Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Packing Up





I have this terrific friend - let's call her Jill - who has the ability to forsake the mundane necessities (umbrella's, carry on luggage to name a few) and seek out creative, beautiful alternatives.  On her last trip to LA I just about stole her carry on.  It was love and gasp at first sight.  Steamline Luggage is just about the sweetest looking mini trunk for you're fantastical weekend jaunts.  It's surprisingly compact and fits enough for a long weekend away.  I tossed in a few more pics from her visit which involved the very cool 140 Maison Hotel in Beverly Hills, brunch at Cooks County - whose server staff get's an A+ for the striped apron uniforms and drinks at Casa Del Mar. 

Thursday, April 05, 2012

The House of Charlotte






On the list of my most favorite activities, I would have to say home-peeping has got to be at the top.  I get to see a lot of off the hook homes here in LA, as my man is a realtor, but it's not often that I get the chance to preview homes whose owners are kick ass designers and whose great taste I can only attempt to mimic.  And then let me photograph will nilly. Charlotte Bjornlin D'Elia is in fact my husband's Aunt, so yes, technically we're family - full disclosure here! She and my husband's late uncle resided in Santa Monica Canyon - a tiny enclave nestled between the slopes of Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades. During my last visit I had the chance to preview her jewelry, an array of gilded round gemstones, pave diamond encrusted necklaces, and handmade chunky, silver chains.  Besides her amazing talents, their home is full of ooh-ahhh worthy artwork (big guns like Picasso and Chagall), vintage pieces (like the Good Year sign) and Swedish ephemera.  So, like the photo-snapper-stalker that I am, I couldn't help but capture a few pics of their unique homestead. You can see Charlotte's full line of jewelry here.  Enjoy!