Well, as a Cincinnista that’s been through a couple of “Ruffle Phases”, this phase is here to stay…at least for 2017!
From off the shoulder tops, to dresses, now to skirts and jumpsuits, the flouncy ruffle is everywhere. Just a word to the wise…don’t over do it or over mix it. While ruffles are fun and festive…and often forgiving to some areas, do it sparingly. For example, pair a ruffled top with simple skinny jeans and clean lined heals. DO NOT mix a ruffle top with ruffle pant, unless of course it’s a combined jumpsuit. Here are some examples of some of my new fav’s this season.
This striking cold shouldered ruffle dress by Cinq a Sept is amazing paired with simple black sandals. Not to mention love the deep green color!This sheer top by Red Valentino combines a tailored look with feminine contrasting ruffles. A truly timeless piece.One of my favorite new designers, Alexis, takes the ruffle to an otherwise clean-lined pant suit. Ok…big secret…I’m wearing this to our Opening Gala next Friday!
So not to be a negative “Cincinnista” on a Friday night (I know shouldn’t be not at work right now:) but my love affair with the metallic “studs” that are so “in” on handbag, shoes, and clothing has become a bit strained. After three rounds of a beautiful pair of Jimmy Choo sandals where the studs on the heals have fallen off, all I can say if “buyer beware!” While Jimmy Choo has courteously fixing them now for the third time, it has been weeks of inconvenience of waiting for them to be fixed. And the next question is…will “studs” be out of style by the time I get them back?! Kind of funny…but true.
I also had this issue with my Valentino Rockstud Dome shopper handbag as well as a pair of their flats. Twice a stud fell out, and Nordstrom promptly had them fixed as apparently this is a common situation. Hence, they are now prepared.
So the bottom line is when buying apparel or handbags, first, buy them from a quality company that will back up their product if there is a problem, such as a Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus. To be honest, buying American does pay off! My Jimmy Choo sandals were bought from Jimmy Shoe directly based out of London and all they will do is fix the shoe not replace unlike a larger U.S. based store known for great service.
I will say the one item I’ve had surprisingly no problem with is with my Gucci Studded scarf from Neiman Marcus. I have worn that grey scarf for days on end in this cold weather and not a stud has fallen from this cashmere piece. Not to mention metal glued to fabric? Can they give me the secret because obviously no one else has figured it out!
Cheers and Happy Friday!
Beautiful and fit like a glove. Something Jimmy Choo is known for. However, admittedly so by the manufacturerer, the studs on the heel rub against each other and simply won’t stay on.
With the holidays behind us (well almost) this Cincinnista is recovering from a crazy yet fun 2016 and looking forward to an even better 2017!
I’m going to pass on writing about New Years Even Fashion tips as some of us don’t care about it as much as others:) So on with the next year!
-Stripes. While often seen as a traditional and often dowdy look, stripes can look sophisticated and modern paired with more current styles.
-Fun and interesting sneakers. No, not those the hospital style white ones, that grandma wears, but a variety of creative, yet comfortable sneakers are now out there. The new sneakers come in all type of fabrics, leather and embossing. Even high end retailer Gucci has a section on their web-site devoted to “Sneakers”.
-Bye, bye the awful 2016 Colors of the Year: Rose Quartz and Serenity! This year’s color of 2017 is “Greenery”, a lighter and brighter version of Emerald. Great for for winter and summer, this color doesn’t evoke the “pastel” romance of last years colors, but a bold, excitement toward life.
-Artistic prints and patterns. Still in style, the DVF inspired prints have become a reference point for other top designers. I personally recently bought graphic M Missoni skirt on sale that is timeless, yet hip and fun with a simple top.
-The mule shoe. Man I wish I hadn’t cleaned my closet of these in the 90’s, but they are back! Inspired by comfort, mule come in various, colors and embossing, just like their cousin, the sneaker.
-Also, in: lower heels! Thank God! This Cincinnista is pushing 50 and the thought of stiletto heels even for 10 minutes just does me in. The lower block style heels that were in for the fall are here to stay.
So these are just a few 2017 Trends to start. Happy New Year and see you in 2017!
Cheers!
This asymetrical top by Milly is both tailored, yet festive.Is this “sneaker” by Gucci really a sneaker?! Makes me almost like snakes!This classic yet comfy pump by Halston Heritage will go with anything.Another comfy shoe by Halston Heritage. Love this metallic mule.This knit top by DVF evolves a graphic and almost modern art feel.
While this Cincinnista doesn’t talk much interior design on this blog, when it comes to the holiday decorating your home correctly is important. ‘Tis the season!
Amy Youngblood Interiors graciously appeared on the Channel 19 Fox Morning Show last week to discuss tips and trends in holiday decorating. In case you missed it, here is the scoop!
Embrace a color scheme. Red and green? White and gold? Blue and silver? Pick a palette and stick with it to create a unfied look. Accent with a pop of red if need be.
Wrap gifts early and get them under the tree….even if they are empty boxes! A decorated tree with a variety of fun wrapping paper adds to the already festive scene.
Make the holiday table a special one. For your big holiday dinner, besides a great centerpiece, add decorative items such as round metallic balls or holday glitter. Layer different patterned tablecloths for a more customized look. Another tip: for buffet style dining, secretly elevate areas of the table for serving and display with paint cans!
Engage your senses with light and the scent of fun candles…..always adds to the ambiance of the room.
Accent items in your home that are unique and special. Fill a decorative bowl with metallic balls or add festive bows and garland to a stylish pair of sconces.
Modernize your decorations. I’m not saying throw our Grandma’s Christmas village set, but like everyday decor in our lives, the trend is towards more clean-lined modern pieces.
Bring in the Great Outdoors! Now this decoration can last not only through the holidays but throughout the entire season. Fill a glass or metallic vase with corkscrew willow branches of something similar to give interest and height to your table.
Finally, “Less is More.” While we want to be festive, we highly recommend decorating with class. Lighting up your home like a Christmas tree is overkill, not to mention dangerous!
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Add a festive bow and fun branches to an already cool sconce.Myself and designer Chelsea Moeller on set. Table finished!Working away to set up the “demo” table. The clock is running!
Loved talking to Fox anchor Kara Sewell. She is so professional and a class act!
So this Cincinnista has been caught up in the Thanksgiving rush, in addition to a full work load and yes, did I mention we are still renovating our offices and to top it off I caught the holiday sinus infection?!
So, enough of my excuses, back to some fun shopping and deals:) Forget about Black Friday. I was pleasantly surprised to find several high ticket shoes and bags I had been eyeing on sale up to 40% off early last week! I scooped up a Valentino tote I’d seen at Saks months ago, but put off due to the price. As we all know, it’s rare that Premium Designer labels go on sale go hurry…these items will be gone way before Christmas! Another hint, Gucci has a big sale twice a year…but you will have to wait until end of December for that one..grab it while you can Cincinnista’s!
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
Can’t go wrong with a simple black Prada bag now on sale at Saks.I bought this exact Valentino bag on sale as well. Love the rich caramel color with the unique Valentino stud detailing!
These Prada Mary Jane’s are also on sale at Saks. The chunky heal is so in this season as well as comfortable!
Well I’m embarrassed to say it’s been almost a month now since my last post….High Point Market travel and buried with moving! Along with a good size client load and renovating the new space, life has been more than busy. We moved however without a hitch last Friday and are working away in our new digs.
The process of completely upgrading the space, however, is still in the works. While we have all of our new office furniture installed, most new showroom furniture in, flooring and most painting done, we ran in some plumbing hurdles. Our lovely local building inspector stopped in one day and after much hassle…we were forced to post pone our bathroom renovation. So beware… our bathroom is much cleaner but still uglier than you know what! Our landlord has been very helpful with this issue and we finally have our plumbing and kitchenette cabinetry ordered. Given that…we are in a waiting stage on many items at this point. As an interior designer, I know how many of my clients feel! But stay tuned. The world class artwork from Malton Gallery is to be hung tomorrow, a few stunning furniture pieces and amazing entry way floor tile on way , more cool light fixtures, and a fabulous kitchen/bathroom area coming.
Check out our latest pics….and yes I decided to skip the moving pics just to forget about that part of it!
The front area has been totally transformed. Just loving the amazing wallpaper as the backdrop for this amazing oversized chandelier. New dining table and sofa on way!Kitchen area with new tile, lighting and painting.I almost forgot signage! ABC Sign did an amazing job refurbishing this historical sign with our updated logo. Fun to watch the installation too:)Proud to have my name in OTR!The new fabric and selection library
My big new office! Still waiting on two mid century modern guest chairs. Loving the floor planks that we designed generously donated by Shaw!
So off the subject of fall fashion and on to bigger news! After looking for over a year at various locations in the Hyde Park/Mount Lookout/Oakley area, I finally turned my gaze to downtown OTR. My love for the area really kicked in earlier this year when I began a remodeling project for a great client on Vine Street. I found myself downtown several times a week and was fascinated by the vibe and indigenous beauty of the architecture there. Our new space is on the corner of Main and Orchard, boasts 12″ ceilings and hardwood floors. However, the place is old and needs a lot of work to come up to Amy Youngblood Interiors’ standards! Besides just refinishing the floor, we are upgrading other areas with new tile and vinyl floor planks, fresh paint and wallpaper, new chandeliers and lighting… not to mention hip, modern furniture!
Stay tuned for our journey from a basic mess right now to the final product. You may have also noticed my Cincinnista Facebook posts regarding all the good and close bars and restaurants. It’s going to a great home for us.
In the meanwhile, check out some of our before pics just for the record!
Love the corner location and Orchard Street is just darling. Of course, need a sign and new transom windows.Our future kitchen. Need new tile, lighting, paint and of course, a kitchenette.The front room entry space. We will be painting and wallpapering as well as furnishing with edgy and mid-century modern furniture and lighting!My future office. Need to level off the floor, install cool vinyl plank flooring, new chandelier and paint.The bathroom. Need I say more? Ugh!
So, if you are a natural born hippie or Valentino addict, you are in luck this season. As the owner of a black studded structured Valentino handbag I bought years ago, I thought I was pretty cutting edge back then. However, other designers are jumping in on the stud and fringe trend, and the good news at all different price points.
While I’m talking mainly shoes and handbags, clothing is following suit…with bold buttons and fringe detailing. However, if I can give you some Cincinnista advice, watch overdoing this trend in one outfit! Several years ago, I was teased by a fellow traveler on a airline flight because of my coordinating studded Valentino handbag and flats….unfortunately, a traveling “oops.” Never the less, “Spike” is what this man called me! Well, while I must admit he was kind of cute and harmless….I laughed it off and took the hint. Not to mention mixing different studs in your shoes with your handbag? Watch out ladies….I’ve got you covered! More to follow…
This round studded cross body by Yves Saint Laurent. Or course, love the color!Valentino takes on a bohemian look by integrating their classic studs on to the fringe of the fun bag.Studded neutral suede boot by Jimmy Choo. Again, studs vary in all types of shapes and sizes!
Classic Haute Hippie with this statement sweater. Best to avoid studs with this piece!