Friday's Worthy Links

Happy Friday!  Any big plans for your weekend?  I'm starting mine off with a Soul Cycle class taught by one of my favorite instructors, Nick!  Here are a few things I loved from around the internet this week...

-I'm always looking for an excuse to gorge on Mexican food and it's almost Cinco de Mayo time!  I plan to try out this blood orange jalepeno margarita recipe this weekend in preparation.

-For all you lifetime learners, I've recently become obsessed with Skillshare.  Are you familiar with the site?  It's a global learning community for creatives, and you can take thousands of online classes.  I've already taken Strategic Storytelling- Building Community Around Your Creative Project, Four Steps to Double Your Productivity, and the Beginners Guide to Design Thinking.  Sound like something you'd be interested in?  Skillshare is kindly offering 3 months of unlimited classes for 99 cents to POTC readers, so go here to redeem and start getting inspired.

-In honor of yesterday being "Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day", 13 Times Take Your Child to Work Day had Disastrous, Unexpected, or Adorable Results 

-I've started listening to a lot more podcasts now that I take the subway and walk everywhere in New York.  My favorites are the Tim Ferriss Podcast, Monocycle by Leanda Medine, and Modern Love.  Joanna shared her Favorite 8 Podcasts, and I definitely want to check out Alec Baldwin's.

-When I'm not listening to podcasts on the subway, I'm reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  My mom bought it for me when we were visiting the Tenement Museum (a must-do when visiting New York) as it was her favorite book growing up.  It's beautifully-written, and chock full of great life lessons.

-I've been a big fan of Lindsay Speace from The Pursuit of Style and her beautiful interior design work, and the recent nursery reveal she shared did not disappoint.  That ceiling wallpaper, though.  Swoon.

-For my next Bumble date, I'm going to suggest we try Uber Yacht.  Hopefully there's no surge pricing on this mode of transportation.

-I love beauty with a cause. Clarins and FEED have teamed up once again in an effort to provide 1 million meals to children around the world in 17 days.   The initiative started April 22nd and runs through May 8th, and nine retailers are offering a FEED 10 pouch filled with deluxe Clarins products.  Each pouch provides 10 meals to children, helping them grow, learn, and thrive.  Learn more here.

Happy Weekend!

{photo above via Lindsey Lane Design}

Designer Crush: Summer Thornton Design

I have been following Summer Thornton's design work for some time now, so when I opened my May House Beautiful and saw her latest project featured, I was thrilled!   Summer is a Chicago-based designer who first gained considerable notoriety when she was featured as one of Traditional Home's "New Trad" designers.   Her style is bold, eclectic, and colorful; full of juxtapositions and surprises.

{Major girl crush- she's beautiful!}

To date, this is my favorite Summer project- a historical home in Wilmette, Illinois that Summer and her team modernized with glamorous, cheeky touches:

Talk about a statement ceiling!

And have you ever seen a dentist office look this good?  The brass door hardware, the wall panelling, and the paint colors create a seamlessly chic waiting room:

While I've always adored her maximalist approach, I loved seeing Summer's take on a more toned-down, casual aesthetic in her House Beautiful feature (after the jump)-

Style Icon: Iris Apfel

We all know her for her massive black-rimmed glasses and her larger-than-life wardrobe, but what I admire most about Iris is her personality and outlook on life.  Still active in the fashion and beauty industries at the age of 94, Iris most recently launched a line of chic tech-wearables and also starred in Kate Spade's spring 2015 campaign alongside Karly Kloss.  She's an active participant in New York and Paris fashion week and works closely with the fashion department at the University of Texas as a visiting professor.  

If you haven't seen Albert Maysle's documentary on Iris, I highly recommend it.  Released in 2015, the film gave us an in-depth look at the style icon and how she became the celebrated fashionista she is today.  Born and raised in Queens, Iris was only a young woman working for Frieda Loehmann (owner of the famed department store Loehmann's) when Frieda pulled her aside and said, "Young lady, I've been watching you.  You're not pretty, and you'll never be pretty, but it doesn't matter.  You have something even better- style."

Iris went on to work for Women's Wear Daily and for interior designer Elinor Johnson.  But it wasn't until she married Carl Apfel in 1948 and they began traveling that her wardrobe became exceedingly eccentric.

In 1950, Iris, along with her new husband Carl Apfel, launched the textile line Old World Weavers. With an interior design business already established, Carl and Iris were making frequent trips to African bazaars and European flea markets sourcing furniture and fabrics for some of America's finest houses- like the White House!  Iris worked with 9 of the First Ladies  (Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Clinton)  to design and update the White House to their individual likings.  After years of success, Carl and Iris sold Old World Weavers to Stark, who continues to represent the fabric line today.

As I said above, for all that Iris has accomplished, what I love most is her sense of self and incredible wit.  She knows who she is, she's living an exciting, full life, and she isn't influenced by the norms of society.   Here are a few of my favorite Iris quotes:

"To lead the good life in New York, the two most important things for a woman are a chauffeur and a fur-lined raincoat."

"You learn as you grow up, if you're intelligent - or even three-quarter witted - that there's no free lunch. You pay for things in various ways. Living, loving, everything else is a matter of the same principles: you learn to work with what you have."

"Great personal style is an extreme curiosity about yourself."

"When you don't dress like everybody else, you don't have to think like everybody else."

"Aging gracefully is about no heavy makeup, and not too much powder because it gets into the wrinkles, and, you know, to not get turtle eyelids and to not try to look young."

"I didn't have children, but I never wanted children."

"Coco Chanel once said that what makes a woman look old is trying desperately to look young. Why should one be ashamed to be 84? Why do you have to say that you're 52? Nobody's going to believe you anyway, so why be such a fool? It's nice that you got to be so old. It's a blessing."

"Fashion really is women's liberation in a lot of ways. Look at how many women in this country are depressed about how they look and how they think they have to look! It's really sad. And it's not about money."

And my favorite Iris quote of all:  "If you're not interested, you're not interesting."

Iris's active lifestyle and continued partnerships with big brands like MAC and Kate Spade have set the stage for the new senior supermodel:  Joan Didion for Celine, Charlotte Rampling for NARS, Jessica Lange for Marc Jacobs Beauty, and Joni Mitchell for Saint Laurent. 

 Could it be that maybe we as a culture are slowly moving away from glorifying youth as the epitome of beauty?  Who knows, but if anyone can start that movement, it's Iris.  You go, girl.

In the Mood

As I've mentioned before, I am 100% a warm-weather person.  It makes you wonder why I'm in New York, but to be honest, I've actually gotten used to the cold temperatures and don't mind them (as much).  Even so, I feel like I have more energy and come alive once it's spring.  This week has been beautiful in Manhattan, and one of my best friends is coming to visit me this weekend, so I'm excited to bust out the cute sundresses (with a jacket of course).  I'm also looking forward to going to Montego Bay in 3 weeks with one of my closest college girlfriends, so I've been in the mood for resort style, sunny skies, and cute beachwear:

{Conde Nast Traveler}

{Chronicles of Her wearing Matin Studio}

This campaign is giving me all the feels:

{Sir the Label}

{Similar bikini here}

I love Palme's cheeky tees.  I'm thinking I need this one for Jamaica:

{Palme the Label}

{Tuula}

Vyshyvanka by Vita Kin is my new favorite fashion line for vacation- if only the price tag wasn't so steep!  I love this pink embroidered top from their collection:

{Harpers Bazaar}

{Janni Deler}

And speaking of being in the mood, here are a few beach-inspired pieces I'm crushing on:

Pool Reflections by Christine Flynn $189:

Mitla Striped Blanket $105:

Solange Drops $38:

Bungalow Sleeveless Cover-Up $49.50:

Topshop Strappy Crossback Bikini $35:

Who else is ready for vacay?

Happy Thursday!

Sam Loves: 10

This week's mood board includes needlepoint pillows, tassels (of course), Stephen Antonson's artisan plaster sconces, hand-woven baskets for a great cause, and delicious chintz + bullion fringe:

Let's take it from the top:

I'm Feeling Myself Needlepoint Pillow is a must-have.  And only $34!

Raleigh designer Charlotte Camp Smith has enviable style, and iSuwannee did a lovely interview with her here.  I love her messy bun, wrap dress, bootie combo in the image above- I'm girl crushin' hard.

BaubleBar Honolulu Tassel Drop Earrings are a statement-making earring less expensive than yesterday's it-accessory, and have me ready for Jamaica.

The James Sconces by Stephen Antonson are reminiscent of seashells but refined enough for even the most traditional room.  Antonson was crowned the "Master of Plaster" by Architectural Digest and is a true artistic genius [in my humble opinion].

Hair-spiration:  One of my all-time favorite movies is American Hustle because I secretly wish I could've partied at Studio 54 in the 70s.  Jennifer Lawrence was my favorite character, and her crown of braids at the Paris movie premiere were d-r-e-a-m-y.  

I came across this woven 12" Unity Basket in Natural on One Kings Lane, and realized that the basket was handmade in East Africa.  The three-line pattern on this specific basket is known as the "unity" design and symbolizes the 3 ethnic groups that divided Rwanda in 1994.  These three groups now work together to heal wounds from the past, and the basket is a perfect representation of that. Shop the whole collection here.

Jeffrey Bilhuber's Locust Valley estate includes a parlor with the most delicious English rolled-arm sofa complete with a tassel bullion at the bottom, and throw pillows in a pretty chintz.  Does anyone know the exact fabric used here?  It reminds me of Designer's Guild Ophelia or Clarence House Dahlia Hand Block, but I don't think it's either of those.

What's on your mood board this week?

Color Crush: Powder Blue

Happy Monday!  Did you have a good weekend?  NYC finally decided to warm up a bit so I was in sunny bliss for most of Saturday and Sunday- lots of outdoor brunching and sunning in Washington Square Park.  While spec'ing a few paint colors last week for a work project, I came across one of my favorite go-to hues and it got me inspired again with it's subtle blue undertones and clean, relaxed feel:

{Bedroom by Muse Interiors, featuring BM White Satin on the walls}

Powder blue is a perfect color for the current season, as trees and flowers begin to bud and a fresh energy is pulsating throughout the city.

{Kate Marker Interiors}

{Atlantic-Pacific}

As you might have noticed, Rebecca de Ravenel's Les Bonbon Earrings are having quite a moment.  Rebecca is an interior designer who's beachy-chic LA home has recently been featured in C Magazine and the latest issue of domino.  It's chock-full of, you guessed it, powder blues-

{C Magazine}

Les Bonbons in Blue Ombre are the perfect color for summer.  Pair them with a little white sundress and nude wedges for an effortless yet chic look:

Rebecca was born in New York City but grew up in the Bahamas until she was 7 before moving to Paris.  It's only natural then that she also has a beautiful home in the Bahamas, which was featured in Vogue back in 2013:

{Vogue}

I love this Bella Blouse with rolled jean shorts- it's the perfect combination of blues and a great summer staple:

Are you a fan of the hue?  I love that it's so subtle it acts as a neutral without feeling overdone or boring.  Let me know your thoughts!

Cheers to 1,000!

Today is an exciting day- this is my 1,000th published post!  When I first hit "publish" on August 19, 2011, I had no idea what was in store for The Peak of Tres Chic.  I didn't even really have a game plan or any sort of goal when I began writing, other than to have a place for self-expression.   At that time, I had been reading blogs religiously for a year or so and figured it was worth creating my own.  4.5 years later, this little corner of the internet has become my saving grace!  It was a catalyst for a career change, introduced me to some of my closest friends (hey Linds, Gabb, Lauren!), and helped me hone my design eye while documenting my projects, work, and inspiration.

{tassel earrings by Lisi Lerch}

Thank you to everyone who has followed along (and to my mom for being my only reader for the first month or two) and encouraged me here.  I get asked a lot by ladies who are contemplating starting a blog if it's worth it, and my response is always YES!  Do it!  Whether you're confused/frustrated in a job you hate and need an outlet or love fashion/design and want to share your style, I think it's a worthwhile endeavor.

Some memorable posts...

Making the decision to go back to school for interior design

A reveal of one of my biggest projects PT 1

A reveal of one of my biggest projects PT 2

First big print feature

Style Me Pretty feature

Moving to NYC!

Cheers to another 1,000 blog posts.  I hope you'll follow along!

Off The Shoulder

I was excited to see that there was a resurgence of off-the-shoulder tops last spring, and I'm even more thrilled that they are back in full force for spring/summer 2016. I'm hoping I don't suddenly decide I no longer like the look because I've been stocking up on shoulder-baring shirts and dresses these past few months.  There are so many beautiful, affordable options out there and I think it's a universally flattering look, so what's not to love?  I bought this denim dress for my Jamaica trip, and it's so cute and comfortable (and only $52!):

{Dash of Darling}

A coral option is punchy and bright for summer, and I love the idea of a soft crepe fabric, like this one:

{The Mysterious Girl}

For a pared-down, casual look, Vici's Ulysses top in black is stunning with the embroidery:

Crushed velvet in blue is the stuff my dreams are made of- but of course this top is sold out!  Nonetheless, Maria looks stunning in the piece and I had to share the image for inspiration:

{Mia Mia Mine}

Black is my color, but I've placed myself on a black-garment-buying moratorium. Nonetheless, this all-black look including the infamous Chloe Drew bag is TDF:

{Who What Wear}

Bradley chose a Caroline Constas top in light blue, but of course this shirt is ALSO sold out.  Here's a similar look from Milly.

{Luella June}

And what would a fashion blog post be without a look from the epitome of chic, Jenna Lyons?  I love that her bold red lips match her skirt:

And here's a round-up of a few other favorite off-the-shoulder pieces:

Shop the Post:

First Row: Joanna Ruffle Off-the-Shoulder Dress $88/Willow Dress $175/CMEO Off the Shoulder Cotton Romper $209/

Second Row: ASOS Lace White Top $22/Petite Striped Smock Bardot Top $52/Black Ruffled Sleeve Top $55/

Third Row: Chambray Karen Kane Top $118/Ecote Off the Shoulder Navy Swing Dress $69/ASOS Gypsy White Dress $26/

If you don't want to stop at tunics, dresses, and tops, there's also lots of cute swimsuits that show a little shoulder.  I recently bought this one.