Saving Face

I saw this pillow on The Today Show and am wishing it had been invented ten years' worth of fine lines ago.

I also wonder how it would look with a Leontine Chopstick mono--even if that defeats the skin smoothing properties of the original product.



Speaking of Leontine Linens, how cool is Kim Hastreiter, co-publisher of Paper Magazine's collection of assorted monogrammed guest towels. I love the idea of having more than one design in a single setting (and the funds to make it happen).

via Isaac Mizrahi.

Pretty, Cool

It's not often that you find beautifully monogrammed linens and retro light fixtures under the same roof, but Gramercy Fine Linens and Furnishings has found that balance between pretty and cool. While the Buckhead store is worth a trip (or ten) in person, it looks like they will be adding a web store for out of town shoppers soon.

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.

Inspiring Films and Pretty Linens

Yesterday, I went to see one of Habitually Chic's movie recommendations, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Based on Jean-Dominique Bauby's memoir, this tragic, beautiful, inspirational and funny film proves worthy of all its critical acclaim.

In addition to having an excruciating, but elevating story, the movie maintains the chic aesthetic that would presumably surround an editor of French Elle, even in his darkest days in the aftermath of a paralytic stroke. Bauby's narrative is gorgeously translated by director Julian Schnabel to create one of the most enlightening and moving films I have seen.

One of the small roles as Bauby's speech therapist is played by Schnabel's striking wife, Olatz López Garmendia (above left with Marie Josee Croze), whom some of you may know better from her line of bed linens and sleepwear, Olatz. While I know it is a tough segue from debilitating stroke to luxury linens, the point of Bauby's story rings clear: beauty and imagination can rise above even the most desperate circumstances.

Julian Schnabel on set with wife Olatz in pajamas of her design. Schnabel won Best Director for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at the Cannes Film Festival and is nominated for a Golden Globe.

The need for custom sheets to fit her husband's raw steel beds (along with his penchant for wearing pajamas in public) eventually led Olatz to create her own line. Influences come from locations like Havana, where the couple has worked together on set, and her native Spain.

Olatz Royal Collection, monogram appliqués are hand-sewn in Madeira, Portugal.

The Olatz shop is located in New York City. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is in theaters now.

Monogram, Inc.

(Image from Town and Country Weddings)

Not so long ago, I was a bit monogram crazy. Lampshades, cell phone covers--in my mind, no surface should go unpersonalized. Now that the monogram-everything-you-can-order-from-a-catalog craze has died down a bit, we can get back to the real deal.

The beautiful linens above are by Caroline Brackenridge of Monogram, Inc.. She gathers information about each client's particular style and can weave together any number of letters or symbols. Her artwork can then be transferred to linens, glass, stationary or whatever else you may desire.

One thing I never realized, is the monogram was originally created for utilitarian purposes rather than decorative. Initials were sewn or printed on the valuable linens of wealthy households to keep them identifiable when sent in to town for washday. 19th century French Royals were the first to add elaborate embroidered crests to their linens which furthered the evolution of the monogram as a symbol of affluence.