Friday, April 30, 2010

FAVORITE FIND FRIDAYS

Two shopping "scores" this week:  yesterday, I blogged about the recent Target shoe collaboration, Miss Trish of Capri. THEN, I swung by Target, and ended up with these sassy wedges from their other latest collaboration, Cynthia Vincent for Target. Fantastic stuff. I loved the tan 'n gold (see pathetically grainy phone photo below), and they come in black and yellow too. Did I mention they're only $29.99?


Next up, vintage Vera scarves. I posted this picture last week of a framed Vera scarf, an example of a great way to decorate with scarves around your home

Second shopping score:  when I was out vintage shopping this week, I came across not one, but two vintage Veras! A steal at $9 for 2! I haven't decided how to use them yet, but I have options. Frame or wear?  
What about you? Any great finds this week? Do share!
Target ad image. Cynthia Vincent for Target.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

SUMMER SHOPPING GUIDE: FLIP-FLOPS

I used to be all about heels - the higher the better. Platforms, wedges, stilettos. I wore them on the METRO for crying out loud. But then, one day, I fell off my skyscrapers, plunged through the clouds to earth, and discovered:  there are some FABULOUS flats out there. (Also, falling off of really high heels hurts.) My feet are ever so grateful. But does that mean my fashion is flat too? Not so. Here are some of my favorite flip-flop finds, from Old Navy to Chanel. Go forth and favor your feet.

Lilly Pulitzer Online Store, $88 - $138

Tory Burch Online Store, $45 - 65

Target, $24.99

Chanel Online. See local retailer for prices.

Old Navy Store, $1.99 - $19.55.
J.Crew Online, $24.50 - $59.50.

Saks Fifth Avenue, $39 - $59.

Vinyard Vines Online, $35.

P.S. With apologies, "Ask Sanity Fair" will continue next week - I've had a crazy week, but I'll be back on the job for May!
All images, as attributed above.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

THE MANY MOODS OF MARY MCDONALD

I've adored designer Mary McDonald's work from the first clip I saw in Domino Magazine. She's bold, yet whimsical. Feminine, but stark. Colorful, and somehow subdued. Enjoy.

NEUTRALS


BOLD COLORS



WHIMSY
STARK CONTRASTS



MADAME MCDONALD

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

THE AMAZING ELVA FIELDS

I've blogged about Elva Fields before, and I just keep coming back for more. Which is pretty much my psychological profile when it comes to gems and jangle:  MORE. There's no such thing as TMB - or Too Much Bauble. Pretties? Please! My jewelry "box" turned into drawers a long time ago, and let it be known: I am an equally opportunity purchaser. Those H&M cane-weave bangles are pretty cozy with grandmom's cameo, which is nestling up to a vintage Escada cuff, and that's lying low next to white beads from the Wal-Marts. It's true fashion diversity. So enjoy a few more of my new favorite pieces, from the Elva Fields spring line. (Be forewarned, many of these lovelies are sold out online already, but some are also featured in boutiques country-wide. Find locations on their site.)








P.S. Thanks for all the sweet comments about my interview! Y'all are the best!
All images, Elva Fields.

Monday, April 26, 2010

PAPER AND PEARLS INTERVIEW

My thanks to the lovely Rachel of Paper & Pearls blog and boutique! She interviewed me today about Sanity Fair - and how this little corner of the blogosphere came to be. Check it out HERE; and be sure to visit the rest of her blog and her Etsy shop for some fabulous jewelry!



Images, Paper and Pearls.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

DECORATING WITH... SCARVES

Aside from the odd scarf tied to a handbag, I don't wear them much. After all, I don't drive a convertible, I don't wear a lot of suits, and I'm too young to go the cravat 'n pearls route. BUT... I own a lot of scarves anyway. Vintage (a rare White House design, silks inherited from my grandmothers), designer (Fendi, Hermes) and a sentimental polyester number I bought off the street in Rome. Rather than keep these beauties stashed in the back of my closet, awaiting a dream car purchase or the onset of my golden years, I decided to bring them out in the open, and into my decor. Here are a few inspirations for the home, starting with the king of scarves, Hermes.

STUFF YOUR HERMES - PILLOWS
Aren't these colors fantastic? It's actually a very neutral room, but the feeling is sophisticated and lively. There are only four (count 'em) uses of color - and the Hermes scarf pillow (backed in mocha satin) sets the palette for the room. Design by Robert Brown Interior Designs
Some lovely Hermes pillow options available from Decorati.

A very adult, masculine palette isn't put off by a little scarf scrollwork.

Very elaborate, and traditional, patterns available from Vivre - similar to the one in the picture above.





More gorgeous pillows available from Decorati. I'm head-over for the pink and red combo with tassels!!!

Hermes on Housewives, of all places. Kelly Bensimone, of the Real Housewives of New York City, has two hot pink couches in her living room, chocked full of Hermes pillows. The pillows are completely fabulous, and I'm so sad I couldn't find more pictures to show you. However, you can watch the video of her house tour (including a giant horse, her washer and dryer, and more pillows) HERE.
Here's a mid-century modern mix with Hermes. Although the scarf is elaborate, the color scheme does match the chair. A little - not totally sold on this one!

Large Hermes cushions - you'll need at least three scarves, one for the front, one for the back, and another for the sides (just be emotionally prepared to cut it up!). The look is stupendous. Not sure about the rest of this room. Are zebra bridles really a great use for your Twillys?

HANG YOUR HERMES
I love the idea of framing and hanging scarves. They often make beautiful, abstract patterns, and you can indulge in color combinations and designs you wouldn't necessarily want to wear. Here, an art deco inspired framed Hermes scarf gives a jolt of color to a quiet living room. This image is, of course, from Domino.

And don't make the scarf shine alone - I love this whimsical, lime green chinoiserie frame, done by Dose of Design!

An Hermes scarf in a traditional frame. Notice how the scarf border creates an instant mat.

A beautiful use of a framed Hermes scarf in Ivanka Trump's New York apartment (from Blue Hydrangea). The various blues and greens in the room all come together in that scarf.

       OTHER DESIGNERS
      Graphic prints with Louis Vuitton...

A bright Vera scarf, courtesy Little Green Notebook.

Pucci patterns are fantastic in a room - here are some options in pillows and as wall art
The famous vintage store Decades, located in Melrose Heights, L.A., decorated their walls with Pucci scarves.
Try Ouno Design for pillows made from vintage scarves (including the recent olympics, Japanese fabrics, and Peter Perritt).
SOURCES:  all images, as linked above.