I’m ready for my close up Mr. Demille – or at least my Les Fleurs I pillow in magenta is.
I was beyond thrilled when a style editor from Marie Claire CZ (Prague) contacted me about including my pillow in a feature for their April issue on new romanticism. It is extremely difficult to get the word out about new products without a giant PR budget (which I do not have) so I’ve been doing everything on a shoestring and somehow through the magic of blogging and the internet this lovely editor (who obviously has fabulous taste) saw my new line and liked it.
Here is my little beauty of a pillow – doesn’t she look pretty amongst all the other romantic, girlie stuff? I think I need that pink perfume…..
I have no idea what this article is saying ( if you can speak Czechoslovakian let me know will ya?) but I believe the gist of it is something like; what new romantic items would the modern Marie Antoinette wear and surround herself with in her home.
While I can’t read the text the message is clear; pretty is pretty in any era. Romanticism is back to stay.
The new romantics are paired down versions of the old, over the top, designs of the past. They are feminine but at the same time bold and empowering.
Here is a larger image of the Les Fluers I pillow in case you had trouble seeing the tiny picture in print.
And of course I have to show you Peanuts glamour shot posing with some pink pillows from the collection. She’s all girl!
See my entire collection of pillows on my website at www.jackievontobel.com and thanks to Marie Claire CZ for showing off my pretty pillow…
At the European shows this year we saw ruffles in abundance. Large, small, finished edges, raw edges, one ruffle, tons of ruffles, just about any combination or construction was there and it was a key embellishment for all soft categories. Personally I love ruffles. They let you get in touch with your girlie side!
Whether it’s ruffled wool or shirred cotton the simple ruffle adds a ton of impact and texture to an otherwise plain item.
Love this bedding and the ruffles used to create a pattern on the coverlet and pillows. Who said ruffles had to run in straight lines?
This design is so fresh and happy. Here the designer uses ruffles to create horizontal stripes.
Desert never looked so delicious!! Layers and layers of ruffles! The table looks like a cake.
Ruffles on your shower curtain? I say Yes. Look – even the towel has ruffles!
You know a trend is at it’s zenith when it’s featured byAnthropology. This pillow is part of their Tuxedo ruffle bedding ensemble.
Metallic leather ruffles – can you say sophisticated?
My good Friend Leigh Chandler of Papillion Linens has a fantastic selection of linen goods for the home, bedroom and baby. Her natural linen bedding is glorious and it has ruffles galore!
Many of her pieces have tiny ruffles used in place of welting like this fabulous headboard.
Leigh’s signature slip covered, ruffled bench was recently featured in the March issue of Country Living in a feature touting the resurgence of the “ruffle” in design and fashion. She also writes a great blog here.
It’s amazing what a little ruffled embellishment can do for a simple design!
When I first saw pictures of the Coastal Living 2009 Idea House My first thought was that I loved the furniture selection and layout but I was not sure if I liked the color scheme. I thought it was a bit jarring.
However, I am currently obsessed with this house and how spot on it is with current trends and colors. It has really grown on me. Considering that the planing and design for this 09" project probably took place in 08" the designers certainly had foresight.
I love the striped walls in this photo and the mix of furnishings. This room is vibrant and fun but has a soothing quality that must have been tough to achieve using these vivid colors.
The use of bold large scale patterns is terrific and I love the over sized accessories.
It is a fun and whimsical house that looks like it would be a blast to spend the summer in. It does exactly what a show house is supposed to do; show off new and growing trends and products.
I am really surprised how my taste has changed over the past few years. I think blogging really exposes you to so many new styles and options. I would love to re do my house in crisp colorful hues but I am too invested in what I have which is traditional and woody. I'll have to wait until I move - which may be never! Till then I will live vicariously through other designers creations!
You left me the following kind message today and it was so touching that I thought I would share it with all three of my loyal readers:
"Comment"
"You are at best a skinking f****ing cow. You've published a book on window treatments? Wow, what's next a book on faux (f**k) finishes.
Lard Ass.
Professionals don't comment on others work. Get it - pro. You pro-found hog."
"Anonymous"
(quote edited with * to protect the unprofessional)
Let us digest this deep and meaningful comment, shall we?
First: I believe you meant stinking with a T not "skinking" with a K unless "skinking" is some new form of insult that I am not aware of ~ very possible. However, I am glad to report that I do bathe daily and apply deodorant liberally so if you did mean stinking I may have to disagree.
Second: I was a bit of a cow the last few years ( Wow, do you actually know me?) But I am happy to say that I have lost 40 pounds since last October and am actually probably well out of the cow category at present. Thanks for your genuine concern about my health.
Third: I have actually published three books not one:
The first on window treatments ( it's only 585 pages and filled with 3000 original designs and illustrations done by myself so I can see how it is easily dismissed).
The Second on Bedding ( again only 580 pages and thousands of original designs and illustrations).
The third is a professional marketing manual and software system for the interior design trade. A mere 350 pages ( so embarrassing!)
I am currently writing two more, haven't decided on the finished length yet. I'll be sure to let you know.
Fourth: I do not presently plan on writing a book on faux, or as you so eloquently put it, "f**k" finishes but never say never. I did however spend many years doing decorative painting, murals and faux finishes for my clients during my scant twenty years as an interior designer.
Fifth: I believe the "Lard Ass" comment was referring to my "cow" like appearance to which I will again refer to my recent weight loss. I will admit to still having some excess lard on my ass but a bony ass is just unsightly, not to mention uncomfortable.
Sixth: Since you claim that "professionals do not comment" on the work of other "pros" I will have to defer to you because you are obviously hands down far more professional than I will ever be. You'd better alert all the other designers, writers, and publishers in the world though, I don't think they are aware of this highly professional rule.
Seven: In answer to your question "Get it pro?" I must say, Oh yes, I get it alright. It's crystal clear my friend, no need to remind again. You are the professional and I am a sad and underachieving amateur. After all anyone famous enough and as accomplished as yourself that they don't even have to identify themselves and can go by the name anonymous has to have a formidable resume of achievements.
Eight: As to your sweet parting words " You Pro-found hog" I must say that I am duly impressed with your use of the English language. Your verbiage is so very descriptive and visual. However, I must again refer you to my recent weight loss as I do not believe that I fit into the hog catagory either. I am well within my thin range. Not to say that I might not become a fat ass again at some point in my life. One never knows - does one?
I must tell you my dear "Anonymous" that you are the very reason that I love blogging. You just never know what you are going to find when you open up that comments page. Thankfully there are people like yourself who make the great personal sacrifice to police the internet in order to protect the "professional" out there from wanna be's like myself. I applaud your good work and please don't hesitate to come back over and over so you can keep me in line.
After all, without readers like you what would be the point of sharing a careers worth of hard earned knowledge and expertise with interested readers?
I don't want to keep you from your important work but I would like to leave you with one parting comment?
