Designer Spotlight: Ralph Lauren

Very few brands achieve what Ralph Lauren has - an iconic label that portrays a lifestyle of American luxury and casual elegance. Yesterday two of my favorites came together - Oprah and Ralph Lauren.  Ms. Winfrey traveled to the designer's 17,000 acre ranch, Double RL, located outside of Telluride, CO for the interview.   The majestic land, surrounded by white-capped mountains includes hand painted teepees, a cookhouse, guest cabins, barns, a pool, a saloon, horses, cattle and much more.  The Lauren family is living the American Dream that is protrayed in the company's ads.  

Oprah and Ralph Lauren in his vintage Jeep.

The entrance to the "Double RL Ranch", named  after Ralph and his wife Ricky.

Main Lodge

Master Bedroom

One of the teepees

Dining Table in the Cook House

Terrace outside the Cookhouse

Saloon

Screening Room

Little Bear Cabin

Check out the amazing reflection of the mountains in the lake like pool.

Vance Barn

Christmas Dinner inside Vance Barn

Images Courtesy of Architectural Digest

To view Oprah's interview and see more images click here.

Ralph and Ricky Lauren's home is just as I imagined...  

See you back here on Tuesday.  Have a great weekend!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"I don't design clothes, I design dreams."  ~ Ralph Lauren 

Inspired Gift Guide

After a wonderful spring break with my boys and recovering from my brother's surprise birthday celebration, CDJ posts have resumed.  

This preppy chic Nantucket living room, of designer Ramey Caulkin, is so bright and cheery.  It just screams springtime!  (PS - this house was once decorated by the legendary Sister Parish) 

Image via Coastal Living

Here are some Mother's Day Gift ideas inspired by this space:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9   10  11  12  13  14  15  16

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” ~ Washington Irving 

Style: Preppy Chic

Maybe it's my former life as a private school girl or my DC roots, but I never tire of the preppy chic look.  Over the decades this classic and colorful style continues to stay current and fresh while staying true to it's foundation.  I've also noticed that I am always drawn to the more "conservative" characters in movies, television, and books.  Perhaps it's that I can relate to some of their neuroses and love of pearls...  Two of my favorite preppy chic characters are Charlotte York and Blair Waldorf.

 Here are a few interiors designed with the preppy chic fundamentals in mind.  

Rios Clementi Hale Studios & Domique Vorillion Photography

Black and white awning strips and Kelly green are a killer combination.  If this were my porch, you would find me here sipping cocktails, while the kids play croquette on the lawn.  

It looks like Kate Spade dressed this room, by Hamilton Design Associates.  SO fun!

A playful space, denoting the dwellers don't take themselves to seriously.  Hamilton Design Associates 

Perfect bedroom for an Irish Princess like me.  Thanks HGTV.

Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection - Coming this Summer! (but not soon enough)

Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection featured in House Beautiful.  I've seen pictures from last fall's High Point Market and - I am not exaggerating - I would take any and all pieces! Click here to see more.

The built-ins in this family room, by Brown Designs, are brilliant!

Anything monogrammed - Love ALL the monograms from Leontine Linens! 

Some of my go to's to achieve a preppy look are Kate Spade, Milly and J. Crew.  Recently, another designer caught my eye... 

Elizabeth McKay

Elizabeth McKay

Now are you feeling in the mood to slip on a headband or dig your signet ring out of your jewelery box?

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“People ask how can a Jewish kid from the Bronx do preppy clothes? Does it have to do with class and money? It has to do with dreams.” - Ralph Lauren