Neha Leela

There’ll Always Be Paris

Neha Leela — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:47:28 +0000

Restlessness led me to book an impromptu weekend in the city of light. I’m armed with my journal and books for endless amounts of brasserie idling. I maintain a continued faith that remnants of years of french might salvage my dignity at the sunday morning food markets and I continue to entertain my flea market fantasy of rummaging through bins of vintage hermes scarves.

Beyond the gourmand and the Goyard, there’s a sepia-toned simplicity, femininity and elegance to Paris that I can’t wait to be enveloped by.

(image via thefrenchmouse)

Superpower: The Country and its Covergirl

Neha Leela — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:42:45 +0000

Natalia Vodianova for Vogue China, April 2010 oozes feminine melodrama. Love this imagery: an intersection of playful touseledness and understated elegance.

(images via Cool e Chic )

Match.com Ad. No, not Spam.

Neha Leela — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:28:19 +0000

I thought this UK Match.com ad was so sweet, softening the stigma around online dating, with a 8MM vintage camera feel and a joshua radin + ingrid michaelson-esque duet. Granted, even rubbish in a british accent sounds romantic.

DC Covergirl

Neha Leela — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:22:45 +0000

The first lady graces the cover of one of my favorite magazines this month, conde nast traveler, as part of her continued efforts to build connection and curiousity around her new city. Decked in DVF’s della dress, she is the new posterchild of DC – modern meets classic.

(image via www.facebook.com/dvf)

Here’s To You, Mrs. Robinson (soon-to-be)

Neha Leela — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:06:08 +0000

Nothing serves as stronger impetus for me to pick up the blogging slack than wedding talk. So though I can’t promise flowery language this late in the evening, I had to share pictures of the stunning shower I just attended for my friend and Robinson-to-be, Hanna. The hostesses, her sister (Leigh from NellaPasta) and step-mother (Lisa from Nest Millerton) combined foodie and design forces to throw a grand and somewhat gluttonous afternoon party, fit for gourmands.

Of all the events leading up to the big day, I favor the showers – a time for the women in your life to gather and wish you well. I have an admiration for age-old traditions and superstitions that survive centuries: bridesmaids acting as scribes and the gift ribbons collected feverishly and creatively strung together for a motley makeshift bouquet for the day of the rehearsal. There’s something feminine, lavish and energizing about the whole thing. Even more so when its a group of wonderful, talented women, noshing on a spring spread in Lisa’s coral grass cloth (read: amazing) dining room, at a table, set with the sweetest, elephant tealights, swathed in glamorous crystal stemware and anchored with an ample array of peach roses, mandarin tulips, hydrangeas and hyacinth.

Made all the better, when you’re celebrating the absolutely happiest bride. Han – Congratulations darling, hope you had a wonderful day.

The Imperfect Pairing

Neha Leela — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:06:21 +0000

Without an ounce of a sommelier’s wisdom, I’m having a mini-wine tasting tonight. Which in reality, is a glorified name for an evening with girlfriends and an excuse for bottle of wine each.

In hindsight, I wish I’d ordered these tags from Papermash, that are so sweetly tongue in cheek and perfect for someone like myself, who orders riesling with steak and finds this completely unoffensive.

Happy Anniversary

Neha Leela — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:38:19 +0000

To my parents, who can celebrate today that many years after beginning their adventure, they are still as, if not more so, adoring and admiring of each other.

Thank you for setting a high standard.

Love, love.

P.S. More sweet notes like these, on sale at Linda & Harriet

Mid-Week Reverie

Neha Leela — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:27:49 +0000

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be.

Sicily, solo, sunning, silence.

image credit: camilla akrans

C’est la Vivienne

Neha Leela — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:07:06 +0000

A collaboration between Cole and Son Wallpapers and the bold, glam and eternally edgy, Vivienne Westwood, has me back to hoping that other fashion retailers will translate their apparel to interiors.

Though I couldn’t quite embrace the rumpled tartan plaid wall designs, I thought the cutout lace and dogtooth, derived from her signature pieces, could make just as strong of a statement in a foyer to a home as they do, while worn to make a first impression.

Dear J. Crew and Diane Von Furstenberg, My wardrobe loves you. My walls are waiting.

image credit: interiorzine

Caught on Tape: Kate Spade

Neha Leela — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:50:05 +0000

When I think of masking tape, I find it to be synonymous with childhood and crafts projects. Rebecca Ward takes that simplicity and playfulness, and adds to it with structure, dimension and pattern to create bold installations. That ensemble is without a doubt familiar to Kate Spade, whose collections without fail share a similar energy and tastefulness.

I fell in love with their collaboration on the Broome Street flagship store that transformed an already striking space into a display of happy colors and lines.

They feted on February 17th, inviting guests to peruse and play. Just flipping through party photos got me antsy for the spring… and shopping.

image credit: katespade.com