Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Contributing to Houzz – Mixing Metals in the Home
I first wrote about Houzz about a month an a half ago, because their contributors were showing us a lot of love by including our work in their inspirational and informative ideabooks. Shortly after that, they featured our Harlem apartment in a wonderfully written, in-depth houzz tour. I'm so proud to announce that I recently joined the Houzz team as a contributor! My first ideabook, about mixing metals in the home, went live yesterday – please hop on over to Houzz to check it out! Metal Mixology: Multiple Metallics Give A Room Layers of Interest
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Red, White and Quilted All Over
I know I moved to Austin and all, but that doesn't mean I've stopped caring about happenings in New York, I just don't report on them as much – there are gobs of stellar New York-based bloggers, afterall. Well, this exhibit is one I felt deserved a little attention because it's not one you might not stop into on your usual museum rounds. The American Folk Art Museum is sponsoring a satellite exhibit, Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts, featuring 651 red and white quilts, on display at the Park Avenue Armory. Running from March 25 -30, the exhibit is short-lived, but free and open to the public. I'm sad I'm missing this one. Quilting has been catapulted from a crafty "women's work" kind of reputation to treatment as a fine art. The designs in this exhibition, assisted by the outstanding presentation, proves that quilting is, indeed, high art.
Photo courtesy American Folk Art Museum
Aside from the fact that this is the largest exhibition of quilts ever presented in New York City, the most interesting part is that the collection belongs to (and is on loan from) a single person. Joanna S. Rose actually owns more than 1,300 quilts amassed since the 1950s, but selected only the red and white ones for the show. The limited color palette surely allows for a much more in-depth exploration of the varieties and complexities of the textile designs.
Designed by Thinc Design, the exhibit consists of six 30-foot high cylinders, created from quilts, that surround a 50-foot quilt spiral. The curator requested that the quilts not be displayed by pattern, time period or geographic region, but rather in a manner that is visually exciting. I'v been to quilt exhibits before, and they always look the same: quilts hung on walls. This, however, looks phenomenal.
In an interview with the NY Times, Ms. Rose, who was heavily involved in the curation of the show, said she found inspiration in a line from Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" when searching for an exhibition title:
Age cannot wither her, not custom stale
Her infinite variety…
As stated in the Times, the quilts have retained their "infinite variety" and have not turned "stale" with age.
For Ms. Rose, this show is a dream come true, and a birthday gift from her husband, both for her and for New York.
Exhibit images courtesy Thinc Design
My mom, who happens to be taking a quilting class right now (go mom!) went to the show and said it was spectacular, therefore, you should go see it. Still not convinced? Check out this video by Mary Kay Davis shpwing photos by the American Folk Art Museum. It's set to Chopin's Three Nocturnes, Op. 9, No. 3 in B Major (aka it's lovely), but if you're at the office and classical music streaming out of your computer will blow your cover, turn down the volume.
The Park Avenue Armory is located at 643 Park Avenue, between 66th and 67th streets). Remember: free and open to the public through Wednesday (tomorrow)! The museum is open until 7pm on Tuesdays, and 5pm on Wednesdays.
Photo courtesy American Folk Art Museum
Aside from the fact that this is the largest exhibition of quilts ever presented in New York City, the most interesting part is that the collection belongs to (and is on loan from) a single person. Joanna S. Rose actually owns more than 1,300 quilts amassed since the 1950s, but selected only the red and white ones for the show. The limited color palette surely allows for a much more in-depth exploration of the varieties and complexities of the textile designs.
Designed by Thinc Design, the exhibit consists of six 30-foot high cylinders, created from quilts, that surround a 50-foot quilt spiral. The curator requested that the quilts not be displayed by pattern, time period or geographic region, but rather in a manner that is visually exciting. I'v been to quilt exhibits before, and they always look the same: quilts hung on walls. This, however, looks phenomenal.
In an interview with the NY Times, Ms. Rose, who was heavily involved in the curation of the show, said she found inspiration in a line from Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" when searching for an exhibition title:
Age cannot wither her, not custom stale
Her infinite variety…
As stated in the Times, the quilts have retained their "infinite variety" and have not turned "stale" with age.
For Ms. Rose, this show is a dream come true, and a birthday gift from her husband, both for her and for New York.
Exhibit images courtesy Thinc Design
My mom, who happens to be taking a quilting class right now (go mom!) went to the show and said it was spectacular, therefore, you should go see it. Still not convinced? Check out this video by Mary Kay Davis shpwing photos by the American Folk Art Museum. It's set to Chopin's Three Nocturnes, Op. 9, No. 3 in B Major (aka it's lovely), but if you're at the office and classical music streaming out of your computer will blow your cover, turn down the volume.
The Park Avenue Armory is located at 643 Park Avenue, between 66th and 67th streets). Remember: free and open to the public through Wednesday (tomorrow)! The museum is open until 7pm on Tuesdays, and 5pm on Wednesdays.
Friday, March 25, 2011
My Favorite Movie of All Time: DTMTBD
Today's post is not exactly about design; its about a movie, and I never write about movies, in part because I don't feel all that qualified to give my opinion. But this is a movie about which I am exceedingly knowledgeable, although the title may surprise you. This is no highfalutin' artsy film with nudity and French language subtitles. This is no deep, demented documentary commenting on the plight of one political party or another. No, this movie, my favorite of all time, is Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead. You know, the one from 1991 starring the likes of Christina Appelgate (Sue Ellen) and Joanna Cassidy ("I'm right on top of that, Rose!").
The trailer from 1991:
Some of you are aware of the love affair I've had with this movie, but for others, this will come as a perplexing shock. Why DTMTBD, you ask? Because it is ingenious! A flippant and irresponsible mother leaves her five minor children at home with a octogenarian babysitter while she galavants around Australia for two months with her boyf. When the elderly drillmaster unexpectedly kicks the bucket, the kids are left to fend for themselves for the rest of the summer (or call mom, but they choose option a). The eldest finagles her way into a job in "the bowels of the fashion industry," pretty much takes over the company despite attempted co-worker sabotage, and the rest is history. While it didn't get high ratings from the critics (duh), the New York Post deemed it the best teen hit of 1991. And how! I learned so many life lessons from this movie.
As an only child, DTMTBD schooled me on the (very realistic) inner workings of the sibling relationship. It taught me how to "shop my closet" and make unlikely clothing pairings that result in the most show-stopping work attire (I honestly still do this, especially in the midst of a recession!).
It taught me the importance of glossing over my shortcomings in order to achieve a status I didn't quite deserve yet, but would quickly grow into. It taught me that a weekend of heavy-duty cleaning really can unveil a miraculously gorgeous house once choking beneath all the dust and grime. It taught me how amazing it is to have a great boss (later confirmed by my own experiences). It taught me that LA traffic is bad. It taught me that lighting and music will make or break a party. It taught me that tangerine tights are HOT (I am still a believer in bold-colored legwear).
I could go on forever about the instruction I gleaned from this movie, but I'll stop here and let Mrs. Moz take the wheel with her unmatched catalogue detailing 20 Life Lessons from Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead. Her post is perfection on a screen, and I have my college roommate/great friend/DTMTBD cohort Colleen to thank for sending me Mrs. Moz's post on the subject. Colleen, I must add, can recite as many lines from the movie as I, and she actually tracked down and GAVE ME a VHS copy of the flick one year for my birthday (best birthday present ever!). My mean, heartless husband forced me to donate it when he insisted that we retire our VCR 800 years ago, and I've never forgiven him for it. Even without a VCR, I wanted to keep the movie. For whatever reason, I have not replaced it with a dvd, so maybe that'll be my next gift to myself.
If you have not seen this movie, I suggest you run, not walk, to your computer and demand that Netflix send it to you immediately. Look, I've made it easy for you: this handy link will take you right to it! (But why the heckfire isn't it available for instant play?) Or, if you still go to Blockbuster, check it out, but don't return it late, for goodness sake – those fees will eat you alive!
If this post has made absolutely no sense at all to you, I implore you to see this movie. I hope it impacts your life the way it has mine.
The trailer from 1991:
Some of you are aware of the love affair I've had with this movie, but for others, this will come as a perplexing shock. Why DTMTBD, you ask? Because it is ingenious! A flippant and irresponsible mother leaves her five minor children at home with a octogenarian babysitter while she galavants around Australia for two months with her boyf. When the elderly drillmaster unexpectedly kicks the bucket, the kids are left to fend for themselves for the rest of the summer (or call mom, but they choose option a). The eldest finagles her way into a job in "the bowels of the fashion industry," pretty much takes over the company despite attempted co-worker sabotage, and the rest is history. While it didn't get high ratings from the critics (duh), the New York Post deemed it the best teen hit of 1991. And how! I learned so many life lessons from this movie.
As an only child, DTMTBD schooled me on the (very realistic) inner workings of the sibling relationship. It taught me how to "shop my closet" and make unlikely clothing pairings that result in the most show-stopping work attire (I honestly still do this, especially in the midst of a recession!).
It taught me the importance of glossing over my shortcomings in order to achieve a status I didn't quite deserve yet, but would quickly grow into. It taught me that a weekend of heavy-duty cleaning really can unveil a miraculously gorgeous house once choking beneath all the dust and grime. It taught me how amazing it is to have a great boss (later confirmed by my own experiences). It taught me that LA traffic is bad. It taught me that lighting and music will make or break a party. It taught me that tangerine tights are HOT (I am still a believer in bold-colored legwear).
I could go on forever about the instruction I gleaned from this movie, but I'll stop here and let Mrs. Moz take the wheel with her unmatched catalogue detailing 20 Life Lessons from Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead. Her post is perfection on a screen, and I have my college roommate/great friend/DTMTBD cohort Colleen to thank for sending me Mrs. Moz's post on the subject. Colleen, I must add, can recite as many lines from the movie as I, and she actually tracked down and GAVE ME a VHS copy of the flick one year for my birthday (best birthday present ever!). My mean, heartless husband forced me to donate it when he insisted that we retire our VCR 800 years ago, and I've never forgiven him for it. Even without a VCR, I wanted to keep the movie. For whatever reason, I have not replaced it with a dvd, so maybe that'll be my next gift to myself.
If you have not seen this movie, I suggest you run, not walk, to your computer and demand that Netflix send it to you immediately. Look, I've made it easy for you: this handy link will take you right to it! (But why the heckfire isn't it available for instant play?) Or, if you still go to Blockbuster, check it out, but don't return it late, for goodness sake – those fees will eat you alive!
If this post has made absolutely no sense at all to you, I implore you to see this movie. I hope it impacts your life the way it has mine.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Art, Lamps, Lizards and the Perfect New (to us) Chair
We have been busy bees, bumbling around Austin, but here's what's been happening around the house:
We finally put up some artwork in our bedroom! Under our bed, we've been "storing" Japanese wood block prints that my grandfather brought back from Kyoto many, many moons ago. This weekend we dug them out, dusted them off and hung them up! This was before the days of "Put a Bird on It," I'll have you know...
Small impression of impressionist painting by me, circa 2004
We re-wired my grandmother's fantastic milk glass lamp bases (above) so we could use them with dimmers (and so they wouldn't burn down our house) and picked up some cheap-o but much needed new shades for them at Target. I think a scalloped shade would work better with the bases, but the seven dollar price tag called my name. I can easily dress them up with some grosgrain ribbon to add pizzaz and personality. I love the built-in dish, which perfectly (and neatly!) fits my rings and watch!
We hung a piece of Oliver's art in the office/second bedroom:
Note awesome faux Adirondack chairs in the yard. Those things have made this spring unforgettable
The big score of the weekend, however, was an adorable tufted velvet chair! I was jogging in the nabe on Saturday morning, when I passed a garage sale. I had a swift inner dialogue debating the probability that Oliver and I would get back to it before it shut down (slim to none) so I turned around and wandered through a stranger's house in my running gear and sweaty body. The seller was a sweet older woman preparing for a retirement-motivated move to South Padre Island (not bad). I told her I was new in town and had some furnishing to do. As she showed me some pieces I wasn't interested in, I caught a glimpse of the chair. Just as I thought to myself, "I need that chair," she said, "Of course, the chair isn't for sale." In a moment of New York brashness, I announced, "Oh, the chair is what I want!" She was flabbergasted. Not so much at my (sort of) rudeness, but more at the fact that a young person would want her old chair. Apparently, most Austin residents aren't into furnishing with antiques, a trend I've also noted in my interior design work. Well, I am, so we started talking. She told me the chair belonged to her husband's mother and she would call him to see if he would change his mind about parting with the chair. I left my number and a trail of drips behind me as I made my way out the door and jogged home for brunch. During said brunch, we spied a little lizard changing colors on our deck:
The joys of living in a home! I'd never actually witnessed a lizard changing colors, so this was quite an experience!
I soon got a call from the lady who told me her husband was willing to sell the chair for fifty bucks. Oliver and I sped over to her house, chatted with her for a bit (she is a real sweetheart) and loaded the newest addition to our family of furniture into the vast cavern that is the back of our minivan. We are now proud owners of the perfect tufted chair for our living room!
We will have to reupholster the chair soon-ish, but for now, it's great! We love the small scale, the deep tufted buttons, the cabriole legs and the glam-y nailhead trim!
We finally put up some artwork in our bedroom! Under our bed, we've been "storing" Japanese wood block prints that my grandfather brought back from Kyoto many, many moons ago. This weekend we dug them out, dusted them off and hung them up! This was before the days of "Put a Bird on It," I'll have you know...
Small impression of impressionist painting by me, circa 2004
We re-wired my grandmother's fantastic milk glass lamp bases (above) so we could use them with dimmers (and so they wouldn't burn down our house) and picked up some cheap-o but much needed new shades for them at Target. I think a scalloped shade would work better with the bases, but the seven dollar price tag called my name. I can easily dress them up with some grosgrain ribbon to add pizzaz and personality. I love the built-in dish, which perfectly (and neatly!) fits my rings and watch!
We hung a piece of Oliver's art in the office/second bedroom:
Note awesome faux Adirondack chairs in the yard. Those things have made this spring unforgettable
The big score of the weekend, however, was an adorable tufted velvet chair! I was jogging in the nabe on Saturday morning, when I passed a garage sale. I had a swift inner dialogue debating the probability that Oliver and I would get back to it before it shut down (slim to none) so I turned around and wandered through a stranger's house in my running gear and sweaty body. The seller was a sweet older woman preparing for a retirement-motivated move to South Padre Island (not bad). I told her I was new in town and had some furnishing to do. As she showed me some pieces I wasn't interested in, I caught a glimpse of the chair. Just as I thought to myself, "I need that chair," she said, "Of course, the chair isn't for sale." In a moment of New York brashness, I announced, "Oh, the chair is what I want!" She was flabbergasted. Not so much at my (sort of) rudeness, but more at the fact that a young person would want her old chair. Apparently, most Austin residents aren't into furnishing with antiques, a trend I've also noted in my interior design work. Well, I am, so we started talking. She told me the chair belonged to her husband's mother and she would call him to see if he would change his mind about parting with the chair. I left my number and a trail of drips behind me as I made my way out the door and jogged home for brunch. During said brunch, we spied a little lizard changing colors on our deck:
The joys of living in a home! I'd never actually witnessed a lizard changing colors, so this was quite an experience!
I soon got a call from the lady who told me her husband was willing to sell the chair for fifty bucks. Oliver and I sped over to her house, chatted with her for a bit (she is a real sweetheart) and loaded the newest addition to our family of furniture into the vast cavern that is the back of our minivan. We are now proud owners of the perfect tufted chair for our living room!
We will have to reupholster the chair soon-ish, but for now, it's great! We love the small scale, the deep tufted buttons, the cabriole legs and the glam-y nailhead trim!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Land's End – Not the Clothing
Last week NY Times blogger David Vecsey posted a story about Land's End, a turn-of-the-century estate in Sands Point, NY (Long Island) that is slated for demolition this month. Plans for razing the house and subdividing, developing, then selling off the more than thirteen-acres of land were approved in January. The once grand Gold Coast estate is said to have inspired Daisy Buchanan's house in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
Photo by Joshua Bright for The New York Times
According to Vecsey, who lives nearby, the neighborhood around the estate is no longer bustling, but I'm not convinced that a sleepier, less lustrous community lessens the impact of losing such a phenomenal structure. Designed by Stanford White, one of America's most influential architects (and partner of prominent firm McKim Mead and White), this magnificent colonial revival structure has truly earned a place in history. Sadly, a storied past and great bones are not enough to save a structure from demolition; hundreds of similarly grand mansions along Long Island's Gold Coast have been lost to the wrecking ball over the last fifty years. While I know the estates are tremendously expensive to restore and maintain, it is still devastating that these stunning properties, which have stood for more than 100 years, are so often razed. I'm all for the new, but in some cases, they really don't build 'em like they used to, and I think its important for us to have physical examples of building techniques and styles of the past in order to inform the future.
Built in 1902, the estate sits on a prominent point that juts out into the Long Island Sound. Mr. Fitzgerald himself is rumored to have partied there in the 1920s and 1930s, along with the likes of Winston Churchill, Ethel Barrymore, the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor, Dorothy Parker and the Marx Brothers. Can you imagine the fancy soirees that took place in this stately home on the water? Earlier this month, curbed.com gave readers a glimpse into the estate, complete with Palladian windows, marble floors and walls, hand-pegged wide-plank oak and parquet de Versailles floors and hand-painted wallpaper, featuring photos from a real estate listing circa 1974-1975, courtesy Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities.
The main 24,000 square foot building boasts 25 rooms, ten fireplaces
Note the amazing hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, original to the home, along with the marble fireplace and parquet floors
Glass-enclosed morning room with water view
Elegant living room with classical crown and base mouldings and parquet floors
The oak-paneled library boasts two fireplaces, a wet bar and hand-pegged oak wood floors
The glass-enclosed octagonal cabana, with rooftop sun terrace by day, party deck by night and the 75-foot swimming pool
Private drive and entrance circle
Photographer Jen Ross captured the haunting mansion in its current state. See more photos on her website.
Not quite as cozy as the above shot of the library
The former grandeur is still evident, its just a little dustier
Photos by Jen Ross
As a born and bred New Yorker, I tend to find beauty in the old. I know most people prefer the new. People like to live in big, recently built homes; I prefer smaller ones from the early- to mid-1900s because they have charm and quirks and stories to tell. Plus, new structures are often so shoddily thrown together that they, too, have "quirks," but not the charming kind; more like the we-didn't-even-think-about-this kind. I'm saddened by the loss of this estate and the mythical past it has seen. If these walls could talk! I am, however, glad we have a comprehensive library of photographs to keep the memories alive. I hope we don't lose too many more of these wonderful relics. America is still a young country, as compared to other nations, and it would be nice to preserve physical, visit-able records of our history that aren't "re-creations."
Photo by Joshua Bright for The New York Times
According to Vecsey, who lives nearby, the neighborhood around the estate is no longer bustling, but I'm not convinced that a sleepier, less lustrous community lessens the impact of losing such a phenomenal structure. Designed by Stanford White, one of America's most influential architects (and partner of prominent firm McKim Mead and White), this magnificent colonial revival structure has truly earned a place in history. Sadly, a storied past and great bones are not enough to save a structure from demolition; hundreds of similarly grand mansions along Long Island's Gold Coast have been lost to the wrecking ball over the last fifty years. While I know the estates are tremendously expensive to restore and maintain, it is still devastating that these stunning properties, which have stood for more than 100 years, are so often razed. I'm all for the new, but in some cases, they really don't build 'em like they used to, and I think its important for us to have physical examples of building techniques and styles of the past in order to inform the future.
Built in 1902, the estate sits on a prominent point that juts out into the Long Island Sound. Mr. Fitzgerald himself is rumored to have partied there in the 1920s and 1930s, along with the likes of Winston Churchill, Ethel Barrymore, the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor, Dorothy Parker and the Marx Brothers. Can you imagine the fancy soirees that took place in this stately home on the water? Earlier this month, curbed.com gave readers a glimpse into the estate, complete with Palladian windows, marble floors and walls, hand-pegged wide-plank oak and parquet de Versailles floors and hand-painted wallpaper, featuring photos from a real estate listing circa 1974-1975, courtesy Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities.
The main 24,000 square foot building boasts 25 rooms, ten fireplaces
Note the amazing hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, original to the home, along with the marble fireplace and parquet floors
Glass-enclosed morning room with water view
Elegant living room with classical crown and base mouldings and parquet floors
The oak-paneled library boasts two fireplaces, a wet bar and hand-pegged oak wood floors
The glass-enclosed octagonal cabana, with rooftop sun terrace by day, party deck by night and the 75-foot swimming pool
Private drive and entrance circle
Photographer Jen Ross captured the haunting mansion in its current state. See more photos on her website.
Not quite as cozy as the above shot of the library
The former grandeur is still evident, its just a little dustier
Photos by Jen Ross
As a born and bred New Yorker, I tend to find beauty in the old. I know most people prefer the new. People like to live in big, recently built homes; I prefer smaller ones from the early- to mid-1900s because they have charm and quirks and stories to tell. Plus, new structures are often so shoddily thrown together that they, too, have "quirks," but not the charming kind; more like the we-didn't-even-think-about-this kind. I'm saddened by the loss of this estate and the mythical past it has seen. If these walls could talk! I am, however, glad we have a comprehensive library of photographs to keep the memories alive. I hope we don't lose too many more of these wonderful relics. America is still a young country, as compared to other nations, and it would be nice to preserve physical, visit-able records of our history that aren't "re-creations."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Caution: Men at Work
Arcylic and gouache painting on paper by OVELO Fine Arts
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to point out/apologize for the in-progress appearance of The Studiolo. We're working on the layout a bit (turning it into a three-column, cleaning it up, making it look much prettier), so please bear with us as we make these changes.
Isn't this cupcake topper the cutest? Find more at Designer Favors. In this case, my "party" is my "blog," but the message remains: thank you for coming.
Feel like reading more? Check out a couple of doodads I wrote on Different Reception Centerpieces and Formal Dresses in the 1940s.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Neglect, a Birthday, and Austin Hot-Spots
Oh, dear readers, I'm the WORST! I've really been neglecting you. Its with good reason, though, I promise. The fun news is that I turn a whopping 32 today! TIME FLIES. I swear, just the other day I was a toddler wearing a birthday hat, stuffing my face with cake without a care in the world.
Ok, you got me; I've never lived without a care in the world
Check out the rad birth announcement my dad wrote up when I was born (note: he is an accomplished tennis player and all-around funny guy):
Favorite line: "Balls…..None." Get it? I'm a girl.
It's been quite a ride, and I have high hopes for my thirty-second year on this earth. Good things are already happening. For one, Oliver and I got a grill and some deck chairs, so we can dine alfresco and enjoy this amazing Austin weather. Tonight, we are going to try out a new-ish (less than a year old) restaurant in our neighborhood that's said to be pushing the boundaries of Austin's emerging foodie scene, Foreign and Domestic. I hope I can remember to bring the camera and snap some shots to share with you. I've been a Forgetful Franny lately!
Work-wise, things are getting busy busy busy, which is wonderful, but I miss my little slice o'the blogosphere! I have a few posts in the works right now, but none are quite complete, so I thought I'd whet your appetite (and hopefully keep you coming back to me), by giving you a sneak peek into a very special tour we took recently (thanks to the Architecture Enthusiasts of Austin) of a few projects completed by the office of one of Austin's most outstanding architects, Michael Hsu. I have a personal connection with Mr. Hsu's office, about which I will expound when I write full review of these spaces, but here's a little quickie introduction to the work his office does….
We visited Haddington's, a new rustic American tavern on East 6th with outstanding finishes, not to mention yummy food and cocktails):
La Condesa, a hip, contemporary-modern interior Mexican restaurant in the 2nd street district"
Love that custom light fixture, created from off-the-shelf lighting parts!
Malverde, a chic bar located adjacent to and upstairs from La Condesa, Malverde should be bumpin'!
The mossy, "living" wall is a great touch to this space the blurs the barrier between inside and out – a perfect Austin design element!
I have a busy week ahead, but I will do my best keep up with you. Happy Monday, and happy birthday to ME! xoxo
Ok, you got me; I've never lived without a care in the world
Check out the rad birth announcement my dad wrote up when I was born (note: he is an accomplished tennis player and all-around funny guy):
Favorite line: "Balls…..None." Get it? I'm a girl.
It's been quite a ride, and I have high hopes for my thirty-second year on this earth. Good things are already happening. For one, Oliver and I got a grill and some deck chairs, so we can dine alfresco and enjoy this amazing Austin weather. Tonight, we are going to try out a new-ish (less than a year old) restaurant in our neighborhood that's said to be pushing the boundaries of Austin's emerging foodie scene, Foreign and Domestic. I hope I can remember to bring the camera and snap some shots to share with you. I've been a Forgetful Franny lately!
Work-wise, things are getting busy busy busy, which is wonderful, but I miss my little slice o'the blogosphere! I have a few posts in the works right now, but none are quite complete, so I thought I'd whet your appetite (and hopefully keep you coming back to me), by giving you a sneak peek into a very special tour we took recently (thanks to the Architecture Enthusiasts of Austin) of a few projects completed by the office of one of Austin's most outstanding architects, Michael Hsu. I have a personal connection with Mr. Hsu's office, about which I will expound when I write full review of these spaces, but here's a little quickie introduction to the work his office does….
We visited Haddington's, a new rustic American tavern on East 6th with outstanding finishes, not to mention yummy food and cocktails):
La Condesa, a hip, contemporary-modern interior Mexican restaurant in the 2nd street district"
Love that custom light fixture, created from off-the-shelf lighting parts!
Malverde, a chic bar located adjacent to and upstairs from La Condesa, Malverde should be bumpin'!
The mossy, "living" wall is a great touch to this space the blurs the barrier between inside and out – a perfect Austin design element!
I have a busy week ahead, but I will do my best keep up with you. Happy Monday, and happy birthday to ME! xoxo
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Happy 107th to Poppi (aka Max Scheer)
Today my Poppi (my paternal grandpa) would have been 107 year old. I didn't know Poppi, a born-and-bred New Yorker (Lower East Side–Brooklyn–Union Square), as well as I would have liked to. He passed away when I was fairly young and I was too into myself to realize how many wonderful stories he had to tell and how much history he could impart on me. What I do know is that he was a hard-working, handsome, dapper man with a twinkle in his eye, a joke at the ready and a scratchy mustache.
Noni and Poppi created a fine little family (my dad is the tall stud in the foreground–loving the socks and tie):
(My dad is on the right – he loves his little bro)
While this is technically Poppi's day, I can't ignore my Noni's contribution to the family. She was one of those rare ladies with a career, who contributed to keeping the family afloat through The Great Depression; she was an intelligent, patient, proud and regal woman, who helped me with my history homework; she only wore the sharpest of royal blue or deep purple skirt suits and the snazziest jewelry, whether it was costume or real and she always timed the intake of her coffee and pastries so "they came out even." She was quite a vision: I remember beaming with pride when one of my childhood friends told me she looked like a queen. She did:
Last spring, when I wrote about the passing of my maternal grandma, I neglected to include this wonderful picture of all four of my grandparents together in my parents' apartment in the 1970s:
Left to Right: Grandpa Killmer, Poppi (Max Scheer), Grandma Killmer, Noni (Yetta Scheer)
How great is that photo? The two couples came from completely different worlds – Grandma and Grandpa were life-long small town Southerners while Noni and Poppi could not possibly have been more New York – but they got along famously. I remember my grandmothers (both tall, stately women with lots to say), would talk for HOURS. Their vastly different backgrounds and life experiences somehow manifested in four adults who had oodles in common. I'm a lucky lady to have had such wonderful grandparents!
To my dear Poppi, a happy 107th birthday!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
DVF in Your Home and Your Closet
I gave a lot of presentations in graduate school as part of my coursework; we worked on projects for two to four weeks, and were required to present them for final critique in front of peers, professors and guest critics (usually professionals in the design field). I learned early on that how well you presented your work was half the battle; a poor design could often be (somewhat) masked by a dazzling presentation, which wasn't necessarily fair, but it was the truth. I watched outstanding designs go completely unnoticed because the presenter muttered and had tattered posters and models while nonsensical designs were lauded because the presentations were slick and the student, adept at public speaking, sold the half-baked idea with fervor. Many of us took it a step further and actually dressed the part. That's right; my outfits almost always coordinated with the work I was presenting. No matter that I hadn't slept in two weeks or that my last meal took place a few days back or that I had forgotten what a shower felt like, I made time to pull together an outfit that reflected the colors and materials in my interior design projects. Thus the beginning of my interest in exploring how all forms of design are related.
True to form, I always see a link between runway and interiors fashions, so when I heard Diane Von Furstenburg recently launched a collection of bedding and tabletop designs for the home, I was eager to see what she showed at the just-wrapped New York Fashion Week. I figured there would be some overlap, especially because she took inspiration from her own iconic apparel prints. I've put together some comparisons to illustrate how Ms. Von Furstenburg's personal style, brand, favorite colors and fashion inclinations are reflected in her bedding and tabletop designs.
Bedding and tabletop products are available at Bloomingdale's and DVF.com
All fashion photos courtesy Vogue.com, and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Runway Photos
Coincidently, I recently completed an assignment to write about 1970s wrap dresses, which Ms. Von Furstenburg is credited for inventing – she didn't exactly, but she certainly pushed the design into the mainstream (twice!) and women's fashion has been thanking her ever since! Read the full article here! A sneak peak:
True to form, I always see a link between runway and interiors fashions, so when I heard Diane Von Furstenburg recently launched a collection of bedding and tabletop designs for the home, I was eager to see what she showed at the just-wrapped New York Fashion Week. I figured there would be some overlap, especially because she took inspiration from her own iconic apparel prints. I've put together some comparisons to illustrate how Ms. Von Furstenburg's personal style, brand, favorite colors and fashion inclinations are reflected in her bedding and tabletop designs.
Bedding and tabletop products are available at Bloomingdale's and DVF.com
All fashion photos courtesy Vogue.com, and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Runway Photos
Coincidently, I recently completed an assignment to write about 1970s wrap dresses, which Ms. Von Furstenburg is credited for inventing – she didn't exactly, but she certainly pushed the design into the mainstream (twice!) and women's fashion has been thanking her ever since! Read the full article here! A sneak peak:
Friday, March 4, 2011
A Misty TGIF
I don't think I've ever actually uttered the term "TGIF." Until now, that is (see above). Its a balmy Friday here in Austin with somewhat overcast skies, although the sun seems to be making attempts to come through the clouds. Overcast days usually make me frowny, except when I'm at or near the beach.
Today, I'll leave you with photos I took just before a wild, but short-lived storm on our last visit to Ocean Grove, a lovely historic seaside town on a quiet stretch of the Jersey Shore (seriously, nothing like the Jersey Shore with which we're all-too familiar). This town is breezy, stunning and filled with non-party-ers. It was our favorite summer getaway.
Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo
Today, I'll leave you with photos I took just before a wild, but short-lived storm on our last visit to Ocean Grove, a lovely historic seaside town on a quiet stretch of the Jersey Shore (seriously, nothing like the Jersey Shore with which we're all-too familiar). This town is breezy, stunning and filled with non-party-ers. It was our favorite summer getaway.
Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Weekend Loving: New Austin Finds!
I know its Thursday, closer to this weekend than last, but I've been busy this week (yay for work!) and I didn't have a chance to write about what I did last weekend, but let me tell you, it was truly awesome. On Saturday (2/26), Oliver and I went to We Heart Hand Made Art – A Pop-Up Event featuring thirteen local artisens from Etsy, sponsored by West Elm.
It. Was. Fantastic. Everyone had great work to show (and sell). I wanted to share with you my personal favorites. By the way, get a load of the kid doing a backbend on the sofa in the background of the photo above. I didn't notice him until I was uploading these photos–hilarious!
Vertallee Letterpress
Vertallee's reputation precedes them; we'd heard of them before moving to Austin, but a new pal/fellow designer, Daphne, reminded us about them when she recommended that Oliver check them out in his search for local letterpress studios (Daphne also told us about the Etsy event–she's quite the lady about town!). A husband-and-wife team, Vertallee is a company to watch.
Check out Vertallee's etsy store and their blog.
Kimball Prints
Kimball Prints creates dreamy watercolors and pieces of art by printmaking. We were drawn in by the beautiful paintings.
Check out Kimball Print's etsy store.
Leah Duncan
Leah Duncan is an illustrator, designer and textile designer. At the etsy event, she was selling beautiful tea towels with her own custom designs printed on them. She also sells prints, cards, scarves, calendars and pillow covers.
Check out her etsy shop and blog.
Spruce
A furniture redesign studio, Spruce is one of the very few places in Austin carrying the latest (and jazziest) textiles on the market. They sell refurbished and reupholstered finds, but will also repurpose your furniture. Want to learn to upholster? Take a class!
Spruce has a brick and mortar store, so if you're in the area, stop in. Non-Austinites can find Spruce on etsy and keep up to date via their blog.
Make ATX
Comprised of two former architects/lovers of all forms of design, Make ATX is creates laser-cut, hand-assembed note and art cards. The company is also putting together a member-based design and fabrication workshop where creatives across all fields can pursue their interests and produce their work.
To purchase Make ATX's cards, visit their etsy shop. To learn more about the workshop, check out their website.
Letterpress Delicacies
Another husband-and-wife duo, Letterpress Delicacies creates lovely (and funny) cards and prints, including business cards and ephemera. Their work has made its way around the blogosphere, and with good reason.
Visit their etsy store to browse or purchase.
But the fun didn't stop at Saturday! On Sunday afternoon I met the most wonderful person: Brooke, a fellow blogger and outstanding Austin floral designer (you MUST check out her company, Pollen Floral Art) reached out to me, welcoming me to Austin and asking if I wanted to have coffee (people in Austin are unbelievably nice). I am so excited to introduce you to her her amazing company. I can't wait to learn more about her myself. Here's a sampling of Brooke's work.
Be sure to view more on her website and check out her lovely blog.
Here's to hoping for another great weekend ahead! xoxo
It. Was. Fantastic. Everyone had great work to show (and sell). I wanted to share with you my personal favorites. By the way, get a load of the kid doing a backbend on the sofa in the background of the photo above. I didn't notice him until I was uploading these photos–hilarious!Vertallee Letterpress
Vertallee's reputation precedes them; we'd heard of them before moving to Austin, but a new pal/fellow designer, Daphne, reminded us about them when she recommended that Oliver check them out in his search for local letterpress studios (Daphne also told us about the Etsy event–she's quite the lady about town!). A husband-and-wife team, Vertallee is a company to watch.
Check out Vertallee's etsy store and their blog.
Kimball Prints
Kimball Prints creates dreamy watercolors and pieces of art by printmaking. We were drawn in by the beautiful paintings.
Check out Kimball Print's etsy store.
Leah Duncan
Leah Duncan is an illustrator, designer and textile designer. At the etsy event, she was selling beautiful tea towels with her own custom designs printed on them. She also sells prints, cards, scarves, calendars and pillow covers.
Check out her etsy shop and blog.
Spruce
A furniture redesign studio, Spruce is one of the very few places in Austin carrying the latest (and jazziest) textiles on the market. They sell refurbished and reupholstered finds, but will also repurpose your furniture. Want to learn to upholster? Take a class!
Spruce has a brick and mortar store, so if you're in the area, stop in. Non-Austinites can find Spruce on etsy and keep up to date via their blog.
Make ATX
Comprised of two former architects/lovers of all forms of design, Make ATX is creates laser-cut, hand-assembed note and art cards. The company is also putting together a member-based design and fabrication workshop where creatives across all fields can pursue their interests and produce their work.
To purchase Make ATX's cards, visit their etsy shop. To learn more about the workshop, check out their website.
Letterpress Delicacies
Another husband-and-wife duo, Letterpress Delicacies creates lovely (and funny) cards and prints, including business cards and ephemera. Their work has made its way around the blogosphere, and with good reason.
Visit their etsy store to browse or purchase.
But the fun didn't stop at Saturday! On Sunday afternoon I met the most wonderful person: Brooke, a fellow blogger and outstanding Austin floral designer (you MUST check out her company, Pollen Floral Art) reached out to me, welcoming me to Austin and asking if I wanted to have coffee (people in Austin are unbelievably nice). I am so excited to introduce you to her her amazing company. I can't wait to learn more about her myself. Here's a sampling of Brooke's work.
Be sure to view more on her website and check out her lovely blog.
Here's to hoping for another great weekend ahead! xoxo
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