A Modern Classic Tale

The word "beautiful" seems just shy of fully expressing this magnificent photoshoot.

Oh my... this is just as glamorous, and equally as elegant as her other shoot featured previously, with a Marie Antoinette theme. Do you remember that one? This one is just breathtaking and quite magical... I do laugh as I write this though, as Jazz has been playing all morning while I work, and "Moon River" in instrumental form, just happens to be playing at this very moment. A lovely nod to the infamous Audrey—as you can pick up so many details, reminiscent of "Breakfast at Tiffany's"—an updo, large-scale jewels, sunglasses, black dresses, and even a gown, in similar draping to that of her white, self–made party dress! Do you notice anything else?

Flawless art direction, once again, with a little cheeky and a dash of fun thrown in for good measure. Also, don't forget, to win your own piece of Tiffany's, please leave a comment on my giveaway post, just below... thank you so much for all of your kind words and thoughtful comments this week. You have made my second blog anniversary/blogversary so special! And with that, I wish you a lovely weekend ahead!

( photography: Suresh Natarajan )

Chloé + News

To me, these are the most pretty shorts.

Chloé is by far one of my favorite designers, if not my favorite, and these iconic, high–waisted, scalloped shorts are a must–have for my closet... one day. So classic. I love them also with a blouse and heels, or as you see here, so casual and chic. Does anyone have a pair that they would be willing to sell to me? *wink* (My birthday is around the corner) Do you like these shorts?

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Of note: Talented blogger of Atlantis Home, Mother, vintage shop owner and incredibly stylish lady, Judy Aldridge, just had her home photographed by the infamous Douglas Friedman for the Nowness. Her home is so so beautiful, and could quite easily grace the pages of Elle Decor with its fascinating, artful collections and vignettes, so beautifully displayed, and exquisite textures and furnishings. Take a look!

+ I won a fabulous giveaway yesterday, held by handbag designer Lena Erziak! I had to guess where their handbags are created—thanks to previous posts and research, I knew Italy was the correct answer. (they will be having another giveaway, once they reach 400 Twitter friends, I believe) A no–doubt gorgeous key chain and business card holder are on their way... I cannot wait!

+ lastly, Haute Design is now on Facebook—feel free to add me...

( Publication: Vanity Fair June 2009 / Photographer: Norman Jean Roy / Model: Isabel Lucas / found here )

A Blue Box Occasion

Haute Design turns two today*

I can hardly believe that it was two years ago today that I began this blog! Little did I know that it would become such a wonderful part of my life, and that I would meet so many amazing people along the way... When I began Haute Design, I wanted to use it as a medium to share things and places that I like, and more importantly, to share those who are a part of the world of creativity, one talent at a time. I believe in supporting and celebrating creativity, whether it be world—renowned photographers, fantastic boutiques, fashion designers, or newly launched businesses. There is so much beauty in this world, and I love sharing in it along with you... Thank you for being a part of Haute Design—your support and kindness has been overwhelming, and I look forward to all that the future brings!




*And now, I can barely contain my excitement . . . To celebrate Haute Design's second year, I am thrilled to be giving one of these lovely pieces from Tiffany to one lucky reader! (I couldn't decide which to buy!)






Open internationally to all readers. To enter, please:

01/ leave a comment, selecting which one of the three pieces that you would like to have
02/ leave your email address (if I am unable to find you through your blog)
03/ add Haute Design as a friend on Twitter and/or Facebook (optional)

Good luck, friends! I will announce the (randomly chosen) lucky winner on Monday, August 2nd.

( images 01, 02, 03 // products: Tiffany.com )

To Market

The anticipation of not knowing what you might find.

Good morning—I hope you have had a wonderful weekend! The majority of my weekend was spent working, but I did enjoy a bit of fun—the highlight? stopping at the market. Each year, I look forward to going to the annual night market—it is a large, cultural event held each Summer, on weekends from May to September, with rows and rows of vendors selling a myriad of clothing, jewelry, accessories, food, drinks, everything you can imagine! Young and old gather each year and enjoy the lively atmosphere, food and finds. I love the sites and smells, and picking up something to eat (most especially roasted corn on the cob) while wandering the aisles—excited by what I might come across... do you enjoy markets as well?

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And also, some of this week's finds to share with you: a sunny, Summer glow / lovely, lacy bracelets + vintage brooches (to die for!) / a beautiful color scheme: nude + caramel / back to its roots: Starbucks re–vamped / a narrow house / an amazing shower / an organic linen necklace, with delicate pale pink petals and pearls / a cozy and chic house in Greece / great styling: a table for two / the sweetest, sewn illustrations / gorgeous shoes / and, lastly, a very pretty, elegant locket ring... have a great Monday!

( images: 01, 04, 06, Todd Marshard // 02, 03, 05, 07 scanned: "The French Market" )

A Little Adventure

To me, Summer is about adventure. Whether it be a strenuous hike, a trip, or just doing something you've never done before. The days are longer, lighter and lovelier than ever, so why not get outside and enjoy it! What is your bit of adventure to be? I wish you a bit of whatever you like this coming weekend—whatever your bliss is... mine will be delving into my pretty, new read, (thanks, Daniella) eating out and just enjoying the beautiful Summer air... until Monday, lovely friends!

( images captured by: Mario Sierra for Elle )

A Sweet Welcome

There is nothing unwelcoming or too precious about this lovely home.

It welcomes you, completely blanketed with white, offering a sense of purity of living, and the chance to appreciate texture, lines, detail and depth, beyond color. There are so many details to love about this interior, aren't there? One of my personal favorites is the scallops—offering a true feminine flair... and I really enjoy how fabric has been used throughout to add and play on warmth and ease, whether it be slipcovered chairs, a kitchen with a curtained sink area, curtained entryways into rooms, creating a canopy, or lining the interior of storage areas. A fine idea. Ruffles, scallops, chandeliers, gingerly placed trinkets, artwork, boxes, bottles and such, at every turn... What a home for the romantic of heart.

( scanned: Coté Ouest, Déc–Jan '06 // photos: Jean–Marc Palisse )

A Glistening Affair

A Sweets Couture Table for the Amy Atlas Blog.

It feels as if a delicate and cool, frosty, wintry breeze has swept over this beautiful table... and a winter wonderland of infinitely tasteful delights and a beautiful bride (in Vera Wang, I might add) has emerged...










Let me begin by saying, I adore Lori Hutchinson's cakes. She is so so talented! This lovely scheme of frosty silver, delicate white, cream, and bits of icy sparkle, combine for a truly glamorous, dreamy table. I cannot get over the charming details and tasty delights throughout—and I just love how pearls and lace were such a large part of the dessert bar design. They just complete the look so well, don't they? This dessert bar included: lace wrapped pumpkin cupcakes, macarons, malted chocolate pearls, and licorice white cotton candy... oh my! To read more of the complete story and to appreciate all of the details, hands and eyes that went into creating this look, please click here.

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Photography: Taylor Jackson Photography
Stylist: Cindy Johnson, Wedding & Event Stylist, Platinum Events Group
French Macaroons: Enchanted Sweets
Cakes & Sweets: The Caketress
Calligraphy & Stationery: Calligraphy by Diane
Linen & Rentals: Chair-Man Mills
Floral Décor: Fuscia Designs
Hair and Makeup Artist: Tami El Sombati
Gown: Vera Wang Toronto
Model: Laura Rowley

( images, with permission, and courtesy of The Caketress )