AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

A few scenes from a recent trip out West...

And while in Red Lodge, Montana, I dropped in on a little shop called Whispering Pines. I'm not a Western/Outdoorsy style myself, but I love great style in any flavor! I was so tempted by the silver bear salt and peppers, and the branch utensils too.

And this pheasant center piece embellished with acorns.

A reindeer decanter.

A lovely old sleigh turned into a settee.

These stools covered in Uzbek rugs are charming, and pick up a Native American vibe.

Antlers!

And a farm wagon? Cart? Becomes a homey table.

Whispering Pines, 12 S Broadway, Red Lodge, MT, (406) 446-1470.

/Images/all my own. Please request permission to repost/

RALPH LAUREN AND THE BLOGGERS

Bloggers on home design represent an unusually divergent field of faithful - after all, everyone lives in houses, so why not figure out how to live in them better? It's not always the degree that certifies a tastemaker. The resume is incidental - just like Go Remy says:

"I've got an MBA!"
"Ah - business administration?"
"NO! I got a Master's in Be'n Amaz'n!"

Anyway, so I was thrilled with the results of the Ralph Lauren/Bloomingdale's blogger designs and their four great picks to style their products. But, I would have been even MORE thrilled with a few of the lawyers/flamenco dancers/stay-at-home moms from blogger-land to represent. That's the only thing I could find to complain about with this campaign, though - it's fabulous (just scroll and say "ahhh").

Since I'm writing from DC, where introductions don't end with your name but your job title, here's the Ralph Lauren blogger ad campaign, CVs included.

Michelle Adams - formerly of M.A. Belle, now founder and blogger at Lonny (Resume:  Domino, Rubie Green founder)

Marisa Marcantonio of Stylebeat (Resume:  House Beautiful, O at Home)

Jennifer Boles of The Peak of Chic (Resume:  Finance)

Eddie Ross of Eddie Ross - the blog (Resume: Food Network, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, Top Design tv show, online entrepreneur) 

/Images/Bloomingdales/

MAKE IT LIKE MARY MCDONALD

My favorite decor book right now is Mary McDonald's INTERIORS: The Allure of Style. It's a luscious, luxurious feast for the eyes, and there isn't a page I wouldn't like to step into, Alice-through-looking-glass style.

This room, a child's room, is one of the more popular images from McDonald's portfolio. The charming mix of green, pink, and pagodas is a winner. The individual pieces are unique enough that it would be a tough look to emulate - or that's what I thought until I came across a beautiful armoire (the Julia) at Home Decorators.

Despite lacking the beautiful fretwork of McDonald's top-of-the-line piece, this armoire has exactly the same look - and it's stunning with a few just right accessories!

Jacque Wall Brackets/Ballard Designs

Julia Armoire/Home Decorators

Gourd Petite Vases/Furbish Studio

White Ceramic Pagoda/Horchow

Green and White Bolster Pillows/The Bolster Queen, Etsy

Vintage Green Wall Prints/Belleoccio, Etsy

French Louis Style Chair/Ebay

Would you try this at home?

/Images/Mary McDonald room, House Beautiful/Shopping, companies as attributed/

LOVING LILLY HOME

How lovely (and on trend) is the new Lilly Pulitzer home collection? Horchow and Neiman Marcus are both offering a selection of dining, living, and accent furniture in Palm Beach style. I'll take it all!

Enjoy (and don't miss the cheerful lizard wallpaper).

Be sure to check out her bedding over at Garnet Hill!

/Images/companies as attributed/

NO-LABOR DAY

I'm in love with this bathroom by Alessandra Branca - so luxurious. Have a lovely no-Labor Day!

/Image/Alessandra Branca/