Pretty Papers & Inspiring Women

A personal note added to a previous post!
This morning I received the latest news from luxury stationer William Arthur. 

Their creative blog, to which I subscribe, is penned by a good friend & keeps an educated audience while discussing sartorial stationery, salutations, and many other interesting topics about their pretty papers.

This morning she highlighted a Vera Wang Opal Tulle Pocket with Oyster White Invitation which is inspired by one of the dressmaker’s wedding gowns.

Brilliant!

Wedding Dress, Vera Wang on Weddings 

Their creative pairings of paper and fashion instantly reminded me of the book Paper Illusions by Barbara and René Stoeltie.

The book features the paper artistry of

 Isabelle de Borchgrave.

Photo: René Stoeltie

Isabelle de Borchgrave brings long-lost fashions to life through an intricate process of tailoring, crumpling, braiding, pleating, and painting paper.

Photo: René Stoeltie

Enjoy more of her beautiful work in the book

Paper Illusions.

To quote the folks at William Arthur,

“Inspiration comes in many forms."
Speaking of inspiration ~ My mother is an artist.
On canvas, in the garden, and in everyday life she inspires me and anyone who comes to know her ~ if they can keep up with her! Today she received an early birthday surprise. A few of her dear & inspiring friends took her to lunch and a lecture/slideshow at The Phoenix Art Museum. Guess who was lecturing?
Isabelle de Borchgrave!
What a fabulous artist. What great friends. What a fun day!
Afterward, Isabelle de Borchgrave was signing copies of her book and was kind to pose with my mom for a birthday picture ~ Thank you, Isabelle!

Hope you're having an inspirational week too!

 

 

Green Envy

Last week I had my eye on three beautiful green bookcases in the lovely Vermont home of Phyllis Trevor Higgerson of Henhurst Interiors.  I was also admiring this incredible green library by designer Charles Spada.  I seem to be crazy for green lately!

This morning I was visiting Michele Ginnerty of My Notting Hill where she was posting on the 2012 Richmond Show House. I saw these custom shelves, painted in Pickle No. 37, and I about fell over! You must see her gem of a post. 

I also popped in to see Renee Finberg where she ‘TELLS ALL’ in her blog of her Adventures in Design and had to sit down.  Her post today on benches started with this gorgeous lacquered entry!

Love this amazing combination of greens pulled together by the darling Blair Eadie. In fact, I love everything she pulls together! Stop by and visit her at her personal fashion blog, Atlantic-Pacific.  She’s got terrific style & I hear she is so nice! 

You’ll want to raid her closet!

This would make for a speedy get-away don’t you think?

Yes, I’m already missing the color & the scent of summer. This reminds me to call Nancy Toon & order my favorite Privet from Hound Hill Design.

Guaranteed to fill the house with the scent of a freshly trimmed privet in the dead of winter!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Classic, Poised & Confident

source

Today’s a day when I do not spend a lick of time worrying about the heat or humidity or my hair because today is a big hat day.

It also happens to be Derby Day and there are far more important things to be tending to!

photo, Southern Living Magazine

This quick post is about hats though and if you know me, you know I’m a hat kind of gal.

Peter Beaton Studio

My favorite style is a classic straw that I can dress up or dress down, depending on where I’m headed to.

That’s why I love hats from Peter Beaton Studio in Nantucket.

Peter Beaton Studio

The small brim Wauwinet with a good ribbon or one of my favorite scarves to be exact.

Peter Beaton Studio

Every Peter Beaton signature hat comes with a complimentary hatbox as it should.  Thank you P.B.!

I’ve written a few hat stories before in honor of summer & Derby season but today I wanted to include some real beauties.

This is my absolute fave for Derby!

photo, Bella Grace Studios for G& G

Last year Garden & Gun hosted the 2011 Derby Breakfast at Farmington Plantation before heading to Churchill Downs.

The guests were classic, poised & confident and the hats were stunning! 

photo, Bella Grace Studios for G& G

photo, Bella Grace Studios for G& G

photo, Bella Grace Studios for G& G

There’s more at Garden & Gun.

And also here!    

The Best Hats for Summer, Splendid Straw & Crowning Glory

That’s a Wrap!

Or is it a scarf?

An oversized scarf is so versatile.

The perfect solution for those of us who are hot one minute & cold the next!

I used to grab a coat every time I left the house but just as quickly as I got in the car and buckled up for safety, I unbuckled and got back out! 

Can you say hot flash in a straight-jacket!?!

Lately, though, Mother Nature has been gentle on the Bluegrass.

I’ve still been able to wear a few classic blazers passed this way by my stylish mother-in-law paired with my favorite cashmere scarves that feel like a warm hug from my mom.  Grab some driving gloves in the morning and I’m good to go! 

  Oh to be young again!

I have to tell you though – well, maybe I don’t have to tell you - I seem to be slow to catch on to these things – my favorite combination this season is a wrap or long relaxed sweater & a scarf!  It’s a formula that is casual and modern, but trendy? Not so much.

Like I said, a beautiful long scarf can be so versatile.  Use it as a blanket on long commutes or pass it to a friend who suddenly catches a chill.

Been there.  So thankful.

            

It’s good to know that classic silk scarves never go out of style. 

Hermès

Always thinking about my dear friends & family out in SoCal. 

May the Santa Anna’s calm your sails soon!

Hermès

This is for you all. 

A fashion short, featuring the legendary Hermès scarf.

The Best Hats For Summer

Are you a hat kind of gal?

I am.

After my Derby hats are properly stored away.

It's time to switch gears.

For many of us, it's time to get serious about protection from the sun.

For some, it's time to put on your best party hat!

Honestly, I wouldn't be caught dead in this thing but I thought you would appreciate it.

This is more my style.  Love it, love the ribbon, the dress, the bag.  Ahhh, Chanel. 

Have you noticed all the vintage hats around the pool lately? 

Would love to find one of these!  This would be my mother's style.  The bigger the brim, the better.

  And no Kate Spade, this is not how I got to Greenwich Village when I was a young girl!

This little summer tweed is sporty and perfect for running all over town.

Classic.

I don't know that I could do this, but she sure can!

Romantic with SPF 100!

A respite from all the fuss. I seriously love this.  

Who on earth?

Who is this?I couldn't write this post and not include these handsome gentlemen. 

Besides, I  love a man in a classic boater.

Love the baker boy too!

This would be my absolute favorite for Fall!

But for now, in this darn heat, the simple straw will do.

I hope you'll find your favorite style here or in my other summer collection of Splendid Straw!

Stay cool!