Wednesday, January 21, 2009

OBAMA: January 20, 2009



HI GIRLFRIENDS, WHAT A DAY it was yesterday.........

We Have a Dream:

I came across this clever, clever graffiti, WE HAVE A DREAM, from The Paris Apartment blog today and just wanted to spread the art. Sorry, girlfriends, but, no information was given, but, someone did a great job in capturing the body language of our 44th President. It would be interesting if the artist continues to "study" President Obama on walls, as the weight of the job begins to shift his body language.

God Bless our President Obama, our new First Lady and their children.

Talk again,

Denise

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

domino magazine for online shopping

Hi Girlfriends,

"A MUST-!!"is the Febuary issue of "domino" magazine. We still have their first issue and it just keeps on getting better and better. We believe it has to do with their working energy together..........for this is the "voice" we hear from their combination of editors and writers...........individually......young, creative and talented. AND, collectively, they know how to put out a fabulous monthly magazine.

A hint of what we are saying on page 25:


Can be purchased on Amazon.com for $40.95. There are two collectible copies left beginning at $360.00.

Wonder revues from Glamorous, The New York Times Book Review, Daniel Okrent, Fortune,The New Yorker and O, The Oprah Magazine.

And then................WHAT AMAZON HAS TO SAY:
"Few books published survey the fascinating moments of the 20th century the way VANITY FAIR PORTRAITS: A CENTURY OF ICONIC IMAGES does. This hefty, handsome volume contains the photographic works of some of the world's most important photographers whose images have graced the pages to Vanity Fair in the two periods of its publication - the beginning and the ending of the 20th century. This is a photographic collection that gives generous full page (and at time double page ) spreads of brilliant photographs by artists who gained permission to enter the lives of movie starts, artists, writers, government personalities, royalty, stage personas, the wealthy and the significant poor - they are all here in both lush color and black and white reproductions.

Not only is it fascinating to leaf through the 300 odd photographs of this book, but it is also rewarding to read the several introductory notes and essays by Graydon Carter, David Friend, and Christopher Hitchens - each of whom lends appreciation for not only the publication that influenced art and fashion and politics and world affairs, but also gave readers a tasteful and solidly informative way to view the world as the characters displayed here influenced our times. This is a collection of art and history married in a way that allows the reader time and contrasts to re-live the past and appreciate the developments that graced the years from 1900 to 2000. Well worth the price!"

Going backwards, domino "scounting", pg. 23-24, features 3 online shopping pioneers. This article lets your fingers do the walking for you.............."Consider them retail curators. Their innovative sites combine boutique--worthy taste filters with the come-one, come-all access of the Internet. By putting the best of the best at our fingertips, they're revolutionizing how we buy and collect." So true-!! From high-end antiques to retail wall coverings to affordable art to finding the best priced fabrics, shopping cannot be easier for decorating your home.

Just for fun, do a "just looking" by going to 1stdibs.com, walnutwallpaper.com, 20x200.com and, let us add, discountdesignerfabricsonline.com and browse. Then, when the time comes, return and begin shopping. Many outstanding designers use 1stdibs, like Interior Designers Eric Cohler (September 2008 we posted this information), Michael Smith and Nate Berkus all the time. For the rest of us, great prices are there......and, if you don't think so, just ask.

After reading and reading "domino" another winter read is Phillippa Gregory, "The Other Queen"...........will Gregory ever run out of queens? We think not.


Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

Thursday, January 8, 2009

THE SKINNY ON GRAY









Hi Girlfriends,

In this economy of "downsizing" (i.e. closing) businesses, it feels so good, to be encouraged, by those who are creative enough to re-think how to keep their doors open. Please take the time to read my latest email from this wonderful little "gem" in my hometown of Winnetka, Illinois, The Gray Boutique.

I loved their The Gray Boutique's 2008 July 4th window so much I took pictures of it on this day.

THE SKINNY ON GRAY
Okay, the rumors are flying so here's the 411:
 
 We started as a great little neighborhood boutique (8 years ago) that had unique items and lines that no one else had.  We were a welcomed change in an historically preppy burb.  Gray was the hot spot... AND THEN IT HAPPENED - my little mind started thinking BIG - BIG mistake!  AND THEN IT REALLY HAPPENED - the fall of the great little neighborhood boutique.  Everyone was clamoring for the same designers  - Tory, Nanette, Trina, Kate, Diane, Michael, Milly, Tibi so every store started to look the same and every shopper started to look the same and OH YUCK how BORING. And then, if things couldn't get worse, THE ECONOMY CRASHES and everyone starts freaking out.
 
DON'T FREAK OUT!  Gray is staying open in Winnetka and better yet - we're going back to being a small little neighborhood boutique that has unique items and superior service.  We're not going to carry department store lines so if you want them - head out to the MALL for some mass shopping and an Aunt Annie's!
   And So It Goes...
January
MAJOR clearance in both stores - watch for e-mails with details
Old Town Boutique closes on January 17th -
(the lease expires in March - we just couldn't renew now)
Gray Winnetka gets a spruce up and stocked for Spring 
  February
The great little neighborhood boutique is back-
come in for unique items and gifts to celebrate
 
  thanks for your support
Laura Schoch




Hmmmmmmmm, I think I should see if The Gray Boutique is interested in stocking the wonderful red Ballywood ribbon hobo bag I have on my "Must Have" list I fell in love with on Couture Carrie blog today. Of course, I must give special credit to All Things Bright and Beautiful who alerted me to this blog.


Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

Info on:
The Gray Boutique
Winnetka, Illinois
grayboutique@comcast.net

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

LUCINDA SYMONS

LUCINDA SYMONS

After the fuss of Christmas decorating has been stored away for another year, Symons photo is not only welcoming but captures a sleeplike state without response to stimuli....so calming. We are still debating if it is the color on the walls or the painting on the mantle or just the "sound" of a crackling fire that makes this picture so utterly hypnotic.


The bed is the 'heart of the room' and the two different comfort designs in solid colors proves the point even more-!!


Take a busy wallpaper pattern and combine it with a wild fern fabric on a contemporary sofa and throw in a hint of purple and it's a success for many years to come..............we love it-!!


Wouldn't you just love to curl up under these blankets this January with the sensational international best-selling mystery, "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson in this stunning and simple combo of turquoise and a hint of red?


Hi Girlfriends,

Here is one resolution we hope to keep in 2009.....................expose as many new creative bloggers for their timeless energy in their sharing of gifted artists. Today, we discovered Lucinda Symons, UK photographer, from the blog site, House of Turquoise via another blog, Creative Flair Chic.

Lucinda Symons clients include: Osborne and Little, Laura Ashley, Country Homes and Interiors, Good Housekeeping, The English Home, S Magazine, Delicious, Health and Fitness and so many more............

Talk again,
Denise and Gwen

Thursday, January 1, 2009