HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

To those who believe in showing the one you love with a token of your affection, here are my top 5 Valentine's Day gift to consider giving that special someone:

JEWELRY

PERFUME

APPAREL

FOOD

FLOWERS

Now here's to enjoying your day of love...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

STRUTTING WITH PEACOCK...

I don't recalled if I've mentioned that I am a BIG fan of anything peacock - from the feather to the color. Teal is one of my favorite colors, along with purple and red. 

What girl wouldn't love this peacock inspired trinket?

As with most good things, a little goes a long way. Still peacock can have a commanding (and well deserved) presence, so don't overdo it or a room can start to look kitschy.  Accents are a great way to incorporate a little peacock...

Peacock Inspired Bowl from Pier 1

Chair from Pier 1

Rug by Delos

Throw by Z Gallerie

Pillow from Etsy.com

If you insist on going all out, here are some ideas to consider when using peacock where its done with success...

Now let's see how you strut. Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLEDECOR.COM, HOUSEBEAUTIFUL.COM.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK BEGINS: TOME Fall/Winter 2013 Presentation...

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for." -- Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe 

The Tome Fall/Winter Presentation was my kickoff for New York Fashion Week, an event held twice a year in February and September where fashion designers present their collection for the upcoming season. 

As a lover of art history, I appreciate Tome's reference to O'Keeffe's art as an influence for this season's line.  Tome writes, "This season we are inspired by the life and art of this American legend. Her flowers, bones and sky come to life in shapes that sit free from the body, whilst others cocoon.  We are influenced by O'Keeffe's uncompromising vision and her obsession with light and shade.  It is the purity and humility of her output and her existence that resonates with us."

I was expecting a fashion show like you'd see on TV where A-list celebrities are craning their necks for a last glance at something they are sure to be photographed in the coming months. This, however, was much different.  The models stood motionless in an artful yet militaristic arrangement in a  beautifully lit and simple background - much like an O'Keeffe still life - so as not to distract from the feature object, the ensemble.

The fresh yet sleek contemporary designs were linear in their construction but the layering of fabrics and textures added to its depth, again much like O'Keeffe's work.  The fluidity of several pieces are well suited for the curvy girl who is looking for a modern silhouette. But you can't be too curvaceous - this is still a NY designer (did I say that).

Overall, I enjoyed the minimalism coupled with the muted tones that look easy to wear. I'm glad I discovered this designer and am looking forward to what next season's collection has to offer.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

RED ROOM: VALENTINE DAY'S INSPIRED DECOR...

Most people know that the holiday we recognized on February 14th is named after St. Valentine but don't know why. According to legend, St. Valentine was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. Before he was captured, having fallen in love with his jailer's daughter and later executed, he wrote a note to her stating "from your Valentine."  And the rest is romantic history. 

But that doesn't explain why we use Cupid to recognize Valentine's day.  

Anyway, what do you have in store to profess your undying devotion to the love of your life or maybe just Mr. or Miss Right-Now??? (I'm so dramatic...)

You can add a little spice by adding the color of the holiday - RED.  You can add an accent in one room and go all out in another like Will and Jada did in their home featured in Architectural Digest a few years ago... 

What about a full on red powder room?

Maybe try a whimsical wallpaper...

or would a kitchen with red cabinets be too much?

Do stripes give you vertigo?

Why not just go for it on all the walls?

If that's too much of a good thing, then try a red light fixture, banquette or buffet to stimulate the appetite...

or use red lamps, pillows or artwork...

or a mirror and chairs...

or simply paint your front door.

However you choose, just salute St. Valentine's commitment to love with the color of passion. 

Here's hoping you get lucky...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Some photos courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com, ElleDecor.com and ArchitecturalDigest.com.