Wild horses

I love how these photographs of horses are so graphic and powerful and bring an earthy quality to a room.

Something old

Even if the statue is not actually ancient, it looks and feels that way and looks great in so many different decor styles. I love the textural quality of a stone artifact especially when it is unexpected, like the piece on the console table at the end of fresh, bright hallway in the middle photograph.

White wedding

Just another young couple in love on their wedding day. Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger, May 12, 1971, St. Tropez, France.

Art

I love the look of abstract art in a traditional room. There is something wildly non-sensical about abstract art that completely energizes a space furnished with serious pieces.

48 is the new...

Forget it. This is an amazing-looking woman, period.

Kindness is the new black

Some part of personal style is the way a person conducts herself. You could be doing everything right on the outside, but it seems to me that if your manners are forgotten all the rest doesn't really matter. This occurred to me when I began to notice how just the tiniest shift in behavior (mine and others) could have a ripple effect that takes us all to the next level.
I find that graciousness is that most rare quality, passive and sublte, but it speaks volumes and is a huge part of attraction. We can all try to listen better and empathize more and act with integrity. People who lead with those qualities look that way: their eyes are bright and their smile is warm: what could be more fashionable?

Paint it, black

I have been seeing and loving black rooms lately. All over the pages of decor magazines and blogs are sexy black rooms, and not just the expected bedroom. Who would think that a dark kitchen could be appealing, but this one by designer Miles Redd is drop-dead glamorous and would be perfect in a city apartment of someone who doesn't necessarily cook, but has plenty of cocktail parties.

There is also the feeling to me that this look might not read as well in a bright, sunny, Southern city such as Miami...it could be too harsh, although maybe a small den/library in an otherwise cheery home could be the perfect, cozy retreat from all that relentless sunshine.

And speaking of Spring...

I realize that Spring is traditionally about colorful, bright flowers, but my favorite flowers just look better to me in white.

Thinking of Spring

There is something fresh about stripes, which is probably why they are on my mind when I want it to be Spring soon.

There is nothing like getting into a bed made up with hotel-striped sheets all clean and pressed, or putting on a great striped tee with white jeans for the first time .

Ahh

The pool at the Standard Hotel in Miami.

Clear winner

Michael Kors is showing lucite in his Spring collection, including these items and much more, even swimsuits with lucite straps. I love how fresh and modern it feels while also giving a nod to the sixties.

Soyka

Not a steakhouse or an asian-fusion/sushi house or a "famous chef" restaurant, Soyka is somewhat of an anomaly in Miami. It is a room with serious energy, the kind more commonly associated with dining rooms way above the Mason-Dixon line, and I mean that as a high compliment.

It has all the things you want when you venture out for a meal. A just-the-right size room that looks like a lot going on, but feels cozy; people who work there who know exactly what they are doing, and a menu filled with your favorite dishes, only better than you could ever prepare at home.

Women who rock

The black bikini

The only swimsuit any woman needs.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Sometimes words aren't even necessary.

Designer style

These rooms were designed by Brad Ford. I love it when you want to walk through a room and touch everything, and I think his rooms have that appeal. They look not minimal, but stripped down to what is necessary, and then finished off with something beautiful from nature.

A house is not just a home...

They say that people tend to resemble their dogs, or is it vice-versa? Anyway, I am more inclined to see a similarity between a person's personal style and their home decor. It makes sense to want to surround yourself with the colors and styles that you also choose to wear.

This is a photograph of Kelly Klein at her home in Wellington, Florida, from a photo shoot for Elle Decor magazine. Her living room is clean and classic with sophisticated details and natural elements, which is how I would also descibe her look.

Think about this the next time you are at someone's home, or better yet take a look around your own and see if it refects you back.

All-American style...Ali MacGraw

Movie magic

There is something about a great movie poster. Like the best album art, it instantly conveys a mood and can transport you back to the actual experience of listening/watching. This is also the place where the art of editing really matters and the editor becomes the author for the briefest, memorable moment.

Shiny, happy things

Every room looks good with a little shine in it. These items are from the new West Elm catalogue, but similar things can be found high and low. Something sparkly always catches the eye and brightens up everything around it.

This is glamorous