CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

This Just In: Hygge & West Online Shop Opens

casasugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:00:54 -0800

Christiana Coop, one of the masterminds behind Ferm Living, just sent me an email announcing the opening of her online shop, Hygge & West, which she's launched with good friends Aimee, Cheng-Ling, Vivi-Ann, and Ola, who you can read about on the site.

If you're wondering how to pronounce "hygge," and what the heck it even means, fear not: all is revealed when you

This Just In: SF Woman Wins Ugly Couch Contest

casasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:45:12 -0800

After over 10 years of living with her worn, outdated, '70s sofa, four years of determined contest entry, and 6,400 votes in her favor, San Francisco resident Julie Lee has been named the owner of America's ugliest couch, winning a $5,000 living room makeover designed by HGTV's Kim Myles. For the past four years, Lee has entered Sure Fit's Ugly Couch Contest, and now, her effort has paid off.

To hear what Lee has to say about her living room makeover plans, as well as to tell me about your own ugly couch experiences,

Christina Aguilera Takes Her Price Tag Down a Note

casasugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:44:35 -0800

Back in April, I let you know that Christina Aguilera and husband Jordan Bratman were preparing to ditch their Steve Hermann-designed Hollywood Hills digs, if a doting buyer were willing to part with a cool $8 million. Well, according to Real Estalker, the couple has flown the coop, but are still sitting on the unsold property. While they've moved into the Osbournes' former abode, their Hermann-designed home, like many houses around the country, remains unsold. So, the couple has decided to chop a little over one million smackers off the asking price, bringing it down to $6.9 million. Ouch, right? Well, actually Aguilera paid $5 million for the property back in '03, so she'll still be making a nice couple mil. on the property — if it sells at this price. And the price was likely inflated to begin with, considering its couture Steve Hermann label. Check out more details and lots of photos of the digs in my previous post.
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This Just In: Write a CB2 Review, Win Big

casasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:30:53 -0800

A little bird just told me about a great opportunity to win a $1,000 CB2 Shop Card.. I'm a CB2 fan, and if you've stepped into one of their stores, and noted the quality of their goods, I bet you're one too.

To find out how to enter to win a $1,000 CB2 gift card,

This Just In: Natalie Portman Is Homeless

casasugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:30:47 -0800

Natalie Portman recently stopped by The Late Show With Dave Letterman and admitted to being homeless. Apparently, after she sold her West Village condo in October, she moved back to her parents' home in Long Island, where she'll camp out until she finds a new place. She said, "I'm a Long Island girl. Yeah, I just went and voted out there because I'm homeless right now and residing with my parents." Here are the pros and cons of living with your 'rents, according to Natalie:

Pros: It seems like a lot of fun in the beginning: "You get like . . . good meals, your laundry done."
Cons: "It's rough. I'm old to be residing with the parents." And, they scream at her: "They're like, 'Get a job!'"

Well, Miss Natalie may be homeless, but at least she has $6 million to keep her warm this Winter.

This Just In: O at Home Folds

casasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:00:30 -0800

Oprah Winfrey's shelter magazine, O at Home has folded, according to a Hearst press release. The publication's content will be consolidated back into its flagship, The Oprah Magazine, under Editor in Chief Susan Reed. The last issue, Winter 2008, will hit newsstands Nov. 25. Former editor in chief of O at Home, Sarah Gray Miller, has been named the editor in chief of Country Living magazine. Sadly, another shelter magazine bites the dust. Clearly, Wall Street isn't the only one suffering these days.
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This Just In: Hayden Panettiere Buys a House to Cheer About

casasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0800

Hayden Panettiere, better known as Claire Bennet the cheerleader who cannot die on NBC's Heroes, has taken time out from saving the whales to drop $2.635 million on a house in Los Angeles, according to Real Estalker.

The teenage Panettiere, who'll turn 20 next year, has room to grow in the 3,120-square-foot, three-bedroom, thee-bath house, which was constructed in 1962. The house, which is definitely modern in look and feel, features floor-to-ceiling windows, an open, loft-style layout, a newly renovated kitchen, a swimming pool, a stone fireplace, and a large deck, perfect for entertaining (or throwing huge parties).

To see interior photos of the house,

This Just In: Nicolas Cage Folds

casasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:30:34 -0800

Serial real estate snatcher Nicolas Cage has listed his 45-acre undeveloped property in the Exuma Island Chain of the Bahamas for $7 million, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

This exceptional private island is quite simply one of the most beautiful islands in the Exumas. Easily accessed, the island is located between Lee Stocking Island and Norman’s Pond Cay and near to all amenities. This splendid 45-acre island enjoys beautiful beaches on the northeast side, a sandy beach with a well-protected cove on the western tip, and glistening crystalline waters. Excellent fishing and sheltered anchorage.

I don't know what the heck is going on with Cage's financial situation, but something is up. Cage has listed four properties since July alone, this one making the total five. Considering that Bangkok Dangerous's meek earnings barely cover the cost of this property, maybe Cage's hairline isn't the only thing that's receding.
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This Just In: Nicolas Cage Lists Two New Orleans Properties

casasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:30:36 -0800

Prolific real estate investor Nicolas Cage is on the loose on a wild selling spree. Cage has already put his Las Vegas, Bel-Air, and Rhode Island properties on the market, and today we have news that he's listed his two properties in New Orleans. According to WDSU and Real Estalker, Cage has listed his historical property (shown right) in New Orleans's French Quarter, the most haunted home in the neighborhood, in addition to a Garden District mansion. The haunted home, known as the LaLaurie House (which I wrote about here), is listed for $3.9 million, $400,000 more than he paid for it in April 2007. To hear about the other property and see photos,

This Just In: Meg Ryan Publicly Lists Her Bel-Air Home

casasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:28:17 -0700

Meg Ryan has publicly listed her six-bedroom, seven-bath Bel-Air home for the tune of $19.5 million, according to Big Time. The property has been informally on the market as a "pocket listing" for some time, and has been shown to a slew of celebs including the Beckhams and Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, but the price was never right. The listing for the Holmby Hills-area Spanish-style compound reads:

Truly enchanting and romantic. A gated and private drive is the approach to this 1931 restored Spanish compound. Features include: double story stenciled beamed LR, a bar "a la" 1930's Los Angeles, Frml DR and superb Cook's kitchen; All rooms open to and overlook the 180o vu of the city. Incredibly pvt knoll setting with Pool and full GH. Family/Guest BRs have en suite baths & Mstr is separate and Exquisite! A Screening room w/separate entrance.

I'm dying to see the interior, but unfortunately there are no photos. The exterior is breathtaking though, and looks straight out of a scene from Under the Tuscan Sun (come on, you all know you loved it). Check out more exterior photos when you

This Just In: Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott Are on the Move

casasugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:45:08 -0700

Not long after Tori Spelling listed her Westwood digs, she and husband Dean McDermott have purchased a 6,718-square-foot, 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath manse in Encino, California for nearly $2.5 million, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

Sophisticated inviting entertainer's floor plan. Dramatic 2 stry formal entry, richly appointed cstm finishes, french drs, 4 frplcs, over sized common rms, wood & stone flring, dining rm w/ silver leaf coffered clngs, study, office, gourmet eat-in cntr isl kit w/ Thermador, Bosch, & SubZero apls. Amazing mstr ste w/ sitting area, blcny, frplc, spa tub & multi-head shwr. Landscaped grnds w/ lanai, bbq, pool/spa & putting green.

I'm not loving the Tuscan-style exterior, but I think some lush landscaping could give it a facelift. The interior is impressive, though; the intricate parquet flooring is really eye-catching, the built-in bookcases and kitchen cabinets are beautiful and classic, and the sweeping foyer staircase is quite cinematic. I'm actually really drawn to the living room (above); I love the juxtaposition of the traditional, borderline waspy, navy and neutral palette used with clean-lined, modern furnishings. To see more interior and exterior photos,

This Just In: Halle Berry & Her Man Buy Canadian Country Crib

casasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:00:37 -0700

Rumor has it, according to Real Estalker, that Halle Berry and her Canadian native model man, Gabriel Aubry, have purchased a gorgeous lakefront 63-acre spread for $1.85 million in Saint-Hippolyte, Québec, a small town about 30 miles north of Montréal. Aubry's parents live not far in a suburb of Montréal, so it will be nice for the couple's daughter, Nahla Ariela Aubry, to be near her grandparents. Aubry is reportedly excited about moving back to his native neck of the woods, saying, "It feels great. Anything we can do in our own hometown is always a good feeling." It also can't hurt to move into this stunning cabin. With a clawfoot tub, platform bed, and a pair of Adirondack chairs overlooking the lake, it looks downright serene. What a wonderful escape from the bustle of Hollywood. To see additional photos,

This Just In: Nic Cage Lists a Historic Rhode Island Estate

casasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:30:52 -0700

Real estate hobbyist Nicolas Cage is at it again. The actor has listed a historic 24,664-square-foot, 12-bedroom, 10-full-and-3-half-bath estate in Newport, RI, for $15.9 million, according to Real Estalker. Cage purchased the monumental English manor-style estate just last year for $15.7 million. It's unclear whether he purchased the property furnished, but it seems furnishing the sprawling home alone would cost much more than the $200,000 raise in price. To see dozens of gorgeous interior and exterior photos, and read the property description,

This Just In: Cost Plus World Market Celebrates 50 Years

casasugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:30:22 -0700

Cost Plus World Market is kicking off a weekend of in-store events and shopping today at its flagship San Francisco store (2552 Taylor Street) to benefit local schools, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, running through Sunday, Oct, 26. Those of you in the Bay Area who stop by will enjoy live entertainment, product giveaways, food and drink samplings, winemaker bottle signings, henna painting, and more. There will also be a live broadcast of KGO-AM’s Gene Burns of “Dining Around With Gene Burns” from the store from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chef Ryan Scott of Top Chef Season Four will host a cooking demonstration. While it sounds like a great weekend, and I certainly want to attend, I was actually more intrigued to learn about the history of the store. To hear how Cost Plus World Market came to be,

This Just In: Tori Spelling Lists Her 90025 Digs

casasugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:53 -0700

Donna Martin . . . er . . . Tori Spelling has listed her 3,300-square-foot, five-bedroom, 3.5-bath Westwood, Los Angeles, home for nearly $2.4 million, according to the LA Times.The listing for the property reads:

Nestled in a charming pocket of Westwood, this home is ideal for entertaining featuring French doors off the main rooms that lead to lushly manicured yard w/ saltwater pool & spa. The property boasts a grand living room with designer fireplace, media room and formal dining room. Spacious family room opens to recently updated gourmet kitchen w/ imported marble counters & top-of-the-line appliances. State-of-the-art sound system throughout & security system featuring gated entry w/ remote access.

To hear more and see plenty of photos,

This Just In: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw List Their Hills Manse

casasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:45:38 -0700

Country singin' couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have put their sprawling 10,500-square-foot, six-bedroom, five-bath Beverly Hills mansion on the market for a measly $14.8 million, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

Mediterranean estate w/ grand views & privacy in prestigious Beverly Park South. Situated on over 4 acres the estate offers sweeping panoramic views. Grand two story entry features limestone floors, large skylight & wrap around staircase. This home is highlighted by a spacious and elegant master suite w/ his & her baths connecting to a state of the art gym. Gourmet kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, large open formal dining room w/ step down living room. Manicured gardens w/ luxurious pool.

I'm really loving the exterior, and the structure itself, and "sweeping panoramic views" sound pretty fab to me. But, I'm not too keen on some of their nouveau riche décor choices (faux wall treatments, so much beige). I'm sure all of their furnishings are high quality, but the interior doesn't seem to have much flavor, flow, or any cohesive style . . . a shabby chic pink dining room and then an Art Deco brick red sitting room? I don't know about that. Tell me what you think of the photos when you

This Just In: Brocade [Comes] Home

casasugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:15:49 -0700

If you remember back to September, I mused about how Brocade Home pulled a Houdini on us, temporarily going out of business after it was blindsided by the success of its semi-annual sale. I was skeptical about this, and certainly disappointed . . . not to mention concerned for its reputation. But, I heart Brocade Home and I can be forgiving. It turns out that the shop is back, with a slight website remodel, and I'm certainly relieved to see it return. Although the sale items seem to be more organized, there don't seem to be many new products; not good! It's Fall now, a new season, and all of Brocade's competitors have new collections. We'll have to wait and see, but I'm hoping Brocade can get back on its feet quickly and present me with some more feminine and modern products to fawn over.

This Just In: Linens 'n Things to Liquidate Remaining Stores

casasugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:45:05 -0700

Linens 'n Things, which went bankrupt in May but failed to find a buyer, will begin to liquidate its remaining stores as early as Thursday, according to Reuters. The retailer, "one of the largest purchasers of home furnishings in the United States," grappled with the "housing slowdown and a decline in consumer discretionary spending" and then went under due to the credit crisis which "prevented possible buyers from getting the credit to fund a purchase." Since filing bankruptcy it has already closed 100 stores, and expects to close the rest by the new year. Is there a Linens 'n Things in your neighborhood?
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This Just In: Architectural Digest to Hold Open Auditions

casasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:15:42 -0700

Tomorrow, beginning at 9 a.m., Architectural Digest will give professional and non-professional designers alike the chance to come present their work to the magazine at Manhattan's D&D Building, quelling the notion that you need to have an "in" to have your work published in the pub. Editor-in-chief Paige Rense will moderate a townhall-style meeting with a panel of esteemed designers including Mario Buatta, Cecil Hayes, Geoffrey Bradfield, Lee Mindel, and Stephen Sills. Designers in the New York metro area must RSVP online before arriving, and those in California can attend open auditions this Spring. For more information, and a list of required portfolio materials to bring, go here.

This Just In: Robbie Williams Buys a Beverly Hills Mega Manse

casasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:30:32 -0700

Real estate slump? What real estate slump? Seems like musician Robbie Williams might be immune to bad property values news, as he has paid a whopping $23.9 million for a 13,638-square-foot, seven-bedroom, seven-bath mansion in Beverly Hills, according to Real Estalker.The listing for the sprawling property reads:

Magnificent Estate in guard-gated Beverly Pk w/TC & views. Gated & private. Spectacular main house, 2-story 3br GH, separate staff quarters, expansive lawns, gorgeous landscaping, terraces, fountains, pl & spa. Timeless elegance & extraordinary charm. Main house w/grand entry, marvelous living rm w/sunken bar, library, FDR w/butler's pantry, family rm w/attached bth & sauna, master w/dual baths & huge custom walk-in closets, & 2 add'l bdrm suites.

Looks and sounds pretty luxe to me; I guess his ego has landed! To see additional photos,

This Just In: A Marky Mark on the Market

casasugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:30:59 -0700

Mark Wahlberg has put his five-bedroom, 10.5-bathroom, 15,000-square-foot Beverly Hills manse on the market for a whopping $15.9 million, according to Real Estalker. The listing for the property reads:

Privacy, unbelievable outdoor areas and gorgeous views. 15,000 SF of dramatic spaces, including an amazing 2 story private guest house, basketball court, 2500 SF gym with boxing rink and trainer's quarter, lavish waterfall pool w/ grotto, cabanas wired for sound and flatscreens. Newly constructed motor-court, Screening room/Theatre appointed w/ high ceilings, 35mm digital projection technology, 2 luxurious living rooms, bedroom suites all opening to lush gardens and resort like settings.

Wahlberg purchased the property in November 2001 for $4.95 million, and since then has dropped a lot of dollars on renovations. There doesn't seem to anything particularly exceptional about the property; it's your typical outlandish celebrity property with all of the unnecessary conveniences, few unique architectural elements, and not a stitch of personal style. I must say, I think a television screen that takes up nearly the entire wall (and isn't concealed) is beyond tacky. But then again, Wahlberg needs that sort of thing when he's watching final cuts with his entourage. To see lots of additional photos,

This Just In: Brett Favre Lists His Wisco Quarters

casasugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:15:01 -0700

Quarterback Brett Favre has put his 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath Ashwaubenon, WI, home on the market for $475,000, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

Outstanding spacious ranch home on a beautiful landscaped lot. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 1st floor laundry. Enjoy the formal dining room w/ FP & wet bar. Large 3+ stall garage.

This makes perfect sense, as Favre was recently traded from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets. I heard from a friend that Favre had moved to Morristown, NJ, which is a few minutes away from the Jets training camp in Florham Park, NJ. After a little detective work, I learned that this is exactly the case; according to The Star-Ledger, Favre told the paper in early September, "We just bought a house in Morristown and (daughter) Breleigh started school on Wednesday." Sayonara Midwest, hello Jersey!

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This Just In: Campana Brothers Named Designer of the Year

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:30:22 -0700

Brazilian designers Humberto and Fernando Campana (known as the Campana Brothers and one of our Designer Spotlights) will receive the prestigious Designer of the Year Award at this year's Design Miami in December, one of the most influential global design forums, according to Dexigner. The pair will also create an exclusive installation for the show, called Diamantina. The show will feature a "rattan-like fiber woven around ready-made plastic garden chairs and other plastic objects, such as discarded toys, dolls, flip-flops and tires." They will also introduce native Brazilian amethyst crystals into the woven chairs, "creating a series of biomorphic islands that visitors will be encouraged to sit on and explore." And, for very important attendees, the duo will also design a VIP lounge for collectors and special guests for the event's principal sponsor HSBC Private Bank. Of the choice for designer of the year, Craig Robins, Design Miami's Principal, said:

They are designers we have been captivated by for years. The Campanas form a bridge between commercial production, handicraft, and the possibilities of limited edition design. Their work emanates from Brazilian urban culture, yet they also transcend their roots through designs that are just as relevant in New York, Berlin or Tokyo. Their installation promises to be a central talking point of this year's Design Miami.

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This Just In: Natalie Portman Sells West Village Condo

casasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:00:01 -0700

Actress and vegan shoe designer Natalie Portman has sold her Richard Meier-designed condo in Manhattan's West Village area. It had been listed for $6.55 million. Portman first purchased the condo in 2005 for $5.7 million. The stunning skyscraper, with its transparent glass facade, has been on the market since June.

According to the New York Post:

Included in the convertible three-bedroom, three-bath, fifth-floor apartment are views in three directions, a 32-foot balcony, and a spacious great room. Building amenities include a 24-hour concierge, a fitness center, an infinity-edge lap pool and a screening room.

For interior photos of the condo,

This Just In: Trina Turk Makes Her Foray Into Interiors

casasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:00:29 -0700

After 13 years as a fashion designer, Trina Turk is making her foray into the world of interiors, according to WWD. Armed with new investment capital, she has taken her "vivid signature prints from her classic sportswear to plush pillows, sleek Lucite chairs and other home furnishings." In Spring 2009, Turk will also collaborate with F. Schumacher & Co. "to produce outdoor upholstery fabrics that are resistant to fading, water and stains," bringing her signature style to your outdoor furnishings. Turk is also seeing growth in other areas, venturing heavily into retail rather than primarily wholesale.
Turk's Palm Springs and Los Angeles outposts were designed by none other than Kelly Wearstler, and I couldn't think of a better match. Wearstler really did a fantastic job of emulating that beach and resort style with the casual glamour that is so distinct to Turk's designs. But, I always hoped to see Turk venture into interiors herself, so I'm thrilled that time has now come. Another tidbit of information: Turk's New York City camp was designed by Jonathan Adler. I'm so eager to see these designs: you know how I love my sleek Lucite chairs! Of course, I'll share images with you as soon as heavenly possible.
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On the Market: Britney Spears's Beverly Hills Home

casasugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:00:17 -0700

As Pop will tell you, Britney Spears has put her 7,453-square-foot, 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath home in Beverly Hills on the market for $7.9 million. But, lucky for you, I've got more intel on the property. According to Real Estalker, the property description reads:

Exquisite gated Italian Renaissance Villa w/approx 7,500 sq ft of luxury, 6 BD, 6 ½ BA, wet bar, library, den, chic dining rm, & grand foyer. Artisan quality finishes, dramatic high ceilings, millwork, stone & mosaic tile floors, & iron accents. Chef’s kit w/Viking appliances & breakfast nook open to spacious great room. Romantic Master w/fireplace, & loggia. Manicured grounds incl. pool, spa, arbor, & lush landscape ideal for entertaining. Offered w/select furnishings, accessories, & art work.

It sounds pretty swank to me (despite the somewhat cheesy décor), and I love the open outdoor patio sitting area. Spears purchased the property for $6.75 million back in January 2007 — not exactly her most lucid days — so maybe she regrets the purchase. Either way, if it sells at asking price, she'll come out on top. Check out the photos and tell me what you think!

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This Just In: Audrina Patridge Heads Back to the Hills

casasugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:30:51 -0700

Audrina Patridge has opted for greener pastures than the backyard guest house of Lauren Conrad's house in the Hollywood Flats, and purchased her own three-bedroom, 2.5-bath digs in the Hollywood Hills for $1.29 million. We all knew that she'd moved out of Conrad's digs, but finally I've got the deets. The listing for the property reads:

This new construction Spanish Villa has a spectacular view over looking the city! It has three bedrooms & two and a half baths, & a huge gourmet chef's kitchen. The kitchen features a separate convection oven, 6 burner gas stove, built-in microwave, wine refrigerator and side by side refrigerator, & a center island. The entertainer's patio is like a resort w/ built in BBQ, refrigerator.

I guess it's not a far cry from Conrad's Spanish-style villa, so Audrina should feel right at home! Check out these pics for the full tour:

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This Just In: Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler Tie Knot in SF

casasugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:10:06 -0700

I've told you about his country home, his textiles, and his pottery, and now I have the pleasure of telling you that Jonathan Adler and his longtime sweetie Simon Doonan were married today in my town, San Francisco! The couple first made it legal at San Francisco's gorgeous City Hall, and later in the afternoon had a more formal Jewish ceremony.

To find out details,

This Just In: TLC Premieres Over Designed Sept. 20

casasugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:30:34 -0700

Saturday, Sept. 20, TLC will premiere another new series, Over Designed, hosted by design expert Kenneth Brown. Brown will help overzealous homeowners who have taken a motif to the extreme, by enlisting the help of their family and friends to create more livable and inviting spaces. Think palm trees, penguins galore, all things Africa, or an extremely played-out Hawaiian theme. "The series will strive to celebrate each person’s unique design sense of style, but will help streamline their look and offer ways to better celebrate their collections," explains Kenneth. The show airs at 8:30 p.m. EST/PDT, so be sure to tune in. I can't wait to see these magical transformations!
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This Just In: Target Takes Manhattan With Bullseye Bodegas

casasugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:15:10 -0700

Target has launched four limited-time-only stores, pegged Bullseye Bodegas, throughout Manhattan to celebrate its pioneering designer partnerships, during one of the biggest design bonanzas: New York Fashion Week. Today through Monday, Sept. 15, those of you in Midtown, SoHo, the East Village, or Union Square can shop fab deals on home items (as well as fashion, accessories and beauty) from Target's team of design partners. Notables include Thomas O'Brien, Isabelle de Borchgrave, Michael Graves, Christiane Lemieux, Rachel Ashwell, Victoria Hagan, John Derian, and Sean Conway. And, in the case of John Derian, whose new line of home accessories hits stores next week, you'll have the exclusive privilege of shopping JD before his full inventory hits the stores. My girl FabSugar has already stopped in, and since I can't make it to NY Fashion Week, I'll have to shop vicariously through you!

This Just In: Dane Cook Has a New Kitchen

casasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:00:05 -0700

Funny man/actor Dane Cook has purchased a 4,405-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home in Los Angeles for $7,078,412. The listing for the property reads:

Extraordinary modern oasis by Alessandro Munge-Munge/Leung Design Associates. Incredible secluded site with staggering views of the entire city, and all the way to the ocean. Extremely high quality materials such as Travertine Navona floors, Rift oak cabinetry, and African Namibia marble counter tops and bathrooms. Resort-style outdoor entertainment areas look out to a large flat grassy lawn and spectacular views.

I must say this is a pretty fabulous modern pad, with killer city views. Let's just hope Cook doesn't go wild on furniture shopping; that extra $12 on the sale price may have really set him back. But who needs furniture when you've got the girl?

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This Just In: Vipp and Helena Christensen Team Up For Charity

casasugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:30:37 -0700

Danish design company VIPP and supermodel Helena Christensen have teamed up to hold a charity auction of Vipp pedal bins that have been given a fashionable makeover by fashion, design, art, and entertainment leaders. The bins have been made over by the likes of Bono, Michael Stipe, Mario Batali, Michael Bastian, Simon Doonan, Frederic Fekkai, Karim Rashid, Jason Miller, Todd Oldham, Alice Temperley, Mena Suvari, and more, and will be sold in a silent auction benefiting the Food Bank For New York City and Chernobyl Children’s Project International. An installation of the bins will be on display for public viewing and pre-bidding at The Conran Shop in New York through Thursday, Sept. 18, when an evening auction event will be held at the Winston Wächter Fine Art Gallery. Bidding for the bins begins at either $500 or $750, and you can learn more details by calling a bidding specialist at The Conran Shop at (866) 755-9079. To see more of the designs,

This Just In: Tom Dixon Makes Foray Into Fashion

casasugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:30:07 -0700

British industrial designer and head of design at Finnish company Artek Tom Dixon, who has been designing furniture for 30-some years, and whose lighting designs are all the rage, has decided to channel his design talents into the world of fashion. A new bimonthly fashion digest magazine, Distill, targeted towards creative professionals, launched on Monday, and Dixon is on the editorial board for the next issue, according to Design Week. The new glossy is published by Craft Publishing. Along with Dixon, the editorial board will be composed of fashion designer Giles Deacon, Design Museum director Dejan Sudjic, fashion designer Matthew Williamson, and Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet. The first issue showcases the work of about 25 global fashion and style magazines.

For details,

This Just In: Home Magazine Folds

casasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. has announced that it will pull the plug on its struggling shelter magazine, Home, due to "sharp declines in the 'mid-market home sector'," according to the Wall Street Journal. Home will join the ranks of fellow folded shelter titles, Conde Nast's House & Garden and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's Blueprint. In a company press release, Jack Kliger, President and CEO of HFM U.S, said, "The current economic environment is difficult, and the mid-market home sector has been particularly hard hit. When the middle market recovers, we will consider future publication of Home using the special interest publication newsstand model." Another one bites the dust. In this uncertain real estate market, this comes as no surprise. But, considering that House Beautiful had a 19 percent increase in ad pages in its second quarter, and Domino increased circulation by 82 percent to 1.1 million in the first half, it seems that only the fittest survive.
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This Just In: Michael Phelps Cashes in His Winnings

casasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:30:43 -0700

Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps has just acquired a crave worthy pad, paying $1.69 million for a 4,080-square-foot condo overlooking Baltimore's revitalized Harborfront, according to the Maryland Leader. The pad features amenities sure to win over any young Olympian, such as a rooftop terrace with fireplace, a private screening room, a state-of-the-art gym, a clubhouse with pool tables, and a Jacuzzi. He also recently purchased the Meadowbrook Swim Club and Northwest Ice Rink in Baltimore, which he and his coach plan to turn into an elite Olympic training center, and on the car front, he has been looking at "some Aston Martins and some Maseratis." Ohhh, new money. Let's hope those endorsement checks start rolling in fast.

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This Just In: Sienna Miller's House Vandalized

casasugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:30:36 -0700

The London house of Sienna Miller — who has recently been getting slack for dating married actor Balthazar Getty and appearing topless in photos with him — has been vandalized, spray-painted with the word "SLUT" and a pseudo-Satanic circular symbol, according to the Sun. The vandalism apparently occurred despite a burglar alarm system and security lights at the house. We all can think what we want about the couple's relationship, but I think it's pretty terrible that this should happen at Miller's own home. It would certainly make me feel unsafe.

Has your home ever been vandalized? Your neighbors' homes? What security measures do you have installed to prevent and protect yourself from this sort of thing?
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This Just In: Sundance's Architecture School Premieres Tonight

casasugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:00:56 -0700

Tonight at 8 p.m. (CDT), the Sundance channel will premiere an original six-part documentary series, Architecture School, which follows a group of students from Tulane University's prestigious School of Architecture as they compete for the chance to design an affordable home in Katrina-devastated New Orleans. The winning model will be built during the school year and put on the market, giving one recent grad one whopping résume bullet point at the start of his career. Stiff competition! The home will be built as part of Tulane University's URBANbuild program, which was founded in 2005 to restore urban neighborhoods as a response to the storm. Executive Producer Michael Selditch was so inspired by Tulane University's URBANbuild program that he designed and built the show specifically around the 3-year-old program. Tune in tonight to see for yourself!
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