Back From Baltimore

I just got back from the annual Exciting Windows conference in Baltimore, the home of fellow blogger Meg, from PigTown Designs. She very kindly met me at my hotel and took me on a fascinating tour of her lovely hometown.



She has deep family ties to the area and she toured me through her childhood neighborhood which was breathtaking! Baltimore seems to be a city that is being revitalized within. Older once neglected neighborhoods are now filled with new businesses and refurbished homes. Meg showed me several old mills and factories that have been converted into art galleries and centers for local artisans to make and show their wares. You must visit her blog so you can see more of her city.


The conference I attended was held at the Tremont Grand, an Masonic temple built in the 1800'2 and restored to it's original glory. Each room was stunning with intricate woodwork, plaster detailing and imported marble. If you ever make it to Baltimore you should take a few minutes and go see it in person.


Thanks again to Meg for giving me the grand tour. She is a lovely, charming and talented girl who has led a fascinating life here in the states and abroad. She is a fundraiser, a foodie and a dog lover but she's not above having a beer with a semi-stranger and cheering on her favorite basketball team!!

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Glory Hallelujah - Barney's has come to Vegas

Yet another mega resort has opened on the Las Vegas strip - The Pallazzo - sister hotel to The Venetian. Not that this isn't a reason to get excited with new world class restaurants and entertainment galore but this particular resort brings with it something of real value and distinction - a full size, three story, chocked full of over prices designer dud's, Barneys New York in all it's high end retail glory!!!!!!


This refuge away from the casino for fashionistas who'd rather gamble their spare dollars on whether or not that $375.00 pair of Rockin Republic jeans they buy will still be in style in three months was determined to keep out the "riff - raff" at the door. We were confronted by no less than four employees who were positioned in a human barrier between unqualified, eager, fanny pack wearing, looky-loos and the inner sanctum of the store fit for only the chosen few. I asked if they wanted to see my credit report or bank statement and they replied that they only wanted my first born - to which I answered - you can have him!!!!! We successfully navigated the fashion gauntlet and we we're in.


My husband was chastised by a snappy, overeager, employee for snapping these pics on his phone so we only got a couple but he did manage to document the cool three dimensional frame motif of the wall paneling. I loved it. So many times satellite stores in Vegas are disappointing - too small - not enough selection - never as good as the real thing - thank goodness Barney's took the smart route and built us a first class full size version. The only thing it's missing is a cafe.



Along with the Barneys comes a three story shopping mall chocked full of designer boutiques. Although very few are open I had to show you the Tory Burch store.


I didn't want Joni (Cote de Texas) and Patricia ( Patricia Gray) to think they are the only one's shopping at TB!!!



The Pallazzo itself is less than spectacular. It went up in a flash and it shows, very little attention to detail and a weird confusing mix of styles that just doesn't work. There is a spectacular element at the front desk - a mural of sorts consisting of a painted scene covered with a layer of faux mercury glass tiles. It makes a beautiful statement that they would have been wise to repeat throughout the hotel. Just in front of the front desk is a less than striking fountain made with a giant, acrylic, Lalique sculpture. Frosted acrylic and water do not mix my friends! And what's with with the weird funeral urns everywhere? I felt like I should be scattering ashes.


Design inadequacies not withstanding, this should turn out to be an amazing property once it's finished and all of the stores and restaurants are open. Las Vegas is just an amazing place to live!

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Instant Window Fashion

If you're looking for a quick fix for your bare naked windows I just stumbled upon a new line of
semi custom, ready made, window valances. They utilize an ingenious curtain rod system that allows you to attach the pre-made fabric components quickly with Velcro that is factory installed on the treatment and the rod.




The fabric selection is limited but there are enough good patterns to choose from to cover the basics.


Check out the Velegance site for a short instructional video on how their system works - It's impressively simple. The treatments and rods are very reasonably priced and look like they would be an easy install for any DIY'er.

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Modern Bondage

Bangles and Cuffs are all the rage! Everywhere you turn there is a stack of colorful arm candy to shackle your wrists with. Personally, I love them in theory but when I wear them I inevitably take them off because I work so much on my computer and they get in the way of my feeble typing skills. I've been sporting my collection more of late and here are a few that I am lusting after right now.

This amazing assortment comes from one of my favorite - although way above my budget - vintage jewelry sellers, Carole Tanenbaum. Pieces from her amazing collection of over 10,000 items are being sported by A-list celebrities galore.


Bakelite, a vintage, early plastic product {formed by the reaction under heat and pressure of phenol (a toxic, colorless crystalline solid) and formaldehyde (a simple organic compound), with a wood flour filler, it was the first plastic made from synthetic components - via Wikepedia}. Bakelite jewelry was the rage in the 30's and 40's. It is enjoying a huge resurgence now with an equally large price tag. The classic bracelets shown above are vintage bakelite.



Carole Tanenbaum's book Fabulous Fakes is a treasure trove of vintage costume jewelry. It's a great source for design inspiration and color research.



Jewelry designer Mark Davis is working his magic with vintage bakelite bracelets. He embellishes them with semi-precious jewels and sells them for an astronomical ticket price at Barney's New York. They range from $2900 - $8900! That's some very expensive costume jewelry.





Lee Angel is the innovator behind this line of enameled geometric bangles in great color combinations sure to set off any outfit. Available at Neiman Marcus they are very affordable between $80 - $200! Pretty reasonable for NM!






Just as colorful and much more affordable is the new enameled collection from J. Crew. When did they get so hip? I love the one in the center. It will be mine - oh yes - it will be mine! And with a price tag under $200 it might just happen.


Banana Republic's take on brights is another enameled collection with vibrant colors and geometric lines. They have a classic and timeless look.




R.J. Graziano is the designer of this bright gold and black crystal cuff.





For the more subdued in color but equal in impact these gorgeous cuffs will fit the bill. The gold piece is stunning and the Kenneth Jay Lane Stone Cuff would be great with an evening gown or jeans and a T-shirt.





Sure to stand the test of time is this John Hardy, Jaisalmer cuff. It has a great shape with the sides flaring up above the center.





The new, very vocal version of the bangle by designer Jessica Kagan consists of pre-ban ivory bracelets hand engraved with witty sayings and quotes. She now offers a plastic version to bring the price down to you and me dollars.. Recently she was very outspoken when Chanel allegedly ripped her design off on the runway. Her response was to produce a bracelet engraved in bold letters with the statement " Ripped off by Chanel" . I guess that says it all! I got the "Don't You Know Who I Am?" bracelet from my husband for Christmas. Yes, I'm a lucky girl!



Well my friends, hurry up and get yourself over to Grandma's house and search through the attic for her old bakelite jewelry. You can make some serious bank selling it on on Ebay.

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Daybeds: All Grown Up

Daybeds for many people (difficult clients perhaps ?) immediately conjure up visions of cheap brass and wrought iron to be used only in little girls rooms with frilly Disney themed bedding. They don't want to invite the lowly daybed to sit at the adult table at the party. Well, I'm here to tell you that the daybed is all grown up and ready to strut it's stuff in any formal living room.


I am in love with this gorgeous bed. The beautiful profile with its graceful lines and intricate carving are offset by the contemporary pillows in subtle hues.


We've all seen this photo around lately. I love the super casual bohemian flair of this room. The colors are vibrant but mature.



Bedding and upholstery choices are critical in setting the tone of your daybed. This one just skirts the line of "for the bedroom only".



Antique beds are always a great way to add some charm and texture to a room.



This is one of my all time fav's in my design files. I've always loved the brown toile and the high table.



Daybeds have made a huge impact on the patio furniture market in the past few years. They can be found in a variety of sizes and style in all weather materials. This is one of my favorites. I love the canopy with it's Moroccan style point at the top.



Here's another well designed bed with an integrated canopy.



You can't go wrong with black caning!



This piece has a Nantucket feel. Love the ticking on the pillows.



I'm a fan of the draped daybed. But then again I would drape just about anything!



Formal fabrics and trims make a decidedly grown up statement with this piece.

So, next time you're thinking about using a daybed - give it a chance - I think you might be surprised how sophisticated the look can be.

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I'm Gonna Freeze My Butt Off

I'm heading to Baltimore on January 26th to give a seminar at the 4th Annual Exciting Windows Conference. I'm a bit worried about my wardrobe for the trip. I do not even own a decent winter coat - after all I live in the freakin desert! Even though I travel a lot, most of my traveling takes place during the more hospitable, non chilly months of the year or I only travel to winter destinations that are sunny and warm. I'm afraid that even the heaviest coat I have is not going to be up to the task and even if I wanted to go out and buy a new coat that I propbably would only wear once I am out of luck. They just don't sell real winter coats here.

So I guess I will be doing a bit of layering and I probably won't leave the hotel if it turns out to be a cold weekend there. Now the only thing I'm worried about is weather delays and my fear of being stuck in a plane on the tarmac for 8 hours with no food or drink, clogged up bathrooms, and screaming babies. Boy, I love to travel !

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Bloggers Making News in 2008

While the rest of us ( meaning me) were procrastinating and dreading the onset of another year some of our fellow bloggers have been kicking same major butt out there in the big girl world!

A huge hug and congratulations are in order to Heather Bailey from Hello My Name is Heather.


Her new patented invention to control your luxurious locks has hit the stores! Yes, she's an inventor, an entrepreneur and a super model. Oh, did I mention she is also a fabric designer with her own line of fabrics? She's one of those "I can do it all" chicks. You can buy her Trash Ties on her website and check out more of her gorgeous photos taken by her equally talented husband. She plans to write about this new creative journey on her blog now that the cat's out of the bag. I can't wait to hear the details!



The lovely and uber-talented queen of Canadian modern design Patricia Gray is quoted in this months Canadian House and Home Magazine on her "Style Resolutions" for 2008.



Debbie Dusenberry of Curious Sofa Diaries is a super talented home decor and antique retailer with a flair for the dramatic! Her store is always decked out for the season at hand and her Halloween displays are not to be missed. Her lovely home is featured in Country Living Magazine.

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