Emily: Why I love The Sartorialist

Endless inspiration...classic yet stuff I haven't seen before.
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Le Owner: Why I love Martha Stewart

It is really no secret that I love Ms. Martha, always have, always will. Yes, sure she is over the top and probably a real bitch, but she has impeccable taste. Here are a few of my faves from the her collection for Bernhardt.

Emily: Some silly for Monday

Thanks Nance for sending this to me!

Emily: Winterthur

My dear friend Joyce sent me this postcard of the Queen Ann Dining Room at Winterthur. I have always dreamed of an entry with a large mirror, Folly Green walls and blue and white porcelains, so this room is pretty much heaven for me. She went with a class taught by Dick Pencek at Penn State, which I took ages ago while studying Art History there. I have always dreamed of a visit to Winterthur and hopefully someday soon will go. God Bless America (n interior design)!

Emily: Pomo Figurines

As the holidays near you will see more and more Etsy shops being featured on this blog - as I am searching through my favorites for gifts. I believe in supporting artists instead of companies who import from China, and Etsy makes it as easy to buy something handmade as it is to shop big box.

Above are some enchanting figures from The Runny Bunny.

Emily: Isn't she lovely?

I am seriously considering this floral headband from Giant Dwarf to wear to my holiday party.....

Le Owner: Nightstand

Oh....the nightstand of my dreams....

Le Owner: For LL....

How great is this little side table?

Le Owner: Bags Galore

I'm in the market for a new basic (read: everyday) bag bad. My collection of Century 21 finds has certainly looked better, and as Em will soon find out, being a small business owner does not afford either time nor money for such things. But! Enough enough....the lining of my current basic bag is ripped to shreds (causing items like iPods and phones to become lost in a nether world).

After some internet research, I noticed that aside from a rather pricey Balenciaga number (swoon), there really wasn't much out there that I really loved....until I remembered by friends down the BQE, Hayden-Harnett*.

Now, I know, how does this constitute basic? It. Just. Does. God, and so very Mactastic!!


For dancing nights on the town.


The world's most perfect shaped bag, in a rather unfortunate selection of colors.


Perfection!


Goes perfectly with my new suede scrunchy boots!!!



(*They have the best "about us page"....just sayin')

Emily: Big Love

The cabin where I live belonged to my Great Grandmother. When I was little, I called my Great Grandma "Big Grandma", apparently confusing the two words "great" and "big". She hated the name, but I didn't and not only called her that my whole life, but taught my two younger brothers to do the same.

I also made her this little sign, which she proudly displayed in her home, and which I display today. You can see how the sun faded the center portion that was not covered by the frame. I am grateful that she accepted such a crudely rendered gift, and also that the sentiment was true.

Emily: Pillow tags

Le Owner is so industrious that often when I start something new I start by asking her how she did it. Such is true about the labels I wanted for the pillows I am planning for my Etsy shop. I thought, "why go to all the trouble of designing pillows with carefully planned details if once they are in the world it is not evident where they came from?" aka "where my props at?" I looked online and got a few bids that were way too high in both quantity and price. Then I remembered the darling pillows sold exclusively at SITE, with labels saying as much. So I emailed Le Owner and she shared this website with me. Thanks, lady!

Le Owner: Indoor/Outdoor

Lovin' the mix of indoor and outdoor space in this lower Manhattan abode, designed by two Yale Professors who specialize in merging landscape with building.

Le Owner: Library LR Lighting

With the media console already installed, the industrial bookcase en route for next week, and the sofa fabric swatches on the way to us, I'm looking closely at the lighting. First up? Library sconces.

I know the general quality/look/feel I want from these, but it is the metal finish I'm most undecided about. The bookcase & media console both have an old rubbed bronze like finish, so I could go with the obvious answer: keep it oil rubbed bronze. But! A little part of me is thinking go with brass....make the lights stand out a bit, act as a little sparkle for the room. Thoughts? Then there is the ever favorite nickel, but I'm thinking that metal just doesn't have a place in this room.

This is where it all started: the ubiquitous Circa Lighting sconce, well known and loved.



Then came this beauty, but as with above, must be hardwired, which is not happening on this project. I know I can convert, but would rather not. If not for that, I'd be whipping out the CC right now for this sconce.


A less desirable option, but still in the running is this one.



Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated!

Le Owner: Oh, So Good!

Once upon a time, I was in love with West Elm, I'll admit it. I mean, such great designer rip offs! Low prices! A hot shop in DUMBO! Then one day my interest wained, the designs god tired, and quality piss poor. MY love of hanging capiz shells, Chinese inspired chairs, and that lacquer desk ended.

But! What have we here!?



Now if only I can accidentally break a side table in my own home....

Le Owner: A Library Inspired LR

A very close friend was in the market for a bit of a makeover for her bare living room, and how could I resist a little makeover assistance. We landed on a rustic meets library feeling room, and I put together a little Polyvore action to show her to sell her on the parti. The bits are starting to roll in slowly over time, and so far so good!


For Liz. by SITE

The details:

- Industrial inspired items like the bookcase and draftsman stool used as a side table. Aged metals & rich vintage woods. Ring pulls and label holders with the contents typed.

- A comfortable reading area, leather wing chair with modern lines, deco inspired reading lamp, chunky side table for drinks.

- Library sconces mounted over each mismatched side table instead of table lamps, a periodic table as artwork over the sofa, vintage maps scattered about.


One of the details I'm struggling with the most are the side tables. I'm not sold one the ones used in the collage, but today while my mani/pedi I found this (and it is PERFECT):



Wait? Did I say perfect? I meant amazing in every possible way, except for the price. $1950 each. Wow. So not going to happen. So everyone....any thoughts on a similar trunk like side table we might be able to use?