Because style is about more than just the clothes you wear....

I looked and these are the only things that I thought were cute.  CUTE- that's it, cute.  If it weren't for Cindy Moleh Moleh Mole, I wouldn't even pause, BUT it is her and she gets the wholelifestyle thing so...

It's about the way that you live!  I heard this on a commercial with her loveliness, the 1980s face of Beauty itself, the only person to ever really make a facial blemish a must have, the incomparable Mrs. Cindy Ann Crawford!  Don't you just hate her!!!  I mean, love her because she's her, but hate that she's stunning AND successful, AND obviously now super intelligent- UUUGH! I mean, come on, there's gotta be something wrong with her (and I just know if I put my mind to it I could figure it out... just gimme a second... NO!  I don't wanna!  I wont!  I LOVES her!).  Oooo- sorry... tangent!  Ok, the point is that, she made a VERY good, and VERY rare observation.  Style IS comprehensive!  It's something that should saturate ever aspect of your life-  not be a front that shown when you're in public and shed upon entering your home.  Now, as for her line of home accessories and goods- I have yet to see and sample in person.   Rest assured though, I WILLS!  Lets pray to the lord that its as good as she claims (otherwise Ima be forced to tell you!).  But I digress AGAIN!  Ok, therefore, our first ever, True Style Award of The Minute goes to Cindy!  Moving forward let me know if you think of someone else who also embodies style completely (bedsides moi!).  Yay Cindy...!  

-J

A before and after- cuz you just cant get enough of 'em!

Why am I stuck at the worlds worst computer right now? Curses!!! Well, if I cant upload the pics right now, let me at least tell you this much: what you see above is the before pic of the Sanborn's Family Room Space. The Sanborns are a young, stylistically savvy, brilliantly energetic, modern family with a hint of urban edge- you'd LOVE 'em! When we first met, Sigrid (mommy) Scott (daddy) and their twin girls, we could tell that they were a bit nervous about the prospect of a Filthy Gorgeous Room. But after a few meetings and a brief presentation of what we envisioned, their nerves calmed and the excitement grew. They wanted a cozy but open, modern yet classic, easy and elegant, time collected, budget conscious, eclectic though coherent, (fewh!) feel. In addition, there were several pieces (2 LARGE sofas, a wall-to-wall built-in Entertainment unit, pair of leather chairs, and a mid-cent. modern side table) which, for various reasons, needed to remain and be worked into the spaces. Oh, AND the spacES are actually one large room that needed to function as two separate roomS. Oh, AND, we would soon realize that actually it needed to serve as THREE distinct spaces! Oh oh AND, this 'time collected look' needed to be ready for install in a single day a mere three months away, duh! So I says, NO problem, we got this! Ha! Anyway, stay tuned (Ill upload soon as I get home tomorrow to a much more reliable computer, MINE!) for the transformation pics of the project... hee hee, yay...!

-J

wonders, dreamies, and treaty treasures:

So, I wanted you to be the first to see the latest collection to arrive to FG (so now you cant say that I never gave you anything).  So many little wonders, dreamies, treaty treasures and snippets of nostalgic bliss... too much?  Gimme a break!  Im in love with them all- I can hardly contain myself!!!  Of course these are available right now at FG, BUT, you know the drill: first come, first serve!  So, get on it!!!

Vintage Teak Wood Capitals/Finials:

What can I say?  Weathered to perfection, classic shape, warm and yet contemporary... delicious!  Wouldn't these look fab-you nestled beneath a pair of lamps on a console, or flanking a largish piece of statuary, or tucked into a shelf of old books, or running down the center of your dining table or... someone stop me!  19"x7" $195.00/pair

Antique Scalloped Marble Bowl:

 First things first, I live for a scalloped edge, it's just, well, it's just... pretty!  And, to tell you the truth, this particular scalloped piece almost went straight to MY own filthy (usually) gorgeous (occasionally) home!  Im just tickled by how perfect it is. Seriously, pieces like this are perfect for almost ANY space because they are versatile- modern or classic, they fit and look fantastic!  Id love to see this really used like a catch all (keys, spare change, etc) at a front door console/station (That's a great idea J!  Oh, no problem, you're welcome!)  $99.00 14"d.

Antique English Alarm Clock:

Ok, now I understand that not everyone will 'get this'.  In fact most of you are probably saying, 'ummm... huh?'.    I know.  But hear me out, this is for the savvier design ingenues.  Yes, I said it!  Its frumpy, its funky but it is FANTASTIC!  And, for those who would be so bold, dare I say, it would be a great start to what could make a phenomenal collection...!  $45.00  7"d.

Antique Quan Yin Statuettes:

 Not everyone is a fan of incorporating religious iconography into their living space- especially if it depicts images from 'another' faith tradition.  Well I say, get over it!  I purchase pieces for their aesthetic value and can promise you that you would be hard pressed to find something more peaceful, serene and just plain lovely than a religious depiction (well, usually that is, I suppose they also can be quite gory, but we're not discussing that particular type right now, so...).  Anywho, these tow are gor-JISS!!!  7" X 3.5"  $99.00 & 17" $299.00

Vintage Large Seashells:

  

Some may ask, aren't sea shells over?  I say, how dare you.  EVERY space needs a bit of the nature to complete it- EVERY SPACE!  And, one more thing, fake, ceramic or resin coral and sea life IS NOT THE SAME AS THE REAL THING!  If you're super ecologically minded (good for you, that makes up for me) go for vintage pieces like these instead of fresh ones, and I say, bigger is better.  Make a statement, just don't make 9 or 10 statements!  12"-17" $39.00-$99.00 depending...

Antique Storage Baskets:

 If you really need an explanation as to why these are fantastic finds, then you need to be reading another blog!  Come on- functional, textural, beautiful, and Lula likes them- reason enough for me.  22w x 13d x 7h  -  32w x 21d x 18h  $69.00-$160.00 depending

Antique Wood Carved Riser:

                                   Ooooo the possibilities!  How cute would this be in your kitchen on the counter with a great bowl of fruit on top?  Oooo oooo, or as a platform to display the fantastical Quan Yin Head (from above)???  Lllloves it!!!  OR, as a small foot stool/rest tucked near the base of your sofa... UGH YES!!!  12"sq x 7"h $45.00

Antique Giant Glass Canisters:

 Picture it- flanking a huge cut-glass mirror, or posted at the ends of your mantle, OR a single canister on your coffee table, with a few inches of water and a super sparse, easy to make, arrangement of yard clippings leaning inside of the glass, huh?!?!?!  My hear is palpitating, I love!  10"d x 18"h  $99.00ea.

Antique/Vintage Madonna Art:

                                                                     Ok, so we've already discussed the reason for religious art (beyond the whole 'actual' reason thing).  I just cant get enough of it.  Is that creepy or weird?  Whatever, it's SO beautiful, look at her face!  The peacefulness is almost enough to calm ME down... you too, right?  Right!  20" x 16" - 28" x 22"   $150.00-$195.00 depending 

Vintage Frameless Mirrors:

 A super cute alternative to a huge mirror is a collection of several smaller mirrors.  Just make sure to keep the collection cohesive with, for example a common thread like frameless-ness.  Donchu just love that idea?  Of course you do, ha!                           18" x 39" - 19" x 10" $185.00-$99.00

So there are some things for you to salivate over... but don't just salivate!  Get out there and make it happen!  Whats that saying about The Lord helps those who help themselves..." or something like that..?  Ugh, I dont know but you get the idea.  I can only lead you to the water, I cant make you drink!  Ooop, there goes another one, lemme stop while Im ahead.  Holla!

-J

The Must Haves that you MUST HAVE- Right NOW!

All right all right all right! I promised you that I would and Im about to make good on my word. Here is a list of the little goodies that you absolutely must have right this second! They are delightful, delicious and delovely, and afordable available and of course adorable. Now all of these are of couse available at FG, but with a bit of determination Im sure you can locate most of these in your own neighborhood. So, without further ado, here are the goods:

1. Teeny Tiny Bird Vase: This little sweety-tweety is seriously like 3"x3"- SO FRIGGIN CUTE UGH!!! You need this because at $5.00 the hand blown glass cutie is a steal! Makes a great hostess gift OR in a grouping (a flock if you will) they're an adorable accent for YOUR home :)





2. Pumpkin/Gour Candles: Depending on the size(s) that you purchase, these can work bee-utifully independently, in groupings or sprinkled throughout a mixture of real pumpkins. AND, like the real thing, they too will last from Sep-Nov! And think of how fantastic they would look littered down the center of your table burning softly during your holiday meals... YUMMMY!!! So for their versatility AND longevity these goodies are a DEFINITE MUST HAVE. Now depending on where you buy, prices will vary, as shown:$12.50-36.50


3. Poisonous Decanter and Glasses: While some of us may apprecaite the actual intended purpose of this piece, others may be too good for that sort of thing... and that's ok (more for me!). Whats important is that you get how fabulous it is from an aesthetic perspective! So get it! Etched with skull and cross-bones and labeled 'HEMLOCK' or 'ABSINTHE' on the reverse- I mean, how could you NOT love 'em?!?!? Come on dont be sucha prude, you gotta at least love the whimsy! Anywho, the glassed themselves would also be fall-tastic as votive holders- oh and BTW, ANOTHER adorable hostess gift!!! $47.95 & $9.95ea.




4. Happy Halloween Box-o-Matches: Alright I REALLY loves this. They made my heart feel fuzzy and my lips curl into a giddy little school girl smile!!! Ahh... love...! Ok, but why is this SO great and why do you NEED it SO badly? Listen to this- $3.95 a box!!! Get yourself a real/live baby pumpkin and wrap the whole thing up in a raffia bow... gurl you have an inexpensive but GOR-JISSSS hostess gift! OR, wouldnt that memory making, carving of the jack-o-lantern with the kids be that much more special with special candle lighting Halloween matches- trust me, thats the cheezy stuff they remember- bless thier little hearts!




5. Autumn Leaves: We've already been over this one so Im not goint to say much... who am I kidding? Ha! Git up, go out and get youself some leaves!!! GO! NOW!!! And for those of you who pride yourselves on being 'frugalistas' (and TRUST me we will be chatting about that very soon!), at the very least, go drive round the neighborhood and find a colorful tree and cut yourself an arrangement! And if its in someone's yard or a park or anywhere but your own backyard- for God's sake, dont get caught! As shown: 1 1/2 bunches shown, $15.00 p/bunch



6. Vintage Masquerade: Who doesnt like to play dress up? Now be honest cuz you know you do too! And even if you dont, you cant escape it this time of year! These are seriously brilliant! $4.50ea. and you have both a piece you can wear AND a piece you can decorate with! Can you make them out? Click on the pic and view it larger, you gotta see how great these are!!!! I heart the way these have been tossed into a bare branch like the last leaves waiting to be blown down... ahhh :)






7. A touch of color: So many colors to see and so many to pick from at this time of year. Call me boring, but Im loving the classics right now. Adding a sparse arrangement of rose hips (for example) can be an elegant and subtle way to introduce intense colors, like orange, into your space. And to be quite honest, depending on the container that you use to hold them, they could very well carry on throughout the year! This antique harvest basket is a fantastic way to display the clippings for months to come! $12.50 p/stem




8. PUMPKINS: Orange, white, Cinderellas, Blue, Cheese... oh my! Fresh from the grower and grouped together for impact, Pumpkins are arguably The design element of Autumn! Dont forget, the key is either variety OR strict monochromatic arrangements heartily disperssed throughout your space. Singles are, well... lonely! $5.95-$9.96ea.

Much ado about autumn:

I just had a conversation with a client who was, well, exasperated. Poor girl has been running herself ragged the last few weeks trying to get into the season and make her house feel fall-tastic. She was telling me about all of the design tragedies she’s been having and before I interrupted her ramblings with the obvious, ‘that’s what you get for not calling me to begin with’ I thought to myself, ‘self, lemme do a good deed and help this little lovely out.' So, we went through the whole KISS explanation (apparently she had not kept up with her FGL Blog posts- strike TWO!), and then I pulled together a few must-haves (calm it! Ill do the same for you in tomorrows post), and finally I clued her into an obvious but often overlooked autumn decorating secret- pumpkins! Yes, pumpkins. What’s so different about using pumpkins. Well, think about it- more often than not people think of pumpkins as a Halloween element. BUT, it can actually carry you through thanksgiving, right? RIGHT! ‘But how can I carry my pumpkin purchases on after Halloween is over Jonathan’- that’s you. Easy- that's me. When purchasing pumpkins, look for unique colors, shapes and size variations. Collections should be varied and should not be limited by the selection offered at your nearest supermarket- don’t be lazy! If you don’t live near a grower/patch that offers optionS do some research and find some. Really! And then, place groupings throughout your home- about the corners of table legs, on the floor between arm chairs, on counter tops, in urns and bowls, etc etc etc. If pumpkins and fall leaves are the extent of your fall time décor, go all out and do it right. Nothing says bah-humbug like a single pumpkin posted all alone at the front door!

-J

KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid:

As much as it pains me to accept it, the fact of the matter is that we are, yet again, at ‘that time of year.’ The weather is beginning to change, gatherings are becoming more frequent, and the holidays are upon us! We’ll have lots to discuss over the coming months regarding holiday decorating and such, BUT today’s entry will cover a very basic understanding that (when embraced) will serve you VERY well! When creating seasonal arrangements for tables, credenzas, consoles, etc, I’m gonna tell you one thing- KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid! I’ve seen it all! And, as a general rule, people who are not floral designers ARE NOT FLORAL DESIGNERS. And yet, they are usually the ones that refuse to pay for a designer to make an arrangement for them! Well, if that’s you (tell the truth and shame the devil!) my advice is to avoid overdoing it. Go for basic (not wicker cornucopias spewing an assortment of fruits and veggies and flowers and nick nack pati waks, I said BASIC! Come on now!) combinations of tonal or mono chromatic groupings in interesting containers. For more drama, go for great height over exotic blooms. In the arrangements above Mercury Glass Vases have been filled with 48” fall leave cuttings- THAT’S it. The arrangements are dramatic, elegant, current, and will carry through Thanksgiving! No Chrysanthemums, no sun flowers, no fruit clusters necessary. KISS it baby!!!

-J

The Great Rug Debacle…

Now I dont have a pic to go with this particular lesson so here's one of Huge and Lu, they are FILTHY GORGEOUS, so there :-P
-J

Our lesson for today is to spend smart. Now, don’t misread me- I said, smart, not don’t spend at all. I’ve encountered that situation all too often. And let me just say, nothing is more pathetic than a shopper who is so afraid of making the wrong purchase that they just don’t purchase all together. It’s pitiful and sad… really… just sad. Aaanywho, as I’ve said before, the trick is to be sure you’re purchasing the right thing. Easier said than done, you say? Well here, lemme give you a personal example, when I got my first apartment, I scrimped and saved and bought a super beautiful rug for my living room. At the time (back in the day) I spent $1500.00. I was SO proud- yes, of a rug, don’t judge! After 2 weeks of cushy bliss my best friend spilled a glass of grape juice all over it and I was DEVASTATED (as this was pre-Oxicleaning type products). My rug, my beautiful, supple, plush, buttery, make you just wanna roll around on it all day long, beautiful, beautiful rug had been horribly disfigured. Oh the harah of it! Hang on, gimme a minute…
The moral of this tragedy is simple: when you got clumsy oafs for friends, don’t buy $1500.00 rugs! IKEA- take me away!!! Ha! I keed! But seriously, the lesson was to invest wisely! If you’re budget conscious (and who among us is not- well, either that or just cheap) what the hells are you doing buying that sort of rug??? Now, for those of you who require a more simplistic explanation see the following:

Worth Investing In:
-Seating (classic shapes and neutral color ways)
-Mattress (per your specific taste, but trust me your back will thank you later!)
-Media/Gadgetry (remember, form is JUST as important as function here, look for balance and product reliability!)
-Antiques/Vintage (nearly all going to be one of a kind, and are timeless, buy what you love!)

NOT Worth Investing In (at least for the more frugally minded among us):
-Rugs (!!do I really need to say more?)
-Top/Cover Linens (unless you collect, this is something that changes with the season, so only spend as much as you’re willing to move on from regularly)
-Reproductions (they are knock offs! Why should you pay as much/more for them as the originals?)
-Pet Furniture (really???)

-J