Lost in Decoration

Happy Easter!

So today I’ll be running off to church, then brunch, then shopping and dinner, and more than likely drinks after… Anyway, Happy Easter everyone!  May you all eat yourselves sick on Cadbury Eggs and Marshmallow Peeps and fall asleep to the sound of rain on the cobblestones.  Spring is short, and summer is on the way!

That Antique Chest

Everyone has that one beautiful dress, cute pair of shoes, or piece of furniture that they passed up on that they will forever regret.  Well for me it was this past September at the Western Reserve Academy Pioneer Women’s Antique Show, and it was a beautiful antique empire chest.  Ever since then, they seem to be popping up all over the place in photos of people’s homes making my decision not to purchase all the more painful, (especially because it was only $600 and in near perfect condition!).  So here is the homage to my regret.  Enjoy.

Noble Handcrafted Tonics

Every once in a while I come across a product line whose packaging is so chic it cannot go without a mention.  Well, in this case the products actually live up to their beautiful bottling.  This line of “tonics” (aged maple syrups and vinegars) are hand crafted and sold to many of the world’s best chef’s for use in their kitchens.  Carried by a company called Mikuni Wild Harvest, the syrups  can be purchased directly through their website here.

Rooftop Farming: The Next Step for NYC

Sustainable local products are all the rage in New York lately.  Restaurants are offering locally farmed organic products on their lists, and Green Market attendance is better than ever.  But I found it really interesting to discover that not all of that produce is grown upstate.  Some of it is grown right here in community gardens and even on rooftops!  I really loved the video below about this new craze and how it’s affecting many New Yorkers, whether they are aware of it or not.

New York Farm City from Petrina TV on Vimeo.

thecorcorangroup:

New York Farm City by Guy Buttery

"I eat with my eyes."

— Bill Cunningham

Go See This Movie!

Today my friend Diana and I went to Film Forum to see “Bill Cunningham New York” a film about The Times’ on the street fashion photographer.  It was one of the greatest New York stories, and one of the best films I’ve ever seen.  Go see this movie while it’s still in theatres!

Glemham Hall

suicideblonde:

England’s Glemham Hall features 18th and 19th Century art pieces enlarged to cover the walls - This room features Portrait of Baroness James de Rothschild (1848) by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.  Photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, April 2011.

This room is amazing!  Can you imagine blowing up your favorite art piece and turning it into such elegant looking wallpaper?  This month’s W Magazine featured work by photographer Tim Walker who did just that at Glemham Hall, an Elizabethan manor in Suffold, England.

Click here for more details including titles of the portraits used in this photo shoot.

“Wellies”

Just in time for spring, I’m seeing rain boots everywhere!  Whether you sport the cheesy patterned galoshes to the sleek Hunter boots (a favorite of the Queen of England), it’s time to hop through puddles in style.

I’m Inspired By… Landscaped Walls

One of my favorite things to do is spend an entire day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  When I visit the Met I have somewhat of a routine: I start in the American Wing and make my way through European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.  I could spend, and have spent, HOURS in all of those beautiful rooms decorated with antique furniture!

Anyway, upon entering the American Wing there is a whole room devoted to a panoramic mural of the palace of Versailles painted by John Vanderlyn in 1918.  Vanderlyn is part of a prestigious group of early American painters, and this landscape is really exceptional.  It reminds me of how much I love rooms with landscapes painted on the walls, and I have quite a few in my collection.  Enjoy.

Below are some photos of the Panoramic View of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles by John Vanderlyn.  It really is beautiful!

Happy Spring!

everythingfab:

 Spring is here….!!!! + Link Love

It’s Not Easy Being Green

Ok, so everybody’s doing it.  But it’s St. Patty’s Day and here’s my green themed post.  I’m spending the afternoon in downtown St. Augustine, Florida at one of the biggest Irish festivals in the south.  Wish me luck!  I may need help getting home…

Candice Bergen and Habitually Chic

I don’t usually post about other people’s blogs, but today Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic posted a wonderful compilation of photos of Candice Bergen, who I love.  In fact, a few weeks ago I watched the movie Ghandi just so I could watch her play Margaret Bourke-White.  Pleeeease pop over.  Her blog is amazing and this is a great article.

P.S. This photograph is of her at Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball in 1966.  Many people refer to this as the party of the century.

Coolest Wine Room

loftylovin:

Wow.  As a wine lover I couldn’t help but re-blog this.  It’s a little bit too neon 80’s to put in my own house but I so appreciate the ingenuity behind a design like this.

via ~ thedesignerpad

Modern Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie, a french term meaning “Chinese-esque” became popular as a decorative art in 18th century Europe.  I think most famously it is remembered as much of the decor in Versailles during the reigns of Louis the XV and Louis the XVI, but the style can be found all throughout Europe, including in British gardens and whole Chinese villages built in Sweden and Russia.  Today, this style can be found in the most elegant of homes, mixed with modern or traditional decor.

iVictrola

A few months ago I posted about the Phonofone II iPod Dock, an iPod player that is a modern interpretation of the old Victrola “Talking Machine” phonofones.  Well, the iVictrola goes one step further and makes an iPod player out of the real thing!

These awesome machines are available through Etsy (but are currently sold out), and were carried through Design Within Reach during the holidays.  This is the ultimate ungettable get as far as gifts are concerned.  I would LOVE to have one of these in my apartment.  Check out the company’s website here.