Margaret Russell at the Boston Design Center

I have just returned from the BDC where I attended a seminar by Margaret Russell.  For those of you who don't know who that is, Margaret, is the editor of Elle Decor mag and one of the judges on Bravo TV's Top Design (not to be confused with HGTV's Design Star).    She is one of most influential individuals in the design world today.  As usual, I have a not so flattering pic of myself with her.  Seriously, do they have classes on how to pose?  Why does my neck look like it is the size of a freaking linebacker?  Notice she is sticking hers out.  She clearly knows what she is doing... I do not.  I know Margaret is tiny, but I look hulking.  She is itty bitty.  I'm 5' 4" (okay 5'3 5/8") and had on 5 inch heels.  Yes, people, 5 inches.  Yes, I can work in them all day,  and yes, they have a platform (long live the platform).  I dread the day those go out of style.  Look, it is the fastest way to lose ten pounds.  

 

I digress.  I also met of couple local designer/bloggers, Linda Merrill with Surroundings and The Skirted Roundtable and Erin Gates from Elements of Style.  Erin and I shared a little scandal last fall.  A "design company" on the west coast took pics of our work and put it in their portfolio. They even added their watermark to the photos.  A blog reader of mine alerted me, and when I saw Erin's work, I notified her.  Gutsy huh? The situation was quickly rectified with some strongly worded correspondence.  Erin and I had never met before today.  It is funny to recognize people from their pics. 

Margaret also signed books.  I already had her newest Style and Substance and had it signed at market last fall.  This time I purchased So Chic.  Here are two of my favorite spaces from the books.

This one is Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's Bridgehampton, NY home.

This one is James Mischka and Mark Badgley's Manhattan pad.

 
  I love all of JM and MB's homes that have been featured in Elle Decor.  They are some of my absolute favorite interiors ever.  The Kentucky home is beyond beyond.  Could it be the Black and White?  I just bought some Badgley Mischka shoes that I haven't even had a chance to wear.  Okay, the BM love fest is over.   Someone please tell me how to take a picture.  Enough already. 

Comments

[Linda Merrill]

Hi Kristin - so nice meeting you today. And, you look lovely next to Margaret, but I was noticing the same thing. She holds her head a certain way that I have to keep in mind. She is fabulous.

ps - I may be beaten you to posting my pic on facebook, but you beat me to the blogging punch!

[Paula Grace]

You're silly! Your picture is fine. I love those interiors too. I have used the second pic on my blog. Love it!! The little black dress lives on!!
Paula Grace ~

[Dream Mom]

Your picture looks great! Eyes open, which is good!

Hats off to you for 5 inch heels! I think 4.5 inches was the highest I ever had although I am tall to begin with so no point going over 4 really (I am almost 5'7 3/4" and yet I say I am 5'8".) I can't walk in platforms though-I seem to trip. Not very ladylike.

Sorry to hear about your "scandal". I had a fellow blogger that started plagarizing my blog posts-just a sentence here or there and finally I started calling him on it. But a watermark, seriously, did they think you wouldn't find out?

LOVE BM, especially their dresses. I always say if I ever get married again, I'd love to have them design the gown. I always love their gowns at the Oscars. I'll have to check out there shoes. Love the Manhattan
pad.

Oh and please, post the BM shoes. Can't wait to see them.

[Danielleraeengland]

You look great. That said I know how you feel. I always feel like I should have posed better. You inspired me to look up ways to pose like a star. Here's what I found:
Secret No. 1: Turn partially sideways to the camera, planting one foot in front of the other. Point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot.

Secret No. 2: Pull head forward slightly to minimize any appearance of a double chin.

Secret No. 3: Hold arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out and therefore appearing flabbier (much like thighs do when one sits on a couch).

Secret No. 4: Pull shoulders back, chest forward and gently suck stomach in. Be careful not to suck stomach so far in that your ribs show, thereby causing those who later see the photo to cluck to themselves in a bemused, sing-song voice, "She's sucking in."

Secret No. 5: If you can get away with it without looking like a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Girl wannabe, try the look away trick. To do this, look away from the camera, then turn towards it, breaking into a smile just before the camera clicks. Your smile will appear fresh, not frozen. This trick takes practice behind closed, locked doors.

[Kristin@Bouelvard Interior Design]

Oh, that is great. I'm going to have to try this. I'll post the results. Thanks for the research.