No, seriously- this her shout-out has beena long time coming.

As I've said before, I'm always being asked, 'where do you guys get this stuff???'. Well, after correcting their query by politely explaining that 'this' is not 'STUFF'- it's a collection of the most deliciously beautiful and stunningly gorgeous treasures in the whole wide world (uh, that IS the short description, thanks!), I go on to share that our assemblage is the result of extensive gathering from varied sources throughout the world. Uh huh, fer real. And then, on the rare occasion that I feel inclined to cut the crap and spill, I might offer the name of one of my incredible sources. Well, today is just sucha day, and you... are in luck! The source that I am about to reveal to you is truly (the) Crème de la Crème. Not only a source for design inspiration, beautiful objects, fresh combinations and thoughtful permutations, BUT these are lovely people. They are the sort that embody the Filthy Gorgeous Lifestyle honestly and sincerely. They are the type that make you feel good- like you've taken a special little something with you even when you didn't buy a thing- and trust me, THAT is rare in my industry! They're not boxed in by trends or fads or facades. Most importantly though, they understand that beauty can be found everywhere and is a delicacy best served raw. Alright, alright already... without much more kissy kissy, ladies and gentles today's inspirational peek at gawr-gisness is provided by, The Tattered House.

Wha... wait... is that... no... I mean, it cant be! Is that a Madonna?!?!??! NO WAY! You mean someone else out there likes religious 'stuff' for its aesthetic appeal and nothing more?!?!?! Hmmm... I guess it's true what they say, great minds think alike (no no I meant like me and The Tattered House both like relig... oh never mind!)- duh!

Holler fer a doller and some vintage bottles... sigh... me loves. This little grouping couldn't get any better even with the addition of a feathered boa and lots of chunky glitter! Well... ok, maybe a toucha sparkle wouldn't hurt... I mean, it never does. BUT the key is that glitter or not, here we can see the appreciation for beauty in even the seemingly ordinary. Don't you just love the pic too?! Of course you do.
















So Ive heard people say that I like to include elements of glamor into my designs. Truth be told, I don't know what they could be talking about. But I do know that I love the combination of the shimmery metallic upholstery with this classic French chair. Its kind of like putting on bright, glossy, red lipstick... not that I know anything about that... I mean... I'm jus sayin.

This picture makes my heart sing about unicorns and rainbows. HA! But seriously, it this not utterly serene. Pure bliss. Cozy, yet cool. I like, I love, I live. Seriously though, it's about the perfect combination of texture, color and style (i.e.: wrought iron backdrop, lace paneling, antique headboard, sumptuous bedding combination...)

So there you have it. And you're welcome. What can I say, I'm in a giving mood... and, well, these guys are just too good to keep under wraps. Now, should YOU be so bold as to desire to see The Tattered House for yerself and experience their talents, here is their contact, make sure to tell 'em Jonathan sent you, ha!

The Tattered House, LLC.
Vintage Living
417 Oak Street
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 772-7700
www.TheTatteredHouse.com

-J

...so in conclusion...

Really! I mean, finally! This has taken me way too long. I should be ashamed before the Lord. But, you know I had to make sure that I was giving these things thought and care and not blowing them off for the sake of time or whatever. When you love things, especially old things, the way that I love them, it can be hard to let them go (I was still pegging my jeans in junior high school- and no, it was NOT the 1980's anymore, HA!). Well OK, here they is... my thoughts on what 'they' say are the thing we just cant hardly wait to git-gone!

Trends We Cant Wait To Let Go Of:

1. Taxidermy Overkill: I feel like a stuffed dead animal can be an excruciatingly creepy thing. Yeeeah- sorta gross. BUT, I'm not sure this is so cut and dry (eeeewww... stuffed, dead animals and cut and dry... ohm'gawd, I think I can taste it in my mouth now- BLUGH!) . I SO almost bought a fantastic, vintage stuffed African deer (of some sort). But then this way-to-into Taxidermy guy swooped in and bought it out from under me! And to ice that cake, when I asked him what he was going to do with it, he said, 'Im going to restore it', UGH!!!!!!!!! Anyway, point is, that when done in moderation and with proper placement, I feel like a freeze-dried deer carcass can be a tasteful addition to your space (eeeewww... freeze-dried deer carcass and tasteful... ohm'gawd...!)

2. Flat Screen TV's mounted too high: You know, I am so down with this one! SO DOWN! There is nothing worse than sitting down to a potentially magical moment, like watching the alien baby come popping out of Sigourney Weaver's stomach, just to have it ruined by a nagging pinching feeling in the back of your neck! HOWEVA(!!!) let us not chuck the whole TV above the mantle placement entirely. Let's just be sensible people and use some good 'ole common sense! If your mantle/fireplace is particularly high, perhaps it's not the best spot for the tele. DUH.

3. Home Make Over Shows That Set Unrealistic Goals or Expectations: HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In addition to all of the viral infections that plague the home furnishings retail market place, home make over shows are too a cancerous cyst that must be cut out of the body of American culture! STOP the madness!!! If I see one more plywood concoction covered in batting and polyester and called a couch, I will scream!!! It's just not right people. And, further, it only sets up the unrealistic idea that you too can have such a lovely piece of crap in your home with just a bit of ingenuity, imagination and a glue gun. Let me see, how can I say this nicely? Ummm... no, you cant.

4. Shallow Sink Basins: 'They' are right! Wet crotch is NEVER a cute look! But let me add to this, faucets that have a distorted sense of water pressure and spew forth with such gusto that regardless of the depth of the basin you end up with the pee-pee on your privies look anyway! UGH!!!! Hello, Shell gas stations?!?!?! Not that I'm a gas station bathroom frequenter or anything, Im jus sayin!

5. Overdoing It With Designer Repro's: Hmmm. Hmmmmmmmmm. Well yes and no. I LOVE original and say go for the good when you can. BUT, there are times when I just don't have the coin to drop a few thou on the real McCoy. I'm going to say this: if done carefully and sparingly, a well-done fake is ok. BUT, for those of you who think that no-one will ever be able to tell the difference and opt to buy phony all the time, umm, eeew.

6. The phrase 'man cave': Did 'they' just run out of actually good things to not like anymore? Seriously! Who cares? Call it what you will- if it keeps his (or her- hey, Im an equal opportunity player) tacky college memorabilia or sports paraphernalia out of the living room, Im all for it!

7. Granite and Stainless Steel Combo: Uh, yes. This one is tired. I suppose I don't hate it. And appreciate the investment that it is (fer real! That stuff aint cheap!), I do fee like we can all do better now. It IS time to be more creative with the kitchen. After all this inevitably becomes the room that most of us hang out in most of the time (and for some of us, I... I mean we spend too much time in there! But that's another post for another day- word!). Shouldn't it be as fabulous as the remainder of the home? Yes, yes it should. Try mixing and matching multiple materials (like marble, tile and wood) and when possible, lets let the appliances fade away. Just because you spend some cash on it doesn't mean it needs to make a statement. Y'feel?

Ooooo, I like this! Send me more! Lets talk more about the tacky things that are out there that need to not be, anymore! But lets keep each other on target and stick to things, not people, ha! Aaaanywho, loves y'lots...!

-J

Aaaand finally(!!!) the long awaited follow up.

I know this may be a bit of shameless promotion- but really(!) they may as well have said, "for design trends moving forward just take your happy hips down to Filthy Gorgeous!"

You know, I actually had a whole other response all written and ready to go. It was great. I loved it. But, then I read it again. And then again. See, that's how my brain works- in obsessively vicious little circles (doesn't everyone's?). And after the 27th re-read, I decided I hated it and that I had apparently had a momentary lapse of consciousness and fallen prey to the sheep syndrome all too common in the world of interior design. Luckily I remembered that I was not a tall, thin, middle aged, Caucasian woman, having just earned my Interior Design Degree from University of Phoenix, driving my 2.5 children to soccer practice between my consultation appointments which I hold in the 4th bedroom/design studio at the end of the berber carpeted hallway in my modern-technology appointed tract home in San Ramon. Not that I have ANYTHING against any of those wonderfully delightful qualities or a person who actually possesses them all. NOT IN THE LEAST BIT. My point is, I am not that person. Further, and perhaps consequently, I am not the typical good designer who listens to all of the new rules given by the multitude of design magazines and industry leaders. Hardly! Ha! Nope, I'm a renegade. A design-rogue, if you will. I follow my own lead and march to my own (albeit idiosyncratic) beat. I just CANT do as I'm told and like what they tell me to, because they tell me to. Quite simply, I just gotts to be me! Now, having said that, we may continue and I will share with you my take on the supposed direction of interior design for 2010. And when I'm finished, no doubt, you will agree with it all... because I said so! No, no, ha! JK, JK! I don't really care if you agree with it all (but you better agree with most of it, thanxxxx) Seriously though, my hope is that this gets you thinking about your own sense of design and trends and the relevance of both. And, finally, that in the end, armed with a new sense of your own style, you are inspired to take steps to implement it with bold conviction in your own life. So now, lets begin...

10 Design Trend for 2010:

1. Palette/Color (neutral's ie: gray, pretty pops ie: purple/yellow, creative combo's ie: gray with purple accents)
Ok, I loves this one. Because it's just so... so, well it's just so duh! Beyond the 'new' concept of purple and yellow against neutral backdrops, the core principle here is that neutral bases provide you with the versatility to pop just about any color you like. What I might say though to further the point is that there is more to the neutral array than beige. Those of you who know the Shop know that gray is my number one jam! But beyond beige or gray, what about dare I say it a pale blue or a dusty green... yes folks, you may step out of the brown colored box. Aaaaand, duh.

2. Bold Design Decisions (risk taking ie: sparkle glamor)
Well hallelujah! Ha! I mean really, if you don't love a bit of glam, well, well... well are you sure you're reading the right blog?!?! Sparkle people- SPARKLE!!!

3. Layered Flooring (multiple area rugs layered on top of one another)

While I scoff at anyone who would actually attempt to pass this off as a new idea (this will be a recurring theme moving forward. I know- SO unlike me, what can I say?) me likes this one too. HOWEVER, I would caution you to take care when layering ANYthing on your floor! Your goal should be adding texture or perhaps increasing the cozy factor, NOT looking like your local Persian Rug showroom!

4. Keeping It Real (no more faux stuff!)
No more f... n-n-n-no more f-f-f-... no more faux... WHAT?!?!? Stop the presses, hold up, gimme a minute! Nnnno! How dare they! Ok, Ill give 'em this. Animal hide/print must be applied carefully and in small doses. BUT, nothing says luscious, gorgeous glamor like a properly place zebra hide rug or a suppley down-stuffed cheetah print pillow! NOTHING!

5. Artisanal Goods (craftsmanship is in again!)
Cute. And so I think this one is a go. However, I will be so bold as to take this one step further and suggest that it is even better to seek out the smaller, independent options with regard to nearly every stylistic purchase. Enough of the mass-produced, disingenuous crap from the big-box bullies!!! Take care, take time and buy smart! Make a space that says it's you, and last time I checked, none of you were named Ikea, or Target. I take no prisoners, do not play with me.

6. Texture (natural materials)
Yyyyees! Yeeees!!! Oooh YES!!! Hang on I need a sip of water... fewh! Ok, the reason for my sudden explosion of agreement is that this point is SO important! It's key to so much else. For example, can you imagine the ha-rah of a beige-walled room with a beige sofa and a beige carpet and a beige painted coffee table and a beige... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Without going into an unnecessary explanation of how "human-wastey" that space would look- lets just all agree that it would be bad! BUT, what if the beige was broken up by varying shades naturally given by a variety of textures- so the walls turn to a taupey-khaki color and the sofa warms to a rich chocolate and the coffee table is a weather washed- drift wood with gray undertones and the rug lightens to a shaggy cream... suddenly the space comes to life and begins to work for its dinner!

7. The Well Traveled Look (collected souvenirs add personality)
Ummmm... two words: FILTHY and GORGEOUS.

8. Mix It Up (a carefully created 'anything' goes look)
See commentary for point number 7, above.

9. Old Is New Again (vintage and antique finds are affordable and essential)
This is getting to be ridiculous.

10. Wallpapered Ceilings (just what I said)
Ok, methinks this could be good. But, beyond the potential for kinked necks and severe back pain, I'm going to recommend that you consult a professional if this idea calls to you; primarily because of all that could go wrong. Considerations for room size, ceiling height, paper pattern/print, application and so on and so forth need to be accounted for before you take on such a project. Otherwise you could end up with just a big'ol mess!


Aight then. I'm going to let you chew on that for a few and promise to pick up with the "Trends We Cant Wait To Let Go Of" next time (no really, this time I promise)! But can I just say one last thing... really, ummm.... FILTHY GORGEOUS people. Man!

-J

Ok, hang on... I gotta show you this!

So I know that I'm supposed to be picking up where I left off, but I just gota ton of new yummies in at the Shop and had to show you!!! THESE are truly the most beautiful things on earth (and no, I am NOT being dramatic)! Take a look and see for yourself...




So simple and yet... so dreamy. Le sigh. Although I love the statement that multiples make (as you can see here, more of this good thing is simply more!), these little beauties can definitely stand alone. Vintage bottles and ceramic tags are just damn cute, riiiight?!?!?!

sizes vary $24. ea

When the guy I bought these zinc architectural pieces from told me how/where he got them (he pulled them off an old building in New York City) I have to admit that I almost felt a bit of moisture accumulating in the corner of m'eye. Buuut then I imagined how loverly they would look all together on a wall, each showcasing a special little something... and I thought, RADICAL! I loves them and gotta have 'em, gimme gimme!!! I mean since they already were ripped from their og home, they might as well begin life anew in one that would appreciate them.
slight variances $45. ea


Something about these bad boys makes me feel a bit romantic... or maybe its the whole Valentine's Day Weekend thing... naaaaa! Anyway, lord knows I love a bit of bead work- usually on a drapey shirt or pair of too tight jeans, but we'll discuss my outfit for Sunday later. JK (kinda)!!! Anyway, I DO love beads and here they help to gussy up ordinary pillar candles! God bless 'em!
$39.95 ea





New York! Concrete jungle where dreams are made... and so on and so forth. To be honest, this COULD refer to nearly any city and Id still love it, because, as per usual, its less about the content here than the form. Actually this kinda sorta looks like one of those eye charts at the DMV, right? Well, whatev- it works! Its smart and clean and still slightly whimsical. I love. Get it. You'll thank me later.
$89.00

No Im not showing you another pic of another Quan Yin! You should be so lucky! Im showing you the deliciously delicate, blossom be-laden branches hugging her, smarty pants! ARE THEY NOT TO DYE FOR! These are porcelain blossoms that have wire tails allowing you to fix them to branches or together or however your creative mind inspires you to! I can barely handle how great they are!!! $9.95 ea

Mm mm mm! Who is SHE?!?! Ha! These lil loveys are wood carved bird tapers. They look like they are well fed and content and they just make me happy. Do they make you happy? The correct answer is, Yes J. they SO make me happy! Really??? I'm so glad you agree!
39.95 ea

Can you make these out??? Sorry, I told you before, I would die if my life depended on my photography skills! But these are attempting to show you some new candles that smell incred AND are packed beee-utifully! The various scents are wrapped in birchwood boxes and tied with a crystal! Sparkly!!! Eeeeee!!!!
$39.95 ea



Aaaaand these pics are trying to show you the newest Vintage Chalkware Icons that you know I had to snap up. HAD TO! Marry's, er, Madonnas to the left, and Therese to the right. Lets keep it together ladies.
From $67.00

I think that the best things are both gorgeous to look at AND fantastically functional. For example, wouldn't it be amazing if we could find like trays that could offer AND look good while doing so? What?!?!? Look at that! I got just the thing! Wood carved, wing trays! I know. I AM brilliant.
From $44.00



While someone might automatically want to use these as foot stools, lets think outside of that box for a minute, shall we? Of course they make great resting places for weary soles, BUT wouldn't they also make uh-durable risers on a table top? Again, the answer from you would go something like this: 'you are totally right J!' and then I would say, I know! Of course I am! A pile of old books a group of statuettes, a small table lamp... fun, right?!?!?
From $24.00

More sinfully gorgeous trays that are also functional!
(small above and medium sizes below)
From $9.95

You know why I like Mercury Glass so much? Because it's shiny. That's it. It glitters and glistens and catches my eye. And for those less glamorous among you, these liddle widdle votive holders offer you an opportunity to incorporate a bit of that pizazz without all of the statement. Love it!!!!
$3.95 ea













This is Reindeer Moss. Yes, just like Rudolph. And JUST like Rudolph, this stuff knows how to stand out. For those of you lucky enough to frequent FG (The Shop) you're familiar with this fluffy, pop of color stuff. Its great in MANY MANY applications. I particularly love the way that it looks when added to a really time worn found object (ex: a beat to hell, chalkware mary statuette). It can soften hard lines AND infuse a bit of life into any space. And at $3.95 a bag, you just cant go wrong.

Ah ha! Thought you were done with the religious things, didn't ya?!?! Well we are not.
Come on folks... doesn't this piece just scream tranquility? Doesnt it just reach out, wrap its hands round your throat and shout, 'SERENITY'! Ha! I think so too :)
$45.00




For those who may not already know, Im fond of bead-work and jeweled items. No, really, I am. And to that, this may very well be my most favorite, favorite new thing. Look closely, these little bronze birdies have green, jeweled eyes!!! And, yes, they open up for usefulness sake, but... they have jeweled eyes people... jeweled! Uuuuugh...
$19.95ea








So when we got these in, Tracy said, 'oh I hate these, they look like something you would buy in a tourist shop!'. And, in all of my infinite wisdom and tact replied, 'shut up, you're stupid!' Too harsh? Eh. Maybe. Really though, how dare she, how apparently fab are they?!?!? But she soon came to agree with my opinion that they are actually super fly. Funny how that works, isn't it? Huh, go figure. Well, anyway, the key to these, is HOW you show 'em. groupings actually make them stand out and say, 'hey, look at me, I'm gorgeous'. Okay well not literally, but they do look gorgeous in clusters as we've done here. And, if you should choose to pick us one and hang him solo, just make sure that you don't have like a South Beach-to-death room full of other sea themed items and you should be fine.
$19.95 ea







I still believe that placed cautiously and correctly, animal print is an asset to any room's design. But that's part of my rant regarding last post- so Ill refrain from going off on a tangent about that (because I would never steer off course from the subject at hand). What I want you to see are the runners that we just got in. They are small and cute and CHEAP (ha! I knew that would wake you up!!!). Plus, their light weight makes them great for layering. Oooooo, I heart that idea.
From $60.00

Okay these are great. I've carried them for years and lots of you have bought them. And after a long hiatus, I decided that they were just one of those fantastic things on so many levels that we just needed to get 'em again and now YOU just need 'em as well. They float... or not, they look great lit... or not, they are realistic looking and work well alone or in groups... really, what more could you ask for?
$5.95 ea

Right. The photo sucks. Got it, thanks. Lemme just tell you that I have these and more than the fact that they are adorable, they are so darn great to use!!! Not that Im clumsy or anything, but lets just say that the stem on a traditional wine glass make for lots of unfortunate happenings in my house. These wine and water (respectively labeled) are practically fool proof! Thank goodness for clever people.
$7.95 ea

What is that?!?!? Ha! This is actually two (one staked on top of the other), wire riser/stands. They are uber cool!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think they are the sort of thing that would be much better placed in a room other than the kitchen. Let you minds wander... hmmm....
$47.00 ea




SO, that's it... for now. But actually there ARE others... but my fingers are tired. Waaaa! Do you love? Who am I kidding, of course you do :)

-J