Shopping on Saturday

I love amassing tabletop accessories and setting a pretty table. I particularly have a weakness for glassware and decorative items. And when the price is right...well, I can't seem to help myself! Just ask my husband. I already have more steamware than we have cabinet space. But with items as gorgeous and affordable as these two beauties, who wouldn't be tempted?

Horn Cup from Carolyne Roehm
Water buffalo horn is polished and heated, then molded into organically shaped cups. The cup will require a plastic liner if used for a floral arrangement. $15.00

Dot Tumbler from Michael Devine
This 13th century reproduction glass is a fun an elegant addition to any table. $14.00

Shopping on Saturday

I am simply crazy for anything designed by the fabulous Kara Ross! Her jewelry and handbags are modern, elegant and always unique. Here are just a few of my many favorites. The Dea handbags are just the best!

Shopping on Saturday

I recently discovered the most wonderful website. Roost Living is an online boutique showcasing emerging talent from around the UK.

Roost Living was created in 2007 by founder Laura Binns. Keen to start her own business, Laura decided to marry her greatest interests - craft and shopping. Laura runs her business from her home in North London.

I just adore all of Laura's finds, but I especially love the stunning gold lariat and quartz necklace!

Tangled Web Bowl by Timea Sido
£28.00 (small)£54.00 (large)

Cut Crystal Lariat Necklace
£70.50

Leather Clutch Bag by Nadia Minkoff
£97.00

Shopping on Saturday

I know that yesterday was to be my last post until next week, but I thought that I would do one more Shopping on Saturday before leaving town. I received an email yesterday from one of my wonderful contacts at VIVRE telling me more about their recent partnership with Decorati. Two of my favorite companies coming together is just too good not to mention.

VIVRE, the uber stylish mail-order magazine and online boutique, has recently announced an exciting affiliation with Decorati, the leading online resource for high-end furnishings. The collaboration aims to provide designers and design enthusiasts with greater access to luxury accessories, textiles, lighting, and furnishings all in one place. Simply divine!

Coral Trim Trinket Tray (Kenneth Jay Lane Home)
A little tray with a lot of style. A gold lined ‘catch-all’ inspired by the sea. $150.00

Almidi End Table (Casamidy)
A Vivre exclusive. Hand-cut glass and hand-hammered iron. The legs are modeled after eastern architecture including doorways and arches. $625.00


Wreath Candlestick Holder (Allegra Hicks)
A beautiful painted red bronze coral that casts an alluring shadow when lit. $385.00

Shopping on Saturday

Isn't great when you find lovely antiques sold by people who are equally lovely. This is certainly the case with Adams and Comer Ltd, a fantastic online shop owned by Isibelle Comer and Audrey Adams. Not only do they carry beautiful lamps, chandeliers and tables, but their prices are very reasonable. Their first famous client was none other than the distinguished Mr. Albert Hadley. From there, their clientele list has grown to include Martha Stewart, Jeffrey Bilhuber, Eric Cohler, Robert Stern, Marietta Gomez and President and Senator Clinton. Very impressive.

A pair of wonderful handmade seashell lamps. Loaded with shells and personality. These would look so great in a beach house or a cottage by the shore. Price $1,250

1800s Red Chinese bench. Straight, architectural lines and beautiful red lacquer. Price $1,375

Stunning pale amber 1960s Italian Murano chandelier. Price
$2,400

Shopping on Saturday

With summer approaching I have been thinking and dreaming about garden urns and decorative lawn decor - not pink flamingos - but beautiful aged pieces that reflect French summer homes. Appley Hoare Antiques, a well established shop on Pimlico Road in London, is the place to shop for just such items. Daydreaming is always an option as well. Disclaimer - I have no personal hatred of pink flamingos.

A beautiful hand carved wooden table lamp with aged creamy paint and distressed patina. Made in Italy.

English 19th century cast iron urn on original pedestal.

A large French iron wine bottle dryer on original wheels. Cica 1910

Pair of 18th C Cotswold stone spheres/finials.

Shopping on Saturday

Sorry for the delay in posting. We have friends visiting from the States and went up to the Highlands for a few day. For us, no tour of Scotland is complete without an overnight stay in the village of Inverary. I will have a complete profile on The George Hotel in Inverary (our favorite) on Monday. The George uses locally made Purdie's toiletries throughout the hotel. Last June Purdie's opened their first retail shop in the village. Of course I had to stop in on the way out of town for a few products to take home.

Glengoyne Malt Whisky & Ginger Liquid Soap. Specially made for distilleries the soap contains no Parabens or colouring. Great for sensitive skin. £7.95

Sweet Orange Dead Sea Salt. Salts have been used for thousands of years as a natural cleanser and preserver. Great too for detoxing and relaxing aching limbs. £6.95

Highland Healing Cream. Packed full of healing butters and oils. £8.95

Shopping on Saturday

Nothing says summer like sexy sandals, a big bold hat and a great tote bag. I especially love all of these accessories even more when made from natural materials—hand-knit raffia, cork, straw, wood and wicker. Simply Stunning!

Platform Heels with Straw Bow by Bruno Frisoni
Sensational summer showstoppers. Slick patent slingbacks sit atop a 4½" stiletto heel, topped with an oversized straw bow. $1,045.00

Cork Allegra Bag by Vivre
The Allegra bag is named for Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti’s daughter. Finished in cool cork flecked with metallic gold for endless summer appeal and durability. $275.00

Metallic Mesh Belt with Ebony Closure by Ports 1961
Metallic mesh wraps around the natural waist and is tipped with two oversized ebony clasps. $325.00
Fortissimo Hollywood by Kokin
Hand-knit raffia from Madagascar is the go-anywhere essential for even the sunniest locales. Tied bow accent. $295.00

Wood and Shell Bangle by Kenneth Jay Lane
Natural materials and a sleek design make this bangle an ideal choice for summer. Light wood with shell studs. $60.00

Shopping on Saturday

I stumbled upon a most wonderful website today. I know, there are so many handbag labels on the market, but there was something special about these bags that caught my eye. London-based Belen Echandia is luxury company with a personal touch. All Belen Echandia's collections are produced by hand in a European atelier in tiny quantities. Soft leather, beautiful colors and a unique personal service distinguishes this line from other brands.

Be Mine £395

Indulge Me £395

I'm Yours Tote £395

Shopping on Saturday - nora fleming

I love it someone takes a clever idea and turns it into a successful business. Such is the case with Nora Napientek founder of nora fleming. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science, Nora decided to explore a completely different vocation by starting her own paint-your-pottery-shop. Wanting to create unique serving platters for special occasions Nora came up the idea of an interchangeable dinnerware collection. She began by drilling holes in plates and gluing sticks on to anything miniature to adorn the plate.

After research and development, Nora took her “dressed up interchangeable dinnerware” concept on the road. Just as she had hoped the plates were a hit. “We were amazed at the response and still are,” she says. “People are clamoring over the platters and minis. Well done Nora!

What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?
Being in control of my own destiny. I never feel trapped. If I want to change something I can. If I want to change the look of my line, create something new, nix something old...I can. I also love working in my pjs with my babies running around. Not something most moms can (or want) to do.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
The Varieties of Scientific Experience-A Personal View of the Search for God by Carl Sagan; Second Glance by Jodi Picoult; Spider-Man versus Doc Ock (my son's early reader we are working on).


What inspires your designs and creativity?
MY KIDS...without a doubt. Number one. They are so creative. They juxtapose, inverse, turn things inside out everyday. As we grow up we have these learned traits of what design should be. Color wheels and trigonometry...watch kids. Watch them draw, play dress up...they do what feels right. It is super inspirational. They rely on instincts.

What is your most prized possession?
My family. There is not a single material possession that would really upset me if it was lost or destroyed.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Inner peace. Tranquility. Contentment. Not sure if it will ever happen.

To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Worry. I worry all the time. I wish I didn't. I worry about worrying too much. It is exhausting, stupid and a total waste of time and energy. I am trying to learn that old lesson of "what will be will be."

Shopping on Saturday: Perfect Pendants

I love a great pendant and I am still obsessed by the Renee Lewis Shake Necklace worn by Cameron Diaz in The Holiday. With summer just around the corner I can finally shed my turtlenecks and show off a few necklaces. I had a field day shopping FRAGMENTS.com this morning. Here a just a few of my many finds (you may notice a pattern):

Dana Kellin
Gold filled chain link necklace with four gold filled wrapped links and rutilated quartz drop. Length: 19 inches. Price $415.00

Erica Molinari
18k gold circle branch necklace with diamonds on chain. Length: 15inches. Price $2,445.00

Arman Collection
22k gold chain with tear shapes turquoise drop and wrapped gold snake design with one rosecut diamond. Price $1,800.00

Dana Kellin
Gold filled link chain necklace with gold filled wrapped citrine drop. Length: 16 inches. Price $205.00

Dana Kellin
14k gold fill winter mix pendant necklace with moonstone, quartz green amethyst beading on open link chain. Length: 16 inches. Price $525.00

Shopping on Saturday

Cerulean is the brainchild of Vanderbilt University alum Maggie Lacey. Maggie worked for Hollywould shoes in New York as marketing director, production coordinator and assistant designer, culminating in the successful creation and launch of the Hollywould Palm Beach boutique.

Her new online boutique offers not only great products but also in-depth designer bios. You simply must check out Cerulean. Think Vivre, but more affordable.
The most luxurious bracelets at amazing prices. Stack these bangles together or wear them alone. Great with mixed colors, or choose one or two for a simpler look. These beauties are at the top of my list. I love them all! $49.00 each

Dupioni fabric clutch with exotic bead trim and gold frame closure. A spectacular clutch for day or night. $158.00

Bring a bit of the Caribbean into your home. Delicate shells in beautiful shades of green and brown. Approximately 3 - 4" wide. $17.00 each

Shopping on Saturday

I love estate jewelry. Not only for its uniqueness, but the stories and history that accompany such pieces. One of my favorite online shops to browse is Fay Cullen. I could spend hours surfing and daydreaming.

One bracelet that caught my eye was this antique Victorian tortoiseshell bracelet complete with the original heart padlock clasp in 15ct yellow gold. It seemed especially appropriate given that our son is studying the Victorian period in school and we listen the Vile Victorians Horrible Histories CD regularly!

The bracelet is most likely an example of Victorian mourning jewelry considered suitable for 'half mourning' or the second year of mourning the death of a loved one.

The mourner would only be allowed to wear black clothing and accessories for the first year following a loved one's death while the somber yet appealing color of tortoiseshell jewelry was considered appropriate for entering the second official year of mourning. This rare bracelet is an extraordinary example of Victorian era artisan's creativity and workmanship despite the restrictive parameters of the day.

Shopping on Saturday

Sorry for not posting yesterday, but I was out buying paint pots to sample in our hallway and lounge. After 10+ samples I think I have finally narrowed it down to my top three choices. This is the first time that I have used Farrow and Ball and I am very pleased with the colors and quality. The Company was founded in the 1930s in Dorset, on the south coast of England, by chemists John Farrow & Richard Ball. Over the past ten years, Farrow & Ball showrooms have opened in select locations in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Milan.

I also learned a very valuable lesson yesterday—latex has nothing to do with paint in the UK. When I asked the man at the paint shop if the paint was latex he got a strange look on his face and started laughing. After thinking about the situation for a moment I commented, “Let me guess—latex means something entirely different than to what I am referring.”

Of course I started laughing and told him that I was less than amused the first time my eight-year-old son came home from school, shortly after moving here, and told me that he needed rubbers. In the America rubbers have NOTHING to do with pencil erasers!

Shopping on Saturday

This week I started reading my copy of The Beautiful Fall: Lagerfeld, Saint Laurent, and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris by Alicia Drake. So far I love the way Drake weaves together the lives, personalities and obsessions of two iconic designers and illustrious rivals—Yves Saint Laurent, the charmed genius and Karl Lagerfeld, the patrician workhorse.

As always, my book obsession is being fueled and my reading list is growing. I have a habit of taking notes of interesting details as I read so that I can search Amazon for more books, and thus the vicious cycle begins. Here are a few books I have added to my Amazon wish list in the past few days:

The Finest Houses Of Paris by Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery

Photos include a table set for sixty in Baron Guy de Rothschild's palace, considered the grandest private house in France and Hubert de Givenchy's left-bank garden. In some cases, the owners have refused to be identified, but you can still get a glimpse of their elegant interiors.

Paris, 1962: Yves Saint Laurent and Dior, The Early Collections by Jerry Schatzberg and Julia Morton

On assignment for Esquire magazine in 1962, fashion photographer and filmmaker Jerry Schatzberg documented the ultra-exclusive world of French haute couture in stunning photographs of famous fashion icons. All the glamour and drama of the runway is presented, including images of Yves Saint Laurent’s first collection after leaving Dior, as well as tastemakers such as Diana Vreeland and American Vogue editor Jessica Daves mingling in the chic crowds.

Christian Dior and Germany 1947-1957 by Adelheid Rasche

Published in 2007 the book is a tribute to the great Christian Dior on the fiftieth anniversary of his death. The book is filled with full-page photography, mostly in black and white, and showcases everything Dior, from his gowns to his accessories to his atelier in Paris. As the book's title implies, the focus is on Dior's connections with Germany in his great years, 1947-1957.

Shopping

After going through my wardrobe I've decided that there is nothing that I want to take to Paris with me this weekend, so I am off to shop...seems like as good an excuse as any!

Shopping on Saturday

The gracious Michael Devine and my morning cup of coffee are the inspiration for Shopping on Saturday. For Christmas Michael sent me a tin of MarieBelle Honduran coffee. This is the first time I’ve had a cup since retuning from the States and it’s delicious!

Since 2000, MarieBelle New York has been pleasing fans with their delightful collection of delicate, luxurious chocolates, confections, hot chocolate, coffees and teas. MarieBelle's signature line of chocolates combines the finest chocolate with skilled artisan techniques to create edible works of art, simply delightful!

Shopping on Saturday: Archipelago Destinations

Travel is high on my priority list for 2008, but until I reach my various destinations I will just have to enjoy the scents of the cities and countries. The Destinations Collection of Archipelago candles lets you experience some of the best fragrances collected from around the world. Each candle is packaged in its own gift box – complete with a removable and fully functional luggage tag.

The hills of Tuscany
Archipelago Botanicals Tuscany Candle is scented with Sweet Basil, Cilantro and Rosemary.
The hills of Positano leading to the coast
Archipelago Positano Destinations candle combines white nectarine with sweet persimmon and pomegranate.

Incense burning in a Dubai hotel
Archipelago Botanicals Destination Dubai Candle is scented with amber, mandarin and musk.

Shopping on Saturday

I am a self-confessed book junkie. My list is always growing and consequently never ending. I could easily and happily fill an entire house and blog with nothing but books (magazines too for that matter). One of my fondest memories as a child is going to the library and having free reign to lose myself among the old, dusty literature.

This year my Christmas list consists only of books. Here are just a few I hope to add to my personal library.

The Well- Lived Life by Dominique Browning

Robert Indiana by Nathan Kernan

Let Me In by Mario Testino

Palm Springs Style by Aline Coquelle

The Carlyle Assouline Books

Five Golden Rings

Gold Jeweled Crown Ring by Most Wanted Design by Carlos de Souza
18K gold coronet glitters in a band of rubies. Cross-shaped crests glow with embedded diamonds from Vivre.

Cathy Waterman Oval Bamboo Ring set in 22 karat gold with diamond bamboo overlay with diamond edging from Barneys New York.

Annette Ferdinandsen 18kt gold ring with pink tourmaline from Ylang|23.

Amanda Jaron Westfield Ring in18kt green gold is an architectural statement that will not go unnoticed from A. Jaron Fine Jewelry.

Alexis Bittar sculpted 24K gold vermeil ring with wood from Alexis Bittar online.