It has been one of those crazy weeks where I feel like I am barely keeping my head above water. I was in New York last week and am leaving for Paris on Tuesday, so in between, I have been working on all kinds of projects in order to stay on top of things. I have realized that as my design firm continues to grow, we need additional help, so we are looking for someone to join our team (more on that below)! There have been a lot of developments lately between speaking engagements, progress on special projects, and upcoming trips, not to mention all of the unbelievable things that are going on in the world.
Design: I am really looking forward to visiting Birmingham in a couple of weeks where I will be participating in the Birmingham Botanical Garden’s Antiques at the Gardens annual show. I will be speaking on a panel, giving a guided tour of my favorite picks at the antiques show, and will also give a talk on “A Modern Take on Traditional Style”. You can find the dates and times here. There is so much amazing design talent and beautiful architecture in Birmingham. I can’t wait to be there! You can also check out this interview I did with AL.com in preparation for my visit to Alabama in which I discuss my design philosophy. If you live in Birmingham, I hope you’ll come and say hello!
Style: Is there anything prettier or more romantic than a velvet ribbon, particularly when tied around a loose ponytail? My favorite iteration is usually a simple, black velvet ribbon. This one is sure to give any ponytail a chic upgrade!
Read: This week saw the release of several, fun new books for fall! Just this week, I’ve posted glimpses into From Napa with Love by Alexis Swanson Traina and At Home with Dogs and their Designers by Susanna Salk on my Instagram stories. There are few things I love as much as Napa, dogs, and design, so these books will surely become go-to hostess and holiday gifts from here on out.
Watch: A couple of weekends ago, we finally watched The Big Sick and Fabian and I both loved it. It’s kind of the perfect movie in that it is very funny in such a smart way, but it also has such tenderness and heart. I think just about anyone would love it, so if you’re looking for something good to watch this weekend, look no further.
Career: Paloma Contreras Design is growing and we are searching for a fantastic Design Assistant to join our dynamic team. Previous experience in an interior design firm is preferred. You can find all of the details for the position here. Please share this with anyone in the Houston area who might be interested and meets the desired qualifications. We have many exciting things on the horizon and are eager to find our newest team member!
Travel: On Tuesday, I will be heading to Paris on an antiques buying tour with Huff Harrington and I could not be more excited! Not only am I thanking my lucky stars to be able to visit Paris twice in the span of three months, but to get to see it through the eyes of art and antiques experts will be incredible. I am looking forward to sourcing some amazing pieces for our clients and enjoying the beauty of Paris at every turn. Be sure to follow along on Instagram because I will be posting along the way!
Help: My heart has been heavy for the last month, ever since Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc in the Caribbean and across Florida, and now this week, an earthquake of epic proportions leveled much of central Mexico, killing hundreds, while Hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico and parts of the Virgin Islands. It is just unbelievable that these natural disasters are happening with such frequency and intensity, leaving so much devastation in their wake. You can find a list with various ways to donate and send help to the earthquake victims in Mexico here or donate to a UNICEF fundraiser started by Salma Hayek here. My parents are both originally from Mexico and much of my extended family lives in Mexico, though not in the affected areas. I grew up spending my summers there and continue to love the culture and beauty of Mexico. You’d be hard-pressed to find warmer, friendlier people anywhere else. Please don’t forget about Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico, where there is still a 100% power outage. You can find a list of ways to help here.
