Selective Lifestyle Trends

To anyone studying or working in home decor, learning about trends in interior decorating is one of the most exciting parts of life. And it should be, aside from work, the home is where we spend the bulk of our time, and like clothing it needs to be a reflection of us. Style Bust searches the web for the latest and greatest trends for the home; our hope is that you can use some of our findings in the environment you’ve created at home!

Spring 2011: Rust Bucket

Rust for Spring 2011

One of the top colors hitting the shelves this Spring is rust. I’m ecstatic about the color. Not only do I own a handful of tops in this color, I also believe it looks good on nearly every skin tone. I darn you to disagree with me on this one! Beside the color being flattering for all, it also pairs well as separates. Rust goes with all other earth tones, denim, black, shades of grey – the opportunity for mixing and matching rust are endless.

I’ve found that rust also looks fantastic in the home. Wall color, leathers, bedding, sofas, dinnerware, flowers, table textiles, throws, etc. all come in a variety of great rust earth tones.

You can really do no wrong by getting into rust!

Gold Rust Colors Spring 2011

10 Books To Add To Your Reading List

image of reading list for 2011
Now that 2011 is here I thought I’d share with you a list of 10 Books that are worthy reads for 2011.

Why Did I Ever, Mary Robison
If your life has taken downturns and is far from perfect you can empathize with Money Breton in Why Did I Ever. Money is refreshingly imperfect. Those of us who don’t expect sweetness and happy endings in life will find many sections laugh-out-loud funny.

Naked Economics, Charles Wheelan
This book makes me love economics, it really simplifies everything (no charts, no graphs, just words).

Dear Everybody, Michael Kimball
The novel is about a man, Jonathan, who is writing letters to all of his family and friends, short, funny, beautiful, and wistful letters about his childhood, being a teenager, a young man, and married.

Eleanor Rigby, Douglas Coupland
The characters of Eleanor Rigby are lonely, isolated people, much like the song by The Beatles. It’s a look at mortality and loneliness and is one of my favorite Douglas Coupland books.

Anthropology of an American Girl, Hilary Thayer Hamann
If J.D. Salinger and Jane Austin had a love child, it would likely have been Hilary Thayer Hamann. This is a coming-of-age book, a book about the transformative power of love in an era of deceit, and in many ways, it’s a “retro” book.

The Adderall Diaries, Stephen Elliott
It’s a memoir about his own struggles with drug addiction, mixes in his difficult childhood, his love life (which is racey – adult audience only) and a Bay Area murder and trial.  This is not a directory of drug rehab centers by any means, but more of a ADHD ride where one idea makes the writer think of another.

The Ask, Sam Lipsyte
This dark masterpiece takes the reader on an adventure through the life of several sad and complicated characters. It’s oddly refreshing.

Eeeee Eee Eeee, Tao Lin
I’m reading this book because of it’s title. I’ve also heard good things about Tao Lin which should help.

We Did Porn, Zak Smith
Zak Smith has a fascinating and engaging way of describing his experiences and surroundings. This book is a brilliantly crafted memoir full of honesty, social commentary, wit and elaborate detail.

Just Kids, Patti Smith
A wonderful memoir and story of love between Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe.

image of Why Did I Ever by Mary Robison
image of Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan
image of Dear Everybody by Michael Kimball
image of Eleanor-Rigby-by David Coupland
image of Anthropology of an American Girl by Hilary Thayer Hamann
image of The Adderall Diaries by Stephen Elliott
image of The Ask by Sam Lipsyte
image of Eeeee Eee Eeee by Tao Lin
image of We Did Porn by Zak Smith
image of just-kids-patti-smith

Centerpieces made of Vintage Lace

Since getting engaged on 11/13/10 I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of wedding decor ideas I’ve found online. I made my August wedding a little difficult to plan when I decided on colors indigo (really navy, indigo just sounds so much cooler), ivory, cappuccino and small hints of gold. I was dreaming of a Fall – Late Fall wedding and that’s where my dark color story came from.

Finding table decor accents in ivory, cappuccino and gold has proven to be a pretty simple task. Though I’ve learned that there aren’t many accents that come in indigo. Flowers don’t naturally bloom in this color, and it’s difficult to find indigo vases or candles. Luckily I decided to put my three bridesmaids in indigo, they will be the major contribution to the indigo of my color story.

I’ve researched ways to make the dark colors of my wedding seem lighter and less dramatic. I’ve found a couple of ideas worth sharing. Sewing a trail of vintage lace ivory dollies together adds a bit of whimsy to the table, even when a table is fairly bare (although I doubt my tables will be bare). Cake platters filled with lace swatches make for an unusual centerpiece or accent at the place card table. Lastly, covering clear glass bowls with lace add a nice touch of creativity.

image of Lace centerpieces

Images from Ritzybee Blog

Let me know if you like these ideas.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a lovely new year’s celebration last night. I had a great time playing games and drinking champagne at Amy and Robert’s apt.

image of New Years Resolutions 2011

The new year is a great opportunity to take heed of what I did in 2010 and what I can do differently in 2011. I really enjoyed 2010, and got many things accomplished during the year. Some highlights of 2010 are:

  • I moved to a better part of SOMA
  • I found Guest Bloggers to write for Style Bust
  • I got a new day job at worldmarket.com
  • I learned to make wiser clothing purchases
  • I got engaged
  • I became President of the FIDM Alumni Association in SF

I already know 2011 is going to get crazy, but I’ve made a list of the things I hope to tackle, or at least think about a bit more than I have in years past. I thought I’d share my list with you.

image of new years resolutions

Share your plans for 2011 with us!

A Savvy Approach to Online Shopping

This post was edited by guest blogger: Sarah Simpson

Online shopping gives people an opportunity to find out what’s for sale, as well as an opportunity to show off your budgeting skills.

By mastering the art of online shopping, you’re going to go far in the world and so are the dollars you own. Online shopping has become the premier place to be a savvy shopper. Here’s why.

Selection

Online shoppers have an advantage over their offline counterparts. Internet users can
explore a list of products that never even make it to the shelves of stores. There are products and
brands to choose from that you’ve never seen in a store before, and this gives you the ability to find
lower prices on the items you need.

Coupons

You can’t walk into a store and receive a list of thousands of coupons. The Internet lets you find this
list of coupons and it lets you search for what you need. The search function is a powerful tool for
saving money online. When you search for product coupons, you’re going to find results that are
mind-boggling.

Privacy

There’s no need to be interrupted while you’re shopping. You can shop at all hours of the day or
night without facing a crowd of people that break your shopping concentration. Shopping is fun but
it also requires the shopper to think and debate possible purchases. Without the noise of a shopping
crowd, it’s easier for a shopper to consider their options and make wise decisions.

Compare

Comparison shopping is one of the major advantages of online shopping. It’s possible to search for
millions of products and receive pricing from thousands of different online stores. This is a luxury
that was unheard of even 10 short years ago but now it’s a miracle that’s commonplace. It’s the kind
of advantage that an online shopper should always use when shopping on the Internet.

Don’t Forget

  • Browse through collection after collection. Make sure you’ve seen all the merchandise.
  • Never forget the coupons. There is a coupon for almost everything you shop for.
  • Comparison shopping is essential. Always do a comparison search before buying.

When you shop in this way, you’ll find that your online shopping choices will save you thousands of
dollars over time. You’ll find that you have much more money to spend during the month and you’ll
find that you can make more fun purchases when you save money on the things you need.

Shopping is sometimes about necessity but a good deal of it is meant to be fun. There are so
many products and services out there that can bring excitement and improvement to your life. By
shopping online, you save money while you find those products and services.

Sarah Simpson loves shopping! But she also likes to make sure that she’s truly picking up a bargain!
She currently operates Offer UK, which lists a range of fashion discounts and coupon codes,
including Miss Selfridge discount codes and those offered by other leading clothing retailers.

Paper Windows at SEPTIEME ETAGE

Septieme Etage in Geneva, Switzerland has been known to produce some remarkable window displays. I posted about the store’s paper cut displays produced by Mia Pearlman.

Septieme Etage is at it once again with window displays made of Fedrigoni paper. Artists Natascha Madeiski and Alex Graef designed the graphic displays. The visuals are an extension of the artists lamp project with Fedrigoni, called Naked City Lights.






Happy Holidays from Style Bust!!!

image of Style Bust San Francisco Winter

5 Ways to Have a Mod Holiday

1. Aluminum Tree

These recyclable trees instantly make your holidays bright. I suggest silver, white or daring pink. Dress the tree with shiny glass or plastic ornaments of the same color for a sophisticated monochromatic look or go for high contrast with red or green. Don’t forget the tinsel. Retro Ornaments are available at www.retro-redheads.com or www.etsy.com. A couple of Don Featherstone plastic flamingos in the front yard wouldn’t hurt either.

image of fake silver tree

2. Stuff Your Stockings

Enjoy a sweet blast from the past with exciting candy such as Banana Turkish Toffee, Peppermint Crunches, Chocolate Santa Suckers, Zagnuts, Pex, and Lemonheads. Available at www.oryans.com

image of pez-posters

3. Host a cocktail party

Break out your favorite mad men inspired outfit and some red lipstick. Serve sidecars, Singapore slings and Sitngers recipies available at www.DrinksMixer.com. Play some classic holiday music by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Billie holiday. Turn the lights low and light a fire.

image of mod cocktail party

4. Watch a Mod Era Movie

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (1966) is a classic example of the avant garde and fantastical design ideals from the midcentury modern movement. Ever notice how fashionable those whos were? Enjoy the classic film at a local theater or in your own home. Other Mod themed Christmas Movies include, A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and White Christmas (1954).

the grinch who stole christmas

5. Give the Gift of Mod

Your fashionable friends will love these stylish and unique gifts. A Rimini Figurine, a Chimex Drip Coffee Carafe or a stylish Eames Clock. Check out www.yliving.com for more decorative and classic retro gift ideas.

image of Silver Starburst Wall Clock Retro Eames Danish Modern

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