Venice and the Hotel Aman.................

The beautiful Palazzo Papadopoli which houses the Aman Canal Grande Venice (or the place where George and Amal got married) was built in the 16th century by the architect Gian Giacomo de Grigi.  It was commissioned by the Coccina family of Bergamo.  At the beginning of the 19th century the property was bought by two brothers, Nicolo and Angelo Papadopoli Aldobrandini and extensively renovated.  Michelangelo Guggenheim, who was the leading expert on Neo-Renaissance and Rococo styles, was given the task to decorate the inside of the palazzo.  

The palazzo, located on the Grande Canal, is unique in that it has a private docking area that leads directly into the hotel, an extensive outdoor garden (unheard of in Venice), soaring ceilings, maintains its original frescos and priceless artworks which gives the palazzo an atmosphere of history and luxury while still being contemporary.  The hotel has only 24 suites and the Papadopoli family retains the top floor for their private apartment.  

all photos via Aman Canal Grande Venice, Reuters and Tumblr

Cheers,

Deb xx

73 Questions..............

photo via thescene.com

The Scene's (www.thescene.com) 73 Questions interview with Reese Witherspoon is out now on their website - she is also on the cover of this month's Vogue.  The interview takes place in her fabulous home in LA - I love her living/library room.   Wait to you see what she can do on her trampoline..............

Enjoy!

Vogue

Cheers,

Deb xx

Colour ...................

I'm using lots of colour in my flower installations today.  My floral arrangements are usually all one colour or tone on tone.  But this morning, I was inspired by all the beautiful, vibrant flowers in the market.  Spring is definitely here.  I hope this starts your week off on a bright note.

Enjoy!

all photos by Deb for From My Files 

Cheers,

Deb xx

Holiday Home Inspiration..............

Located in West Cornwall, England this white seaside house belongs to photographer, Paul Massey.   I  love the simple white palette and the tactile textures of wood, stone and crumpled linen.  I also like the simple but inviting furnishings, especially the Aga stove in the kitchen.  These pictures will go in my file for inspiration for our shack on the lake - whenever we get around to seriously renovating it.

all photos by photographer, Paul Massey for Est Magazine

Cheers,

Deb xx

Milan S/S 2015.................

Now that Milan Fashion Week has finished, here is a small recap of my favourite looks from the shows.  Outstanding themes so far from NYC, London and Milan are neutrals rule - beige, black and especially navy with pops of deep red or burgundy in every show - except of course Missoni (below) which is all colour.  The other outstanding theme on the runways is gingham.  Next up, Paris..........

Enjoy!

MaxMara S/S 2015

Missoni S/S 2015

Gucci S/S 2015

Armani S/S 2015

Bottega Veneta S/S 2015

Prada S/S 2015

Jil Sander S/S 2015

all photos via Style.com

Cheers,

Deb xx

Monday Flowers..........

I was so busy in the flower market this morning that I almost left without purchasing any for my home.  But then I saw these bright yellow ranunculus and knew I had to have them.  It's a nice way to start the week.

Enjoy!

photos by Deb for From My Files

Cheers,

Deb xx

"I'm just a turtleneck kinda gal................."  Diane Keaton, Somethings Gotta Give

I love turtlenecks.  I love the big chunky knit ones worn with a slim skirt or skinny jeans and I love the thinner merino wool turtlenecks from JCrew, good for layering under a suit or jacket.  The turtleneck is a classic piece.  I bought two amazing ones from Bassike (below) that are boxy and hits just at your hip and I have gotten endless wear out of them this past Winter.   Even though I am in Spring here in Sydney, I will be ordering a few of the boyfriend turtlenecks from JCrew as I have lived in the boyfriend v neck sweater from them for the past two years.

Jackie Onassis

Phoebe Philo

JCrew boyfriend turtleneck 

Audrey Hepburn

Gisele Bundchen

Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give

Sharon Stone at the 1996 Oscars in her Gap turtleneck 

Steve McQueen

Kate Middleton

Bassike turtleneck sweater

all pictures via Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, JCrew, Bassike and Pinterest

Cheers,

Deb xx

p.s.  Bassike is an Australian brand, however they do ship around the world.