Gen's Winter Wardrobe Essentials

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our favorite wrap coat is sadly from several seasons ago, but here is our new favorite, cashmere crewneck sweater, purse (one pictured not available), Japanese denim jeans, shoes, glasses, gold Rolex, diamond stud earrings

There’s nothing we love more than color and pattern when it comes to vacation dressing or festive parties, but our everyday winter uniform is usually a bit more neutral and classic. To make getting ready for work easy, we’ve pared our cold weather favorites down to some must-have essentials that truly make getting dressed each morning pain-free! If you own a camel, navy, and black cashmere sweater you’ll be set for the season.

We suggest two pairs of jeans that you LOVE, fit well, and are truly flattering! Our current favorites are these dark Japanese denim with a great raw edge detail (and amazing price $78) and it’s always good to throw a more relaxed pair in the mix too (like this or this). And if you own a great quality coat in Camel, Navy, or Black you will always look pulled together and chic. We especially love the versatility of a wrap coat like this, this, or this. Then add a statement pair of sunglasses, a classic watch, and pretty flats or a fun pair of Vans and you’re ready for anything the day throws at you!

PS. You can’t go wrong with a full tonal look of shades of camel or all navy- but we also love navy paired with black or brown or a completely tonal look paired with a contrasting purse or shoe. The best part of buying in this very limited palette? You just can’t go wrong!

house beautiful tablescape

We couldn't be more excited to share with you our Tablescape feature from the new June issue of House Beautiful. So honored to be included in one of our very favorite magazines!

We thought it would be fun to share some behind the scenes of our shoot with my dear friend Tec Petaja and tips on how to get your garden ready for summer entertaining!  

1.  The first step in creating a beautiful table setting is to start with an overall color palette.  As you know by now, we're huge fans of blue and white and absolutely love this fabric by our friend Mark D. Sikes, which was the jumping off point for our tablescape. 

2. We always like to mix and match patterns to add visual interest and a touch of whimsy...a fun way to achieve this look is with a few of our favorite napkins from Serena & Lily plus our signature "geo dinner" and "zag salad" plates from our recent collaboration with Jill Rosenwald

3. You know we adore a touch of rattan and bamboo...these chargers from Serena & Lily and this flatware (currently on sale) add the perfect amount of texture. 

4.  We love a little element of surprise and these cocottes are ideal for serving individual baked eggs (keeps everything warm). They are also the perfect holder for custom place cards by our incredibly talented friend Chelsea Petaja.  

5. A tablecloth is the perfect way to add a touch of softness and a pop of color

6.  Comfortable seating is always important for any lunch or dinner party...we're huge fans of the sculptural quality these metal and wicker chairs add - plus, they're super fun to customize with a fabric cushion!

1. The key to a great lounge area is a sofa that's both beautiful and comfortable. We love our Pacifica Corner Sectional. Perfect for an evening cocktail...and just as great for an afternoon nap! 

2. Pillows are one of our favorite ways to quickly update any space. We often mix a combination of both custom and "off the shelf" pillows. Our current blue and white pillows are from Mark D. Sikes' Signature Collection. We also love these classic blue and white striped pillows from Pottery Barn and these from One Kings Lane...or you can see more of our favorites here

3. To make a space visually interesting...it's all about the mix.  This sculptural coffee table is the perfect modern surprise in an otherwise traditional space. 

4. We love using a relaxed sisal in indoor/outdoor spaces. This "wicker sand sisal" by Dash & Albert is one of our favorites...shop more of our rug picks here

1. We love layering in blue and white ceramics to make our bar area feel special.  We used the "Small Geo Cocktail Tray" from our collaboration with Jill Rosenwald and a mix of traditional blue and white chinoiserie vessels

2. This classic "champagne bucket" from Serena and Lily is the perfect size (and it's on sale now!) We also love this one

3. Our favorite styling tip is a mix of beautiful fresh flowers paired with potted herbs (perfect for garnishing summer cocktails). Bowls of citrus are the finishing touch for a bar area that's both functional and pretty. 

Wishing you a Happy Memorial day with lots of outdoor entertaining!  

photography by Tec Petaja