Manicure Magic

Anyone looking for a professional manicure you can get at home?
I don't know about you but I certainly do not have enough time every week to squeeze a nail date in. It just isn't in the books for me, and with the type of work I'm in I'm always using my hands so my nails tend to chip even easier because they are exposed that much more. All that to say- I'VE FOUND THE ANSWER! News flash in beauty ladies!

Seche Vite

This fast dry top coat is a new obsession/love of mine. You apply after painting the color on nails and it makes them dry immediately, protecting the nails from smudging. This is huge because it is about impossible for me to sit still long enough to keep my nails perfect. This clear coat also is HIGH SHINE and puts a thick protective layer over nails making it look exactly like a professional mani. You can find Vite at beauty stores, {some} local pharmacies, ulta and even target! Go get yours today... professional manicure in a bottle is waiting for you! Go get some and give me feedback :) Happy Weekend loves!


Ciao

DATE WITH ALEXA HAMPTON

The New York based designer extraordinaire

Alexa Hampton is the President and featured designer of Mark Hampton LLC, the world famous design firm founded in 1976 by her late father Mark Hampton {whom was a celebrated symbol of gracious design for over 20 years}. The firm is located on the ever so chic Madison Avenue in New York. I had the absolute marvelous privilege of hearing Alexa speak at the Washington Design Center yesterday. We toured her father's designs from the decades via her personal slides. She guided us through the design she grew up with from one New York apartment to the next. Alexa is a brilliant communicator full of design intelligence while also offering a completely down to earth side with her contagious whit. She is very connected with her audience and spills over with authenticity when sharing tons of quirky and precious personal tid bits! I learned an immeasurable amount hearing her address her design work over the years. So grateful for the opportunity to be in such highly respected design company. Her talk met my expectations and so so much more! After her speech there was a luncheon in the newly opened super stylish portfolio showroom at the design center. Alexa also signed her book which was published just last month, The Language of Interior Design{pictured below}. It was a surreal and extremely wonderful day!


Alexa's most recently showcased work is located in the December issue of Architectural Digest which is out now. The first two pictures below are seen in the issue. Photos by Scott Frances



Alexa's book which was published in October



Alexa and I
Picture and signed book are sure to go up in my office :)

Getting back to the Kips Bay house oh so soon!

XO

A Royal Engagement

Well Ladies....

The Prince is officially off the market


Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement to the world yesterday after keeping it a secret for over a month. William proposed while they were in Kenya in early October... I'd say they did a good job of keeping it on the down low!


Kate Middleton is now adorned with {what is very controversial} Princess Diana's 18 carat sapphire engagement ring. I personally think it wonderful that Prince William gave Kate his mother's ring, England, however apparently disagrees. Supposedly the ring brings back both good and bad memories of Diana. Even though that is understandable I doubt Kate is going to be taking that dazzling jewel off her hand anytime soon. I don't know about you but I cannot wait for this Royal Wedding. Can only imagine how exquisite it will be :)



We'll get back to the KB showhouse soon, just have a few updates I want to post before we go back to the house!

XO
-M

Kips Bay SH, New York City {Third Floor Level}

UP up up we go.

The third floor graces two dressing rooms, a his and hers and two bedrooms at the front of the house.





This rubber and plastic floral applique by muralist Nina Helmes was by far my favorite touch on this floor. It started here with the white on gray for a fabulous contrast effect and then carried down the hall to the rooms with white on white which I still absolutely loved.




3 more floors still to go, yes 3

XO
-M