WHIRL Style /STYLE NEWS

Eclectic Esthetics

Bring nature inside with a seasonal highlight on home interiors!

Edited by Leslie Hoffman

Craig McDonald

Home

Before & After: Bringing Nature Inside

Sherri and Gary Wilson wanted to transform their contemporary light-filled Fox Chapel home into a spa-like haven referencing stone and shades of green, brown, and gray to evoke natural settings. With help from Craig McDonald, interior designer for Perlora, they achieved style nirvana. Here’s how they did it, with views of the master bedroom, great room, and bathroom.

Master Bedroom
“We used natural elements, from grass cloth wall coverings, to tigerwood trim, to slate tile walls and natural cork flooring, to give this room a warm, nestled, secluded feeling,” McDonald says.

The combination of textures and elements creates a nestled space in the bedroom.

The great room

The opposite side of the great room.

Great Room
“The main theme was to enjoy the views of the exterior, to provide ample space for entertaining, to provide furnishings to accompany a range of ages, and to have the setting be serene, functional,” McDonald says. “The room has a warm, inviting feeling with the hardwood floors, natural stone, andthe neutral painted walls, enhanced by speciality lighting.”


Bathroom
“This room also takes advantage of having multiple views of the gardens,” McDonald says. Perlora, 412.431.2220. — L.H.

The Jacuzzi looks out onto the garden.

 

 

 



Tiny Thank-you!

Civil Duty

Ever feel like spoken words were just not enough to show your appreciation? More Than Words Fine Papers suggests Civilettes, tiny note cards engraved with “Thank You” or “I Love You,” They fit into any wallet and allow you to say what you mean on the spot with lasting effect. Civilettes, packages of 10 for $6.95. More Than Words Fine Papers, 412.343.9673. — Chelsea Crocker



Counterop Culture

Take It For Granite

Molto Bella Ceramica is bringing the beauty of its hand-painted pottery to kitchen countertops with Volcanic Stone Designs, partnering with Premier Granite & Stone for design templates and installation. The process begins with quarried stone, which is then cut to size, painted, and kiln-fired, just like Molto Bella’s ceramics, so customers can get the same beauty that’s strong enough for a kitchen, says co-owner Susan Bonidie-Seman. “It’s art that doubles as a counter,” she says. About $175 per square foot. Molto Bella Ceramica, 412.682.1277. Premier Granite & Stone, 412.429.9324. PremierGranite.com. — Jacquelyn Tylka



Eau yes!

Beauty

Sultry Scents

Spritz up your summer with the new fragrance collection from Benefit: Crescent Row, inspired by homes in Bath, England, features three new scents, including woody floral “Laugh With Me Lee Lee,” oriental floral “Something About Sofia,” and woody oriental “My Place or Yours Gina.” Each eau de toilette captures the essence of a mystery woman, whimsically encapsulated in every detail of the packaging. Crescent Row eau de toilette, $36 each. Sephora. —L.H.


Real, organic beauty products


Lip Service

Highlight your best assets with glosses that aim to improve more than just your lips, with products at Everyday Esthetics Makeup and Eyebrow Studio: Dr. Kiss Satin Finish Lip Balm “is phenomenal,” says business owner Pamela Jeschonek. “It is truly the best lip balm because of its healing properties.” THINgloss, a new product from Express Effects, contains Kola nut and hoodia to help you curb cravings. Feeling a 3 p.m. trip to the vending machine? Slick on THINgloss and kiss those cravings good-bye. Plus, catch Everyday Esthetics at the annual Mensa gathering this month, July 2, where Jeschonek, a Mensa member, will present “Brains and Beauty,” a presentation on how smart women can find the best make-up palette for themselves. “Yes you can be smart and you can wear lip gloss too,” she says. Dr. Kiss Satin Finish Lip Balm, $12; THINgloss, $28. Find the products online at browcouture.com. 412.716.4825. Free shipping for WHIRL readers this month! —C.C.



Stock up on denim at Zipper Blues’ sale!

Fashion

Hot Blues

Temperatures may be rising, but prices are falling at Zipper Blues. The Mt. Lebanon boutique is moving and will be host one hot sale July 6 to August 22. Designer labels will be 40 to 90 percent off and include Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s Jeans, AG Jeans, Red Engine, 1921, Hudson, and more. Purses, jewelry, accessories, and belts will also see markdowns: “There’s nothing that’s going to be held back,” says co-owner Nancy Rohm. “And wherever we are starting over, we are starting over. We don’t want to move anything with us.” But Rohm has a warning for those braving the Blues clear out: “It’s not going to be a progressive sale, so shop early for the best deals.” Zipper Blues, 412.334.1833. — J.T.

 




Editor’s Pick!

Summer is when just one amazing piece makes a big difference to simple dresses, tees, and tanks. All the Rage rings, $15. Trendy Trousseau. — L.H.



Rikki Insana, Jessie Insana, Andrea Bigley, and Jeanie Lambert at Sorelle.

Bridal Fashion

Bridal Bliss

The cozy yet spacious Washington bridal boutique Sorelle opened on Valentine’s Day; co-owners, sisters Jeanie Lambert and Jessie Insana, will host the official grand opening event next month. For now, stop by to preview lines such as Pattis and Kristie Kelly for Disney Fairytale Weddings. Sorelle Bridal Salon, 724.206.0791. — J.T.

 


Shop With a View! Shop 412.

For Men

New With a View

Shop with a view at the new SouthSide Works location of Shop.412, the men’s urban lifestyle store now complete with tiled floors, recessed track lighting, and bay windows. Formerly located on Carson Street, owners Aaron and Christian Kinkela moved the shop because they saw the opportunity. Shop.412 constantly receives new merchandise from more than 24 labels including limited edition New Balance sneakers, 3Sixteen, Cassette, and Staple. Visit the shop’s blog for near-instantaneous updates. Shop.412, 412.586.7507. — J.T.


Geared out!

Like, Totally ‘80s

Bring out your inner ‘80s wild child with the reissues of L.A. Gear sneakers. “They have just relaunched with a series of shoes from the late ‘80s, for men and women,” says Justin Sigal, of Littles Super Shoe Store. “They are great looking and very fresh.” L.A. Gear, $75-$110. Littles Super Shoes Store, 412.521.3550. — L.H.

To purchase the rights to reprint this article, please email Jennifer Diamond.