The Talented Mr. Adler

I’ve referenced the impossibly fabulous interior designer Jonathan Adler a few times on my blog, but I thought it high time I made this crush I have on his work official and give him his own post. He got his start as a potter and turned his wildly successful pottery business into a full-blown design house...Like another of my design crushes, Kelly Wearstler, he plays off of bold, graphic use of color and gives a nod to Hollywood Regency style but also has a way of making it look like he has an absolute blast while he does it—the result is environments that can’t help but make you smile. And sometimes even giggle. Check out his other interiors and gorgeous pottery pieces here.

Vreeland, Dahling

Diana Vreeland. And of course it would be pronounced Dee-AAH-nah. Lately I’ve been fascinated with the captivating legacy of Ms. Vreeland who was fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar, the editor-in-chief of Vogue (60s), and given to saying things like: “Pink is the navy blue of India” and “I loathe narcissism, but approve of vanity.” She had a presence and personality so big she could make Chinese Red look like a neutral. Good God, just look at her. So fabulous.

Digital Rollei

I love this idea: a classic Rolleiflex in digital form! It’s got the same square format, the viewer on the top instead of the back, only it’s teeny (can fit in the palm of your hand) and digital! Unfortunately some of the reviews I’ve read have said the quality of the photos are disappointing—it’s unclear whether they mimic the feel and quality of the pictures taken by the original or not, but I’m hoping Rollei continues to perfect this camera. It’s absolutely brilliant. And looks cool as hell.

Artist As Magician

Or maybe it’s vice versa. With Tara Donovan’s work it’s hard to decide. I just know I’m in awe. She creates stunning, other-worldly, landscape-ish sculptures out of ordinary items like buttons, fishing lure, paper plates and pure genius (shown above). She is represented by the Ace Gallery where you can see more of her work using straws, pencils, dried glue... I have yet to see her stuff in person, but it’s absolutely on my to-do list.

One Fabulous Year

My husband, Richard, and I are celebrating our first anniversary today and I can’t believe it’s been an entire year. I guess it’s true: Time flies when you’re having fun (and spending it with those you love). Anyway, as we celebrate we’re both feeling so nostalgic for New York. We got married in Central Park (at exactly the spot where he proposed) and then went for a sweet dinner with family and few close friends at the Carlyle Hotel. So old-New-York and beautiful. The next time you’re in Manhattan and on the Upper East Side I recommend stopping in and ordering a Gin and Tonic at the bar. I’ll leave you with pictures of the entrance and lobby (it’s soooo stunning) as I get ready for a night out with the man I love.

Rawlings & Vogue

I was looking at some of Vogue’s vintage covers and there are so many that are downright masterful. Like this John Rawling’s image for the June ‘47 issue. The simplicity and desaturated color are soooo nice. I wish magazines still looked like this...

Dynamic Duo

Another favorite color combination of mine. I was soooo glad when Isaac Mizrahi came along and reminded us what the entire country of India never forgot: pink and orange are fabulous together. Coral, Blush, Salmon, Bubblegum, Fuschia, Flamingo and Raspberry paired with Clementine, Saffron, Tangerine, Peach, Pumpkin, Sienna and Apricot. So delectable.

Vintage NYC

Ever since I saw a vintage New York City subway roll sign in an interiors magazine I’ve been wanting one. They were used in the 30s and 40s and were printed on heavy-duty paper or canvas (like this one) and rolled on scrolls along with the subway stops. I just love how the typography is so imperfect looking—down and dirty, but somehow still elegant. There are some on sale at ebay here.

Martha, Martha, Martha

I try not to love her. Really I do. But she just makes it so hard sometimes. That darn Martha Stewart has a new collection at Macy’s (she and Kmart have finally parted ways) and after looking at a few of her kitchen tools and accessories I’m having to exercise heavy restraint to keep myself from buying every single piece. “Martha” color combinations have always been fabulous, but this color palette is after my own heart. Heavily featured is robin’s egg, a longtime favorite of mine (that happens to look fabulous with just about any other color, but especially red. And warm grey. And pale celadon...) and that’s just not fair. I’m defenseless.

The Good, the Bad & the Beautiful

My friend, and crazy-talented designer of Eight Hour Day, Katie sent me a link to a new hotel in New York City called Night. The aesthetic is high-design, goth glam, rock‘n’roll and old world cool (and lots of beautiful people, I’m sure) rolled into one very intriguing package. It quite makes one want to slip into some spiky leather boots, order a Cosmo (or just maybe a shot of Jack) and contemplate a new tattoo. Sometimes it’s good to be bad. You know?

Sew Pretty

Excuse the punny title, but they ARE pretty. It was the work of Minneapolis-based graphic designer, Laurie DeMartino, that first introduced (to me at least) the idea of using elements of vintage sewing patterns in design. I thought of her design style (which I LOVE) immediately when I found these over the weekend at a truck stop that also had an antiques store (for real). My husband and I were driving back from a friend’s wedding and making good time when we got way-laid by the cool treasures. Two hours and some change later we finally cut ourselves off. But not before I scored a few sweet finds!

Arrivederci Il Mio Amico

This post is dedicated to my friend (and cousin) Kayna and her sweet kittykat, d’Artagnan and to anyone who has ever felt the ache of losing a pet who is in actuality, friend and family. I’m posting this beautiful photo of cats in the Roman Colosseum (from Zeb Andrews Flickr set) because Rome is the earthly equivalent of Kitty Heaven. It’s amazing for countless reasons, but one among them is the whole city is a sanctuary for cats (they are protected by city law). On any given day thousands of little furballs sun themselves in the Roman Forum, nap in doorways and stroll the city streets with perfect entitlement and cat-like arrogance. I like to think d’Artagnan is stretched out under the Italian sun, warming his fluffy little belly right now.

She’s Done It Again

Kelly Wearstler, that is. The interior design maven has renovated the Tides South Beach Hotel and it’s beautiful. I’ve been anticipating the debut for months and was tipped off by my latest issue of Elle Decor.
Of course I cruised the Tides’ website immediately and I have to say the only thing I’m disappointed by is that there aren’t more pictures. The hotel is a fresh, gorgeous blend of Hollywood Regency, Miami Tropicana and Wearstler’s own stunning style. Caliente Fabulous.

Audrey Kawasaki

The first time I saw Audrey Kawasaki’s work I was absolutely transfixed. So much so I splurged and bought a print of “Lydia” (the insect princess above). It’s definitely creepy-crawly, but so very gorgeous. I couldn’t resist. Her work gives a respectful nod to Art Nouveau (sort of Alfons Mucha-esque) and then abruptly segues off into a somber, but graceful style that is completely her own. Most of her paintings are done on wood which she masterfully lets come through and become a part of the work. NOTE: don’t be fooled; As sweet and demure as the paintings above might appear, most of the very talented Ms. K’s work could make a sailor blush. Nothing like a little bit of naughty to make art all the more interesting...

Extra Ordinary

There’s something so wonderful about being reminded how beautiful the mundane and everyday really can be. At this, artist Holly Farrell is brilliant. I would love to have an entire wall covered with her paintings as a shrine to the ordinary. It would be truly extraordinary.

Delia Dreaming

If money were no object I would have these shades on every window in my home (if it wasn’t obvious, I’m a sucker for all things Moorish). They are made of fine light-filtering mesh that is screened with gorgeous patterns or architecturally inspired details, depending. But alas, at the Delia Shades website, pricing is “available upon request” which to me reads not too differently from “market price” on a menu featuring kobe beef or lobster. Not to mention they were probably designed more to cut down bright light than offer privacy — nonetheless I will be placing my order as soon as I win the lottery...

Pretty Enlightened

I was at the Graham & Green site and discovered their Lotus Ball Chandelier. Only capiz shells could be turned into something so delicate and ethereal (and to be fair, girlie). Seriously though, imagine something this otherworldly and dramatic hovering above your staircase and flooding it with soft, gorgeous seashell light. Mmmmm.

Postcards from the Past

These are postcards my grandfather sent to his mom while he was serving during WWII. They are actually full books of postcards — beautifully printed on linen paper. I just thought I’d share them because they’re so cool looking. And the address is nearly the best part; Beldenville was (and still is) such a tiny community no street address was required. A name was all you needed. Simpler times. And why don’t postage stamps look like this anymore? So beautiful.

When in Rajasthan

Or Marrakesh, or Amsterdam, or Beijing, or Rome… I found the best site for pie-in-the-sky dreaming and travel planning! Hip Hotels (they also publish a great series of books by the same name) is a great resource for perusing gorgeous hotels and resorts in exotic locations, or at the very least taking a peek at beautiful and luxurious interiors. You can search by location or hotel name—I found the hotels above when I typed in “India.” It’s the next best thing to actually going (not to mention easier on the bank account).

Little Peanut

This most precious baby photo by photographer Thomas Broening was on the cover of a recent At Edge book and I’m so taken with it. I would love, love, love to design a baby announcement with photography like this.