Best of 2011 - Interiors

Kishani Perera is my favorite emerging designer of 2011. She has the perfect mixture of eclectic and glam in her aesthetic....a future Kelly Wearstler!

New Year's Eve Looks for Any Occasion

Every girl scours to find the perfect New Year's Eve ensemble. Here are three looks that kill for any occasion. What are you wearing?

A Black Tie Affair

A Cocktail Congregation

A Casual Get Together

Best of 2011 - Art

Anna Ostoya is my favorite emerging artist of the year, mostly because her technique reminds me a lot of Robert Rauschenberg who is one of my all-time favs! Ostoya is a Polish immigrant turned New York transplant and is only 28!

Best of 2011 - Fashion

Mary Katrantzou is hands down my favorite emerging designer of 2011. I don't know what I like more, the bright, bold patterns in her clothing or the artistic images she creates using them. Move over Missoni!

Lina Maple at SARCA

Lina Maple at SARCA: Be Jeweled

One of the most celebrated auctions of 2011 didn't focus on art at all. Christie's sale of Elizabeth Taylor's legendary jewels far exceeded the auction house's high estimates bringing in nearly $116 million on its first night. Here at SARCA, Rebekah Price's jewelry lets us mimic some of the highlights from the screen star icon's collection. So for New Year's Eve, be like Elizabeth Taylor, be jeweled!

Getting Festive!

A perfect way to ring in the holiday season is by getting festive with food and decor. I'll be sharing some of my favorite holiday treats this week. Tonight I decided to play Martha Stewart and make some Christmas Nut Ball cookies to bring into work tomorrow. These were introduced to me by my grandma who used to bake them each year at Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Lina Maple at SARCA

Lina Maple at SARCA: All About the Animals


Maurizio Cattelan is an Italian artist living in New York who is most well known for his works of taxidermy which question mortality and act as a symbol of apparent life on actual death. His current retrospective at the Guggenheim museum which is on display through January 22nd has garnered worldwide critical acclaim. His thematic use of horses and ostriches can't help but remind us of some of our favorite pony hair and ostrich shoes and bags here at SARCA. What girl doesn't want fab fur and leather goodies for the holidays?!

Tammy's Treats Recipe Revealed!

Ingredients:

1 Stick of Butter

2 Bags of Marshmallows

1 Box of Rice Crispies Cereal

Directions:

In a large saucepan on low heat melt the butter and then add marshmallows. Once the marshmallows are melted half way (not completely!), add in the rice crispies ceral. Remove from heat and stir using a spatula. Place in a 9 x 13 inch pan. For a holiday rendition, add 2 bags of green and red m & ms on top. Cool for 20 minutes and cut. Tada!

Lina Maple at SARCA

Lina Maple at SARCA: Trash Turned Treasure


El Anatsui's richly colored, luxuriant tapestries bind together carefully manipulated bottle caps using copper wire. Anatsui is a Ghanian based contemporary artist whose work reflects complex modern challenges – overconsumption and consumerism, recycling, Africa’s post-colonial struggle, and the relationship of African cultures and traditions to the Western world. His work has been attributed as an inspiration to major fashion houses like Gucci and Missoni. El Anatsui's practice of meticulously binding together found objects in many ways reflects Gabriella Cortese's technique of stitching handmade embroidery at Antik Batik. Just as there are thousands of ways of bending, twisting and assembling discarded bottle caps, there are also thousands of ways of embroidering sequins.

Lina Maple at SARCA

Lina Maple at SARCA: High Fashion Photography - Just Ads or Art?

The fine line that exists between High Fashion Photography and Fine Art continues to become even more and more blurry. Historically, Fine Art Photographers have been criticized for their forays into the world of fashion, but in recent years, some of the world's leading blue chip galleries have begun to display Fashion Photography in their gallery exhibitions, legitimizing the notion of Fashion Photography as Fine Art.

Clockwise from Upper Left: Quentin Shih at the Scope Satellite Fair in Miami Beach, Philip Lorca DiCorcia at the David Zwirner Gallery, David LaChapelle at the Paul Kasmin Gallery, Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin at the Andrea Rosen Gallery, Roe Ethridge at the Gagosian Gallery

Lina Maple at SARCA

Lina Maple at SARCA: Call it Classic

While plotting out my detailed day-by-day Basel calendar to make sure I hit all of the important booths and emerging fairs, I noticed a trend in my current taste for contemporary art - the modern day take on Old Masters. Some of my favorite contemporary artists that best exhibit this trend in their work are Amanda Clyne, Hooper Turner and Julie Heffernan. Exquisite craftsmanship and a traditional aesthetic in a painting will never go out of style, making this genre of art much more than a trend. And what better pairing for these paintings to make the picture perfect classic aesthetic than Allison Paris?!

Clockwise from upper left: New work by Amanda Clyne, Hooper Turner, Julie Heffernan and new styles by Allison Paris

Sex and the Cities - Carrie

This week, I will present you with four friends who are living modern day lives of Sex and the City characters through landing their dream jobs and looking fashionable every step of the way!

Meet Cecelia, who like Carrie, is taking the publishing world by storm with her very own eclectic style.

What is a typical day in the life working at a magazine?

Reporting is all about coverage. You have to make sure you have access to what's new and exciting as well as what will make a prominent headline. But I think the best reporting is when the spin is anchored in inspiration. You should have a unique voice and be adding to the overall conversation. So to find the balance is best and that comes back to access. A large portion of your time is spent at gallery openings, art fairs, museum previews seeing everything and speaking to everyone. As Jeffrey Deitch said in greeting me at the ABMB preview "I just love that I see you at every place that matters." The rest of the days are spent on the phone following up on interviews and fact checking. Then editing the piece for deadline!

What are your favorite things to do for a night on the town in Los Angeles?

Il Curo is my favorite new restaurant in West Hollywood! I love to start with an amazing dinner on their patio in front of the big fireplace and then head up the hill to Chateau Marmont for a nightcap.

How do you think your profession has influenced your personal style?

I would say the time I spend in NY has impacted my style's functionality. I wear lots of boots and flats and I'm living in more urban brands like Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang. But Margiela is my go to for fancy art events!

In what ways do you identify with or not identify with Carrie?

Well, the obvious answer is the hair! But I would also claim we have similar senses of strong will and confidence but balance those with more playful at times even quirky personalities. We are both very eclectic!

What inspires you from a career standpoint?

My dream is to host monthly or weekly parlors at my residence. A space designated for culturally centered, intimate exchange of ideas. The gatherings would range from film screenings and art shows to dinner parties and chamber series. I'm also a curator so it is important for me to foster an open dialogue with all my creatively inclined friends. And what better way than to invite them into my domestic space, salon style? Think Gertrude Stein!

Sex and the Cities - Miranda

This week, I will present you with four friends who are living modern day lives of Sex and the City characters through landing their dream jobs and looking fashionable every step of the way!

Meet Stacie, who like Miranda, is a lawyer at a prestigious law firm where she dresses for success.

Stacie at the office where she is wearing a fitted polished suit and pearls

What is a typical day in the life of a lawyer?

My day-to-day varies considerably based on the posture of the case (or cases) I'm working on at the time. I work out with a trainer in the mornings two or three times a week -- I hate mornings but do it because (1) it helps me wake up in the morning and (2) I literally would not work out if I had to try and fit it in after work. Lately I have been preparing for expert depositions. Today I have been working on a mock cross examination of our expert on issues he may be weak on. I sent him the outline so that he can review it, and then will spend tomorrow in a conference room pretending to cross examine him, and then providing constructive feedback on how he can best spin tough questions, etc. I make sure that the support staff has all the documents ready to go. I have also had to follow up with the client on strategy issues to make sure that they are OK with decisions that may affect the case in a large way.

What are your favorite things to do for a night on the town in Dallas?

I love dinner and drinks with the girls. People are very much paired up in Dallas, so girls' night is something that generally has to be planned -- it is not the default. Charity events are huge here on any given night, especially with the young professional crowd. Everyone is on the committee of something, so it is naturally where everyone meets up.

How do you think your profession has influenced your personal style?

I have always loved the pearls + pencil skirt + button down shirt, and get to wear it every day! Since you have to be covered up, I tend to be more covered up outside of work too -- sleeveless is just not my thing. The exception, of course, is short skirts.

In what ways do you identify with or not identify with Miranda?

I identify with being independent, as well as pretty ballsy when it comes to speaking my mind. I enjoy making my own financial security. In my line of work, you have to be strong in your convictions. That said, you have to pick your battles ... I think I argue with people in my personal life much less than Miranda seemed to. I am comfortable with agreeing to disagree on minor points that really don't matter. I also identify with having a less-than-optimal work/life balance, and with dating someone who brings out the romantic in me.

I do not identify with the frumpy outfits. What the hell is that?

What inspires you from a career standpoint?

I work with a partner named Brad Caldwell, and I admire the integrity he displays. Until I actually began practicing I did not realize how shitty lawyers can be -- for no reason other than to give the other side a hard time. He does not engage in this bickering, he doesn't stretch the facts into something they are not, and he does not tolerate any amount of disrespect in the workplace. He wins cases ($540 million microsoft verdict anyone?) because he is only willing to back a case if he believes in it, and because he is a good lawyer. He also encourages younger attorneys and is really invested in their growth.

Sex and the Cities - Samantha

This week, I will present you with four friends who are living modern day lives of Sex and the City characters through landing their dream jobs and looking fashionable every step of the way!

Meet Paige, who like Samantha, is running her own PR firm in style.

Paige is wearing Pura Lopez wedges, David Lerner leggings, Myne tank, Nicole Miller

blazer, Damen + Division necklace and By Erin Gordon bracelets

What is a typical day in the life of a PR exec?

There is no typical day lol. That's what I love about my job.... Every day brings something new. From pitching editors and filming news segments to planning grand opening events and meeting with clients for marketing brainstorming sessions, each day is exciting and brings new challenges.

What are your favorite things to do for a night on the town in Chicago?

I love trying all the great new restaurants in Chicago with my husband or girlfriends.

How do you think your profession has influenced your personal style? (Or do you think it has?)

I work with a lot of great retail clients and always find the most amazing pieces at my clients boutiques. In PR/marketing, you attend a lot of events so I'm always looking for new, on trend items to add to my wardrobe.

In what ways do you identify with or not identify with Samantha?

Well, I definitely don't identify with Samantha's personal life lol. But I do relate to how she is committed to her clients and career.

What inspires you from a career standpoint?

My business partner, Carolyn, is very inspiring to me, and I look to her constantly for advice and to run ideas by. I've always wanted to own my own business so I feel like I have my dream job now!

Sex and the Cities - Charlotte

This week, I will present you with four friends who are living modern day lives of Sex and the City characters through landing their dream jobs and looking fashionable every step of the way!

Meet Renna, who like Charlotte, is an art enthusiast living in New York City.

Renna at the office where she is wearing a top from The Kooples, a Dolce and Gabbana skirt,

shoes by Loeffler Randal and Roberto Cavalli bracelets

What is a typical day in the life of a gallerist?

I am a sale administrator at a large auction house so my day consists of about a million things! I work closely with consignors, specialists, framers, shippers, legal, compliance, etc. to make sure that all of the details are in order for us to hold a sale.

What are your favorite things to do for a night on the town in New York City?

Some of my favorite spots are Kingswood and Fedora in the West Village for drinks. I also love Boqueria in the Flatiron for tapas and sangria. Madison Square Park is my favorite park in the city and also a center for public art. I love to grab a bite at Shake Shack or Eataly then walk around the park while checking out the current works on display. Also, there are tons of cute dogs in the park and some chubby squirrels.

How do you think your profession has influenced your personal style? (Or do you think it has?)

I try to dress professionally at work but rather than dressing too corporate, I try to accessorize and bring my personality to what I wear. Lately, I have been stacking Roberto Cavalli snake bangles up one wrist (an homage to my other favorite blog manrepeller.com). I am a sucker for heels but I always kick them off under my desk (I have 14 pairs of shoes under my desk, I don't know how that happened. I may have a bit of Carrie in me as well!). I run around all day and I have a secret fear that I will trip and fall into a painting so I switch back and forth at random intervals throughout my day. It's weird.

In what ways do you identify with or not identify with Charlotte?

Charlotte! I love Charlotte! Let's see, I think Charlotte and I are both probably looking for the beauty in life, which is why I love to be around artwork all day. You could say I am a romantic at heart; although, I like to think that I am not as die-hard about it as Charlotte. I don't know, we are also both brunettes!

What inspires you from a career standpoint?

The incredible works of art that I work with inspire me everyday. I love working with art as well as with our clients, I aspire to work as a specialist or in a client relations capacity, one day. History and art are intrinsically aligned; looking at history through the lens of an artist or a work of art tells a unique story. Alternately, looking at art through the lens of the historical climate in which it was created in can transform the way one looks at it in the present. I love uncovering those layers. For now, I love what I do!

Lina Maple at SARCA

Lina Maple at SARCA: Hit the A-List Art Scene in SARCA style

Next week the art world will gather together at Art Basel Miami Beach. As collectors scour the city looking for the next big addition to add to their burgeoning art collections, we are guessing their personal styles will reflect their collecting styles. Whether your taste in art is more impressionistic, minimalist or straight from the streets, we have the looks that will make what you're wearing match what you're viewing. So go ahead and be a muse in Miami, for both art lovers and fashionistas alike!

The Impressionst

The Minimalist

The Street Art Enthusiast

Moscow on My Mind

For the past few years I have had a fascination with visiting Moscow in the winter. It tops my list of next must-see destinations. Maybe it is because of the Art Institute's recent exhibit on Soviet War Propaganda, or maybe it's because it is becoming an emerging mecca for contemporary art, or maybe it's just because of my Eastern European roots and love for everything fur, but I can't get Moscow off my mind. The people, the culture, the sheer excess...really, everything about it fascinates me.

Here in Chicago, the Maya Polsky Gallery focuses on representing contemporary Russian artists. I am particularly fond of the work of Valery Koshliakov.

Hipster Meets Haute Couture

Anyone who has been to Art Basel Miami Beach knows how important it is to dress the part. The story is bright, bold and edgy, so if you are going to be there, make sure you get the look. Think Georgia May Jagger, Alexa Chung and Chloe Sevigny. And luckily, the Versace for H&M collection coming out this weekend just screams Art Basel. Umm, can we say...perfect timing!

For the Beach Parties

For the Street Parties

For the Nights on the Town

Images Credits: because i'm addicted, The Little Black List & Versace for H&M Runway