Is it wrong to want to live in a restaurant? I can see a lot of practical sides to this wish. No grocery shopping, no dish washing, no planning meals for the week. Heaven.

After eating at Trio restaurant in Palm Springs, I have design envy. Located in a former bank building, this restaurant plays established modern cool to its advantage. The restaurant has a gravitas that is provided by the building’s history as a bank. Heavy natural materials in bank-speak say, “We have been around for a long time and …

Where does one find styles that are lady-like-with-an-edge?  That is one of my favorite style motifs, but where is it hiding?  I’ve come to the conclusion that it does not exist ready-made.  Fortunately, it is something you must put together yourself.  This makes it not only intriguing, but unique.  One place I’ve discovered where you can put this look together (or any other personal style) is at 1154 LILL Studio.  This boutique in the Chicago Lincoln Park neighborhood allows you to make custom handbags, which means you can create a …

The popping of a champagne cork is one of the best sounds in the world.  Like the symphony tuning their instruments before the concert starts or the opening of the Jackson Five song ABC, the sound of a champagne cork signals the potential of something good and all the best elements of anticipation.  Chicago is a city that understands and is the home to Pops for Champagne – a champagne bar that will knock your shoes off.
 
The interior is a beautiful open space with floor to ceiling windows so that diners …

With Fall on her way, I’ve made a short list of the things I am excited about in this new season.  Although Spring is technically when all the baby animals are born and the flowers pop open, Fall has always felt like The Start of Something to me.  Fall has possibility.
I am completely smitten with Yves Saint Laurent nail polish in Ultra Violet.  I love the pure color.  I like how saturated the violet looks because it is a single-note.  No glitter, no opalescence.  It is bold and modern.  I …

I see more and more promotion of farm-to-fork; buying local seasonal foods, sometimes from small farms.  Indeed, the fresher, the better when it comes to fruits and vegetables.  And clothes. 
While I have yet to think of a catchy term, the concept of buying local and fresh is relevant to clothing.  There is no better place to do that then in local boutiques.  Frequently, people avoid boutiques out of concern that the prices are much higher than a chain store in the mall.  This is not the case.  In addition, local …

While the gift of the internet has made many brands accessible no matter where you live (thank you Al Gore!) it can be worth the effort to seek out a brand-specific boutique or store.  Here is where you will have the advantage of a full selection as well be able to take a peek at the atmosphere and mood the designer is working to create.  It can be fun to see how a designer or brand makes their image tangible.  It is a type of fashion safari where you can …

If you are digging the Mad Men style – the glamour, panache, and confident-cool, you can find yourself all dressed up with no place to go.  To be sure, finding the right outfit can be a far cry easier from finding a place with enough style to meet you more than half-way.  For those in San Diego this isn’t such a dilemma. 
When the mood strikes, look no further than The Wellington in Mission Hills.  You will be met by a stellar menu that mixes classic dishes, such as the signature …

The reality is that we all need drama.  It is a forgotten component on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  And, drama-created-through-risk is all around us –  and we live in that state of delicate tension more frequently than may be recognized.   That is why shows like Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Apprentice don’t romance me.  The thought of following those shows seems so dull.  After all, they are so…safe.  Where is the risk?  Brilliant editing can create the look of drama, but when really examined, is performing the fox trot …

While 2009 was by no means an easy year, it was not all bad. As we move further into 2010, we will each be able to soften our view of 2009 with a fuzzier lens. But even under the harsh examination light, there were things discovered in 2009 that will be carried forward into 2010. Part I of the best finds of 2009 include:
Nail polish got serious. After years of monotony in nail polish colors, it was very refreshing to see bold darks, off beat grays, and navy taking a …

In fashion and design, stripping away the extras and reducing something to its barest point is an art.  Adding in elements that provide contrast, pop, and visual surprises takes style, confidence in your design, and a sense of creativity and identity.  These principles are no different with food.  With most food, you have options.  You can do your own cooking or you can find restaurants that focus on flavor and quality.  But one crucial area where you cannot be as independent is chocolate. This holy-holy of foods is not something …