Retail Love...

Have I told you lately that I love Liberty...the store I mean...and I suppose the sentiment too. In the three weeks I spent in London, I was there enough that the ladies in the home department actually got to know me.

For those of you who haven't been, Liberty is more than a department store -- it's an experience. Think Anthro on steroids and with even better buyers.

Case in point: The Liberty Love Wall where they've invited their customers to post anonymous love notes.
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Off-Beat Market: Little Wren Pottery

Happy Friday, everyone. I'm back with another Off-beat Market shop. Hope you are enjoying these articles. I'd like to make them a regular thing. 

Today's find is Little Wren Pottery owned by Victoria Baker. She is a second generation potter and her love of this handmade artform, really shows.

(This color is so beautiful)

Personally, I LOVE pottery. All the variation in color and texture can be such a treat for the senses. Its also fascinating to think that these types of objects have been used since the beginning of mankind! Pottery seems to connect all people everywhere. How's thought for deep thinking on a Friday?! My hidden philosopher is showing again:)

Thanks Victoria for letting me share your beautiful work!

Check out her blog also for more lovely things

Off-Beat Market

 My love and fascination for chairs has been no secret on this blog. My other love is finding shopping sites that may be off the radar. You can imagine how excited I was when I found Sally Nencini's site, since it combines both! She has a bespoke upholstery shop based in London. Vintage chairs are given wonderful makeovers with very unique fabrics and details. 

 The "Come To Life" chair. Wow, this is my favorite! Talk about a statement piece.

Nencini's site also includes charming cushions and handmade toys. Check out her Etsy site here.

Catalog Heaven

I often think about gathering the catalogs that clutter my mailbox and shipping them back where they came from. Just like the old Seinfeld episode when Kramer boycotts the post office. But! This week, the new West Elm catalog made me rethink that plan. The colors and patterns are wonderful, and I love the photos too!

Jason Polan Drawings

So much cool stuff! The catalog feels so fresh and so fun. Much of that comes from West Elm's collaboration with outside designers and artists, (including several Etsy artists). In the spirit of collaboration, the West Elm site features some interesting articles written by artisans from around the world in the Hand/Eye section. 

Shane Powers collection

Etsy artists

I think I need these glasses! Another cool feature in the catalog and website is the list of recommended paint colors. Yeah! All of you who are scared of paint colors, go here and get some help:) Have I conveyed my excitement, well enough? West Elm, I'm sure you are holding your breath until you hear my opinion, so breathe easy now. Props, for a job well done!

Retail Love...

I'm sure I'm not the only who has the memory of Harriet Maxwell Macdonald and Andrew Corrie's beach house seared into their brain. I'm just beginning to feel wistful for long and easy-breezy summer days, and that house always come to mind. A little (virtual) trip to their store Canvas instantly reminds of that laid-back cool feeling. A few of my favorite products featured above.
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Frida Kahlo: I Will Never Forget You

Last weekend, Mark and I spent our anniversary in Dallas. (Kid free!!) My husband is so sweet, that while there; he willingly wandered through countless galleries and furniture stores with me. Thank you, Sweetie:) Anyway, I stumbled upon PDNB Gallery  and found an exhibition of Frida Kahlo portraits taken by various photographers. Wow, I was so excited! Frida has been such an inspiration to me since I was a teenager. Aside, from our shared heritage; I always aspire to be as unique and bold as she was. My motto is, WWFD. (What Would Frida Do? For those of you too young to know what I'm talking about). The sad thing is, I have never had the pleasure of seeing her paintings in person! That's why this exhibition was a must-see.

Some of Frida's most iconic photos are part of this collection and some photos I have never seen before. They are worth stopping by to see. The exhibition closes on January 1, so don't miss it! If you can't see it, many of these photos are included in a book called I Will Never Forget You: Frida Kahlo and Nikolas Muray. Check it out here,  in my brand new bookstore! I'm very excited about it, so I hope you enjoy looking through it this compilation of my favorite books.

P.S. Tomorrow, I will share some of new favorite Dallas shops. Ooh, I found some great stuff!!!

Blue Carrot Shop !

Please check out Alexandra's website Blue Carrot Shop for tons of fun "kitsch" !! Just click on the title of this post and it will take you to her site ! Great site for Christmas shopping !!!

Pretty Little Girls

This morning I was greeted by these sweet illustrations in my email. Artist Alice Dufay captures little moments with great simplicity. They can be found on L'affiche Moderne which is a great site for limited edition prints.

Fab

(The Beatles on Itunes)

Usually I'm not one for pushing "products". But, it can't be helped.

If you are wondering, this amazing photo was taken by Bruce McBroom

A #2 Pencil...

and a dream can take you anywhere.

(Joyce A. Myers)

(I don't have a source for these amazing pencils, If anyone does please let me know)

(Know It All Pencils)

(Recycled Paper Pencils)

I guess its back to school week, and I have noticed pencils everywhere!

Fall Style Inspiration

As a card-carrying member of the anti-pants club, I'm always looking for ways to stretch skirt wearing all the way into the fall. I came across these looks during a weekend shopping binge -- I actually bought the entire outfit with the blue shirt below (because I'm creative like that) and plan to make this my fall weekend style inspiration. Loose-fitting button-ups and sweaters + mini skirts/dresses + totally sweet boots. Easy, right?

P.S. My computer crashed over the weekend with the world's worst virus -- it actually disables any program you use to remove it, so I've lost access to tons of files and posts I had planned out for the week. I'm doing my best to recover everything, so bear with me!

Look 1 available only through Maje France (sad face, I know), Look 2 -- Acne Realities Sweater, Acne Lifetime Rib Dress, Alexander Wang Boots, Look 3 -- Rag & Bone Jean Shirt, Pleasure Doing Business Mini, Elegantly Waisted Harlow Belt

Another Secret Shopping Spot - DOMUS

This week kicks off the Brimfield Fair; the famous antique show in Massachusetts. I am always excited to head west of Boston, but recently its not because the Brimfield Fair, but because of a secret shopping spot I found along the way.

The store is called DOMUS and is open year round. It is filled with wonderful treasures. Gorgeous antiques, unusual reproductions, fabulous accessories. It is one of my most secret spots for finding wonderful unique items for the homes of my clients (and myself!).

DOMUS formerly known as HOME, located in historic Sturbridge, MA is the brainchild of the famous Alex Pifer of the hugely successful SERAPH store. If you are a fan of the primitive, colonial decorating style you will know that Alex is icon. Over the years she has been featured numerous times in Country Living, Primitive Homes and several other magazines. Her eye and attention to detail has made the most discerning collector come back to the SERAPH again and again. But, Alex is a multi-dimensional and multi-talented designer and buyer. She has ventured into the world of Swedish, French and Belgian decor. And, as you can guess like everything else she does, her new venture is outstanding. Let's have look:

On the property right next to the SERAPH, Alex and her charming husband had a spectacular Post and Beam shop built to house the gorgeous DOMUS inventory. Here a pair of gorgeous armchairs are covered in grainsack slipcovers. Notice the garden table and statuary and how wonderfully it goes together.

Here is a beautiful reproduction chaise covered in linen. The finish on this piece is incredible.

The displays in the store are worth seeing. Alex and her staff, including the talented, Laura, do a fantastic job of putting things together. You can guess how much I fell in love with this vignette.

DOMUS has an incredible selection of antique mercury glass, grainsack covered furniture and Swedish antiques.

But if you like a more refined look, you can find it here as well. Another fabulous vignette; and it has a completely different feel. With such an incredible collection to choose from its easy to find spectacular items for myself and my clients. The store is very large. Here is a more contemporary look. I just adore the linen sofa.

DOMUS is not limited to living room and dining room decor. Above is a beautiful French bedroom set. Notice the lighting as well, Alex has chosen a wonderful mix of lighting options for the most discerning customers.

On my most recent visit I was enamored with this dining room table and chairs. Notice the urns and the birdhouse.

It is a common theme at DOMUS to mix garden items with more formal indoor items.

This mirror stopped me in my tracks. Isn't it stunning? You will rarely see the same thing twice here.

Alex prides herself in obtaining the unique. So if you want to find something extraordinary that no one else has, this is the place. So of course you are thinking that wonderful unique items like this are just too expensive and out of reach - I almost don't want you to know...the prices are very reasonable! So my secret is out - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!

DOMUS is a 45 minute drive from downtown Boston. To see more of their ever changing inventory click their Facebook page here. To get directions click here. And when you head out there, do tell Alex and Laura hello from Gina at Willow Decor. I know you will be glad you made the trip. (Out of state customers can call the store directly as they ship anywhere in the US!)

PS. Sturbridge is wonderful town to visit - plan to stay for lunch at one of the many little cafes and inns.