefully planned. Here are some of my favorite picks from their site. And, by the way, I want this job!!

Eye Candy: Art and Accessories

Life has been crazy-I recently moved in with my boyfriend and got a new job with the talented Ruthie Sommers! I like change and embrace it. It is always fun and exciting. Also-today is the launch of High Gloss Magazine  -a new online lifestyle magazine. I’m proud and happy to announce that I will be a contributing editor-look for my feature in this issue-Room and Wardrobe.

Entertaining with Valerie Gordon: Valentine’s Day

I’d like to think that Valerie Gordon of Valerie Confections needs no introduction. If you have ever tried her Almond Fleur de Sel toffee-you know why…she is an expert confectioner who has mastered the art of her craft.

Tastemaker: Elyse Walker’s Resort Essentials

I was thrilled when super stylish Elyse Walker, owner of her eponymous boutique, agreed to share her top resort picks with me. Elyse is extremely well-versed in the language of fashion with over a decade in the business as a stylist and boutique owner. Her boutique is a Pacific Palisades Institution and she now has an e-commerce site and magazine that rivals Net-A-Porter!  Be sure to take a look-see over at her site-you won’t be disappointed except for the fact that you might be tempted to buy something fantastic!

Pretty in Pink…and Blue

It’s amazing when you see one thing and it reminds you of something else which reminds you of something else, etc.. And then all of a sudden your blog post just comes together! That’s what happened with all these beautiful watercolor-inspired objects in pale pink and blue.

Guest Post: Shannon Wollack- 8 Days of Hanukkah!

Shannon from Life. Style has amazing taste-here are her picks for her 8 days of Hanukkah at every price point.

Hanukkah has arrived earlier than usual this year and that means gifts come early too! Here are eight items from my Hanukkah wish list; four luxe gifts and four items under $100. I would love any of these items to wear at holiday soirees throughout December. Happy holidays and I am looking forward to breaking latkes with Michal at her Hanukkah party this weekend!

Rachel Rachel Roy Dress

Leifsdottir Dress

J. Crew Emerald Cuff

Kate Spade Necklace

TOMS Glitters

Lanvin Pony Ballet Flats

Zipper Clutch

Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch

Thanks Shannon-Looking forward to Sunday also!

Gift Guide: Style Curator

In case you missed it over at Rikshaw Designs! Gifting is one of my favorite past times-here are my picks for the holiday season!

For the Travelista

Louis Vuitton 2011 European City Guide Box Set

John Robshaw Luggage Tag

J Crew Snakeskin Passport Cover

For the Fashonista

YSL Arty Ring

Kendall Conrad Snakeskin Cosmetic Case

Madewell Scarf

For The Decorista

William Yeoward Tatiana Hurricane

Bone Inlay Box

Peter Dunham for Natural Curiosities Circles Art Print

Happy Gifting!

Style Curator’s Most Wanted

I’ve been neglecting my blog! I’m sorry. Work and life got in the way, and I needed a little break..but I’m back and hope you enjoy my weekly wishlist.

Spotlight on: Geometric and Bone Inlay Accessories

I think it’s safe to say that all Lonny readers went crazy for Callie Jenschke’s apartment in the Aug/Sept issue of Lonny and more specifically, her geometric glassware showcased on her bar. Well, those glasses have haunted me-I love them and really would like to find something similar. In the meantime, to fill the void, I’ve found other accessories that fit the bill.

Room and Wardrobe: Cat Moves

This edition of Room and Wardrobe is all about  a femme fatale that can not only pour a stiff cocktail, but can drink any man under the table without missing a step.  Let’s break it down…

Style Curator Cheat Sheet: An A+ Home Bar

In case you missed the post on design refuge-here it is!  As the holidays approach, a well-stocked bar is an important element of any holiday soiree. Here are some tips to make sure you make the grade!

The Anchor, The Workhorse, The Layer-Fall’s Essentials

Although it’s October, it’s been feeling more like August. Yet that doesn’t mean that Fall hasn’t been on my mind. Here are some pieces for room and wardrobe that will  get you through the season and beyond separated into 3 categories-the anchor, the workhorse, the layer.

Love List-Cool and Calm Edition

These past few days, I’ve been needing to remind myself to stay cool and calm (even though I want to do the exact opposite AND YELL AT SOME PEOPLE!!!!!) Here are some favorite finds that  are helping me out…and I must remind myself that deep breaths and less attitude will serve me well.

Trending Now: Beetles and Bugs

A true but  little known Style Curator fact. When I was in high school, I had a collection of preserved beetles up on my wall (a gift from my father). I had such a fascination with colorful beetles that when I turned 18, I immortalized my collection with a beetle tattoo (which I regret every. single. day.) But I decided to revisit my fascination with the beetle and I was pleasantly surprised at the unexpected places these little guys made an appearance.

Abbot Kinney All-Stars

On days like today (record LA heat!), I feel luckier than ever to live in Los Angeles and spend most of my time in Venice. Abbot Kinney is the main hub of Venice and there are some true knock out stores-here are some that get my All-Star Vote!

I’m not much of a bike rider , yet if i’m going to do something , I like to do it in style, thus a Linus Bike. Mine should be arriving in a few weeks along with a great little wire basket for trips to the Farmer’s Market.

Kendall Conrad has been designing handbags for the past few years and she recently opened a store on AK. Her shapes and colors are classic. And they are reasonably priced. I love the Snakeskin Cosmetic… read more

A Socal State of Mind

The sun is finally shining and it feels like summer. I was inspired by Ione Skye’s bedroom designed by David Netto. A little hanging rattan chair , and cool local pottery and pillows definitely create that sunny Socal vibe.

Esther Pottery, Two’s Company Hanging Rattan Chair, New pillow collection from Heidi Merrick, room by David Netto.

Spotlight on: Creating an Inviting Guest Room

Besides having a comfortable bed with fresh, crisp linens, a few amenities make a world of difference when creating an inviting guest room. It’s important to make house guests feel comfortable in the room they are staying in-so they don’t constantly need to be asking for things. Here’s a good start….

Love List Weekend Edition

I’m feeling a bit under the weather but I wanted to share some of my favorite finds with all of you. I hope you enjoy!

Love List

LA Hopping

Summer has come and gone. The long weekend was relaxing and rejuvenating. I ended up in a few different sections of LA all weekend from The Taste of Beverly Hills to the Lumberyard in Malibu to Venice (my home away from home) and Brentwood (my home) Here are some favorite stores that I visited.

Inspiration: Black and Camel Classics

Black and Camel look perfect together, throw in leopard, cream, and gold for an added dose of chic.

Quick Post: Things I’m Looking Forward To…

A quick post today. Work has been nutty, I leave for vacation soon (see below), and these are the things I’m looking forward to.

A family vacation to Maui-leaving tomorrow. I’m ready for a little sun and relaxation.

Just what is missing from the Brentwood Country Mart-an upscale market/larder.  Farmshop , Jeffrey Cerciello’s latest venture will fill the void. It should be great-he is the chef behind Bouchon and Ad Hoc.

Camel is dominating the Fall runways, and  I’m looking forward to punctuate it all with shots of Hunter green.

I love this tote from J. Crew.

The Renzo Piano designed Resnick Pavilion at LACMA opens in… read more

Love List 8/20/10

This week has been busy-lots to do at work, busy with friends, and trying (really trying) to blog more often-next week already seems like it will be crazier! But I’ve managed to pull together some favorites, so I hope you enjoy.

Habitually Chic did a great post on style icon, Aerin Lauder after she was profiled in T Magazine. I adore her bar set up. I love the dark, masculine colors and her amazing selection of art-definitely one to add to the inspiration file!

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I recently  purchased this dress from Maje a cool small French label with great prices. -available at Net-A-Porter. I find it to be the best multi-tasker day to night dress. It… read more

Quick Pick-Paule Marrot

A quick little post today! I am head over heels for these soft, beautiful framed textiles from artist Paule Marrot available through Natural Curiosities and Anthropologie. I think they are the perfect palette for art in a bedroom-the hard part is deciding which I like the best.



The Love List

What do all these items have in common? Well they just happen to be my favorite things  of the week. I stumbled across these  bottles from Made Goods-a wonderful resource for mirrors, furniture, and objects. I think I’d like them for my den. I also love these lapiz lazuli boxes-a great accent for a coffee table, desk, or to stash jewelry. I am swooning over the Chloe  Clutch from up and comer designer Heather Belle. The tie dye pattern and ultra saturated colors are a must for Fall. My favorite is the purple. This  inspiration shot from the recent issue of Lonny Mag is perfect for my bedroom redo-I love the ikat duvet cover and the casualness of the bed. My friend and fellow blogger Capella introduced me to the… read more

New Additions to Blogs I ♥

It’s so hard to keep up with all my favorite blogs-but please check my list for my new additions! I love each blog for different reasons: Mrs Lilien for her sharp wit and tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, Orchard 11 for her fun layouts and solid travel and design information, Alexis in Napa for a true Insider’s Guide to Napa Valley, From the Right Bank for endless inspiration, and Lox Papers for her brilliant collages and great resources. Ok all you graphic design bloggers-teach me what you know! Don’t you think Graphic designers win the award for best blog layouts?? I want to learn how!

Quick Picks-Back to School Edition

Remember the good old days of back to school shopping? Right around this time, my sister, Dad and I would take our annual trip up to San Francisco with the sole intention of shopping, and then shipping our loot back down to us. Here are the items I would choose for my adult version of my back to school list. … read more

Love List-Guest Edition-Capella Kincheloe

Style Curator loves having guests over and learning about new resources, so I was thrilled when Capella entertained the idea to blog swap for the day. Capella is the founder of Capella Kincheloe Interior Design based in Atlanta, Georgia. She and I worked together at Michael Smith and she has since spread her wings to start her own interior design business. She also writes A Curated Lifestyle-a go to blog for DIY ideas, great design inspiration, and a fresh approach to challenging design dilemas. Capella is super talented and she has really drummed up a great business for herself. Keep her on your radar because when she’s famous, you can say you read about her first! Make sure to check her post on A Curated Lifestyle where I answer my favorites a… read more

The Love List 8.6.10

I must admit-the week went by rather quickly, but still Summer is at bay here in Santa Monica. This was a very exciting week for me as I was mentioned in C Magazine-one of my all time favorite publications. If anything, the recent bit of press will make me more motivated to blog more frequently. Enjoy this week’s love list

Love List 8.1.10

Summer where are you? It is August and you are just now making an appearance. Well these favorite have gotten me through the gloom-they are arty, they are interesting, and they add a much needed pop until the sun decides to come out. Enjoy!

The Love List-Moving Edition

Moving makes me want to buy, buy, buy! Here are a few accessories I’m loving (and think I’m needing) now.

What Home Means to Me

This week, I’m delighted to share What Home Means To me as part of the Pin-It-Forward series. Pin-It Forward was created by the lovely Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay and the founders of Pinterest-a new bookmarking tool to keep all those inspirational clippings organized in one place. 300 bloggers were invited to describe what home means to them. Please visit my Pin-it Forward board and make sure to visit tomorrow’s Pin-It Forward blogger- Your Life You Like It Well.

The Love List-6.21.10

With time at a premium these days, I’ve decided to cut back on blogging. One day, I’ll be back on a more regular basis, but for now, it’s going to be once a week. My favorite posts to write have always been Friday Favorites, so that will be the direction for my weekly posts. You can always follow me daily on twitter (@style_curator) I hope you enjoy the weekly Love List. So, here it is!

Spotlight on: Summer Essentials

I apologize for my lack of posts-work got busy and I felt uninspired. Here are my favorite essentials that would make any summer day feel like a much deserved vacation on a beautiful beach somewhere in the world.

Spotlight on: Travel Guides

I travel a fair amount and I’m always curious about what to see, where to shop, where to eat, etc. But I have pretty specific taste and I’ve come to rely upon some really great sources that meet my needs as a traveler. I’ve traveled a few places with some of the guides and have newly discovered one or two, so I think you will enjoy these guides as much as I have.

Spotlight on Marketplace Cafes

I recently watched It’s Complicated, and like many of you immediately fell in love with the set decoration. The house is amazing, but I really loved the Bakery/Marketplace Meryl Streep’s character owns. Then I went to Atlanta over the weekend and walked into Star Provisions and I felt like I was on the It’s Complicated set. So I decided to round up my favorite marketplace/cafes. They all have a similar aesthetic-a bit industrial, a bit rustic, with a modern yet traditional sensibility. There is something about industrial lighting, communal, rustic tables mixed with great chairs and really good food that makes me happy.

Friday Favorites-Tie Dye Edition

We all know that tie-dye has been an incredibly popular pattern for Spring fashion. So I decided to round up a few tie-dye prints in fashion, home, and art-Happy Friday!

Style Curator’s Best of Beauty

I am a self-confessed product junkie. Without fail, I always want to try the latest lipstick, serum, bronzer, etc. If a sales associate tells me something is Limited Edition, I want it even more. I do my fair share of research on products, but even then, I’ve been disappointed and it makes me regret not buying my trusty, fail-safe products. So, here they are….

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites-gearing up for a relaxing weekend and spending Mother’s Day with my mom and family in Malibu-looking forward to taking a long walk on the beach and being low key.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about that perfect gift for Mom. Spoil her with chic, fashionable accessories for herself and her home. It’s the day to appreciate everything Mom has done for you and forget about all the moments she embarrassed you. Here are my picks…

Cinco de Mayo Chic

It’s time to rethink Cinco de Mayo-here are five classy ways to fiesta in style….

Spotlight on The Met 2010

Last week, I posted some memorable looks from previous years. Today is all about last night. The Costume Institute Gala is considered the East Coast’s Oscars-a who’s who list striving to make some best dressed list. Here are my top picks…

Friday Favorites

Looking forward to a weekend of relaxing and catching up. It has been a long week! Here are my five favorites that have inspired me this week. Be back on Monday!

Spotlight on: The Met Costume Institute Gala

Perhaps one of the biggest fetes for the fashion world is the Costume Institute Gala held ever year at the Met. This year the gala will be hosted by Oprah, Patrick Robinson, and Anna Wintour . The theme for this year is American Women: Fashioning a National Identity. The exhibition that coincides with the Gala will take a closer look at how women from 1890-1940 have shaped our definition of the Modern Woman.With the event just around the corner, the fashion world, philanthropic world, and Hollywood are gearing up for one of the biggest nights, and we are all anticipating who will be on various best dressed lists. Here is a look back at some standout looks from the previous five years.

Recharged, Refreshed, and One Year Older

I had a great time in New York celebrating my 31st birthday. Spent the most beautiful Saturday strolling up Madison Ave ducking into Barney’s, Bergdorfs, and J. Crew. Spent a rainy Sunday in SoHo lunching and shopping some more. I made the decision to unplug while I was away and therefore came back with not one picture taken on my camera, not one new NY-centric blog post, and barely a tweet. And guess what-it feels great. I love being constantly connected, however, it is just as nice to take a little break and live in the moment rather than think about my next post, tweet, or what pictures I feel like using. However, here are things that refreshed and recharged me while I was away.

Friday Favorites

This is an extra special edition of Friday Favorites! My birthday is on Sunday and I’m heading to New York-so I have a lot to look forward to. Here are my weekly picks of things that make me happy.

Earth Day Edition

This Earth Day marks the 40th anniversary of this very important mission to help our planet. In the past 40 years Earth Day has become much more than a day to promote recycling. It is a day about learning the core issues behind Earth Day-conservation, climate change, and a greener way of life. It is also about taking action, so how do you plan on celebrating Earth Day this year? I’ve rounded up a collection of my favorite Earth Day endorsed products.

Spotlight on: Roman and Williams

I’m heading out to NYC this weekend to celebrate my birthday. One of my favorite design teams from New York is Roman and Williams. Former set designers, Stephen Alesch and Robin Standefer formed Roman and Williams a few years ago and set up shop in NYC. Some of their clients include Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor and Kate Hudson. Most recently, they designed The Ace Hotel and The Standard Hotel in NYC. While I’m not staying at either, we are having dinner at the Standard Grill (also designed by them) so it will be fun to see their aesthetic in person.

On my Radar: Mexico: Modernizing Traditions

Certain parts of Mexico have had a long history as a creative enclave fueled by passionate artists and bohemian expats. Mexican textiles, arts, and pottery have long been inspirational from Frida Kahlo’s bright paintings to traditional woven textiles to traditional artisan trades re-imagined by contemporary designers. The beauty, creativity, and resurgence of “what is old is new again” of Mexico is definitely on my radar as a boho-luxe treasure chest.

Friday Favorites

It’s my favorite day of the work week which means it’s time for Friday Favorites. This week, I am focusing on prints and patterns-The NY times had a great article yesterday about how to mix prints and I feel like they are popping up everywhere this Spring. Enjoy

Riding Around Town

I was blown away by the May issue of Elle. It was the green issue, but also had a really beachy, free-spirited twist. I caught myself tearing out tons of pages for reference. So I came up with my picks for riding around town-beach style. My picks were inspired by the darling shop featured on their website-Tauk. Imagine cruising around on your bike running errands, having picnics, and enjoying the sunshine.

Spotlight on: Commune Design

I have mentioned the design concept behind Commune a few times here on SC. They are responsible for the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, many retail/commercial spaces, a really cool shop, but my favorite are their residential projects. Commune’s mission is the collective focus on enhancing life through design. They not only do interior design, but specialize in branding, graphic design, and even represent a handful of photographers. They are a design firm after my own heart-eclectic, free-spirited, and fueled by a passion for doing what you love!

Neutral Accents

Lately, I’ve been really into neutral fashion accessories, especially shoes and purses. So it got me thinking about neutral accents for the home. I usually post on bright and colorful interiors, but boho-luxe can be done in earth tones also-the trick is to vary the textures of the accessories. Here I’ve compared a few accessories for the home to their closet counterpart.

Inspired by: J Crew Fall 2010

If J. Crew’s Fall preview is any indication of what fall will look like-than we can expect an earthy palette of rust, olive, and camel with a shot of peacock blue. The colors go beautifully together. I love the subtly of the colors juxtaposed with the luxury of the fabrics. As usual fashion translates to home. Here are some pieces inspired by J Crew Fall 2010.

Friday Favorites

Oh, Fridays-how I love you. This week flew by and I hope our sunny weather continues into the weekend. Here are my picks for Friday Favorites-things that have inspired or captivated me or things I simply can’t get out of my mind. Hope you enjoy…

One Kings Lane Presents Tastemaker Tag Sales

If you haven’t already heard, One Kings Lane is hosting its very first Tastemaker Tag Sale this Saturday, featuring one of my favorite designers-Nathan Turner. Every Saturday, a different tastemaker will curate an exciting, eclectic mix of vintage finds; one-off samples; décor and furniture from their own branded line.

Room to Tabletop

I look forward to the day when I can set a fabulous table for an intimate dinner party. Matthew Williamson’s London living room is a favorite of mine. The room’s eclectic patterns and colors were a fun springboard to use to find tableware. Here’s what I came up with…

Ideas for the Foot of the Bed

The other day, a friend had asked my opinion of my top 3 Suzanis to use at the foot of her bed. I love suzanis. I love the global appeal, the vibrant colors, and the interesting patterns. However, I feel like they have become slightly overused. It got me thinking-what else would add color, interest, and a sense of worldliness to an otherwise simple, white bed. I guess I’m more drawn to the graphic patterns rather than the swirls and florals that dominate suzanis. Here are my choices…

Piles of Pillows

Pillows are hands down my favorite accessory. They truly transform a room from boring to beautiful and really finish a space. I like a heavy mix of pillows-full of great patterns and colors. The best thing about pillows is they can be changed without a lot of hassle. Try changing them seasonally to instantly update a home from a Winter/Fall feel to a Spring/ Summer feel. In my opinion, the more pillows the better. Here are some great examples of piles of pillows.

Style Curator Local Favorites-Montana Ave

Every morning I am so thankful that I live in a cute, bright apartment a block and half off Montana Ave in Santa Monica. Montana has always been a chic shopping destination, however, over the past year many stores closed down. But in the last few months or so there is a small resurrection of stores cropping up and the stores that have lasted seem revitalised. Here are my favorite stops…

Moroccan Wedding Blankets

Moroccan Wedding Blankets have often been blogged about, and for good reasons they are simply gorgeous. The blankets or handira are hand-loomed from sheep’s wool and cotton in small villages throughout Morocco. Prospective brides and relatives sew by hand each sequin. The blankets are said to protect the user from the evil eye.

Spotlight on: Suno

Over the weekend, I popped into Barneys just to browse and, of course, came home with a new purchase-from Suno -a small New York based clothing line full of tribal prints and flowing textures.

Under Construction

Dear Readers,
Thank you for visiting Style Curator Blog-a place for well edited ideas for stylish living. We are continuing to import posts onto the home page slider. In the meantime, please click on the categories above to find all your favorite archived SC posts. And continue visiting for new posts added daily. We appreciate your patience as we complete this rather tedious task. Any feedback on the layout of the new blog is greatly appreciated! xo, SC

Thank you for visiting Style Curator Blog-a place for well edited ideas for stylish living. Your support, comments, and links mean the world to us! We are continuing to import posts onto the home page slider. In the meantime, please click on the categories above to find all your favorite archived SC posts. And continue visiting for new posts added daily. We appreciate your patience as we complete this rather tedious task. Any feedback on the layout of the new blog is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Style Curator