Inspired By: Luis Barragan

Luis Barragan is considered one of the most influential 20th Century architects. He is most notably known for his use of space and light; reinventing the International Style by infusing color, texture and ultimately pioneering Mexican Modernism with his use of vibrant colors, and accentuating the building’s natural surroundings. I am most drawn to his off beat color combinations. The images of his work are truly breathtaking. I find his color combinations of faded pine, saffron, strawberry, and a shot of blue or red to be so current and relevant to many Spring Collections. Take a look..

Egerstorm in Mexico

Isabel Marant’s  Strawberry Pink Tunic/Dress

Proenza Schouler’s PS1 Bag in Saffron

J. Crew’s Faded Pine Bikini (PS-How great is the wallpaper in the background!)

Although an older shot, always chic Lapo Elkann really ties all the colors together in this ensemble. If only his pocket square was saffron.

Image Property of The Sartorialist.

The images shown here barely scratch the surface of Barragan’s talent. To learn more about him, go here.

The Boutiques of My Favorite Designers

My three favorite brands or designers at the moment are Isabel Marant, Phillip Lim, and J. Crew. I thought it would be fun to take a look inside each designer’s free-standing boutique.

First Up: Isabel Marant

Isabel Marant Boutique in Paris

I think I would really like visiting this space-there are certain elements in this picture alone that I love-the industrial light fixture, the chair, and the black beams against the light floors and ceilings.

Next: Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim Boutique in Los Angeles

Phillip Lim Boutique in New York

Wow-I can’t get over how different these spaces are! New York is so old world with the herringbone floor and wood-paneled wall and LA is so futuristic with the curvilinear shapes, and use of materials such as foam and cork.  I can’t decide if I prefer one over the other-thoughts?

And: J. Crew Collection Store

J Crew Collection Store in New York

I love this little jewel box of a store-the Serge Mouille light fixture, the herringbone floor, the Platner chairs-such a fun mix of styles-very similar to the aesthetic of J Crew’s clothes.

For the most part, the boutique spaces feel like an extension of the brand-Isabel Marant’s simplicity mixed with fun details, Phillip Lim’s edginess and boldness, and J Crew’s eclectic traditionalism.

Packing in Style

Lately I’ve been slightly obsessed with the chic weekender bag. One day, I really want the edgier Balenciaga weekender and other days, I think a classic LV or Goyard seems like the right choice. I really think that if you carry a nice handbag during the day that the quality and thought should translate into your travel bag. Plus it makes packing that much more fun. Here are some of my favorites.

Balenciaga Weekender

Although this bag reached the peak of popularity a few years back, I consider it to be a Modern Classic.

Goyard Duffel

The  French label has been around since the early 1800s. Love the Forest Green.

Both available at Barneys.

Louis Vuitton Keepall

Simply a Classic.

Available at Louis Vuitton

Bottega Veneta Intricatto Duffel

Another classic-more understated than the LV or Goyard. Imagine how soft the leather must be.

Available at Bottega Veneta

Want Organic's 72 Hour Duffel

A much less expensive options than the rest of the bunch yet it doesn’t skimp on style.

Available at J. Crew

Valextra Travel Bag

Valextra is perhaps the most understated label out there. It’s all about the leather and not the label.

Available at Barneys.

Quick Post-A Few Faves from J. Crew Spring New Arrivals

Ran out of time to write a proper post. I woke up to new arrivals in my inbox and found three favorites.

Add a dose of Spring to any neutral outfit.

One of Spring’s Must-Haves-I love this color!

A Defininte Statement Jacket-so pretty!

All at J. Crew

Spring Trend-Neutrals

I’ve been browsing my favorite on-line stores and I am already beginning to crave my new Spring Wardrobe. One key trend that I’m really looking forward to is  adding neutral pieces. Can’t wait to wear them with crisp white jeans! Here are my faves.

Givenchy Studded Flat

In my mind-the most perfect flat. It goes with everything yet still has a little gilt that keeps it interesting.

Available at Barneys

Alexander Wang Shopper

A Simple, Suede-Fill It With Everything Bag

Available at shopbop

Belmacz Sunray Earrings

A Beautiful Pair of Dusty Pink Opal Earrings

Available at Barneys

Crinkle Silk Shell

A beautiful basic in Champagne.

Available at J. Crew

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My Top Ten

Amanda at Stylish Bird inspired me to come up with my top ten list of things I can’t live without at this very moment-enjoy!

1. Magazines! I love getting my mags in the mail-I learn so much from them and they are a constant source of information.

2. Skinceuticals C & E Ferulic Acid-I take very good care of my skin and this is the number one product I can’t live without.

3. My Missoni throw blanket-My house has been freezing lately and my throw has been keeping me warm. I love the jolt of color it adds to the room also.

4. My Goyard Tote-The best gift I’ve ever received! I use it everyday and pretty much carry my life around in it.

5. My Moroccan Pouf-They may have been played out a bit-but I still love my pouf-it makes me happy. I think it’s a great home accessory.

6. My New Tucker Blouse-I just received it in the mail and I can already tell it will be a closet staple. These blouses can be worn in a zillion ways. The $300 price tag is steep yet well worth the investment.

7. Peonies-the greatest flower for its fullness and vibrancy. One or two stems alone can make any room more cheerful.

8. Madewell’s Skinny Ankle Jeans-I wear mine a size bigger and rolled to get that slouchy boyfriend  look.

9. Coffee Table Books-Vogue-People, Parties, and Places is my most recent addition. I love piles and piles of books.

10. Bonne Bell Gel Bronzer-I have been using this product since high school and I really think it’s the best bronzer. I’ve tried other expensive versions of gel bronzer but I aways come back to this $3.99 gem.

J Crew Spring Blossoms and Stripes

Evelyn Jacket as seen in Lucky Magazine

Jcrew’s Spring Collection is full of beautiful blossoms and quirky stripes. I can’ t wait for these items to hit stores. As always, J. Crew’s attention to off beat color combinations and couture-like details really create stunning pieces at affordable prices.I’m highly anticipating seeing the rest of the collection.

Another fantastic blossomed jacket from Spring Preview

Stripes and Denim-perfect for Spring

http://www.cotourture.com has all lookbook pictures. You can see them here.