Missoni for Target: SCORE!

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Well, I'm quite fond then! Fond of my readers, that is. And so sorry for the absence. I do have some fun things in store for the next few months!

But first, let's talk about shopping! By now, most of you have heard about the Missoni for Target extravaganza.

 

If you haven't, I'll fill you in briefly: Founded in 1953, Missoni is an Italian fashion (power) house known especially for it's colorful zigzag knitwear, which became wildly popular in the 1970s. They have since branched out into other realms of fashion, including sportswear, housewares, perfume and even hotels. On September 13th, the company debuted a 400-piece collection for Target.

Naturally, people lined up at the crack of dawn and bombarded pretty much every store across the country when it opened. Early birds grabbed tons of stuff, swapped with one another, and many of them have proceeded to sell some of their wares on ebay (for a fine profit, I might add). Shoppers crashed Target's website that day. In the days and weeks leading up to the launch, I took a look at the full collection and picked out a few things I would have liked to check out – particularly in the home wares arena, but there were some pretty cute sweaters, dresses and shoes I had my sights on.

Since I'm a 9-5er, I went to work as usual on 9/13 and did not have time for online shopping on the clock. September 13th happens to be my wedding anniversary, so a very special and romantic dinner with Oliver easily trumped a post-work trip to Target! I heard most Targets had been cleaned out of the good stuff by the end of that day, so I figured I was out of luck. Well! I finally made it over there this weekend and can I TELL you how excited I am about my score? SO very excited! I snagged the only little "rolly-polly" suitcase (as I call them). It's got navy and white zigzags and it will perfect for both car and air travel (I detest checking luggage and have become a master at packing lightly).
 

Ain't she sweet? The inside has a chic contrasting black and white zigzag in a smaller scale:

When I saw it, I pretty much just grabbed it and ran. Even the cashier noted that I snagged a rare find. When I got home and had time to explore my new gem, I discovered a few handy little pockets and a cosmetics bag containing a laundry bag and two shoe bags in yet another snappy Missoni pattern!
 

Here's little gratuitous close-up of the inside tag:


While I'm not much for pushy crowds, I wish I'd had the opportunity to hit the stores a little sooner, but, alas, my schedule didn't allow for it, and my bank account is thanking me for it. I must say, I'm quite happy with what I got, and I suspect there will be more pieces trickling in here and there, as people realize they overdid it and return stuff.

If you scored something you're proud of, don't be a stranger! Post it in a comment here on on facebook, or send me an email! I'd love to see what you've picked up!

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.

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."

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:

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

Examiner.com & Austin Modern Home Tour

I'm proud to announce that I am officially the newest "Austin Interior Decorating Examiner" for examiner.com, and my first article has been published! Check out my little story about this Saturday's Fourth Annual Modern Home Tour taking place at snazzy homes, designed by hot Austin architects and designers throughout the city. A preview of the homes is viewable here, and a handy map can be downloaded for your directional pleasure!

If you're in the area, check it out – I'll be there! And don't forget to hit up the cocktail reception at BoConcept after the tour.

3903 Berry Hill Way
Photo by Patrick Y Wong/AtelierWong.com


Look for more articles on Examiner.com in the near future! My stories can be found in my profile on the website. 

Harlem's FDB Wins Curbed Cup 2010!

We may not live in New York anymore, but I'm still a proud former (not to mention born and bred) New Yorker, so when I saw that our old neighborhood (south-central Harlem on Frederick Douglass Boulevard) was crowned Curbed.com's Neighborhood of the Year for 2010, I was elated!


For some time now, the area along FDB has been dubbed Harlem's "Gold Coast," (thanks to Harlem Condo Life) and, having lived there through this recent (and unending) recession, I can honestly say the neighborhood weathered the storm quite well, seeing as how a bevy of new (and highly anticipated) restaurants, bakeries (with a big one on the way), grocery stores, a fancy hotel, boutiques, a beer garden, and a new traffic circle cropped up despite the languishing economy (with more openings expected in 2011). Not surprisingly, many New Yorkers have been slow to come around to the area, as some bad press has shown. But, positive press is mounting; some recent highlights:
Living Around: Morningside Heights
The Hunt: Downsizing with Downsides
Going Upscale Downtown
The Hunt: In the Footsteps of the Hamiltons and Tenenbaums (Try to look past the irritating couple.)
Going Global in Harlem

We loved living in this neighborhood. Sure, it has a long way to go before it's Park Slope or the West Village, but I don't think that's what it is striving for. The aforementioned FDB corridor (and most of Harlem) is a true cross-section of New Yorkers, and one of the last remaining neighborhoods in Manhattan where regular people can actually afford to live, which is important. The city has changed drastically since I was growing up there, and much of it for good, but it is certainly losing an element of reality. I'm impressed that despite a continuing recession, a neighborhood in Harlem managed not just to hang on, but to thrive. I look forward to visiting in the years to come, to see more improvements, but ones that hopefully maintain the fabric and history of the neighborhood.

Whether you live in New York or not, you should definitely put Harlem on your list of places to visit. Get hip to the latest happenings (food, shows, art, music, openings, etc) on my two favorite Harlem-centric blogs – both provide indispensable information on what to do and where to go:
Harlem Bespoke
Harlem Condo Life

Enjoy, and congratulations to Harlem!

Image by Karsten Moran, for the New York Times

Happy Chanukah 2010

Letterpressed envelope printed with antique wood type by YeeHaw in Tennessee

Yesterday at sundown kicked off the first night of Chanukah, the eight-day Jewish "festival of lights" commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, following the Macabees' successful rebellion against the Seleucid Empire, when the wicks of the menorah are said to have miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one. That is miraculous! (Note: there are lots of spelling variations of the word Chanukah.)

In the past, the holiday was downplayed by classical rabbis, as some felt the emphasis on the miracle oil was a diversion from the various struggles that lead to the downfall of Jerusalem. But, Zionism and the issues surrounding the state of Israel brought the holiday back into the limelight, especially among North American Jews in the late twentieth century (secular Jews included), who wanted an alternative to Christmas, which often coincides with Chanukah. Askenazi Jews traditionally gave "gelt" (Yiddidh for money) to children during Chanukah, but most families now give gifts, much like Christmas gift-giving.

Chanukah starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which can fall anywhere between late November and late December. This year, Chanukah really snuck up on me by starting on Dec. 1! If it snuck up on you, too, never fear: there are seven more days for holiday gift giving or card exchanging!

Most Jewish people (whether they are observant or not) have a menorah or two lying around the house, but now they come in varying shapes and sizes, many of them sculptural and unique–who couldn't use a few more?

Peacoack Menorah from decorating's Jewish darling, Jonathan Adler


Manzanita menorah from West Elm

I can't get enough of this carved walnut menorah by Niles Snyder

Via Remodelista


Years ago, when we lived in San Francisco, my mom gave me this modern and highly versatile menorah from MoMA, by father and daughter team Herbert and Jeanne Atkin


Walteria Menorah from Modern Tribe

While store-bought and/or traditional menorahs are beautiful, there's no reason you can't make your own! Check out these great handmade options:

Oh milk glass, why do I never tire of thee? Via Re-Nest

Via Martha Stewart


For all those plumbing/piping/construction enthusiasts, via Re_nest

You can never go wrong with some stylish dreidels

Another Jonathan Adler gem

Or less traditional ones that are covered in glitter! Who doesn't love a dose of glitter for the holidays?

Via Martha Stewart

These porcelain menorah earrings are perfect for a festive lady of the house, who's no doubt been slaving away to make you a meal, but won't admit it:

By Holiday Designs, in South Florida


Letterpress card by Letterpress Light, of Washington, DC


Cute letterpressed card by Fourteen Sisters, of Beverly Hills, CA

Tomorrow night, we'll head over to my parents' house for a casual celebration, where we'll likely consume copious amounts of latkes. We're all pretty busy right now, so they'll be store-bought, but Debra, over at Smitten Kitchen recently shared her delicious-looking apple latkes:


She's also whipped up more traditional potato latkes, as well as zucchini.

I think my contribution will be Sufganiyot, a jelly doughnut-like dessert.

Martha Stewart's rendition

If you're hosting your own Chanukah celebration, don't forget that blue and white and the colors du-jour!


Table styling by Carolyn Roehm