Black Magic

Tomorrow I am heading to New Orleans to celebrate New Years with a group of my friends from New York.  I've been to Nola two times before but never really had a good experience, so I'm hopeful the third time's the charm.  I definitely want to visit some favorite antique shops along Magazine Street and maybe partake in an architecture bike tour.  We plan to try a sandwich at Turkey and the Wolf, now that it has been named "The #1 Best New Restaurant of 2017". I'm also working to convince my friends to do a Ghost and Vampire Tour with me- I'm fascinated by all the black magic and voodoo the city is known for.   To prepare for the spirit of the Big Easy,  I thought I'd share all the moody dark hues I'm inspired by today:

{Luxe}

{Alexa Chung}

{Behang Fabriek}

{Man Repeller}

{Clare V. Bow-Embellished Suede Clutch}

{Ryan Korban}

{Kamali Kulture Jumpsuit}

{Maja Wyh}

{Downtown 20}

{Ryan Korban}

{Luxury Redefined by Ryan Korban}

{U-Plunge Backless Bodysuit}

{Architectural Digest}

{Jeffrey Campbell Cromwell Suede Booties}

{Garance Dore}

{Architectural Digest}

{Chanel purse}

Seasoned New Orleaners, please share with me your favorite spots in the city on instagram here, or in the comments.

Peace out 2017!

XOXO,

Sam

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A Dark Moment

I was ill prepared for the eclipse yesterday.  No one told me those glasses were a necessity, so I ended up only catching glimpses of it through squinted eyes (and yes, my retinas burned afterward- clearly I'm an idiot).  My office is right by Central Park, but my coworkers and I watched the eclipse from our office window instead.  In New York, only a partial eclipse occurred.  Seeing photos of what the full eclipse looked like left me feeling a bit jipped- there were no few minutes of complete darkness for Manhattan.  Even so, I'll take inspiration from the eclipse and share a few of my favorite dark, moody accessories...

Dark Moments:

1.) Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Leather Crossbody Bag, $195/

2.) Talbert Oversize Mirror, $989/

3.) Esmerelda Crocheted Mini Dress, $298/

4.) Spitfire Sharper Edge Round Sunglasses, $59/

5.) Poplin Ruffle Tee, $49/

6.) Mid-Century Mini Desk, $399/

7.) Diptyque Bais Candle, $90/

8.) Latigo Scout Boots, $118/

9.) Misty Druzy Ring, $32/

Did you get a good view of the eclipse?   Here's a collection of photos that chronicles yesterday's event around the world.

Needing, Wanting, Loving: A Black Kitchen

Although I'll always have an attraction to the beauty and simplicity of white kitchens (hello Carrera marble, glossy white subway tiles and soft, soothing hues), being a New Yorker has made me appreciate the bold and the daring.  Dark, moody bars, rich lacquered walls of Park Avenue apartments, and the glittery lights of the city have me craving interiors that pack a serious punch. Kitchens that predominantly feature darker elements are my latest fixation- Whether it's black lacquered cabinetry, black marble countertops, or a rich backsplash set against steel-framed windows:

{Blair Harris}

Apartment Therapy featured Jeff and Halle's 1,250 square foot East Village apartment last year and I fell hard for their lively kitchen.  The backsplash features lively tile by Urban Archeology that incorporates my favorite shade of sage.  They chose Benjamin Moore's Mopboard Black for their cabinetry- I love the matte black finish:

Speaking of matte black, how dreamy are these streamlined uppers and lowers, and that black marble!  TDF.

{TFAD}

A few months ago, Architectural Digest featured Nate Berkus's and Jeremiah Brent's Greenwich Village townhouse, and I fell hard for the kitchen.  The solarium-style window allows in a healthy dose of natural light and the black lacquered cabinets are chic and timeless (and take a look at that detailed ceiling!)

{Nate Berkus via Architectural Digest}

{Nate Berkus via Architectural Digest}

Brittany (the fab blogger behind Brittany Makes) renovated her kitchen and included Sherwin William's Cyberspace as the paint color for her cabinetry.  The dark, moody shade juxtaposes well with the crisp Carrera marble countertops and the brass hardware:

{Brittany Makes}

And what's even more daring?  Adding an opulent chandelier directly over the sink, as designer Tobi Tobin did in this modern farmhouse.  The cabinetry is painted in Farrow and Ball's Pitch Black:

{House Beautiful}

Adding simple task urban lighting, an old school refrigerator and deer antlers gives this kitchen a quirky personality.  Who says it has to be 100% utilitarian? Can't it be decorated with pretty details as well?

{Sagverket}

While I love the drama this dark shade creates, I find I prefer it with a dose of white or white-washed wood mixed in.  Whether it's just a simple white subway tile backsplash separating the upper and lower black cabinetry, or perhaps upper cabinets painted in a lighter shade, I prefer when the light balances the dark.  Designer Naomi Stein featured a delicious black + brass hood and stove among a white kitchen, and the result is fabulous:

So what's your take on black kitchens?

Black and Gold

Since the 2+ years my blog has been up and running, I've noticed my favorite hues changes with the seasons.  This past Tuesday, Albertina and I talked about our love of whites during winter, and today I am posting about my love of black and gold together.  It's funny because I looked back at my archives and noticed that I posted about this very color combo last year during this month.  Something about monochromatic looks with neutral hues just really does it for me in winter.  I love adding a touch of gold because it gives you that luxe feel and really elevates a look.  And, by now you know I go crazy for any furniture or decor that incorporates brass:

{Nate Berkus via Domino Magazine}

{Sally Wheat Interiors}

{Domino Magazine}

{Candace Cavanaugh Interiors}

{Amber Interior Design}

{Zach Desart}

Shop This Board: 

Gold Leaf Coral III  $278/Gigi NY Embossed Python iPad Case $135/YSL Gold Bracelet $295/Nate Berkus Foil Print Throw Pillow $24.99/Zara Open Work Leather High Heels $90.99/Gramercy Brass Candlesticks $180/Kenzo Black and Gold Jacquard and Brocade Skirt $625/Worlds Away Cameron Tufted Chair $1,688/Tinley Road Chain Necklace $46/

That Worlds Away brass +velvet chair is everything.  It's making me consider giving my entire living room a zhush.  Are you a fan of this combo?!

Current Wardrobe Cravings

Happy Thursday!  I hope you are having a great week.  Typically the last thing on my mind in January is shopping for clothes.  It's too early to think about dressing for spring, and it's too late to stock up on winter wear.   But as I was casually browsing some of my favorite online shops, I couldn't help but lust after a few things.   The color + design of this embellished Sass & Bide tank makes me consider actually shelling out $180 for it.  Wouldn't it be so fun with this Milly feather mini skirt?  I'm sold.

Shop this board:

1.) Sass & Bide Side Kick Embellished Tank $180/ 2.) Clouded Morning Bra $12 3.) Milly Feather and Silk Organza Mini Skirt $350/ 4.) Vintage Chanel Earrings $770/ 5.) Marc by Marc Jacobs Hobo Handbag $438/6.) Anthropologie Mixed Media Heels $148

Remember how earlier this week I talked about my plan to create a home office?  Well I found my desk and it's being delivered today- I'm so excited!!  I will be sure to snap a picture of it today via instagram.  Have a lovely day!

My Winter Uniform

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love my black.  In fact, on just about any day in the fall/winter, I look like I'm on my way to a funeral.  I don't know why I gravitate to a dark palette during winter, but I think it has to do with feeling a bit more chic and pulled together despite being layered up.

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I do like to bring color in to my outfit through a scarf, bag, and riding boot.  And I never go anywhere without a little gold bangle:

Alexander McQueen Scull Silk Chiffon Scarf $295/Topshop Fur Collar Biker Jacket $110/Bardot Leroy Jegging $139.95/  Betsy Johnson Gold Bangle $35/Zara Riding Boots $169/Tory Burch Suede Satchel $525

I've been wearing my Banana Republic Willow riding boots nonstop, but if I can find an excuse, I'd love to invest in these Zara beauties.  I also love these sleek jeggings and that Tory bag is on my Christmas wishlist.

What are your fashion go-tos for winter weather?
Happy weekend lovelies!!

Black and White and Gold All Over

 Lately I have been inspired by the color combo black+white+gold...

I suppose the fixation began when I rearranged my bedside table vignette by placing a torn out page of the book The Allure of Women on top of Jan Showers' Glamorous Rooms book.

{via My Instagram}

And then this lovely bamboo tray showed up in my mail made by Jessica of The Aestate...

{via My Instagram}

and I suppose I was hooked...

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Just a few pretty little things inspiring me lately!  What's inspiring you these days?