Wallace Neff

I admire Wallace Neff's self described "Californian" style of architecture that is a blend of Spanish, Tuscan, and Mediterranean elements popular during California's Golden Age. His historical homes were once rare listings, but thanks to the market slide, a few are on the market!

My favorite, 1083 N Hillcrest, originally designed by Neff for Groucho Marx in 1956 is up for sale now for just under 13 million:

Pickfair, built in 1920 for Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, is one of the most famous estates in Beverly Hills. The latest news is that The Michael Jackson Museum Foundation is forming to purchase the estate (in 2008, was listed for 60 million) and turn it in to a permanent MJ museum:

Neff lived in San Marino and developed many of the historical homes that line the streets in Pasadena:

Although Neff is most known for his elaborate homes designed for the Southern California elite, he was also interested in solutions for the housing shortage in the 20's and 30's. He created the Bubble House, utilizing an inflated Goodyear balloon covered with mesh and fixed with concrete as an inexpensive mass housing solution. Although they were extremely cost effective, the idea never caught on in the US:

Albert Camus - the witty charmer

Now that I have read every piece published by Truman Capote, the time has come for a new favorite writer to enter my world!

You could practically spin me around in Skylight Books on Vermont Street, and at any given point of landing, I would be sure to find something interesting. And that is exactly how I came across Albert Camus and his last work of fiction, The Fall (well, minus the spinning). The Fall, or La Chute, as it originally was written in French, was published in 1956, just one year prior to Camus receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature. I read the entire monologue in one sitting; one because it is a mere 150 pages, and two because once I started it, I was completely immersed in Camus's authentic unveiling of human need, action, and thought that I couldn't put it down. The themes of death, debauchery, judgement, and failure are finely woven with threads of power, love, success, and elegance. The contrasts are further illuminated by the backdrops of powerful Parisian memories and a dark and dreary modern Amsterdam. Written in an unusual second-person, Camus uses his main character's ambiguous reflections on his own intimate life experiences to evoke the same sort of reflection in the reader. I think anyone with a pulse would be moved, if not lightly disturbed, by this brilliantly honest narrative.

Miuccia Prada

I have recently become quite fascinated with Miuccia Prada, or Mrs Prada as her staff calls her, or Miu Miu, her nickname. One of the things that I find the most interesting is the overall evolution of her career. She was born in Milan, the granddaughter of Prada founder, Mario Prada. But work in the family's luggage shop she would not, at least not until after her Political Science PhD, mime study, and communist party rallies (dressed in Yves St Laurent; an early display of her affection for contraries!). In 1978, she reluctantly took the reigns of Prada with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, and has grown the brand into an international fashion leader by injecting her particular and unusual aesthetic into the veins of the brand. In 1992, she founded Miu Miu, the edgier, younger extension of the Miuccia Prada aesthetic, which shows in Paris, unlike Prada, which shows in Milan. The evolution continues with the establishment of the Prada Foundation, her non-profit organization dedicated to bringing an audience to contemporary art. I love that Mrs Prada finds progress in doing things differently; going against the obvious to innovate. It is said that she will pick a fabric in a color she hates and relishes in the joy of creating something beautiful from it.

One of my favorite looks from Prada S/S 10 shown yesterday in Milan (I love, love, love the red lips):

Origin Assured

Even though I live in LA, where it can be 80 degrees in the middle of winter, I do love my fur! I don't know if it was my great grandmother's sable collars or the first vintage chocolate mink shrug I bought, but I think there is something so fabulously glamorous about a beautifully done fur. On the other hand, my first day-after-Thanksgiving working at Escada in Seattle was spent in lock down due to the PETA protests lining 5th Avenue. A happy medium? I'm not sure there is one as far as the PETA camp is concerned, but ethical minded fur consumers can now shop easily. You've probably seen the great ads shot by Raymond Meier in Vogue but just what is the Origin Assured initiative? Basically the International Fur Trade Federation partnered with the top 4 fur auction houses (the majority of fur is sold through auction houses - who knew?) to monitor the national regulations ensuring openness and transperency in the way fur is produced and assurance in the humane treatment of the critters. The monitoring is done by an independent trade inspection company based out of Switzerland. Look out for these labels:

It's no surprise that four of our favorites are leading the way; Oscar de la Renta, John Galliano, Roberto Cavalli, and Uncle Karl have all put their stamp on the campaign.

Lawrence Alma-Tadema's Spring

My latest visit to The Getty Museum allowed me the pleasure of discovering Spring, an oil painting by Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Set in ancient Rome, the painting brings to life the Victorian tradition of sending children out to the fields to collect flowers for a May Day celebration. Like all of Alma-Tadema's paintings, he depicts ancient Roman and Greek life with astounding detail. Taking over four years to complete, Spring tells a moving story with Alma-Tedema's use of bronze sculpture, clothing, musical instruments, and the incredible faces (which are said to be those of some of his family and friends), all with his trademark backdrop of marbled interiors and a languid Italian sky. The depth and detail was awe inspiring to me, so much that I typed his name into my blackberry; I had to know more. Alma-Tadema's life long fascination and study of the ancient world made him an expert of Classical antiquities, and his paintings have inspired many set designers in Hollywood, including Oscar-winning Gladiator, and The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

The view of The Getty Museum from the gardens has similar elements to a Alma-Tadema painting.

It's Good to be King

With just 12 individually designed loft units, 123 King Boutique Residences are an oasis for the couture homeowner seeking a jolt of cool. Located in the prime lifestyle neighborhood at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Third Street, King offers it’s residents a refreshing take on urban living from the outside in. Internationally celebrated Pugh+Scarpa Architects conceptualized the modern exterior that will compliment the historical landscape for years to come. With 20 foot ceilings, height is used as a dramatic element of luxury, unique in each unit. Cascading light filters through a myriad of sources from floor to ceiling.

Shying away from traditional loft elements, King is more state of the art modern than industrial tech.

Interior designers, Abitar Dentro, have thought of everything on your need and want lists. Terazzo ground aggregate floors and fully integrated kitchens with hand polished white lacquer define understated luxury at its best. FireOrb floating fireplaces are poised in 4 of the units and strategic lighting sets the mood for any occasion. Need to get some work done? The mezzanine office is the perfect light-filled place, and King is turnkey wired for all your audio/visual obsessions. Would you expect any less? The oversized Master baths are fit for a king (and his queen) with separate spa tub and rain showers draped in sensual design elements and unexpected details. The climactic glories at King are the rooftop terraces, with show enhancing views of Santa Monica, Hollywood Hills, and Downtown.

You may never want to leave, but when you do, you’ve got convenience as your sidekick. And not the get in your car and drive there type of convenience. This is roll out of bed, walk a few blocks and you’re there type of convenience. A bad case of bed head? No worries. Your coffee and eggs Benedict from hotspot Kings Road Café can be delivered right to your rooftop terrace. And your dry-cleaning? Don’t worry, that’s delivered too. Mainstream fashion at The Beverly Center and one of a kind boutique shopping along Third is a car free excursion. A hot night at Sushi Roku or leisurely dinner with friends at Ortolan is just blocks away. By the time your friends get their cars out of valet, you’re already home. The dense amenities in this hood are more plentiful and unique than in any other area in Los Angeles. Just about anything you can think of is right around the corner - and in your living room. Yes, it’s good to be King.

My Fall DVR picks!

Although it's been fun watching Sex and The City reruns and Chelsea Lately all summer long, my DVR is ready for some new action! So, after I tuck away my St. Tropez caftans and bring out my favorite cashmere, I'll be setting my DVR with these picks:

Monday

Accidentally on Purpose CBS 8:30 Jenna Elfman and Grant Show (remember Jake on the original Melrose? Thought so...) star in this comedy about a career woman in entertainment journalism who finds herself impregnated by an unsuccessful slacker. Sounds very similar to Knocked Up if you ask me, but is actually based on the real life memoir of Time critic Mary Pols.

Gossip Girl CW 9:00 The third season of this style infused drama continues the scandal by promising some guy-on-guy action with Ed Westwick's character, Chuck Bass.

Tuesday

Dancing With The Stars ABC 9:00 I'll be watching Season 9, starring Mya, Kelly Osbourne, and Kathy Ireland if for no other reason than to understand Chelsea Handler's comments later!

Melrose Place CW 9:00 I am crossing my finger's that this retro remake is better than the round two of 90210!

Wednesday

Modern Family ABC 9:00 I have high hopes for this laugh-out-loud comedy starring Ed O'Neill, Julie Bowen, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

ANTM CW 8:00 For its 13th season, contestants are all 5'7" and under and are bunking up in Los Angeles.

The Beautiful Life CW 9:00 If this Kutcher produced drama featuring Mischa Barton and Elle MacPherson is a flop I'll switch to Courtney Cox's Cougartown ABC 9:30.

Thursday

FlashForward ABC 8:00 What happens when the entire world population blacks out and has clairvoyant episodes showing them their futures?

Parks and Recreation NBC 8:30 I love this mockumentary following the Parks and Rec department of Pawnee, Indiana!

The Office NBC 9:00 No explanation needed here!

Stiletto

My friend Nick Vallelonga directed this film and I had the pleasure of reviewing it for www.the213.net!

Il Gioiello di Trastevere

At any given time, it is safe to say that I can be found in various stages of planning my next trip to Italy. Last time in Rome, I was lucky enough to find this fabulous little apartment in the heart of Rome's safest and most charming neighborhoods; Trastevere. The apartment is in an amazing building that was once a monastery and has been in the care of Paula Benevene's family for centuries. Upon my arrival, Paula helped me feel at home by introducing me to a local cafe and inviting me to lunch at the neighborhood's best pizzeria. In no time, Trastevere became my favorite little pocket of Rome. I can't wait to go back and stay at "The Jewel of Trastevere" again!

The Dress, finally!

To me, there's nothing better than wearing a one of a kind piece, whether it's custom or vintage couture. Every once in awhile, I get inspired to pull out my creative gene and use my skills to bring my creative vision to reality. I was inspired to create a dress with a high neck in the front and an open back with a lot of structure and body in the back drape. Open back dresses first came in fashion in the early 1930's, when it first became socially exceptable for women to show their back in public. So considering we've brought the depression back, why not the style?!

I found a fabulous medium weight black linen at Michael Levine in downtown LA. It's weight is perfect for the drape and the texture of the fabric gives the dress a subtle high summer safari look. I wore the dress to dinner at Babbo while I was in New York a few weeks ago and got a lot of compliments!

Truman Capote

Truman Capote's writing came in to my life in true Truman Capote style; Elegantly serendipitiously! About a year ago, as Adam and Joe were packing up their LA lives and leaving me in their dust for greener pastures (concrete pastures, that is) in NYC, I came across Adam's copy of Truman Capote's, In Cold Blood. Paperback with a small red dot sharpied with $2. "It's a GREAT book!" Adam said as he tried to peddle a Marilyn Monroe print from "The Seven Year Itch" to me. Adam oozes a sophistication that continues to intrique me, so I promptly purchased both items!

A few months later, while on a flight to the concrete jungle to visit Adam and Joe, I read the book cover to cover. And a few days later, serindipitiously found a hardback of Truman's complete short stories in a little shop in the East Village while shopping with Adam. A Mink of One's Own literally took my breath away the first time I read it. His writing style is just that - full of style. I am currently reading "Summer Crossing," which I will probably finish at the pool this weekend!

Illuminati

I cannot get enough of Jay Z's new song "Run This Town" featuring Rihanna and Kanye! A good indication of how much I like it is that I've had it on repeat play the ENTIRE day! I am a major fan of Jay Z's music - all of it...and I love that his past albums have been all over the place musically; from collabs with Lenny Kravitz and Linkin Park to MIA, Lil Wayne, and Nas. "Run This Town" comes from Jay Z's eleventh album, "Blueprint 3" which features collabs with Alicia Keyes and Pharrell among others and is heavily produced by Kanye West and Timbaland. Wow, this is going to be good; no suprise though...it's what we've come to expect from the Roc A Fella crew. Despite a leak of the entire album a few weeks ago, I am waiting for the Sept 11th release date to buy my copy! Oh, and in true Jay Z style he'll be throwing a little soiree in Madison Square Garden on the 11th to benefit the NYC Police and Fire Widows and Children fund. I heart Jay Z!

"Life's a game but it's not fair
I break the rules so I don't care
So I keep doin' my own thing
Walkin' tall against the rain
Victory's within the mile
Almost there, don't give up now "