Lamps like this really bring out the rampant consumer in me. Ugh! Love! And guess what? You can buy it (along with the rest of the goodies in this post) here. And make sure you check out their selection of mirrors. Spot on.
31 March 2010
The Glasshouse
When they said "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, I honestly didn't actually think people actually lived in actual glass houses! Yowzers. Envy galore. PS Windex. Just saying. PPS Found on my most recent (and new favourite) blog discovery - Freshome.com.
Celebrity Homes: Julianne Moore
With thanks to my ex-colleague, Bree at The Blog Stylist for alerting me to Julia at Hooked on Houses, who, in turn, led me to Sotheby's International Realty. Yikes, who needs the cinema for escapism - look no further than Sotheby's. And just a hint, for added envy/enjoyment, view the listed properties starting from the highest price. As in, oh say, $78 MILLION US DOLLARS! Alternatively, bag "A Single Man" actress, Julianne Moore's West Village Townhouse (below) for a cool $11,995,000. Click to buy.
All images Sotheby's
Built in the late 1800's, this house has been meticulously renovated with an eye on retaining the original architectural detail, such as crown moldings and wide plank pine floors, while introducing modern amenities such as central air, high speed computer lines and a security system. GARDEN LEVEL: A secondary entrance under the stoop leads to the large eat-in kitchen at the rear of the house. French doors in the kitchen lead directly to a fully-landscaped, 49'+/- garden. PARLOUR FLOOR: An entry vestibule just inside the front door leads past the double-parlor to to the back porch and garden. THIRD FLOOR: This full-floor master bedroom suite has French doors overlooking the garden. The front room has been made into a luxurious spa-like bath. FOURTH FLOOR: Currently dedicated to children with 2 large bedrooms, 1 smaller bedroom, a full bath and a laundry room. FIFTH FLOOR: Has been turned into a home office at the rear and a large recreational media room in the front. (Sotheby's)
30 March 2010
Style and Substance: The Best of Elle Decor
I didn't even realise this book was out, until I stumbled on a post on the lovely blog, Velvet & Linen. "Style and Substance" is a 240-page collection of beautifully decorated spaces, taken from the past 20 years of Elle Decor magazine (the book marks the 20th anniversary of the mag). Published in December 2009, with much fanfare, it includes a “Style Guide" as well as a Sourcebook”, which features a list of must-visit shops — online and in stores. Bonus points for reproducing those exquisite homes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore and LA-based fashoin designer Monique L'Huillier. As a die hard Elle Decor fan, it's going gone straight on my wishlist. Buy your copy here at Booktopia, or here at Amazon.
On sale now: House & Garden + Country Style
The April 2010 issues of Australian Country Style and House & Garden are both on sale now. Skipping up to the newsagent in about 5 minutes to grab a copy of each! Will report back tomorrow on the highlights.
Stylish Homes: Kayce + Scott Hughes
I'd like you to meet Kayce Hughes: mother of seven (no twins), career woman (a 6 year stint working for Ralph Lauren), blogger (kaycehughes.blogspot.com) and entrepreneur ("What began with a simple nightshirt has now expanded to an over 200 piece collection that includes children’s apparel, gift and layette collections, a flower girl collection and an ever expanding women’s line of clothing and accessories.") A killer combination. It's no small wonder her home is so gorgeous, complete with a healthy dose of the "lived-in and loved" look - Proof that parenthood and style can happily coexist! Kayce and Scott's Nashville home appeared in the April 2010 issue of Country Living magazine.
All images Country Living
Please give a brief description of your background as it relates to your career: After college I went to work for Ralph Lauren, and to illustrate how archaic the company was at that time, we only had one COLOR COPIER for the all departments. I was hired in the women’s “rough” division (aka-country & western look). My initial job was to design the boards that the new lines were presented on. Ralph Lauren was thematic so each board created a feel for the line. If the Riviera in the 20’s was the theme, then the borders, fabrics and colors would reflect that era. I was promoted to the trim division and in charge of procuring all the antique buttons, lace, embroidery. It was incredible to be in meetings with Ralph Lauren and all the department heads. I worked there for 5-6 years and resigned a week before the due date of my first child.
How was Pears + Bears Clothing and accessories born? I have ALWAYS been creative even as a young child. Interestingly, however, I do not consider myself a great seamstress. Even as I began to have children, I would just need some time to make something … small painted boxes… night shirts for my children. I remember one night my husband Scott came home from work and I said, “Just give me an hour.” With that , I took a potato and carved it into a pear stamp (you know I LOVE pears) and made some handmade note cards. A friend had a home show of antique silver and I joined in with my painted boxes. It was a great success. I hired a seamstress and began to design children’s clothing. The rest is history - so to speak.
Name an early mentor in your career: Absolutely Ralph Lauren. I was surrounded by creative people all my life including my aunt, Lilly Pulitzer. I love the simplicity of her clothes and the wonderful fabrics. I found myself falling in love with prints from the 30’s & 40’s – the feed sack designs from the depression era. Women would recycle them into clothing for their children. They are familiar and quirky at the same time – sort of classic with an edge. My clothing is produced by a family-owned factory in South America. I am able to design my fabrics–all with the same wonderful nostalgic look.
What is the greatest trend you see in your business? How has your business changed? I added a women’s line to my already existing children’s line. It is amazing how well that has been received. I design clothing I want to wear: comfortable and VERY “mom-like.” So many women spend their days in jeans and a t-shirts; it’s important to spruce up and look pretty. In addition, I am morphing into my third website. It has been a delicate balance to keep my retail clients satisfied and realize the web is imperative to our success. Retailers today are tentative with their purchases so the website lets consumers see the range of fabrics and styles. We are in an extremely competitive environment with the Gap, J Crew and many others who have added children’s clothing to their existing lines.
Tell us one of your favorite personal extravagances that just makes you happy: That’s tough. Two things come to mind. I will add something to my wardrobe that ties everything else together. Like the boots I am wearing by Pons Quintana. Extravagant, yes, but they complete many other things like the J Crew jeans and jacket that I am wearing right now. Also, I am not a make-up person, but every couple of years I go to a Trish McEvoy event and COMPLETELY replace everything.
Can you tell us a funny story or something ludricrous about your business? Probably the thing I get the biggest kick out of is seeing my clothes on people I don’t know or seeing them featured in a magazine or on a famous person. I knew Brooks Shield’s bought our clothing for her children; it was fun seeing the photo.
Name the three things you simply can not live without. (exclude family or friends) My wheat grinder. Don’t laugh, but I buy my wheat in bulk from Montana to make bread, waffles and pancakes. My Saturday night date with my husband. We go to Cafe Nona EVERY Saturday and eat at the same table! Exercise-walking, Stairmaster, or weights.
(The above interview with Kayce was originally featured on Styleblueprint.com)
(The above interview with Kayce was originally featured on Styleblueprint.com)
29 March 2010
"The Invisibles" for Kartell
Japanese Designer Tokujin Yoshioka has created a collection of "invisible" furniture for Kartell, encompassing tables, occasional tables, sofas, armchairs and benches. The collection will be on show during Milan Design week 2010 at Kartell's flagship store. This chair, as someone remarked on Minimalissimo, "Looks like the throne of an ice princess". Amen.
Need-it-now: Juju hats
Juju hats. Also known as the jewel in the interior decor crown. So sweet and pretty, but such elusive little buggers! These enormous feathered headdresses were worn in tribal ceremonies, and originate from the West African nation of Cameroon. Oh, and I (still) want one. More than an Oompah Loompah even.
28 March 2010
Room of the week: Global home office
Oh good lord. Ikat. Suzani. Moroccan Berber rug. Be still my heart. Filing this under "What heaven looks like"...
Budget DIY of the day: Folding ruler razzle dazzle!
This little gem courtesy of SCJohnson's "Family Economics" blog (anyone whose motto is "Save money, spend time" gets a Table Tonic plug). The blog intro goes on: "Let's face it: Times are tight and budgets are shrinking. But there are ways to stretch, and even (gasp!) have fun doing it! This blog is about finding ways to get more from every household dollar, and enjoy every precious minute." Which brings me to exhibit A:
"Configure a carpenter's folding ruler into shapes such as a star, crown or monogram initial to create interesting wall decor. Use sticky party/poster tack to connect the ends and keep them from unfolding and hang from a small nail or rest atop a framed mirror or picture."
Both images justsomethingimade
27 March 2010
Page H. Laughlin: Art Decor
Page Laughlin's ridiculously awe-inspiring oil paintings (below) are "based on photographs of interiors from high-end shelter magazines (Architectural Digest, Nest, etc.)" And on her website, she goes on to explain: "These interiors present us with a fantasy of materialist beauty. These commercial images are compelling subjects for my painting because they reveal much about our consumptive desires. I am interested in what these fantasies reveal upon closer inspection and in what is veiled in seduction."
All images pagelaughlin
Dear Tory Burch...
STOP IT WITH THAT FEATHERED NECKLACE! I know. Buy yours here. And thanks to one of my favourite blogs, Peacock Feathers for the tip off!
Cool website: Bellemaison23
If you haven't already, stop in at bellemaison23 sometime. I'm sure she won't mind, and you'll be so glad you did. Good for when your "visual hard drive" needs a bit of rebooting. Which brings me to "Exhibit A":
All images bellemaison23
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