Don't you just love a picture that makes you want you to live your life a bit better? I remember saving this picture from one of Kate Spade's ad campaigns. I think its just the pairing of a terrific couple ( ok models) set against a wall of beautiful china. Yes, as much as this makes me want to run to Kate Spade, it also reminds me that you can mix your casualness with your fabulousness. You don't need to pick one or the other. Living well and authentically, that is my goal in 2008!

Yellow, not so Mellow

Do you all remember this picture from Blueprint Magazine? I just never got over this yellow door. I'm thinking about painting our new front door on our very old house a great yellow. I'm sure my Scranton neighbors are getting very nervous if they are reading this. But I think if you paired it pitch perfect, it would be sublime. Not easy right? So what shade?

Maybe Cane by Farrow & Ball

http://www.farrow-ball.com/productdetails.aspx?pid=0053CA&cid=PC&language=en-GB

Or Sunny at Heart by Mythic Paint (gotta love the name)

http://www.mythicpaint.com/

What about Ralph Lauren Bicycle Yellow

http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/paint/items.asp?haid=83

By the way, Blueprint's door color is the following:

Hollandlac Brilliant paint, $95 per 2.5 liters,finepaintsofeurope.com

Moss strikes again!

Did you happen to catch this article in W magazine about design charmer Charlotte Moss in this month's W magazine? If you don't get it, or would like to read the article, check it out here:

http://www.wmagazine.com/celebrities/2008/03/charlotte_moss

What I so appreciate about Charlotte is her ability to balance business with design. She is a brilliant merchandiser, always cognisant of the bottom line as the article reveals. Admittedly tough, Charlotte has also made a few blunders along the way (such as a mismatch with another high profile designer), which makes me like her even more! I think I'm going to pre-order her new book from the website, "A Flair for Living". What is your take on Charlotte?

David!

Jen, David, and me at the Campbell
Walking out to insanity of the Giant's win in the Super Bowl in Times Square. Some crazy fan took our picture.

And yes, we did find David Jimenez in the Big Apple!!! David had Jen and I him at the Campbell Apartment, in Grand Central Station. It couldn't have been more pitch perfect. If you don't know about the Campbell, its this tucked away, magical spot that was originally the office of 20's mogul, John W. Campbell. I found this information about John and his misnamed "apartment"-

"Not until 1999, long after his death, was the office of John W. Campbell restored and renovated into a public bar and lounge called the Campbell Apartment. The name is apparently a misnomer, people having assumed that such a grand space was an apartment, not an office. The walls and ceiling were brought back to their former glory and the original steel safe, once hidden behind a wall, now sits in the massive fireplace as a reminder of Campbell's wealth. The renovation cost $1.5 million.
In 2006, Mark Grossich, who restored the leased space and owns the bar, decided the Campbell Apartment needed further updating. He hired Nina Campbell, an interior designer in London, to spruce it up. She replaced a largely blue palette with a largely red one, including new carpet, bar stools and chairs. To avoid closing for even one night, the renovation took place in less than 12 hours and cost $350,000". *taken from Wikipedia

Ok, now about David! He battled for well over an hour to get a cab from the Bronx due to the Super Bowl to meet us. Within 5 minutes, you are so smitten with David's ease and generosity. And can I mention how handsome he is? We learned how David earned his star creative status through hardwork and determination, and innate talent. His candidness about his early days at the Gap, right out of school winning competitions in the store, is h-i-l-a-r-o-u-s. But David just has that "it" factor that you immediately can't deny, and neither could the Gap. And after moving up, up, up, the corporate ladder, he seamlessly transitioned into world of home design for both Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. And of course he conquered that world as well, and now working his magic for Hallmark Inc. He says there are big changes to come! So, a girl can't give away all her secrets from a fantastic night in Grand Central Station, but I can predict David's full impact on the interior design world has yet to be seen.

New York Gift Show

It's Lulu of Lulu DK fame! I think she may have thought I was slightly psychotic for asking her to take a picture for the blog, but she was lovely about it which makes me believe she's a great girl. Pre-order her highly anticipated book, Lulu! And honestly if we all didn't love her fabrics so much, I would never had put this awful picture of myself (does anyone have lipstick and some powder?) Her baby and bedding line for Matouk was terrific ( and Mr. Matouk was really nice as well.)
Jen checking out some adorable napkins we picked up for the shop.


I thought this line ( I'm still digging through my paperwork for who it is, sorry) was really interesting mixing metals and wood.

I really wanted to see Bungalow 5 in person, and it didn't fail to impress. Really quality construction with fun colors and shapes. Great scale, I love their tables. I see one in my friend Kathy's living room project.
Their new Berkeley collection was lovely


A wall from Two's Company, a monster accessories company. Jen and I thought this was wallpaper at first, but its actually a real wood installation. I thought it was really inspiring.

What a great time in New York City this weekend. Jen and I headed to the Javit Center to see what is new at the Gift Fair. I admit that it is so overwhelming and there are so many great designs and lines. The Wearstleresque influence was so apparent in many of the accessories. But also I felt there is a forthcoming American nostalgia. Pillows with needlepoint, colorful chests, and nods to Old Glory. Love it or hate it, its coming! I would have taken more pictures, but not all retailers are down with that and I didn't want to get us thrown out. Overall, a nice show. But I know you all are waiting for the best part.......

New York City

I'm excited to be heading in to New York City with my great pal Jennifer Davis this Sunday. And guess who we are meeting up with? No other than David Jimenez, our last post subject! How fun!! Jen and I are attending The New York Gift Show. So I hope to have some great photos for you all. Can't wait to see you all next week!