Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from our house to yours!  Hope you get more treats than tricks!

Banishing Bedskirts?

Former Domino Editor, Sara Ruffin Costello recently wrote her her first article (hopefully of many) for the Wall Street Journal entitled "Bye- Bye Bedskirts."  In it she, along with her beyond-chic designer friend, Miles Redd, swear off the bed skirt in exchange for the au-courant tailored bed-cover.  She's right, the design tides have turned.  Gone are the days of the uber-feminine dust-ruffles.  Just look at all of these gorgeous bedrooms...not a skirt to peek under!

I myself am not ready to throw the baby out with the bath water.  I still like a tailored pleated bedskirt and since I only have a headboard, I need the fabric to hide the ugly frame feet!  What do you think?  Is it "bye-bye bedskirts" for you?

images: 1- via elle decor, david netto; 1- via elle decor, michael smith; 3- via elle decor, badgley mischka; 4- via elle deocr; 5 & 6 via wall street journal

surprises coming soon

I have some fun surprises in store for you in the coming weeks!  I might just have to cover my mouth so that I don't spill the beans.  Stay tuned...

image via flora and henri

Let's Hear It For Lonny

Lonny just put out its "one-year-anniversary" issue and it's a good one.  I connected with the issue personally on many levels one of which is that the magazine featured an accomplished line-up of mothers who are pursuing their passions and dreams. 

I was swooning over Eddie Ross' spread entitled "Recipe for a Stunning Table."  Eddie is brilliant when it comes to dressing a table with style without breaking the bank.  I loved seeing the chandelier hanging in Eddie and Jaithan's dining room.  I have been keeping an eye out for this piece in his work for some time.  I was with him last summer on one of his fabulous flea-market shopping trips when he purchased it from a Hell's Kitchen Flea Market vendor.  It hardly resembles the piece he went home with but Eddie worked his magic and now it is knockout!  

I also loved the piece on talented San Francisco designer Palmer Weiss.  Her daughters room warmed my heart as I have two spunky girls who also share a bedroom.  How great are the personal photographs above their beds?  I might just have to "steal" this idea.  I paused when I came to this shot as something about it looked vaguely familiar.  When I went back and looked closely at the photograph of Weiss' it came to me.  

I had one quick morning in San Francisco before we headed to the wine country on our vacation.  What does a design obsessed blogger with no kids in tow do when she has free time in a great city?  Hit all the great shops of course!  While breezing through San Francisco favorite, Sue Fisher King, I paused to notice a pretty woman down on her knees with an array of fun pink and orange bedding choices laid out before her.  She was definitely focused and on a mission.  Now I know why!

Be sure you check out my most favorite spread in the issue featuring the J.K. Place hotels.  Located in Florence and Capri these impeccably decorated boutique hotels are on my must visit list!

I must say it's been a great year Lonny.  Keep it coming!!

all images courtesy of lonny magazine

inspiration board

This image of Jeffrey Bilhuber's 17th Century Long Island home "has me at hello."  Maybe it's the traditional, time-worn architecture or maybe it's the towhead peaking out of the door, but either way this photograph makes me happy.  I'm tacking it up on my board.  

image via vogue

Style Chronicle in Sonoma - Part Two

As promised, I am sharing highlights from our recent California wine country getaway.  I have to say it is truly in one of the most beautiful regions of the country.  The lush landscapes, vineyards and valleys are truly breathtaking.  In addition to it's natural beauty, it is filled with the most delectable culinary delights, unique shopping locales and of course the best wines produced in the US. I could go on all day sharing my favorite destinations but in an effort to stay short winded, I will give you the the "cliffs notes" with only the best of the best!


To Shop:


Myra Hoefer

Located on the historic plaza in the upscale town of Healdsburg, Myra Hoefer's showroom is not to be missed.  Myra is a brilliant designer that uniquely combines the laid back California aesthetic with a sophisticated modern flair.  I loved her oversized glazed jardinieres that would make a beautiful statement on a terrace or in the garden.  

Martin Design

If you head south to the main street in St. Helena, you will stumble upon the utterly unique showroom belonging to designer Erin Martin.  Filled with unique curiosities as well as a great collection of interesting books this is a one-of-a kind shopping experience!

Maisonry

I had a hard time categorizing this unique local but since I wanted to buy almost everything inside it's four walls I had to put it in the shopping category.  Maisonry is  a winery, art gallery and home furnishings store rolled into one.  Sip refreshing Sauvignon Blanc while you peruse the gallery and then curl up in one of the comfy outdoor lounge chairs and enjoy an afternoon of the most relaxing and visually inspiring wine tasting.  This place is a must!

To Drink:

This may come as a surprise, given our most recent choice of vacation locales but I am not a big drinker.  Touring winery after winerytasting wine after wine is not my idea of fun.  In fact, it's a great way for me to get a headache.  

I tell you this only to forewarn you that we did not hit every winery the region has to offer and thus I am no expert on the best places to taste if you visit the Napa Valley area.  That said, I did enjoy most of the vineyards and wineries we visited.  


Francis Ford Coppola Winery

While highly commercialized, Francis Ford Coppola's winery is a must see if you in the region. The estate is beautiful and the wine is good, but the stories behind the wine made this winery most interesting and enjoyable.

Kunde Family Estate Winery

The Kunde Family Estate Winery was another favorite.  We were given a cave tour which was fascinating and fun.  The winery happened to be hosting a fundraiser for the humane society on the day we visited.  The animals were given their own tastings too.  I overheard that the "mint mojito" was a big hit with the canine crew!

Benziger Family Winery

The Benziger Winery was another highlight on our wine tour.  We took an extensive tour and learned about not only the wine but the entrepreneurial family that creates it. Committed to sustainability, and boidynamic farming methods, this wine has a unique flair.  The 2007 Estate Pinot was out of this world!

To eat:

Eating was certainly the highlight of our trip.  I only wish I could have fit more food in my stomach!  By the last night I couldn't eat another bite.  

Gott's Roadside

Gott's Roadside in St. Helena served up the best burgers I have ever tasted.  A local dive, this place is piece of classic Americana.  We had to make several trips to get our Gott's fix over the course of the vacation.  There is always a line, but it is well worth the wait.  The ahi tuna burger was delish!

Martini House

A Napa Valley destination restaurant in St. Helena, the food and ambiance at Martini House were divine.  We sat in front of the open kitchen and watched the chef's work their magic.

Bouchon Bistro

A Thomas Keller masterpiece, this Yountville restaurant is amazing.  Serving up French bistro cuisine with an authentic Parisian flair, you don't want to miss this meal!  For starters, try the bibb salad and be sure not to leave without tasting the chocolate bouchouns.  Yum!

There were so many places to love, and I feel that I have only scratched the surface on our amazing trip! It was truly a delightful getaway!!

from across the pond

A dear friend of mine is chairing this year's Antiques and Garden Show here in Nashville. The show isn't until next year but I will be filling you in on all the juicy details soon (think Albert Hadley and Charlotte Moss).  She has asked me to chair an event this coming Friday at Corzine, one of Nashville's finest shopping locales.  This event will be a precursor to the actual show in February.  William Yeoward will be here from England to show and sign his new book as well as showcase some of his finest wares.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, William Yeoward (can we call him Willie?) is an internationally renowned designer of tableware and crystal.  When it comes to entertaining, he's the best!  Yeoward has recently published a new book: William Yeoward: At Home, which gives readers a more in depth look as this tastemaker's sophisticated approach to living and entertaining.

If you live in the Nashville area we would love to see you at this fun event!

October 22, 2010

10:30 am

Corzine and Co.

4003 Hillsboro Road

Nashville Tennessee 37215

Call with Questions

800-583-9093

{style chronicle in sonoma}

It's been a rude awakening adjusting to everday life after a heavenly week away. The food was delectable, and the wine was fabulous, but I must say my favorite part was indulging in the much needed rest and relaxation.

We stayed in a beautiful guest home belonging to family members who have retired in this gorgeous region of the country.

We explored and experienced so many great places and it would take days to cover it all, so I'll just give you the streamlined skinny on our favorite places to eat, drink and shop in the Napa Valley area in the next few posts.

{boards to inspire}

My friend Betsy, a talented Nashville designer, recently sent me a picture of her newly constructed inspiration board for her home office. Covered in a gorgeous Pierre Frey hound's tooth fabric as well as loads of gorgeous pictures, the result is

quite impressive.

I have an overabundance of pictures and tear sheets that I have shuffled away into a multitude of notebooks over the years, justifying their hidden location with the fact that I have yet to have space in my home for a large personal office. But Betsy, along with the following mood boards have persuaded me to create a tangible board of my own even if it must be hung on the back of my closet door!

While there are many images that one may find inspiring there are most likely a select few that fully reflect your own personal style and taste. In the coming weeks I will be sharing some of the images that are most "me" and that will find their way upon my own personal board.

reed krakoff via vogue.com

phillip lim via vogue.com

michael kors via vogue.com

yves saint laurent photographed by ivan terestchenko

sofia coppola via french vogue

adam lippes

tory burch

nate berkus via elle decor

via canadian house and home

thomas o'brien

ruthie sommers via house beautiful

reed krakoff via domino

jason wu via huffington post