style – Courtney Cachet

Posts Tagged ‘style’

STYLE FILES: Hotel Le Negresco’s Been Redecorating!

October 12, 2016

The iconic Hotel, Le Negresco, has stood elegantly at the helm of luxury in Nice for over one hundred years. But, like everything in France, even the historic must also be current. So, it comes as no surprise that there is a room by room renovation underway and no detail has been spared. Each room is designed and renovated individually in order to create unique spaces, brimming with art and interior design in a blend of contemporary and classic styles. They are a lesson in glamour and timeless sophistication.

Some of most innovative new arrivals: The Street Art room with its wall hangings designed by Pierre Frey and The Médicis decked out in Renaissance style.

The Street Art Room

The Médicis Room

These newly redesigned spaces are just the beginning of the complete renovation of the left side known as, “l’Aile Gauche Rivoli” on the 1st floor. I can’t wait to see each one as they are completed. I’ll let you know when the next style packed room is finished!

Bisous,
Courtney

Bogotá Is So Fabulous It Needs Two Four Seasons Hotels

January 14, 2016

Ah, Colombia. The days where international travelers were advised not to travel here are, at long last, finally over. As a result, the capital city of Bogotá has emerged in full glory as one of the jewels of South America. Filled with luxury shopping, beautiful people and charming mercados, a second Four Seasons Property seems quite fitting.

The new Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá is modern, sleek, stylish and perfectly situated in the uber-chic Zona T neighborhood. Dust off your Vuitton valises, because come April the former Hotel Charleston is set to open joining The Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, as the brand’s second location in the city.

General Manager Luis Argote, a Colombian native, couldn’t be more enthusiastic, “While each Four Seasons hotel is as unique as its place and its people, the common thread throughout is a passion for quality and signature Four Seasons service that makes every visit memorable.”

If you’ve ever stayed at any Four Seasons property, you know ALL stays with them are memorable.

The Lauren Rotett designed rooms – almost half of which are suites-include custom-made beds, wooden paneling and pale wood flooring.The entire hotel has been remodeled from bathrooms to technological details, with nary a detail spared.

The spa, complete with Beauty Editor’s French favorite, Biologique Recherche, surely won’t disappoint guests seeking some pampering after a day of shopping or sightseeing. If you indulged in one too many arepas (how can you not?) there’s a Matrix equipment stocked fitness center. FYI, Juanes, Carlos Vives and Shakira make for a great running playlist, trust me! Once you see all the perfect bodies walking around Colombia, I’m pretty sure you’ll be motivated to hit the gym hard. And if nipping and tucking is your thing, Colombia has some of the best plastic surgeons in the world. Beauty is paramount in this country and plastic surgery is de rigeur for women (and men) alike.

After all that hip shaking at the gym and Googling “best plastic surgeons in Bogotá”-
(let’s be real here), make sure you check out Kuru, Four Seasons Japanese robata dining spot on property. In true Four Seasons style, the restaurant design is stunning, with a two-story glass façade facing Bogota’s gastro-chic, Carrera 13. In true Latin American style, The Four Seasons created a space that encourages staying awhile.
As Argote puts it, “We wanted to create a light-filled space that could offer multiple options for guests to dine, drink and enjoy time with friends and colleagues.”

In the expansive open kitchen, Executive Chef Pablo Peñalosa and his team will prepare selections of shareable sashimi and temaki from the sushi bar as well as more substantial dishes on the charcoal robata grill. Robata is always a treat, but I’m sure diners will enjoy a few “tocas Colombianas” here and there. It’s a Colombian thing. More memorable to local Colombians is Biblioteca, a one time power breakfast spot in the former Charleston Hotel space. It’s coming back, with a new glass wall opening up to a live green wall, and an incredible 40-plus-foot beaded installation inspired by indigenous motifs providing a colourful backdrop to Chef Pablo’s menu. Another touch of Colombian pride, however slight. The hotel lobby area sits between the two restaurants and is the perfect meeting spot with ample comfortable velvet couches and chic loungey vibe. Aguardiente or café?

Breakfast at Biblioteca

Colombians also speak what I consider as the most beautiful version of the Spanish language. They have a neutral accent with a pretty, sing-songy type rhythm which is easy for non-native Spanish speakers to understand. They are warm, friendly people who love to have a good time and love all that is fine in life. The Four Seasons couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

In celebration of its grand opening, Four Seasons Hotel Bogota is offering the Experience More package, which includes a USD 100 hotel credit. For Hotel reservations, call 57 (1) 325 7900 or book online. For restaurant reservations at Kuru, call 57 (1) 325 7900.

How To Freshen Up Your Home For Spring And Not Be A Hot Mess

April 8, 2015

I don’t know about you, but I am over the warm and cozy look I’ve been living with since October. I’m yearning for some springtime vibes and I bet you are, too! Not to fret, there are a few fabulous-and surprisingly affordable moves you can make in your home that can easily transition it to spring. The key is to do one simple thing in every room.

The Kitchen: Paint

The kitchen is the room in the house that needs to be painted the most often. It gets a lot of use and traffic and a fresh coat of paint works wonders in there! Why not go for something cool and current? Last week, I painted the upper half of one of my kitchen walls with Sherwin-Williams Chalkboard Paint. I’m adding a chair rail and lots of empty white frames for a chic add-on. This way, I can write messages inside the frames and also adding a little color to a black wall. The chalkboard paint looks cool, while the white frames look fresh.
http://www.sherwinwilliams.com
Cost: Under $100
Skill Level: You can totally do this

Foyer: Lighting

Whether you live in an apartment or a grand home, we all have something that qualifies as an entryway. Usually, there is some sort of overhead light and it’s usually awful. If you rent, it’s almost always some $20 horror. For under $100, you can change it to something fabulous and chic and won’t make anyone feel like they’re at the doctor’s office upon entering your abode. If you rent, just put the old one away in a closet and switch it back before you move. Stay away from super bright lights and check the clearance on your door. For example, in my home I had to get a flush mount or the door would hit it. Lamps Plus has a ton of options that are affordable and come in every possible design style. Added bonus, they have a ton of home decor, too! Who new?
http://www.lampsplus.com
Cost: Varies, but under $100 is very doable
Skill Level: Get someone to do this for you unless you’re an electrician

Living Room: Modular Carpeting

Living Rooms are where you almost always need to drop the most cash, that’s a fact. Your biggest pieces are there… sofas, tables, electronics, etc. Most of us don’t change sofas yearly, but how can you get a fresh look without cashing out your 401K? Easy, carpeting. Area rugs are one of my favorite ways to do quick change ups, but Flor carpet tiles have some fashion forward designs that are well priced and a cinch to use. The real kicker is the replaceability factor. They come in “tiles” that you piece together so when you drop a glass of Brunello, it’s not disastrous. You just replace that one tile. For me, with two kids under the age of six, it’s the answer to my Type A prayers! Also great for anyone with pets or just a high traffic household. Check out my faves, Mod Cow and Hey Jack for big punches of style.
http://www.Flor.com
Cost: Varies
Skill Level: Everyone, including a 12-year-old

Bedroom & Bathroom: Linens

In the winter, we tend to bust out the down comforter or over-stuffed duvet. They keep us toasty, but become unnecessary in spring and summer and just look a little out of place. I like to switch them out with lighter coverlets and cotton blankets for a fresh look. This also gives you the opportunity to change up the style a bit. Tired of that Chevron look yet? I hear you! Why not try a bright floral or fun color block look? New towels and shower curtains are also super easy ways to update a bathroom in a minute. Besides, old towels are kind of gross and nobody wants to use your eye makeup or bleach stained linens when they use your bathroom. Keep your eyes peeled for a good white sale and always check online at places like HSN, Horchow and One Kings Lane for high end items at discounted prices.
Cost: $200 and up
No skills necessary

Anywhere: Statement Mirror

I love mirrors for several reasons. First, they are a stylish answer for awkward wall space. Plus, they come in a gazillion design styles and are super affordable. Additionally, when hung adjacent to a window, they reflect the light and scenery of the view. Your room will feel instantly bigger and brighter. I do this in almost every NYC apartment I decorate. You can find mirrors everywhere from Home Goods to flea markets and everywhere in between. If you want to isolate a specific design, go online and you are sure to find everything from chic chinoiserie to grand Venetian mirrors at large sites like Wayfair.com. They enable you to carve out your style, budget and color very easily and there’s often free shipping. Make sure to check weights of mirrors. A lot of walls can’t hold up some mega-weighty mirrors and then it starts getting complicated. Go for the lighter options whenever possible.
http://www.wayfair.com
Cost: $50 and up
Skill Level: Can you hammer a nail?

I can almost smell the freshly cut grass already.

Check your local TV listings for more of celebrity designer, Courtney Cachet’s gift guides, style ideas and tips. You can catch her frequent appearances nationwide on TV and online, where she dishes out all the latest in all things fab for your home and lifestyle! Keep up with her on http://www.courtneycachet.com or Facebook and join the conversation!

Four Kind Of Amazing Hotel Amenities & A Great Weekend Entertaining Idea!

June 22, 2012

This has been a great week. At the end of great weeks, I always think about two things: Vacations and celebrations. Plus, I’m always trolling for all the latest/chicest must haves and most do’s! That said, I thought I’d share a few random, but very cool things with you today. Perhaps you’re planning a summer vacation or staycation? I do both with equal enthusiasm.

First, check out what’s new in some hotels these days. They are really pulling out all the stops when it comes to amenities and out of the box experiences..

“What’s On Your Life List?” The Four Seasons wants to know!

Apparently, travelers want more than luxurious accommodations and high quality meals. They want to spend their days having unforgettable experiences to check off items on their “life list.” One of my top go to hotel brands, Four Seasons is celebrating these travelers by launching World of Wonder, which highlights the unforgettable experiences around the world offered by several Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

These one-of-a-kind experiences promise to showcase the best each property has to offer and vary from assisting on an excavation of an ancient archaeological site in Beirut to cooking alongside a celebrity chef in Las Vegas. Um, hello! Sign Mama up!

The buck stops at Chicago’s Waldorf Astoria!

At this uber-chic property, they have a strict no tipping policy. A move that breaks with standard practices across the high-end and luxury hotel market, the hotel adopted this policy when it opened its doors in December 2009 as the Elysian and has maintained it throughout the hotel’s transition to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. That’s kind of cool for us, isn’t it?

Bagpipes at Sunset in Sea Island

After a day of blowing off steam at Georgia’s Sea Island shooting school or playing one of the three championship golf courses, guests can relax in one of the Adirondack chairs on the porch of The Lodge and enjoy the sounds of the resort’s resident bagpiper, who plays on the golf course every day at sundown. Sounds fabulously sublime to me!

Leave the Workout Gear at Home with Westin

With workout gear taking up about half of the space in a carry-on, Westin Hotels And Resorts makes it so that guests can leave their bulky sneakers behind. For $5, guests can get an entire New Balance outfit – from a sports bra to shoes – delivered to their room as part of an exclusive gear-lending partnership with New Balance. How cool is that? No stinky gym clothes int he returning suitcase either is an added bonus!

Ok, time to party!

Haru Sushi’s Watermelon Fizz: Haru, one of my fave NY sushi spots, spiked everyone’s favorite summer fruit with Tequila! Around 100 calories, this cocktail will keep your bikini body in check, without sacrificing any flavor or punch. Photo credit Haru http://www.HaruSushi.com

Recipe:

Ingredients: 1 oz. Tequila, 3 oz. Watermelon, .1 oz. simple syrup, .1 oz soda water, 5 cilantro pieces, a squeeze of lime, and 1 bamboo spike.

Instructions: Muddle watermelon with cilantro leaves. Add ice, simple syrup, and tequila. Shake vigorously and pour all contents into a rocks glass. Garnish with a piece of watermelon in a bamboo spike. I die! So fresh and delicious and perfect for casual weekend entertaining!

Fab Serving Tip: Instead of a traditional pitcher, carve out the inside of a watermelon until it’s hollow inside. Drill a small hole near the bottom of the melon that is large enough to fit a keg shank and faucet, but small enough to let any of the cocktail drip out of it. Once the watermelon is hollow and the keg shank is attached, fill the watermelon with Haru Sushi’s Watermelon Fizz, allowing the sides of the watermelon to give your cocktail extra flavor. Don’t forget to save the inside of the watermelon for dessert! You can buy the thingamajig at Keg Works. Photo pulled from Pinterest/FoodNetwork

Enjoy your weekend!

Courtney