Leather has always been somewhat of a sultry fabric. But it’s never been a very breathable one.  Here’s to continuing to smolder this summer without suffocating.

Photographer Candice Lake caught fashion editor, Taylor Tomasi Hill, looking effortless and sexy in Paris. Donning this leather dress with a cinched waist, Hill looks put together and still breezy. The absent sleeves and the skirt length and shape, leave breathing room to pull off this look in the summer sun.

Photo via Candice Lake

Leather shorts make looking put together so simple. A plain, loose white tee makes for a chic day look. The juxtaposition of soft fabrics and harder leather creates interest. Choose a breathable cut for an airy sophistication.  

Photo via The Fashion Latte

Even in the summer heat, a change of hue can make a difference. If the sun is beating down and you still want your outfit to look bohemian chic, try a camel colored leather. You’ll attract less rays and more notice. This jacket is sexy-cool and has some extra fringe benefits.

Photo via Fashion Tag

If you’re absolutely overcome with warmth, ditch the sleeves and opt for a enticing vest. There’s no easier way to look like you just care enough.

Photo via Trop Rouge 

If there is one thing Mirte V. knows, it’s how to simmer in leather heels. These pointed, strappy beauties turn this super relaxed outfit into a fashion focused ensemble.

Photo via Mirte V. at lookbook.nu

Leather used in the home can be as versatile, seasonally. Use leather as much for its physical nature as you do for its aesthetic appearance.

Keep leather in the shadows as much as possible so it provides a cool place to rest indoors, even if this means rearranging your room. Keeping it out of the direct sun will also keep it from fading and cracking. 

This camel Barcelona Chair by Iconic Interiors is sexy, sophisticated and a color that works well with the changing seasons.

Whichever way you style it, this product of mother nature (as all of her creations) will remain a classic.

Always,

Erin for KBD

It seems wrong to label nature’s creation as trendy, implying one day it will go out of style. But malachite seems to have taken design by storm. Natural or manufactured, this green beauty makes a statement only Mother Nature could conjure.

Details in designer, Lindsey Coral Harper’s Upper East Side apartment are worthy of joyous tears. Interestingly enough, she says she picks up most of her malachite accessories in junk stores. via ELLE DECOR

ELLE DECOR featured these Malachite shades that hang stately in the heavenly parlor of Anne-Marie Midy and Jorge Almada of Casamidy.

These fiberboard gems from Dransfield & Ross’s Semi-Precious line are the most mesmerizing placemats we’ve encountered. Against a dark table, these may be richer than the food your serve on them.

Michael Kors makes everyone the mostest with his Malachite Hostess Skirt. Elegant, interesting and honest, this skirt stands out paired with a fitted black top and black heels.

Tony Duquette’s Belvedere ‘Malachite’ Chair needs no explanation. It could be dangerous in the wrong room, but styled correctly it can complete an entire space.

There are very few words to say about malachite.

But that’s the thing about nature, it most often leaves us speechless.

What is your favorite use of this precious stone?

Always,

Erin Stevens for KBD

Sometimes we find that what we started our careers doing, no longer lights a fire in us. The same happened to Justin Floyd. Thus, Solidwool was born.

Rather than designing something strictly beautiful, Floyd wanted it to make a beautiful impact. All great design has an element of meraki; Floyd’s is no exception.

His small English hometown of Buckfastleigh served as his inspiration for this beautifully constructed, sustainable chair.

Photo via solidwool.com

Sheared straight from the backs of Herdwick sheep, this sustainable alternative to fiberglass can be use to make furniture, counters and even baths while hardly leaving a footprint.

Who knew you’d be sitting on (and not wearing) your next wool product?

Photo via dezeen.com

No need to shed tears any longer over the absence of the Drop chair. Denmark’s own Republic of Fritz Hansen has resuscitated Arne Jacobsen’s 1950’s design for 2014.

Inspired by the human form and its contours, this tear-shaped chair is uber-comfortable and available in textile, plastic and leather.

We adore this nod toward the past and reach for the future.

Photo via dezeen.com

Photo via dezeen.com

Introduced in 2013 by Dutch designer, Arian Brekveld the VIK lounge chair still begs to be sat in. Inspired by the seats of cars, this permanently reclined design is perfect for drinks minus the driving.

Photo via dezeen.com

The juxtaposition of its breezy aesthetic and robust materials make the VIK as interesting as it is comfortable.

Which one is your favorite?

Always,

Erin Stevens for KBD

It’s quite the dreary day here in Indianapolis.

But grey isn’t always depressing.

Architecture-inspired prints from graphic designer María Rut Dýrfjörð

These icy geometric prints nod at the imposing architectural styles of Guðjón Samúelsson. These would sit well against a yellow velvet sofa.

Emily Chair for Färg & Blanche

This quilted beauty makes me short of breath. The details are well thought out but come across as effortless, comfortable and classic. I want you, Emily.

Source: onekindesign.com

First of all, minimalism. Second of all, a grey accent wall. Thirdly, a SUEDE accent wall. Instead of experimenting with color to add richness and interest to a room, the difference can be in the mixing fabrics.

That’s the Slate of the Union, this Friday.

Always,

Erin Stevens for KBD