Presidential Inauguration Style

Just seven days ago, the President was sworn into his second term of office. If you are a big fan of symbolism and history, know that 21 January 2013 was over-the-top full of it. Inauguration Day was also MLK Day in the 50th year since the March on Washington, the 150th year since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the completion of the dome on the Capitol (for the second time). It was also the day before the 40th anniversary of the momentous Roe v. Wade decision. Although I wanted to drop these pearls of historical trivia, it is not the primary purpose of today's blog post. As so many of you know, the presidential inauguration is a major production filled with design, fashion and style.  I've collected some images from this year's celebration and the celebration four years ago.

The first family graces the podium with style and color. The Obama women prove to be an asset, each color and personality complementing our 44th president (who also opts for a bright red tie).

In 2009, A new birth of freedom, the youth and changing of
the guard marked by the Obama's arrival was punctuated by
a palette from the entire color wheel. (Image: Reuters)

In 2013, Faith in America's future, an older Obama family is 
outfitted in an analogous color palette. 
(Image: tomandlorenzo.com)

Prom, wedding, golden anniversary...inauguration is the closest Americans come to a coronation with all the pomp and circumstance one would expect to accompany the occasion. Do you love typography, paper or political ephemera? Enjoy this.

Clockwise from the top: 2009 commemorative single day
Metro fare card,  DNC Inaugural Reception ticket,  gallery 
exhibit flyer, 2009 Inaugural Staff Ball ticket

Official 2013 Inaugural Invitation with raised presidential 
seal in gold foil

2013 Inaugural Ceremonies Program

Clockwise from top: 2013 commemorative renewable 
Metro fare card, map of ticketed inauguration viewing 
areas, Inauguration Ceremonies ticket, commemorative 
Inaugural Invitation with raised gold foil logo

Instagram: my 2013 Inaugural 
Staff Ball ticket

Many of you are used to seeing the cliche red, white and blue ribbon that adorns the inaugural stage constructed on the west lawn of the capitol every four years.  However, the set production for the inaugural balls is far more elaborate.  These pictures below show stages from the 2009 and 2013 venues. Each features the official inaugural logo. The perfect backdrop for the first couple. The formal white tire attire for POTUS* is both modern and minimal. For each celebration, FLOTUS** opts for a moderately adorned gown in a patriotic color that is flowing and ethereal.

2013: Presentation of the Colors at The Staff Ball

 

White tie & Jason Wu white
silk chiffon (Image: Getty, 2009)

White tie & Jason Wu chiffon &
velvet in regal red (Image: Getty, 2013)

In 2013, the First Couple dances to "Let's Stay Together" as serenaded by 
Jennifer Hudson. In 2009, the First Couple danced to "At Last" 
as serenaded by Beyonce Knowles.  Both songs appropriate for the times. (Image: michellepictures.com)

 
  *POTUS - President of the United States
**FLOTUS - First Lady of the United States

A Pink-tastic Christmas Day!

I staged this Christmas scene in 6th scale with a more is more, Hollywood-glamour type of vibe. Before you ask...the answer is NO---no I couldn't get enough pink! It amped up that glamour factor. My Barbie Collection lives on a narrow vanity in my studio guest bedroom/study made from a mirror hanging over a shelf. You might see a sliver of a miniature black chandelier at the edge of this photo. This hangs above a Jonathan Adler sofa (in Barbie-scale, of course). A lamp and side table also by Adler flank the couch. In the corner, at the edge of the shelf, stands the star of the show---an old pink tinsel Christmas tree (by Paperchase) with a pink mini string of lights. The angel tree topper is made from the tops of two perfume bottles. The body is from L'eau D'Issey and the wings are a cut flower off of the Marc Jacobs' Daisy lid.  Luxurious little gifts clutter at the bottom. What on earth could be better than bags and purses? Good Santa!

Glamorous Tree

Here's a closer look at that gift haul.

The So In Style kids dolls also fair well with Santa. They received plenty of toys and even some props for dress-up.  Tea with the little princess, anyone?

Well, all this beautiful hall-decking did not just miraculously appear, head on over to my Flickr.com photo stream for the details of the decorating story depicted in thumbnails here. 

                        

  

      Good.

Great!

                   

                      I hope your day was indeed merry and bright.

A Dress for Easter Sunday

Spring is here and this weekend is Easter Sunday.  That makes me think of beautiful dresses.  Ivory is fresh, light and should you so choose---the perfect foundation for any color palette.  Here's a round up of some ivory dresses I love. Each reflects the style of a different decade.  Happy Easter and enjoy!

1920s Flapper-style Crepe Dress,
Ralph Lauren Blue Label

1960s Mod-style Shift Dress, M by Missoni

1980s Silk Wrap Dress, Erin Fetherston

Timeless Belted Sheath Dress, Nanette Lepore

This post is part of a Fashion Fridays blog hop hosted by Kori of Blonde Episodes. Check out Fashion Fridays!

Color Combo: Blue N Green

I'm really loving the combination of blue and green.  The cool palette of chartreuse, turquoises, and teals, has given me some inspiration.

a cool color palette

It looks great in clothing, jewelry and accessories like these...

Chiffon Wrap Dress by Kay Unger

Sterling Cuff by Ippolita

"Felicite" Slingback from b by Brian Atwood

Then I found this skirt ensemble from the Proenza Schouler Spring 2012 collection and I used it to inspire this room. (I love playing over at Olioboard. I'm still waiting for Pinterest to respond to my request for an invitation. Ha ha.) Turning fashion into interior design is becoming a new fascination so you might just see some more of these. Tell me, what color combination are you feelin' right now?

This post is part of a Fashion Fridays blog hop hosted by Kori of Blonde Episodes.  Check out Fashion Fridays!

Love Your Shoes

Images via http://cubeme.com

I spyed this lovely piece of furniture recently.  It's a wonderfully simple design that can change and evolve depending on how you fill it---be it with 30 pairs of... 

these



or

these.
Image source: thecontainerstore.com

Though,Yordan Atanasov has named his design "Love Monono" (warning: designer shoes not included) it would nicely showcase any shoes.  I like these...

Slingback Wedge Ankle boot by 
Diane von Furstenberg

Julie by Dolce Vita

Bella by Dolce Vita. Pick any of these up 
from studio7 at Styleowner.com

Here's a nice bonus. He has intended the design be environmentally friendly and specifies that the cabinet should be constructed from recycled plastic or reclaimed wood.  Never mind that I don't have the space, this "Love Manolo" shoe cabinet would be such a fabulous alternative to my current shoe storage option.  

Practical but lackluster storage solution for 
just some of my shoes.

Well, you can't stop a lady from dreaming or getting some design inspiration for that matter. That's my shoe situation.  How do you love store your shoes?

This post is part of a Fashion Fridays blog hop hosted by Kori of Blonde Episodes. 
Check out Fashion Fridays!

Don't Be Afraid of Snakes(kin)

Darien1 Booty (Image Source: Piperlime.com)

I adore these shoes! They are sculptural, sexy, and snakeskin, I mean python-embossed leather. I scooped up a pair of these Darien1 booties at Max Azaria in Georgetown after Christmas at a deep discount.  They are still available through Piperlime.com.  Although these funky beauties are a holdover from last season, it looks like this animal print will continue its popularity throughout the spring.

Kristin Wristlet (Image Source: Coach.com)

Over at Coach.com embossed python leather is featured on this new Kristin Wristlet as well as on many of their other handbags and accessories.  So my appreciation for and excitement over the current It fabric got me thinking, "Can you design a room around this item of clothing?". You remember, like they used to do in Domino Magazine.  (I'll still miss that magazine!)  Well of course you can!  And I did!  In miniature, of course.

I used this fabulous fabric (no animals were harmed in the design of this room---I promise) to upholster two walls in this room and I think they make a great backdrop for the bed. Full disclosure, this room came into being before I purchased my beloved pair of shoes. But that just lets you know that I've been an admirer of snakeskin, er uhm python-embossed leather for some time now.

Here are the details on the goods in this room: pink ant chair by Reac Japan; box spring, mattress and pillows are Kaleidoscope House furniture set; table, tansu step chest, and Marimekko mug by Rement; cell phone was an accessory that came with a mini Bratz doll; plaid teddy bear was a cell phone charm I picked up from a local store that specializes in Asian imports; and the framed photograph, pink neck rolls and Marimekko floorcloth are also custom made by me.