tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11115348802594942522024-02-21T07:04:29.576-05:00shades of greylive fashion forward.
an artist's take on a life of style.SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-17880866748228117362008-10-02T23:02:00.001-04:002008-10-28T23:37:52.975-04:00bottle open green<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bFMpZ0Eu_w6pxtF7a2gAu-Funmi00SBOj1D9-b3Vj441Gno8x0rgD7TJXYdhqocv7LsH-ZOeB4bB_ys3zgSFyM7zFbeACCM_63lXCmfAfhs9ggZ6e10GbxceeguuLCw2LaU-P4Uz5HyQ/s1600-h/cutknives.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bFMpZ0Eu_w6pxtF7a2gAu-Funmi00SBOj1D9-b3Vj441Gno8x0rgD7TJXYdhqocv7LsH-ZOeB4bB_ys3zgSFyM7zFbeACCM_63lXCmfAfhs9ggZ6e10GbxceeguuLCw2LaU-P4Uz5HyQ/s400/cutknives.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262414885769867282" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">a selection of unique bottle openers from cutting up knives</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-size:10px;"><br /></span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">the cutting edge... trash becomes treasure</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>I've never really understood the saying "one's man trash is another man's treasure"... it reminds me of those terribly tacky yard sales that inevitably pop up in the summer, tempting bored saturday-afternoon-wanderers to purchase perfectly useless objects to clutter their homes. That said, the designers at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Cutting Up Knives</span> have me biting my tongue... they reimagine selected broken, damaged, and useless knives into beautiful, unique and highly practical bottle openers. The process is far from mass production, as each bottle opener is individually chosen and cut... some derived from beautiful brand name knives, others from factory-rejects, and a special few second-hand collectables.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a fabulous way for the design-savvy to be green by reusing old and non-functional products without sacrificing style. And with all the shapes, sizes, and styles I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't love such a uniquely fabulous way to pop the cap off their beer without chipping their nail polish.</div><div><br /></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-62170637823489273002008-09-22T23:31:00.003-04:002008-09-23T00:23:18.217-04:00green bagging it<div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img src="http://www.shopbeausoleil.com/img/bag.jpg" alt="" width="312" height="468" border="0" name="productImg" /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"beau bag" by beau soleil, $44</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.shopbeausoleil.com/bag.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">beau soleil</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">a stylish girl goes green</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I recently discovered <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">beau soleil</span> a very interesting little company making very good looking "green" apparel... it is the creation of Anne Salvatore Epstein, a Manhattan girl with experience at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Marc Jacobs</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">ISLI </span>who traded her "overly excessive New York City lifestyle" for one much more organic. The company -- named after Epstein's favorite oyster -- focuses on sustainability, fair trade, and the use of organic raw materials, using fabrics made from bamboo, vegetable-dyed cotton, tencel (a product of eucalyptus trees), and recycled leather trims.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The bags are particularly pleasing to the eye. The original "beau bag" is a sensational cotton canvas sack... it bears an uncanny resemblance to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Anya Hindmarch</span>'s (see <a href="http://livefashionforward.blogspot.com/2008/07/green-chic.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">green chic</span></a>) but is much more affordable, actually obtainable (phew!), and available in three distinct color ways (natural canvas/grey, dark denim/white, light denim/red). Intrigued? So was sophisticate and supermodel <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Christy Brinkley</span>, who sported the chic tote with a pencil skirt and pumps in July.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For those who want to start small, the "beau dob" cosmetic cases are the perfect size for daily essentials. Crafted from undyed, raw canvas and surplus leather tabs, each case features text on one side and the company's signature leaf logo on the back. Finally, the "beau pouch" is the perfect way to stow all those extra "library" cards you collect... it snaps onto any bag handle for safe keeeping. Now that's smart!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Find it... you can order products directly from beau soleil's website, or keep your eye out at fashionable retailers... SAKS Fifth Avenue stores, ABC Carpet & Home, shopbop.com, and revolveclothing.com</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://www.shopbeausoleil.com/img/fall08/dob-1.jpg" alt="" width="312" height="468" border="0" name="productImg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"beau dob" raw canvas cosmetic cases, $26</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://www.shopbeausoleil.com/fall08-dob.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">beau soleil</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img src="http://www.shopbeausoleil.com/img/fall08/pouch-1.jpg" alt="" width="312" height="468" border="0" name="productImg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(1, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"beau pouch" credit card holder, $18</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopbeausoleil.com/fall08-pouch.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">beau soleil</span></span></a></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-37452724758065464012008-09-19T01:25:00.002-04:002008-09-19T10:24:29.378-04:00you're a prize<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyJ-FGYYHH4VRbiauO9xkspRu1qYUUgRTRTq6Ly1EIM9E2VHg8GapLHxy-yAyPA75nuWqzIrbKN5qt_uxWZircUO0-uQQuMHcai8mOW1GJWF_RtZa3zaKZXc5-8ts4MbNCWlBAd-J1RCz/s1600-h/blueanchor_large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyJ-FGYYHH4VRbiauO9xkspRu1qYUUgRTRTq6Ly1EIM9E2VHg8GapLHxy-yAyPA75nuWqzIrbKN5qt_uxWZircUO0-uQQuMHcai8mOW1GJWF_RtZa3zaKZXc5-8ts4MbNCWlBAd-J1RCz/s320/blueanchor_large.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247575058845441154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Jessica Grindstaff Prize Ribbon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">photo by </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.scottirvine.net"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Scott Irvine</span></span></a></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">competitive coping</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I tend to think of myself as a free-spirit, a fairy-child who flutters about in a world of creativity and colors... This existence, albeit real at times, is in my head; sadly, my body has always existed on planet Earth where parents prod their children along like little cattle, tempting them to reach their dreams with licks of salt. I went to a fabulous and outrageously competitive prep school that taught its students how to succeed (or at the very least persevere) by ensuring that they regularly failed... a bit tough on the ego yet quite effective. With the help of Billy Ocean, I developed my own motto -- when the going gets tough, the tough get creative -- and my very own solution, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">the consolation prize</span>. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">The consolation prize is a prize or celebratory act reserved for the most valiant failed attempts intended to momentarily lift the spirit of the devastated losing party. When executed properly, it is a beautiful, beautiful thing... and I honestly believe it may be the key ingredient to an eccentric's survival in a tailored world.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">prize ribbons</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Naturally, I love these clever prize ribbons by quirky New York artist <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jessicagrindstaff.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Jessica Grindstaff</span></a>. I think they are a hilarious and very attractive commentary on awards. Grindstaff began making the ribbons in 2006 and has officially awarded prizes to artists and individuals, including <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Yoko Ono </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">and</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Bam Margera</span>. They are available for sale in a rainbow of colors and featuring a variety of emblems (think bugs, anchors, cougars, skulls). This is one piece of flair I seriously must have... if not to parade around my bedroom in, then certainly for the next time I need some serious consoling. In the words of Grindstaff, "Everyone's a prize!"</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNQRPAHPavSH1IEM4-N_x0IABdjBAUDRzUHnKX3PWO2N4JxfvujSHNRFY3EwZpcgO0Sc6bwkMvCj9lhYh7oNs5Vldb-TslghWxGuv4qCLqADFCSuNyN0w8WyLQMNPtVn75UekRAOngTeD/s320/jggreybeeribbon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221994544228601986" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Jessica Grindstaff Satin Prize Ribbons</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">$99.00-132.00</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravinstyle.com/shop/productDetail.asp?p=3765&c=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ravinstyle.com</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-3723457240169136012008-09-17T05:30:00.003-04:002010-11-11T11:57:54.245-05:00write on!<div style="text-align: center;">Just yesterday I stopped by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sam Flax</span> in search of my favorite color ink, when I stumbled upon the most fantastic new candy-colored display of linen notebooks and accessories. I tried to scoot by and continue on my boring errand, but the colors drew me in... and while I refrained from making yet another "unauthorized purchase," I also completely forgot to buy the ink...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">semikolon by pierre belvedere</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Since its foundation in 1960, Canadian-based group <a href="http://www.pierrebelvedere.com/en/index_produits_semikolon-international.cfm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Pierre Belvedere Inc.</span></a> has been committed to bringing the world the finest in custom paper products based on European tradition. Their latest addition? <a href="http://www.semikolon.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Semikolon Internationa</span></a><a href="http://www.semikolon.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">l</span></a>, a German subsidiary whose extensive line (about 55 items available in 14 colors) of brightly colored notebooks and accessories pack a serious punch at the office or home. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">"Just as the semicolon binds two sentences together, the Semikolon ; products complement each other in their use of shade and colours."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Who said functional couldn't be fabulous? "The Petit Voyage" -- featuring 152 sheets of beautiful watermarked paper, a linen cover with a stitched spine, a ribbon page marker, and attached pencil -- is perfect for the perpetual traveler or just about anyone on-the-go! It's available in a wide array of pretty colors (think marigold, burgundy, lilac, and marine) so that travelers may show off their own unique style.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.paper-source.com/images/detail/435001.jpg" alt="Yellow Semikolon Petit Voyage Journal" title="Yellow Semikolon Petit Voyage Journal" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">semikolon petite voyage journal, $11</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/435001.html?cm_id=2840.060"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">paper source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, ok. So maybe you're not the type to wander through the streets of Paris sketching Notre Dame from afar on European watermarked paper... you're still in luck. The company makes tons of equally fabulous paper products with more uh, conventional uses. The "Interno" notebooks, for example, are eye-candy with purpose... thick spiral bound and filled with graph paper. And for clutter-bugs and paper-hoarders like me, there are filing accordions and folder boxes in European colors with slick finishing touches. Job well done, Pierre.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDl_sceY3uJoOXla0gCrrcKwLHWIGD3hk3_T7ZBFSOKaKWBXlgP3pxMduYH9qax5qQnyCm9hU5vVSY8Al2M7XqwrZFJ74M6Yqi9BDTRPIzJXFWhQ5xHhsDP5kVuoS-bxxslp5UnYXTKlY/s320/kdlt_z1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246952872785314130" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">semikolon interno graph notebook</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">semikolon international</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-1576296117466484842008-09-10T01:19:00.003-04:002008-09-11T22:11:12.676-04:00art becomes fashion in 2008<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/2008PF/ODLRENTA/RUNWAY/00590m.jpg" alt="Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2008" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">oscar de la renta fall rtw 2008<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">style.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiN7OTz7R98cyDBQ5-AsIq3blMve79r40wnUTYO2VnDUW62GGZ0JWuBb-LQRua1tq8eSZW6mzVcg0G98rERpkNxKntp8blaUzjG4zxH1kGbqxFh12UTJ1hRY5UrLLgmMMkZpICCGuDN_Z/s320/01940m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244181610222503074" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">christian dior fall rtw 2008 <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrIX3ENt7_dg3N2OWGnCz_F-E5xq6XpIusQ7J1Fl6S4_OGOgoek_0rJRHHn3ddFPUyXnTX4ehTiuA2QkkkrLkI0dM1jkQFFVnMFK0xnhFUdUqI0Af2jkXSY1qu-56iYa0X8xPIC1tJ3g9/s320/00560m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243814297277030066" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">michael kors fall rtw 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60wYy0KxAR08bB1mB-nM5CAQWfS3wLGYCtqH0zVq9M7TbLV_yDYqud7aUbdmoRjWcXIX4gbxGEpcm91ajx9McgkK6bdSjl_uIxZLJJl-iJp86Az1NyikpWGw7eSNeQplQzcXFolZk77WC/s320/00060m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243804163459866162" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">sonia rykiel fall rtw 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg759eJ1muBJuwpBJXeKfPJ28d1JD-roMIDXxWX4jwSNRs7Fpl_NL5fQx5SQkonCDqU0s8PcqJafNGg7vPwfWGxdlH6f-BRu5oM54blUsajOb7PnJBRoU91jDfGXO6zWvwpQy0-FhRJk-KC/s320/dries2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243809168818656290" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">dries van noten fall rtw 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ikfgHyeIt_13AKUCp7HdMYhVSe7h-jnF05UYM5tC0_ReikKQkMmHpHNVmj89hjzrxlV7iwz4s6e9N_mWk6s97gUHwAkBEX0QdpffJPjZyawfXPyLFzE3J3FD17jTxs12fieMpqXcR_Lu/s320/chloeprefall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243807864493534514" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">chloe pre fall 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Move over Miss Sykes, there's a new "Plum" in town! The editors at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Vogue</span> better watch out. I never intended on writing much about fashion but ever since I posted <a href="http://livefashionforward.blogspot.com/2008/08/plum-perfect-in-2008.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Plum Perfect in 2008</span></a> people have been calling me Plum and (get this) sending me actual FAN mail... so I think I'll continue (not because I'm high on the power, but because I really <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">must</span> give the people what they want).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">brush strokes & paint daubs</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Several of fashion's top designers took a cue from the old masters when creating their fall 2008 collections, as evident by the explosive bouquets of color that adorned billowing silk dresses and skirts. The vibrant florals of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Michael Kors</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Christian Dior </span>by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">John Galliano</span> were reminiscent of beautiful impressionist painting while <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Oscar de la Renta</span>'s collared evening gown looked surprisingly <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Gustav Klimt</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div>And while much attention was given to romantic florals by some, other designers (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Emilio Pucci</span> by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Matthew Williamson</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sonia Rykiel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">, and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> Chloe</span>) channeled the abstract expressionists of the 20th century to create modern, edgy, and pretty art prints. It may not have been the biggest trend on the runway, but it's going to be huge for this fall's contemporary lines... </div><div><br /></div><div>So go ahead and applaud because now you have something fun to go with all that black and navy they'll be pushing this fall.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">express yourself...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" com="" cgi="" mid="embed&id=3537434""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img width="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlRCa0podWxfM1JHVHdRdWd3WWRMUmcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="abstract iv" height="400" border="0" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">clockwise from top right:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">pringle 1815 abstract print mini skirt, $162</span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/31682?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Pringle+1815-_-Skirts&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-WYoOKFqjJtB9_KOIMO5X6g"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">see by chloe graffiti print mini skirt, $350 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/34434?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-See+by+Chlo??-_-Skirts&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-6El2jTlfdp5pFUvo_LXzsA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">alexis bittar large brat pack necklace, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bagborroworsteal.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">bag borrow or steal</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">luisa cevese riedizioni placemats, $36 barneys new york</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vintage art deco perfume bottles</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">mint by jodi arnold abstract pattern dress, $435</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">michael kors lattice a-line dress<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">christian louboutin graffiti pumps</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the art book, $9.95 </span><a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_The%20Art%20Book:%20Mini%20(HC)_10451_10001_48495_-1_11485_11488_null__#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">MoMA store</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t-bags off-the-shoulder top, $65 </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.net-a-porter.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">paul marrot edition "graphic plaid" coinpurse, </span><a href="http://haydenharnett.com/index.cgi?action=detail&style=RECTANGULCAGRP&back=http%3A%2F%2Fhaydenharnett.com%2Findex.cgi%3Faction%3Dslg_paule_marrot"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">haydenharnett</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">pringle 1815 colorblock cowl dress, $375 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/36149?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Pringle+1815-_-Dresses&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-KzmVo3VaKzZhj_7UNjvoEA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8" floral plates, urban outfitters</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">paule marrot edition "tango red" beatrice satchel, $485 </span><a href="http://haydenharnett.com/?action=detail&style=BEATRICEHAR&userid=&back=/catalog/%3Fpage%3D9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">haydenharnett</span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" com="" cgi="" mid="embed&id=3537187""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img width="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm5KYVQ0ZVZfM1JHeVE2T3B6aDMtZmcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="abstract iii" height="400" border="0" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">clockwise from top right:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">eccentric glamour by simon doonan, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.barneys.com/Eccentric%20Glamour/452708013125,default,sp.html?cgid=BOOKS02&start=34&sz=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">barneys new york</span></span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">marc by marc jacobs crazy bow headband, $125 marc jacobs stores<br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rebecca taylor floral print blouse, $275 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/36591?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Rebecca+Taylor-_-Tops&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-bQwRWpYZwaXZ0sa_LYVQPw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">18th amendment heartbreaker high-waisted jeans, $138 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/30003?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-18th+Amendment-_-Jeans&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-.FgRjKuwVKAXoehPDSTe4w"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">christian louboutin orniron booties, $1145 </span><a href="http://www.barneys.com/Orniron/15901%2e6219,default,sp.html?cgid=MAIN04&start=57&sz=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">barneys new york</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">marc by marc jacobs abstract hanging gem necklace</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">marc jacobs satin flower ballerina flats</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">j.crew collection floral print skirt, $125 jcrew stores</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">derek lam silk chiffon ruffle blouse, $890 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/36508?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Derek+Lam-_-Tops&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-e6DGjkLQRFTTakJMg1UCRw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rachel leigh margarita ring, </span><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/margarita-ring-rachel-leigh-jewelry/vp/v=1/845524441825058.htm?folderID=2534374302029428&fm=whatsnew#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">shopbop</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rachel leigh gold and enamel faceted ring, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">£17 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.bunnyhug.co.uk/fashionshop/gbu0-catshow/rachel_leigh.html#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">bunnyhug</span></span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">diane von furstenberg signature box bag, $298 </span><a href="http://www.dvf.com/dvf/browse/productDetailWithPicker.jsp?productId=H1040107T7&categoryId=LUGGAGE"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">dvf</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">le sportsac kevyn bag, $23 </span><a href="http://www.lesportsac.com/store/5823_3863.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">lesportsac</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">armbanden from creatief op commando bangles, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">£19.50 </span><a href="http://www.ninavalkhoff.nl/pages/armbandwhiteskull.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nina valkhoff</span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">dries van noten runway oversized bangle necklace</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">marc by marc jacobs runway torn print prom dress, $700 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/34636#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">four fall inspirations</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAlt7NS09E3gVy8467GOoMddGdncgC6Be4vQu8hQYBsihDXx3cY7nDEU30Y7Z6oDrKKmrXGoZs461c6G6e3aV1ZXMZVUGpfOY42-b_VBv0P3_y-scIMVq0CS4ONkagVXnUZEd60Xa_Vkj/s320/Claude_Monet--Water_Lilies_1916.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244195440641397810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">the founder of french-impressionism...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Water Lilies, Claude Monet, 1916<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqllO2IivPtNQKiMzD0GblDduzuURc2ClvgxapR_HXerqh_4Dlo1kTuKGBbUC-NFbZ0HWCQ5jyTpagWn4myGNSlZDbLXbefwKmfGPf6-5f5TtHKSltS6rsaS0WJwMEHkprwJZej5pVAC6/s320/TFA701~Helles-Bild-1913-Posters.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244195440513217154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">the russian father of abstract art... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Helles Bild, Wassily Kandinsky, 1913</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqq5Vbgk4W08Gn_k9rivYLAowe-XM8Bq8sq9iv56OwqEtYNaKjESpnG8mi9OhgMSHlYJPbiQE0ItVIr4T1dmQISEZ1w7WmIqblujWz7ngVRSJDa3E6g0zpef0K0kByr0_8qbeTqucTJeS/s320/W.-de-Kooning_UntitledC0C6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244201173948882706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">a 20th century abstract expressionist...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Untitled III, Willem de Kooning, 1982</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jXXvf0mwOEqNhYYYjgj9-PhMR1EMgAO2lWDPh-gPa6MLbPhJHau5GodXnLmGjwNujN9_sHT6vIe125Ff0IHMFJJyCYkSicLsj9ebq-r8bOUQHWsWSm-Wq_2qgED4E5qbfGCLBMcTb6bH/s320/van-gogh-vincent-iris-2403781.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244201844079941714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">a notorious post-impressionist... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Irises Saint-Remy, Vincent Van Gogh, c. 1889</span></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-9020071149969770022008-09-09T01:23:00.005-04:002008-09-10T22:31:55.283-04:00plastic fantastic<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img src="http://www.pandoradesign.it/img/s-object.jpg" alt="demilan" width="370" height="540" /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Pandora S-Object installation</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Grand Hotel et De Milan</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Milan Design Week, April 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">what's in a name?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Greek mythology, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Pandora</span> (meaning "all-gifted") was the first woman, moulded from the Earth by Hephaestus and bestowed with unique gifts of good and evil by each god or goddess. Her beauty was her intrigue, her downfall was her curiosity. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's no wonder the industrious Italians behind <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Pandora Design</span> chose Pandora as their name and muse... their curious plastic pieces are as infectiously entertaining as the legend herself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each inventive piece is the work (or gift) of a different designer, the name and product reflective of his or her taste. The "DeLuxe" cutlery is fabulously Baroque in style and available in gemstone colors of translucent plastic ... the "LuxuryMing" chopstix resemble ornate fans in opaque black, white, and red ... and the "ByeByeFly" swatter and the "3Some" ceramic coffee cups (each looking like a stack of three individual cups) introduce a bit of tongue-and-cheek on behalf of the designers. It's all very MoMA New York and will certainly make you reconsider your own tableware. I just wish I could read the Italian website...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love it? The cutlery sets are available for purchase, but innovation doesn't come cheap. Each 4-piece set of the "DeLuxe" flatware will put you back $30, challenging the notion that plastic is disposable or meant for any old backyard barbecue. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DskHPrt3Y-dvtVDuQQnkrmh8Uxqm_yBRDH3aJvyBskcoWC1WpqXlncFejQsxkBkBmTsBvpj13sbo6ufLNnu-ujUa0wc9-ScT7wlIGw5kiQS4nUtr8USMv_pVHvq8zRt3EFuLqD2PqsK7/s320/pandorafork.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243757546080182082" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"DeLuxe" cutlery set, purple</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">2000 Donata Paruccini & Fabio Bortolani</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">available at </span><a href="http://www.vivre.com/control/product/~category_id=9001/~product_id=38505"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">vivre.com</span></span></a></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IHwWMNGW4hm6D2_XWWUsmxKDlD5nxG7LEQVcNBT5dbM6K4rGnpYA6LVt64ANTj1Ov7Fly2WMslhWaRUX-P4472bRU72ukuPq1gs70RsoOmibwQmzix3q_H5vlfNWuLyoQAWULJm248Ta/s320/pandora+glasses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243757541916849026" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"Sunglass" cocktail glasses, multi</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">2007 Matteo Ragni</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.pandoradesign.it"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">pandoradesign.it</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vivre.com/control/product/~category_id=9001/~product_id=38505"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpOwOV-kguYq7Arvu_z78zZ-sOIijp1DzQ_dqpRHV0nQoiUs0VzScnOSYs0-PfhQfiy0oGvt1R-_LJVhRTtHp_iES79MAnZ85fm8pAislLs2OYMbd7Q3qRt_p1zZ8wijcxzmA7t_jURy6/s320/pandora+tapas.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243768421589623714" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> "Tapas" cocktail plates, multi<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">2007 Daniel Fintzi</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.pandoradesign.it"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">pandora design.it</span></span></a></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-30938247543411183762008-09-05T17:13:00.011-04:002010-11-11T11:59:38.735-05:00my fair lady: nina campbell<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="banner" src="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/_assets/collections/belzoro/Belzoro.jpg" alt="BELZORO Collection SPRING 2008" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">nina campbell spring 2008 collection</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">chair fabric: belzoro damask / wallpaper: cypres</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/nina-campbell/belzoro/fabrics/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">osborne & little</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">wouldn't it be lovely?</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Oh where do I begin? Nina Campbell is the queen bee of modern elegance. She built her career decorating estate for the Duke and Dutchess of York, the Queen of Denmark, and Rod Stewart before teaming up with the some of the industry's top manufacturers and distributors to design lines of furniture, fabric, wallpaper, rugs, decorative items, and now... kitchen appliances! The sky is the limit for the British designer who has also authored several books and apparently never gets tired.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">What's the attraction? Campbell's impeccable taste. Her designs are feminine and pretty with a modern twist... they are bold enough to stand out in a crowd (or showroom) yet refined enough to complement even the most sophisticated settings... like a modern day Eliza Doolittle. According to the editors at House & Garden, "There is no finer ambassador of contemporary British style than interior designer Nina Campbell. She has reintroduced faux leather in lipstick red and other, more muted tones. Put it together and what have you got? Class plus dash."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently great strides have been made in the aesthetics of appliances from washing machines to ranges in brilliant colors and funky aerodynamic designs. Nothing I have seen comes close to Campbell's new collection for Britannia, which introduces the idea of adding subtle patterns to make a bold graphic statement. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); ">The Nina Campbell Range from Britannia</span> comes in three chic designs -- Deauville, Damask, and Wisteria -- as well as four colorways, all guaranteed to make a splash. Personally, I am most fond of the Deauville, which echoes one of Campbell's most popular textile patterns. It is the most glamorous (and least graphic) of the three, although the Damask certainly packs a visual punch and would easily uplift a contemporary kitchen...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">My favorite Nina Campbell accessory by far, these pretty match strikers are more like a piece of art than an accessory... and they remind me of a time when gentlemen sipped wine out of proper glasses (not stemless or martini glasses?) and ladies collected silver <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">before</span> their wedding gift registry. Crafted from hand cut and intaglio engraved crystal, they are one of those beautiful but unnecessary objects I crave... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I can just imagine how much more special my morning coffee would be if I drank from a fushia or lime green limoges breakfast cup... hearts have never looked so adorably grown up! For now, I think I'll light my Smokey Quartz Candle (scented with marigold, cypress, lavender, and cedar wood) and say a little prayer that<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">omeday</span> I'll be able to afford something truly fantastic from the British beauty.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img style="-webkit-user-select: none" src="http://homeappliances.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/nina-campbell2.jpg" /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">wisteria and damask britannia cookers, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">£4,599</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.britannialiving.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">www.britannialiving.co.uk</span></span></a></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now tell me Professor Henry Higgins wouldn't be proud...</span></div></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-6961114316638987002008-09-02T13:19:00.021-04:002008-09-03T06:37:38.922-04:00a girl and her shoes<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgud9Vo-34LVZCUaYmYcQS8sbRrX5xHvSWBlFu1BhNBCfantzeSWyKeIJ7SW2GmL5PzexSyVjU6So8az0nWrsf68Ez1Dkq1YS71pqeG5lIWljYhcXvSj5YFwNhGIupVWp6dh-cI3Q1vQC5l/s320/NMX03KK_ep.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241501320946657122" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">christian louboutin glitter prive pumps</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;">christian louboutin</span></div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">my love affair with stilettos</span><div><br /></div><div>There are some things in life that just can't be explained... like my life-long obsession with footwear. I love all types of design as long as it is inspired, and generally speaking, I am as impressed (or offended) by the motif on my paper plate at a barbecue as I am a set of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Limoges</span> china. But when it comes to footwear, I am a particularly picky princess: I judge a designer by his ability to make wearable shoes (there is physics involved believe it or not), and a girl by her ability to walk on a 5-inch platform... although occasionally a slight teeter is the fault of the shoe and not the neophyte wearing it (when the casualty is me of course).<br /><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I am a fan of pumps, slingbacks, and sandals. I don't really fall for the trends. If it's sky-high, I'll wear it. If it fits my style, I want it. And if it's glitter-dusted, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">need</span> it (see <span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://livefashionforward.blogspot.com/2008/06/pubs-sparkly-shoes.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Bar Fly & Glitter Bug</span></a></span>). Last winter, I nearly died when I first spied <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Christian Louboutin</span>'s magnificent glitter pumps on display at Neiman Marcus. For a girl who collects all things that sparkle, they appeared to be a gift from the Heavens... the baddest sparkle shoes ever made, the ultimate in frivolous flair, a creation of one of my all-time favorite French men... a shoe so perfectly "me" and yet so obviously unattainable for a starving artist. So I started planning and discovered that if I survived on nothing but Cup-o-Noodles for 3 months and eliminated all social activity costs (drinks, cab fare, etc.) I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">might</span> be able to afford them. Needless to say, my plan did not last long. I got hungry for something besides freeze-dried noodles in broth before becoming a scary skeleton, and I owned up to the fact that I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">both</span> a bar fly and a glitter bug and hoped for a miracle.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I first started printing, I used abstract drawings of my pretty babies to make turpentine prints. These days my art has absolutely nothing to do with sky-high stilettos, but the most decadent designs are still a great source of inspiration... and cover my walls. Here are some of my favorite fall designs of all shapes and sizes... I'd love and wear them all from the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> YSL Tribute </span>pumps that memorialize a fashion idol to the funky <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Union Jack </span>booties that are oh-so rock n' roll.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">classic = ultimate investment pieces</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_E2jf2GFZFixC1772mcN6fnwa_JGEpG14JcfHlpKjlB1uUk97hs80uDB6sUisOOlC5DcV-iBdcu5YBtpzymDBALPR6phOcB5sOHSV4Q01dVyO_VYYc_nMbNSQJeqHDrQspRFaMOP5Cg1/s320/Tribute178563B8I001000.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241481661373138274" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">a fantastic tribute to the great late designer...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">yves saint laurent tribute pumps, $660 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.ysl.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ysl</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8LKFCgyyyIquTTbLMjL8aUgF5qpDjA5v1C_sXrF2Mx6KFzVnN0bZzpWbRRs93ESRcThMCZBTeEON4b4nWLJDeygHpQz31D6A0MwxPbNlYRsAz8Uc6TIYXVnhs4eBE9yT8cI4LWujwyGk/s320/33453_in_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241483325274824610" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">so satin chic...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">christian louboutin satin platform sandals, $865 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Shoes/High_Heels"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVtTpb5vnp1knV2UlphrTPxTl-Gw_XSYUT2vCrqifrmOqkfaY32CRkI-6xOdg3yh2TOJWcWQlLj-zMcDtzC2rhgiPdr7c-Tt0d3T8INFf0GDENlFg0DTTIcSLXEjpvo05cSeKpDgLVCa3/s320/33593_in_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241481668729044450" /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">perfect peeptoes...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">alexander mcqueen stamped leather pumps, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.net-a-porter.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></span></div></div></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jmYQxYNFBGu4a4Mm2dPpeMxkcdDKNGmSc04_4Lj-YHufV-mD4uFpXpGDHqB16j-5sVI0Q7MgDljZsiN5r20fLliFqrEG0XUwShyphenhyphen9Zg52UY7uy_7QyOMFDV48J_N2QRcbNfzGUGIoqRVX/s320/GZ_11668567_beige_red_black_h_pu.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241481662422229250" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">better than neapolitan ice cream... (fall trend)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">giuseppe zanotti multicolored pump, $595 </span><a href="http://www.eluxury.com/estore/browse/product_detail.jsp?id=11668567"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">eluxury</span></span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">embellished = awe-inspiring yet appropriate flair</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WrXjL2g6udGaWSpPbw-L4uJ0DJ_x4zu3vWA805FDyP2sx8Ku1H1hZqdc2ts5yYtKFPdpO2PG3w0LPaLYvJByT5t-e62aZ5JEk7MJwL40RdwLMci4BAPvowwUBGnznLmX5OrchZp_NzK6/s320/HBZ0908ZB008-de-31788980.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241492133083054018" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">painterly pumps from dries...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">dries van noten printed pump, $652 barneys new york (store)<br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYW3haRBLneCAhCvK0sFKjRbk0e_-WS_hthIrIoLS8xyqq-PEPhB3ekcnNGzOX0A4Sliayv7atwWfW9g2_6m9cVwrW5Sg8IxhR9RPua-Q5hM0FLqaaFi5UvokhrjNU5eI97wMt2pZouHCa/s320/33441_in_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241483321096531858" /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">so very french shoe boots... (fall trend)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">christian louboutin c'est moi bootie, $825 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Shoes/High_Heels"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zv2tEtlJJ6yAWyPRCjCGQ8_DT_Dj0yEFZgsRpGN5ti1xN958oqlLjuauJR5hSF57TVNqbFBRKZ-QmNXr99lW4ov3A5vdLsi0Gm89BMkLIkSmqvQ9qeuKFUT43a82ixT0aCNsG0TdOIpB/s320/33799_in_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241489844332574594" /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">studded stilettos that show you mean business...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">giuseppe zanotti mirror embellished ankle boot, $995 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Shoes/High_Heels"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></span></div></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSxf2c2rFNQ7aGgjGCLOjZA0t9M0IW7wKsUV-QE2y8NPAKLYbi8KYyjbR9HYnsRFhAhmCO_xhv36OUqbHV8KUMmlhzt-iZhU0jhFQ-0vczDb1kMFvojXHWmww43UbSKeAoFYHXpE_dCaf/s320/33454_in_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241481661965335858" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">channeling the east...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">christian louboutin, $1095 bergdorf goodman/neiman marcus (store)<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">heart-stopping = irreverent, outstanding, & undeniable luxury</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjPiToLLLVd-iqDKe-9NVSWvINAdasKpidmQmIWe_QvQeVBMBe8PDHR3_bj4SM6iyGcj9h0cC6nmNoTXPc3CJ-CmUZEGi-PLLoqoAbwp6AuuuhwNVmh9WW7izUaeP8Xt8_D_SHtSOc4zK/s320/33961_in_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241481649908024610" /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">london calling...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">alexander mcqueen union jack ankle boots, $1250 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Shoes/High_Heels"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuqPZd1UE_Juw51rZSdqeedO5lbvcHPDOmEuezN_0-Yj7AeGHK3SCGqEkzHBZ0ZmoVt31G3GSaVdn8zaQ_7hPDTqR8eM3VHfmrWe8oAvh0rYfeX2bwdrTUWhqCNTZQGgS4ITIHzD9Vp2s/s320/pierre+hardy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241489839213921234" /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">if only i was rihanna... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">pierre hardy shoe, $1320 </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.pierrehardy.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">pierre hardy</span></span></a></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvwFuluKaTm4lVsWS5QEqb9wEswDm6wtnfr6rhXHja-KpMXoUByNJ_U6sv5pIKdcPHzskLYAz6ghLv0vEFEvuiseZLFynTNk3c271VfHGvHd2wg2rnUDZBzQ-qT_8CuFO_kSfg0d4fwjQ/s320/FoliesSandal204280B8I001000-2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241483323403694818" /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">fairly fantastic from the vault of ysl... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">yves saint laurent leather folies sandal, $995 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.ysl.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ysl</span></span></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnewg72HnEr8CjN4HFTNlE1dpHZmO9IRUizPRVhmxEIFZ72uXGldS-PopUwTYVyGkvSW00eOMRFVEZZCmnGBI_ZfRj_NSrRl3UKFbtH3A_BUVJSLERcv2TCdlDdUNuDSNclDMNavN5CXE7/s320/sc0351dfec.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241505018652925074" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">completely breathless...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">robert vivier haute couture sandal, robert vivier paris</span></div></div></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-24293589417282714742008-09-01T12:00:00.004-04:002008-09-03T06:24:11.538-04:00labor day!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" com="" cgi="" mid="embed&id=2184686""><img width="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm1ob0M1V2wxM1JHV3V2eElJSkhCN2cAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="suitcase" height="400" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I'm not going to lie, I don't blog on major national holidays. If Wall Street can close, than so can Shades of Grey... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">i'm off to the beach, jump in my suitcase</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.vitaminaswim.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">vitamin a </span></a>swimsuit that goes with everything... a beautiful silk caftan... aviator sunglasses... my favorite pair of jeans (seven for all mankind bootcut stretch jeans)... fun gold <a href="http://www.fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=3470&cat=283&page=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">hoops</span></a>... a silk cami and colorful tees... a sweet pair of snake sandals from roberto cavalli... a magenta resin <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/jessica-kagan-cushman/br/v=1/2534374302050800.htm?source=goog-Jessica_Kagan_Cushman-jessica_kagan_cushman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">bangle</span></a> with attitude from jessica kagan cushman... plenty of cute minis... neutrogena ulta sheer dry-touch sunblock to protect my lilly skin... and bobby brown beach body oil to give me glimmer... and a fabulous island necklace from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mawi.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">mawi</span></a>. PERFECT!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-32765219866795812552008-08-28T12:53:00.008-04:002010-11-11T12:04:09.488-05:00vivre le siecle<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img src="http://www.siecle-paris.com/items/test/ART___siclpoticho-poisson.jpg_0_BIG.jpg" alt="" width="300" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(95, 142, 22); border-right-color: rgb(95, 142, 22); border-bottom-color: rgb(95, 142, 22); border-left-color: rgb(95, 142, 22); " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">set of six hand decoupaged, artist-signed animal plates</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">E 110 at siecle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">for the love of d<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">é</span></span>coupage</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ancient art of decorating objects by applying layered cut-out paper and enamel or laquer, d<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; ">é</span>coupage got its first major recognition and name (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">é</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">couper = to cut out</span>) in France during the 17th and 18th centuries.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Because there are no stead-fast rules of decoupage and because it does not require any specific equipment, it is viewed by many modernists as a hobby... they could not be more wrong. I attempted my first decoupaged jewelry box when I was in 8th grade, and it was tragic. The varnish I used (or the ill application) made the colored images bleed together in a muddled mess much to my dismay... I admitted defeat and have barely touched the beautiful medium since.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mostly due to my own failed attempts, I have a weakness for the illusive art... so I could not be more thrilled that certain connoisseurs have started a revival. While in Paris, I stopped by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Siecle</span>, the wonderful <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">atelier</span> of Philippe Chupin and Marisa Osorio-Farinha in St. Germain des Pres. The store is an entertainer's paradise... a mix of fine embroidered linens, horned serving pieces, and one-of-a-kind hand crafted decoupage plates and platters. As I gazed admirably at each item, I realized that the congenial man keeping the shop that spring day was M. Chupin himself... only in Paris would you have such an opportunity! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently, he has been diligently working on setting up an international website for the wonderful company, so most of the design work is completed by his wife and business partner Marisa Osorio-Farinha, who he met at the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ecole du Louvre</span> in Paris. The company's name, which means <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">century</span> in French, reflects Philippe and Marisa's "eclectic taste for different cultures and times" is reflected in the varied style of their products. It really is a must for any well-versed international shopper. I fell in love with the exquisite plates and pretty serving sets packaged in purple and green silk boxes...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Siecle Paris</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">24 Rue du Bac</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Paris, France</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;">www.siecle-paris.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.siecle-paris.com/items/ART_317SSA1__si351cl_0_MEDIUM.jpg" width="250" height="250" border="0" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">lacquer and horn salad set, $96 (tax free)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.siecle-paris.com/item.php?id=351#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">siecle paris</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">for the love of vivre</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Vivre</span>, a online and printed magazine of wonderful artisans, is the brainchild of "mail order magnate" Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti and the epitome of style. A unique selection of the finest in ready-to-wear, housewares, and fine art, Vivre redefines luxurious living purposeful shopping. There are no "filler" items... just pages and pages of unique and exquisite European luxury. A superb source of inspiration and wonder, even the Queen of England will wish she had a larger bank account while thumbing through the pages...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tDTqZJUnqCgUyM7QgLqD3eTQ-8AM4tShK5V_LtV3W79QzCteC9sUlnx28_-SZWv6__qRvvGgWZ8BRPE6L_vIzqLBsXocPbHnYrKHFJrjhGGrB3LzOur1gDVdMGl9jNB11D2gT_Peua7G/s320/siecle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239615463068087090" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">interview with Philppe Chupin in Vivre</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-37167908391647014912008-08-27T00:00:00.003-04:002010-11-11T16:21:34.122-05:00a passage to india<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVp9_GlakwDnMnkrhNqUmrMoVau94xOfFmnHeSDTDkeOoq_XHKGPYZI-jMhFkOIgsUx-bE19nrARye7WCyCMQuaQXQRS9DzI8peMPjVry6vPJvJCZBRGGFretuJF-crEa-_BadcIj7OPf/s320/DSC_0501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239020398107750178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;">pretty embroidered pillows on my bed</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">shades of grey</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>There is something so alluring about the East... I am fascinated by the culture, the colors, the animals... all of which seem so distant yet so inviting. Printmaker and textile king <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">John Robshaw </span>must feel the same way. Robshaw apparently traveled to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">India</span> in search of authentic indigo dye and never looked back. Over the past few years his collection of hand block-printed textiles has sparked new interest in ancient techniques and given proper recognition to fabulous Indian artisans. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Robshaw's New York showroom is absolutely amazing... as colorful and as richly decorated as an authentic Eastern bazar. As much as I adore the vibrant colored prints, I like my bedroom to be tranquil and airy like a giant cloud, which is why I am a HUGE fan of the "precious metals" collection... the gold and pewter metallics are divinely elegant and add texture and ornament without overpowering the eye. The moment I saw these gold embroidered euros at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Bungalow </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Classic</span>, I knew I just <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">had</span> to have them...</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the most exciting part is that for the first time, Robshaw's work is easily accessible! <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.anthropologie.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Anthropologie</span></a> offers exclusive bedding sets and art prints at retail stores and through their website, and Robshaw himself has opened his website to the public. So go ahead and find your eastern flair...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bungalow Classic</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1197 Howell Mill Rd NW</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Atlanta, GA 30318</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.johnrobshaw.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">www.johnrobshaw.com</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ-AA7tagy5sKSUf2bQ2_oYcHDUj9BhGMKsFYHS3T7vZR07bZUgfkZYMyhsztHYUFZegXoQtbBCXi9ldgW_ywD6Dp65z5GNl1z7BJMz5Usa9wruZjjbWwoHI8_4xaPXTl8wBEZNZZzto4/s320/Animal+Pillow+main++enlarged.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223302385230496386" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"circus" decorative pillows by john robshaw</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">handprinted in jaipur, each takes an entire day to finish</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">12" x 18" (camel, leopard), $115</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">20"x 20" (tiger, ram), $140</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">26" x 26" (elephant, horse), $150</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.johnrobshaw.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">john robshaw</span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-43902140550297025252008-08-26T00:03:00.004-04:002008-09-01T23:49:44.227-04:00bringing preppy back<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZtRrd7LPi2NCvno5XZULw4jIhIOyLJ3mI-VYI3Oou5H-0_B-ZzGgR7rasYN_0-di-vfzJ9FsHffFQtAFw8mUl2Xhwjes82Zyg2zgVBZsgLB8E1wm1tq-Zlzgp7wOAcNecc-myPy_i4FH/s320/sc0158fd38.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238633117531724226" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">midnight rider...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">alice & olivia wool blazer, $400 <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">and black satin skinny pants, $264</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.saks.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">saks.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">city school kids & upper east side charms</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">The runways (and soon the streets of Manhattan) resemble a prep school fire drill. Tailored blazers, riding boots, horizontal stripes, and (gasp!) pearls are helping bring classic conservative back in style from New York to London. Edgy dressers fear not... for once, preppy is not synonymous with candy-colored prints that resemble a Nantucket flotation device. This is not your grandma Betty's conservative, and designers don't expect you to wear frumpy shoulder pads or boxy suits. The new look is a freshly modern take on tradition -- sort of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Audrey Hepburn </span>meets <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Balenciaga</span> -- featuring soft, tailored elegance with a touch of attitude (not too unlike the modern woman).</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5q4bvYEQyMyEzCEreqafKA0uT_csNPHWOJkF6ARS7ZT1VI_eajkZI3yU7nmDc20C8UZhSLA6GqTQWLAqc05VBIlgERQl9GDm55reYtV4ZrKRO0BMHMeDbJlp1eT18pXWgbea5LuV54zz/s320/sc0158dc7e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238633131065834690" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">classic cocktail...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">nanette lepore black merino wool dress, $230</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.saks.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">saks.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxVYT3r3ziIlz7oCPV5AyhNKRn-dvmloodImHCPwVOcpDJowYMVzqAt1G56F6A5eNwbjTneF63hUg8GsjeID9pNp6AXGJuqRY7-v-6f9h_warZEZGedVV21eJXCLygAStFbYI1IU7UnRm/s320/sc01588328.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238638905566613906" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">black and tan...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">geren ford black cap-sleeve top, $267<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">marquis & camus collar with cameo, $200</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">marie claire</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">highland clans & a coat of arms</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While Paris and New York appeared to be inundated with black, London and Milan gave a nod to the Queen with inordinate amounts of tartan, plaid, and check complimented by faux coat-of-arms and jewels becoming of Elizabeth herself... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Vivienne Westwood </span>showcased anglomania with red houndstooth minis, floral silks, and brass-buttoned coats... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Alexander McQueen</span> embodied the trend with outrageously regal gowns that harkened back to the days of Anne Boleyn, accented with elaborate headpieces and fine borrowed vintage jewels... and Italian designers Domineco Dolce & Stefano Gabbana's fall<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> D&G</span> collection showcased an array of traditional Scottish tartans layered with checks, plaids, and argyle vests...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The result? An endless selection of cross-Atlantic preppy wear that oozes sophistication of days past...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9hwHLImrVQIJQTOvs74qdEomwJ0z9VlEHfpM3V6LXJNI8WozUaCfNnB3b2ilnkzvCaJ6RjoKnkeBIUL6w1rtSR2iWU-LI7iBNBX96kUKJyaFSYyirCdkLeo1cTv1LOYEUqe3iuDhYTHO/s320/00020m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238633112899825234" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">british power prints...<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">vivienne westwood red label fall rtw 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">style.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzLSz1JABwdOQkk8G_WwVl6RdtHwrGm4AoT01BaFbSFT4ruaxVHzHIR927zLnUSnELuxPyOp8M0vWdM9rPgAL6NnQTgFwcYqp_e9ljz2JNf_8VBIccoWTzbfx8U7q7vQEpX-Fs3_4iBLm/s320/00250m-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238628604076779970" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">ode to the queen...<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">alexander mcqueen fall rtw 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">style.com</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZL1ou4EXDeBerQOh15dmYcRWjssZi1OrIMx3t3FMal2yfBblfXsMzoshE0sjdPWlKaX_eKS9YzOLLlpX9wAvSIHiVgMDpZR7r0Yoyyi9GF9POw1gtSSegGLuRTn6HQy1LTLDVYVrqEj_/s320/dg08.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238631153959410514" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">plaid to toe...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">d&g dolce & gabbana fall rtw 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">style.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldAZqcoveFap2ELA4VP7POr6VpTN50NS98BPsFhUn0_DmXvN_3oQyY31tuVuY0roPNWZTcLgZMSHUKJvXBcWra_ejgPqdUnAZ6bQJgESnwx8IFcxaa8oP6_8Fb1RvzM5yHLGBjXjnpDQy/s320/sc0158bb8b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238633125387903794" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">a daring pair...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">d&g dolce & gabbana navy plaid coat, $1690</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">rebecca taylor black pants, $275</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">marie clare</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Experiencing sensory overload? No problem. I'll help. Take a cue from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Kate Moss</span> and pair a basic black blazer with slick skinny jeans, tall boots, and great accessories like an eye-popping clutch or an oh-so-popular charm bracelet from your favorite fashion house... Combine a slinky shift with black tights and a pair of sweet ankle boots for a night on the town... dress up a pair of leggings (left over from that awful moo-moo tunic trend) with riding boots, a pretty feminine blouse, and an oversized leather bag...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img width="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlJQblE0VDV2M1JHTUhfejBjWGNJMlEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="bringing preppy back 3" height="400" border="0" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">geometric pillow, shades of light <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">eliza mcallister silhouette plate, $65 </span><a href="http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=3751#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">jayson home & garden</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">pearl and rhinestone studs, topshop</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">jasper conran teacup, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wedgewood.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">wedgewood</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">long fabienne high-heel boots, $398 </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jcrew.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">jcrew</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">calvin klein horizontal stripe dress</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">hermes printed silk scarf</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">crest cuff, $74 </span><a href="http://www.shoptwigs.com/twigs/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=Crest+Cuff&pf_id=PAAAAAJGIFPDPJFD&dept_id=7327&dl_id=75&dp_id=5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">shoptwigs</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">gucci lace-up ankle boots</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">superfine skinny jeans, $260 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/26356?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Superfine-_-Jeans&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-_0TCNLt7tt1g0WYsU_Wm3g"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">chanel charm bracelet,</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bagborroworsteal.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> bag borrow or steal</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">marc by marc jacobs fan bracelet, $98 </span><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3000571/0~2376780~6009391~6013427~6013433~6013446?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6013446&P=1#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nordstrom</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">kate moss for topshop boyfriend blazer, £55.00 </span><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=130042&parent_category_rn=42347&langId=-1&top=Y"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">topshop</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">betsey johnson drop earrings, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.betseyjohnson.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">betsey johnson</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">alexander mcqueen union jack clutch, </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/33953#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ralph lauren alligator clutch<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <img width="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlZ0S2VqaHR6M1JHMGszQjZDTDVOYXcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="scotts" height="400" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">stripe military blazer, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">£</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">30 </span><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=85424&parent_category_rn=42317&productId=604069&langId=-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">topshop</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d&g dolce & gabbana wonder corduroy jeans, </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/?cm_mmc=LinkshareUK-_-TextLink-_-Homepage-_-Homepage&siteID=MwDGkplpO7s-ZxCEEX_rqUzZJZMQp9yonA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ralph lauren home "mayfair stripe" fabric</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">world food programme feed bag, $60 </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M3OP6A?ie=UTF8&tag=closettherapy-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000M3OP6A"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">amazon.com</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">louis vuitton monogram vernis alma, $2080 </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.eluxury.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">eluxury</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sherburne sofa, $6540 </span><a href="http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/furniture/item.asp?item_id=11548&haid=7&t=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ralph lauren home</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">hunter wellington boots, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jcrew.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">jcrew</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">mcq skinny leg jeans, </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/21448?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-McQ-_-Jeans&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-0TIjh11VfNgs_ws5XHRfVw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vivienne westwood black petite jacket</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">lela rose ruffle neck blouse</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ralph lauren home tweed fabric</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">silk rose brooch, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.topshop.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">topshop</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">carolina amato leather gloves, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.eluxury.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">eluxury</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">frye "paige" tall riding boots, $348 </span><a href="http://www.thefryecompany.com/Product-Women-Boots-Tall%20Shaft-77535BLK.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nordstrom</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">burberry "brit gold" perfume</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Last but not least, industrious artsy types who'd "die" for a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Balenciaga</span> crested blazer but can barely afford bread can create their own perfect (and personalized) look by adding one of these fabulous bullion crest appliques to their favorite clothing item... now that's just fabulous!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://images.mjtrim.com/tsconfig/37703-GMUL.jpg.fpx?cell=200,200&qlt=75&cvt=jpeg" alt="2 1/4" x="" 2="" 1="" british="" bullion="" style="position:static; top:0px; left:0px; z-index:1;" class="productImage" /><img src="http://images.mjtrim.com/tsconfig/37700-MULTI.jpg.fpx?cell=200,200&qlt=75&cvt=jpeg" alt="3" x="" 2="" 3="" fleur="" de="" lis="" bullion="" style="position:static; top:0px; left:0px; z-index:1;" class="productImage" /><img src="http://images.mjtrim.com/tsconfig/36847-BKGM.jpg.fpx?cell=200,200&qlt=75&cvt=jpeg" alt="4.25" x="" bullion="" crest="" style="position:static; top:0px; left:0px; z-index:1;" class="productImage" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">bullion crests, $9-25</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://www.mjtrim.com/SiteSearch/search.aspx?page=3&keywords=bullion&in_field=&sort_by_field=&spellcheck=y"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">m&j trim</span></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">PHEW! I'm exhausted...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-22204761754730794092008-08-25T05:23:00.006-04:002010-11-11T12:07:56.373-05:00unearthing agate<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4dh26hBdYuWRSNMq1Ya2g6RxX6n4PLc-9vi5YdGIqeOoUh7gWVH79uiy6iXeFcrJdg_-rEsC_CbVJIDbQyDvHXNMWeJqk6M6_Cimqn4qiyJgAp9NsrDqHThX3zqdmaUDnSgyKYRYRrQ1/s320/agate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237844047747840274" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">semi-precious stone, dazzling accessory<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Agate</span>, a semi-precious gemstone, is a variety of quartz commonly associated with volcanic and metamorphic rocks. The colorful stone was given its name by Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who discovered the gem between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. The many varieties (noted by differences in colors and patterning) reflect the region and conditions under which the agate was formed. In antiquity, the Greeks used the stone to make jewelry and beads, while ancient Egyptians used the gem in decoration. Agate was believed to possess incredible powers and virtues as a medicinal cure from scorpion stings and snake bites. Today agate is most commonly used in ornaments and decoration.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Channel your inner gypsy this fall by accessorizing with this dazzling stone... take a break from pearls and combine earthy & classic with this elegant necklace from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Tory Burch</span>... or opt for bohemian chic with an agate-studded cuff... </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't believe me? Check out the agate belts that turned up on the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Gucci</span> runway...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYzvnTGp1nTUnumw2q0XwNk1oyxmDu6xEc-9GJNKkkZSkzXzAN2qdU-_TEHXEo3WtyYacwsBsaYiAuc6yrjCzkCo4vBBuW3UzWzuMOwUrC2hu2ORdMW1AOy7WeWIyK32XWajccN3mN38O/s320/tb+agate+necklace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237837928499588162" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">5-rock agate necklace, $325</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">tory burch</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmb8IdEsEMaX8ROqjzz4syjANU-jbCRHJhyTHW_NBmgEdN5qqd9Vj6GRpw1gBRP4guvf9h40zfsrr8HtrPxYv4vqO7Gn61UWO2GLT_WepKYg3c6pevIGZxPEakz2IJIKzRGz_qg-joS8_-/s320/agate+cuff+tb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237837934507771874" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">agate cuff, $195</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.toryburch.com/catalog_listing.aspx?cid=485&viewall=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">toryburch</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC17yuV0go3B6mGUogdx03kcBZg7CyZcD1uNC3HNo40IaA4W7zCydjvLPOphOe9QC5Z0ZM9pfHwr7F8JeVYp0480BtzRPUD3V4cGUi61f7aqBsYdLeJT7iNvoM40fCoOGMOF8alaBfnGah/s320/00670m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238554356756971426" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">gucci rtw fall 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">style.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">a house of gems</span></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're not into jewelry or you just can't imagine pairing a chunky slice of agate with your tailored <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Theory</span> suit, try adding a touch of natural wonder to your home decor with brilliantly colored accessories of brazilian agate... Just looking at these gorgeous gem coasters makes me long for a stiff drink with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Holly Golightly</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Simon Doonan</span> in a sun-drenched TriBeCa loft while the coasters make a bold, daily statement.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Rab Labs</span> was created in 2002 by London-born Anna Rabinowicz, an accomplished product designer and current teacher at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Parsons School of Art and Design</span> in New York. Based in New York, Rab Labs currently offers a selection of coasters, plates, napkin rings, bowls, photo frames, ornaments, and bottlestoppers. According to Rabinowicz, "My intention is to bring natural, warm elements into spaces constructed of hard materials -- steel, glass, concrete, and plastic." Look for RabLabs fresh, natural designs at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Neiman Marcus</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Barneys New York</span>, and (of course) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">V</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">ivre</span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl8uyGk53e1pHqhla7ppNfyQ25S53MzV3RNvrovar3bW7zj_ueqH40LtyAv8a-Ondqmm2fs5RGbzzA-UIriY-4gjjRIifrfxrZ_QzjWGSds7qX0wpbk5fnbF8OKj1Bi1flDfx94LN_CSG/s320/MULTIPLECOASTERS.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237837940298955426" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">set of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">4 brazillian agate coasters, $60<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vivre.com/control/product/~category_id=9001/~product_id=29979"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">vivre</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-45526794320139208972008-08-22T12:00:00.005-04:002008-09-10T22:34:02.640-04:00floral illusion<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.linternaute.com/femmes/decoration/achat/actualite/07/0709-maison-objet/images/emilio-robba.JPG" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">west elm chair reimagined by robba for a charity auction, 2007<br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">emilio robba, sculptor of flowers</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I always knew that nature would be the guide in my life..." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Born into a family of Italian artists residing in Paris, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Emilio Robba</span> knew from a very young age that his artistic roots would guide his life. He began with painting and studied form and color at the prestigious Beaux-Arts school. His fascination with nature led him instinctively towards the art of floral design, where he rapidly pushed the frontiers...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In 1980 Pierre Cardin asked Robba to create a retail store specializing in fine and unusual flowers. Robba quickly developed his own aesthetic, creating the first "flowers of illusion" collection. The result was an outstanding collection of synthetic flowers that</div><div style="text-align: left;"> offer unprecedented beauty with absolutely no management... perfect for any person who loves beautiful arrangements, but was born without a green thumb.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was blown away by the flagship store in Paris, located in the charming (and fashionable) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Saint Germain des Pres</span>. The two-story boutique was cluttered with unusual and artistic arrangements -- ranging in size from shot-glass sized vases holding a single orchid stem to enormous metallic pots containing exotic cacti, succulents, and palms -- resting atop sleek acrylic tables and carefully lit against metallic pewter walls. The boutique exudes luxurious ambiance and feels more like a museum of flowering plants than a </div><div style="text-align: left;">retail outlet, a reflection of Robba's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">joie de vivre</span>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AHYdNGuXjqXipT-VJgXyEWJb-QzrgEOGv4DrFJVlIpAKasPlU4ADFNkpvDfPhJcWfsWjkyuJNoBNz8OVBpbyKCuOMJJmLNbJiANw_YZwLTMuD0QZ9vK8ms0BE6FhmAmfgL3HiQVDb-s9/s320/IMG_0154.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227838061904226818" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">inside the beautiful Paris boutique</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">shades of grey</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found several must-haves to bring back to the states (without breaking the bank)... a sculptured glass vase encasing a vine of thistled wild roses acts as a modern candelabra, holding four votive tea-lights adds effortless elegance to any table and looks dashing when lit... glass tea light candles filled with Robba's signature illusion florals make a lovely gift or a savvy paperweight... and a beautiful arrangement of pink phalaenopsis orchids alongside a succulent tree is a wonderful investment for anyone who likes to be continually surrounded by nature's beauty (and these squared-off jet black vases are the oh so in-the-moment in Paris)... So go ahead and indulge yourself with an artful arrangement:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Emilio Robba Paris (St. Germain des Pres)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">63 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.emiliorobba.com/Boutique/usa/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">emiliorobba.com</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Emilio Robba Miami</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">358 San Lorenzo Avenue</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Coral Gables, Florida 33146</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Emilio Robba Palm Beach</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">333 South County Road</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Palm Beach, Florida 33480</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrZOUSo2Ovr7_doNapN5Up1oG27t-tU0VzwRLCzDu8jBkZHtT-oiMjpajtxiR81DHW23kg4qsfviJ4g5YOLGZa-30_dNG1_yxXcDedTBjVyKeJsv2IRWLpoCauLyJOjwjn_GOb6wGpV1K/s320/robbaflower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237366918298654930" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpseSHUpyj4NS_Ptt3A34bDpJJw-1o_sAEn-Qc4Qq7xRn4vFXR1dmqJ3xtGF6SNlP2xcHi_-r9Tw-GvFuT3oq9z4QpbJMMTKnEQ5RYCS4XNFvoK4ElPYSqf-rTItqQNWFQY0ltJ7D7X3f/s320/DSC_0497.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237364780812860642" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">sculptured vase with roses (around </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">€60) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia;"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:-webkit-sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">shades of grey</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIYNayre7u0cUATCjrLZxazhkOO5aLUZP0_oYJ1-lcD5WMynKAVAy-JLF3m2VsX3Ok56NCOL0gTzUExkNSzSzS90xhyphenhyphen1MhbR4KuiTP5sz4tPlvt7FDTbpSdBSusll_jkrMAS1uQ9yJ9Bk/s320/robba2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227842435761204082" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">medium glass t-light with white poppy ($45)<br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">shades of grey</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyJLUCy4BLvGs0sNN9yWoaGgIYyEsEfFmusByXYstcUxh9WWp6FP36BHo8l3NlgHa8mdwSWfcHVU-kC1aDGB4PYJ6tn8j0Z75lJg2LU4OIvuWHlCEARFIev7mHmdkaXOTeQp12x-nLure/s320/67fc2416dd08168bc3220999733b451e.image.320x491.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227838611826297442" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">phalaenopsis orchid and succulent tree in black glass vase, $95</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.emiliorobba.com/Boutique/usa/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=55&products_id=288"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">emilio robba usa</span></span></a></span></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-83972963356394976002008-08-21T12:00:00.013-04:002008-08-25T10:38:01.952-04:00virtuous virgo<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Virgo.svg/50px-Virgo.svg.png" width="50" height="61" border="0" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">august 23 - september 22<br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">insightful</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">pragmatic</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">intelligent</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">perfectionist</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">schrewd</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">conservative</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">refined</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">reserved</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">meticulous</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I know astrology is somewhat of a risky subject, as many people put as much faith in the stars as they did the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ouija</span> board... but, I happen to be a fan of the mystical world, particularly the queen bee of astrological forecasts <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Susan Miller</span>. Miller, who learned the art of astrology from her mother, has become an internationally acclaimed authority through her website <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.astrologyzone.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">astrologyzone.com </span></a>as well as her monthly contributions to InStyle and CosmoGirl! magazines and guest appearances on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, 20/20, and The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. In honor of this celestial diva, I have compiled a shopping guide for every sign, featuring the hottest and most unique finds... look to the stars to find inspired shopping.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I didn't have a single virgo friend, I wouldn't be surprised. Virgos are are intelligently organized machines that require precise planning and pristine surroundings. They are meticulous perfectionists... the type of girl who has hand-pressed linens on her bed that perpetually smell of lilac, she'd never wear a pair of ripped jeans and dirt doesn't dare hide underneath her perfectly manicured nails. Virgos have wonderfully refined taste in food and fashion and like to stay up-to-date with trends. Most importantly, virgos enjoy constant productivity and intellectual stimulation, whether its a new book or a new project. Honestly, I'm tired just thinking about all that activity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">famous compadres:</span> twiggy, lance armstrong, upton sinclare, beyonce, sophia loren, h.g. wells, hamilton jordan, bill murray, william h. taft, d.h. lawrence, peter lynch, buddy holly, lauren bacall, otis redding, arnold palmer, richard gere, christopher columbus, jerry seinfeld, ingrid bergman, michael jackson, yasser arafat, mother teresa, marco polo, elvis costello, and regis philbin.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Here are some fun VIRGO-inspired items I like... A magnificent compact like these from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Estee Laude</span>r adds a bit of glamour to daily make-up routine (just image you are Marilyn Monroe or Doris Day)... There is a reason why <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Chanel</span> has started so many nail polish crazes -- it doesn't get "goopy" and the colors, both traditional and exotic, are quite fashion forward... Help keep the meticulous virgin organized and up-to-date with the latest <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">iPhone</span> (now available without waiting in line 11 hours)... fabric designer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Virginia Johnson</span> makes fabulously chic scarves and pillows in pretty geometric prints... tap into Virgo's intellectual side with a good book, be it a pulitzer prize-winning novel or talked about best-seller... keep things classic buy choosing a timeless silk necktie or scarf from French fashion house <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Hermes</span>... invigorate desk/cubicle space with fabulous accessories like a Thomas Paul desk tray... in terms of flowers, stay simple and elegant with a bouquet of white <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">calla lilies </span>or a mix of blush roses and hydrangeas... a sweet room spray from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">John Galliano</span> is perfect for an impeccable beauty... a gold-plated <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">dictionary</span> is the ultimate luxury for a book worm (seriously, who knew they made such stellar reference books?)... and I am absolutely crazy about these fun gold hoops at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Fred Flare</span> (apparently so is Beyonce, who sported them in a music video)... last but not least, soular therapy's candle, scented with sage and wintergreen, will keep the body and soul quite virginal...</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMqwZDYJ7R0W_Haj6hMXDoPvYYzXVDNnSBcoY51-8MUtyKZESqirtEPWJHQgXZ_kxD5yMO5-f8vSPkMvR1Gk0eKXIq9afuA7xFDbznivKMh93WsGGVL1esrkT-3hIGaUQQTGGQoAG04q8/s320/virgo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227529505149542434" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">estee lauder "tuberose gardenia" powder compact, $125, </span><a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574491495939&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446168115&R=27131479468&P_name=Estee+Lauder&sid=11B61539EF13&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1217108624995"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">saks fifth avenue</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">estee lauder limited edition"treasured memories" compact, $60, </span><a href="http://www.esteelauder.com/templates/products/multiproduct.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY14685&cm_sp=top%20navs-_-gifts-_-Makeup%20Sets"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">estee lauder</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">chanel "le vernis" nail coulour, $20</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">apple iphone g3, $199</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">scarf and pillow, $98 and $75, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.virginiajohnson.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">virginia johnson</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Road </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Cormac McCarthy, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.amazon.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">amazon</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Last Lecture</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Randy Pausch, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.amazon.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">amazon</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">hermes silk necktie scarf</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">creation of adam 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle, $66, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.hobbymasters.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">hobby masters</span></span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX2KdXTB2qt8Q984dx4L1AXTLexMjK6UDcWtNzL97u1SYfTiEri9tIsdw-vL9t3MXyCPfY6yhENEncLJFcr8GzIh5l4KkrukioUvC2KfnRpKFLi7zMAETKB_s1ssgOChVONikRDM2WEia/s320/virgo2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227544706346497602" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">thomas paul desk tray, $8, </span><a href="http://www.seejanework.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=3&idproduct=1362"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">seejanework</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">webster's deluxe dictionary, $160, </span><a href="http://www.seejanework.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=3&idproduct=1362"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">seejanework</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">john galliano room spray, $60,</span> </span><a href="http://barneys.com/Room%20Spray/ROOMSPRAY01,default,sc.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">barneys new york</span></span></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">virgo zodiac hoops, $10, </span><a href="http://fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=3470&cat=252"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">fred flare</span></span></a></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6DOaBqr0MIAoivqNF2withGu9XL68PsH_TgoKA7ccqVJXFzzmu-noaMW2Lg1JyMHaRfeehU1RnfhoJxMiG4cigWrakA48H7lDEvekrMcNk6Dcv0G3yUxO4fAMtqiYmwTE1O4GPxevrOS/s320/soular-therapy-candle-virgo-L.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227529507501107698" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">soular therapy astrological virgo candle, $26.00</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">essential oils: clary sage & wintergreen</span></div><div><br /></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-34378714236119349802008-08-19T06:15:00.004-04:002010-11-11T12:09:16.378-05:00plum perfect in 2008<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">the color purple</span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Doesn't it look delicious? Almost as enticing as Eve's apple... I've been a bit of a rebel lately myself, evading my blogging responsibilities and instead opting for pedicures on the Georgia coast. Who wouldn't choose a good sugar-scrub by the ocean over hours at the computer? My pampering wasn't entirely in vain, as my polish color inspired me to write about one of the latest fall trends... the color purple.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKF7EIlm-10g4CBhXT6p7cLDPFKzPLBoxFiGxQz0HZFCp2E4h0rbAQjVv86jU8Ssnc7NB0Cwh1JPgvi6JUPFNNMaw5mJ8uIi48z4Xg7mFXqDpvNfkDcJdhVpfK-DQDyVyzyjFJk4GrXSh/s320/00010m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236068089742219618" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">oscar de la renta fall rtw 2008<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHiAotAOaIG9WiX9_oDJJpiiNx0X-gBWDs-a3kuvR94gQgYyDmTG06oeVAYmeu8LEXpSzt4Dqcw46HMFjyFLF4UArQGhekzf1DABtSKN6sMajV8rRcKq7iP_60Gfs-mkXwN5_OGH5zV9o/s320/00030m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236157696915982930" /><div style="text-align: center;">michael kors fall rtw 2008<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO58eRlmMTXgEGe6b58_MtqURiFqectc1I822rtn2LIvLWuQQ1HCVk4s9DCNYFLIQH4s9t3QDvJBUkoIoGhZcwz2nFxLicCTZoa9lKeiDy1WgXAhYpVv9Q3tOwAIx3VctgTZRtv-suKzGf/s320/00130m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236161293758485554" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">matthew williamson fall rtw 2008</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">style.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Plums, eggplants, grapes, and violets turned up all over the fall 2008 runways from Paris to New York... which is good news for all. Rich shades of purple tend to be very forgiving and universal -- that is, they are easily complemented by most neutrals and they do not favor a particular complexion -- making them ideal for blondes and brunettes alike in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); ">Oscar de la Renta</span>'s fall ready-to-wear collection, which featured shades of royal purple, plum, and deep fushia intermixed with light browns, dark greys, and wine-colored suede boots. American designer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); ">Michael Kors</span> opted for feminine shades of violet paired with soft camel-colored sweaters, furs, and accessories and elegant nude pumps. The look exudes soft sophistication and the models looked as cuddly as cashmere teddy bears... but beware! violets and light purples can wash-out certain complexions, particularly in the paler months. Last but not least, quirky British designer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); ">Matthew Williamson<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "> brought a touch of Indian flair, mixing rich fushias from Mumbai with modern tartans from Edinburgh.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Rb7A-OL7SpDuJ7Nqk83MjXS8JwDVCjCZPdm_2PDOJj9swsGI_0Zhe3AjleTPqFNowD_pVUk4GCK8cxD0Wd4wd-OH163fpZc5TTn6EsFztbwecYPH3DOBbzhLQ03ikdKYi9sPLbZaSzX2/s400/ad-free-opi-black-cherry-chutney.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315740274532878466" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">black cherry chutney</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">louvre me or louvre me not</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">parlez-vous opi?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And, of course, the trend extends far beyond the realm of slick catwalks accessible only to global fashionistas. Nail polish is an excellent way to find your perfect purple (or to be fashion forward without a huge investment). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">OPI</span> has added several stellar shades for the fall: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Black Cherry Chutney</span> is deliciously a dark black-red that evokes the vivid landscape of the East... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Louvre me or louvre me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "> not</span> is a bold purple that screams royal glamour (and would look divine paired with black)... while the smoky-violet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Parlez-vous opi?</span> has a sensuous 'come hither' quality that compliments just about any style...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And just when you thought it couldn't get any better...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img width="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlF1MVhkcHh0M1JHbTRoRC1Ua1ZTQWcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="plum skies" height="400" border="0" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rebecca taylor ruffle sleeve top, $225 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/36590?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Rebecca+Taylor-_-Tops&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-3jvnFS_HPqJ1x_9CrpFiRw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rab labs agate picture frame, $45 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/36590?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Rebecca+Taylor-_-Tops&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-3jvnFS_HPqJ1x_9CrpFiRw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vivre</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">diamond pattern dome paperweight, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.iomoi.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">iomoi</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">kim seybert "wood bead" placemat, $60 </span><a href="http://www.vivre.com/control/product/~category_id=1717/~product_id=42034#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vivre</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">chanel purple cross bracelet, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bagborroworsteal.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">bag borrow or steal</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">catherine malandrino deep v-neck sweater dress, </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/36078?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Catherine+Malandrino-_-Dresses&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-UoN4tIug57aw1.sN3MSU1w"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">kim seybert "jewel cuff" napkin ring, $115 </span><a href="http://www.vivre.com/control/product/~category_id=1717/~product_id=42034#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vivre</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">lauren merkin sequin "classic clutch," $228 </span><a href="http://www.searlenyc.com/store/product602.html#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">searle nyc</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">betsey johnson "wells" pump, </span><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2941791?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=betsey+johnson+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nordstrom</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">thomas paul "goldfinch" silk twill pillow,</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thomaspaul.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> thomas paul</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">marc by marc jacobs "geo gems" print skirt, $187 </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/30054?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-Marc+by+Marc+Jacobs-_-Skirts&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-eG0WShLLBI5rQ3o.IXgPgg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">net-a-porter</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); text-decoration: underline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div></span></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-80576679818805853922008-08-18T10:59:00.004-04:002009-03-21T16:36:10.738-04:00not your grandmother's chair<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI1HS9faCi4nbxrIyP1Be0fI7OqpdofnRlel70cxQk1rzbTgaJ67OmK2uLv943CQ2u3Y3a3_TDMQ5N3rUxcVdCFOvVlEfYRDDD86EpoXgHDvApGLPdp2h94hjPVwAXP-ce8nZU_qb5Qzh/s320/image_57.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236045465488191218" /></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love new design, but sometimes classic is best. A good piece of furniture is versatile and timeless... The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">wingback chair</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, for example, can be traced back to the early 18th century in both the northern United States and Great Britain. Originally designed to protect loungers from drafty houses by insulating the upper torso and shoulders, the wingback chair (also called the wing chair) has become a staple of classic American design. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But just because this chair has been around for centuries does not mean it has to be frumpy or accompanied by a warm glass of milk. There are dozens of examples of hip, stylish wingbacks available today... for every style and budget.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So whether you're in the market for a good chair to snuggle up in with a book, or you just aren't sure what to do with that vintage piece you inherited from your mother, look no further. A neutral fabric or cool color is perfect for young and/or indecisive owners (you can change the look by swapping out colorful pillows and throws)... while a stately print can add depth and interest to just about any room.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img width="400" alt="chair 21" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFmFqTEowT05IM1JHRDZFNGduQlppWWcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="chair 21" height="400" border="0" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">eight ideas</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">clockwise from top left...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. nailhead</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">durant stretcher-frame wingback chair with nailhead detailing</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">martha stewart for bernhardt furniture, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bernhardt.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">www.bernhardt.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. carved</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">hanna chair with carved details, $1865.00</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">oly studio, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.olystudio.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">www.olystudio.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3. twill</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">joseph wingback chair in natural twill, $1498.00</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">anthropologie, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.anthropologie.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">www.anthropologie.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4. printed</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">joseph wingback spindle chair in isle orawford "spindle" for christopher farr cloth, $1299.00</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">anthropologie, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.anthropologie.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">www.anthropologie.com</span></a></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5. colored<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">beatrice chair in patton-aloe linen, $999.00</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">jayson home & garden chicago, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">jaysonhomeandgarden.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">6. leather</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">similar to shown</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> miss potter's wingback chair in leather, $1695.00</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the victorian trading company, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.victoriantradingco.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">www.victoriantradingco.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">7. modern</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">gertrude chair in ringo-cream linen, $499.00</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">jayson home & garden chicago, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">jaysonhomeandgarden.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8. luxury<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vintage wingback chair in kelly wearstler's "imperial trellis"</span></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-26109370268941739832008-08-12T23:26:00.001-04:002010-11-11T12:11:14.464-05:00an american designer in beijing<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-vguQ6xFxFsR-BXq9qcGTKxLVXY7rPXrTLRcy6VWYj-KkpQe92xVB4a2RMP8W7zwRaI863fw7B883V9GWdNXYpHUdhBo6B2SLtEFx2JF1AXkMF-9Y934d9eDsZRmk0OJSu53CqtpjAbL/s320/ralph+olympics.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233468072923229794" /><br /><div>Lots of attention is being paid to American athletes this week... their triumphs, their failures, and their outfits. Legendary American sportswear designer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ralph Lauren</span> was commissioned to create Team USA's look for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and who knew fashion could be so controversial? The preppy patriotic ensembles have received high praise by some and high criticism by others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a glance at the athletes at the opening ceremony (in case you missed it)...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yo393SczQIUgWm9v2uejQHFWwKyZ0fdtoFzOLHr8QSqIuKoKfroL7spNe0YpjvybS0MG5mHzB6-v2llXZ1E830Edb_B1tmYUBrCB1kHprDaz_cash4sQkf4_3ikxATFODkjAIsWJyan9/s320/olympics08.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233468066878648290" /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">high praise:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Team USA looked pretty great on TV, and the U.S. Olympic committee appears to be quite satisfied with their dapper threads...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Norm Bellingham, the U.S. Olympic Committee's chief operating officer said, "Ralph Lauren was a 'perfect fit' for us, as, not only do they present a timeless and quintessentially American look, but they also have a great understanding of the importance of this moment in presenting these American ambassadors on a world stage in a manner that is appropriately dignified."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">high criticism:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Polo pony is an offensively large marketing ploy by Lauren during an economic recession...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><a href="http://www.americanpolitics.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1634"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jeff Koopersmith</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, international political consultant, said, "Lauren - a most likely his son David - celebrated not the spirit of athletic competition but themselves and their brand, morphing our athletes into unpaid billboards for the "Polo" pony and rider that has helped bring Laurens great - and well deserved - riches."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">triumphant or tragic?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think the outfits were a triumph. Team USA looked like a force to be reckoned with in their sharp blazers. The Polo pony did not distract me from the spirit of the Olympic Games, Mr. Koopersmith, your negativity did.</div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-43343253267555528442008-08-12T14:45:00.000-04:002008-08-12T14:45:04.279-04:00lilian bassman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y-lB7wC1r-SNrhzHuNV0wH8OrTzGNb8ZS9UZpzSKN-kXruWnZyxAVcKDFo5KztlR8r_H9q9vl3nq96V5E-P8XbJnAdI3YPeg0TfFvaM1Y4J_HbCU6hsPkfedmLzOlUoDcfkEbz4Fe_m4/s1600-h/56429_2542_Seubert.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y-lB7wC1r-SNrhzHuNV0wH8OrTzGNb8ZS9UZpzSKN-kXruWnZyxAVcKDFo5KztlR8r_H9q9vl3nq96V5E-P8XbJnAdI3YPeg0TfFvaM1Y4J_HbCU6hsPkfedmLzOlUoDcfkEbz4Fe_m4/s320/56429_2542_Seubert.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233452822254904306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Anneliese Seubert, Paris, 1996</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">NY Times Magazine</span></div></div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvxkMyCB5rDepOOPo_Jc_YQYCRhPGsepp3qDd8dTsAfI_6S85J_pWfWZXq7AzcbQE6hxkaq5Cr7OGgcFK0ibenbFUV3JrbGFDLTJoXGDMxMY4zeDRD7GtR8eO8vFMX9SHPTB8Cffm39u4/s320/artwork_images_375_416593_lillian-bassman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233451761681918530" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Dress by Thierry Mugler, 1998</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">German VOGUE</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DkO5ksWqh7l-UDsHlCrY0zMyt7muGJVJXo5CME6kx03r2_MrpmJCLoWENJNWPLkEoQ95TGsAEGp_lyTlD6Xvn-rUczt0ypQX6a57vzmoBa2QJP2ndnP8LyPN31cBGUPfIvYErgqQE7pR/s320/artwork_images_375_416586_lillian-bassman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233451757857905970" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Anne Saint-Marie, New York, 1958 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Chanel Ad Campaign<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOveXcuEHIZ3oBiYLshpnGkriRnukfMQDUerhVJHQVsai1KuaFxdwjdNWj3Zj-NtLXAePvfbMWqF0fj5emUJZrh4H9ZgVeHl5-BX3WswhuP5hURSVozfFRsxe2SZHfH6vasprZ7a0nRV6C/s320/artwork_images_375_258179_lillian-bassman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233451753723922258" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">More Fashion Mileage Per Dress, Barbara Vaughn, 1949</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Harper's Bazaar New York</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvHUhFUc5EG8kMXRTB8CXNjzC48TUZCTtW8kwLBdk00hGdpCTJ7HcYpzv2ltxtr3BY1Hd8GK8pmwbeRwYkkK_SVsjukj_VH8nHfjaatX0lOQqJPNRSfw-LM47K_HeBoCrZHprCb1U-Jcv/s320/56428_2542_Seubert.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233451304687126850" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Anneliese Seubert, Paris, 1996</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">NY Times Magazine</span></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-28358097638300264692008-08-11T12:00:00.004-04:002008-08-20T22:30:04.885-04:00beyond bangles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFa-SEJr_ghJUrB3aBad7YujT-jSiVf_NmexVP5qHU2XRBax0HpqD6bOua-zaDJAhS0NNidrCZNcKUFmJBU_-aXDy0ZOJiO7fAp9zY99pbd5FNZVBbru1DSQ-dnN18ccTHlk6_oGK17AA/s1600-h/accessoriesandbeyondwirebracelet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFa-SEJr_ghJUrB3aBad7YujT-jSiVf_NmexVP5qHU2XRBax0HpqD6bOua-zaDJAhS0NNidrCZNcKUFmJBU_-aXDy0ZOJiO7fAp9zY99pbd5FNZVBbru1DSQ-dnN18ccTHlk6_oGK17AA/s320/accessoriesandbeyondwirebracelet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233434537225131394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">accessories & beyond braided cuff<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.accessories-beyond.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">accessories & beyond</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div>I've already admitted my obsession with accessories, bangles in particular... so it's no surprise that I'm wild about these fun bracelets from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Accessories & Beyond</span>. They have a fabulous modern-vintage feel about them... lots of pretty colored leather, shiny metallic, and retro-fabulous charms.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">And while I don't like to think of myself as high-maintenance, I'm kinda a prima donna when it comes to beachwear (I might be the only person in the world who'd wear a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Pucci</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> mini to a pool party)... the new elastic bangles are perfect for the summer girl on the go -- they're water-resistant so you can look effortlessly stylish while sipping mojitos in the cabana and splashing around in the pool.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Accessories & Beyond opened in 1997, bringing Italian bracelets to the United States and quickly <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px; ">became the ultimate destination for what's hot and new in fashion jewelry. The tradition of excellence from foreign locales continues, as Accessories & Beyond offers works by talented designers from Brazil, Italy, and France.</span></div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOehC7WR4_DHuZ-x93sUEFSSfgOwhx261TNw4lDMHuJSpnaBdjY-KkaRdmymHgwggJ7-b1_goe53BQyJBYDU6sU_JVyFl9Uqfq33tTpQK8a2iWgGkLtrs115KEtGH3yQvhtRIT6hsU-UX/s1600-h/aandbelasticbracelets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOehC7WR4_DHuZ-x93sUEFSSfgOwhx261TNw4lDMHuJSpnaBdjY-KkaRdmymHgwggJ7-b1_goe53BQyJBYDU6sU_JVyFl9Uqfq33tTpQK8a2iWgGkLtrs115KEtGH3yQvhtRIT6hsU-UX/s320/aandbelasticbracelets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233434535002513202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">accessories & beyond elastic ink, $62 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shopbop.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">shopbop</span></a></span></div></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-8929504294267351072008-08-11T11:20:00.001-04:002009-03-21T16:38:57.924-04:00engaging cards & stationary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56Nnj3xsrzq4Cl73MSqmP49u6XerW6aDBbJR-xRhvKPGUXbAyKfvWJiC6hSZs0WlFK0xENbljzNhLAFq6bh0Rh8BqgFAQJDShn5_Hth89IlAt7P54iaU19JIJUo94FyAjvd-0fj4qXtOi/s1600-h/PNK-CMT04_big_prev1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56Nnj3xsrzq4Cl73MSqmP49u6XerW6aDBbJR-xRhvKPGUXbAyKfvWJiC6hSZs0WlFK0xENbljzNhLAFq6bh0Rh8BqgFAQJDShn5_Hth89IlAt7P54iaU19JIJUo94FyAjvd-0fj4qXtOi/s320/PNK-CMT04_big_prev1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226135019073201250" /></a><br /><div>It's kinda crazy... I'm barely out of college and my life feels like its turning into a matrimonial frenzy. All of a sudden the hot topics of conversation are diamonds, dresses, and destination weddings. I have a few friends who are well on their way to starring in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">27 Dresses</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> </span>sequel... and not just girls. I've overheard a few of my guy friends discussing wedding details while throwing back beers at the bar with the same ease and fluidity as an SEC football debate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Engagement announcements may spread like wildfire, but an appropriate response can be a bit tricky, as it generally deserves a touch more tact and class than a Facebook wall post... If I was the eponymous bridesmaid like Jane (Katherine Heigl), I would stockpile sweet letterpressed cards just like these in my emergency matrimonial arsenal... </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, I'm no Jane. So when I got word that two of my friends were getting hitched, I decided to turn to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">IOMOI,</span> a very cool website that features adorable and personal e-stationary and accessories. IOMOI was founded by Irene Chen and Matthew Grenby, a couple living half a world away from each other. Their e-designs are modern, yet classic and the website could not be easier to use. All I had to do was type my message, then I could pick the font, color, and recipient! In seconds I had the style of a hand-written note with the efficiency of email. A 1-year unlimited membership is just $15, roughly the cost of 3 cards... The best part? You can try it out for free!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JPf09DhrUjjjGmS1wX8Nsc6OvbMglHpTDdwIUGiSlHVOINr4B5MmZyd58s8bsdB2D8Ywb39MLTYOIPh-qmWIBsMk3dS0vhCL8UYqBQPI-ZyZ1784M1W-4byvzT-1kNjIX6DR1p-HgtC4/s1600-h/engagementringcard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JPf09DhrUjjjGmS1wX8Nsc6OvbMglHpTDdwIUGiSlHVOINr4B5MmZyd58s8bsdB2D8Ywb39MLTYOIPh-qmWIBsMk3dS0vhCL8UYqBQPI-ZyZ1784M1W-4byvzT-1kNjIX6DR1p-HgtC4/s320/engagementringcard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226135023782661618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"engagement ring" greeting card by snow&graham, $3.50</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">luxepaperie.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xJI6b6oO5x2h-teNoWsdYwP-Vt0ZbQwXGxl1lXNiSqYmtzF-fDWBZqtyDr-jMk57gb-Nqut5BsXvyq9R3rKhs3wWuOXuyS12zIA5k_UIbBezcUAZ7Q5TO4kVglOiwHI2KntdexD_5avb/s1600-h/perfectmatch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xJI6b6oO5x2h-teNoWsdYwP-Vt0ZbQwXGxl1lXNiSqYmtzF-fDWBZqtyDr-jMk57gb-Nqut5BsXvyq9R3rKhs3wWuOXuyS12zIA5k_UIbBezcUAZ7Q5TO4kVglOiwHI2KntdexD_5avb/s320/perfectmatch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226135022046739314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"perfect match" greeting card by snow&graham, $3.50</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgmoCQOOegDn73GQ0CaEk_k8dirUo2P84yNdftnfFufkDJ-ulRhzhNDLa11Zz0vM58GEoZSJrLnJq7HogZsD3kc_UdCFEbvDsttT8pEZ1c3TZjdFzThnfIpf7A3Ctj_o_4wwuTWF1v7ra/s1600-h/yhst-66095279899272_2011_29971375.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgmoCQOOegDn73GQ0CaEk_k8dirUo2P84yNdftnfFufkDJ-ulRhzhNDLa11Zz0vM58GEoZSJrLnJq7HogZsD3kc_UdCFEbvDsttT8pEZ1c3TZjdFzThnfIpf7A3Ctj_o_4wwuTWF1v7ra/s320/yhst-66095279899272_2011_29971375.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226135022352282098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">"little miss engaged" greeting card by mr. boddington's studio, $5.50</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="-webkit-user-select: none" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sH_j84I8et0uGmiBHMqnMj8QQLzMx7NdY_IDAPAJt7qo8hXQG6qGSmqtWIi2rnQcntZFwpqkI06BOdrpUla0KLsSla3c-6VQAZqYAapO4Q1Q80rk1gwOIqENvnFLgmgrp7AYQkJd7xmx/s400/iomoi3.bmp" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">example of a note written with IOMOI e-stationary</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.iomoi.com">IOMOI.com</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-45654490057100236062008-08-05T14:45:00.005-04:002008-08-21T01:33:51.581-04:00brilliant monogram<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik9sGD7NHgt5OOuyo-3S7RziRiSla4PncdXLaOUYKtk4Frv2D8LDYp-x4Y5WYI3ju1WBIH0pVJKbWMQou_gFg1siUxrea0Dpn7Zg-lb5SSPrcJ-IW8dlr-wwBJ60SLq-DSPW816n4VOy0/s320/Superdeluxe1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231228231793307954" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">decoupage paperweight, $65</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.superdeluxenyc.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">superdeluxe nyc </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><br /></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">superdeluxe nyc<br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>What is my obsession with cool office supplies? I don't even HAVE an office... and I might be the least "organized" person on the planet... crazy, I know. </div><div><br /></div><div>I discovered <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Superdeluxe NYC</span> several years ago and FELL in LOVE with their nifty decoupage creations... like these fabulous desk accessories. My obsession is not my need for office supplies, but the founders' artistic background. Superdeluxe NYC is the creation of two printmakers (yay!) -- Adrienne Wong, who has a background in letterpress and graphic design, and Karen Spraggs, known for her silkscreen works. Together they are ridding the world or boring and bland paperweights, note cards, and pillows.</div><div><br /></div><div>The designs are simple and fresh... peacock feathers, golden zebra stripes, and greco-roman goddesses... a surprising twist for decoupage, which is too often associated with images of rosy cherubs on gaudy gold-leafed plates. The monogram collection (above) is brilliant, and perfect for people who love themselves. I am quite fond of the "M" pattern because it resembles a star and is my favorite color, fushia... too bad it's not my initial.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently I am just one of many who loves these girls... their creations were just picked up by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Barneys New York</span>!</div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3r0LKO0ZVXgFPAoi9WcFh7hhRjEbaCdztvStxjy2VmApaputvOOiuoU3AXYe_QYfOLTclP_bzikspEKol_lw5jabnNbo_t3RBodkAtLQ66lXWPfjLkMaTIyyH8wiv6_7RVhmgM33DSim/s320/00012419-051644_200.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216670043898898338" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">peacock glass pen cup, $125</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seejanework.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=3&idproduct=1222"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">see jane work</span></span></a></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-53031147666667984422008-07-31T05:20:00.003-04:002008-08-20T22:36:12.019-04:00horst p. horst, a mainbocher corset, and a material girl<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/83/HoyningenHorst.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Horst Torso</span>, George Hoyningen-Huene, Paris, 1931<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://www.artnet.com/artist/672838/george-hoyningen-huene.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">artnet.com</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> horst p. horst (1906-1999)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Horst Paul Albert Bohrmann is probably the most famous <span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Vogue</span></span> photographer of all time. Born in Germany, Horst had an early eye for avante-garde art which blossomed further when he met Baltic nobleman, established Vogue photographer, and future lover <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">George Hoyningen-Heune</span> (credited with the gorgeous portrait above). Horst partnered with Vogue in 1931 and became an instant success, photographing portraits of celebrities and winning the favor of famed French designer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Coco Chanel</span>. His legal name was changed to Horst P. Horst when he was granted American citizenship in 1943. He continued to contribute to Vogue and House & Garden until his death. His iconic photographs continue to inspire artists and designers alike.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">madonna & the mainbocher corset</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of Horst's most famous images is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Mainbocher Corset</span> photographed in the Paris Vogue studio in 1939. The photograph features the intricate work of American couture designer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Mainbocher</span> (1891-1976) whose haute couture gowns were favored by Wallis Simpson, Dutchess of Windsor and Gloria Vanderbilt. The photographer's fame and prestige reached its pinnacle when pop-diva Madonna recreated the enchanting and erotic image in her video homage to fashion, "Vogue" (1990). When you're loved by Madge, you're loved by all...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9APojjVHOqlSpVWR72oK_N0xd1KmlXNEL1k_Spf-lvaboA-HiQmw8asSsEQ-z0IzOXAyweTL8iU6c5IWfQhksev7zcRZiJwV4Z43orEVZ_mwHEl6_fUGHLvg5_FVfsZ4w6u26IEm2uYsn/s320/horst+mainbocher+corset.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228656880213812690" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Mainbocher Corset, Paris, 1939<br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">horst p. horst</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.beautifulmadonna.com/videostill/vogue/197.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">still shot from madonna's famous "vogue" music video (4:25/4:52)</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9Jy5842r8Q"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">link to music video</span></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">selected inspirations...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cQcoRHVyfEBRNh4SAak4ImxQdAmVF9raVdSYEf6iTiKXpiS41jbAT5Xmtpw5qcY0tgYjDXZbBFyACrOjuBc4TjomX2xx9NPLxrOHSIYBQWL0t3UzknwltqPJ4axV0WMn0-i945TIJfYB/s320/yw083.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227809145545069890" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Fur, pearls and diamonds, 1940</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.horstphorst.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">horst p. horst</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5_WVpMoZBZJyEVtjGyJt1-HaFb9MSGbt6XYMbX7pfXyfxk1OVUzwT8zxJg7heaIfUuw1JsI_IrtMz5Cu0BlGdfaUHDzIEonJXG-ea1YQc-bGkuoV95Q7TgMymR_rmL_vbaGd8wV9fPfe/s320/yw125.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227809141793936594" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Jean Patchett in long fur cape</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.horstphorst.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">horst p. horst</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2qLkaPORruPQco2dWT18lMk6BPdVxkpAgO7j-3fhrpxDglztDF19u0N7RBZhmi8cSoTl2NUo6JeAObMFeQ4Oa_wCXt6QDPZmZlWH3YckF9eZlRSjpiXxuOfnqPMJo0eHscI-UMYYpXbf/s320/yw046.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227809118099380946" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Gene Tierney, 1940</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.horstphorst.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">horst p. horst</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9zrv4loPtQWors9alUQuIMTN-ay8YYP7-pivJBzTC3VrWpEd5qKKrf7gYlyFy745BUqpY6jbIPMKKN1tI2D8SkD1HzHLhfT9kH3CLw1WhG75qBWvLYgjWJ-DBObXKt6tqUu7A49KtHg_/s320/yw100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227809112183076594" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Ginger Rogers, 1936</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.horstphorst.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">horst p. horst</span></span></a></div><div><br /></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-44249865406886142822008-07-30T01:25:00.001-04:002008-07-30T01:27:01.756-04:00bali ha'i: andrianna shamaris<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.andriannashamaris.com/featured/images/pillows.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a peak at the beautful textiles and accessories</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-size:10px;"><a href="http://www.andriannashamaris.com/index.html">adrianna shamaris</a></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Every time I visit my sister in New York I bring a mapped list of all the fabulous stores and outposts I want to check out. On my last excursion I had the opportunity to visit the newest outpost of designer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Andrianna Shamaris</span> in fashionable Soho. It's a wonderland and luxurious imported goods, many of which are hand-crafted from exotic woods, with a modern twist.</div><div><br /></div><div>A native of London, Shamaris is a self-taught designer who gained her first retail experience working at the fashionable Ralph Lauren store on Bond Street as a teenager. She first began designing after living in Bali and falling in love with the culture and lifestyle of South Asia. In 1999 she was discovered by Fred Segal and began selling her furniture through his retail store in California. Her portfolio includes an entire line of casegoods as well as accessories (like picture frames and butler's trays with mother-of-pearl inlay), textiles, and resort wear. </div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I was most intrigued by a pair of end tables made from wormy tree trunks filled with bold resin. It is definitely worth stopping by... if not to shop, to momentarily be transported to the exotic serenity of the Bali shores...</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Andrianna Shamaris New York</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">121 Greene Street</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">New York, NY 10012</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Andrianna Shamaris Malibu</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3825 Cross Creek Road #9</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Malibu, California 90265</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.andriannashamaris.com/featured/images/l-shaped.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a contemporary l-shaped sofa, part of the developing furniture line</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.andriannashamaris.com/featured/images/trays.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;">a detail of wooden trays</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.andriannashamaris.com/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">adrianna shamaris</span></span></a><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">special mentions</span> to my mother and her mother alyce, two perpetual hummers, who used to sing the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">south pacific </span>soundtrack like they were juanita hall herself (hence, the title of this post...)</div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1111534880259494252.post-69462362125766620392008-07-29T13:01:00.013-04:002008-08-22T15:41:49.629-04:00love songs<div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">gratitudes & notes</span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Today was a very exciting day for<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> shades of grey</span>... I got my very first FAN mail! When I started this blog I was feeling quite ambitious. I had a fabulous vision of the greatness and need for this type of forum, as well as too many ideas to keep to myself. I've come to realize that blogging is a bit harder than I expected... There are thousands of blogs out there, it takes a lot longer than I thought to pick and edit blogs (because I am a perfectionist), and not having installed google analytics (a hit counter), I have absolutely NO idea if anyone is reading or if I am simply talking to myself unless you post a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">comment</span> or view my full profile... In short, I am VERY appreciative of people who give me feedback. I want to know what you love, hate, or want more of because it makes my job more fun! You can even leave an anonymous comment, if you wish.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>A word about the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">lust</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">listen</span> sections: I try to highlight affordable and young items from emerging designers in my blog, but I am an absolute fiend for all things bespoke and couture, so these rare diamonds will appear in the weekly lust column, with links on the photo for anyone interested. The listen section is just an added bonus, and a way for me to give a nod to some of my greatest inspirations as well as my favorite cheap thrills. I am archiving my weekly picks from both columns as a way of tracking my developing taste... I also might think of something swell to do with these later.</div><div><br /></div><div>So keep reading, and I'll keep writing! </div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26F3-PBe2UdDYxHguHnKHFFwMnI3iseeEqxWfG0Fd6W_oUkLZG4MbSFO81uJJzqLfaniXcPB5wPMD2r6CKYwO1SIN1FbNTM31VzhG4bhsTpm_0nINYttKPZJIby6YduP5FpzEQfsOwM-y/s320/shadessignature.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237429215762189570" /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">'the cure' to any life problem</span></div><div><br /></div><div>People deal with stress in different ways... I have this doctor friend who is a workout machine -- no really, he recently broke two ribs lifting at the gym, which is pretty funny since he's an orthopedic surgeon (and apparently quite a 'man')... I listen to music. Honestly, I'm a bit of a music snob, although I am getting better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, for example, I am listening to The Cure (ahhhhh). It got me thinking of things so classic that they just can't go out of style... like "Lovesong" from the 1989 release <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Disintegration.</span> A really, really great tune that should lighten anyone's day... but since everyone has different taste, I thought I would compile some of the wonderful tributes (of various genres) to this musical masterpiece. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8pOA0-O1qxp0mypVGYaBMEAb7wvSgp2hHmL-p7H9eZhqcsAeemiYdK491xxEA6A2FJ1XO_q4Lto5zLrQDqRjl5mdDWpwmhaSAexjvnvfbL-htLlSp3crMGrkgpRH2sFfy92pLPmaunC7/s320/The-Cure-Disintegration---112769.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228497802929568354" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;">the cure themselves...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">robert smith, simon gallup, porl thompson, boris williams, roger o'donnel, & lol tolhurst</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">love song - the cure, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">disintegration, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">1989<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplTZ0eiZxpXhPIflbfkoSrCHy2LRBz1kfN-gja1dgxFtWQvyWcpucxHX1MRR4zfJkAnUeYXlni_5umTXkHCiqQca2I_xt06jU0jlTbHxbrhb1R_zhMv9WKW5UhyphenhyphenFu9YwJ5fZIqwzk4d49/s320/twinkle3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228498390215697090" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a singing/songwriting goddess...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">love song - </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.toriamos.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">tori amos</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, live on KROQ Radio, 1993<br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">welcome to sunny florida tour, 2004</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><img style="-webkit-user-select: none" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411W896T1RL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">an irish songstress...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">love song - naimee coleman, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bring-Down-Moon-Naimee-Coleman/dp/B00005ABX5/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1217352375&sr=8-2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">bring down the moon</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, 2001</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugeNkPnpbbHKp6LiWMg3G-wKKJoJ5c5Zu8aIiHMyM94mki9Dk6i8ASUDamg_jx9W_oxGSqz1q_qff61-yKSVJu-3IitoOWnids0JiXBgbQZ_bAt8H9tUaAonIpTKVi-nqVFJ7ufiFsDWd/s320/311-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228498718764909394" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">some surfer punks...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">love song - 311, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><a href="http://www.amazon.com/50-First-Dates-Various-Artists/dp/B00018D60C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1217352500&sr=1-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">50 first dates (lovesongs from the original motion picture)</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">2005 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AGCT71CYL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" id="prodImage" width="240" height="240" border="0" alt="eMOTIVe" /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a metal medley...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">song - a perfect circle, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/eMOTIVe-Perfect-Circle/dp/B000641ZIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1217352427&sr=1-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">eMOTIVe</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, 2004<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RktpsO8KBtd_4wImnDRixC6ERui8KY28DCESWuv6cnHmAN4SZLOmhyphenhyphenVDB-MY9y0dlIgl9SSAlIlJg4OBluThAtD0mDBu1JvB_y0FlRWFzKBIipD2Qa8EpRhNFACh1opChbyifuYlGzhC/s320/070131-deathcab.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228500166683702322" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and an unforgettable indy entity...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">love song - </span></span><a href="http://www.deathcabforcutie.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">death cab for cutie</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, live, 2007</span></span><br /></div></div></div>SHADES OF GREYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06506644175755360994noreply@blogger.com0