It has been a while…

Life of over the last year has been hectic and tranformative both positively and in ways we could scarcely imagine. I have been working hard, taking care of myself, and loving my sweet puppy, Olivier.

It seems like the perfect time to reintroduce myself and launch my desgin brand. Yea, I am doing that. lol

I decided life is short and I really LOVE interior design. So go with me on this journey. I have done a series of changes to my own home that I am going to be feauturing, as well as some special projects big and small for clients. I will also take suggestions and use this platform to talk through some of your design challenges.

I am excited to go on this journey and I hope you will go with me.

Book Review: An American Marriage

201802-orig-american-marriage-949x534What makes a marriage? Who defines what it should look like? How it should feel? What is fidelity in the face of grave opposition? What does it mean to be black in the South? Why is black love different? How is all marriage the same?

An American Marriage is a groundbreaking thought provoking page turner. I was so enthralled by that characters…their flaws, mannerisms, and dialogue was amazing.

The story begins with newlyweds that seemingly have it all together until an accusation of rape unravels their life in an instance. The book unpacks the institution of marriage, the justice system, love, commitment, family and loyalty in unexpected ways.

I definitely recommend the book but suggest you read it with a friend or two so you have someone to talk about it with during and afterwards.

Avec Amour,

Tiffany

Book Review: Behold the Dreamers

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“Home will never go away Home will be here when you come back. You may go to bring back fortune. You may go to escape misfortune. You may even go, just because you want to go. But when you come back. We hope you’ll come back Home will still be here.”
Imbolo Mbue, Behold the Dreamers
In the last year I have read a few amazing books (Homegoing by Yaa Ghasi was my favorite) about what it means to American and the power of family and home. In an ever changing political and social climate Behold the Dreamers offers a glimpse into life from the the vantage of America’s dual perspective. The haves and the have nots. The American versus immigrant story. Those that have a sense of belonging and those that searching for it. The story is set in a time, a mere 10 years ago, when the hope of something better prompted a nation and the main characters to start a new life. A very good read with all the emotional ebbs and flows with a redemptive ending.
Avec Amour,
Tiffany

In the Bag: Petite Noe Epi Louis Vuitton in Yellow

Hi my name is Tiffany and I am a designer purse-a-holic!

Seriously, I love handbags. It started at a young age. Purses were an extension of my outfit. The right bag could change my whole day. When I was a teenager I was asking for Coach and Kate Spade bags.img_0406

It was no suprise that when I lived in France just over 10 years ago, I asked my Dad for my first Louis bag. He bought me the classic speedy canvas. What he never realized is two weeks later I exchanged it for a black epi speedy 30. The bag has served me well over the years. I also have a Monogram Neverfull. Which I can say  is a solid workhorse purse. It holds over 200 lbs. It got me through graduate school lugging around my laptop. louis_vuitton_yellow_large_epi_noe_alondra

Last year, I bought two Prada bags, a lux tote gray and the other a black wallet on a chain. Both are beautiful and incredibly practical. However, I have been itching to get something bright and fun. Nothing under $1000 intrigued me except something that I consider an old faithful.To me the most iconic bags in the LV lineup are the Alma, the Speedy and the Noe. I had been eyeing a colored epi petite Noe. I took the plunge and purchased it. I can’t wait to rock it to work and on the weekends. It was either green or yellow. I found a perfect deal on the yellow so I purchased it!  What are your favorite iconic bags?

Avec Amour,

Tiffany

Book Review: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

I joined a book club several years ago as a means of connecting with people in D.C. It has been helpful to meet people and make new friends but it has also reinvigorated my passion for reading. Which after college and graduate school was something I couldn’t muster for fun. Anyway, for the most part I enjoy most of the books we read in the book club. In fact it is the way that I found a few of my new favorite books like “Wild” and “Me Before You”.

The last book we read was a sleeper hit. In fact I almost didn’t read it because it didn’t look very interesting. Boy, was I wrong. The old adage of you can’t judge a book by its cover was true. “A Man Called Ove” is a humorous look at the life of a grumpy old man. The cast of characters help tell the story of the humanity and love through the lens of a man who is hardly likable but his life is a remarkable one. I give this book a hardy recommendation.

Avec Amour,

Tiffany

Chop, Chop

Just before the beginning of the year I got my hair straightened at a salon I frequent when I have a time crunch. I saw a new lady who got my hair way to straight and ended up frying my tightly coiled 4 c texture hair. When I tried to revert it back after a wash it lay lifeless and lacked all elasticity.

I was bummed to say the least. But I also saw it as a golden opportunity to do something I had been wanting to do for a while. I wanted a asymmetrical bob. So I called my Hair Guru, Ayanna at Hairgasm in Washington, D.C.

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We discussed my vision and reviewed photos until we stumbled upon this shot of Tia Mowry-Hardict. Once I finally got the nerve, Ayanna worked her magic and here is the result.

I think it is a super cute and sleek  blunt bob. Ayanna took about 4 inches off the back. I really LOVE the cut! In the end I realized it was just what I needed. To cut off all the bad stuff and start over fresh and renewed for the new year. Anything worth chopping off in your life?

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Avec Amour,

Tiffany

Interior Inspiration of the Week: The Closet Room

The rest of D.C. and the surrounding areas are in mad preparation for the blizzard (all 2 ft worth). I am ahead of the game and already have prepared meals for the storm.

I plan on reading and doing a complete overhaul on my closets (yes, I have 4 jammed packed closets).

I need a space that is a perfect mix of function and style as well as that can serve as a space to handle business. Here are a few photos of my inspiration for the space.

Avec Amour, 
Tiffany 

A Steal of a Deal: Kate Spade Saturday Piped Overcoat

Camel colored coats are staple for the blistery winter months.  Camel coats of the highest quality are a cashmere or a blend thereof. I love the elegance and sophistication they bring to the mundane. My favorites are those that get their cue from Menswear such as this one from Net-a-Porter by Joseph.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/610623/joseph/man-wool-and-cashmere-blend-coat

My lastest Camel purchase is by Kate Spade for her now defunct Saturday line. It was originally $290 and I got it for $70 from Nordstroms Rack. Its warm and elegant with a definite menswear influence.

Avec Amour,
Tiffany