I Am ::

xo

RH

Welcome Back :: Domino

Hello lover!

I'm so excited to hear that Domino is finally, officially back!

The interest and love that magazine garnered was so strong that I was (honestly) surprised to hear it had ended to begin with.

But hey, after a couple years and several rumors that it was (possibly resurfacing), Domino has emerged, as beloved as ever.  


...and actually, probably even better than ever.





3 Reasons Domino is Better:

1. They're back.  After 4 years + an economy that killed plenty of magazines.  Enough said.
2. You can basically order right from the website now, as you read the features.  And have it delivered straight to your door.
3. Obviously the online component is great.  Because I used to have to just lug all the magazines around with me when moving from apartment to apartment - and that got heavy.

Now, you can start the week off right and peruse the revamped, online magazine all evening long.  Happy Monday everyone.


xo

RH

Cute Halloween Ideas

I'm not really into the whole dressing-up-for-Halloween thing, and truthfully only a handful of stylish candy-lovers actually ever make it to my door... but these are such adorable looks that I just had to post this for all those harassed moms out there who haven't even thought about the "mini holiday" happening in about two weeks from now.

Here are some ideas:

The classic LBD, pearls, sunglasses, + the latest Vogue Magazine rounds out the perfect look.

Iris Apfel is known for her colorful, creative, crazy looks...why not let the kids have fun?

Bill's outfit has, for years, consisted of the khaki/tan slack, blue jacket, and camera.  So easy!

Go big or go home has never been so appropriate as when dressing up like ALT.


So, who's going to win this year's Halloween costume contest?  



xo,

RH

A Little Laugh for the Day

In favor of it being Monday - traditionally an important day because of the enormous amount of energy required to start the week off right - here's a little laughter for you all.

I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt because he seems to enjoy life and not take himself (or his celebrity status) too seriously.  Plus, he always dresses nice, and I love when guys take the extra time to dress nice...aka, like adults, not lazy college bums.

So, here he is, having a lip-synching contest on Jimmy Fallon.  Because he apparently thought he needed to be even cuter than he already is.  Watch it.  And then tell me who you think should win.  You know who I pick.



hahaha.  Happy Monday!

xo

RH

Making :: Beef Burgundy Soup

YUM!  Happy soup day.

Ingredients ::

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 (8-ounce) containers sliced baby portobello mushrooms

1 (1-pound) bag carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 pounds top round steak, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces

3 quarts beef broth

2 (10.5-ounce) cans beef consomme

2 1/2 cups dry red wine -- the alcohol is cooked out if you care about this

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 (12-ounce) package wide egg noodles

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

Directions ::

In a large Dutch oven (or something similar), heat olive oil over medium heat.  

Add mushrooms, carrots, onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.

Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add steak, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add beef broth, beef consomme, wine, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt.

Bring to boil, then add egg noodles, and cook for 10 minutes. 

Stir in thyme.

Enjoy!!  (Makes 10-12 servings)

xo

RH

Black + White

There is something so elegant and crisp about a black + white photo.  Sure, watching a movie in color is more fun...and sometimes it's more easy to distinguish what is happening in the background, but give me a photo in black + white over color any day if you are trying to tell me a story.  

I almost think the emotion in a classic black + white photo is more easily established.  Nothing is distracting you from looking straight into the soul of the captured image.  And the reality is stark, which lends for a more defined connection with the picture.

Colored photos are fun and energetic.  Black + White photos are timeless. 

"Practical conversation in French by 9-year-olds."Here waiter asks gentleman to approve the wine, as lady consults French menu. New York’s Hunter College, 1948. |  By Nina Leen

Army Chaplain Eugene A. Turner distributing Bibles to soldiers during The Second World War.

Tom Hardy

If I could, I would probably turn my house into a gallery, and like in a museum, I would create one section for just large, simple, elegant black + white photos.  I am just so drawn to them...wondering what the photographer was trying to create; what was the subject thinking or feeling; what was the societal mood at the time of the photo?

Lady in coat at restaurant.

Paris

What do you think?  Would you decorate your house, or a specific room in your house, using only black + white photos?  Or do you incorporate all different sizes, shapes, and colors into all rooms?

Write me a note below! 


x,

RH

Watching :: Oscar's Fashion Show

“Dot calm” – Oscar de la Renta
Watch their spring 2014 show live on www.oscardelarenta.com Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30pm EST.


Can't wait!  I love September NYFW!

x

RH

Have a Colorful Day

I'm loving pictures with big bright pops of colors today...(well, any day really).  Bright colors make me so happy and energized.  

If I had a big old house with too many rooms to count, I would probably designate each room a different color.  However, since that isn't the case, I find that it is easiest to just decorate my simple, small living spaces in neutral colors, and then add one or two big pieces of art that "pop".  Then I may add a few complimentary color touches, such as a throw, carpet, giant vase of flowers, etc.  

via Our Labor of Love

Once upon a time, for a school project many years ago, I had to do a paper on the psychology of colors.  "Green symbolizes growth and blue is calming, red is energizing, yellow is happy and cheerful, ... and so on and so on..."  Yes, my paper was much longer and much more in-depth than that, but you get the general idea.  Colors have meanings.  And it is true that colors really can change or improve your mood.  

Do you find yourself wearing one or two, or three colors more often than the others?  Do you lean towards certain decorating schemes in your house, or apartment, or shoebox?  Do you have a favorite color?  What does it say about you, your moods, and your personality?

via ms seductive

Now, having worked in the Fashion Industry for years, I can definitively say I have seen people wear just about every color combination known to man.  Some really, truly crazy stuff.  And I'm pretty sure some people got dressed in the dark, half-asleep, and then tried to pass it off as avant-garde.  

via Carla Coulson

If you want to experiment with colors but don't want to look foolish in the process try the Rule of Three.  Three colors maximum.  (and I mean, max!)  Most of the really great color-blocking outfits seen on street style stars revolves around three colors -- perhaps different shades of one color may also be mixed in -- but it is generally going to be around three.  When pairing items together to wear, or when creating a window display or advertisement, odd numbers rule.  It is just much easier for the eye to process, believe it or not. 

I don't really recommend wearing a multi-colored, multi-patterned piece of clothing, then piling on two or more additionally different colors, and then adding some large, competing accessories.  You will look like you had a fight with your closet and nobody survived victorious.  

1. Start out small - one neutral color, then layer on a second solid color, and your third color / pattern should be accessories or shoes.  After you feel like you have mastered this, progress to the next step.
   
2. This time, start with your base layer - a pattern perhaps? - then add either one opposite layer over this, or a combination of shades in the same color which compliments the pattern. 
   
   For Example:: a navy blue Ikat dress could be paired with either a contrasting orange or red sweater + brown heels, OR with a complimentary turquoise sweater, and a cobalt scarf, + light purple heels. 
3. Moving on... start with your base layer - a bright color or pattern - then add either a second bright color over this (usually from the opposite side of the color wheel), or a second pattern that does not compete with the first pattern.  This is highly important. Then add your accessories, which should be one of your three main colors, or neutral.
   
   For Example:: a navy sheath dress + green sweater + a neon yellow skinny belt.  Then you can add matching yellow heels, or even a tan or nude heel here.  OR pair a blue/white striped tee + cuffed jeans + red floral scarf + yellow ballet flats.  (In this case, the yellow, red and blue are the three colors, and the hints of white are your neutral fourth accent).

A good rule of thumb for beginners is that if the colors can't be found in some type of complimentary pairing in nature, there's a chance it won't work.  Most importantly, have fun with it, and be confident.  The confidence and enjoyment you get out of this is key!

via Danske

via Our Labor of Love

via Tim Irving

x,

RH

Loving :: Tim Walker

I'm always intrigued by Tim Walker's photography.  There is something so unique about his images - whether they land on the purely theatrical side of the scale, or run more editorial, Walker's photography is so fantastical and creative, with a dash of pretty and a liberal helping of whimsy.

"On graduation in 1994, Walker worked as a freelance photographic assistant in London before moving to New York City as a full time assistant to Richard Avedon. On returning to England he initially concentrated on portrait and documentary work for UK newspapers. At the age of 25 he shot his first fashion story for Vogue, and has continued to work to much acclaim ever since."  Visit his website for more info about him, or to see some more work.
 

 

What do you think?  Aren't they pretty?  

x

RH

*all images by Tim Walker

Miranda Kerr :: Off-duty dressing | NET-A-PORTER.COM

Miranda Kerr gets cuter and cuter all the time!  I mean, this is someone who looks like she walked off a catwalk pretty much every day.  She has street style down to an art form, whether taking her cutie to the park, having a lunch date with her gorgeous husband, or running into a meeting or show.  

...And hey, if she's going to share tips, I'm going to watch.   :)

 








































In the latest segment of "The Body Beautiful with Miranda Kerr" videos, she discusses her off-duty looks, the importance of red lipstick + loafers, and shows us why we shouldn't take dressing too seriously.             
[Click here for a previous segment.]





x 

RH

*Images from Pinterest.

Loving :: Artwork

A few lovely little pieces of art for the day ::

'Olga Dressing' -- Katya Gridneva

'Geiranger Waterfall' -- by Nicola de Franceschi

Dior

So many things are art, and can be sources of inspiration.  What do you consider art?


x

RH

Creating :: The Little Touches

Often, when trying to present, or sell, something, it's the small details that can be the biggest deal-breakers...such as the smell of baking cookies in a staged apartment, the angle of the sun in that apartment bedroom, the one sentence in the contract that makes or breaks an entire deal.  

When working in marketing, it's the little touches that can be the most memorable - the font, the colors, the textures.  (Don't believe me?  Just ask Tiffany's about their signature color choice).

When planning an event, it's the tiny things that you have to really be careful about - the weight of the cardstock for the invitations, the amount of olives you stocked up on, the glitter on the table that you thought would be fun but is just sticking to everything and annoying people. 

And the same is true when starting - or while in the process of owning - a business.   

gold-edged business cards are a nice touch

 

embosser stamps for return addresses

rose-print-lined envelopes

pretty cards

So, yes, small details are very worthy of your attention.  Don't overlook them!


x

RH

Baking :: Banana Bread

I love banana bread.  There is something about it that seems so simple and easy.  It reminds me of my childhood.  And it may as well be healthy, since it is filled with fruit, right?  

I recently dug up an old recipe and went to town.  Literally.  I have made a fresh loaf of banana bread every week for the last month.  It's that good.   And that easy. 



Ingredients:
1 cup white sugar                         2 eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda                1/2 cup softened (or melted) butter
2 cups all-purpose flour                1 + 1/2 cups mashed (or thinly sliced) bananas




Recipe:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Grease (I use butter) and flour one 9x5 inch pan.
  
• Cream butter and sugar until smooth.  Beat in eggs, then bananas. 
  Add flour and baking soda, stirring just until combined.
  
• Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 1 hour (or until knife cuts through it cleanly).  Remove from pan and let cool.  Can be stored in refrigerator or frozen.

Try it ... and let me know what you think.  


x

RH

Fun :: Doghouses

Doghouses are becoming fancy!  Sure dog owners like to pamper their dogs - and in some cases, their dogs are their adopted children.  But what do you think about these options?  Are they really cute or a bit extreme:

Hundehaus Cubix:
- German manufacturing
- premium weatherized wood
- break-proof glass (handy)
- built-in water drain on the roof

*does not come with cute dogs

La Petite Maison:
- custom-made dog mansion
- designed to match your house
- can come with recessed lighting, air conditioning + heating

*does not come with dog / plants

Luxury Caravan Dog House:
- for the on-the-go dog
- made of ceramic
- complete with plush pillow



*I love the pictured clothesline!

Townhouse Doghouse:
- perfect for city dwellers
- doubles as a nightstand or table
- comes with plush interior pillow
- door has removable grate so you can allow your dogs to come and go



*sadly comes without dog

Are your own dogs jealous yet?  Are you inspired to go create a fancy palace for your pet, or do you think this is too extravagant?

x

RH

Cooking :: Parisian Style

I love cooking + baking.  It can either be calming and orderly (baking), where you know what will happen every time if you follow the recipe just so ... or ... it can be a time of creativity and experimentation (cooking).

A while back I ran across these super cute little videos online and thought I'd share them.  I love the tiny bit of European flair + pretty food all packed into an average of 4 minutes.  Even if some of them are too short to really learn the recipe, it is still a fun little bit of transportation into a Parisian kitchen for a few minutes.  Sort of what Julia Child would do if she had today's technology back then.   

Isn't this so fun?  Doesn't it make you just want to go take some cooking classes and then do some serious shopping at the fresh (daily) farmer's market?  


x

RH

Luxe Playhouses

I was surfing the internet lately and came across some lovely images of houses... but, surprise, surprise they were actually posh playhouses.  Have to say, playhouses are not what they used to be.  Remember when you were really lucky if you had an actual "house" treehouse?  Or when playhouses were tiny little one-room spaces? 

Apparently today's parents have many more options than ever before... electricity, running water, stained glass windows, working doorbells, tv or phone outlets.  Basically everything you need to turn your playhouse into a literal mini house.  Like, the kind you could live in yourself if you were short.

And, since some of them come with such hefty price tags (17k, 42k, etc), you probably should actually live in them yourself.

...a mini house: with bay window, complete porch, shutters... you name it.

...complete with loft, skylight + working doorbell

Exterior by Redwood City Architects & Designers Simpson Design Group Architects

Modern Kids by San Francisco Architects & Designers Aleck Wilson Architects

So, what are your thoughts on these magnificent (and pricey) little digs?  Let me know below!

x

RH 

Pretty :: Chicken Coops

There is a growing trend among restaurants, lifestyle farms, and individuals to create complete farm-to-table meals.  Of course, this means having some or all of the following components:

1. your own vegetable + herb gardens
2. at least a few fruit or citrus trees (or the complete orchard)
3. chickens (and if you want, ducks and geese)
4. cows or goats for dairy
5. sheep for cheese

Since the average person isn't going to be able to maintain, or even house, all of those components, why not start with the chickens?  They provide fresh eggs and great manure for your gardening, and raising chickens is easier than you probably think.

The simplest way to start is with a good chicken coop:

Aren't they lovely?  Of course, there are other options as well, which allow your chickens even greater free range of motion and access to fresh bugs and plant/flower scraps.

Tell me, do you already have chickens?  Do you plan to start raising some in the next few months or year?  


x

RH

A little piece of art

Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland, 1904

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was an American painter ...probably most widely known for his most controversial piece, Portrait of Madame X, (Madame Pierre Gautreau) (1884).  

Trained in Paris, Singer Sargent enjoyed international acclaim as a wonderful portrait artist, and is well-known for his depictions of Edwardian-era luxury.  This is not to say he studied art with the intent of becoming a portrait artist - he displayed an enthusiasm for landscapes - but portrait commissions were easier to come by and could establish an artist more quickly in the art world.

Singer Sargent, despite his occasional professional and personal controversies, and some ambivalence towards the restrictions of formal portrait painting, did enjoy large periods of extreme popularity as an artist.  He also successfully enjoyed other projects including watercolors, landscapes and architectural projects, and murals.


x

RH