FASHION | Nina Petronzio's Blog

Jet Liner

Inspired by the interior of a high-end private jet, I chose a high-polished, medium-warm wood finish with a contrast ebony leather top on our showroom sample of our Carlisle Coffee Table/Ottoman. Fresh out of the factory and now on display at Plush Home on Melrose starting tomorrow...!

Loving the new silver leaf finish option we’re adding to our Plush Home furniture line this Summer…! I like to break up standard wood finishes in my personal projects, and this is a great way to do it. See you on Melrose…

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images (Chanel) and Niko Tavernise, via Fox Searchlight Pictures (Portman

If all the hype that Carrie Bradshaw was able to generate with her girlie, eclectic, fashion forward Sex in the City was any indication of the power of media over fashion, I think it's a safe bet that Black Swan ballet wear will be making a dent in tutu sales soon.

The kinky and sometimes gothic costumes in Black Swan were created by costume designer Amy Westcott, working with Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, a label founded by the sisters from Pasadena.

Although you won't be seeing me in our showroom wearing a tutu anytime soon, I will definitely be casting my support to Amy Westcott for an Academy nomination.


Unlike many fashion ideas, rippling cascades of fluid fabric are universally flattering (even if you don't have supermodel proportions), are comfortable to wear, and cross the day-into-night divide. In the pre-fall collections, designers balanced more demanding looks like skinny jackets and cropped pants with easy, appealing, drapey dresses that embrace rather than punish.

Janet Ozzard | NYmag

I know that reading books electronically on your ipad is more convenient and practical, but it's just not that romantic to me. There's a sense of history, mystique, nostalgia, and importance in flipping the pages of finely printed paper that cannot be replaced. So this Holiday, consider giving old-school books as presents. Whether it's a coffee table book for display or a work of fiction to get lost in, let's not let this tradition die with wireless technology. Not to mention that choosing the right book for the right person makes for a very personal and intimate gift.

I already got a jump start at the Taschen store in Beverly Hills, where you can get great values on widely published, or limited edition publications. Oftentimes, the photographers/writers will even drop by to sign copies that are available for sale - ask the salesperson what they may have signed and available.

If you have someone on your list that would appreciate a rare or antiquarian book, try Dragon Books at Beverly Glen Circle, where the super informative sales staff can help you identify a perfect fit.

I am assuming that all building elements were prefabricated in order to pull this off. 24 hours in real time is 3 working days, so this process is actuality a total of 6 working days. But don't get me wrong, at 6 days this is an incredible display of efficiency and amazing use of cranes. Not sure if I'd feel comfortable staying there during a windstorm, but this is without a question an impressive accomplishment.

It's been a minute since Madonna brought mesh back into vogue in the eighties (her Lucky Star days).  And it feels like we're due for a comeback...Nina Ricci, Delphine Wilson, Versace, Yohji Yamamoto, Bottega Veneta, and John Galliano are certainly pulling their weight in trending mesh.

Like any trend, I wouldn't suggest embracing it fully and stepping out in a head-to-toe mesh jumpsuit, but I do think a subtle scarf, gloves, or heels would be a nice compliment to your wardrobe.

Vintage Mesh

Area Rug Rules

Five reasons you should buy an area rug:

1. An area rug unifies your space and defines an area

2. Rugs can help to control and tone down echoes

3. Similar to the overcoat in fashion, an area rug adds the final layer and finishing touch to "a look"

4. Area rugs are a great way to add texture and color to your design scheme

5. Rugs create a more inviting, comfortable and soft feel to a space

LOVE the new J Brand Houlihan zip cargos...mainly because the pockets don't fluff out crazy like they do in typical cargo pants. Slim fit, chic, nice zipper detail. I picked them up at Noni on Larchmont Blvd (one of my favorite clothing boutiques in Los Angeles):

Noni

225 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004

(323) 469-3239

Little Black Dress

One of our interns recently asked me for advice on where to best spend a limited wardrobe budget. I couldn't help but smile because I was about to give her the same answer a Diva once gave me...and the same answer that fashionistas have been passing down to one another since Coco Chanel designed the first "little black dress" (LBD) in the 1920's.

The LBD is a simple, elegant, timeless, and often short dress that is the essential staple in every woman's closet - so when starting or refreshing a new wardrobe...this is where you begin. It's important to remember that when you are choosing your LBD to keep it classic. It's meant to last you for a number of years, so avoid anything too particular, trendy, or seasonal that will appear dated by next year.

The simplicity of the LBD allows you to dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Heels or flats, a blazer, great sunglasses, and an over-sized bag make it chic for work. Yet the same dress accompanied with more ornate jewelry and accessories, an elegant shawl, an up-do or nice blow out, and a small clutch makes it perfect for any evening out.

From students to celebs to First Ladies, the Little Black Dress is tried and true and here to stay...