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La Valise: Chic in Mexico City

Set in a 1920s townhouse in Roma Norte–currently Mexico City’s most culturally vibrant and cutting-edge neighborhood–is La Valise, from expat French designer Emmanuel Picault. 

While technically a hotel, La Valise consists of three apartment-sized luxury suites, all of which sit above an incredibly-curated shop filled with local artwork, jewelry from local designers, and anything else Picault decides to stock (also local). The name is based on the fact that the treasures from this amazing boutique will fit into your suitcase, or valise.

Picault is known for his incredible work spanning the globe, often in tandem with architect Ludwig Godfrey. From trendsetting modern nightclub M.N. Roy in Mexico City (set in the house of—and named after—the former Mexican communist party founder), to Paris mainstay Nüba, to the latest beautiful Christian Louboutin boutiques in France and beyond, Picault’s work is unmistakable. The rooms at La Valise comfortably fit into this array of incredible spaces. Picault’s strong connection with avant-garde 20th century Mexican modernism is clear when entering the beautiful spaces.

I stayed in the “El Patio” suite, which I chose in part for the chic black and white color palette and the amazing bathroom (this lady likes a good bubble bath). What made this different from a “design” or “luxury” hotel, though, is that it feels the way I imagine it would feel to sleep in an art gallery. Picault’s nod to Mexican style is evident here with the suite’s crocodile-skin-covered coffee table, the black velvet sofa, beautiful geometric tile work both on the patio—where there’s a Yucatecan hammock and a leather swing(!)—and in the huge bathroom—where there’s a clawfoot tub whose claws have been reimagined as stacked cubes), original artwork, including a terra-cotta dog by Carlos Ranc, among many, many other pieces. 

Still, with all these creative touches, the huge space manages to feel cozy, warm and welcoming. The above photo was taken one evening on the back patio while enjoying a glass of Mescal, a bottle of which I was given upon arrival. No detail at all is overlooked here.

The other two suites are just as incredible (“La Terraza,” located on the top floor, for example, features a bed that rolls on tracks to a huge outdoor terrace, through a wall of folding doors), and the staff’s expert recommendations help in conquering the vast amount of design- and fashion-centric shops in Roma Norte and Condesa, as well as the huge number of cafes, lounges, bars, and restaurants dotting the area. Picault himself if often on the first floor, and you can’t help but think the curated recommendations from his staff are sending you to the most interesting spots in this huge and amazing city.

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I know Summer is officially over, and I am super excited about Fall dressing...buuuut, can I just say that I would really like to be at this garden party right now.

Also, check out the Goop collaboration with Stella McCartney. My closet NEEDS that charcoal jumpsuit.

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More NYFW Spring 2014: Custo Barcelona

Custo Barcelona, created by brothers Custo and David Dalmau in the 80's, has evolved from their roots in graphic prints on tees. Spring 2014 was a more refined take on the brands signature global feel. Full of rich prints, textures and colors, Custo Barcelona put their signature spin on some very wearable pieces. I'm especially loving all the gorgeous embellished jackets.

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Check out this video from the Tibi Spring 2014 show last night. So many pieces to swoon over.

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NYFW Spring 2014: Survival Tips

Fashion week is upon us in NYC! Take some advice from the pros on how to stay on top of your game and finish the week happy and healthy!

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Topping my list of festivities for the 4th is shopping the Tibi Pre-Fall Collection, and this pullover is my first pick. I'll wear it around my waist with cut-offs and a tee for rooftop fireworks and with a leather skirt for Fall. Patriotic, chic, and versatile... Lady Liberty has never looked so good!

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I love the way the suit jacket is tied nonchalantly around Ameyline's waist. Styling a suit this way feels so modern and reminds me of the Celine Spring ad campaign. All she needs is a pair of fur-lined Birkenstocks. 

(source: Aymeline Valade by Paul Wetherell for AnOther Magazine)

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Happy birthday Neil Diamond!!!

In honor of one of my favorite guilty pleasures, check out this cover of Cherry Cherry by kid punk band, Vessio. Somehow this version makes me feel a little cooler for being a fan. 

(Source: DJVMFVME)

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Happy birthday, Kate! 39 never looked so good.

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TUPPERWARE PARTY

Hey French bulldog, wear this Celine sweater to that Tupperware party. 

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Merry Christmas to All!

May your day be happy and bright.

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Reminiscent of the chicest brown bag lunch, these clutches from Céline Spring 2013 in mouth-watering sorbet hues are topping my must-have list.

Preview the entire Céline Spring 2013 RTW Collection here.

(images: vogue.com)

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Ditch those bulky carry-alls, ladies. Louis Vuitton has declared Small is Beautiful in this new video featuring some of your fave bloggers. Check out Hanneli Mustaparta, Elin Kling, Miroslava Duma sporting their minis around Paris. Ooh la la!

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[stylestripes]

Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep really to sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.

Ernest Hemingway  (via whereforewasi)

Words to live by.

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I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Celine fur clutch. Perfection.

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Life's just a little better looking through rose-colored glasses.