Julie Hillman Design

I am on a mad dash to get everything done before I leave this evening so I thought I would leave you with some amazing interiors that I recently stumbled upon.

Julie Hillman was a fashion designer for ten years before shifting her talents to interior design.  She has a wonderful ability to make modern interiors personal and I love how she seamlessly incorporates art into her interiors.  Enjoy!

Airport Uniform

I leave for the South of France tomorrow night and I have to say that the idea of just sitting on an airplane without kids in tow feels like a vacation in and of itself!

We are taking a red eye, which got me thinking about a comfortable airport uniform.  Mine usually starts with a classic pair of jeans and a comfortable tee.  I actually bought the jeans in this photograph this morning after trying on loads of styles at several different stores.  I like that they are midrise.   (My rear end won't sneak out during all of the undressing/redressing that occurs while going through security.)  And the simple, clean style of the jean helps one look pulled together for a long travel day.

Details after the jump.

Raw Tomatillo Salsa

I am all about quick recipes and this is one I have been loving lately.

Now you might be wondering how one chooses a tomatillo and I know it can be intimidating to cook with ingredients you don't normally use.  The hardest part about trying something new is knowing what to look for when you are in the supermarket.  But I will walk you through it.  This is so easy, I promise!

This salsa takes no more than five minutes to make and it involves no cooking.  And if you think you don't like tomatillo salsa, just promise that you will at least try the raw version.  Raw tomatillo salsa doesn't have any of the occasionally-slimey texture of the cooked version.  The flavors are brighter and in my opinion, yummier!

So let's go then.  More after the jump.

Five Beauty Must Haves: How To Fake Awake

Not all days are easy but life calls!  No matter how tired you might be, you have to get up and get going.  And sometimes, you just fake it until you make it.  Since I started the day in a bleary-eyed stupor (thanks, toddlers), I thought I would share a few of the secret weapons in my beauty arsenal.

Details after the jump...

Get the Look: Denim On Denim

Denim on denim sounds positively cringeworthy but I think it can absolutely work.  Check out the photograph above from the August 2012 issue of Elle Spain.  I love her tousled hair and fuchsia lip, too.

1. JJ Winters Mini Fringe Bag in Taupe
2. J.Crew Denim Western Shirt
3. Madewell Perfect Leather Belt
4. Gorjana Knox Necklace
5. Rag & Bone/Jean Skinny Jean

And here's another version of the look worn by Meredith Melling Burke back in October of 2011.

Meredith Melling Burke via Vanessa Jackman

Warren Platner

In the 1960s, Warren Platner became known for his now-iconic tables, chairs and stools made in part by steel wire molded into sculptural form.  These pieces are just as popular and collectible today as they were decades ago.  Vintage pieces can be found everywhere from eBay to 1stDibs (and maybe even a garage sale if you are very, very lucky).  New pieces can be found at retailers like Design Within Reach.

I thought I would share some of these pieces as they are used in actual homes so that you see all of the possibilities.  I am a big fan of the lounge chairs!

Pajama Makeover

I just spent the weekend in Ohio with my in laws and there's nothing like running into your mother-in-law in the kitchen at 6 am to make you consider whether your sleepwear (the kind really designed for sleeping) needs an upgrade.   The classic button down pajama is perfect for times when you're a houseguest or when you have a houseguest, although you certainly don't need a reason to wear a great set like this.

I also love the idea of packing a classic pajama set on vacation.  Even if you don't actually sleep in them, these would be great for lounging in your hotel room while you, say, read the paper and enjoy a room service breakfast.  That sounds like heaven to me right now, by the way.  Poached eggs and a cappuccino on a tray and with some great reading material on the side?  Sign me up!

I love the photograph above because it goes to show you that a classic doesn't have to be boring, especially if you follow a couple of simple styling tips (see arrows).  And while your significant other might appreciate your slightly unbuttoned shirt, I do recommend buttoning it before the early morning coffee with the MIL. : )  This set is from J.Crew.  You can find it here.  You can also find the tank here.

Two variations on the button down pajama after the jump.

Transitional Knits

This week I turned a corner and I was finally ready to start looking at some fall transitional pieces.  I thought I would start with some fantastic knits since they are one of the easiest ways to start easing your wardrobe into a new season.  As it gets cooler, you can update many summer pieces by simply adding an interesting sweater.  Maxi dress with a chunky knit?  Yes, please.

These are some of my current favorites.  Trends I am seeing - cable knits with interesting patterns, color blocked knits, also lots of superhero/pop art inspired pieces.

I hope this post is just the thing to get you inspired for fall!

Realestalking

I am traveling today and don't have time for a long post.  I thought I would encourage you to do a little realestalking instead.  Find this Manhattan apartment here.

Living With Art: An Update

So a while back, I wrote this post.  At the time, we were the process of doing some small updates around our apartment and choosing a photograph to go on the wall behind our dining room table.  We ultimately decided on this one by Tom Fowlks and I wanted to share the result.

I also thought I would share a little about our mini makeover in our dining area if you would like to see.  (It doubles as a play area for our boys.)  Details after the jump.

Sunglasses, Funglasses

I don't know that wearing sunglasses have ever seemed like more fun.  I have seen so many amazing styles on the streets of New York lately.  It's a departure from other times during which certain styles seemed to dominate.  (One year it might have been aviators.  Another it might have been wayfarers and yes, there were always other options but not so many!)

Right now, almost anything goes and what better way to make a style statement.  And with the prevalence of vintage-inspired styles, one need not go farther than a thrift store or eBay to find a fantastic pair.

I'll admit that some of these aren't for everyone but my goal is simply to inspire. And have fun!

Summer Cocktail Series: John Daly

If ever there is a cocktail perfect for the heat of summer, this is it!  My husband also noted that the British Open starts this Thursday.  How perfect would it be to enjoy a cocktail named for a golfer this weekend?

In case you aren't familiar with the John Daly, let me give you a little background.  It starts with the drink the Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade), which is named for the famous golfer by the same name.  The Arnold Palmer became quite popular and someone eventually decided to spike it with a little vodka.  The alcoholic version needed its own name and some clever person decided to name it after another famous golfer - you guessed it, John Daly.  (Let's just say that John Daly hasn't always known for his saintly ways.)

This recipe uses tea-infused vodka and because of this, you'll want to get a 24-hour head start.  But I promise you that the prep for your infusion will only take a minute and it will make the finished product even more delicious.

Recipe after the jump.

Wardrobe Staple: Long-Sleeved Shift Dress

My favorite staple in my wardrobe right now is a white crepe long-sleeved shift dress.  I love it because it is easy, easy, easy and I can style it a million different ways.  Day to night.  Flat sandals, boots, heels.  Belted, or not.  With the most minimal of accessories or the most dramatic statement necklace.

A shift dress can also be a great transitional piece going from summer into fall.  When it gets cooler (and I know you don't want to think about that in July) add some tights and booties and voila!  You're ready to go.

From Left:

Vanessa Bruno At the Textured-Stripe Georgette Dress
Sandro Renaissance  Cutout Crepe-Twill Mini Dress
Giulietta Crepe Shift Dress

For The Love of Lucite

I often think that having a lucite (or acrylic) piece in a room gives it a feeling of air and space.  It can also add a touch of glamour.  This modern material obviously works in contemporary spaces but I also love it when it's used in traditional interiors.  It feels a bit unexpected and every room can use a surprise!

Coffee Table Books

I have been slowly updating my coffee table books.  Some of my older ones had either gotten worn or faded from the sun.  The best books, in my opinion, have both interesting content and eye catching covers.  I thought I would put together a list of some favorites.  Some are old.  Others are relatively new.  But I would love to have any of these.  In fact, I already have a few. : )

More after the jump...

On Pinterest: Ten Pins

Today has been one giant to do list.  While that's fine (some days are just like that), it hasn't left me much time for a blog post.  When I am in need of quick inspiration, there's no place I'd rather go than Pinterest so I thought I would share ten of my recent favorite pins.  Here we go!

Let's start with the top photograph.  I love Tim Walker photography.  If you want a dose of inspiration with a side of whimsy, check out his book.

Pamukkale, Turkey is on the travel wish list.

The Mamas and the Papas.  I'm kind of obsessing over their style right now.

I loved this reading list - Books For Brave Girls (Not Princesses).  Ramona and Pippi Longstocking were two of my favorites.

This is a great look for everyday.  Wide high-waisted pant, striped tee, hat, simple braid, casual bag - done!

Every hair tip you could ever imagine categorized in one place - click here.

I love the idea of serving these brightly colored macaroons at a summer party.  (No cooking required!)

This floor installation by Jim Lambie is made with tape.

Why not blow up a favorite vacation photo and frame it in a custom frame?  I would love to do this with a couple of photos I took on our Montauk trip.

If I had a summer home like this, I would try to find a way to incorporate a hanging outdoor bed.  I love the idea  of chilling out here with the kiddos by day and sipping a glass of wine with the hubs here by night!

This landscape design just blows me away.  File this one under dream home.


Image Credits


Tim Walker photograph on Pinterest originally pinned from his website
Pamukkale, Turkey on Pinterest
The Mamas and The Papas on Pinterest originally pinned from the Fashion Spot
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy on Pinterest originally pinned from Habitually Chic
Books for Brave Girls on Pinterest via Virginia Sole-Smith
Outfit inspiration on Pinterest originally pinned from Tumblr
Hair tips on Pinterest originally pinned from All Women Stalk
Macaroons on Pinterest via Tumblr
Installation by Jim Lambie on Pinterest originally pinned from Tumblr
Large photograph above sofa on Pinterest originally pinned from Small Shop Studio
Outdoor bed on Pinterest originally pinned from Dwell
Pool with gardens on Pinterest originally pinned from  Mark D. Sikes