Julie & Ev Launches Signature Linen Collection

Beautifully designed by Julie Paulino, our hand block printed linen collection is made to celebrate being together again.

Our Floret linen collection as seen here in Villa Mahal in the Turkish Riviera.

It’s been a long time coming and our Julie & Ev signature linen collection is finally available. Our hand block tablecloths, placemats, and napkins are printed on 100% cotton by artisans in Jaipur, India. With three different design styles that range from blue and white to pink and neutrals, Julie & Ev hand block print linen collection is sure to delight everyone around the table.

At the table is when we pass our values to our children, share with them our most valuable advice, and celebrate our joyous moments. This linen collection was made to celebrate amongst our loved ones and friends. Whether it is a promptus Sunday brunch, a formal dinner, or a solo dine-in at home, the designs of this Julie & Ev new linen collection is an appreciation of good life.

09Feb

Chic Maternity Fashion: 3 Fashionable Maternity Clothes

I remember the time when maternity clothes were anything but fashionable. Lot’s of big shapeless maternity dresses, stretchy pants, pleated top, and other unflattering options… Nowadays, things are different, pregnant women have found the way to look not only cute while pregnant but also stylish, chic and very well put together. I remember while pregnant I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of wearing heels and a baby bump-hugging dress (although I find the name super adorable and they look very comfortable and fitting for the mother’s body.) However, now if I were to try to embark on that journey again, I might even consider it. To be honest, pregnancy after the third trimester is very hard on the body and it’s more so on the back, so I believe this is an approach that can be conceived prior to those months, after that all that you really want is to get it over with and get to meet the new addition to the family. Meanwhile, until those final weeks come, pregnant women can still look good in one of these casual and chic maternity fashion outfits. Below, a roundup of stylish maternity clothes.

chic maternity fashion, maternity clothes, Chrissy Teigen via belle vivir blog

Chrissy Teigen wearing a very fashionable pregnant outfit

chic maternity fashion, maternity clothes via belle vivir blog

A flowery baby bump-hugging dress perfect for Spring. Double-breasted sleeveless long coat, which is super chic. Over-bump maternity tights. White mules.

07Feb

Motivational Quote and Fantastic Links

motivational quotes belle vivir quotes

There is nothing I enjoy more than a good deep conversation. If I were not an interior designer and a lover of all its entwined branches I would have been a lawyer, politician or activist… Don’t we all have some level of double lives… I say that the eye has to travel but, the mind needs to be fed… Although here at Belle Vivir Interior Design blog we often talk about fashionable subjects, we don’t fail to realize that everything in the field with a decorative purpose is undoubtedly replaceable. Therefore on our weekly motivational quotes day, I’ll be sharing links that intend to enlighten us as well as occasional design related articles. I’m fully aware of the importance of chit-chat, in fact it’s an integral part of gracious social behavior while keeping us out of confrontations. However, meaningful and worthwhile conversations are way more interesting and that starts with the nurturing of the mind and spirit, just keep the antithetical ones between you and your loved ones. (But most importantly) who doesn’t want to be a better human in general…? A spiky journey, ah… Anything that can ease that difficult path, is helpful.

We all know how integral Emotional Intelligence is in every aspect of our lives, from self awareness to empathy. But it’s hard to really grasp the deep meaning of EI. This article defines it and fills us in on 5 Powerful Secrets on How To Increase Our Emotional Intelligence.

If you are a mother with small children and want to get them to listen to you, it may be as easy as to talk to the ear, I mean the proper ear. One way to make your children listen to you.

Confidence in oneself determines the level of success in our lives and you may not know that the level of confidence you have on yourself can solely depend on you. 5 Steps to boost your confidence, no matter your starting point.

On an artistic note, French are not happy with Jeff Koons’s gift to Paris. Perhaps next time Koons should pick the correct neighborhood..? If the intention is to honor the victims of recent terrorist attacks then the art should go where the tragedy happened, yeah…?

Remember my New Year wish to you, well it turned out that it may be more useful than you think. 7 Morning Rituals That Will Make You Happy All Day.

06Feb

Art Exhibitions And Fashion Events: February Edition

The days are getting 2 minutes longer everyday. I can notice it every late afternoon and that makes me so happy and excited. Soon we’ll be ditching the heavy coats and boots and embracing lighter clothes… Just the thought of it is inspiring. For now I would be content visiting one of these art exhibitions and fashion events during this month of February.

art exhibitions and fashion events via belle vivir blog

New York

New York Fashion Week From Feb 8-14

Fall 2018 fashion shows kick of in New York on February 8th until the 14th. I can’t wait to see what Fashion Designers will present and what the fashionistas wear on the streets. To see the schedule go here. The entire month of February is the month when Fashion Designers present their Fall/Winter Collection in different cities around the world. The fashion marathon goes in this order New York from Feb 8-14, London Fashion Week Feb 16-20, Milan FW Feb 21-27 and Paris FEb 27 to March 6. I wonder how fashion editors and buyers survive…

NY NOW at Javits Center From February 3-7

NY NOW takes place twice a year featuring three collections, Home, Lifestyle and Handmade. It’s the premier market for all that’s new and on trend in specialty retail.

05Feb

From the Archives of Interior Design: Lynn Nesbit’s Transitional Home

Lynn Nesbit’s home was published a few years ago in Elle Decor and the marvelous thing is that it could be a home ready to be published next month. No need to change anything in the decor. That is what transitional style in Interior Design should grant. The apartment was designed by Courtney Coleman and Bill Brockschmidt and the mixture in the design is timeless as a result of the use of different styles of furniture from different parts of the world. Chinese table, French and English chairs harmoniously live with modern art and exotic accessories.
Lynn Nesbit's home, transitional style in Interior Design, livingroom 2 via belle vivir interior design blog

The use of a bold colorful fabric on the klismos-style chairs help take away form the formality found in the rest of the antique pieces.

02Feb

The Pocket Evening Dress For Special Nights: Gala Dressing

Over the weekend I attended an event where the dress code was black and white “Be creative dressing.” Not sure what that last means, but raise your hand if you when a little girl dreamed of dressing up in nigh gowns. Yes, me too. And after I realized that night gowns could come with pockets, thanks to Carolina Herrera, I became infatuated with the idea of owning a pocket dress. Surprisingly last weekend while looking for a night dress I realized that although I have a decent amount of mid-length skirts with pockets, I had not one pocket evening dress in my closet. Alas! How about that for postponing and laziness… What’s that called, procrastination..?

Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn in a Balenciaga dress. Photo by Irving Penn

pocket evening dress roundup, pocket dress via belle vivir blog

From top left, clockwise, I love the lines and structure top of this Victoria dress. I’ve always wanted a polka dot black and white dress especially if it’s strapless. Now a lame dress like this one is sure not for everyone but it is exquisite, something like this you may only find it vintage. 1990s Chanel Black Cargo Gown, a classic one, also vintage. A breath of fresh air, Elsa Collar Dress. One of the most classic silhouettes ever, A-Line gown. Lastly a perfect combination of restraint and playful is found in this strapless satin dress with polka dot skirt and black top.

01Feb

Motivational Quote and Backstage Paris Spring 18 Couture Shows

Social platforms have changed the way we live and communicate forever. Now everyone can be part, albeit virtually, of what things look like backstage. I relish on these behind the scene access whilst getting a sense of the anticipation, excitement and rush, amid all the beautiful fashion that commonly leads to every important event. I also love how the images conjure a more artistic tone.

backstage Paris Spring 18 Couture Shows Christian Dior quote via belle vivir blog

Below, Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2018 Show where black and white were the main two colors of the collection. The collection was simply breath taking. I prefer when the Haute Couture Runways take a more pragmatic approach to the way of dressing as opposed to an over the top one that is far from reality. Christian Dior new creative director is Maria Grazia Chiuri, the house’s first woman Creative Director.

backstage Paris Spring 18 Couture Shows

backstage Paris Spring 18 Couture Shows Christian Dior haute couture via belle vivir blog

backstage Paris Spring 18 Couture Shows Dior haute couture via belle vivir blog

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2018 was spectacular. Known for his glamorous party dresses that channel modern princesses, Valli presented a collection beautifully feminine and chic.

backstage Paris Spring 18 Couture Shows giambattista valli haute couture via belle vivir blog

Last but not least Givenchy with its new Creative Director, Clare Waight Keller at the helm. Keller took inspiration from the structure and graphism that characterized Huber de Givenchy and interpreted them in a modern way by adding tight jackets and structural blazers over night shimmery gowns.

backstage Paris Spring 18 Couture Shows givenchy haute couture via belle vivir blog

All images via Vogue