Posts tagged ‘Newport ri Bellevue Avenue’
Interior Design Insider: Lou Lou’s Decor Nestles Well into Newport
Heads inevitably turn when a new storefront opens on Bellevue Avenue and it’s no wonder. Bellevue has been the toniest place to shop in town since ladies donned corsets, bustles and wide-brim hats. One of the newest shops to open its doors on the famed Casino Block, however, has a longtime following. Lou Lou’s Decor called Tiverton Four Corners and Portsmouth home for a combined 18 years. Now in its newest location, owner and interior designer Stacy Carlson dishes on what’s hot, what’s not, what makes our fair city so exceptional and how to refresh our living spaces to get “the Newport vibe.”
1- What inspired you to open in Newport? Newport is a thriving, busy, energetic city and we are so thrilled to have moved our store from Portsmouth to Newport. We re-located to Newport because we felt that Bellevue Avenue was the perfect location for both our retail and design presence. Our roots were based in Tiverton where we had opened our first store in 1998 in the Four Corners area. This was a wonderful location and as a recently married couple trying out the retail experience we couldn’t have been luckier than to open in Tiverton. We made many life long friendships with our loyal customers from our store there and although it became too challenging to maintain a year round presence, it will always hold special fondness in our hearts. As a result, many of our clients are from Tiverton, Little Compton (where my husband and I and three kids live) and Westport. We had 12 amazing years in Tiverton Four Corners, 6 great years in Portsmouth with the camaraderie of the other Clock Tower Square stores and we now are thrilled for the many years ahead on Bellevue. The move to Newport was a little easier knowing that our base clientele actually spends more time in Newport than Portsmouth and the majority of those that live on Aquidneck Island easily find their way to the wonderful shops on Bellevue.
2- How would you describe Newport’s “design vibe?” A combination of coastal meets chic– that is the design vibe we are going for at any rate. Not overly dripping in coastal themes but refined and complimenting the beautiful landscape that is Newport. Our clients enjoy simple elegance like that you would envision with a beautiful linen drapery trimmed with a sharp pop of contrasting color, maybe in navy, mango or chocolate. Our clients are looking for a pulled together finished product and that is what we love to deliver. We were so thrilled and grateful to have been welcomed to our new location with a fantastic holiday season. One of our most popular items has been gorgeous room diffusers and candles in a Beach House scent. These are housed in beautiful aqua seeded glass and is a cherished gift.
3-Are there any design trends we should be looking for in the coming year? The Pantone colors for 2016 are very soft pale colors. I think this will translate into other design trends. Quiet, neutral tones are classic and easy on the eye. Keeping these neutral tones as the base in your rooms will allow for a soft palette that you can expand on with subtle pops of color..
4- What advice would you give to someone looking to refresh their interior? Start with de-cluttering. We all end up with more noise in our living space than intended. A simple purge can go a long way. But there are many other things we can do to give a refreshing look to our interiors:
- Wallpaper a focal wall in one of your rooms. There are so many amazing wallpapers and adding texture and pattern will really give your room an updated feel.
- Change out your lamp shades. Simply updating a tired lampshade can go along ways to brightening up your space.
- Window treatments. Many home owners enjoy a gorgeous view and are afraid to block or interfere with their view with window treatments. However, properly installed they simply frame your view. Window treatments add that finishing detail that really completes your space.
- Fancy up your powder room. They are wonderful small rooms that you can really have fun with. Many times that are one of the few rooms that your guests really see. An interesting chandelier mirror, or paint color can make all the difference.
- Prioritize. Typically we can’t do all of our rooms at once. Pick which one you really want to focus on and go to town! You will be so thrilled with the transformation that it will spur you to move on to the next room.
Visit Lou Lou’s Decor at 202 Bellevue Avenue, online at loulousdecor.com or follow them on Facebook.
Angela Moore Fashion Show & Champagne Breakfast at Rosecliff: See the Chic Styles by the Sea!
Carolyn Van Petten wearing a Claudia Nichole cashmere poncho with a beaded Moyna bag and Jack Rogers heels.
More than 200 stylish ladies (and a few dapper dudes) turned out for the 15th annual Angela Moore Champagne Brunch Fashion Show held for the first time at Rosecliff. Upon entering via the red carpet, guests took in a special one-day exhibit, Newport Style, From Luxury to Every Day which featured outfits from the Preservation Society costume archives and represents how fashion has evolved through the ages. A vintage Oscar De La Renta gown wowed guests, while a vintage New York Yacht Club ensemble captured the nautical style that is a signature part of Newport tradition. Guests then proceeded to the fabulous loggia terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean for mimosas and summer drinks.
The show began with raffles generously donated by The Spa at Newport Marriott, The Preservation Society Museum Shops and autographed books from four talented Newport authors, each of whom has debuted a book this year. These ladies were invited to the stage by Angela to introduce their books: Bettie Pardee’s Living Newport, Annie Sherman’s Legendary Locals of Newport, Gail Alofsin’s Your Someday is Now and Naomi Neville’s Gracious Living.
Here’s just some of the fabulous looks (styles were shared in real time on Newport Stylephile’s Instagram and Facebook sites–are you following?)
2014 Miss Rhode Island, Ivy Depew, on left, 2013 Miss Rhode Island, Jessica Marfeo, in center, Miss Rhode Island 2007, Ashley (Bickford) Karger on right, all wearing Barbara Gerwit maxi dresses. Peter Carrellas, Justin Goff and Gavin Megley are in the background along with Angela Moore.
Susan Noel wearing a Kokomo dress escorted by Gary Moore.
WPRI reporter Susan Hogan wearing a Taylor dress while Angela interviews WPRI news anchor Patrick Little, wearing an Angela Moore tie.
2013 Miss Rhode Island Jessica Marfeo, 2014 Miss Rhode Island Ivy Depew and 2007 Miss Rhode Island Ashley (Bickford) Karger wearing Two Bees Cashmere. Sam Alofsin, Peter Carrellas and Gavin Megley wearing J. Mclaughlin.
Returning model Karen Megley wearing a Claudia Nichole poncho, a Mellow World bag and Angela Moore jewelry. Karen’s daughter is also in the background outfitted by the Groovy Gator.
Carolyn Van Petten wearing Manuel Canovas Paris Swimwear and an Onigo hat.
All photos by John Corbett
Brahmin & Pandora Sales!
It’s Brahmin Tent Sale time! Today through Sunday, Brahmin’s Fairhaven, MA outlet pops up a huge tent filled with handbags up to 75% off. I checked it out last year and there were some amazing bags, and equally entertaining to see ladies with stacks of handbags hanging from their arms! (The outlet is located at 77 Alden Rd., Fairhaven, MA, 02719. Sale hours are today and tomorrow 9-6, Sunday Sept. 16 10-5pm.)
Closer to home, Jason & Co. on Thames Street is having a Pandora event today through Sunday. Receive a Pandora clasp bracelet (a $65 value) with your purchase of $100 or more of Pandora jewelry. Jason & Co. is located at 182 Thames Street.
Blazers of Glory
As the sun begins to set just a little bit earlier and the mornings grow increasingly cooler, hints of fall are evident throughout Newport, and while the blue blazer (for him and her) is stylish here any time of year, right now it’s just about ideal. Styled with rolled up sleeves to show just a swathe of sassy lining, buttoned up for a more conservative take or combined with layers, it’s the perfect polished go-to. I spotted some excellent blazers, in blue as well as other colors and patterns, for him at The Narragansett and Michael Hayes, for her at J. Crew and for both at Closet Revival, Banana Republic (below) and Brooks Brothers Country Club store.
Stuck in the Middle…
Even though the calendar says there are more than two weeks of summer ahead, this past holiday weekend marked the unofficial end of Newport’s busiest season. It leaves fashionistas in a style limbo of sorts—crisp, white linen pants seem a thing of the past but the 
cowl neck sweaters and woolen tights are still tucked neatly in storage.
Don’t despair—knee-high boot time is near. Until then, summer dresses with jewel tone color palates can enjoy an extended shelf life when layered with a cardigan and lighter tops can be paired with darker denim. Also look to transition with accessories. Cross-body bags are a huge fall trend, channeling the structured styles of decades ago. I’ve spotted plenty in Newport’s boutiques (like J. McLaughlin and some gently used designer bags at Wish) as well as at the local TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. (The cross-body above is from J. Crew.)
STYLEPHILE READERS: Apologies for the delayed post–there were a few technical issues over the weekend!
Alexa Chung, Emma Stone and Kristen Bell sporting crossbody bags. (Credit: MTV.com). Pictured top left: J. McLaughlin Sloane crossbody bag, originally $228, on sale right now for $69.90. CLICK HERE.)
Fall Shoe Preview!
Collecting a half dozen pairs of shoes for this morning’s Rhode Show gave me an exciting preview of some sassy shoes for great fall looks. I found (and featured) the Persia Tied Mary Jane dress shoes with metallic reptile-embossed leather at Rockport, which is also having an amazing sale right now. The style also comes in beet, all black, black with gold trim, nude and leopard, and all feature adidas adiPRENE® shock absorbing technology, so they’re 4” high but altogether comfortable ($140).
The Presia Zip Shootie by Rockport in leopard also promises to be one of the line’s most popular this season, and it’s easy to see why (also comes in black with gold trim):
There’s also a ton of edgy boots including the Tundra boot by Matt Bernson from Michael Hayes in Newport:
See these and a few more fall shoes on this morning’s Rhode Show!
Voyage: American-Made Nautical Goods
Nautical rope accessories have long been ubiquitous in Newport—belts, bracelets, key chains, dog leashes, 
trivets, placemats (try Scrimshanders for the latter two)—and new designs seems to pop up all the time. I found hand-crafted Voyage rope bracelets at Aqua on lower Thames, colorful pieces using premium marine rope. Manufactured in New England and launched in 2011, the bracelets (they also make belts, dog leashes and key fobs) have an inspiring story you can read about here. With a portion of Voyage profits donated to ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease charities, the line is fashionable and philanthropical all at once. Pieces range from $8-$68.
Voyage bracelets can be found at Aqua, located at 468 Thames Street in Newport.
“Is there anything more thrilling than a new frock?” -Lady Sybil … Downton Abbey Returns
If you’re a sucker for period dramas, eyebrow-raising aristocratic behavior and jaw-dropping Edwardian-era costumes (Spanx ain’t got nothing on a good corset!), and haven’t been watching PBS’ Downton Abbey, it’s time to get on board with the British series that has won viewers around the world (its of the most successful shows in “Masterpiece” history). The plot revolves around the patrician Crawley family (which includes their three beautiful and deliciously drama-filled daughters) and their servants–both social sets have their own heaping of oh-no-he/she-didn’t! moments.
I was late to the party on watching Downton when the series first aired, but caught
up online by watching it here (free). Now I’m all caught up and will be watching (perhaps with a Pimm’s Cup?) tonight when season two debuts in the throes of World War I.
It’s not hard to imagine that the fashions donned by Newport’s robber baron families who summered in their Bellevue Avenue mansions during the era dressed much differently. Rosecliff’s Tessie Oelrichs was known for her lavish parties at the mansion, which is why she had commissioned the largest ballroom in Newport when working with architect Stanford White (one party’s guest list included famed magician Harry Houdini). In fact, Downton begins with the announcement of the Titanic disaster, and the sorrowful lost of family friend John Jacob Astor IV who went down with the ship (and was the son of “The Mrs. Astor” of Newport’s Astors’ Beechwood mansion). Click here for a recent Q&A with the series costume designer, Susannah Buxton, from the Wall Street Journal.
Downton Abbey’s Season 2 returns tonight on PBS at 9pm. Here is a glimpse of the fashion seen in season one. What’s your favorite Downton look?
