Hello September: Warming Up to Fall

Pardon my absence yesterday guys. I was too busy hyperventilating to write when I realized it was September 1st. Rue launches in just two weeks and the gals and I have braced ourselves for no sleep, no social life, and no stopping...

But the stress is a very small price to pay for the love, support, and excitement we feel daily from all of you. I don't think I could ever say it enough - from the bottom of my heart thank you!

Luckily there's nothing like pretty styling and interiors to calm the nerves and remind us why we love design in the first place: because beauty in our lives is important and life is in the details!

So yesterday, I temporarily turned off the distractions and urgencies, and took a few quiet moments to peruse the beautiful portfolio of one of my favorite stylists, Todd Moore.

I was instinctually drawn to warm wood, saturated hues (like purple!) and those perfect-for-fall patterns like zebra and tartan.

And I realized, though September has a lot going on, I couldn't be happier to welcome the new season and say hello to crisp autumn nights, fall fashion, apple pie, and of course, my new adventure in the form of Rue!

Possibilities in NYC

Do you know what I love about life? That anything is possible! And no city captures the spirit of possibility like New York City!

Lately, I've been pondering what life in the Big Apple would be like. You see, I'm the type of girl who can't stay in one place for too long...

My curiosity for new people and places is much too big. My appetite for life is insatiable. My desire to be stretched and challenged is never ending. And my love for exploration is inescapable.

But perhaps what I love even more than the thought of NYC is the freedom that comes with knowing the sky's the limit when we begin to dream...

*images via my dear friend Sarah

Summer Meets Fall

While flipping through the latest copy of Nuevo Estilo, I couldn't help but linger a little longer when I arrived at this perfectly sweet dining space.

It seems to be the perfect mix of summer meets fall. Warm woods and gilted accents foil generous doses of white and sunny blossoms on the wall.

And as the warm days of summer slowly fold into the crisp chill of autumn, I'm hoping for a transition just as smooth as this one...

Second Exclusive Sneak Peek of Rue Magazine!

It's true - Rue's debut is just weeks away and (between bouts of hyperventilation) we're jumping up and down with excitement! So, you know what that means -- we just had to bring you in on some of the fun!

Welcome to our second sneak peek! Yesterday the wonderful people at CasaSugar ran these drop-dead gorgeous images (if I do say so myself) from our premiere issue! I have to tell you, when we first walked into this space, we just about collapsed from luxury and beauty overload. Just wait until you see the rest of the place - it's a stunna!

So click through for the full story plus an interview with yours truly! I've shared the inside scoop on how I got paired up with the ridiculously talented Anne Sage, what you can expect to see in the first issue (lots of surprises!), my thoughts on lessons learned, and more!

*images via my new favorite photographer, Laure Joliet for Rue Magazine

Time Out in Tuscany

Because Italy is the place I love more than anywhere in the world and I'm bummed I couldn't squeeze a little Italian vacay into my life this summer, indulge me while I live vicariously through these images.

Could there be a population more adept at creating beauty? From fashion, to food, to furniture...those smooth talking, style producing, good looking Italians take the cake! Sorry folks, some people are just born with it.

When you're there you can't help but learn from their example. Before you know it, you find yourself slowing down while you eat, dressing up when you go out, and being present while you live.

But for now, I'll remember to add a little bit of that Italian sensibility to my life to hold me over until next summer...

*images via Simon Watson

A Girl Can Dream

I'd love nothing more than to be in her shoes...

But with an impending trip to Seattle tomorrow (yes we're already shooting for issue 2!) and a to-do that's list through the roof, it looks like there will be none of this in my future anytime soon. Here's a little quote that's helping me power through...maybe it'll help you too!

"If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." -Thomas Edison

*image unknown

Kitchen Musings + My Visit with Darryl Carter

What would you say is the most important room in a house? Is it the living room where we gather and entertain? Or the bedroom -- our place for soft repose? Or perhaps it's the dining room where we eat, drink, and are merry. I couldn't tell you. But one thing is for sure: I've got kitchens on the brain.

For someone who loves to cook, I sure haven't put enough thought into mine. But with the ebb of the season upon us, I'm feeling the need for change drawing near!

So, I've taken to making a mental list of my most pressing kitchen needs. And, at the very top of that list is a new light fixture. I don't even want to tell you what I currently have because it is that bad. I've waxed and waned between desires for so many styles, but after seeing this black and brass beauty - I'm sold! The hunt is on!

But perhaps this kitchen captures it all and takes the cake! My love for it is two fold. First, there's the fact that ever last inch oozes with sophistication, simplicity, and style. Secondly, it's because I've had the privilege and delight of seeing it in person. The gracious Darryl Carter, to whom the space belongs, had me over last November for coffee and a chat. And let me tell you, the picture just doesn't do it justice! The antique Italian étagère is more impressive and stunning than you'd imagine. The fireplace feels like the most perfect luxury you've ever encountered. And the French doors, which lead out to a table and sunroom is like a cool glass of water on a hot summer day. But, most memorable of all was the kindness Darryl showed in welcoming me into his home.

*images via elle decor

Lifestyle of Loveliness in Boston's South End

My college years were spent in Boston, so when I saw this lovely South End abode on Jamie's blog, I couldn't help but be transported to a place of fond memory: a beautiful New England campus where I devoured Shakespeare and Italian classes. Fall foliage, cold winters, and a glistening Charles River in the spring. Weekends dancing in the city, party hoping at Harvard, mingling at MIT, and of course being studious at Tufts.

In fact, this Boston home seems to be the living embodiment of those years: a charming sense of place marked by old architecture, preppy style, and the feeling of being part of something traditional and true.

Pulling me even further into adoration of the space is the cool palette of seafoam green and warm hues of beautiful wood. It's the perfect play on light and heavy, airy and solid -- it's full without being stuffy, inviting but not suffocating, and just as appropriate in the summer as it would be in the winter.

A little trip down memory lane on a Monday morning may have been just what the doctor ordered. As another busy week awaits me going forward, sometimes it's nice to pause for a moment to look back.

*images by jamie beck

Girls Just Want to Have Fun! Part 2

It's time for the weekend ladies, so you know what that means. It's time to shake off the weight of the work week and stand tall with determination in our eyes and conviction in our hearts!

Forget the stilettos and sparkles this time, let's hit the town in our best cloak of confidence and make the boys go woah. Let it shimmer, let it shine because our flaws are beautiful, our minds are brilliant, and if they don't see it, then we don't care.

Let's make decisions based on courage even when we're scared, persevere with strength also when hurts, and keep the hope alive though we can't see the light.

Because if there's one thing I learned in the past year it's that when we show up for life, life shows up for us. I dare you to try it!

Wising you a dream catching, confidence boosting, good weekend my loves!

xo, Crystal

P.S. Last Friday's post was such a hit that I've decided to make this a weekly series here on Plush Palate. A girlpower anthem of sorts to kick off our weekends! I'm currently taking name idea for the series so if you have a good one, please leave me a comment!

*images via dustjacket attic

SNEAK PEEK: Exclusive First Look at Rue Magazine!

Let the count down begin! Rue Magazine launches in less than a month and we're so excited we can't contain ourselves! The emails, phone calls, and to-do list items are coming in faster and more furiously than ever, but we're right on track for a smashing debut come September! Of course, we just couldn't wait until then to dish so we leaked a few images to our good friends over at ShelterPop! (You didn't actually expect us to be able to wait until September, did you?)

Pop over to their site for the full story, where you'll find a lovely write-up and behind the scenes pic of my partner in crime and me on location at a Rue shoot in New York. Anne looks darling, but go easy on me...it was a long (albeit fabulous) week in NYC.

Sending a big 'thank you' to ShelterPop, and especially to the fabulous writer Amy, for all the wonderful support!!

P.S. Rumor has it that a second batch of sneak peek pics will accidentally surface next week on another site...but you didn't hear it from me ;)

*images via the amazingly talented Manny Rodriguez for Rue Magazine

Gwyneth Paltrow's New Book: My Father's Daughter

Equal parts mystery, maven and majesty, Gwyneth leaves the whole world vying for her formidable good looks and bewitching allure.

With a husband who promises to fix you in a breathtakingly beautiful song and a story of loss so grievous you could cry - you can't help but root for the success of her latest endeavor: a cookbook meant to channel the ethos of her beloved late father, My Father's Daughter, out April 2011.

Perhaps it's the tug at the heartstrings that pulls me in, but one "daddy's little girl" to another, there's no greater gift than the tender bond between a daughter and a dad.

And if nothing else, I'll purchase the book because I've always felt tied to her for one special reason: When Gwyneth was ten years old her father took her to France and said, "I wanted you to see Paris for the first time with a man who would always love you, no matter what." When I was eleven, my dad took me to Paris and told me the very same thing. Precious.

*Mario Testino for Vogue, August 2010

SAVE THE DATE: Rue at 'What's New What's Next @ 200 Lex!'

Yesterday some of you may have heard via our twitter and facebook, but I am beyond thrilled to announce Rue will be part of this year's "What's New What's Next @ 200 Lex" program on Wednesday, September 22nd! The annual event is hosted by the New York Design Center and focuses on all things new and exciting in interior design -- from product to ideas to people!

The day will be full of interesting presentations, panels, and opportunities to meet the very best designers, editors, and manufacturers in our industry. We hope all you New Yorkers (and visitors!) will stop by Suite 100 for Rue's fall entertaining tips in collaboration with InHouse Kitchen Bath Home and one of NYC's most sought after chefs, Marissa Lippert!

Then join us in the Saladino Showroom for a special toast at the end of the evening, as we help celebrate the close of another smashingly successful WNWN @ 200 Lex! The entire Rue team will be there and we can't wait to meet you!

You can check out the complete program line up right here! Needless to say, we are beyond honored to be in such amazing company (hello Newell Turner and Vicente Wolf) and can't wait to attend some of the amazing events ourselves!

See you in New York!!!

Back to Basics

When things get hectic and life feels crazy, what do you do? You strip the stress, you break to breathe, and you vow not to let the frenzy frazzle your frame of mind.

The same can be said about the spaces in which we live. There's something profoundly perfect about a place of purity and unadulterated good taste, where thoughts can be cleared, worry put to rest, and when all is said and done, where simplicity trumps stimulation.

What better way to create this kind of domestic calm than with the most perfect color palette of them all? When black meets white the design stars align in flawless formation -- a match made in heaven, a soul-mate kind of love, a palate cleanse to rock your world (no pun intended).

But it begs the age old questions -- are black and white colors in their own right or the lack there of? What do you say? Scientists and artists tend to disagree.

Regardless, I yearn for a little 'back to basics' bliss in my life these days. Deadlines loom, to-do lists never end, and anticipation is so high I can hardly breathe. So shall we vow to slow down together and remember to pause to play every now and again as the days continue to unfold...?

*images via simply seductive, shelter pop, and maire claire maison, elle decor

Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

Let's ease ourselves into the weekend ladies, shall we?

Let's get lost in the bright summer day as it folds into a glistening moonlit sky. Because the evening is young, the air is sultry, and the possibilities are endless, let's pull out that sparkly little number we've been saving for the perfect occasion (now) and slip on those sky-high sling-backs because weekends are for dreamers and dreamers definitely have more fun (sorry blondes). Let's shake off the duty of our most professional selves and toss the to-do list to the wind, because hey, we deserve it!

Of course, anything less than a space as glamorous as we are is completely non-negotiable. Let's remember that there's substance in style, value in beauty, and that neither should be forgotten. Let the softness of the flokati take you to a lofty place, let the rich hues of blueberry blue and raspberry red warm your heart. Let the balance of perfectly poised furniture bring calm to your eyes and soothe your senses. And just for fun, hang a crazy mobile from your living room ceiling because design is fun and so are you.

Like Audrey, I was born with an enormous need for affection and a terrible need to give it, so why don't we cook up a little romance in our lives while we're at it. Hug that huz a little tighter, kiss your boyfriend with wild abandon, lock eyes with the cute boy on the corner, and never settle for anyone less than Mr. Right. Although Mr. Right Now is perfectly acceptable too.

Wishing you a champagne popping, disco beat bumping, good weekend my love!

xo, Crystal

*images via Windsor Smith, Simon Watson

California Dreaming

I'm back and had such a blast that I sorta don't want be home just yet. We work hard, clock in long days, lift heavy boxes, run around town in search of fishing wire and food to feed crews, all while juggling a bazillion emails on iPhones and averting the occasional crisis. But can we really call it work when we're making new friends, meeting follow bloggers, hanging with talented photographers, and getting to know inspiring people in beautiful spaces? I think not.

Instead it feels like one big party, which is why we couldn't have asked for a better way to end the trip than by actually attending one last night with The Flashdance. DJ Michael is a total dreamboat! As Anne put it, he doesn't just make the party, he IS the party. Photographer Max Wagner and videographer Sharkpig complete the trifecta of awesomeness and are equally divine. If only we could wrap every shoot with a dance party just like that one...

Thanks again to all my guest bloggers who helped keep Plush Palate afloat while I was gone!

*image: DJ Michael via The Flashdance