| style carrot • boston |

May 12, 2014 · 5:41 pm

Kate Moss for TopShop Hits Nordstrom

The second Kate Moss for Topshop collection is now available at Nordstrom. The edgy yet sophisticated collection includes pieces in both dark and light colors, as well as bold and subtle prints. Embellishments and bohemian details add just the right touch, without seeming overdone.

Here are 8 standout pieces from Kate Moss for Topshop:

S H O P P I N G

1. Woven Leather Vest

2. Suede Runner Shorts

3. Lamé Bias Cut Maxi Dress

4. Studded Denim Shorts

5. Folk Smocked Blouse

6. One-Shoulder Chiffon Dress

7. Lace Swing Camisole

8. Floral Pajama Top Bottom

If you plan to shop the Kate Moss for Topshop collection in store, customers who spend $150 will get a Topshop tote. The first 50 totes are filled with Topshop Lip Paint and a copy of April’s British Vogue. Here’s the StyleCarrot Instagram of the tote and mag. The Lip Paint’s headed out to my new intern, Liza Howard, who assembled this post.

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Shop Reef for summer fun >

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Filed under Clothing & Accessories, Sales & Events

Tagged as fashion, Kate Moss for Top Shop collection, Nordstrom, spring style, SS14, Summer 2014

May 7, 2014 · 8:48 pm

Jonathan Adler Opens in Chestnut Hill

I drove out to Chestnut Hill (for the second time that day) to attend the opening party of Jonathan Adler at The Street Chestnut Hill. I’d met Jonathan (who was charming) at the Newbury store opening. This time I wanted to meet his publicist extraordinaire Ryan Dziadul, who always right on top of my requests. (You may have read about Ryan Dziadul in the New Yorker last year.)

Unlike the Newbury Street opening, which was relatively sedate, Chestnut Hill was mobbed. I caught up with tons of friends—interior designer Jill Litner Kaplan, ceramicist Jill Rosenwald, Elements of Style blogger Erin Gates and her handsome husband, Daniela Corte creative director & realtor Ricardo Rodriguez and his very cute husband Michael Kelley, Langford & Lewis home accessories curator Emily Webster, The Urban Grape proprietor Hadley Douglas, the lovelier by the minute anchorwoman Sara Underwood, Sweet Cupcakes proprietor Courtney Forester, publicist (and BFF) Wendy Pierce, style journalist Jill Radsken, and big name party planner Bryan Rafanelli. Seriously, talk about getting it done in a night.

The Jonathan Adler Chestnut Hill store is bold and beautiful, with room vignettes and shelves of Jonathan Adler gifts and goodies, including his new men’s and women’s fashion accessories. Here are some shots, if you haven’t already seen them on the StyleCarrot Instagram feed.

Love those giraffe prints.

Backgammon anyone?

Bow ties with one print on the front, another on the reverse.

Clutches and pouches.

Totally love this eye pattern needlepoint pillow.

Another inspirational (aspirational) room.

Jonathan schmoozing with staff.

Heart needlepoint and classic vases.

Nautical themed fashion accessories.

Rex Ray artwork.

Detail of another Rex Ray piece.

Armchair with rope detailing.

Plenty of presents.

Hey, we’re cute together!

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Filed under Chestnut Hill, Openings

Tagged as Boston boutiques, Boston stores, furniture, home furnishings and accessories, Jonathan Adler, The Street Chestnut Hill

April 4, 2014 · 12:41 am

Design Diary: Rockledge House by Larson Shores Architects

I have many Design Diary posts for you—looks at homes I’ve written about for Boston print publications, but have yet to feature. This home, designed by Carrie Shores of Larson Shores Architects is an eco-friendly project we featured (on the cover) of the Boston Globe Magazine in December 2009. The article, called “Living A Vision” was photographed by James R. Salomon.

I flew up to Rockland, Maine to see the house, interview homeowner Rhonda Nordstrom, and isit her spa, which I blogged about here: Beauty Break: Rheal Day Spa. But before you click over, scroll through to see Rhonda Nordstrom’s green home in coastal Maine.

Photo by James R. Salomon

The two-story house, which replaced a small cottage that had no heat or running water in winter, is 1,400-square-feet, and sited on two-tenths of an acre with a very New England view. They didn’t cut down any trees, but had to do a lot of excavation and grading. The house is sited so passersby can enjoy the view of the harbor.

The exterior is shingled, to blend with the Maine vernacular, though the trim is painted black. The arrangement of windows and the overhang of the back porch lend a modern feel. They left the metal chimney pipe exposed, to echo the sensibility of the working waterfront.

Photo by James R. Salomon

Eco-friendly finishes are mixed with a contemporary and Scandinavian aesthetic. (Rhonda’s husband’s parents are from Sweden.) The kitchen cabinetry is Ikea, which fit the look and budget.

Photo by James R. Salomon

There’s no basement, just a concrete slab. Instead of covering over it, Shores incorporated it into the design. The first floor is stained, polished concrete, with radiant heat. The countertop is Corian. Beyond the eating area, sliders open into the grassy yard, which leads to the water.

Photo by StyleCarrot

Take a close look—under the artwork, there’s a niche for the dog crate.
Table and chairs from Ikea.

Photo by James R. Salomon

The raised fireplace is easy to access. Rhonda insisted on window seats.

Photo by James R. Salomon

The stairs and second floor are done in bamboo, also with radiant heat.

Photo by James R. Salomon

Built-ins make the most of the space. Rhonda got a window seat here too.

Photo by StyleCarrot

A fan keeps the air moving. Notice the cathedral ceilings.

Photo by James R. Salomon

The bathroom floor is lined with ipe leftover from the deck.
The tiles are recycled glass mosaics.

Photo by James R. Salomon

The bedroom opens onto the back porch.
You can see the boats out the window.

Photo by James R. Salomon

The railing is industrial steel and wire.

Photo by James R. Salomon

The harbor, which you can see from every room in the house,
is one of the largest lobster shipping ports in the country.

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Shop Tuckernuck for coastal style decor >

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Filed under Maine

Tagged as Boston Globe Magazine, James R. Salomon photography, Larson Shores Architecture

March 14, 2014 · 3:17 pm

Sneak Peek: BHLDN Bridal Boutique

Anthropologie’s bridal concept BHLDN (pronounced “beholden”) opens today as a permanent store-in-store, BHLDN at Anthropologie, Chestnut Hill. (It’s in the shopping plaza across Route 9 from the Chestnut Hill Mall. The center is very nondescript from the front, with little signage leading you in through a narrow turn, but once you get in, you’ll see the new Wegmans and Soul Cycle too. And, if you’ve abandoned Lululemon, there’s also an Athleta, right next to Anthropologie.)

I drove over yesterday to meet Director of Marketing & Communications, Callie Canfield Worthington, (thank you Ashley Fossile for setting it up), who gave me a preview of the new space. The company is on a tear, opening BHLDN shop-in-shops in NYC, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and other cities; 10 in all. The price points are excellent and in addition to bridal gowns (none of them Disney poufy), there are bridesmaid dresses, and even a couple that would work for the mother-of-the-bride. In addition, there is crystal jewelry, exquisite rhinestone belts (major trend), and (subtly) princess-worthy hairpieces.

The fabrications of the dresses are lovely, with satisfyingly tactile pleats, sequins, petals, tulle, and crystals. There are a range of styles, all within the Anthropologie aesthetic. They’re sourced from various labels (with most of the styles being exclusive to Anthropologie), including Badgley Mischka, Theia Bridal, Catherine Deane, Rachel Gilbert, Sue Wong, and more. My favorite is the Snowflake gown by Amanda Garrett.

Of course, I snapped plenty of Instagrams. Here are some closeup highlights of the vintage-inspired wedding dresses at BHLDN.

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Shop vintage-inspired wedding dresses at BHLDN >

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Filed under Bridal & Weddings, Chestnut Hill, Openings

Tagged as Amanda Garrett, Anthropologie, Badgley Mischka, BHLDN, Boston bridal boutiques, bridesmaid dresses, Catherine Deane, Chestnut Hill shopping, headpieces, mother-of-the-bride dresses, Rachel Gilbert, rhinestone belts sashes, Sue Wong, Theia Bridal, wedding dresses, wedding gowns, Winston Flowers

March 9, 2014 · 3:58 pm

Designer Spotlight: Laura Jean Floral & Design

Last Saturday night I met Laura Jean of Laura Jean Floral and Design, who did the flowers for a dinner series I attended. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of her before—she is seriously talented, and sweet too. She and jewelry designer Nicole Rueda-Watts, who I met years ago (check out Nicole’s old loft here) is Laura Jean’s business partner in the shop Observatory in the Observatory Hill neighborhood of Cambridge (next to Nicole’s mom’s furniture shop, Reside). I still need to make a field trip there. In the meantime, if you need a floral designer in the Boston area, for a dinner party, wedding, or any other special event, I highly recommend contacting Laura Jean. (And if you hire her, send me some photos to post!)

the lovely Laura Jean

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Shop pretty underthings at Cosabella >

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Filed under Cambridge, Flowers, Observatory Hill

Tagged as floral design, flowers, Laura Jean Floral and Design, Nicole Rueda-Watts, Observatory Boutique

February 27, 2014 · 9:34 pm

Design Diary: Jr. League Show House Boston

The 35th Jr. League of Boston Show House in the Potter Estate in Newton took place in November 2012. I was able to round up a bunch of gorgeous photos and sketches. Many of the rooms were done by designers I’ve often collaborated with on stories for local publications. Each room is more beautiful than the next.

BATH RETREAT

Design by Ana Donohue

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

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GUEST BATH

Design by Janet Marena, JTM Interiors

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

– – – – –

THE BATHING ROOM

Design by Stephanie Rossi, Spazio Rosso

Photographs by Greg Premru

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LADY’S ROOM

Design by Elizabeth Benedict

Photographs by Michael J. Lee

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MASTER BEDROOM SUITE

Design by Kristen Rivoli

Photographs by Greg Premru

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KID’S ROOM

Design by Andra Birkerts

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GIRL’S BEDROOM

Design by Mally Skok

Photographs by Eric Roth

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THE FOYER

Design by Dianne Ramponi Interiors + Susan Welsh Design

Photograph by Michael J. Lee

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GUEST ROOM

Design by Hilary Bovey, Bovey Steers Design Group
Photograph by Michael J. Lee

– – – – –

POTTER’S ROOM

Design by Marilyn Macleod, Lee Design
Photograph by Michael J. Lee

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LIBRARY

Design by Theo & Isabella
Photograph by Michael J. Lee

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CONSERVATORY

Design by Gerald Pomeroy
Photograph by Michael J. Lee

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According to Wicked Local here are some details from two other Boston designer friends from whom I didn’t have the chance to get photos:

Paula and Kate McCusker of Theodore & Company converted the home’s former chapel into a blue and cream formal but relaxed living. They removed the old altar to expose a bay window for extra light. Artwork included a graphic black and white work by Picasso.

Kate Maloney Albiani designed an adorable nursery with tiny painted fairies on striped lavender walls. Details include double glass pulls on the built-ins, a poem made from old-fashioned reading cards, and a closet filled with tiny clothing.

The Potter Estate, Newton, Mass.

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Shop furniture & lighting at Switch Modern >

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Filed under Home Decor, Newton

September 22, 2011 · 1:26 pm

Target Restocks Missoni in Watertown

A week after the fact, Target Watertown restocked some Missoni x Target items. Walking into the store, I spotted swimwear front and center. Round back in housewares, I snapped up four media storage bins in ocean colors. There were also some black & white floral square plates, and less than appealing plastic cups, plus a box or two of stationary.

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Filed under Home Decor, Sales & Events

Tagged as Missoni x Target, Target collaborations, Target Watertown

June 16, 2011 · 3:58 pm

MiniLuxe to Open in Coolidge Corner, With a Schmear

Miniluxe, Newton Center

Morning drop-off is about to get better. Following the coffee klatch at Zaftig’s and prior to the marketing at Trader Joe’s, you will soon be able to get a mani/pedi at a brand new MiniLuxe, at 481 Harvard Street in Brookline. It’s the company’s first franchise location (they currently run nail salons in Newton Center, Back Bay, and Lexington), and we assume the same high standards will apply. Cleanliness is key here, along with high style in the modernist sense of the word. An open date has yet to be announced but ground breaking has officially begun. I wonder how far out they’re booking appointments…

Zaftig’s, 335 Harvard Street, Coolidge Corner, Brookline

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Filed under Beauty, Openings

Tagged as Boston nail salons, Brookline, Coolidge Corner, MiniLuxe

June 15, 2011 · 7:38 pm

A Visit to Uncle Pete’s in Beacon Hill Turns Up Aztec-Inspired Beauties

Before I left town last week I stopped into Uncle Pete’s on Charles Street to use the Living Social coupon that was about to expire. I found a number of cute items — Pete clearly has an excellent eye. Here are some of the pieces I liked best:

Vena Cava dresses with Aztec-inspired prints, a trend I’m loving right now.
I really like the silhouette of these – shift-like, but with simple, feminine ruched details, plus a little sleeve.
I purchased a gray Viva Vena lightweight tee with an Aztec design on the front.

Awesome skinny denim with heft and stretch from Thvm Atelier.

Pete pulled this out from the back room – Shipley & Halmos top with Native American beading detail at the neck.

This bracelet, by RISD-trained designer Andrea Valentini, is meant to resemble some sort of DNA cluster.
The shop also carries some zipper-like jewelry pieces.

Metalwork feathers on a chain from Bing Bang by Anna Sheffield.

And another.

Uncle Pete’s, 125 Charles Street, Beacon Hill

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Filed under Beacon Hill, Clothing & Accessories, Sales & Events

Tagged as Andrea Valentini, Anna Sheffield, Bing Bang, Boston men's stores, Shipley & Halmos, Them Atelier, Thvm Atelier, Uncle Pete's, Vena Cava, Viva Vena

June 14, 2011 · 6:14 pm

Michael Kors Doubles Up in Boston, Kiehl’s Too

Michael Kors at Copley Place, Boston

Although Michael Kors‘ first Boston boutique opened just months ago at Copley Place, the company has clearly decided they love it here. Another boutique is slated to open in August at The Mall at Chestnut Hill, a 15 minute drive from the downtown location. According to the press release, the store will offer a full range of accessories and shoes from the Michael Kors, KORS Michael Kors, and MICHAEL Michael Kors collections, as well as a selection of ready to wear pieces, fragrance, watches, and eyewear.

Kiehl’s, 112 Newbury Street, Boston

Apothecary brand Kiehl’s, which has been on Newbury Street for years, is also taking a space there. Good to know I can stock up on my must-have lip balm and grapefruit body wash in the ‘burbs too. (Though, um, don’t they sell the line at Barneys? There’s a mini branch in this mall, actually.)

Soma Intimates, The Mall at Chestnut Hill

The upscale mall, which is rarely fully rented (but has an Apple store and the area’s only Sur La Table, and is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, has seen a burst of activity lately. Soma Intimates (a lingerie shop similar to Intimacy in Copley, with a bra-fitter in residence), opened last month, as did a new Ann Taylor concept store.

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Filed under Chestnut Hill, Openings

Tagged as Ann Taylor concept store, Chestnut Hill Mall, Kiehl's, Lingerie shops in Boston, MIchael Kors, Soma Intimates, The Mall at Chestnut Hill

| style carrot • boston |

Kate Moss for TopShop Hits Nordstrom

Jonathan Adler Opens in Chestnut Hill

Design Diary: Rockledge House by Larson Shores Architects

Sneak Peek: BHLDN Bridal Boutique

Designer Spotlight: Laura Jean Floral & Design

Design Diary: Jr. League Show House Boston

Target Restocks Missoni in Watertown

MiniLuxe to Open in Coolidge Corner, With a Schmear

A Visit to Uncle Pete’s in Beacon Hill Turns Up Aztec-Inspired Beauties

Michael Kors Doubles Up in Boston, Kiehl’s Too

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