Thoughts on Returning Home

Everyone who has walked through Terminal 4 of LAX has passed the iconic mosaic wall of color, but few know the story of its origin and permanence. The wall was designed by interior designer Charles Kratka, who designed the 300-foot mosaic in 1961 to welcome travelers to the wonderful city of Los Angeles. Before starting his own firm, Kratka worked for Charles and Ray Eames, pioneers in California modernist design. He also helped design the original interiors of LACMA which opened in 1965. 

For me, the wall is a comforting welcome back to California. My mother recounts loving the mosaic mural as a child and naming the tile colors as she walked down the hallway toward baggage claim. As I walked down the hallway of LAX yesterday, I couldn't help but recall the opening credits from The Graduate. Dustin Hoffman has just landed in LA, returning home from the East Coast for the first time after graduating college. As the "Sound of Silence" plays, he stoically stands on the people-mover, about to enter his new life as a college graduate in California.

For four years the wall has signified a temporary visit home for me. After a draining five hour flight from New York, the wall was a sign that alas, I had made it - but I always knew that New York was awaiting my return. I anticipate my "The Graduate" moment in May, when I come home for good, and wonder if the wall will suddenly hold a new meaning.

NY → LA

Looking forward to a brief respite from the cold & seeing my dog 

{Self-portrait in my NY bedroom}

Friday Favorites

{Dreamy confectionery at Dean & Deluca}

{Red + Pink for Valentine's Day}

{New favorite body cream smells like Hawaii}

{Wall of wine at Cosme}

{Dimes brunch}

{Current entry vignette}

Eloise Documentary on HBO

    

{Image via Neo Traditionalist}

Just found out about the upcoming HBO documentary on Hilary Knight, illustrator of my personal favorite childhood book series, Eloise. The film was produced by Lena Dunham and will air on HBO at 9pm on Monday, March 23rd. As a mischievous child with pigtails, I always felt a strong connection with the Eloise archetype and am so excited to learn about the process of illustrating such a wonderful story. 

Current Wishlist: Stripes & Palms

Current Wishlist: Stripes & Palms by jordan-sholem 

J Crew stripe hoodie / Clare Vivier Crossbody purse / Lela Rose dress / Bianca Pratt diamond stud earrings / RED Valentino white dress / Soludos shoes / Illesteva Leonard Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Cozy Night In

When the temperature drops to single digits, going out becomes significantly less appealing. Maybe it's the fact that I've sort of burned out on New York, but recently, nothing sounds more enjoyable than cozying up inside with a good book. In a city like Manhattan where there's always something cultural I could be doing, it's easy to feel guilty spending time lounging around at home. However, I've recently discovered that to achieve the best of both worlds, the trick is to give up some nights on the town in favor of daytime expeditions. I've been spending my days exploring the city, visiting galleries or brunching at new restaurants. By the time I get home, it's dark and cold and I couldn't possibly imagine leaving my cozy apartment - so I'm perfectly content cooking up something yummy, putting on my pajamas, and calling it a night. How have you been spending these painfully cold winter nights? 

Brand Spotlight: Trademark

My good friend introduced my to the brand Trademark a couple of months ago, and I'm convinced it's going to be huge. The brand was started by sisters Pookie and Louisa Burch, daughters of J. Christopher Burch, the founder of C. Wonder and Tory Burch's ex-husband. The clothes look like the lovechild of A.P.C. and Marni, boyish silhouettes made of luxurious fabrics in all-American colors. For the quality of Trademark's clothes, they are well priced - most items within the $200 to $500 range. For the first collection which debuted in the fall of this year, the brand took inspiration from Donald Judd and other minimalist contemporary artists. The store in Soho reflects this aesthetic and is a joy to walk through. I'd highly recommend checking out this brand before they explode and raise prices! The clothes are also sold online at http://www.trade-mark.com/. 

Trademark Soho
95 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013 
Monday to Saturday, 11 – 7, Sunday 12 – 6 
646 559 4945

Rattan Chairs

I've become more and more of a fan of informal dining rooms. I think that when entertaining, informal dining rooms encourage more of an intimate and relaxed dynamic between guests. Particularly in California, I find that stuffy dining areas with velvet-backed chairs and formal rugs often look silly - not to mention intimidate guests can't enjoy their meal because they're afraid of spilling. Wicker or rattan chairs are the perfect look for a laid-back, California dining or living room. Especially when accompanied by a round marble-top table, it's a great look that can look casual and beachy or more put together depending on how it's done. 

{Nate Berkus Design via Domaine Home}

{Tracy Hardenburg Design via House of Turquoise}

{Hollywood at Home Silverlake Side Chair}

{Hardy Dining Chair from HD Buttercup}

{Clemens Design via Domaine Home}

{West Elm John Vogel Dining Chair}

{Anna Burke Interiors via Domino}

Recipe: Freekeh with Caramelized Shallots, Chickpeas, & Yogurt

 Craving something hearty but vegetarian, I made this dish last night and loved it so much it will definitely be incorporated into my repertoire of weeknight dinners. Freekeh is a grain that is somewhat difficult to find, but my nearest Whole Foods had it. It has the consistency of barley but fills you up the way quinoa does due to its protein content. Served warm with a dollop of cool yogurt, it's the perfect dish to throw together on a whim! I served it as a main to myself and my picky roommate who to my surprised, loved it as well. She even loved the kale sprouts I served along with it - a new variety of vegetable that is a cross between Russian kale and brussels sprouts - delicious! 

A Very Single Valentine's Day

Friday Favorites

{Last night's pizza from Marta with an added egg & truffle salt}

{Columbia's Butler Library glowing at dusk}

{Recycling a Diptyque to hold some white ranunculus}

{Aerin's Spring/Summer Accessories collection}

{A unique skyline perspective from my uptown apartment}

Grey Painted Cabinets

I'm having a moment for grey painted cabinets. Particularly in a bathroom or kitchen, and when accented with brass or copper hardware, it's a great look freshens up a space. I enjoy grey paint when done with white marble and porcelain sinks. Do you think this is a trend or a look that is here to stay? I'm undecided.

Black Paned Windows

I keep seeing black windows panes everyone and am loving the look - especially in a white kitchen with dark glossy floors.

{Neutral kitchen via Luxe Interiors + Design}

{Image via Paloma Conteras: La Dolce Vita}

{Image via Jessica Helgerson Interior Design}

{Image via Elle Decor}

{via Bungalow Classic}

{Kitchen banquet covered in Holly Hunt linen via ELLE DECOR}

{Neutral kitchen via Luxe Interiors + Design}

Mauve Accents

Though mauve has never been one of my favorite colors, I have become increasingly interested in it for design when used sparingly. It accents a room beautifully when used for upholstery, wallpaper, paint color, or perhaps a runner on a table at a dinner party. 

{A beautiful living room from Kapito Muller Interiors}

{Runner from Colin Cowie Weddings}

{Luxe bedroom via Elle Decor}

{Chairs via 1st Dibs}

{Print from Etsy}

{Via Suzanne Tucker Interiors}

Inspiring Interiors: Statement Chair

A brightly colored or patterned couch is a big investment, but I love a statement chair to add a punch to a room. An animal print can function as a neutral when paired with a chocolate brown or taupe sofa and works well when contrasted with stripes. 

My Favorite LA Restaurants

It's dreary New York days like these that I most miss dining al fresco at my favorite restaurants back home in LA. It's not as if New York City lacks a great restaurant scene - but after a weekend of heavy eating in stuffy restaurants, I miss grabbing a casual bite at some of my LA go-to's like La Scala for their infamous chopped salads, Kogi BBQ Korean tacos, Reddi Chick rotisserie chicken and french fries, or Bay Cities godmother sandwiches. 

California Dreamin