What Does Boston Mean To You?

Last night I attended a fabulous Christofle event celebrating the opening of their store on Boylston Street. Positioned across from Boston Common and in between the eye-catching turquoise canopies that provide entry for some of the most luxurious boutiques Boston has to offer, Christofle is certainly one store you don't want to miss. Upon entering, I was met with a stunning collection of sterling silver jewelry, flatware, serving platters, and an assortment of decadent home accessories that would add Parisian elegance to any space. The event was complete with a number of charismatic guests and a brilliantly designed champagne cooler at the center of it all.

One of the guests I spoke with plans to launch a magazine that hones in on Boston's high-end fashion for women to remind out-of-towners that the city is known for more than our sports teams and historic streets. Between the loyal Red Sox fans and our distinguished Freedom Trail tours, high-end fashion appears to be an afterthought which is why I'm dedicating this post to highlighting some of the luxurious places I've come across while living here. Maintaining it's historic charm, Boston has managed to produce a number of wonderful boutiques along the sidewalks of Beacon Hill, Newbury Street, and the North End, among others, for all visitors to enjoy!

Modern Electronics You Can’t Live Without

When it comes down to it, Apple certainly takes the cake in terms of dishing out the latest in fashionable, high-tech, and user-friendly electronics which is what makes their products so irresistible. While I can’t say that I’ve already made the switch over to a Mac, I can certainly vouch for its incredible features and inspirational design after testing them out in the past. If the Mac's ability to help unleash your creative ideas isn’t enough reason for you to protect this hot commodity, then perhaps the price tag will motivate you to invest in a protective case for you to use in your travels. Now’s your chance as men’s fashion blog, kiD GQ is holding a giveaway for a brown leather laptop case that is perfect for a MacBook Pro or PowerBook model.

PUMA City Established in Boston

Seeing as how Boston is in the middle of a couple of very exciting playoff games, I thought it would be best to bring up a sports related modern design idea that has graced our historic streets over the past couple of weeks. PUMA is taking a similar branding approach to Chanel’s Contemporary Art Container by bringing buzzworthy architecture to a number of locations across the world. While setting up this campaign, the new PUMA Sailing Collection is being promoted alongside the Volvo Ocean Race that started in September of last year. Until May 16th, Boston will be hosting Puma’s 11,000 square-foot structure which is constructed of twenty-four steel shipping containers and includes a retail store, bar, and hardwood dance floor, making this the hottest event venue of the year!

Spring Cleaning Around the Home

There’s something about the warm air during the April months that puts me in the mood to clean or change my apartment around. A new look for our home always feels like it’s in order after months of winter hibernation which is why an email I received about home renovations really struck me. Living on 112, The Martha Stewart Living Radio Blog introduced me to a series of blog and radio segments dedicated to how a friend of MSL Radio, Brent Ridge, incorporated the Eight Step Home Cure by Apartment Therapy’s Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan in the renovation of his home. Take a look at the Flickr slideshow here.

While keeping this fabulous and creative renovation in mind, MSL Radio has decided to feature four radio segments on Monday mornings in April at 10am EST on the Whole Living channel (Sirius 112 and XM 157). While Brent Ridge’s home improvement appears to be a drastic change in design and style, don’t feel pressured to think that you have to tear down your existing space to get the look you want. Whole Living’s radio segments will feature ways to optimize the appearance of your furniture and décor while keeping the welcoming charm your home is known for. Keeping a balance of style and comfort is one goal we should all be after during this spring season’s home restoration.

Kartell Optic Storage Solutions

If there’s one item my apartment could use more of it would be storage. With the amount of miscellaneous stuff I have laying around here and there, it would be nice to be able to put it all in the proper place and have it miraculously stay there to keep my space organized. Since one of my New Year’s resolutions was to be more organized, I felt it was the perfect time to evaluate my progress after 2009’s first quarter.

Luckily, I ran across Kartell’s Optic storage container that is mesmerizing and quite unique! Who knew that storage could be so exciting? Well, that’s Kartell for you – taking ordinary everyday items and making them into works of art that not only function well but also make our homes stylish and fun. Optic resembles a decorative gem with its PMMA glossy construction and is sure to enhance any room in your home.

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS

One of my favorite aspects of the design world is when talented artists and designers come together to put on an event for a cause and DIFFA is the perfect example for just that. The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is launching their 12th National Tour of DINING BY DESIGN tomorrow in New York City where thousands of supporters will come together to enjoy the breathtaking installations that the top photographers, architects, fashion, consumer product, and interior designers have put together for this amazing event.

Founders Patricia Green and Larry Pond started this organization in 1984 and since then DIFFA has granted millions of dollars to hundreds of HIV/AIDS focused groups that engage in preventive education, patient treatment, and public policy. On top of supporting a great cause, this gives supporters a great opportunity to experience a collection of fine design that is appreciated by everyone. Here's a peek from last year's event - I'll be sure to write up an updated post with designs from 2009!

Herman Miller® Embody Chair: The Object of Desire

Working behind a desk eight hours each day in an enclosed space certainly is no vacation. However, there are many things we can add to revamp our space to create an exciting environment, one that motivates us through the sleep deprived mornings and post-lunch afternoons. I can definitely be put into the dull workspace category. Right now I’m working with a thirsty bamboo plant and a plug-in “aquarium” that includes a print of tropical fish with a coral reef backdrop.

Now that I’ve shared my poor excuse for a workspace, let’s get to the good stuff. The office chair you sit on can really make or break your day in terms of mood and work performance. Herman Miller’s incredible addition to their office chair collection will inspire you to get started on the task at hand. The Embody office chair is definitely an inspirational piece and we couldn’t ask for anything more in a tight fitting office space!