Current Obsessions: Fashion and Home
Fashion Obsessions:
Every season I feel the need to refresh my wardrobe with a few new items. If you can, it is good to identify gaps in your wardrobe that may need filling in and purchase items accordingly. In fall and winter, it is always nice to have a new sweater and/ or layering piece to add to the mix. I have been loving collared shirts and sweaters of all kinds for years, and now that there are so many good ones available, it is an ideal time to add a few new ones. ME+EM is a “go-to” brand for me and I love this Merino Cashmere Silk Pouf Sleeve tee.
The Tiffany’s Elsa Peretti “Pearls by the Yard” earrings are a classic but with a modern twist. They can easily dress up an outfit, but also look great with a button down and jeans.
Another way to update your wardrobe quickly is with a new pair of shoes. I love oxfords of all kinds and have many Cole Hahn variations. This pair from Scarosso are perfectly executed: they have all of the traditional elements but with the tie and longer fringe, which I adore. I only wish the “break-in” period was less painful. I’m not sure if I can do it!
I personally haven’t worn a watch in years, but after living in Zurich I have learned that you aren’t fully dressed without a watch. In fact, in this watch capital, it is perhaps the most important accessory. I like this one from Longines.
And finally, a layering piece. I haven’t jumped onboard with the teddy trend, but I like the texture and think the mix would be welcome under winter coats as well as around the house over a button down or sweater. Barbour does this in a style I can appreciate.
Home Obsessions:
Okay, well, let me just start by saying that there is never a time when I’m not pining for something new for my home. But, I must admit, I think this fall is especially bad. I want so many things. Partially, it is because we have been in Zurich for four years now, and I am quite used to moving every four years. Living in an apartment can leave one wanting for more refinement, better storage solutions, and replacing things that don’t work because you no longer want to settle when you could fix the issue! And maybe also because I get bored.
And so, I started to replace a few things…
I needed to cleanse the palette, so to speak, so I removed the arms from my B&B Italia Atoll sofa, and replaced the patterned rug with a neutral. I am very calmed and pleased by the results. But I want to add two of those ottomans above, found on 1st Dibs. You could pull them up to the fire, or the dining table and they’d make a great foot rest when watching Netflix.
Speaking of 1st Dibs, if you are looking for a specific vintage or bespoke, they are definitely the place to go. The sellers are vetted and you can still bargain, like at an antique market, but you know exactly what you are getting. Antique markets are so much fun, but you can only buy what’s there, so you are at the mercy of the available inventory that day. Not true on 1st Dibs; anything you are looking for is available if you are willing to search for it. Don’t be afraid to make an offer!
I never bothered with nightstands in Zurich. We owned several pairs in storage and it seemed superfluous… but as time went on, it became a huge irritant. Not only were our Kartell tables not functional as they were small and noisy, but they also couldn’t accommodate a lamp and water glass; two nightstand essentials in my opinion. These USM Haller nightstands are fabulous. I love USM, since moving to Switzerland (Swiss brand) because they are so versatile, so well designed, very functional and very durable. They are also one of those styles that look equally at home with antiques and herringbone floors as they do in a modern home. I know I will use these for the rest of my life.
The skirted table cloth comes from a potential design flaw I am experiencing in another project. I opted for contrast stitching on the headboards but I did not consider how that would pair with the existing nightstands. I really want the primary bedroom to feel airy and ethereal. Though it would not be very functional, I was thinking I could rectify the visual confusion by adding skirted cloths to the existing nightstands.
The other items I’ve shown are items I am considering for a future date. You can’t go wrong with Fortuny lighting and I love a good vintage armoire to add height and storage (and warmth) to a room. The marble book end is an item I discovered at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen, designed by Signe Hytte. It is gorgeous in person, and I hope it safely makes its way to my doorstep rather soon. I will keep you posted.
Either way, design choices take time and I think that time is the best approach to successful design. I hope you’ve found some ideas to update your home in these pages, too.
