Branca-Perfect for the Holidays

Wondering what I was up to in Chicago last week? I know. I've been super busy (wedding planning!!) but I took time to visit the Branca store in Chicago which was absolutely incredible. I've wanted to see the store ever since it opened and now my dreams have come true! My mother and I braved the freezing cold weather and warmed up in the store.

This is the most beautiful fabric on the wall, is it not? (Don't say no.) On the lower floor of this three floor store in a townhouse, this was my favorite element. It made the store so warm and cozy, yet still incredibly elegant. What a great project too--plaid mats around some prints would really winterize your apartment!

This shot is for those of you that love foo dogs. I'm not a foo dog lover, I have to admit.


I love this eclectic cabinet with tons of Branca accessories and nothing gets my design heart (which is my real heart anyway) pumping like chicken wire in cabinets.

Horn and shell accessories are everywhere this season. I want all of it. Also I love this mushroom plate is astonishingly adorable.

Red is everywhere in this store and I love it! Horn and shell is everywhere but also feathers. Feather pillows, lampshades and wall decor.

Another feather pillow! Also I can't get enough plaid this season.

Plaid, exposed nail heads, a giant flower/feather pillow, fabric on the walls, and a cane backed chair. What more could you ask for?

The woman working there was incredibly enthusiastic and told us about a Carolyne Roehm party that they were hosting that week, which made me which I lived in Chicago (then I stepped outside and froze my face off). Anyway, I already have Alessandra Branca's book but would love just about anything from the store. You can now shop online which is AMAZING. Have any of you been to her store yet? Brave the cold and go for it!

Alicia B.

Plaid Love

Isn't this Ralph Lauren tablescape so cozy/beautiful? I don't think I would change one thing about it.

Ever since I took a look at the new Loro Piana interiors collection (yesterday) I've been loving on plaids (more than usual) for interiors. They look so cozy and warm and I definitely need that since, if you are in New York today you might have frostbite (me). Plaids are coming in different forms, window pane, tartan, gingham, etc. Here are some you could...warm up to? Wow.

Nathan Egan loves this wool plaid from Rogers and Goffigon. I do too.

This comfortable and classic looking interior was designed by John Peixinho with a tartan plaid bench in front of the fireplace. In Newport, RI.

Mixing tartans is allowed too! From Domino.

Designed by David Mitchell this mix of different neutrals and beiges is carried by those two chairs in Rogers and Goffigon wide gingham print.

I SUPER love these two chairs. They are covered in Colfax and Fowler Lanark plaid.

Jeffrey Bilhuber covered these two chairs in a soft Bahagalpur plaid by Shyam Ahuja.

Through looking, I think the best places for plaids are Ralph Lauren Home, Colefax and Fowler as they are a British company, Holland and Sherry for plaids, tweeds and herringbones, and of course Loro Piana. Am I a stodgy old British man? Hmm.

Alicia B.