Lady of the Manor

Yesterday, a friend mentioned noticing via Google how many posts I've written on Tory Burch.  I only write about people worth writing about especially when they create aesthetically pleasing products and/or interiors.  Both is true of Tory Burch and I love that her homes and stores inspire many with their great use of color and pattern.  Her new Southampton home designed with help from architect and designer Daniel Romualdez and decorator Eve Hood has just been featured in Vogue.  It's so chic that how could I not add another Tory Burch post to the pile. Even though it's in the summer enclave of The Hamptons, Ms Hood says, "nothing says ‘seashore’—she didn’t want a summerhouse but instead one that felt right at Thanksgiving and Christmas, a house that she could come to every weekend.” Judging from the photos, it looks like accomplished that and a whole lot more. See why Tory gets so many posts. 

Photos by Francois Halard

Chic Ski House

It's been 60+ degrees in New York for what seems like a week.  I'm not complaining but that means some of you might have to travel farther afield for some snow and skiing.  I've never been to Aspen and I haven't been on skis in years but after seeing Aerin Lauder's home in the snowy mountains, I might just have to book a trip out West.  Usually weekend ski houses seem to follow a more is more theme of plaid, plaid and plaid which is a classic look but I am liking the cleaner lined pared down aesthetic of this house.  Interior designer Daniel Romualdez helped out with the decor which features a lot of wood that references the trees outside.  Looks like the perfect place to warm up after a day on the slopes. Speaking of, I wonder how big the bunny slope is in Aspen.

Photos by Francois Halard for November 2011 Vogue

Tory Burch Madison Avenue: Part 1

There have been so many exciting shows, events and parties this fashion week.  One of my favorites was touring the new Tory Burch boutique at 797 Madison Avenue and meeting its designer Daniel Romualdez (no website).  He admitted that he is a little publicity shy when it comes to himself but was kind enough to chat with me about working with Tory and the new store.  Daniel Romualdez is primarily a residential interior designer but when Tory was working on her first boutique at the same time that he was working on her apartment, she asked him for advice.  The rest as they say, is history. Much of the Madison Avenue store references her own apartment and includes her signature orange but with he said that each new store is an opportunity to do something different as the context dictates.  The Malibu store is beachy but still feels very Tory Burch and the Madison Avenue store uses a new color that keeps the brand moving forward.  The pale green room was absolutely gorgeous in person and the Madeleine Castaing rug is floral but continues the graphic pattern that is also part of the Tory aesthetic. 

Daniel said that working with Tory is a pleasure to work with and she is completely unflappable.  She knows how to work with a professional by giving direction but the process is very collaborative.  They look at inspirational photos and antiques and the lighting fixtures were one of the elements that started off the room schemes. Of course, it's not just Tory and Daniel who work on the stores.  It takes a large team that clearly work well together.  There are five floors and each room is a little jewel box in the larger whole.  I especially love all the brass details and mirrored surfaces.  They made some of the rooms a little difficult to photograph so I highly suggest a visit.  When you do, you might just see me hanging out.  I definitely wouldn't mind living in this gorgeous store and when I buy a townhouse someday, I'm definitely calling Daniel Romualdez to design it.  

Because I took so many photos, I've split them into two posts.  You can also click on any photo to enlarge it. 

Tory Burch and Daniel Romualdez

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic