Mrs. Howard's Part II

After you have exhausted yourself trying to mentally catalogue every architectural detail and you feel like an exhausted 8 year old after a sugar-laden day at Disneyland, it is time to climb the stairs to the second floor that is filled with more of the aforementioned details and now adding 18th and 19th century antiques into the mix.  My head was spinning from trying to take it all in as quickly as possible. Total sensory overload. In a good way. Mrs. Howard is known for her fresh take on traditional style, and in my opinion it is a very Southern brand of traditional that is utterly sublime.

Mrs. Howard's Part I

My husband and I spent a lovely holiday with family in Charlotte, North Carolina. On Saturday my design-savvy in laws took me to Mrs. Howard's, which is one of the most beautiful furniture showrooms I have ever seen. Twelve years ago Phoebe and her husband Jim opened their first retail space in Jacksonville, Florida. Their goal was to create a space that showcased Jim's architectural talent as well as Phoebe's skills at decorating. Their showroom does just that. It is a veritable playground for amateur decorators and skilled tradesman alike. I could have spent the whole day there snapping photos for my archives. The first floor is called Max and Co which features the more accessible furnishings from Oly Studio, John Derian, Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair and many more. Here are some photos of the beautiful first floor.....

Charlotte's Style

Julianne Moore play's Colin Firth's long-time BFF in Tom Ford's "A Single Man". Her hair and wardrobe in this movie are to die for, as are the Hollywod Regenecy style interiors of her house. It is all very glamorous. I could only find a couple photos, and they are below, but everyone should go see this movie!

A Single Man's Stylish Residence

I went and saw Tom Ford's directorial debut "A Single Man" yesterday and fell in love with the movie. Besides the incredibly powerful story line, moving scores and captivating cinematography, the Lautner-designed mid-century modern home of George Falconer (Colin Firth) is draw enough to see the movie. Here are some photos of the house....

Photos courtesy of Apartment Therapy.

Statement Necklaces: Roberta Freymann

I'm a little tardy to the party on this one, but no matter. New York designer Roberta Freymann's bib necklaces are just the thing I need to spice up my drab winter wardrobe. Having traveled extensively throughout Thailand and India, her jewelry line is inspired by the colors and energy of these vibrant countries. The necklaces are reminiscent of a maharajah's jewels, with colorful sequins and chandelier drops. Unlike a maharajah's jewels, they are plastic and retail for about $250 (lucky for us!). I am picturing one of these gorgeous bibs with a little black dress and some tights for a holiday party. Tres chic, no?

Magazine images from Vogue June 2008 and Harpers Bazaar July 2008.

Graphic Prints

I still have graphic prints on my mind. I watched The Devil Wears Prada at the dentist today (yep, my dentist rocks!) and noticed a sofa from one scene that is covered in this really fabric. Of course I hit the internet when I got home only to find out that it is a Quadrille fabric called Melinda. Rita Konig also recently reupholstered her own sofa in a Quadrille fabric called Ziggurat. I have wanted to reupholster my sofa for awhile and I wonder how some of these would look......

Rita Konig's sofa in Ziggurat....

Katie Lee Joel's dining chairs in Aga Reverse from Domino.....

Throw pillows in Edo from House Beautiful.....

Wall upholstery in Fez Background and Fez II from House and Garden.....

I'm not sure how some of these would look on a sofa, but maybe some throw pillows or wall upholstery like the above image? These prints are just so much fun. They really add an element of whimsy to a room and at the same time are very hip don't cha think?!

December Issue

My friend Danielle turned me onto this great online magazine called Lonny. It is reminiscent of Domino, but with a fresh online-only twist. I myself am a very tactile person and I love to actually turn the pages (and rip them out to tack on my wall) but I do love that you click on an item and it will go directly to the website where you can purchase it. The December issue just came out today, so click here to check it out!

Raymond Meier: Creative Genius

Raymond Meier shot a completely sick photo shoot with Taylor Swift for the New York Times Style Magazine. It has this glam-retro-valley of the dolls vibe that I am totally into. Get inspired!