I wanted to prove that I, as an individual, deserved a place in the world – Paul Revere Williams.
Focus on Palm Springs Modernism and Preserving the Legacy of Paul Revere Williams (1894-1980): Architect to the Stars…and Everyone Else.
Residence in Hollywood, Calif., designed in 1928 by Paul R Williams for banking executive Victor Rosetti.
“Expensive homes are my business and social housing is my hobby,” Williams once said.
Paul Williams added the Crescent Wing to the Beverly Hills Hotel
One of my favorite months to be in Palm Springs is February, if only for the numerous events surrounding Modernism Week. A feast for the senses; especially the eyes.
The mission of Modernism Week is to celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these fields, by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in the greater Palm Springs area. But you don’t have to be here to appreciate it. But if you are here, you’ll certainly enjoy it!
Paul Revere Williams Wins 2017 AIA Gold Medal, LAX Theme Building, 1961Paul Revere Williams
The Man:
“California represented an acceptance of both Williams, as an African-American and his work. Maybe Southern California was the only place he could have achieved all this.” -Robert Timme, dean of the USC School of Architecture
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz tapped Williams in 1954 to design their Palm Springs residence. The Ball Arnaz home is an excellent example of his uncanny ability to transform a client’s dreams into substance.
Frank Sinatra also hired the architect to build a house. Williams recalled the experience designing for the crooner as particularly challenging.
“Frank Sinatra wanted a bedroom; press a button and the doors open to the patio. Press another button and the bed rolls out into the patio.” Ahhhh….. if you can, why not?
In a nutshell….
Paul Revere Williams is an important part of Southern California’s architectural legacy. He’s well known for his sumptuous residential designs for movie stars, entertainment and business leaders, mastering a range of styles from Southern Colonial to Spanish Colonial, from Hollywood Regency to Modern. While residential design would remain an important part of his practice, in the course of his five-decade career, Williams designed thousands of buildings of all types, served on many municipal, state and federal commissions, and was active in political and social organizations earning the admiration and respect of his peers.
Okay, I must say I’m getting quite used to receiving my seasonal box of goodies. After all, it is curated by one stylish team. So for the past two years I feel it would not be a start to a new season without it. So there!This time the box was waiting for me on my arrival to Palm Springs. And as usual I already had a look ahead at what was in store. Because as much as I love an element of surprise….I just can’t help myself. And it’s always fun to get a little spoiled. So here’s what’s INSIDE THE WINTER BOX:
RACHEL ZOE FOR BOX OF STYLE CLUTCH (in black or white)
Designed exclusively for Box of Style, Rachel drew inspiration from her favorite periods in fashion – the deco elegance of the 20sand the effortless glamour of the 60s and 70s. Retail value: $125
HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 MESA EARRINGSRachel collaborated with her dear friend Nicole Richie on these stunning earrings exclusively for Box of Style. These statement-makers can work into any look for that extra dose of sparkle. Retail value: $115
OSEA ESSENTIAL HYDRATING OIL
Hydration is everything. Apply as your first step in the morning and your last step before bed. It’s also perfect to keep in your handbag as your on-the-go refresher. Retail value: $68
TARTE SEX KITTEN LIQUID LINER
A sleek cat eye transcends both time and style. From black-tie glam to rock ’n’ roll flair, it’s the ultimate finishing touch. Retail value: $20
FAUX FUR STOLE (as in Unreal)
Pair this luxe alternative to your winter scarf with anything from a cocktail dress to a cozy sweater to completely elevate your look. Retail value: $85
SUGAR PAPER “THE AGENDA”
I always have an agenda. In today’s digital world, many people still prefer to write things down, Rachel included. She chose motivating words from extraordinary women who inspire her every day, in hopes they will motivate you in the new year. I’m motivated! Retail value: $48
I think this is a really fun and worthwhile subscription. For as little as $100 you receive over $400 of luxury fashion and beauty selected for you each season.
Genderless, androgynous, intersexual..whatever you want to call it,
Ryan Gosling on SNL
designers have been creating collections that both men and women can wear for a while now. Infact my last style post was about the dual jumpsuit which I personally prefer on women but still. And we know girls like to borrow their boyfriends jeans .
We also know real style is personal but when it comes to wearing jeans everything goes. Depending on our mood and our body type we can choose from skinny to slightly sloppy boyfriend style, cropped, high waisted, wide-legged and everything in-between. And for purists Levi’s are still #1.
So when SNL recently did a skit on Woke jeans, made for a generation that defies labels, I had a good laugh. Because sometimes we need to take fashion with a grain of humor.
I’m not even sure the words style and jumpsuit belong in the same sentence, but here we have it.
I’m torn with the same feeling I have for overalls. I’m not a big fan. A catsuit; now we’re talking! It’s sexy. Although a good jumpsuit (a tad more upscale than overalls but definitely laid-back) worn a certain way can carry itself. Maybe this should be entitled “how to style a jumpsuit.”
And let’s keep in mind worn in the desert with combat boots, a fashion statement it does make.
For me a style post is getting harder and harder to do, if only because the best style is personal, and while one person can pull something off, another person can look totally ridiculous wearing. And trends come and go, as we’re well aware.
Image: atelier dore
So when I spotted this jumpsuit on another website, I had to re-think the whole thing. Because it looks fabulous. And in pinstripes; you can’t go wrong. The fact that the model is in Morocco with the sun shining certainly doesn’t hurt.
But honestly, I was interested enough to go online to find out who the manufacturer was. Then to my surprise I found out that the one-piece is unisex no less.
I wasn’t aware that men wore jumpsuits, so this is all new to me.
Honestly, how do you feel about this statement piece?
In this case, It’s what’s on the outside that counts!
In the Rain
My friend Colleen always manages to look stylish, rain or otherwise
It’s almost impossible to look stylish in the rain. I live in Vancouver and when there’s a crazy torrential downpour (like right now) all I want is to stay warm and dry. Which leaves me wearing a practical gore-tex jacket (which I’ve tried to retire time and time again only to take it out of hiding at this time of the year) with hood pulled up tight over my face and childlike gum boots or waterproof hiking boots. The only way anyone can tell that it’s me if I’m wearing this getup is because there’s two sheltie dogs dragging tagging along beside me, usually wearing raincoats of their own. This is truly the best (or most useful) dreadful weather dog walking gear I can think of. This is when practical works best.
Love Yellow Gum Boots Credit: Van City Buzz
But when there’s a lighter rainfall it’s much easier to look more put together. I wear a dressier looking raincoat (as if you can refer to a rain coat as being dressy, but I mean one that you can actually wear a dress under), black rain boots (duh) and a fashionable rain hat (because I prefer not to carry an umbrella). I found a great all-weather leather Dooney & Bourke handbag from a vintage fair in Palm Springs. I knew when I first spotted it that it would be my go-to at this time of the year. It pulls everything together.
Here’s another example of keeping stylish in the rain – having people fend off the elements for you when you go to Paris Fashion Week. And don’t worry about freezing in your gown because of course there’ll be a warm car waiting for you.
In the Snow
What I remember most about living back East was that even when it snowed it was a lot brighter out. Even though it was cold, the sun was still shining. Not all the time, but a lot of the time.
Home for the Holidays – Cameron Diaz
You have more fashionable options in colder weather. Winter is not my favorite season but I love winter coats because there’s so many choices. It’s the last thing you put on before going out the door and first thing people see you in. You can have fun with them.
The snow won’t ruin wool or cashmere so covering up definitely gives you more options. When I lived in Toronto I had several nice warm and stylish winter coats. From a full length bright red Hilary Radley (Canadian designer) wool coat to a fake leopard fur ¾ swing coat and many others in between. Even some down coats can look stylish (see above). And if you’re not sure you can never go wrong with a long camel coat, preferably in cashmere. And then there’s the boots….but that’s for another post.
This time of the year I’m FALLing for cozy oversized knitwear. From cashmere to wool, crew or turtleneck, be it bright or neutral (my favorite), easy to wear, warm knits are the ultimate casual attire for a cool day. And it appears I lean towards full spectrum shades of grey
Useful, beautifully thought out items for women on the go. Courtesy of the Zoe Report.
Aside from the leather clutch/shoulder/computer bag here are the other items in the Fall Box of Style:
THE MANE MASTER
If you spent too much time in the sun and pool, Oribe’s Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream is here to rescue your summer-loved strands. Imbued with a heavenly scent, massage a small amount of this leave-in conditioner post-shower, or midday, for a silky treatment.
THE ONE-TWO PUNCH
Vegan and cruelty free, NUDESTIX gives you a natural way to get gorgeous. Their two-in-one crayon is moisturizing and vitamin-enriched — the perfect pick-me-up to give your lips and cheeks a pinch of color at a moment’s notice.
THE TRIPLE THREAT
The perfect travel skincare set. My skin looked fantastic after using it. Call in a weekend staycation, or fake a spa visit, with Skinesque’s multi-tasking mask. Paraben-free and dermatologist approved, it will brighten up your visage with skin-loving ingredients from green tea to bamboo and charcoal.
THE DYNAMIC DUO
A little luxury goes a long way, and these stackable baubles prove it. The choice item in the fall box, they deliver delicate diamonds on 14K Gold Plated Brass rings.
TRAY CHIC
Overhaul clutter and make a modern statement via this metallic tray. Whether placed atop your work desk, coffee table, or vanity, it will effortlessly elevate your space.
I’m still getting the Zoe Report Box of Style and it’s always fun to unwrap the fashionably curated and useful findings inside each seasonal box.
For Fall 2017 Rachel Zoe and her team have an
exclusive collaboration with GiGi New York
featuring a luxury carryall in unexpected navy which converts from a computer case by day to a chic clutch come night. Made of quality textured leather, it comes with a detachable strap for slinging across your shoulder for casual wear from office to evening. Of course the tassle sets it apart.
“Every woman is so incredibly busy, we need practical yet stylish pieces for every day.” Rachel Zoe
A new favorite fall companion! I’ll tell you about the rest of the box tomorrow.
Mixing together Fun & Fashion. Since I loved the movie, the models and Dolly Parton:
On the final day of the New York Spring collections, director Charlotte Wales and Fashion Editor Jorden Bickham asked Kate Upton, Joan Smalls, Elsa Hosk, and a crew of their catwalking pals to come to work at the Vogue offices. How to wear the new officewear was the immediate challenge. How to navigate a corporate tower while retaining a fierce sense of style was the actual heart of the matter.
These high heeled boots were designed with a Sexxxxy lace up front.
Going for Baroque...The swirls on some of the uppers were inspired by the baroque interiors of France’s great palaces. The same swirls also found their way to the mini handbags.
Where oh where will I wear these?
By times we must look beyond the practical. And for many women, this IS their practical. Unless they have little french poodles please tell me they have NO dogs!
In addition, Modernism Week will feature two talks about Williams and his influence in midcentury modern architecture.
This time the box was waiting for me on my arrival to Palm Springs. And as usual I already had a look ahead at what was in store. Because as much as I love an element of surprise….I just can’t help myself. And it’s always fun to get a little spoiled. So here’s what’s INSIDE THE WINTER BOX:
Rachel collaborated with her dear friend Nicole Richie on these stunning earrings exclusively for Box of Style. These statement-makers can work into any look for that extra dose of sparkle. Retail value: $115
ESSENTIAL HYDRATING OIL
the-go refresher. Retail value: $68
So when I spotted this jumpsuit on another website, I had to re-think the whole thing. Because it looks fabulous. And in pinstripes; you can’t go wrong. The fact that the model is in Morocco with the sun shining certainly doesn’t hurt.
You have more fashionable options in colder weather. Winter is not my favorite season but I love winter coats because there’s so many choices. It’s the last thing you put on before going out the door and first thing people see you in. You can have fun with them.
And it appears I lean towards full spectrum shades of grey
THE MANE MASTER
THE ONE-TWO PUNCH
THE DYNAMIC DUO
I’m still getting the Zoe Report Box of Style and it’s always fun to unwrap the fashionably curated and useful findings inside each seasonal box.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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