Setting the Table: Parisian Market

April 30, 2013 by

CC Parisian Market

One of my favorite things is going to the farmer’s market in the spring, and buying whatever vegetables catch my eye. I love my farmers market, but I imagine the ones in Paris would be even more amazing. Isn’t everything more amazing in Paris?

The inspiration for this post was the striped tablecloth, below. I found myself near Philadelphia this weekend, and couldn’t resist stopping by the Terrain store — It’s been on my list for years! As I’m sure you can tell by their website, the store was just gorgeous, and I especially loved that tablecloth in person. I can just imagine it sitting on a table in a tiny French kitchen — the perfect backdrop for tartines and wine, don’t you think?

parisian products

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Inspiration images: linens, outfit, baguette, stripes, bike, door

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Dressed to Entertain: Spring Brunch

March 19, 2013 by

spring brunch

With the first day of spring this week, I’m sure I (Lauren) am not the only one ready to turn over a new leaf. A fresh season seems like a fitting time to get out of winter hibernation mode and welcome a few girlfriends over for a sunny Saturday brunch. Or maybe with Easter just around the corner, you’re planning on hosting a Sunday morning meal for family? Either way, I’m back today with an outfit that’s perfect for the occasion.

spring brunch

Vibrant, saturated colors abound in spring fashion this year, and the color-blocking trend is far easier to master than you might think. In this case, I paired blueberry, emerald and marigold hues–all on the same side of the color wheel. Whenever I wear this much color, I always stick to solid pieces and tone down the accessories.

spring brunch

spring brunch

For fun, I did throw on some vintage rhinestone accessories that picked up the colors I was wearing but didn’t compete for attention. Together, it’s a playful, cheerful look for hosting friends that is still completely comfortable and easy going at the same time.

spring brunch

spring brunch

I dressed up the table in our kitchen nook with a big bunch of chamomile flowers–all the green of the stems and leaves and the tiny daisy-like flowers screamed spring to me. And if you’re looking for a full-proof brunch menu, I’ve got you covered, too. My favorite plan:

spring brunch

Get the look: J.Crew top, J.Crew skirt, Modern Vintage heels (similar), Elma Blint bracelet, vintage earrings and ring

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Setting the Table: Ocean Blues

March 12, 2013 by

Channeling Contessa Ocean blues

I’ve long known that I’d love to live by the ocean, at least once in my lifetime. I love the sandy blue hues, sea breezes, and most of all, the sound of the waves. I’m fully aware that spring hasn’t even arrived yet, but I just can’t help dreaming of summer at the beach!

Given the current colder weather, I love the idea of mixing muted ocean blues with a menu and setting that’s appropriate for late winter. The result is layered fabrics, toned-down florals, and warm, comforting dishes- exactly what I imagine a winter day at the beach to be like.

Channeling Contessa Ocean blues products

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Image credits: table, door, dress, clams

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Setting the Table: Deep Indigo

February 26, 2013 by

Channeling Contessa Indigo

Before we head towards spring, and everything that comes with it- namely, pastels, florals, and brighter hues- I’d love to embrace a darker theme that’s perfectly fitting for February.

I instantly fell in love with the indigo trend that’s appeared recently, and the dark, saturated hue is perfect for the last days of winter. It’s unapologetically bold, and a bit moody, while splashes of orange hint to the warmer days that lie ahead. When paired with big pots of soup and warm spices, you just might forget why you hated winter so much in the first place- if only for a moment.

channeling contessa indigo products

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Images: table, teacup, bread, flowers, pot

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Dressed to Entertain: Oscars Bash

February 19, 2013 by

oscars outfit 1

I, Lauren, am so excited to bring you guys today’s Dressed to Entertain, but with a brand new twist! Once a month, I’ll be sharing my spin on a real-life outfit to inspire your next hostessing gig. When you’re planning a party, no matter how big or small, laid-back or elaborate, you have a lot of details to handle: Recipe gathering, decorating, cleaning, grocery shopping, and more. So I’ve got your back! I’ll give you an outfit idea that’s in season and easy to pull off, so you can recreate the look at home.

With the biggest awards show of the year just days away, I thought we should kick things off with an Oscars night bash. All the celebrities will be decked out in diamonds, so I say it’s the perfect opportunity to add a little festive sparkle of your own. Keep reading for the details…

oscars outfit 2

oscars outfit 7

A great party dress can’t be beat, but a cropped pant is a versatile standby that’s easily mixed with other items already in your wardrobe. This pair has a bit of stretch, a subtle shimmer, and their slimness balances the loose fit of the silky, embroidered top. The top, by the way, is so pretty and so comfortable–my favorite combination.

oscars outfit 3

oscars outfit 5

I turned up the glam with my own version of “bling” around my neck and wrist, plus threw on some metallic heels. The final touches? An Oscar-worthy red lip and messy side chignon.

oscars outfit 4

The only thing left to do is sip champagne and nibble on popcorn (my favorite trick is to dress it up with a spray of olive oil and this truffle salt, which is unexpected and downright delicious).

Anyone hosting an Oscars viewing party this weekend or heading over to a friend’s to watch? I can’t wait to gather in front of the TV, watch for the red carpet fashion of my favorite celebs, and root on Argo for Best Picture–it was such a nail-biter! Who are you rooting for?

oscars outfit 2

Get the look: Anthropologie top, Anthropologie pants (on major sale, check your store!), Anne Klein shoes, Anthropologie necklace, World Market bracelet (similar), vintage ring

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Setting the Table: Versatile Valentine’s

February 12, 2013 by

Channeling Contessa Valentines

I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of Valentine’s Day- at least in its traditional overly-romantic-red rose-and Hallmark-card form. However, I will tolerate it in a glittery-crafts-and-adorable-chocolates variation. I love the table setting above, because it has a perfect subtle nod to Valentine’s day without going overboard. Just a touch of pink, along with vintage-inspired bouquets, make it perfect for anything from a leisurely breakfast to a cozy dinner- in short, any way you choose to celebrate.

I personally love the idea of having a slightly dressed-up weeknight dinner with your favorite group of friends. Individual pot pies will make things feel simultaneously fancy and rustic. Plus, they use puff pastry- so no wrestling with finicky pie dough. No matter what, dessert must be unapologetically indulgent- and preferably chocolate!

What is your take on the holiday? Love it or leave it?

channelign contessa valentines products

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Images: table, cake, pot pie, model

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Dressed to Entertain: Golden Heels

February 5, 2013 by

channeling contessa DTE

shirt / belt / brooch / pants / shoes

Have you noticed that metallic heels seem to be a ‘thing’ now? I saw a pair a few weeks ago, and now they appear to be popping up all over. At first glance, I loved them, as I do all things shiny, but assumed they would be just another fashion trend I could never pull off. Now I realize that they’re kind of absolutely perfect on their own, and don’t require much else from an outfit except a few classic pieces. The metallics sprinkled throughout bring everything to life, creating a subtle but bold overall look- perfect for a party. The simplistic styling makes the outfit more attainable, while still retaining a festive feel.

What do you think- ready to slap on a gold shoe? I’d personally love to sip champagne in this outfit!

Inspiration: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

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Setting the Table: Graphic Design

January 29, 2013 by

channeling contessa graphic

As much as I love color, a black and white palette feels effortlessly refreshing from time to time. I love that it can make a statement, or just as easily be neutral and unassuming. As soon as I saw the linens, pictured below, I knew it reminded me of some artwork I’ve seen recently- the work of Richard Serra and Franz Kline. I love how seemingly simple their work appears, while the small subtleties make such a statement. In a table setting, a black and white palette easily translates into the perfect brunch back drop, as just a few items are needed to look complete. A bright frittata on the black lined platter, a winter citrus salad in the striped bowl, and some hot coffee to fill those cups.

What do you think- would you embrace such a graphic theme? Of course, you could always throw in some cheerful flowers to brighten things up!

channeling contessa graphic products

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Inspiration: Richard Serra, tulips, tables, Franz Kline

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Dressed to Entertain: Pretty Pleats

January 22, 2013 by

channeling contessa dressed to entertain 3

Lauren Santo Domingo / earrings / blouse / skirt (on sale!) / shoes

I have been obsessed with that yellow Carolina Herrera dress, shown above, since the very first time I spotted it. The bright color, paired with intricate origami-style pleats and an amethyst belt, is just perfect. I thought it would be fun to bring some of my favorite elements of that dress into an outfit that anyone can pull off. The skirt is definitely the focus of the outfit, but I particularly love the blouse. It has so much detailing while remaining as easy to wear as a t-shirt.  Of course, you can never go wrong with a little leopard to top it all off.

Inspiration: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

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Setting the Table: Winter Citrus

January 15, 2013 by

channeling contessa citrus

I may have been a tiny bit over-excited to do this post. It’s been anything but a chore to sift through inspiration photos containing the sunniest hues of orange, lemon, and lime. Definitely a contrast to the cold and dreary month of January (although, even I admit, this one hasn’t been that bad- so far, anyway).

I recently made my first batch of meyer lemon curd (then proceeded to make macarons out of it), and it could only be described as a ‘bite of sunshine’. I’ve since been inspired to work citrus into as many dishes as possible. For a table setting, I love highlighting softer versions of these citrus colors, while accenting with indigo and gold, for a winter-appropriate take. Have these colors found their way into your kitchen yet?

PS. be sure to click here to see the most beautiful citrus grove- a virtual Tuesday afternoon vacation.

Channeling Contessa Citrus Products

 

1. basket, 2. glass, 3. napkin, 4. mug, 5. platter, 6. stand, 7. candle, 8. plate

Images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

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