Monday, February 28, 2011

Tiffany's Luxe Leather Goods!

The recently introduced Tiffany Leather Goods collection consists of more than 100 items, including handbags, totes, briefcases and small accessories for men and women, ranging from $95 to $17,500 for a crocodile satchel. The bags not in Tiffany's signature color on the outside will have Tiffany-blue linings as a nod to the brand's heritage. The collection can be found on line at www.tiffany.com
I love this handbag...it goes perfect with your little black dress!







Color Guru Leatrice Eiseman!




Lee Eiseman has been referred to as "America's Color Guru". As a color specialist she has been recognised worldwide especially as a prime consultant to Pantone, Inc. She is the author of 6 books about color and has been included in a group of 50 top style makers for the 5th year in a row by Home Furnishings Now, a leading magazine for the home furnishing trade. Check out Lee's blog www.eisemancolorblog.com and find out what all goes on behind the scenes in making predictions and the effects color has on our everyday life! Quite fascinating!


Moveable Feasts!













Who knew there was a portable picnic table for those who don't want to sit on a blanket and enjoy their food? They have it all as you can see by these photographs http://www.picnicatascot.com/ .
These sophisticated baskets and coolers will provide unforgettable moments in beautiful settings that you will remember for years to come. Whether you bring it to the beach, wine country or hiking food always seems to taste better out of the basket!!!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Oscars Night!


Have fun tonight watching the parade of designer dresses and jewels on the red carpet. This is more of a fashion show anymore than anything else. My vote goes to The Kings Speech for best movie and Colin Firth for best actor and Natalie Portman for best actress. What are your picks??

Breezy Beach Style!


As the weather warms up we start thinking about and planning our summer holidays and invariably they will include a trip to the beach somewhere! I was raised on the Great Lakes and miss the waves and water so much. I now live in land locked Dallas and considering the size of Texas there is only one natural lake in the whole state, the rest are man made. So when I get a chance to design a beach house it is a great thrill for me. The top photo is from one of my favorite movie beach houses...from the movie "Somethings Gotta Give" which is in Southampton. Most palmy retreats are where family memories are made. It is time for relaxation, laughter, boating, sandcastles and grilling with cottage neighbors, friends and family. A cheerful pastel color scheme keep things light and airy, blues, greens, naturals, yellows....Outdoor rooms are just as important as inside ones and this doesn't have to apply just to a beach house...you can create something wonderful poolside in the city as well.
Make your own beach oasis in your own patio....it is all in the details!











Saturday, February 26, 2011

Iching to Make Some Changes?


It always happens every spring...I've been in the house too long and want to start moving things around and changing it up. I love spring and my home is filled with hydrangeas and orchids to speed up the end of winter. I was thinking I would like to do some entertaining with the thought of celebrating spring. One way to spruce things up is designing a new table top for your next event. I'm thinking an afternoon tea would be lots of fun. Serve different teas, lemon bread, scones with jam and clotted cream and tea sandwiches. As I was looking for some tabletop ideas I came across some darling salt and pepper shakers in the shapes of vegetables. New linens are always a perk me up and fun to design around. This flatware is fantastic for the summer and outdoor entertaining and your picnic basket. Check out www.horchow.com for more inspiration!








Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Wedding Slide Shows


Everyone loves to see a love story unfold and this PowerPoint program helps make your story look beautiful and very professional. With many designs to choose from the program is an elegant way to share your story with your guests. It is easily downloaded, you simply add your photos and music to create your own custom keepsake that everyone will enjoy. The sample of the black brocade borders also has coordinating wedding stationary as do all the other designs.
Check out www.weddingclipart.com for all the great choices.



Saturday, February 19, 2011

What's next in Color Trends?




Color trends in home furnishings are much the same as in the fashion industry. Several years ago you would be hard pressed to find anything in gold hues and now the honey color seen in the photograph is the next trend. This color marries beautifully with citron, deep foliage greens, spice market reds and rich dusky violets that are so popular now.

The picture of this gorgeous bedroom done in a vibrant pink and verbena greens is another hot trend. This room is bright, lively, positive and stimulating showing how important color is in our lives and how it affects us.

I love the mix of the toile, paisley, ikat and stripe.


Friday, February 18, 2011

Tinsel Towns Great Interiors!








A must have book for film lovers and anyone looking to draw on interior design inspiration from Hollywood. This books lifts the curtain on the magic and celebrates the many ways art direction and set design allows us to lose ourselves on the big screen.
Learn the detailed process of how sets are imagined, drawn, built and decorated. The all white glam look photo is from a 1936 movie called The Night is Young...a great retro look for today. The living room photo is from the Nanny Diaries.
When I watch a movie I am into the sets more than the movie sometimes...just ask those who go with me to the movies, because I can't seem to follow the plot as I'm busy looking at the walls, furnishings etc.


Thursday, February 17, 2011

Ohhh La La!!


What makes French style so appealing? The dramatic focal points, a burst of color, tall windows, high ceilings, grand architectural details are just some of the reasons why we love anything French! In this beautiful book there are 20 exceptional homes of some Paris' most celebrated interiors.
This book will be avaliable on February 22nd.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Can't Find Your Keys in that Big Purse??







Finding your keys is not a problem anymore with this unique product. Bonjour Magnetic Key Finder stops you from having to dig around in your handbag to find your keys. Place the charm on the outside of your bag and the back magnet on the inside and place your keys against the magnet and simply as that you will grab your keys in a jiffy! There are 24 darling designs to choose from.
Thank you Heather for sharing this great tip!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Personalize and Add to the Cart!


Everyone has a story, we all know that. But now you can put that story onto some beautiful, personalized, treasured jewelry.
This jewelry is not an impulse buy, it is about life and documenting what is important in your life.
Mixed metals, funky combo of stones and personalized pieces and quotes make this one of my favorite necklaces. For more info go to http://www.heathermoorejewelry.com/ and see the great collection and ideas for birthday, grad, wedding party gifts and much more.







Friday, February 11, 2011

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!


Flower Power!


Don't these pictures just make you feel happy? This little florist kiosk in London, UK is a beautiful arrangement in itself! My daughter lives in Notting Hill and after listening to me about the big freeze that has hit Dallas she thought this would cheer me up and help me with my cabin fever. It's hard to believe it's winter there too
with a scene like this around the corner.
Thank Allyson!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Special Order!



Barbera Brooks Fine Flowers, ensures that arrangements sent through her network meet her rigourous standards of integrity, trust and uncommon beauty. By selecting each florist into her network, she has established a level of quality, customer service and trust that goes beyond the common fare. Here in Dallas, Avant Garden and Cebolla are part of her network. These florals are beautiful and I love the design of the topiaries.
One thing that is a constant is that every civilization celebrates with flowers and looking at these arrangements you can see why!

For more info please go to http://www.bbrooks.com/

Saturday, February 5, 2011

CRAVE Dallas - The Ultimate Guide!


CRAVE Dallas is all about acknowledging, celebrating and passionately supporting local businesses. This beautiful book is an introduction to you to the savvy businesswomen in our neighborhoods here in Dallas. CRAVE can be found in all major cities in North America as well as some in Europe.
So the next time your are looking for a one-of-kind hometown adventure ...just look to CRAVE. It has everything you crave and now you don't have to scour the city to find these hidden gems...they are here in the book.
E-mail me if you would like a copy.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Charming South Carolina






After a recent trip to Charlestown and Beaufort, South Carolina I became fascinated with all the wrought iron design work in the area. Fabulous gates leading into equally fantastic gardens, window boxes, fences and railings were everywhere in the historic areas. All having different, intriciate designs that were original hundreds of years ago. Charlestown is a place that history and heritage are still very much part of everyday life. Charlestown stands as a wonderful model of historic preservation, restoration and artistic expression. I'm planning my next trip there in March for the Festival of Homes and Gardens.

My girlfriend Carolee took these wonderful photographs!
















Charlotte Moss' Latest Book


This book is all about the art of creating elegant and inspired rooms!! Isn't this what we all want in our homes?
Charlottes' philosophy is much like my own which is to live passionately, decorate luxuriously, entertain beautifully and always maintain a sense of humor!
Her newest book will be avaliable in April 2011. I can't wait!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The British are Coming!!







Get ready to see the Union Jack on everything from pillows, trunks, wall hangings, rugs, backpacks to furniture this year. With the Royal wedding around the corner and the hit movie The Kings Speech - which I might add is one of the best movies I have seen in years (and obviously the Academy thought so too with 12 nominations) everything British is very fashionable. The British flag and the United States of America flag are probably the two most recognizable flags on the planet both have fantastic history behind their designs. Cool Britiannia!


Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Brrrrrr...


Well the whole city is shut down today due to ice and snow. This is Super Bowl week here in Dallas and the freezing temps and ice are playing havoc with all the planned events today. We should be back in the 60's for Super Bowl Sunday but I feel bad for the all the events that have to be cancelled after all the months of planning!!