Kara’s Obsessions: L’Odyssée de Cartier

I simply can’t get enough of the stunning [visually and musically] 3+ minute commercial that takes viewers on an international fantasy journey of Cartier’s 165 year history of royalty and luxury.  The short film starts with the iconic panther in Paris and visits places such as India, China and Russia. 

…I haven’t fallen as hard for a commercial since Miss Dior Cherie’s ad by Sofia Coppola…

So gorgeous.

Public Chicago + The Pump Room (Re-imagined)

Renny and I were treated to a delish lunch this afternoon at The Pump Room.  While it proved to be quite the mid-day scene, I had just come from a long overdue cut & color and felt as if I partially passed muster.  
The Pump Room is housed in the incredibly chic Public Chicago, formerly the Ambassador East.  The menu was created by renowned chef, Jean-Gorges Vongerichten and features fancified favorites that are absolutely approachable.  A few of the original Pump Room’s menu items are still on the menu, simply re-imagined by Genius Jean-Georges, along with many newly created items as well as some existing dishes taken from Jean-Gorges’ other successful restaurant, abc kitchen.  They are working on a rooftop garden to further support their farm-to-table concept. 
Mixed muted metallics, grainy wood, orb-like chandeliers and unexpected pops of kelly green dress up the Pump Room.
The bar at the Pump Room casts a golden glow on it’s already glossy guest.
The former Pump Room was frequented by the likes of Sinatra & Bogart during the Golden Age and while the vibe is decidedly current and fresh (not a lick like the old space), I hope our dear city (with the help of chic spots like this) can attract our own modern day Grant’s and Hepburn’s.   
The Ambassador East has been reborn as Public Chicago, conceived and designed by Ian Schrager (known for other hotel hotshots like the Delano, the Sanderson and the Paramount, to name(drop) a few). The bones of the hotel remain (along with the stunning molding!) with the rest having experienced more than a major facelift.  
There is such a feeling of serene chicness – crisp bold white paired with worn mirrors and warm woods.  It’s perfect.
The gorgeous lobby features bright white walls, smokey mirrors and a repurposed clock that runs backwards…back in time.
My favorite room may be the Library, set with cozy couches, faux fur lounge chairs, a flickering fire and rustic wood touches.  
The Library Bar serves espresso by day and trendy spirits by night.  PS:  Bottle service available in the cozy screening room, late night.
The rooms are incredibly simple, white on white on white.  
“What do you do when a couch gets dirty?”  “We were told to throw it away.”  Crazy talk.  
(PPS:  The one bedroom suites are simply perfect for bridal parties.)
While I’m disappointed there isn’t any event space that can hold more than about 50 people at once, the hotel itself has me seriously smitten.
(image credits) photos from public chicago collateral 

Elysian Hotel – Dreamier and Dreamier

Many of you know of my serious obsession with The Elysian.  The glamorous boutique hotel has truly nailed every detail.
The hotel’s decor has a classic, refined sophistication while still feeling utterly current and on trend.  
The ballroom, albeit frustratingly quaint {read: too small for most of my clients’ weddings}, is elegantly appointed with graphite grey walls, antiqued mirrors and bright white molding.  
When it comes to service for overnight guests {countless clients have decided to make The Elysian their wedding weekend home} the attention to detail continues to surpass most any other high end hotel.
The restaurant, Ria, was named best new restaurant, shortly after its opening {and is perfect for an unforgettable post-wedding brunch}.  Balsan is a chic place to grab a quick brunch, light supper or late night bites – whether seated at the white marble-topped raw bar or tucked away in an intimate booth.  
The staff – from the head valet to the catering managers – is not only pleasant and helpful but genuinely available to assist in relaxed and subtle manner.  It seriously feels as though they take pleasure in our every request!
I thought I was intimately familiar with all that the hotel had to offer…that is until the spa and health club director invited me to experience the Elysian Spa.  With my schedule packed with appointments, weddings,  and paperwork, I can barely find the time to grocery shop, let alone carve out time for indulgent spa time…
But, when the opportunity was presented…I cleared my schedule…immediately.
I like to think that I’ve had exposure to many lovely spas and treatments over the years and would be able to provide constructive feedback, as requested.  However, I’m quite certain that my experience at the Elysian Spa could not be beat.  
The Spa lobby is glitzy, in a bright and peaceful way.  The lounges are fully stocked with items that go well beyond necessity.  
The soaking tub is perfect for relaxing before or after your services.  The sauna or steam room really do encourage the art of decompressing.  
And the services…My massage was quite simply put, The Best I’ve Had.  
The Spa staff was approachable, expertly knowledgeable, kind and welcoming.  
A visit to the Elysian Spa is perfect for pre-wedding beauty services {treat your girls to mani’s and pedi’s after a light lunch buffet arranged on the private pool deck}, a treat to yourself after a hard week {a major project is finally complete, hooray!}, or a relaxing respite for your over-shopped tootsies {Oak Street is just around the corner…troubs!}.  
Just make sure to schedule enough time to take full advantage of all that the serene spa setting has to offer {including darling gifts and beauty products to take home with you!}…then make your way downstairs for a cocktail or the profiteroles!
Melissa and the Elysian Gang – thank you from the bottom of my {wonderfully pampered} heart.
My obsession continues to flourish.

Stripe Obsession Follow Up

It was on the Hinsdale Garden Walk years ago when I really fell head over heels for this charming and slightly whimsical home in my neighborhood.  It’s so rare that you see such a use of accessories outside of a home.  Love the darling bold choice!  

Kara’s Current Obsession: Monograms and Crests, Oh My!

Many of us know about the delightful Sarah Drake for her beyond beautiful letterpress and engraved wedding invitations.  In addition to designing your save the dates, your entire wedding suite, programs and menu cards, you can enlist the boutique studio to create a charming monogram for The New You, dream up a custom crest for your growing family or even help with your budding business’ brand identity and logo!  
The fun doesn’t have to stop with the conceptual creations, however…
You can have Sarah help put together a beautiful tablescape…
I am obsessed with monogrammed dinnerware!  Here, for a more casual, everyday use Sarah will work your monogram into rustic stoneware pieces {made locally in Chicago!}.
If urban farmhouse isn’t necessarily your look – choose a more formal china pattern {for fancy dinner parties or to simply dress up Chinese take-out!}
Knobby linen napkins add a casual elegance to any table setting.
Sarah Drake can also work your monograms into bedding!
Yes. Please.
Now…why settle for a mundane monogram when you can have Sarah create a brand new family crest!!  {L.O.V.E the establish date – aka your wedding date!}
Then work your crest into your linens!
For perhaps a more simple idea, have them help with monogrammed hemstitch cocktail napkins {I have heaps of them!  And they also make fabulous hostess gifts!} or a simple, classic handkerchief.
  And the very best news?!  Sarah Drake can set up a custom registry so your family and friends can help you build your fancypants new monogrammed collection!
I’m obsessed.
{image credits} all images taken from Sarah Drake Design

Well…Dressed! Bridal Shower

I’m inspired to write for a couple of reasons.

First, I was honoured to be included in a friends bridal shower over the weekend.  After someone asked me what I thought was appropriate to wear to a daytime shower, I looked around the room at the gorgeous girls…

You always want to respect the guest of honour.  You also want to let the hostess know you appreciate the trouble she’s gone to.  It’s nearly always safer to be a bit overdressed than under-dressed {in my unofficial opinion!!}.  But, lovelies, please use common sense – a cocktail dress is not fitting for a daytime event and yet jeans are typically not welcome in a country club.

Secondly, after an absolute out-of-the-blue surprise gift from Renny, I was forced to take a spin around my favorite boutique on Oak Street:  Kate Spade.  There were plenty of pieces that would be perfect for a shower, so I’ve put together the following simple solutions for the next time you’re on the receiving end of a wedding-cake-shaped invitation:

Let’s start with the outfit on the left:
-The gorgeous sleeveless Kate Spade top beautifully frames your face – this blouse can certainly be the cornerstone of your ensamb
-Paired with skinny J.Crew ankle pants, the shirt can be comfortably left un-tucked {perfect for the pastries you’ll want to undoubtedly indulge in!}
-Gorgeous Prada heels add height and contemporary drama to this otherwise classic outfit
-Over-sized David Yurman knot earrings will look perfect with your Lily Vanderwoodsen-esq pulled-back hairstyle
-The covet-worthy terra cotta colored Brian Atwood clutch can be used year round {or so you tell your man when he sees the bill}
Now let’s talk about my dreamy collection on the right:
-Surprise, surprise – we’ve got a bold orangey red Kate Spade dress as the start to it all off…{will I ever tire of this color?!}
-With the simple, chic cut of the dress, understated shoes end up being the perfect pairing.  These JCrew flats fit the bill {and would also look fabulous with it’s neighbors’ black pants!}
-Simple studs by Slane and Slane add a bit of a Parisan punch to the look
-I adore the skinny yellow Kate Spade clutch – just big enough to fit your iPhone and lipgloss
-Grey is proving to be the perfect neutral this season.  I am obsessed with this grey enamel Hermes bangle – an understated {yet ostentatious} finish to the look
Simply and stylishly…Well Dressed!

Well..Dressed Hairdo!

As the wedding industry continues to boom…it seems as though nothing can be too customized, too chic or too fashion forward.  Seemingly an infinite amount of choices need to be considered by any average bride…

Colors – it’s not just pink and green or an all white wedding anymore.  Brides are selecting color palettes that are unique combinations reflecting themselves, the season or their moods. 

Dresses – first it was Vera, then Monique…now dozens of dress designers are creating gowns fit for any fashionista – and at any budget!

Dinner Tables – round tables were the norm just a few years back – but not only have square and {my favorite!} rectangular tables become almost common, there are even more to choose from now.  Rental companies are now offering taller tables where guests are seated on custom stool-like chairs to add yet another layer of texture and dimension to your setting.  Decor firms are moving forward with handfuls of customized table options – whether mirrored or even inlaid with a custom fabric (or gorgeous patterned wallpaper!), brides are able to ensure their special day is unlike any of their girlfriends.

Accessories are no exception.  If you’re not familiar, please let me introduce a new obsession…ban.do!  Started by two stylists in LA, ban.do is a super-duper charming lot of {mainly, but not exclusively} hair accessories like headbands, pins and bows.  Each even comes with it’s very own haiku!

The pieces are not limited to brides, however, many would make a gorgeous accent for girls who choose not to wear a veil – but still want some drama {yipee!  tiara’s are not the only non-veiled option!}

Here are a few of my favorites:
Their bridal line has beautiful head-bands and pieces, many with vintage inspired detailing.
The black label contains unique pieces that are all either one-of-a-kind or limited edition.  Vintage elements are incorporated, found from all over the world.
And the cutie heart by ban.do is an affordable line – with all pieces under $50.
When you’re in love – why not tell the whole world?!
A pretty yellow bow can make any basic outfit extrodinary!
Even your hair can be Well…Dressed!

Kara’s Current Obsession…Les Macarons!

I have always, always loved French Macarons – initially intrigued by their charm and beauty – but later captivated by their crunchy outer shell, light and fluffy meringue-like texture and delicious varied fillings.

Not to be confused with the American coconut macaroon, these petite bite-size beauties are simply too cute for words…and are certainly of trend at the moment…lovely for me – more options!

This current resurge of my obsession came unexpectedly, when I found a plate full of gourmet macarons awaiting my husband and I in our room over our recent vacation.  The brief tease was only enough to taunt my palette and bring me back home craving more…I began the search for local treats.

While we do not have the famed Beverly Hill’s Paulette Macarons around our corner, I was pleasantly surprised by a cutie local patisseries’ confections…Fritz Pastry located on Diversey.  The well-priced beauties were delicious and gorgeous.  They have selections daily and can be ordered for any event with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, rose, lavender, green tea, raspberry etc.

Here was my breakfast yesterday, compliments of Fritz Pastry and rich Illy Coffee.  The perfect way to start the day inspired and energized.

Enjoy for breakfast, like I did, have on hand at your next dinner party or include them on your gorgeous dessert spread at your wedding – they can be created to fit your color palette!

I am beyond obsessed.

{image credits}  in order from top. brass knuckle, bobbette and belle, the gothamist, paulette macarons, my own picture, miles aldridge image taken from vogue.

Kara’s Current Obsession…Lo Lo LOVE Lonny!

I simply can’t get enough of the new(ish) online magazine, Lonny (London & New York).

After the absolute heartbreak that followed the closing of many design publications {domino, sniff sniff, at the top of the list} Michelle Adams {previously editor at domino, as well as owner of cutie rubie green} and Patrick Cline {dreamy photographer extraordinaire} decided to take on an inspired, daunting project.

Enter Lonny.

In editor and chief, Michelle’s, words:

OUR MISSION is to reopen the doors of accessible design. By embracing an online platform we provide inspiration at the click of a finger, directly connecting our readers to their favorite products and resources. Our freedom from page limits means that we can share more content in each issue, delivering an intimate look into the way people really live.
At Lonny, we value independent thinking and believe not in following trends but rather in making choices that lead to happiness. We believe that good design and affordable design can coexist and that true inspiration can be found in the teeniest of homes or in the grandest of spaces.

The amazingly talented {and sleep deprived} Lonny team has done a remarkable job of staying true to their vision thus far.  With this issue, specifically, I can’t help but wonder…Was it written and created specifically for moi?  {I’m sure every girl thought the same thing!  Congrats again, Lonny!}  With features of French hotels, kate spade and J.Crew, this issue simply makes me drool.

Here are just a few of my favorite photos and features from their second {current} issue:

The charming and fantastically styled Parisian Hotel Keppler reminds us that people are traveling differently these days.  Searching for stays that are reminiscent of gorgeous homes with special touches and loads of personal attention, people are seeking out boutique hotels as opposed to the monster compounds that many name-brand hoteliers have previously created.

 The 1900s building was turned into a hotel after the second world war and redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon in 1997.  The fabulous location is nestled in the heart of Paris, a few steps away from Champs Élysées. 

A simple black and white color palette is accented with pops of color to distinguish rooms from one another.  I adore the layered textures and patterns showcased in every room.  {A look that is here to stay also in wedding design…} 

The Hotel Keppler is a fresh and current hotel that welcomes a juxtaposition of classic style with modern touches.


Here, a few page spread highlighted the recently revamped kate spade new york 5th Avenue flagship store.  True to form with loads of kate’isms, the store is beautiful.  {I have to note that I am equally as proud of our local kate spade boutique on Oak Street {my hoped-for second home} for being dressed just as beautifully!}  

And although it seems I could truly re-highlight all of the gorgeousness found on the ‘pages’ of Lonny’s 175 page issue, I will control myself…

And so finally, another feature of a beautiful store.  This time J.Crew Collection {in Manhattan, next door to YET another favorite – Lilly Pulitzer} is elegantly represented.   The look of this boutique is virtually driven single-handedly by the style maven and creative director for J.Crew, Jenna Lyons.

I am obsessed with the nondescript door with “the stores name and address whispered gracefully in gold cursive”.  The boutique is decorated in stylish vignettes, worlds apart from the cold steel racks of large department stores.  The absolutely gorgeous black and white bathroom is a direct copy of Lyons own powder room. 

Michelle, Patrick and the rest of the Lonny Crew – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Keep up the inspired, hard work.

{image credits}  all images taken from lonny magazine, shot by patrick cline