Belly's

MEANWHILE IN NEW YORK

I decided to break down my NYC mega-post into a few, shorter posts. That way it won't be too long and heavy to read in one sitting, and the bonus is it will remind me of my lovely vacation for long. So, as usual, let's begin from the end.

On Wednesday (Dec 15th) I headed to SoHo to checkout The New Traditionalists showroom. I was very curious to see what all the buzz what about, and let me tell you- it was even better than I expected. After admiring the Mad Men worthy sign and entrance and the overwhelming loveliness of the team, David showed me around the place, while I happily took crappy photos;)

The finishing on each piece is amazing. I admired them from afar, but stepping closer and realizing how much thought and craftsmanship went into each and every piece made me admire them even more. Felt, Leather, special painting techniques- these furniture look... nurtured, grown by a loving hand. The fact that the furniture is built locally, just proves that.

As a parent who sometimes (who am I kidding? All the time) gets frustrated about the blandness in children's furniture, the sophisticated lines of TNT's kids' line, ducduc, made me squeal inside.

furniture drawings- amazing

Finally, it was time to leave so I could get to my next meeting on time, allowing some time for me to get lost (my sense of direction is virtually non-existent, but somehow losing your way on vacation is so much less frustrating).

I met this talented designer for a yummy falafel. Here we are, as captured by my latest obsession:

sorry for the hat- my ears were freezing!

Karen was even nicer in person, if that's even possible, and after being twitter friends for months we clicked immediately, chatting about design, fashion and life in general... I guess you'll understand a bit more about Karen if I tell you that I miss her already, and we've just met once! (Why can't I have a weekly coffee with my US friends, just for an hour, without getting flights involved??).

Karen just added these dopp kits from her spring 11 collection

Karen walked me to the subway, making sure I won't head in a completely different direction once again, and it was time for my next stop.

To be continued...

 

ps. Have you seen there's a new Lonny out? I haven't gotten to it yet, but I know what I'm going to read in bed tonight!

 

HOME

I'm home at last. Well, I've been home for a week now, but going back to routine took a toll on my time (and on my ability to stay awake... jet lag). Another thing that took time away for my dear blog was writing my first interior design/home decor column for an Israeli fashion magazine (squeal!). Oh, and applying for an interior design school, which I'll be starting this spring, if all goes as planned. There are much more details to be shared about both these news, and I will - giddily - share, sometime very soon.

In New York, I have met so many beautiful people, from the outside too, off course, but I am talking about the inside. This city is no doubt the best in the world, and while I haven't managed to squeeze in everything I planned (I probably wouldn't unless I had a whole year) it is safe to estimate that the inspiration and experiences I derived from this trip will last for months to come.

I will share my stories and pictures soon enough (probably on Monday) but meanwhile I want to thank the amazing group of bloggers whom agreed to jet set with me: Michelle, Christine, Arianna, Raina, Lindsay - I wish I could: a. Meet you, and- b. give you each a ticket to your dream destination.

As you may have noticed, Outfit With a Past is on hiatus, while some wonderful contributors are cooking up delicious posts for us. Check back and enjoy them in two weeks.

And one last thing: I missed you so much! How are my lovely readers doing? Are you excited for the new year?

p.s. i got home just in time to avoid the snow blizzards in nyc, but doesn't liv tyler seem to handle them with all the chic in this world?

 {photo credit: Doug Meszler/Splash News via people.com}

 

the jet set: starfish and sundresses

Hi everyone! Lindsay here from Starfish&Sundresses, a blog about design, style, and all the things on my never ending wish list! I'm so happy to guest blogging today and sharing one of my favorite destinations from a design perspective. Although it's completely aspirational, I instantly thought of the Guest House at Hibiscus Hill when Chedva told me the topic I'd be blogging about. 

Designed by India Hicks, daughter of legendary designer David Hicks, the Guest House at Hibiscus Hill has been a longtime favorite. I can't even tell you how many times I've drooled over the photos in India's book, Island Life.

Located on Harbour Island, the Guest House is equal parts beach chic and British colonial. I can happily envision myself sitting down to a breakfast of tropical fruit in the dining room lined with vintage nautical charts...

I'd have plenty of inspiration for posts when I returned home after sitting at this desk...

This serene bedroom has everything I could want and more for a restful vacation...

Even the details in the bathroom are perfect!

Are you ready to pack a bag yet? 

P.S if you're wanting more, the Cricket Pavilion is also available for rent and is equally fabulous!

the jet set: if the lampshade fits

Anyone who reads my blog If The Lamp Shade Fits knows I am Lady Gaga for Moroccan design.  The handcrafted furnishings,  the complex geometrical motifs, and the richly-colored textiles make for a most delicious decorous lifestyle.  I'm saving up my shekels for a Marrakech holiday and Riyad Al Moussika looks to be a dreamy destination.  Accommodations include airport transportation, three daily meals prepared by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef, and maid service.  Who's in for a girls-only getaway?

the jet set: bijou and boheme

Goodmorning Belly's Button readers. 
I'm Christine from Bijou and Boheme, a blog about all things pretty in the world of fashion, art and interior design.

I'm so pleased to be here today and thank Chedva for asking me to post a little something about my favourite travel destination. 

If asked for my most treasured holiday location, it would easily be Prince Edward Island.

I've been going there every year since birth and simply adore it.

Having said that, this is not the locale I'm choosing to talk about here today.

Chedva asked for my favourite travel spot when thinking in terms of design.

Following this criteria, I choose Belgium without hesitation.

I spent part of my honeymoon there and fell instantly in love with its history, ornate architecture and artistic flare. Belgium enjoys a gloriously balanced sense of style that speaks to my sensibilities.

It's a little mix of antique baroque, Victorian grandeur and Scandinavian modern.

Perfection in my books.

Here's a little tour with some pictures I snapped while I was there.

This photo encapsulates how I felt in Belgium...welcome.

Entering its borders is like opening a door to history that still feels comfortable and warm.

The streets of Belgium's main city of Brussels, are lined with time worn buildings that have a cosmopolitan air about them.

Each shop and storefront is brimming with chic finds waiting to be discovered.

And don't get me started on the restaurants...so luscious.

The city is home to layers of history, stunning architecture and obvious beauty.

The ornate town square is gilded in gold and is a nod to centuries past.

And then there's Bruges...a more intimate Venice.

Water filled canals with wooden boats carry people between intimate restaurants and quaint shops.

One of the most magnificent places I have ever been.

It is serene and lush and so filled with charm.

Belgium truly is an inspirational place.

Both from a design and personal perspective.

I think what endears it to me most is how perfectly its citizens and designers have managed to mix modernity and history.

Belgium is a place where crumbling plaster can sit beside a house made entirely of glass and somehow look like it all belongs.

The result is an understated and unapologetic style that feels comfortably chic.

Thanks to Chevda for having me and for giving me the opportunity to share a little piece of design heaven here on Earth with you.

xo

the jet set: holley and gill

My name is Michelle Carangi and I’m the owner, editor and interiors lover over at Holley & Gill. I knew immediately that New York would be the topic of this guest post as soon as the lovely Chedva asked me to put one together while she was away there. Thank you Chedva for having me here and I do hope you’re having a blast!


I’ve been lucky enough this year to have had the opportunity to visit New York a few times and on every occasion it has knocked me for six. The first time was in the spring and my drive for creating was dulled by a string of trying events but once I had set eyes on its cityscape through the windows of the plane, my heart knew this was what I needed.


New York has the ability to capture every sense in the body and revive it. Your entire being is consumed by the city and all you can do is let it all happen. Exploring the streets with its cobbled roads, small cafes, designer clothing and furniture stores are all so entrancing that it makes you feel as though you could forever be inspired by every one of its boroughs.


I couldn’t feel any more refreshed, renewed and revitalized after visiting this city and when it's all over and I’m back in Montreal, the longing for another whirlwind back to the Big Apple remains a constant hum. If the opportunity presents itself to travel, you can bet New York is always at the top of my list.

the jet set: arianna interiors

Hi everyone it's Arianna here from Arianna Interiors. OK so todays topic is choosing a travel destination that inpires me....If I have to choose a favourite destination it would have to be Italy. I'm always jetting off to Italy in the summer and Christmas, its where my parents come from and it truly feels like home. What is there not to feel inspired by? Everywhere you turn it's one immense inspiration after another. From the landscapes, the Art, the monuments, fashion, interiors and the food, I really could go on and on....

Here's a taster of what to feel inspired by:

1.A photograph that I took while in Sardinia, it truly is paradise! 2.A beautiful interior space by Leonardo Ancona in the heart of Puglia. 3.A photo I took during a romantic break in Rome. This city is totally mesmerising; 4.Another one of my photos of these beautiful valleys in Pisa during Christmas; 5.El Duomo, Florence; 6.A typical Italian food market, aren't the colours to die for? 7.A photo that I took of the Piazza in Siena; 8.A fashion show from Roberto Cavalli, I love these outfits and always find inspiration from fashion; 9.The Vatican Museums; 10.Another interior space with mediterranean décor from Leonardo Ancona; 11.Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel; 12.A photograph I took while one of my walks on the beautiful Tuscan hills during Spring!

A big thank you to Chedva for having me and I hope you all enjoyed my post and found it inspiring in some way or another :)