duplex
DOO´-plecks In flyover country, a duplex is a two-family home, usually divided down the center, and often rather downscale. But in larger cities, especially New York, a duplex is an […]
Design
belvedere
BELL´-vuh-deer A belvedere is a garden structure, often in classical style, that provides a pleasant view. We decided to put the wedding cake in the belvedere, since it has the […]
folly
FALL´-ee A folly is a decorative and often extravagant garden structure. Follies, which are meant to catch the eye and accentuate the landscape, are often built to resemble historic or […]
parterre
par-TEHR´ A parterre is a flat garden terrace composed of various elements (which may include paths, fountains, shrubs, and flower beds) that form a symmetrical design. A parterre is best […]
prêt-à-porter
pwhay´-tap-oh-TAY´ (French, ‘ready to wear’) Prêt-à-porter is clothing purchased off the rack, as opposed to custom-made haute couture items. While most prêt-à-porter is moderately priced and sold in malls and […]
fashionista
fash´-uhn-EEST´-uh A fashionista is a person obsessed with fashion, be it a designer, promoter, journalist, or simple follower of the latest sartorial trends. The term was coined in the 1990s […]
étagère
ay-tah-ZHAIR´ An étagère is a piece of furniture consisting of a number of open shelves. Etagères are used to display small precious objects such as ceramics, curios, and other objets […]
boiserie
BWAHZ´-ree (French for ‘wood paneling’ in general) When used in English, the term usually refers to the various styles of elaborate paneling used to adorn the 17th- and 18th-century palaces […]