Almost officially the end of Summer. I took this photo the last weekend of June at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when it was foggy and cold. Seems like it was just yesterday. Now we're in the middle of a heat wave, so it's definitely not going to look so gloomy there this weekend.
Hope you have a great Labor Day weekend wherever you are.
images via my Flickr
So earlier this week I posted a photo of this plate set that I liked from Williams-Sonoma. Well as I was looking through the West Elm website yesterday I came across this cool chair below with a very similar faux slate look to it as the plates. I'll keep posted if I find more.
West Elm Scoop-Back Chair in Herringbone Flower
image via West Elm
You know it's fall when suddenly home fashion turns to the vineyards for inspiration. I'm not generally a fan of the faux "French Country" or "Italian Villa" dinnerware that Williams-Sonoma has gotten so good at replicating over the years. I tend to prefer tableware that doesn't have such a mass look or feel to it. Still I can't help, but like this find at Williams-Sonoma...
Vineyard Wine Glasses & Decanter Set $39
I love the screen printing on the glass. It would be even better if they were sandblasted, but c'est la vie. I'll still take them. Besides I like casual wine glasses that you don't have to worry about knocking over. Plus these can replace the embossed milk glasses that Pete currently uses.
They also offer these matching appetizer plates, below, to go with them. However I highly recommend that you don't use the two together or risk the horror of being matchy matchy. They are pretty cool though. I'm not usually fond of black dinnerware, but with the white and gray patterns on them, they feel less modern and cold, and more young and fun. Maybe it's the crowns on them. Somehow crowns always feel a little girly to me.
Slate Appetizer Plate, Set of Four $39
images via Williams-Sonoma
Probably too late to start booking rooms for next Summer Olympics in London, but you can still visit beforehand to shop and visit the future sites of the 2012 Olympic games. Here is one pretty fab hotel, the Haymarket Hotel, to stay at in London (most recently spotted on Anna Spiro's blog Absolutely Beautiful Things).
Would you believe that behind this traditional British facade lies a pretty wild mix of colors and patterns? Just take a look at the...
I like the touch of purple, in the flowers on the mantle and the walls, added to the gray and yellow palette in the room.
Another take on mis-matched dining chairs. How about this fun mix of patterns and colors on the dining chairs in the townhouse kitchen?
Love this red, white, and gray room with a touch of warmth added by the cream task lamp and the farmhouse style bedside table (it's more visible here).
I find the color blue to be so soothing, and really prefer it in bedrooms. I love the curtains with the rugby stripes against the medallion patterned wall covering. I like that the same medallion print is carried over to the bed headboard and the pillows. Although I would probably change the pillows on the loveseat. It feels like just a little too much of the same what with the headboard and other two pillows in the same fabric right behind it. I must say though that the loveseat does look awfully comfy. I could use one like that in my own tiny apartment.
I'll leave you with a few shots of the public spaces below.
Brumus Bar and Restaurant
Shooting Gallery
Swimming Pool and Bar
And lastly the Lobby.
images via Firmdale.com
I lied. I started looking at the new Autumn/Winter line, and I couldn't resist showing you all some more of their stunning bags. If I owned one of these, I really don't think that I could bear to actually use it. I think I'd just like to have a little collection of them sitting on a book shelf where they can be away from the dirt and grime of my everyday life, and just be the little inspirational works of art that they are.
Deco Leaf Laser Small Box Bag
Degrade Embossed Leather Medium Hat Box Bag
Oval Glass Patent Embossed Leather Small Box Bag
Deco Leaf Laser Cigarette Clutch
Okay I'm going to bed now. I promise.
images via Liberty of London
I'm too tired to write up a nice post. Let's all just sit back, relax, and admire the level of detail in this embossed leather handbag from Liberty of London. Isn't it just gorgeous?
Embossed Leather Ianthe Holdall
Now this is a handbag that is worth spending a paycheck on... which is about what it costs (395GBP - 550GBP). It's available in three sizes. The Art Nouveau design on this is their signature design and appears on many of their pieces. Do stop by their site and check out their new Autumn/Winter line. You will not be disappointed.
photo via Liberty of London
This past weekend I visited the de Young Museum with my boyfriend and his parents. While there, we were fortunate enough to see the "Chihuly at the de Young" exhibit. I must admit that I wasn't terribly excited to see it being that I had seen his works at the San Jose Museum of Art, which hang above the lobby, and I had also seen the recent courtyard installation at the Legion of Honor in SF as well. They're neat, but didn't really inspire me to "ooh" and "aah" over them, so the idea of wading through crowds of tourists at the museum to see more of his work wasn't exactly something I envisioned being a joyful experience. However... I was very, very wrong about him.
The truth is if you haven't seen his exhibit at the de Young then you probably haven't experienced his work in the way that it really ought to be shown and experienced. Dark rooms with the brightly colored glass illuminated from various light sources giving the pieces an ethereal quality that is absolutely breathtaking. There are eleven rooms and each one is completely spellbinding. You feel like you're Alice in Wonderland and are expecting to see the white rabbit scurrying around the next corner or the caterpillar leaning over to blow smoke in your face. It's so amazing.
Below are a few photos from the exhibit. You really must see the exhibit before it leaves if you are anywhere near SF between now and September 28.
Glass Forest
Chandeliers
Reeds
Boats
Chandeliers
Enjoy!
Lately I've had a desire to visit more far flung and exotic places outside of my European comfort zone, such as Morocco, Istanbul, and India. I have a longing to see the brightly colored markets filled with tapestries, spices, and the works of local artisans. These pieces from Casamidy only increase that desire to pack up and take off.
Almidi Arch Table
This table above was featured in bright pink in the "What's Hot!" section of Elle Decor July/August 2008.
Almidi Star Tea Table
What's great about these tables is that you order them in any shade of Benjamin Moore paint color you desire to fit your decor. I think the blue shown on the Star Tea Table is the perfect shade for that piece. I wasn't a fan of the bright pink that Elle Decor had on the Arch Table, but I do think that a table design like that deserves a color that will make it stand out.
In addition to allowing you to choose your own color, Casamidy also offers three options for the top- clear glass (shown), glass tile, and mirror. The Arch Table would look fabulous with a mirrored top, but I'd hate to cover up the design on the Star Tea Table, so I'd definitely go with clear glass on that piece.
Below are two mirrors, also available from Casamidy, that would go great in a room with the above tables or on their own.
Almidi Opium Mirror
Almidi Star Mirror
The mirrors as well are also available in any Benjamin Moore paint color requested.
Casamidy has been the labor of design love of Anne-Marie Midy and Jorge Almada since 1998. Inspired by a visit to an Hermes Atelier, the pair moved to Mexico where they could pair their experience and knowledge of design with the rich traditions of the native artisans. Since then they've been featured in Garden Design, Elle Decor and the now defunct House & Garden among others. In addition to designing furniture and accessories, Anne-Marie is also an amazing interior designer. Check out their website here to see photos of her work on a renovated 18th century hacienda in Mexico. Gorgeous.
all images via Casamidy
I am absolutely in love with Diane von Furstenberg's designs. I was first introduced to her signature wrap dress via the "Gilmore Girls". The show's designer often dressed the lead character, Lorelai Gilmore (played by Lauren Graham), in DVF wrap dresses. It was when I saw this dress below from her Fall 2008 collection featured in the American Express commercial that I truly appreciated what a fabulous and amazing designer she is. She has such great use of pattern and pops of color. Her clothes have such a timeless quality to them, and they are styled for real women. I would wear any one of the outfits from her Fall '08 line to work and to dinner afterwards.
This is the dress I would give up eating carbs and sugar for a month in order to wear it. Here are some more of my favorites.
Nothing makes me happier than bright colors. It makes me so happy to see this gorgeous watercolor skirt for Fall. Paired with the navy sweater and the purple shirt this outfit makes a great bridge between Summer brights and Fall darks.
The best plaid skirt I've ever seen. I'm not even reminded of Scotland when I see this.
Wearing this one would make me feel so PRETTY. It's so effortlessly stylish. I think I could even pull of wearing the gloves without feeling completely ironic. The slight A-line to the skirt is universally flattering and the color blocking draws the eyes to all the right places.
A great day to night outfit. Hide that sexy neckline under a long cardigan that's nipped in at the waist with a belt, and for night you lose the cardigan, add that great coat and shiny scarf and...VaVaVoom.
At last an outfit featuring Fall's It color that I could totally wear and not have flashbacks to the 3rd grade when I was obsessed with bright purple. This is so much more adult.
all images via DVF.com
Going to Aziza for dinner tomorrow night to celebrate my boyfriend's dad's birthday. Happy Birthday Bob! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Kitchen storage can be so boring and lacking in imagination and variety. I'm loving the great storage options available from the British company Typhoon Housewares.
The modern look of the Bright Dot Storage Collection.
The red enameled carbon steel Vintage Kitchen Storage Collection.
The clean simple lines of the Pure Storage Collection.
These are all available at Amazon.
Inspired by or otherwise, the Peacock is loud and proud this Fall.
Wingback Settee, Peacock $2,498 via Anthropologie
Kylie Peacock Duvet Cover Full/Queen $99 via Pottery Barn
Thomas Paul "Feather" Pillow $100 via PillowsandThrows.com
Peacock Dinner Plate $20 and Salad Plate $14 via Anthropologie.
Peacock Outdoor Rug 4' x 5'7" $99 via Horchow
I heard about this wonderful new showroom opened by designer Coleen Rider on Beach Bungalow 8. She has such great taste and the prices are so reasonable. Here are some of my pics from their website.
Rattan Daybed $4800
Although it's been newly refurbished, I'd like to see it painted in a yellow (not canary) or a turquoise with a patterned seat cushion. I picture it against a green back drop of plants in a backyard for a tropical look. I can also see it indoors in a guestroom as a bed just as it is.
Swan Daybed $5800
I love this bed. The swan details at the corners is so great. I would love to see the cushions in a color like a light brown... just enough to give the frame more of a pop.
Gray Painted Heart Shaped Wing Chairs $4600
Again I love the carved wood details along the base and legs. I am a huge fan of small details and have a great love of vintage furniture and architecture. I'd like to see these with a patterned fabric on them such as stripes or a modern figure eight design that would play off of the design on the front of the seat. Maybe I'd keep the seat cushions a solid just to keep it from being too overwhelming. They're the perfect blank canvas.
Black Rattan Wing Chair $1400
Again I cannot say what great taste Coleen has. What an amazing piece this is. I would definitely keep the black lacquer on the frame, but maybe set it off with some solid orange cushions instead of the black ticking stripe that is currently on the them.
Cast Stone Tufted Ottoman $750
Two of these in the garden instead of the usual concrete bench... perfection.
There are so many other great pieces of furniture, wall art, and accessories to see. If you're fortunate enough to live in the L.A. area, you visit her shop and see all these and more first hand. Her shop is located at: 5939 Rodeo Street, Los Angeles, Ca 90016. For those of us who live too far away to visit anytime soon, we can always browse her online shop and pick up some great pieces there.
