I am in New York today for meetings and a speaking engagement. It is always energizing and inspiring to be here, but I have to admit, I am looking forward to getting home tomorrow and staying put for a while. With so much travel recently, I haven’t had a chance to put together a new “Friday Favorites” list, but I am back with some great finds for you today!
Read: Last week, two of Houston’s finest architects, William Curtis and Russell Windham of Curtis & Windham were in L.A. for Legends of La Cienega for a book signing at the beautiful McKinnon and Harris showroom. Fast forward a few days and while Mark was here in Houston, we talked a lot about their beautiful work. We didn’t have much time during this visit, but the next time he’s here we will have to do a drive-by tour of some Curtis & Windham houses. In December, Curtis & Windham released their stunning and inspiring book, A Vision of Place. It is filled with their timeless, classic work which encompasses various styles, each one unique, but just as beautiful as the last.
Design: The Chelsea Flower Show has been a much-anticipated annual event in London for many years now. This year, the Mayfair Flower Show will happen at the same time. In fact, both events opened this week. Housed in London’s Insta-famous Sketch restaurant, the Mayfair Flower Show will focus on the work of five of London’s top floral designers in collaboration with Diptyque and Pommery champagne. Sounds fabulous to me!
Beauty: After spending so much time on airplanes recently, I found that my lips had been getting chapped. I decided to use a sample I had received of AERIN Rose Lip Conditioner and found that it healed my lips in a matter of two days. I promptly ordered the full size tube and have found that it stays on for hours and feels great without being too tacky or sticky. It also has a very subtle rose scent. If you’re a fan of the cult favorite Terry Baume de Rose, I’d bet you’ll like there AERIN one better. As a bonus, it comes in a more convenient tube and is about half the price.
Watch: Fabian and I have been enjoying Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s new show on TLC, Nate and Jeremiah By Design. Nate and Jeremiah are not only talented designers, but they are so fun to watch. On the show, they help homeowners who are in way over their heads with their home renovations. I have always had a bone to pick with home renovation and “design” shows because they portray unrealistic budgets and timelines and make it seem like every project can be DIY. Nate and Jeremiah do a great job of getting the projects back on track, elevating the design, and educating the clients about what things cost. The fact of the matter is that $50,000 is a significant amount of money, but it will not get you a kitchen renovation, new floors, and new furniture. Nate and Jeremiah call in a lot of favors from vendors they work with and then let the homeowners know what the actual cost of the renovation was. I think people are generally shocked, but I believe the show is helping the design industry and design clients by portraying the true cost of a renovation. Watch full episodes here.
Drink: For the last month I have been obsessed with KOR Wellness shots. So much so, that I went to Whole Foods in High Point to stock my hotel’s refrigerator with them and did the same while staying at Mark Sikes’ house in Los Angeles last week. Mark stayed with me while he was in Houston earlier this week, tried them, and loved them. Fabian is hooked on them, too. The shots are made of organic, cold-pressed ginger juice, coconut juice, lemon juice, and cayenne. They are delicious and invigorating. I can’t quite put my finger on exactly what they do, but I always feel super energized after I’ve had one and I honestly believe they’ve kept me from getting sick during all of this travel. They’re not inexpensive– about $3.99 a pop, but I think it’s a small price to pay for staying healthy and feeling great! Order yours here or buy them at Whole Foods.
Shop: I bought the Edit Swing Top in both black and white late last fall and it is probably the top on which I get the most compliments. It is super chic, but also super comfortable and easy to wear. It is my go-to for so many things and travels really easily because it doesn’t get wrinkled. It has sold out repeatedly, but it looks like Shopbop just added fresh inventory to their site. Get yours quickly before they sell out again!
Lastly, we are currently on the hunt for a fabulous new person to add to our Paloma Contreras Design team. If you or someone you know are highly organized, detail-oriented, and have a passion for interior design, take a look at the description for our job opening and send in your resume if you feel you’d be a good fit for our dynamic team. Have a wonderful weekend!
