Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

...an American icon.

Was reading news headlines this morning and came across a story about America's 10 highest-paid CEOs.  Holding steady in this impressive list was Ralph Lauren.... with compensation from Polo Ralph Lauren in excess of $66 million/year. 

And, did I mention that Forbes ranked him as the 173rd richest man in the world with an estimated wealth of $4.6 billion.  Chaaaa ching!

Initially, my response was:  "Yep, that proves it -- I knew that I paid too much for that suede belt, yesterday."  But, then after thinking about it, wasn't mine the typical American response?  We want people to do well and be successful... it IS the American dream, afterall.  But, then we want to bash the devil out of them for making too much money. 

"God Bless America".... couldn't resist!

So, I decided to do a little research. How did that "Curator of Cool" begin his career?  Was it a polo shirt???? 

Well, NO! 

In 1967, his initial endeavor into the design world was a necktie... which he sold from the trunk of his car.  Eventually, Bloomingdales purchased his entire line of ties!  And, as for that famous short sleeved Polo shirt, it wasn't released until 1972. 

Over the years, the Ralph Lauren label has become synomymous with luxury... selling his collections in amazing spaces around the world. 

Ralph Lauren Store on Madison Avenue

http://www.classicaladdiction.com/2011/01/ralph-laurens-dream-store/

Ralph Lauren Store in Russia

 http://08541185d.blogspot.com/2009/03/1967-ralph-lauren-establishes-polo.html

Restaurant in Ralph Lauren's store on the Left Bank in Paris.

http://fannibakos.blogspot.com/2010/04/ralph-lauren-restaurant-in-paris.html

Why the success?  Well, honestly, the guy has one helluva a design aesthetic.   Just take a peak at the following:

The home in Bedford, NY, that he shares with is wife and family.

Photo from Architectural Digest.com

Inside the Madison Avenue RL Store

http://aesthetically-thinking.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html

His home in Jamaica

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/features/2008/11/celebrity_retreats_slideshow_112008#slide=1

The Double RL Ranch in Colorado

http://hudsonbabydesign.blogspot.com/2011/09/lauren-lauren.html

A Man with the Midas touch... and it all started with some neckties.  Who knew?????  And this quote sums it up....

For her final season, Oprah even interviewed Mr. Lauren at his ranch. 

His IS a great American success story... but I still think that I paid too much for that suede belt!  Ha

Borrowed from the boys

Borrowed from the boys

Menswear inspired home furnishings

http://blog.decoratorsbest.com/featured/new-breed-of-tweed/

Never forget what inspires you!

Allow me to tell you a short story.

This is a story about my master bedroom.  About 10 years ago, “Designer Guys” aired on the Discovery Channel.  It was the Canadian version of HGTV, and on one particular episode, the guys covered the sofa in some high-rise condo with… black   wool   pinstripe   men’s   suit   fabric.   And, the look was, quite frankly, sexy!

http://www.moderndesigntrends.com/

During this same time, the folks at Williams Sonoma – those purveyors of All Clad and olive oil – had decided to jump into the home goods business.  As a precursor to Williams Sonoma Home, they started out with a line of bedding and towels called “Chambers.”  In one particular Chambers catalog, a herringbone duvet cover was displayed that was simply magnificent.  Unfortunately, at the time, I was struggling to buy groceries and certainly could NOT afford to pay for a $450 duvet cover.

Fast forward to 2007.  House Beautiful featured an article entitled, “Quintessential Kansas City,” featuring the home of David Jimenez, the vice president of visual merchandising and design for Hallmark Cards, Inc.  And, guess what he had in the master bedroom…. that damn herringbone duvet that I saw years ago.

http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2007/08/david-jimenez-hallmarks-new-hall-of.html and http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/kansas-city-style-0807?click=main_sr#slide-1

Hence, the inspiration for my master bedroom was reborn.

Then, there was that pesky little problem… that duvet was no longer available.

Why?

Well, home décor has historically been done for women.  Fortunately, as more men have become interested in their surroundings, we are putting a big kibosh on some of those awful florals, chintzes, and toiles.  Hence, a trend toward menswear inspired home furnishings has emerged during the past couple of years.

From flooring and rugs to lamps and upholstery, here are some great ideas...

  Recycled leather belt flooring..... LOVE this idea      http://designindulgences.com/2012/02/06/fellas-this-one-is-for-you/

Plates and nakins with a masculine edge

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/776222/list/Guest-Picks--Tastemaker-Items-You-Can-Afford/

 Mid century modern chairs in blue plaid tweed

http://www.reinspiredhome.com/index.html

 Check out that lampshade

www.wandrlust.com

Grey and yellow argyle feather pillows

http://www.bytheseadecor.com/product.php?productid=1410

That rug is GREAT... that wall color is dreadful!

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/776222/list/Guest-Picks--Tastemaker-Items-You-Can-Afford/

So, you get the idea....

http://threadhautedecor.wordpress.com/

Even some flagship stores have gone this direction.  Despite being the Women’s Store, the Ralph Lauren store on Madison Avenue has a decidedly masculine edge with the wrought iron, marble floors, and black and white décor.

http://www.luxist.com/tag/madison+avenue/ and          http://www.fashionfoiegras.com/2010/10/ralph-lauren-womens-flagship-store-on.html

If you think that the RL women's flagship store is masculine, then just walk across the street and check out the men's store.  An absolutely amazing space.....

The Ralph Lauren Men's Store in Manhattan.  http://www.luxist.com/tag/madison+avenue/ 

And, Tom Ford’s Men's Store in New York has a sexy masculine vibe with the zebra wood and dark furnishings.

photo from Veranda

http://nymag.com/shopping/openings/30610/ and    http://themanofstyle.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/the-world-of-tom-ford/

Thankfully, this trend has gotten some press lately.  Recently, it was featured on the Nate Berkus TV show.

 http://www.thenateshow.com/

Just remember, if you are re-doing a bedroom, rehabilitating a kitchen, buying a pillow, or thinking about wallpaper, don't forget about the men in your life.  We live there, too.

 Flannel upholstered walls and that leather headboard are amazing!

http://designindulgences.com/2012/02/06/fellas-this-one-is-for-you/

Spectacular kitchen.  Not really my taste, but I really like it!

http://designindulgences.com/2012/02/06/fellas-this-one-is-for-you/

Pinstripe wallpaper fabric in blue from www.doyoulovewhereyoulive.com

Brunch Menu

Sunday Brunch

Mimosas and Bloody Marys for a Sunday celebration

Was trying to work out a brunch menu this morning.  The key to planning brunch is to have several good recipes that are quick, easy, and reliable. 

And, since I love Sunday brunch, decided to dig through my recipe files.  Here are some of my absolute favorites from The Food Network. 

Banana Nut Crunch Muffins, Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/banana-crunch-muffins-recipe/index.html

Egg, Spinach, and Prosciutto Cups, Rachel Ray

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/green-eggs-and-ham-recipe/index.html

Spinach and Bacon Quiche, Paula Deen

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/spinach-and-bacon-quiche-recipe/index.html

Smoked Ham, Gruyere, and Carmelized Onion Frittata, Tyler Florence

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/smoked-ham-gruyere-and-caramelized-onion-frittata-recipe/index.html

Grilled Mixed Fruit, Giada de Laurentiis

http://clevercase.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-mixed-fruit-recipe/index.html

Fresh Fruit Parfait, Danny Boome

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/danny-boome/fresh-fruit-parfait-with-lemon-poppy-seed-yogurt-recipe/index.html

Steel Cut Oatmeal, Alton Brown

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/steel-cut-oatmeal-recipe/index.html

And, even if you are just having brunch alone, don't forget to set the table.  The Sunday newspaper or your iPad is also a must.  Happy Sunday!

My dining room. White and green plates, Sur la Table.  Glasses, Ralph Lauren.  Green Ikat bowl, Anthropogie.  Silverware, Kate Spade.  Knife, Laguiole, Williams Sonoma.   Napkin, Pottery Barn.