The Modern Sophisticate

Art Crush: Rodney Smith

I have a serious new crush. As I was researching black and white photography for my bedroom (as written about in this post), I came across the work of Rodney Smith. It was love at first sight. You may recognize images like this:

from Barbara Barry's furniture line in design magazines. Rodney's work is classic with a huge dose of whimsy. His images simply make me smile. Take a look at some of my favs:

Doesn't the above remind you of the movie Big Fish? I can relate, sista. I can't find a comfortable mattress either...

It's a little silly how happy these make me. He's kind of like the chic Tim Burton of photography. I wouldn't mind waking up each morning to one of these, would you? His website is under construction until Feb. 1st and I haven't been able to find any prints or books on other websites. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a 4x6 print isn't astronomically out of my price range, because I MUST have an original Rodney Smith print. Must.

See more of Rodney's work here:

Rodney Smith

{images via rodneysmith.com}

Valentino Spring 2011 Campaign

Amour...

{images via FGR}

Closet Case

I've had a post about closets in the works for the past week or so inspired by my New Years Resolution to 'appear' more organized. The condition of my closet is, well, it should be an authorized state of national emergency. It's bad. Real bad. I'm surprised my husband is still married to me, because it could be a valid reason for divorce. Lucky for me the current issue of Lonny Mag is coming to my rescue!

You would think my problem is editing, but I have no problem Good Will-ing items I haven't worn in awhile. My problem is that I'm not utilizing all my space properly (that and I just throw my laundry every which way. Apparently I don't know what a hanger is for). I have about 3-4 feet above my hanging rail where I could add a system for off-season shoes, sweaters, etc. Hmm... I wonder how long it'll take me to get around to actually organizing my closet. Until then, let's look at some dream closets, shall we?

Doesn't the above closet remind you of Carrie Bradshaw's? That is every girl's dream, isn't it?

Simply stunning in black lacquer.

Would you expect anything less than honeysuckle and lavender from Jamie Drake? My absolute favorite closet would have to be a tie between Rachel Zoe and Kelly Wearstler. I'm not sure if it's the actual closet designs I'm in love with or the wardrobes they carry. Either way, I'd take two of each!

Rachel Zoe:

Kelly Wearstler:

I must find a starburst pin like the one in Kelly's collection. I've been on the lookout for a year or so with no avail... let me know if you ever see one!

{images via Lonny, Habitually Chic, Canadian House and Home & Style Redux}

Gehry Guggenheim?

I came across this photo shoot done by Karine Basilio for L'Officiel Brazil and it stopped me in my tracks. Is that Frank Gehry I see??? I couldn't find any information on the photoshoot's location, but it HAS to be Gehry. The Guggenheim in Bilboa? The Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A., perhaps? Either way, Gehry's Post-Modernist style is gorgeous and unmistakable.

My architect-uncle-in-law informed me that each panel for the Walt Disney Concert Hall had to have it's own CAD drawing because each has it's own specific curve. If you've seen one of Gehry's buildings in person, you know there are A LOT of panels. It blows my mind.

If any of my readers recognize this building, leave me a comment and let me know what it is!

{images via FGR}

P.S. I just realized I spelled Gehry's name COMPLETELY wrong. If you read this post earlier, please note that I do know how to spell one of the world's most famous architect's names. Just not first thing in the morning, apparently, lol.

Meurice by Jonathan Adler

I Love Lamp. Well, chandelier, that is. Jonathan Adler's Meurice fixture is a modernist's dream. So sleek, so chic, so perfect. I want one in every color.

And of course I'd pair the nickel versions with Jonathan's Meurice Butler Table in nickel.

Sigh... a girl can dream, right?

{images via Jonathan Adler & Houzz}

Claridge Hotel Suites by DVF

Some people have really consistent taste and when you have fabulous taste like Diane von Furstenberg, who can complain? I'm always fascinated by how fashion and design interact with each other, so it was extra fun when I came across these suites DVF designed for the Claridge Hotel in London. Her formula of tailored silhouettes, bold prints and pops of color work in both genres. Tres chic!