New and Blue

Despite the fact that holiday decor is dominating the "new additions" pages on most retail sites right now, I keep noticing that blue items are making that list too. Maybe they stick out to me because blue is a favorite color of mine or perhaps the retailers have figured out that pretty much everyone likes blue! Here are some of my best new, blue-hued things I've spotted:

Mary McDonald Lamp - Shades of Light

Hampton Links Pillow - Jill Rosenwald

Updated Louis Chair, Blue - Wisteria
Houndstooth Throw by Hastings-On-Hudson, NY - NuBe Green

The Art Museum by Phaidon Press - Amazon
Inlaid Bone Console in Lapis - Sang and Serena
carnaby waves vase - Jonathan Adler

Zebra 22" Pillow in Ink - Thomas Paul - Burke Decor

Handpainted Chinese Lamp, Abstract - Wisteria

Loop De Loop Side Table - Urban Outfitters

navy louis side chair - Jonathan Adler
Blue and White Ginger Jar - Furbish Studio

Sisa Square Bean Bag by John Robshaw - Burke Decor

Are you a fellow blue lover? Anything you like best from the sets above? I am dying over the lamp by Mary McDonald (who will be doing a fabric line with Schumacher!!!), the pillow designed by Jill Rosenwald (which comes in different colors), the mini ginger jar from Furbish, and that gorgeous inlaid bone console from Sang and Serena. Lapis is their latest pigment to introduce and I'm in love with it. Here are more images that show the bone and the mother of pearls inlays...

So gorgeous, aren't they?

The Island Company

I got back from a family vacation to Grand Cayman last week and wow, I'm playing (and losing) a serious game of catch-up right now! Despite the fallout from being away, I'm glad we went. For the most part, my husband fished and I lounged around, ate, drank, and read Lunch in Paris (and loved it). I also got to do a tiny bit of shopping while I was there.

My favorite discovery was a store called the Island Company. They have a fabulous line of clothing and swimwear along with other miscellaneous merch. I bought a shirtdress in an aqua color that I'm pretty obsessed with. Besides being instantly attracted to their simple, classic clothes, I also loved how their store looked and felt. They captured the spirit of the island lifestyle without getting theme-y and hokey. Here's a shot of one of their stores...

Via IslandVintage.com

Their look is is cool, casual, and a bit colonial. The colonial aspects balance with the beachy ones and the tone is rich and sophisticated. You can achieve this look by working with some signature elements that include:

• Dark wood floors
• Crisp white walls (try Ben Moore's Decorators White)
• Glossy beadboard ceilings
• Natural fiber rugs (jute, sisal, etc.)
• White or ivory upholstery
• Rich wood furniture (should look handmade and a bit exotic)
• Tropical plants (I saw Fiddle-Leaf Figs all over Cayman, but there are lots of other options)
• Hand-woven baskets
• Bold cabana striped pillows

Agnes Sea Urchin Mirror - Made Goods

Nesting Baskets - Wisteria

Weathered Outdoor Bench in Weathered Black - Grandin Road

Painterly Blackfin Triggerfish - Williams-Sonoma Home

Architect Table Lamp - Lauren Home by Ralph Lauren

Carlisle Upholstered Sofa - Pottery Barn

Painted Ceramic Parrot - Williams-Sonoma Home

Heidi Merrick Cabana Stripe Pillows - Calypso Home

Steamer Trunk Cocktail Table - World Market

Jute Chenille Herringbone Rug - West Elm

Minwax 2718 Ebony Stain

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree

Han Blue Pillow - John Robshaw
Minwax Wood Finish in Ebony 2718

Samar Rattan Chair - World Market

Here are more photos of their stores:

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

My husband and I...and my new dress!

What are your thoughts on the Island Company's decor style? I typically hate beach-themed decor but I really do love their look. It reminds me of India Hicks and her Bahamian properties as seen here:

Via Hibiscus Hill

Although I wouldn't ever go super "island colonial" in my home in Dallas, I would certainly use some of  the elements that go into creating the look...especially the glossy white beadboard ceilings!

Stella Dallas

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Franki Durbin and spending a few hours with her. She recently moved to Texas and is writing a fun series called "Show Me Your Dallas" on her blog, Life in a Venti Cup. The idea is for Dallasites like moi to act as city ambassadors and take her to a few of our favorite haunts. I was so excited about the idea and about meeting Franki, but I had a hard time choosing my destinations because there are so many awesome shopping stops in Big D. We ended up at Ceylon et Cie and William-Christopher Design. As you can see from my past posts on those establishments, I adore both and loved introducing them to Franki.

Stella Dallas was another store that I was considering for our SMYD date because it's a favorite of mine as well. I hadn't been by in a while so I dropped by there yesterday. As usual, they had an amazing assortment of furnishings, decor, stationery, and lots of other pretty things in between. Anyhow, I wanted to share some pics of the store to show of their cool merch...

What a great sofa (by Shine) and mélange of pillows, right?

Stunning carved mirror...

Rockin' little photo frame...

 They have fab vignettes all of the store like this one, most mix new and vintage pieces...

For the silhouette-obsessed...

They recently started carrying John Robshaw which mixes in well with the rest of the merch.

Stunning, jewel-toned chandelier...

They carry Designer's Guild bedding...

 

Classic sofa paired with John Robshaw pillows and a modern lacquered table and AMAZING white chandelier...

I am full-on OBSESSED with this Designer's Guild pillow...

The back (which I forgot to snap) is the most fantastic shade of chartreuse...L-O-V-E!

A peek into their many shelves of pillows...

Pretty objets... 

They also have tons of stationery and paper goods including a great selection of my favorite style, letterpress...

  

John Robshaw tunics and scarves and a pretty wall of wrapping paper...

Gorgeous wing chair....

Fun little monogram pillow...

Loved this desk vignette...

Especially this little piece of artwork...

These studded tables are another favorite of mine...

Finally, this Designer's Guild candle was made for me...it's blue, striped, and smells like clean laundry!

Such a pretty store, isn't it? If you see something that you want, be sure to call or email them to inquire about purchasing!

Stella Dallas

214.691.0000

stelladallas@me.com

Greek Key + Zig Zags

My two favorite geometric motifs are popping up everywhere these days. Lots of fun colors and some fresh interpretations of the classic patterns. The following are small, easy-to-use accessories and are great to use in simple spaces to spice them up. Have a look...

Melrose Zig Zag Greek Key Rug - Shop Ten 25
Ikat Pillow - Calypso Home
Switcheroo Pillow - Anthropologie
Vintage Porcelain Greek Key Cup and Soap Dishes - Etsy
Herringbone Bolster Pillow - John Robshaw

Lamps - Jill Rosenwald
Hand Blocked Chevron Pillow - West Elm
Greek Key Placemats - Horchow

DL Rhein Zig Zag Pillows - Layla Grayce
Round Zig Zag Rug - Shop Ten 25
Trina Turk Embroidered Greek Key Pillow - Layla Grayce

Any favorites? I am especially loving the first black and white rug and the Jill Rosenwald lamps.

Dhurrie Days

I am madly in love with Calypso Home's rugs right now. Some are by John Robshaw Textiles and some are made for Calypso Home...all are fabulous with bold patterns and fresh color palettes. I was happy to find that the prices are quite reasonable too. I'm partial to the texture/low pile of dhurries and jaipuri rugs, so these are right up my alley in both form and function.

Not surprisingly, I'm infatuated with the navy blue Zig Zag Jaipuri in the photo above. 

These beauties also caught my eye...all can be found via the Calypo Home site. I'm loving both of the hot pink styles! The ivory Hampton Lattice is also a favorite. Geeze...it would be tough to order just one!

Retail Lust

William-Christopher Design recently opened in Dallas and upon my first visit, I'm obsessed! It's the definition of a well-curated interiors boutique. I was totally blown away by the eclectic, yet cohesive set of goods. A blend of old and new, this store has fabulous style. For your viewing pleasure, here are some shots of their merchandise...

Lots of inspiring vignettes like this one.

Check out the amazing table...it's a custom piece that they designed.

 

Close-up of the tablescape. The lacquer trays and boxes are perfection...I especially like the bamboo handles.

Pretty votives. As a child of the 80s, they make me think of Rainbow Brite :)

These cloisonne lamps rock my world. I REALLY want these!

Golden glamour.

This leather chaise is awesome. As an aside...we'll be using the black door in the background as inspiration for a door makeover in our house.

Fun, cute, and cool - gimme a collection of these lacquer bowls.

 These chairs are among the custom-designed pieces. It would be nice to have everything in this set-up.

The artwork in this corner is my favorite element.

Darling painted cane armchair surrounded by John Robshaw textiles!

For Dallas dwellers, it's located just off 75 on Henderson. For everyone else, email info@w-cdesign.com for purchasing inquiries!