Dinner is served!

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So far in my 30’s I have hosted maybe 4-5 dinner parties. Dinner are one of my favorite things to host, gathering my friends around the table. Now that is something I have grown up with…table…food…friends,family and stories. Also something that Italians love…Food, wine, and family (friends are considered family). Growing up my parents would always throw dinner parties for their friends putting out their best china or sometime causal. I remember when I was a kid I wanted to throw parties just like my parents. Now that I am older I have taken their tradition of dinner parties and adding my own funky twist to it.

The last dinner party that I hosted was about a month ago, gathered my closest friends and of course we made pizza, with wine and a bunch of laughter. This is how I decided to set the table.

@juilacavallarodesigns

Table cloth- custom made with Gaston Y Daniela fabric * napkins- Madeline Weinrib @ San Francisco Design Center * Plate- Dandelion ( San Francisco location closed) * Charger- Pier One * Glasses- Waterford wine and water * Fork/Spoon/Knife- Grandmothers collection

Now that the weather is starting to get nicer, people actually want to be outdoors, days are longer, sunny days with some hot summer nights(if you live outside of the city) I thought what better way to blog about how to dress your table and yourself for a dinner party. See some of my favorite photos of dressing your table ( all images are from pinterest)

 

Most of the time you learn how to set a dinner table properly by your grandmother or your parents, but this day and age we tend to forget the traditions. Seems like everyone is in a hurry to go somewhere . In case someone has not taught you how to set a table don’t worry pinterest is here to save the day.

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Now what would a hostess proper attire would be. I think dressing up yourself is a lot more rewarding than dressing your table. Don’t get me wrong both are fun, but showing off your outfit is a lot more fun. One of my favorite dress that I wore to a wedding but heck why not wear it to my elegant, sophisticated dinner party.

Me 2016

 Now if that is too formal here are some fashion dinner party attire taken from

My Style..California Style 

RSVP

Lace

When you think of lace you think of 3 things…1. a wedding dress 2. shabby chic from the early 90’s and 3. little old Italian ladies crochet lace.

Number 3 sticks out in my mind the most, I remember as a little girl my Italian grandmothers would have these amazing handmade lace table cloths, bed covers and even coffee table settings all in lace. It was an art to make these types of pieces. Once used in 16th century lace became popular in fashion and home decor.  Lace was also used by clergy of the early Catholic Church as part of vestments in religious ceremonies. Fast forward to 2016, we are still using lace in fashion and interior design. ( images are from google and pinterest)

Alexander McQueen
Oscar De La Renta

 


 

Lace can be used in so many ways. It gives your space and your fashion a bit of sassy!

flowers, floral galore

Is that time of year again…spring yes, but also my favorite type of music festival here in California…Coachella!!! Its not just about the music that is the huge part of it, but what the fashion is…floral. I have notice in the fashion magazines and also in stores everything is over sized floral! Throughout history fashion and interiors floral were named Jacobean type, small scale so that you can fit so many floral woven and prints into a single yard for a chair or a dress. In today’s fashion it is still called Jacobean prints or woven but now they are oversize. (all images are from google image)

In today’s interior design world, i have seen more bright colors, also more floral type of fabrics and wallpapers as well. (all images are from google image)

 

This is not your typical grandmothers, or shabby chic floral but more with a 2016 twist. You can dress up your room with some bold oversize floral patterns!

Orange…is it the new black for Spring?!

Bouncing into spring 2016 I have noticed that new color for spring is Orange! What comes to mind for the color orange…an orange of course but also as everyone would know Hermes! (google image)

More importantly orange has a whole psychology behind the actually color, when I think of orange I think of warm sunny days. I found this list of orange describing words. (google image)


 

Now that we have some describing words, the meaning behind the color orange here are some fun interiors and fashion that I think will be popping up this spring. (all images from google images)

Benjamin Moore Interior paint- below

Fun Interiors

Also you can add orange wallpaper and orange pillows to your sofa or chair.

Always have fun decorating your fashion style with some oranges in your life

Diving into Indigo Blue

Many of my friends know that one of my signature colors that I wear about 99.9% of the time is Indigo Blue. Wither it be Jeans, blue and white stripe or check shirt, or my signature Sloan pants from Banana Republic. The color Indigo Blue has been around since the Greco Roman time.  Historically, indigo was a natural dye extracted from plants, and this process was important economically because blue dyes were once rare. In today’s world it is associated with Jeans.

This weekend I had the privilege to attend my company’s winter sales meeting in Los Angeles. As you have read in my previous entry that I love Los Angeles fashion, to me Los Angeles is the capital of fashion, casual fashion for the West Coast. New York is by far the leader in Fashion and that would never ever change.  As i was sitting in my chair looking at all the new textiles that my company is coming out the most predominate color of this year is Indigo Blue. Which I do think it is funny that it is not the color of year, even though a periwinkle blue is. I have always loved the color Indigo Blue and also Navy Blue actually any type of blue. To me blue is a sophistication, a different type of class. Black will always be the number one color but I do not know when you wear either Navy or Indigo Blue a whole new ” I run the world” attitude.  With that being said here is my concept board of Indigo Blue that i have created for a interior space…just a few of my obessions: (made by Julia Cavallaro Designs)

You have your chesterfield sofa ( a must in my book), a channeled back chair – very vintage – there is my signature a stripe light fixture, blue lacquered buffet, modern rug, end table with curved legs, and of course I could not complete the space without Benjamin Moore paint – Symphony Blue and Old Navy.

Having Indigo Blue interiors also will make your space have a sense of sophistication as well. Here are some of my favorite Indigo Blue Interiors ( google images and pinterest)

Starting from the upper left hand corner- the shower- I could not get over how the tiles are position – bricks. It almost makes you feel like you are enclosed in a deep part of the ocean lost in your thoughts. In the upper right hand corner- I am obsessed with wall art, graffiti – having an image on the wall you can dream you are in another world. Bottom left hand corner- has to be one of the most interesting space- it is perfect for a dreamer. Last but not least the bottom right hand corner- perfect space for a minimalist.

Not only does Indigo Blue shown in interors, but it can also be displayed on table tops or even better your nails – have this color and it is to die for…

Most of you ( my readers ) know that this blog entry is not complete without fashion here are some Indigo Blue fashion, and it is not just jeans (google image and pinterest)

Whatever style or type of blue you either wear, or create your interiors with – just wear or living in like you own the whole world.

2016!!!

As it is January 1st, 2016..and a new patone color has arrived, this year it is 2 colors – Rose Quartz and Serenity. As to non patone followers – Pink and Blue! History repeats its! In the 80’s these colors were called Powder Blue and Mauve. Or you can define Pink and Blue as baby colors, they did not have general colors, such as grey or yellow.

Rose Quartz have been around for a very long time, in the spiritual word it means: Rose quartz is often called the “Love Stone.” It’s energetic hallmark is that of unconditional love that opens the heart chakra. This makes rose quartz a stone for every type of love: self-love, family, platonic, romantic, and unconditional. As a variety of quartz, rose quartz has high energy, and this strong energy can enhance love in  virtually any situation. This stone of unconditional love that opens the heart chakra to all forms of love: self-love, family love, platonic love, and romantic love. The high energy of quartz gives rose quartz the property of enhancing love in virtually any situation. Bringing love in to life and daily situations not only brings inner warmth, but it also lowers stress and soothes those around it. Rose quartz is a very happy and loving stone. In the psychic and spiritual realms, rose quartz is often used to attract love, for love spells and charms. It is also used to ease the process of transition in dying to make the transition gentle and surrounded by the unconditional love of the Divine. Rose quartz can also be helpful for dream recall and dream work. Rose quartz is used to raise self-esteem and a strong sense of self-worth. Its loving energies teach us to apply this love to ourselves and thereby find ourselves more worthy.( http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/rose-quartz/)

Serenity means: noun, plural serenities for 2.1.the state or quality of being serene, calm, or tranquil; sereneness. 2.(usually initial capital letter) a title of honor, respect, or reverence,used in speaking of or to certain members of royalty (usually precededby his, your, etc.). (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/serenity)

Now that we have defined what Rose Quartz and Serenity mean here are some images that represent 2016 Pantone Colors: Rose Quartz and Serenity! Ranging from Nail Polish, Fashion, Interiors, and dish wear!

(all images are from google image)

 

Happy Rose Quartz and Serenity 2016!

Grey not just a color…but a statement!

I have been lagging on writing a blog post in quite a while. More like a mental break. I love fashion and I love interior design but sometimes when you are living, breathing, sleeping, working it, you lose sight of what you really love and you push it away. Well I am back and stronger than ever to write more post.

Now that fall is fast approaching…summer clothing is set aside on the other side of the closet or in boxes under the bed. It’s time to bring out the fall and winter clothing… being from the golden state where the sun is always shining, most of my fall /winter clothing still have a hit of summer attached them…

Grey…when black and white are mixed together. Throughout fashion, gray has always been on trend…fashion magazines have always put grey in the spotlight but black and white have always been at the forefront. Going into fall/winter of 2015…grey is finally at the forefront of fashion and interior design. Just take Target…Adam Lippes…grey plaids and all grey colors. Some of my favorite fashion houses has been using the grey color in all of their collections. (all images are from google)


The grey pallet for Interior Design has always been on trend…neutral sofas. chairs, and even wall colors. Some of my favorite Benjamin Moore Paint Chips…Sterling Grey 1461 and Metro Grey 1459. (all images are from google)

   

Here are some of my favorite Grey Interiors and exteriors (all images are from google)

  Grey is a very neutral color but it has such a bold statement!

greening it into fall

 As summer is fast fading away, and can I say it has been a crazy summer. Hot weather, fun in the sun, being one with nature. As I start to put away my clean crisp summer clothing filled with tons of color…one color that I know I can wear in fall, winter, spring and summer and that is green, all shades !. At work I have  concept board that I do try to update as often as I can, this concept board I created was Kelly Green. All fabrics are from #kravet, #gastonydaniela and #benjaminmoore paint. I added some prints with navy blue which by the way I think is the hottest color for fall, cobalt blue. But that will be another entry soon I promise! The color green is everywhere, nature- plants, trees, grass…to be it is outside living. We have green paint, jewelry, pillows, art work, shoes, purses, interiors, carpet, hair, nailpolish, clothing and even cars. My bestie who I went to FIDM with Cassie sent me this photo and thought of me..very appropriate to post this in this blog.. (photo credit- Cassie) you can paint your front door to give your space a personal touch. seen below.

mint green door

The color of the year 2013 was emerald green, does everyone remember when fashion and interior created spaces in emerald green, I do believe that is when Oz came out Emerald City..follow that yellow brick road to get back to Kansas.  Well even thought it is 2015 getting ready for 2016…the color green is still strong! There may be different shades of green but it is all part of the color green. ( all images are from google image)

spring
Fall
spring
Kate Spade 2015 summer
great nail polish for fall/winter- OPI Here today Aragon Tomorrow

Jonathan Adler for Kravet. Green, white and navy

This has to be one of my favorite fabrics from Jonathan Adler for Kravet…It is so fresh, sophisticated, and it screams preppy!  To complete the green inspirited interiors I would use Benjamin Moore Paint – Clover Green

2034-10 -clover green

When designing a interior that has some sort of green in it just remember what the color green does to a room, there is a whole color meaning of green, posted below:

Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with money.

Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance. Sometimes green denotes lack of experience; for example, a ‘greenhorn’ is a novice. In heraldry, green indicates growth and hope. Green, as opposed to red, means safety; it is the color of free passage in road traffic.

Use green to indicate safety when advertising drugs and medical products. Green is directly related to nature, so you can use it to promote ‘green’ products. Dull, darker green is commonly associated with money, the financial world, banking, and Wall Street.

Dark green is associated with ambition, greed, and jealousy.
Yellow-green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy.
Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection.
Olive green is the traditional color of peace.

Here are some green interiors: all shades of green.. (all images are from google)

we all can bring a little of Dorothy into our lives


Funky Fashion…Funky Interiors

Growing up in the 90’s was a very interesting time. I do not remember thinking the fashion sense was amazing, but I do remember being a kid and dressing the way I wanted to. No one judged you because lets face it …you were a kid. I have always dresses to the beat of my own drum. I rocked whatever I wore even different color nail polish on each finger nail. Speaking of nail polish, does anyone remember Hard Candy nail polish? The best part of Hard Candy was the rings. (see photo below- google image)

Hard Candy Nail Polish

I think I must of had 10 different polish, perfect that is one color for every nail. A lot has changed in fashion, trends, but what stays the same are the funky colors and the funky fashion. One of the most amazing Fashion Designers out there was Alexander McQueen his fashion still lives on, but what a talented designer. Always making his runway so avant garde that pushes you to be more creative. Some of the avant garde fashion designers out there are: Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, McQueen. See photos of their work below.

Alexander McQueen Runway
Marc Jacobs runway s/s 15
Bestey Johnson Runway
Alexander McQuee Fashion Exhibit


Also, fashion does influence Interior Design. Many Interior Designers pay homage to fashion designers.I have also included funky Interiors. You can always make funky interiors look tasteful. Do not be afraid to be bold. Be yourself and rock whatever you want to. There is a saying ” funky, fresh” yes funky can be fresh. (All images are from google image)

Kourtney Kardashian Calabasas house
Bathroom fit for a skier
Slid to call your children to come down stairs
New way to sit at a table

The Icon…The Legend…Marilyn Monroe

I was honored by my company to work in the Las Vegas showroom during Summer/ Fall Furniture Market 2015. Las Vegas host this wonderful inspiring Market twice a year, January and August.  The hotel that I was staying at was SLS Hotel, it is brand new on the Las Vegas strip, which the original SLS Hotel is located in Beverly Hills California. It did feel like I was staying in LA but I was in Vegas. One of the iconic photos right when you walk into the hotel just before heading to the check in desk is a photo of the Iconic Marilyn Monroe, see above without the quote. I did post this on my Instagram not knowing that August 5th was the anniversary of her death. Born on June 1st,1926 and died on August 5th, 1962. Just turned 36 years old. But what a legend and legacy she has left. Movies, fashion, inspiration, clothing and even hair style she as left for us to recreate and just to that she died with class never allowing generations forget who she is. Even in todays world many Fashion Designers find her style her image inspiration to create a collection.

Oscar De La Renta fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2015
Dolce and Gabanna inspirited Marilyn print on the dress
Dior 2015 runway
Michelle Williams wearing the dress
Marilyn Monroe inspired this dress with a 2015 twist

(all images are from google)


Since Marilyn has inspired fashion she has also taken the inspiration to Interior Design: (all images are from google)


Maybe we have a little Marilyn Monroe in all of us