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
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Letter From Laura
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Meet The Team
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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
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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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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! 24 LAURAU
October—December 2013
Green Geode, Bookend Antique Chairs, Malachite Fabric
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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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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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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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#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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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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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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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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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