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I am often drawn to what some would call masculine lines of design, cars are one example. As a teenager I was into cars, I assume it was my generation and growing up in Southern California. My high school parking lot was filled with cars such as the ’57 Chevy and Pontiac GTO. Nothing as cool as the cars above!
Ralph Lauren Brookfield collection
In fashion the “preppy” trend captured my comfort zone and I’ve dressed in fairly tailored clothing ever since. (Am I beginning to sound dull or overly masculine?) I am definitely girly in lots of ways, but where design is concerned I truly love fairly tailored lines. This hasn’t always been the case. There was a time in the 80’s when cabbage rose chintz and even pink walls were the look, but after raising 2 sons and living with a guy’s guy husband, I’ve made the transition.
Pamela Pierce
After I was married I noticed that I leaned towards a more “gentleman’s club” style decor. I like English country style and even though that style (at one time) included flowery chintz fabrics, it was the warm oak paneling and barley twist legs of a table that captured my attention. On my first trip to England we frequented pubs and cafes that were the very epitome of what I would call a masculine-looking design style.
via House to Home
via Elle Decor
via New Victorian Ruralist (Natasha Louise King)
A few years back I purchased an antique pair of antlers that, for me, add to the warm, English decor that I love. I’ve noticed an increased use of antlers in beautifully designed rooms, and while I know and understand the reason some people find it disgusting to display dead animal parts of any kind (for the record, I couldn’t hunt a furry creature if my survival depended on it), I must say I think it’s a nice accent!
via Traditional Home
via Elle Decor
via For the Love of a House
Ralph Lauren seems to capture the ideal “masculine” look with his rooms and lifestyle accessories. Maybe it’s a look that some would identify as an upper crust, blue-blood, tailored, thoroughbred, East coast vibe. In any event, I’m in Southern California and I’m on board with the look.
Ralph Lauren Brookfield collection
I’ve linked up with No Minimalist Here today, visit her site, it’s wonderful
What are your go-to styles for life? Is it a “man’s world” or are we just letting them think it is!
Garden, Home & Party 
Kathy said:
This has always been my all time favorite style. I’m always a little surprised when people see my style for the first time and they act like it’s so unusual and daring. Ralph Lauren has made a fortune capturing this look. He seems to be doing alright! Thanks for the photos. I’ll come back to look at them again….several times!
Karen said:
Hi,
I agree, I could live in most of the RL stores…he does the “look” so well and I love it. Did you see his feature in Architectural Digest some years ago. I wouldn’t necessarily want the mansion but would love to have the incredible antique accessories he and his wife have collected over the years. Nice to know a fellow enthusiast.
Thank you for stopping by.
—
Karen Bunch
Garden, Home and Party
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
I love the gentlemen’s club look too. I guess that’s why I love Ralph Lauren so much. When the preppie look was all the rage, I was in 7th heaven. Remember J.P. Perriwinkles in Irvine where we bought so many of our preppie clothes? While I lean more towards casual French country design, I’m a confirmed Anglophile too.
Karen said:
Hi Linda,
What a blast from the past, I do remember J.P. Perriwinkles…loved their clothes.
Karen
Sherry said:
Hi Karen, No one does it better than RL! His style is timeless and I have loved this look for years. Thanks for linking to the Open House party and of course you can use your name instead of the post title. I hope you will become a regular at the party. Take care.
Hugs,
Sherry
Karen said:
Hi Sherry,
Thanks for your encouraging words. I’m branching out…I will definitely become a regular and even try to get it right (with the name of my blog, instead of my first name only) 🙂
RL is the master when it comes to the best thoroughbred loioks.
I really like your site, I’ll be visiting regularly!
Karen
Gretchen said:
Karen, you know I’ve always liked Ralph Lauren clothing and decor as much as you. I went through a girlie, flowery phase when we were first married, but quickly realized that I felt much more comfortable with a more tailored look. I think Barkley Buttera’s style is what I’m aiming for now. He’s obviously heavily influenced by RL but has a So Cal slightly lighter look to his style. don’t you think?
Karen said:
Gretchen,
I agree, we (you, me and Linda) have always loved the more tailored lines of design and, even clothing.
Thank you for your supprt and comments on my posts each week!
xo,
Karen
Martha said:
Yes, yes, yes! I too had been musing how a “pearly” girl like myself could feel so at home in a men’s club atmosphere…
I love this look. Always have. Always will!
Karen said:
Hi Martha,
I know, I feel the same way…I’m pretty girly and yet there’s something so inviting about the manly plaids, use of antiques and the smell of freshly waxed, well-worn wood…I think us “pearly” girls like contrast!
Have a great weekend!
Karen
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