Tuesday, August 31, 2010


The Emmy’s

I didn’t stay up to see the star-studded affair, but, like everyone else, I love the after-glow of photos and commentaries from the award shows.  Though I wasn’t overwhelmed by the Emmy’s, there were some incredible looks.  My favorites included Claire Danes in Giorgio Armani Prive, Kyra Sedgwick in Monique Lhuillier, Jenna Fischer in Versace from Rare Vintage, and Jane Krakowski in Escada.

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Monday, August 30, 2010


Periwinkle

This week, in honor of one my nieces, we will feature the color purple.  Now, because purple is a vast hue, we will focus on the periwinkle or wisteria shades.  These hues are soft and feminine and pack a bit less punch than the plums and fuchsias.  But, rest assured that the “glam” of purple is not lost in periwinkle or wisteria—its merely lightened and a bit more ethereal.
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Sweet Wisteria Petite Pom Pom Ball – SugarPinkBoutique’s Etsy Shop
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Purple Rose & Hydrangea – Jayson Home & Garden
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Silk Field of Flowers Pillow – OliveVintage’s Etsy Shop
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Organic Diamond-Patterned Jacquard Bath Mat  - West Elm 

Sunday, August 29, 2010


New York Fashion Week

New York Fall Fashion Week is less than 1 week away—the week following Labor Day (Sept. 9-16)—and all those involved are gearing up for the big change in locale.  Since 1993, NY Fashion Week has been centered around Bryant Park.  Bryant Park is nestled between 5th and 6th Ave. and 40th and 42nd St. (grids are beautiful things in big cities!).   But, for the first time, it will be housed at Lincoln Center—a bit uptown just west of the Park.  I have to admit, having observed fashion week from a glance, I'm sad to hear the iconic tents have moved uptown. 

I have read that pragmatism is winning the argument over nostalgia in this case as the change is much needed and will open opportunities previously unavailable to the fashion industry in NYC.  The steady, if not precipitous, decline in the market has hugely affected the garment district (which surrounds Bryant Park to the south, east, and west).  Evidently, many of the design houses were close enough to wheel their racks of clothes to the tents on foot!   However, with the prevalence of outsourcing, many designers no longer produce their lines in Manhattan.  The need to include more designers and more attendees is important and also a huge thrust in the decision to move.  So, Lincoln Center will take center stage and Bryant Park will have to be enjoyed for its other pleasing features.  The benches, gravel, and light fixtures [I know, small details, but notable, nonetheless] in this park—including the view of the backside of the Library, as well as the Bryant Park Hotel, make it one of my favorites, even without those fashionable tents! 
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Jeremy M. Lange for The New York Times, Bryan Bedder/Getty Images, Stuart Ramson/A.P., Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Thos Robinson/Getty Images

Saturday, August 28, 2010


Tassels

IMG_2438I love projects.  My most recent endeavor was the tassel.  Although most tassels are drowning in adornment—perhaps a bit overindulged—I like them a bit rustic and simple.   I was inspired by Martha Stewart’s Living’s spread on tassels in the most recent August issue.  My third try was the charm.  After trouble-shooting a few issues left unexplained by “Martha” and others, I am contented with the framework of the basic outcome.  Now, I can begin with alliterations—beads, different threads, and color combinations!  I have learned in the process that practically any thread, yarn, or fiber can be used to make them.  With a little innovation, a crochet hook, and, perhaps, a needle, they are ready to hang from your favorite lamp.  
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Friday, August 27, 2010


The highlights…

Below are some of the highlights from Ballard Design’s new line featuring Suzanne Kasler’s designs.  You may have seen the spread in Lonny about the line.  Probably a line to watch in the future!
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Many of her pieces for Ballard echo the architectural feeling of her work in the industry.  I love how she juxtaposes neutral palettes with vibrant pops of color, and traditional French-inspired furniture with abstracts. 
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Thursday, August 26, 2010


Philippine Christian Foundation

You have probably seen the jewelry made out of magazines.  Magazines' colorful pages and waxy finishes translate well into jewelry.  I recently heard a piece on NPR and was moved by the realities of a world, so unbeknownst to mine, it was overwhelming to consider.  The Philippine Christian Foundation works in Manila to better the lives of those they serve--jewelry-making has become a big part of their outreach. This Foundation's work is truly noble. Count your blessings.
You can read the transcript or listen to the story--its worth the 3 minutes!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010


Ellen Hamilton

I'm not sure if you are picking up on it, but I frequently stalk New York Social Diary's "Designer Series."  I've included photos of Bill Brocksmidt & Richard Dragisic's home, and then, most recently, told you about Laura Kirar.  Well, I'm two weeks behind but thought I'd I catch you up on the most recent two designers.  This time around: Ellen Hamilton of Hamilton Design Associates. What I enjoyed most about Ellen's interview was her honest approach to her lifestyle and design.  She admits her design is "messy," --which was refreshing to me.  Her home appears full of memories and ease; perhaps, not disordered, but, rather full of everything she loves.  (I love her stack of books.)  Take a look.  
Now, Ellen may be "messy" at home, but, in others' homes, she is thoughtful and ordered, and yet still eclectic and full of color!

 

Monday, August 23, 2010


Van Gogh Stolen

Hard to imagine something worth so much ($55 Million) could have been guarded so passively.  Hear about the Van Gogh heist?  Admittedly, I was unfamiliar with this particular Van Gogh, Poppy Flowers.  Hopefully they will find the missing piece and return it to a more secure Mahmoud Khalil Museum in Cairo.

Saturday, August 21, 2010


Purl

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I was gathering all the necessary materials for a new craft project and came across the PurlSoho.com.  The site was recommended by Martha Stewart Living.  I certainly found what I was looking for and more.  They have scads of fabric, patterns, thread, books, notions and an amazing selection of needlepoint canvases. I was particularly taken with their blog, the purl bee, where they discuss their own projects, with online journal entries and step-by-step instructions!  There is an online journal for the strawberry pillows below.  Fun sight!  strawberry-pillows-beauty-4


Trend Update 2 of 2

Not so long ago we talked about “Nerd Chic”—as dubbed by Anne Monoky, fashion editor for Harper’s Bazaar.  And, as the trends would have it, “Nerd Chic” is everywhere.  The look encompasses highlights from both the 50’s and 60’s.  It is tailored, feminine, youthful and subtly sexy.  Make sure to check out Real Simple’s September issue—Portrait of  Lady.

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Louis Vuitton – Paris

Thursday, August 19, 2010


 Trend Update 1 of 2

We spoke not too long ago about collages, remember?  We learned about the cardinal rules of collaging and got to see some stand-out examples.  But, as the trends would have it, collages are in.  And, two of my monthly subscriptions included spreads on the subject.  So, I wanted to fill you in on what some experts, other than the experts at Small Room Decorating, are saying.  Here were some of their most helpful highlights:
Ellen Hamilton

Real Simple included the spread "Artful Ideas for Every Room"...

Get Started! "...Start by hanging a favorite piece at approximately eye level. [or] ...with a low center piece, then place your largest works on the ends to provide boundaries and visual weight. ... Hang the lowest items first, starting in the center, then work your way up." 

Use of pairs: "If you have pairs, keep them close to each other for unity."

Before Hanging: "Tighten slack wires on the backs of frames, especially if your goal is precision hang (lining up art in a grid, say).  A loose wire makes it hard to control the height of a piece."

Jeffrey W. Miller

Martha Stewart Living included the spread "Walls That Talk"...

Commit! "The couple [the editorial director of Martha Stewart Living and her husband] adhered photcopies of their favorite images to pieces of white paper that approximated the size of the frames (to stand in for larger frames, they taped pieces of paper together) and stuck them to the wall using removable tape in the grid Stephen created."

Freedom: "By not following a time line [with their arrangement], the display feels surprising and lively.  A black-and-white prortrait of Gael's granfather (the obstetrician who actually delivered Martha), for example, hanges below a shot of Maud [presumably, the couple's daughter] at a stable as a young girl."

Working with Your Budget: "The couple achieved this effect by combining vintage frames they already owned with custom designs from Skyframe and Brentano's, semi-custom frames from Larson-Juhl, and ready-made options from West Elm.  This provided a nice mix of styles and kept costs down (they used the pricier custom frames for larger pictures, and affordable store-bought frames for smaller images)."

A Luxury: "Finally, they printed the images, had them framed, and hired a professional to handle the hanging."[emphasis added]
   West Elm

So, now, I would say we are equipped to begin our own collages.  Get started!

P.S.: Brentano's, one of the frame shops mentioned in Martha Stewart Living is located in Manhattan--not too far from where I lived (Oh, to live in Manhattan again)!  I visited their site and it includes a fabulous resource: Art and Framing Terms a-z.  Check it out.  Then, if you decide to splurge on one of the pieces for your collage, you will be armed with your education.

Miller, Jeffrey W. (2010, September). Artful Ideas For Every Room. Real Simple. 214-222.
(2010, August). Walls That Talk. Martha Stewart Living, 98, 100-01.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010


Nancy Lancaster

If you are anything like me, you are in the "middle" of five books.  A book for growth, pleasure, historical significance, skill development, and so on and so forth.  Sadly, this bad habit--this lack of focus--results in too few books fully read in my library.  As a personal goal for these last 4 months of 2010, I have decided to complete the 4-5 four books I have at my bedside, one of which is Nancy Lancaster: Her Life, Her World, Her Art.

I was not familiar with Nancy Lancaster prior to being introduced to this book (by my fabulous and ever so stylish Grandmother).  The larger-than-life designer from Virginia is known for her complex personality, wit, and eye for design.  And, although I'm not quite in the middle of the biography yet, I can already sense I'm in for a treat.  Here are some 'quotables' from Nancy Lancaster:
"Understatement is extremely important and crossing too many t's and dotting too many i's make a room look overdone and tiresome."
"If every piece is perfect the room becomes a museum and lifeless."
"A gentle mixture of furniture expresses life and continuity but it must be a judicious mixture that flows and mixes well. It is a bit like mixing a salad. (I am better at room than salads)."

"I've always liked a formal layout and informal planting," she explained. "First get the structure right, like the bones in a face, then plant it like a crowded shoe. If you have a strong layout, you can let the plants seed themselves all over the place. Haphazard, unexpected... I like to be surprised by a garden."

I'll fill you in on the highlights as I go.

P.S.--I haven't forgotten about the "Hotel Luxury" reveal, rather, it is approaching.  The window trappings are to be hung this weekend and a work-around with the side tables is being resolved.  Thanks for your patience.

Becker, Robert. 1996. Nancy Lancaster: Her Life, Her World, Her Art. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Monday, August 16, 2010


The Sartorialist

In life, its often rare to approach an individual without the trappings of one's own perspective.  What I mean by this, is our inability to appreciate individuals, be it a stranger or loved one, for the parts of themselves that are unique and God-given.  Of course, we apply this same prejudice to ourselves.
 
The Sartorialist: Never was there a better site to enjoy the art of effortless (and sometimes strenuous) fashion.  The Sartorialist, the man, is a blogger and photographer.  He spent over 15 years in the fashion industry (he has a degree from Indiana University in Apparel Merchandising and Costume Construction) with designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Helmut Lang.  After opening his own showroon representing young up-and-coming designers, he began shooting individuals on the street, those he felt carried a sense of style worth noting.  And, so, The Sartiorialist was born.  His blog always gives me the inspiration to go to my closet and start experimenting with combinations I had earlier ignored.  But, the essence of what I most enjoy about the Sartorialist (and the pictures below) is the perspective with which I am able to view the individuals--as unique, complex, and lovely.

I thought you might enjoy my family photos below...



Sunday, August 15, 2010


Good Morning Hanoi

I was fascinated by Christopher Buckley's article, "Good Morning Hanoi" in the May issue of Forbes Life.   And, although I have no nexus to design in writing about the article, I couldn't help but share it with you.  I certainly lack the historical perspective to fully grasp the gravity of the larger parts of his article, in particular, the historical quips referencing the Vietnam War and the communist regime currently occupying the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.  However, even within the limited confines of my perspective, the article was fascinating and a good dose of reality for a free American.  It's a must read--check it out.


Buckley, Charles. (2010, May) Good Morning Hanoi.Forbes Life.

Friday, August 13, 2010


Black

In my profession, black is always a winner.  Black slacks, heels, tops, and suits--always classic and crisp.  Here a few more winners in black...

Black Chintz Tailored Dress – Ted Baker
Singing Birds Vintage Needlepoint – Amy 123’s Etsy Shop
Uffizi Florence vintage re-covered book - Neapolitan Etsy Shop
Purple/Black Stacking - Lille
Persimmon Display Case - Gump's