Kara Mann Design

Dark. Sexy. Edgy. Pretty much sums up what I love about the work of Chicago-based designer Kara Mann, of Kara Mann Design. She fearlessly incorporates dark walls and exotic pieces into some of the most luxurious spaces in Chicago; definitely an unexpected aesthetic, but it totally works. I need to go check out her showroom at the Merchandise Mart for some serious inspiration. Below are my favorites from a Lake Shore Drive penthouse she did, but be sure to check out the rest of her work here.

Living Like a Supermodel

I absolutely LOVE seeing the spaces other people (particularly famous ones) live in, and I'm particularly loving the series Lauren Santo Domingo is doing for Vogue, "APT with LSD." In this series, she gives us glimpses into the homes of famous models, so far including Coco Rocha, Amanda Brooks, and most recently, Jessica Stam.

Below are some of the pics of Jessica's Manhattan pad. I'm especially obsessed with the hand-carved Moroccan sliding doors; I mean, could you ask for anything more unique and unexpected in an NYC apartment? Reminds me of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain... Stunning.

Avedon Fashion

For Christmas this year, I asked for this book of Richard Avedon fashion photography. I have long been infatuated with his work, and wanted a physical collection that I can keep and admire for years to come. I highly recommend this book, but I'm sure any of his other books are equally as fabulous.

Avedon was a visionary and innovator of the portrait. Steering away from the traditional technique of showing models standing still and emotionless, he found his talent in capturing the soul and personality of the subject through emotion and movement.

What amazes me about these fashion photographs from as early as the 1940s is that most, if not all, of the clothing could be seamlessly worn today! I would KILL to get my hands on some of these vintage pieces!

Each and every shot just oozes the kind of effortless glamour I fear has been lost in decades past, but also gives the fleeting feeling that you could have (in my dreams!) very well been present during the shoots. I'm enamored.

Some of my favorites:

Homage to Munkacsi. Carmen, coat by Cardin, Place Francois-Premier, Paris, August 1957

Dovima in Egypt, 1950s

Naty Abascal and Ana-Maria Abascal with Helio Guerreiro. Bathing suit by Brigance. Ibiza, Spain, 1964

Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior. Cirque d'Hiver, August 1955

Coveted

One of my newest site obsessions gives us an intimate peek into the homes and closets of some of today's most influential tastemakers.


"The Coveteur takes you inside the closets of internationally influential cultural forecasters, showing us what culminates in their personal style- one item at a time."


The Coveteur provides some serious eye candy: from some of the season's most coveted pieces, to timeless, one-of-a-kind collector's items, every shot is more drool-worthy than the next, and all beautifully photographed by Jake Rosenberg.



My favorite closet so far belongs to Joanna Hillman, Senior Fashion Market Editor for Harper's Bazaar:

3.1 Phillip Lim fur, Ann Taylor & Lia Sophia bracelets, Balenciaga bag, J. Crew pants

Mawi necklace

Dries Van Noten shoes

Proenza Schouler PS11 bag

From the closet of Karla Martinez, Fashion Market and Accessories Director for W Magazine:

Carolina Herrera dress

From the closet of Jane Keltner de Valle, Fashion News Director of Teen Vogue:

Chanel dress

Dilemma

For over a year I have been infatuated with how sophisticated and glamorous a zebra print cowhide rug can make a room look (like this one from Modani). I've looked into purchasing one for myself, but I can never seem to bring myself to make the investment. Perhaps it's because I'm boarder-line vegetarian, or maybe because I have a soft spot for animals, but the thought of having the entire HIDE of a COW on my floor makes my stomach churn (although I'm not opposed to a leather couch... go figure). I've looked high and low for a good synthetic alternative, but every one I've found looks, well... fake (and cheap!). Am I overreacting? Do I tell my conscious to take a chill pill for the sake of a potentially fabulous looking room?