Laura U Mag| October - December 2013

Editorial Spotlight: Montrose Eclectic

Must Haves for Fall October—December 2013

Issue 15

Sam Penner of Peak of Tres Chic

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IN EVERY ISSUE 03

Connect with Us

06

Letter From Laura

08

Meet The Team

10

Coming Soon

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Spotlight: Shoplaurau.com

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Laura U| Look Get our signature look

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Design Envy| Fringe

SHOPPING 12

Cerulean Craving

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All About Embellished

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Fur-Feauxus

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Designer Faves

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Design Selected Source:

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Pinning & Pining

Hellman-Chang

FEATURES 18

Eclectic Living in Montrose: Featuring one of our latest designs!

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Art Talk: Houston Fine Arts Fair 2013

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Where In the World: Our Top 4 Holiday Party Hosting venues!

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Samantha Penner| The Blog Specialist gives us her fall must haves

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All the News that’s fit 3 colossal announcements at Laura U!

Letter from

Laura Umansky

Featuring...

October—December 2013

Ah, Fall… I enjoy this time of the year more than any other.

It’s not just the approaching holidays (which I LOVE), but it is the feel of change in the air.

The transformation in the weather coincides with the changes that are happening at Laura U! I am so excited to share with you all what is going on at our energetic firm!

In the following pages we are thrilled to bring our favorite things to you: Cerulean, our color du jour, everything Embellished and fabulous faux Fur! Our top contributor and fashion fortune teller, Samantha Penner of Peak of Tres Chic, brings us her top selections for fall. We were all so excited that Houzz featured one of our interiors in October. It received a wonderful response from loyal Houzz readers. Also included within is one of our newest interiors, an Eclectic Montrose modern home. We hope you love it as much as we do.

Renewal is the word of the season at Laura U! We are making some changes to our offices and will introduce the new Studio by Laura U (housed conveniently in the former Laura U Collection space) in early 2014. Please stay tuned for a more formal announcement. LauraU.com received some love and our new site is now up and running. Our newest interiors can be found on our updated and sleek site.

Please keep in touch and I’ll be sure you are the first to hear about our “Super-Grand” opening! Check out our new website as well as our blog and social media for up to the minute info. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading the following pages as much as we enjoyed putting them together!

Best, Laura

Laura 06 LAURAU

October—December 2013

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832.228.3750 | sales@forefrontav.com

IT TAKES A VILLAGE: THE LAURA U

L AURA U MANSKY

F ABIAN S EGURA

FROM: Seguin, TX

FROM: Guadalajara, Mexico

What is at the top of your Holiday wish-list?

Fabulous holiday weather! I plan to spend the season sitting with my family by the firepit.

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What is at the top of your Holiday wish-list?

Money for my trip to Japan!

L ETECIA

ELLIS

FROM: Bay City, TX

What’s at the top of your holiday wish list?

Anything from Le Creuset! I love to cook and I need every pot/pan in the Cherry color

K IRSTIN T ATE

C ATHERINE S OLOMON

B LAIR

FROM: Anderson, IN

FROM: San Angelo,TX

What is at the top of your Holiday wish-list?

What is at the top of your Holiday wish-list?

FROM: What is at holida

To have my whole family together for the holiday.

Quality time with loved ones and an English bulldog.

The Chiang tionary from

October—December 2013

U TEAM

y

n

M EREDITH S ANDERS FROM: New Orleans, LA

J ILLIAN F LYNN

B ERKELY H OLLEY

FROM: Albequerque, NM

FROM: Houston, TX

What’s at the top of your holi- What’s at the top of your holiday day wish list? wish list?

Furniture for the new house!

R F OSTER

Houston, TX t the top of your ay wish-list?

g Mai Dragon stam Schumacher.

An upholstered bed and a fabulous new wallet, or pair of boots!

J UDY S IFUENTES

What’s at the top of your holiday wish list?

To have a stress free, healthy and happy year! (& a fabulous vacation wouldn’t be so bad either!)

S HENAY K EYES

FROM: Houston, TX

FROM: Deerpark, TX

What is at the top of your holiday wish list?

What is at the top of your Holiday wish-list?

A vacation somewhere warm in Mexico or chilly with good company in Seattle!

To spend the holiday’s with my family and a shiny new car! :) 2013 October– December

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COMING SOON

More STUNNING Laura U Interiors.

Stay up to date at LauraU.com!

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October—December 2013

I

n Houston, the onset of cooler temperatures brings about a collective sense of relief. Change is in the air and everyone is grateful.

At Laura U, this FALL signals many changes. We are excited to announce the expansion of our design services as well as reveal some of the things we have been working so hard on all of these months. We are also pleased to offer you some inspirational ideas to jump start your holiday season...

FASHION

Furnishings

CERULEAN CRAVINGS We adore the cool shades of cerulean blue. Although it’s fall, and is seemingly a color of the warm seasons, it seems to fit in perfectly anywhere you place it.

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Not your avg. trash

We come blue double old fashioned glass $10.95; Crate&Barrel

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Moreau

Moreau Diligence Pchette $4,000.00; Barneys New York

October—December 2013

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Rug Love

Greige Franklin Chair $349.00; CB2

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Must have jacket

Newton Jacket $995.00; Kelly Wearstler

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Perfect pillow

Briddle Duffle Travel $84.00; Gilt.com

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We ple

Elisabetta $1,300.0 McCartney

CERULEAN CRAVINGS

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ear me ease

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a Dress; 00; Stella y

Global Blue Glitter Ornament $8.95; Crate & Barrel

Holiday Blues

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Candle Delight

Jack Blue Candle holder $9.95; CB2

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Feeling Blue

Into the Blue Artwork $149; Z Gallerie

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Make Me up

MAKE Siberian Blue $25 ; Neiman Marcus

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Elizabeth Locke Jew-

Cerulean intaglio pendant earrings $1325; Neiman Marcus

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FUR FAUXCUS Here’s to wishful thinking that us Texans will be sent a little chilly weather our way, that way we can finally make use of all our much adored fur.

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That’s so clutch

Stella McCartney Clutch $1165.00; Neiman Marcus

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Dolce Vita Fur

Dolce Vita Luxor Fur $352.99; Bloomingdales

October—December 2013

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Malibu Chair

Malibu Chair $3400.00; Kelly Wearstler

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Striped Throne

Modern Sheepskin Faux fur rug $309; nuLOOM

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Cozy Cap

Muhlbauer fur trapper $1566.00; Farfetch

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C P G

FUR FOCUS

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Sparkly Faux Pillow

Chateau Faux Fur Pillow $75.00; Gilt.com

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Best Boots ever

Louis Vuitton faux fur boots ; Louis Vuitton

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Owl’s for your Tree

Owl Faux Fur Ornament; $6; West Elm

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Cashmere Snood

Cashmere And Fur Stood $795; Tory Burch

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Smokey Fox Fur!

Limited Edition Smoky Fox Fur $1299.99; Neiman Marcus

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EMBELLISHED

Mint chocolate chip was a childhood favorite growing up. Now the mint and aloe hues are of thought your childhood palette was so sophisticated!?

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Wrap Around

Shourock $917.00; My Teresa

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Iphone 5 Glam

Falabella Shaggy deer case $325; Stella McCartney

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Perfect V Neck

Embellished V Neck ; $88; Victoria Secret

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Float my shelf

Hexagon Floating Shelf $124; Dot & Bo

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Prada Purse

Saffiano Vernice Embellished $2400; Prada

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Coach Bracelet

Baguette Bracelet $168; Coach

EMBELLLISHED

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Embellished Belt

Embellished Corset Belt $48; Anthropologie

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Dress your Bed

Embellished pillow $36.00; Piere One

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Be Jeweled Clutch

Be Jeweled Embellished Clutch; $465; Alice + Olivia

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Leopard Dress Up

Lanvin Shift Dress Pants $8350.00; Neiman Marcus

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Jessica Alba Heels

Merit Pump in Patent Calf $1190; Louis Vuitton

ECLECTIC LIVING IN MONTROSE REVEALING ONE OF OUR MOST WHIMSICAL DESIGNS, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF OUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD — MONTROSE.

ucked away in a quiet corner of one of our favorite neighborhoods, Montrose, sits a beautiful, modern house which we can proudly admit we helped transform into the unique and beautiful home it is today. The home owners requested a unique, vibrant aesthetic to flow throughout the entire space.

Our designers worked vigorously to blend the animated and Asian inspired decor for a seamless, collected look. The home is 4,000 square feet with three bedrooms, four and a half baths and is set in a lovely corner of Montrose.

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October—December 2013

Something we are passion personalized design specif sonality. We pride ourselv exactly what they’re looki fore any insight on what th

nate about is creating a fic for each client’s peres on giving every client ing for in a design, therehey love is always a plus.

These established homeowners live a happy and active life, sharing a love for travel, competitive cycling and intrinsic interiors. This information was very helpful and present when designing their home.

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For the master, the design team used a custom headboard and a pair of Vanguard nightstands to create a dramatic, elegant look. We were very thankful to have such fabulous clients, who were open to the idea of vibrant colors. The pop of bright yellow and turquoise transformed what could have been your typical room into a chic, lively bedroom. We love when our clients trust us to make the right choices.

The room was ultimately pulled together with stunning artwork and a custom covered ottoman at the foot of the bed.

The living room is finished with a gorgeous Missoni footstool and Serge Mouille light fixture.

Because of the couple’s love for animals, the Laura U team used special fabrics on the sofa and animal-friendly, hide covered lounge chairs.

Different hues of green can be traced throughout rooms within the home, pulling the entire design concept together.

The lovely dining room really pulls the entire upstairs together. dining room features sophisticated Wishbone chairs and a stunning Adler Sputnik chandelier above the custom dining table.

Finishing this interior was bittersweet. Although we were proud to have completed the design up to the client and our own standards, we were sad to see the adventure come to a close. For more eclectic designs like this one, head to our portfolio at Laurau.com!

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October—December 2013

Green Geode, Bookend Antique Chairs, Malachite Fabric

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October—December 2013

Octagonal Door Pulls

Designer FAVES

Green chest, Apartment 48

Dress, Neiman Marcus

Coach, Wallet

Alessio Tasca, Table Lamps

Nuevo Estilo, Green Malachite Table

Chandelier, Mecox Gardens

DESIGN SELECTED SOURCE

HELLMEN -CHANG The noteworthy design specialist we have come to love.

Hellmen Chang was brought to life in 2006 by Daniel Hellman and Eric Change; the lifelong friends taught themselves the art of building solid wood furniture growing up. Taking separate paths after graduating high school, the two friends reunited after college in New York and quickly started their very own studio.

After a lot of hard work H.C. won their first real award, the Interior Design Best of Year Award. Soon, after gaining recognition, they received their first noteworthy design order. The order came from the design team for the Four Season’s, requesting 15 tables for their presidential suite.

Since then, the dynamic duo has been internationally recognized as one of the industry leaders. Their design’s have landed in private and celebrity homes including: the Cosmopolitan, the Intercontinental Hotel, the offices of Sotheby’s, HBO and many more.

It goes without saying that the Hellman Chang Z side table is one of their most successful concepts. The Z side table was inspired by the award winning Z Pedestal. Much like the pedestal, the side table features bold, straight lines that give the table a sleek look. The side tables can be sold individually or as a mirrored pair. The Z collection continues including dining tables and consoles as well.

ART TALK: HOUSTON FINE ART FAIR

T

he majority of our studio attended the 2012 Houston Fine Art Fair last year and returned with the most exciting stories of what they saw. This year, we knew we could not pass up the opportunity to attend the 3rd annual HFAF. Unlike last year, the fair returned to it’s site of inception in 2011 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, featuring a whopping 80-plus galleries and a full schedule of programming.

It couldn’t have been easy to select one of the talented artists (out of the severXul Solar, Dulo Mi More, 1961, tempera on paper, 17 x 21 cm al hundred) at the HFAF as the artist of the year, but a certain Houstonian was ultimately selected. We agree that Robert Pruitt fit the part, and his work proves he lives up to the standard of the award. It’s been said that the Hooks-Epsteinbooth, featuring his work, was the best feature at the fair. We are pleased to know that Pruitt is now beginning to receive the national attention he has long deserved. One of our favorite exhibits was brought to life by Pablo Cardoso, who put together a series of 120 paintings on paper. It was one of the most entertaining of all the art exhibits we visited that afternoon, having an usually strong ability to capture our attention. We look forward to attending next year, and we are excited to see what changes!

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October—December 2013

Pablo Cardoso

Park Dong Jin, The Korean Pavilion Photo: Carl Soriano

Corridor at the Houston Fine Art Fair, 2013.

Photo by Julie Knutson

Desire Obtain Cherish, Path to Riches Photo by Julie Knutson

WHERE IN THE WORLD: HOUSTON OUR TOP 4 HOLIDAY PARTY HOSTING VENUES

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October—December 2013

Following the success of Midtown’s Red Door and Wonder Bar, the Van Delden brother’s opened an upscale gastrolounge, in 2011, dubbed Saint Genevieve. St. Gen’s is what we would call the most glamorous Holiday hot-spot on our list this year. We love the location, sitting on the second floor of West Ave. The staff treats you like royalty and the food and bev selection is never unsatisfying.

Humble-brag alert: We designed this one :)!

#1 ST. GENEVIEVE

2800 Kirby Dr. A206 Houston, TX 77098

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#2 HOTEL ZAZA

1424 Westheimer Rd

Hotel Zaza is undeniably one of the most elegant Holiday hosting venue’s in Houston. The location is perfect, the food is great, and the private hosting rooms are absolutely stunning. Something note-worth that we always hear about ZaZa is the incredible staff: They are always at the top of their game and known to be the most professional in town. We love ZaZa!

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October—December 2013

#3 CAMERATA AT PAULIE’S Camerata takes the cake for our favorite casual, local holiday hosting venue. We love the capability of being able to take a few steps outside our door & arriving at this quaint, yet enchanting, little wine bar. If you love Paulie’s & you love wine then you need to give Camerata at Paulie’s a try. Paul Patronella & David Keck provide an unpretentious meeting place, where guests can enjoy beverages that are made by real people, not companies.

Photo Credit: breakfastklub.com 2013 October– December

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#4

BENJY’S

5922 Washington Ave

Considering we are hosting our holiday work party at Benjy’s this year, it goes without saying this venue is a 10. The service is great, the wine selection is fabulous, and the food is absolute perfection on a plate. We’ve had more than one event at the Benjy’s on Washington, so you know we’re not making this up! We love the party room at the front of the restaurant, and made sure to lock it down a few weeks ago!

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SHOPLAURAU.COM

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1. COURTNEY PENDANT LAMP This mirrored light fixture is sure to make a statement in any room you hang it. We also love the look of getting two and hanging them side by side in a dining room.

Available online in our boutique.

2. VOLUSPA POMEGRANATE PATCHOULI CANDLE Over the years we have become known for our excellent collection of designer candles. This scent by Voluspa is no exception. It is great to give your home that signature smell before holiday parties. Pur-

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chase online at shoplaurau.com.

3. LARGE COWHIDE RUG You do not have to be a cowboy from Texas to appreciate the beauty that a natural cowhide adds to your interiors. These chic rugs are great for layering with a natural sisal rug to give any space polish and depth. Available now in our online boutique.

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4. GLASS BIRD NAPKIN RINGS Is your holiday table-scape ready for all of the social events you will be hosting? If not, these glass bird napkin rings make for one heck of a play on the “partridge in a pear tree” homage. Order them today in our online boutique.

5. VINTAGE DINING CHAIRS These adorable dining chairs are perfect for any

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seating area. They are a great size too to take any little nook from boring to fabulous with the addition of one of our side tables and decorative table lamps.

Available online or at our One King’s Lane shop.

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October—December 2013

laurau.com your design source DISCOVER MORE AT LAURAU.COM DESIGN PORFOLIO SHOPPING CONTACT SHEET DESIGN BLOG LAURA U SERVICES

Dauphine Chandelier, Circa Lighting

Inlaid Side Table Framed New Yorker Cover

Can you s

Ci

Bull & Alpaca Candleholders

Magnolia Leather Chair Jonathan Adler Bond Cocktail Table

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October—December 2013

say...

Pinning & Pining

What Our Client’s

Love Dannijo Necklace

Now

Burberry London Ursula Rabbit-Felt Fedora

ity Chic??

Follow Laura U on Pinterest! pinterest.com/laurauinc

Abstract Painter Kazuo Shiraga 2013 October– December

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Q&A SAMANTHA PENNER From

What is your favorite thing about fall?

There's so much to love about fall! One of my favorite things is burning fall scents, like Nest's pumpkin chai candle. I also love pulling out my riding boots and heeled booties to pair with jeans and a sweater. Here in Houston, I think we all look forward to fall's cooler temperatures!

Where is your favorite place to eat right now?

Why? The new Coppa Osteria in West U has me hooked. My fiance and I have been big fans of Coppa off Washington and chef Brandi Key for a few years now, and we were delighted to find Cooper Concept's latest restaurant, Coppa Osteria, just as wonderful. I recommend the crispy spiced chickpeas and the warm olives as appetizers, and the scamorza pizza for your main course. In addition to the food being to die for, the restaurant design by McGarr Design + Interiors is impeccable. Large mirrors with poppy yellow frames line the walls, barstools upholstered in turquoise velvet with nailhead trim line the bar, and unique light fixtures decorate the ceiling.

Where is your favorite place to shop right now?

Why? I always love discovering new shops. Julie Rhodes Fashion & Home is a new store that's opened in West U and I am hooked on her Presecco body lotion and room spray. The scent is wonderful and I get lots of compliments on it when I wear it.

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July-September 2013

SAM’S TOP 10 MUST HAVES FOR FALL

1. Khaki Lapel Half Sleeve Jacket This jacket is such a great price, and is a great piece to layer. It's lightweight and perfect for Houston weather.

2. Alexander Wang Silk de Crepe Red Dress This sexy dress is a statement maker! A perfect date night or party dress.

3. Tory Burch Bernice Bootie I love booties, and leave it to Tory Burch to create a timeless pair. I love the touches of gold!

4. Joie Marcie Top in Shiraz - Joie has great pieces. This shiraz blouse would be gorgeous with leather pants or skinny jeans.

5. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Trapeze Bag in Black - This bag is the perfect size and has great structure. I'd love to have it in black so it could be paired with anything and carried through all the seasons.

6. Anthropologie New Light Dress in Teal I'd love to wear this dress to holiday parties! It's such a pretty color.

7. Alice + Olivia Box Pleat Leather Skirt - Leather is a material I'd love to bring in to my wardrobe this fall. I'm nervous to wear pants, but a cute mini skirt is perfect. I'd pair it with booties and a blouse.

8. Leopard Bowtie Loafers Loafers are here to stay for fall- and I can't help but lust for these leopard Anthropologie loafers!

9. Python Vegan Leather Trim Blouse I've been on a python kick lately, and this blouse is such a fun piece! I love the looser fit.

10. Funnel Neck Coat in Camel For under $100, this coat in camel is a fabulous neutral piece to carry you through the cooler months.

ALLALL OF THE THE NEWS NEWS THAT’S THAT’S FIT FIT...

3 Colossal Announcements from Laura U this Fall

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October—December 2013

Introducing the Brand New Laura U Studio If you’ve driven by our store recently then you may have noticed our decorative window wraps.

It is bittersweet to announce that we have transitioned our in-store boutique online at shoplaurau.com.

We are excited to announce that we are making room for our expanded interior design service.

Come check out our innovative design studio and design bar in early 2014. So, sign up for our email list at laurau.com, and continue to read our blog to stay up to date on all the exclusive details.

LAUNCHED!!!

The Shiny, New, laurau.com Like we said before, lots of exciting changes are happening at Laura U. One of them includes a brand new, shiny website! We are very excited about the new site and all the information it now has to offer.

We encourage you to take a look around, and don’t forget to check out our recently updated, portfolio and innovative design process page.

Stay tuned for even greater, big changes!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner On Saturday, October 5th the Laura U Interior Design team attended the American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast Chapter’s (ASID TGCC) annual Awards Dinner. We entered our best projects to be judged side-by-side with other Houston area interior designers’ work. Then we waited with baited breath until our categories were called.

We were thrilled to see our designs on the big screen for winning Residential Renovation under 3,500 square feet for our Southampton Moroccan project and Residential Renovation Over 3,500 Square Feet for our Memorial Park Modern project.

We also received Honorable Mention for our Bellaire Residence in the Residential Renovation under 3,500 square feet category. Thank you to our hard working team, wonderful industry partners, and all who voted for us!

WINNER : Reno Under

HO

r 3,500 Ft.

WINNER : Reno Over 3,500 Ft.

ONORABLE MENTION : Reno Under 3,500 Ft.

LAURA U GET THE LOOK | HOUZZ FEA

ATURE

“I

nterior designer Laura

Umansky create a new design inspired by the family's extensive travels around the world and their love of Morocco in particular, adding carved cabinet doors and cabinets, handmade Moroccan -style tiles, bold colors, hammered metal lanterns, textured fabrics, rugs and

“s”

more.

Click here to read the full article:

New York Chic Meets Southern Comfort in a Texas Home

2013 October– December

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Handarbetets Vanner, Stockholm

WE LEAVE YOU WITH...

FAB FRINGE

Our Design Envy of the Moment: The easiest way to add a little relaxed fun into your home is to spread around a little fringe infested accessories.

Barney’s: Throw

Anthropologie Lampshade

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e

Anthropologie Hammock

Anthropologie Hammock

Burberry | Nordstrom's

Joomi Lim | Necklace

Burberry Scarf

Joomi Lim Tribe Festival Fringe Necklace

Urban Outfitters | Pillows

Urban Outfitters: Pillows Spina | Barbarella Ottoman

2013 October– December

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See You in

See you in

October 2013!

April 2013

““

There is only one really good life, Autumn… year’s last, And that’s theThe life you know youloveliest smile.” want and you make it yourself - Diana Vreeland