India Hicks Caribbean Chic

Our cruise is docking in Nassau but only for a day.  If we had more time, I would definitely would have tried to meet Harbour Island resident India Hicks in person.  If there is anyone who epitomizes effortless elegance, it's India.  For those of you who don't know, her father was renowned interior designer David Hicks and her brother is designer Ashley Hicks.  Good taste runs in the family and can definitely be seen in the homes India has designed and decorated with her partner David Flint Wood.  She's also been in a the news more lately in relation to the upcoming Royal Wedding since she was bridesmaid at the wedding of Princess Diana to Prince Charles.  Despite all these things or maybe because of them, she is the most unaffected and down to earth person which is so refreshing.  Since all of her properties are available to rent out, I definitely see another trip to the Bahamas in my future! Enjoy!

Chic in Stripes

I packed a few striped tops for the cruise but now I'm kicking myself for not buying a dress too.  It's amazing how many different ways you can wear stripes.  From casual to dressed up, they always look great.  As you'll see from these photos, they been a favorite of many chic people including Jackie above.  Enjoy!

Lauren Santo Domingo wearing chic stripes in Paris.

Ines de la Fressange and daughter Nine from their new book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide.

The ever chic Lauren Hutton in J.Crew

How chic does this man look in stripes?!  Love this photo by Vanessa Jackman!  She's my favorite street style photographer!

Pablo Picasso

Stripes + Chanel = Tres Chic! Photo by Tommy Ton

Minnie Mortimer wearing a striped dress she designed. 

The ladies at Vogue looking chic in stripes including dresses by Minnie Mortimer.

Olivia Palermo

Audrey Hepburn

Minnie Mortimer again.

Brigitte Bardot

Sofia Coppola from Interview magazine.

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James Dean

Photo by Vanessa Jackman

Jean Seberg

Photo by Vanessa Jackman

Jean Seberg again.

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Kirsten Dunst by Norman Jean Roy

Pablo Picasso

Photo by Vanessa Jackman

Jeanne Moreau in Jules et Jim

Elle France

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The Sartorialist

Giselle looking ridiculously chic in stripes. 

Sexy in Stripes! Photo by Bruce Weber. 

Bon Voyage

By the time you read this, my friend Stefan and I will be hitting the high seas.  After this awful winter, I don't have to tell you how excited I am to get away to warmer weather.  Thank you to everyone who sent me recommendations for Miami and Nassau.  If you want to follow our adventures in real time, you can always check me out on Twitter. But don't think I've left you high and dry.  I have written lots of fun posts that will upload while I am away.   Bon voyage!

Photos by Pamela Hanson

Worlds Best Small House Plan Introduced!

The Worlds Best Small House Plan has just been introduced at Simply Elegant Home Designs!
The home design - the Scandia Modern Cottage is actually a plan that Simply Elegant has had on the market, but has taken on a complete remodeling.  The result is the worlds best small house plan.  See images below and be sure to check out the videos.

A modest interior, but with abundant natural light and a carefully designed open floor plan it fills large.  Check the interior video out at small modern cottage interior 

The exterior is simple and unique.  A modern cottage design.  Check out the exterior video at small modern cottage exterior

The Scandia Modern Cottage was designed by Minnesota Architect Ron Brenner.  He had this to say about the project.

“Is the claim that this is the worlds best small house plan a little much? Perhaps; but I am very excited about the design.  To me the design if fresh and the floor plan functions beautifully.  Let me list just a few things that I think make this a special home design.

1. At 1349 square feet the home is on the small side, but it feels large. Take a look at the interior images and video and I think you will agree. We opened up the floor plan and looked carefully at circulation patterns and furniture arrangements to make the spaces highly functional. Windows filter the public spaces with natural light from every direction.
2. It is a small house plan with plenty of storage. Because of it's size we made sure we packed it with storage possibilities in creative ways. A custom buffet cabinet floats between the living and dining areas. A continuous window seat with storage below is placed alongside the entry path. Media cabinets flank the fireplace.
3. The house is “comfortable”. Both inside and out, it evokes a casual kind of elegance that makes you feel at home.
4. The floor plan is adaptable. We have designed the home to be expandable with a main floor master bedroom. Or on a walkout or lookout lot, kids bedrooms could be placed on the lower level and the second floor converted into an amazing Master Suite.
5. The exterior is adaptable. We like the clean lines and uncluttered look of it's Scandinavian influenced exterior. But the design can easily be adapted to a more traditional or rustic aesthetic without altering the massing in any way.”
   
   

View from rear yard showing the trellis covered patio area.

View from right side.  The tower makes a dramatic statement.

Custom cabinetry is featured throughout the home design providing for ample storage in a small house plan.  Also, notice the exposed stair stringers.