Girl TV

I love a good, girly television show. I also enjoy reading the occasional in-depth analysis of my viewing choices in The New York Times...

“Gossip Girl” focuses on worldly little girls who join forces against one another. The series, along with such like-minded shows as the MTV semireality show “The Hills” and a cautionary senior edition, “The Real Housewives of New York City,” are focused on friends, and most of all on frenemies. They are so postfemininist that they circle back not just to “Mean Girls,” but to the pre-Friedan era of Clare Boothe Luce and Rona Jaffe.

Huh? I have obviously been watching too much television since I had to look up half of the references in that paragraph. I prefer the way Rolling Stone lays it out in chart form with pictures...


(Click image to enlarge). And yes, I so agree that L.C. is on her way to Anistonville.

Although I still don't understand the exact meaning of Post-Feminism, I did learn one important thing from the Times article, The Real Housewives of New York City will be returning with "The Lost Footage" on May 27th on Bravo. Woohoo!

Ortigia Sicilia

I have yet to try any of these Ortigia bath products, but am already seduced by the Sicilian package design.

The soaps, bath salts and fragrances look like something you might find in Isabella Rosellini's bathroom. (Photographed above from New York Interiors.

Outdoor Living, New York Style

As much as I heart NY, the lack of private green space was one of the issues that sent me packing for hometown Georgia. However, it looks like Charlotte Moss has the right idea for her own New York townhouse above.

(Photographs by Mark Heithoff).

I am especially digging the teal, chevron-slatted chairs. Now that I am back in the South, I can see Chinese fans from Pearl River Mart making useful dinner party favors on a hot summer night.

For more Moss musings on entertaining and the merits of the outdoor fireplace, see New York Magazine's "Hyper Design" Issue or her latest book, A Flair for Living.

Style Court

Courtney Barnes' stylish living room, featured on 1st Dibs. (Photograph by Steve Pomberg).

The talented and prolific Courtney Barnes of Style Court is one of my blogging heroes. Just when I think I am growing bored with the decorative arts, her impressive eye and knowledge of design history pulls me back in. (And she is just as lovely in person, as I found at last week's Lulu book signing).

Be sure to check out her profile and see more of her beautiful home and inspiration on 1st Dibs. Congratulations Courtney!

Super T

It's been a long time since my last visit to the frat house, but my memories of the spandex-clad Tyrone Smith Revue remain vivid. Therefore, I was fairly amused to learn that of all the bands in this great nation of ours, "Super T" had been chosen to play the Jenna Bush Wedding this weekend.

Smith and his band have played at fraternity parties, nightclubs and weddings across the South for more than 20 years. He plays an average of two weddings a month.

Jenna Bush saw him play in Texas a few years ago and invited him to perform at the White House Christmas party in 2003, when he led those attending in a conga line through the State Floor. The president had already gone to bed.

- The Associated Press

Nice work, Tyrone!

Whine

Anyone care for another glass? No thanks.


1) Yes, I bought a bottle of Martha Stewart Vintage.
2) No, it was not a good thing (unless you like your glass of chardonnay mixed with 4 packs of Equal. However, I usually take mine mixed with 2 parts Perrier if that gives you an indication as to my level of oenophilia).

So, I am a sucker for many things Martha. I am also one of those women who buys wine at the grocery store based on which bottle has the girliest label. In this case, the painterly monogram (the same "ms" initials of which I share) did me in. After one sip, I was ashamed of how much of a consumer cliché I had become...until I read this article in the New York Times. As it turns out, none of us are wine experts--except, of course, the experts.

(Top photo from Martha Stewart Living).

Camelot

In other Show House news...

The 38th Annual Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Associates 2008 Decorators' Show house and Gardens is in full swing. As one of the oldest show houses in the United States, this event is always a respected, Atlanta favorite. I have not yet taken the tour, so I have no idea how many rooms are inspiring and how many are flat-out atrocious, but either way it is always fun to see what the professionals are up to.

If you are in the neighborhood, please stop by this Thursday night for music, drinks and poking around prime Buckhead real estate during the Cocktails at Camelot event. I should also mention that the main purpose of all this martini-swilling frivolity is to support the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. Check out the über talented kiddos in concert below.



Hope to see you Thursday night!

Closet Space

It's beginning to look a lot like Show House Season...

Yesterday, a friend and I took a rainy walk over to the Southern Accents Show House at Regents Park. The entire townhouse is decorated by Atlanta's famed Dan Carithers, and is photographed in the Southern Accents May issue (with 360 degree tours on the website). However, my favorite room, the dressing room (above), was even better seen in person.

While mirrored cabinetry seems to be making a comeback in dressing rooms, I found this layout to be particularly innovative when faced with a long and narrow space. By using the area between two closets, you are able to turn what would normally be a hallway into a dressing room with the essential element, a three-way mirror. There is even room left over for an antique dresser.

To take a video tour of the dressing room, narrated by Mr. Carithers, click here. All Hollywood actors should take note: this is what a Southern accent is supposed to sound like.

The Showhouse at Regents Park is open Wed-Sunday through June 1st. (Photography by Erica George Dines).

Baby Mama

I know that Baby Mama has gotten lukewarm reviews, but I still thought it was pretty funny. (Or maybe that's just my girl crush on Tina Fey talking).

Anyway, if you like to support movies outside the heavily dominated male, age 18-34 demographic, this is a cute one with which to do so. Plus, it's full of cool, pre-war Philadelphia apartments. I could not find a photo of the home in which Greg Kinnear's character lives, but let's just say it looks more like the dwelling of a hip, hedge-fund manager (I know that is an oxymoron) than a down-and-out juice shop owner.

Ergs

I just wanted to say thanks for all of the nice inquiries about my arm. As it turns out, I can join the ranks of assembly line workers and video gamers who have repetitive strain injuries. Mine is due to years of typing away at work spaces that were more aesthetically appealing than ergonomically efficient.

While the recuperation period restricts my time with the computer (this post alone will send me searching for an ice pack and a Tramadol), the good news is that not much else is off-limits. It's nice to get out and move around in the real world when forced.

For any of you currently sitting in pretty lyre-back antiques or chrome mid-century numbers while using your computer, might I suggest you check the height of your desk, keyboard and monitor for proper alignment. An injury of this sort is more annoying than painful, but it comes on without much warning and is a bitch to mend.

Photos from top: Venus de Milo, Julie Janklow's desk from Vogue Italia.

The Masters

I don't play golf and I have never been to Augusta National, but every year I manage to put aside my feminist ideals for couple of days to enjoy the natural beauty and sportsmanship of The Masters. Seeing the way this corner of Georgia is so lovingly captured by the international media always makes me proud of the old home state.

Armrests and Ivanka

So my little Spring hiatus is turning out to be a bit longer than expected, thanks to a strained tendon in my right arm. It's nothing serious, but my physical therapist has instructed me to stay off of the keyboard for a bit (as I peck this message out with my left hand).


In the meantime, I will leave you with a little design project by our favorite Trump, a budget redo of an apartment belonging to her assistant, Darcy. While this space is not nearly as sophisticated as Ivanka's own apartment, it is fun (and perhaps funny) to see what she would do with limited space and expenses (like spray painting the appliances silver).

Darcy at work in her newly Trumped pad. Click above to see the "before".

Photos by Eric Cahan for Glamour.

Spring Break

Classic movie posters via Movie Goods, ebay.

I am taking a little blogging break. Happy Spring to all!

Anthony Minghella (1954-2008)

Anthony Minghella makes art out of art in a beautifully shot scene from The English Patient.

I was extremely sad to hear today's news that British director, Anthony Minghella passed away at the young age of 54. As the director of two of the most stylishly filmed movies of the previous decade, The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley, Minghella possessed that rare ability to turn dark source material into a work of poetry and beauty. War and murder aside, the exotic set locations, music, period costumes and complex stories in each of his films combined to form some of the most engaging movie scenes in my memory.


From top: Scenes from The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley, Anthony Minghella on set. Photos courtesy of Miramax/The Weinstein Company.

The Director's comments that accompany the DVD versions of these two films are truly engrossing for the design and film fan. I own both and watch them over and over again. We will miss the talented Mr. Minghella.

I Saarinen-der

In honor of the ongoing Eero Saarinen exhibit at Atlanta's modern design museum, aka MODA, I began to prepare what was going to my personal ode to the Tulip Table. Then I stumbled upon the Turkish design blog, A Mad Tea Party with Alis, and realized there was no way I could do it better than this.

The Furniture of Eero Saarinen: Designs for Everyday Living at MODA through May 5th.

Photograph of Saarinen Tulip Table with Norman Cherner Armchairs from Design Within Reach.

In other "Current Exhibition News", one of my favorite Atlanta artists, Carolyn Carr is now showing at the Spanierman Modern in New York City through April 5th. I promise this is the last time I show this photo, but don't the two look great in the same room? 

Photograph via PaperCity.

Style in the American South

Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana.

Despite our sometimes regrettable past, the South lays claim to it's own unique brand of style. Style Court graciously asked my thoughts on what makes decor in this part of the world special, and has posted them with lovely illustrations here.

An Early Spring

Ashley from Decor Amor was kind enough to leave a comment this week and I am so glad she did. Ever since, I have been trolling her blog filled with seriously beautiful floral photography and more.

In addition to the flowering inspiration, Decor Amor introduced me to Fab India, an exporter of hand-printed Indian textiles at very affordable prices. (Above is the Gulmarg tablecloth in green). I am already imagining an alfresco table set for Spring cookouts.

Perhaps an updated version of this vignette, which I believe was torn from a Martha Stewart Living (and obviously folded up) at least ten years ago.

Real Housewives

Real Housewife Bethenny, just hanging out with the girls

Even though last night's The Real Housewives of New York City premiere did not leave me bowled over with style inspiration, I did spot one pretty thing amongst the coffee talk.  

I don't know if it was the blue chain embroidery on Bethenny's bed linens or the Greek-key hem of her dress, but either way I am suddenly yearning for a crisp new duvet cover for Spring. (If anyone knows the manufacturer of the pattern, please share). In the meantime I have found some tempting options.

"Fiorentina" from Matouk is a simplified, graphic chain.

At a slightly lower thread-count, Williams Sonoma Home's Greek Key duvet is the more affordable option.

For a witty recap of the show we love to hate (to love) be sure to check out the Scented Glossy Magazines unofficial "Real Housewives" fansite.

Miss Pettigrew, Chapter Two

It appears the connection between Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and interior design continues. While I would not pass up the opportunity to see such a thoughtfully decorated movie as the aforementioned title, there is another option for the bibliophile.

Clockwise from left: The classic Persephone Book jacket, a collection of works with their corresponding end papers, the "fabric" lining for Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.

Persephone Books, known for republishing forgotten books by mostly women authors, has released their stylishly bound version of Winifred Watson's 1938 work, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Lined inside the signature gray jacket is a pattern originally used as a linen print for interiors by textile designer Marion Dorn.

Marion Dorn in 1947 with her fabric patterns. She was also well-known for her rug designs with high profile commissions for Claridges, the Queen Mary ocean liner and Syrie Maugham's famous all-white drawing room. Photograph by Horst P. Horst.

"Fabrics are as much a part of our daily lives as furnishing and dress materials, yet we rarely see them used in any other context. However, fabric design should be celebrated for its own sake; and because it is a field in which women designers have been particularly prominent we would like to use their work whenever possible." -Persephone Books

Like the seventy-five titles in the Persephone library, the fabric patterns chosen as end-papers are largely rediscovered works from the early to mid-20th century, which coordinate with the style and year of the story.

Kudos to Persephone for keeping female artists from fading into obscurity!

Mrs. Joel Lives for a Day

Katie Lee Joel's dressing room in March's Town and Country reads like a jewelry box from the Deco era.  Designer Nate Berkus and architect Ahmad Sardar-Afkhami used $25,000 worth of gold-leaf transform a 105 sq. ft. vestibule between the master bedroom and bath into a glimmering, 1930's style boudoir. (Photographs by Miki Duisterhof).

"We wanted it to be a place where the act of dressing would be heightened to an exquisite ritual." -Ahmad Sardar-Afkhmi

To that I say, "mission accomplished".  The soft blue-greens and golds remind me of another glamorous interior that has been in the press lately.

Scene still from Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.

It seems that Berkus, Sardar-Afkhami and Sarah Greenwood, production-designer for the upcoming Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, had similar sources of inspiration.  (Habitually Chic has more on that subject).

Happy Weekend!

Photo inspired by Easy and Elegant Life.

Hope you have a wonderful March!

Eau d'Italie

Decorno recently asked her readers, "What is your favorite perfume?" I chose the inconspicuously packaged line from Eau d'Italie (pictured above) with the explanation that wearing it makes me feel "brassy". However, I feel this description is only partially true. The real reason that I love, LOVE this scent is because it reminds me of being here...








...Hotel Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy.

The fragrance was created by Marina Sersale, a member of the family who has owned Le Sirenuse since it was the private summer residence of the Marchesi Sersale. Inspired by and developed especially for the hotel in 2002, the scent has become more than an free amenity with a night's stay. An entire line has been developed for the hotel's boutique and has become a best seller based on it's ability to instantly transport you to the Amalfi Coast.

As far as the hotel goes, I don't have the words to describe how incredible this place is. Have a visit here.

Society Portraits, Then and Now

Amanda Hearst at age 16 with portrait of her great-grandmother, Mrs. William Randolph Hearst (1882-1974). Image from Bright Young Things, published in 2000.

Amanda Hearst in her New York City home, 2008. (Photo from Inheriting Beauty via Black Book Magazine).

The tradition of society portraiture continues with Inheriting Beauty, a new book of photographs by Roger Moenks. In addition to the lovely Amanda Hearst (seen above), the coffee table size collection will include design blog favorites, India Hicks, Carolina Herrera and Tinsley Mortimer. While the book does not focus on interiors, it does capture it's subjects in their respective homes around the globe.

Make Art!

Well, it was one of those crazy-fun weekends where the stars aligned and talented, artistic friends came out of the woodwork to promote their latest creative endeavors. I was so impressed by their work that I have to share:

First up was Friday night's debut performance by The Constellations in East Atlanta which can best be described as kick ass. Their next gig will be at the infamous South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, where I am sure we will hear more about this newly formed super group. If you are looking for a new favorite psychedelic/soul/rock band, here is a preview of their upcoming album.On Saturday we brushed off the hangover to attend an amazing trunk show in Atlanta hosted by L.A. clothing boutique, Sienna, and the Charleston-based Balboa and Jane Pope Jewelry. The next time you are in West Hollywood, be sure to check out all three chic collections behind Sienna's pretty, vine-covered storefront.

Jane Pope, designer of Balboa and Jane Pope Jewelry (shown above in front of Charleston's Drayton Hall Plantation) was profiled in the March issue of Vogue.

Another new release is from designer Helen Bost, who just co-wrote her first book with her mother Polly Mattox and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine photographer, Erica George Dines. The book is Private Gardens of Georgia, which features 30 of the most beautiful enclaves from all across our lovely state.

What else can I say? I am so inspired by these gifted people who turn their passion for design, music, and writing into successful careers. It's a sentiment that was perfectly expressed in the touching acceptance speech of Glen Hansard, Sunday night’s Oscar winner for Best Original Song from the film Once, "Make art! Make art!"

Gettin Ziggy

This textured, raffia chevron fabric caught my eye in a fashion spread from the latest Town and Country. Unfortunately for my plans to reupholster a bench with the find, this fabric is vintage. For anyone interested in a set of four chairs however, they are available from Liz O'Brien via 1st Dibbs.

The floral dress is from the Ralph Lauren Collection, Photograph by Jonathan Skow.

Set of four chairs designed by Howard Perry Rothberg, 1968

Update: Style Court has offered a pretty good fabric substitute from F. Schumacher in a linen/cotton blend. I hope to pick up a sample tomorrow.

More Marchesa

It has been a couple of months since I have shown any closet love, so in connection with yesterday's post on Marchesa, here are a few shots of co-founder and designer, Georgina Chapman's elegant dressing room from Harper's Bazaar.

Chapman named her company after the wild Italian Marchesa Luisa Casati (1881-1957) who was known for going naked under her coats and wearing live snakes as jewelry.

A sheepskin rug, Lucite stool, and a sparkly chandelier dress up an otherwise basic, white laminate shelving system in one of her three closets. Must be nice to be the new Mrs. Weinstein!

Photos by Alexi Lubomirski. For the full article, visit Harper's Bazaar.

The Raj at Table

From 1858 to 1947, the British occupation of India created a new dining culture when the flavors and table customs of both countries collided. The March issue of Elle Magazine pays homage to this crossover with a British Raj style dinner party hosted by Allison Sarofim for the creators of the Marchesa fashion label.
Inspired by and in celebration of the Marchesa 2008 Spring line, Sarofim says, "I wanted that Victorian English-meets-India fantasy feel." Champagne served in an eclectic array of glasses adds a vaguely aristocratic vibe to an otherwise common Indian curry menu. (Photos by Ditte Isager for Elle Magazine).

Indian influences appear in many of the dresses from the Marchesa Spring line, which in turn inspired the meal and decor.

While Sarofim choose to be her own chef, I would personally go with takeout. (The dish above is Chicken Curry with Basamati Rice). Carlos Mota set the table with orchids, silver candlesticks, garlands draped over Chivari chairs, and elephant place cards from Mrs. Strong (which I know is also a favorite of Style Court).

For the rest of the article and more photos, pick up a copy of Elle Magazine. For more on the "culinary landscape" of the British Raj, Elle recommends David Burton's The Raj at Table: A Culinary History of the British in India, which is a cult-classic among history buffs and foodies alike.

Tropi-California

Alkemie's Friday post featured photos from the March InStyle spread of Nicky Hilton's L.A. home. One of my favorites was the breakfast area, which was designed out of nostalgia for the Beverly Hills Hotel, where Hilton ate her pancakes by the pool growing up. (Rough life).

The famous Banana Leaf Wallpaper seen in Hilton's kitchen above was originally used throughout the hotel in the 1950's by decorator Don Loper, and is also recognizable from the set of a popular 1980's sitcom. Any guesses? (The correct answer wins a free bottle of Geritol).

The iconic signage of The Beverly Hills Hotel surrounded by wallpaper-inspiring foliage.

For more photos of Nicky Hilton's home, be sure to visit Alkemie. You can also see a video tour of the kitchen and dressing room on the InStyle website.

TGIF

Have a fun weekend!

My Jazzy Valentine

I just learned that the legendary Dave Brubeck Quartet will be visiting the "Classic City" of Athens, Georgia this week. While tomrrow's Valentine's Day concert is sold out, there are still tickets for tonight's show.

In case you are looking for a last minute Valentine's gift, I suggest the remastered version of Brubeck's classic 1959 album Time Out. While this may be considered Jazz 101 for some, it remains one of my favorites. Below is a 1961 performance of "Take Five" off of Time Out.

For more hardcore jazz aficionados Ken Burns Jazz is a must add to the DVD collection. With almost 19 hours of documentary footage, you will become a veritable expert on the subject of jazz history. I watched the original 2002 broadcast on PBS and was the lucky recipient of the box set for Christmas this year.