Archive for the ‘Fabulous Finds’ Category

Show Me The Goods…

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

We’re back from the Atlanta Gift Show with lots of wonderful stems and vases for our new Spring/Summer 2011 collection.  Even in this challenging economy, designers are still introducing new product and we’re happy to say that the showrooms were busy.

HomArt - An Array of Allium

HomArt - An Array of Allium

One of our perennial favorite sources of inspiration is HomArt- not only because Dave Thomas, one of the owners, strolls the streets of the Marais in Paris for the latest and greatest in home decor trends, but also because the showroom never fails to please the senses.

HomArt - Bring on The Dirt

HomArt - Bring on The Dirt

We especially loved this season’s garden theme with metal wind charms, wall vases and hanging terrariums.

HomArt - Glorious Garden

HomArt - Glorious Garden

HomArt - Wall Spheres

HomArt - Wall Spheres

Another great place to find a colorful mix of unique gifts and accessories is Diana White and Associates.  For over 32 years, Diana has hand-picked products that exemplify both style and originality and displays them in a charming fashion.

Diana White - Jan Sevadjian Albums

Diana White - Jan Sevadjian Albums

Diana White - Harvey & Strait Napkins

Diana White - Harvey & Strait Napkins

Finally, a trip to the Atlanta show without a visit to La Maisonette for that certain “je ne sais quoi” would truly be a waste.  Jean and Portia Marque’s lively French Jacquards, custom-designed lamps and hand-made Louis XVI style furniture are beautifully presented in a boutique-like setting.

La Maisonette - Jacquards, Lamps and Furniture

La Maisonette - Jacquards, Lamps and Furniture

After a full day of shopping, we stopped by what has become our favorite little “resto – cafe – bar a vins” down the street from the Mart for the most delicious French fare and a chilled bottle of Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes de Provence.  We were so excited when we found out that the Bastille Day menu included cuisses de grenouilles, feuillete d’escargots and moules et frites that we came back the next day – what better way to celebrate French independence than with “liberte, fraternite andbeaucoup de rose!”

Chicken Liver Toast -Yum!

Chicken Liver Toast -Yum!

Tarte Tatin with Rosemary Ice Cream - Double Yum!

Tarte Tatin with Rosemary Ice Cream - Double Yum!

We’ve been sworn to secrecy by many of our vendors not to divulge the name of this cozy neighborhood bistro (after all, they have to spend a week selling their wares in crowded showrooms and deserve a quiet dinner!) but if you email us and plead, we might let you know how to find it!

Photos from yours truly, La Maisonette and a restaurant that will go unnamed for now!

Heavenly Hydrangeas

Friday, July 2nd, 2010
Hydrangeas on the Cape

Hydrangeas on the Cape

Summer’s underway and we’re all looking forward to a bit of beach fun on the Cape at the end of the month.  One of our favorite things to do once we get there is stroll the lively and colorful (some are beyond colorful!) streets of Provincetown.  Naturally, our eyes gravitate toward the charming cottages and B&B’s which line the lanes, bordered by climbing roses and the most heavenly of summer flowers – hydrangeas.

PVE - Purple Hydrangea

PVE - Purple Hydrangea

Sadly, hydrangea blossoms once cut from the bush rarely last beyond a day (unless they’re a Diane James design, of course!) so perhaps these beauties would be better as accessories than the real thing…

Ineke Otte - Hydrangea Necklace

Ineke Otte - Hydrangea Necklace

Neiman Marcus - Outdoor Pillows

Neiman Marcus - Outdoor Pillows

Nordstrom - Born 'Hydrangea' Sandal

Nordstrom - Born 'Hydrangea' Sandal

Cambria Cove - Michael Aram Hydrangea Frames

Cambria Cove - Michael Aram Hydrangea Frames

Photos from yours truly, PVE, Klimt02, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Cambria Cove

Let’s Go Shopping: Ocean House Home

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

For those of you who are spending some time at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI, this summer and need a little time away from all the luxuries the hotel has to offer, just down the road and next to the best coffee in town (brewed hourly by Betsy at Watch Hill Coffee Company) is Ocean House Home.

Ocean House Home

Ocean House Home

Housed in what was once an antique brick firehouse, Ocean House Home is now the new shopping destination for locals and visitors alike.  Whether you’re looking for a perfect hostess gift, have to have the latest in swimwear or just need to spruce up your home or wardrobe, this is the place!

Home Accessories Galore!

Home Accessories Galore!

Lovely Living Topiaries and Lilly Pulitzer Swimwear

Lovely Living Topiaries and Lilly Pulitzer Swimwear

With lovely luxuries like Balbianello cashmere wraps, Patricia Spratt Home table linens and Seda France candles and room fragrances, who go wrong?

Fabulous Fragrance and Snappy Shoes

Fabulous Fragrance and Snappy Shoes

And let’s not forget the latest fashions by Tory Burch, Elizabeth McKay, Manuel Canovas and Lilly Pulitzer with Meg Carter jewelry to accessorize in style!

Tennis or Golf Anyone?

Tennis or Golf Anyone?

If tearing yourself away from the serene and elegant atmosphere of the Ocean House hotel is too much trouble – you’re in luck!  Ocean House Home also has a boutique in the lobby.  So get your credit cards out, girls, and let’s go shopping!

Ocean House Home Boutique

Ocean House Home Boutique

Photos from your truly

 

 

Hello Mother, Hello Father…

Friday, June 4th, 2010

As we begin get out the trunks and pack our boys up for summer camp, we can’t help but be a bit jealous.  Who wouldn’t want to spend some time by a lake - waterskiing and horseback riding, doing craft projects and improvisational skits, singing songs by the campfire and making shadow puppets for nightly entertainment (the cabins have no electricity – yikes!)?  And while we’ll miss them a whole bunch, we know they’ll come back with smiles on their faces, loads of stories and dirty laundry and perhaps a friendship bracelet or two, some tie-dye t-shirts, and (dare we hope?) a macrame cozy or pan holder…

Patchwork - Himilayan Snow Pillow

Patchwork - Himilayan Snow Pillow

Paper Crafts - Daisy Chain Necklace

Paper Crafts - Daisy Chain Necklace

Weaving - Patricia Urquiola Crinoline Chair

Weaving - Patricia Urquiola Crinoline Chair

Metal Shop - Desert Rose Locker

Metal Shop - Desert Rose Locker

Tie-Dye - Aurora Bowl

Tie-Dye - Aurora Bowl

Macrame - Knotted Milati Hanging Chair

Macrame - Knotted Milati Hanging Chair

Photos from Sylvie Pillows, EmersonMade, Premiere Designers, FT – How To Spend It, Elle Decor and Anthropologie

Pink + Orange = One Perfect Party

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

While trying to come up with a theme for a summer birthday bash, we keep coming back to this gorgeous table we saw at Spring Awakening last month inspired by the Broadway show, Flower Drum Song.

Flower Drum Song at Spring Awakenings

Table Designed by Gerald Charles Tolomeo, Ltd.

Nothing quite says “fiesta” like this color combination so if we throw a pink and orange party this summer, here’s what we would do.  Send out great invitations…

Custom Stationery by MaeMae Paperie

Custom Stationery by MaeMae Paperie

Bake a couple of cakes…

Pretty Cakes by Martha Stewart

Pretty Cakes by Martha Stewart

Create beautiful bouquets…

Dr. Delphinium Bridal Bouquet

Dr. Delphinium Bridal Bouquet

Paint our nails (like our friend, Stephanie, does – pink on the hands, orange on the toes!)…

Essie - Clam Bake and Fiesta

Essie - Clam Bake and Fiesta

And recline on pillows while sipping champagne cocktails…

Camilla Meijer Pillow - Rose

Camilla Meijer Pillow - Rose

Moet Cocktails for Sex and The City 2

Moet Cocktails for Sex and The City 2

Hope all your parties are festive fiestas this summer!

Photos from yours truly, Elements of Style, Martha Stewart, Dr. Delphinium, Essie, The Digilistas, and Camilla Meijer Design

Lilac Love

Friday, May 21st, 2010

On warm spring days (but not too warm that AC is a must - we had some of those days in April!), we turn on our attic fan and let the evening breeze gently cool down the house.  The Miss Kim lilacs are in bloom just under our bedroom window and on those nights when the fan is on, their delicious, sweet scent fills the room.

Lovely Lilac from Colour Me Happy

Lovely Lilac from Colour Me Happy

Everywhere we turn, the lilacs are in bloom, their purple hue adding depth and richness to our landscapes and our lives.  If decorating your home with armfuls of blossoming branches is not in your future, how about one of these lilac-colored lovelies?

John Derian - Clematis Glass Tray

John Derian - Clematis Glass Tray

Marc Blackwell - Fleur de Lee Charger

Marc Blackwell - Fleur de Lee Charger

Manuel Canovas - Bastide in Parme

Manuel Canovas - Bastide in Parme

Red Valentino - Silk and Wool Twinset

Red Valentino - Silk and Wool Twinset

Peter Vaughn - Lilac Walls

Peter Vaughn - Lilac Walls

Wishing you a lilac-filled Friday!

Photos from Colour Me Happy, John Derian, Marc Blackwell, Manuel Canovas, Net-A-Porter and House Beautiful

Let’s Go Shopping: Olive & Cocoa

Friday, May 14th, 2010
Olive & Cocoa's Online Home Page

Olive & Cocoa's Online Home Page

We get a deluge of catalogs (perhaps because we shop so much?) so it’s rare to come across one that stands out from the crowd and really catches our attention.  But Olive & Cocoa did just that last month when we received Bella Madre 2010.

Jemma Blooms Apron

Jemma Blooms Apron

Paris Sticky Notes

Paris Sticky Notes

Olive & Cocoa is the brainchild of a husband and wife team of direct marketing professionals, Greg and Lisa Berglund.  Using their extensive experience with companies like Frontgate, Disney and Ballard, this dynamic duo has created a unique source for those looking for that special, thoughtful gift.

Eloise Bouquet

Eloise Bouquet

Archipelago Pomegranate Spa Set

Archipelago Pomegranate Spa Set

From gourmet food crates, to inspired decor, whimsical fashion accessories and dare we say, real floral arrangements (gasp!), each Olive & Cocoa gift comes gracefully packaged inside a handcrafted wood box and dressed with an elegant satin ribbon.

And the best part - the gift wrap is free!

Green Pearl Jasmine Candle

Green Pearl Jasmine Candle

After spending some time poring over the beautifully edited Mother’s Day collection, we told our husbands that we would welcome any present from this delightful company…

Guess who got lucky last weekend?

A Sweet Mother's Day Gift

A Sweet Mother's Day Gift

So the next time we need to say Happy Birthday, Thank You or I Love You, we know where we’ll go shopping – Olive & Cocoa, of course!

Photos from Olive & Cocoa

Guest Blogger Claire: Fashion on Top

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Here’s another wonderful post from our intrepid 12-year-old fashionista!

In case you have not noticed, floral accessories are extremely “in” this year.  Notice that I did not use the word “season”.  That is because florals have been “in” for SEASONS!  They got lucky, you could say.  Everyone knew that the 70′s GoGo boots were never going to work forever.

Forever 21 - Haute Rosette Headband

Forever 21 - Haute Rosette Headband

I am going to focus this entry on FLORAL HAIR ACCESSORIES.  Personally, I think a woman or girl can never have enough of these.  These simple beauties can transform a boring, bland outfit into one that is unique and eye-catching.  Have nothing to wear? Just put on a black tee with a pair of dark wash jeans…add a flower accessory, and voila!  You have a fashion statement.  Don’t be shy!  You might think that you have a head that doesn’t please the headband; but, I will tell you that there is a flower for everyone.

Anthropologie - From A Seed Clip

Anthropologie - From A Seed Clip

Here’s the “heads-up” on some favorites:

Anthropologie - Florist's Pick Clip

Anthropologie - Florist's Pick Clip

Forever 21 - Mesh Flower Headband

Forever 21 - Mesh Flower Headband

Nordstrom - Tasha Fluttering Flower Headband

Nordstrom - Tasha Fluttering Flower Headband

Forever 21 - Lacquered Flower Clip

Forever 21 - Lacquered Flower Clip

And here are some celebrities showing off their “flower power”:

Fabulous Choice, Rihanna!

Fabulous Choice, Rihanna!

An Amazing, Creative One-of-a-Kinder!

An Amazing, Creative One-of-a-Kinder!

Ms. Hilton

Ms. Hilton

So you see, there are many different flower choices, each as unique and special as the person who wears them.  Wearing floral hair accessories always make me feel confident, “fashion forward,” and “heads above the rest”.  (Which is funny since I am only 4’9″!!)

Have fun picking yours !!!!
- Claire

Necessary Luxury: Mustardseed & Moonshine

Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Floral Ramekins

Floral Ramekins

Named after two delightful sprites in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mustardseed & Moonshine creates hand-made porcelain tableware as unique as it is beautiful.  Made by hand in a small Cape Town studio under the discerning eye of founder and designer Kate Carlyle, these true-to-nature botanical designs turn any table into Monet’s garden.

Delphinium Plates and Bowls

Delphinium Plates and Bowls

When setting a springtime table, we love adding an element of charm and whimsy – a Mustardseed & Moonshine charger, plate or ramekin is a necessary luxury to complete the look (see our post on Diane’s table setting at Neiman Marcus last month).  Each hand-made and hand-painted petal, stamen, stem and leaf is based on a real flower and each piece takes 17 artisans over 15 days to create.  Though delicate in appearance, these beauties are dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe.

Rock Rose Collection

Rock Rose Collection

The more we learned about this company, the more we loved their story.  Not only do the employees consider themselves as “family”, most are women with school-aged children without previous artistic experience, who have been trained in this company’s unique methods and are given a lifelong skill.  We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a special giveaway this week of Mustardseed & Moonshine’s exquisite tulip dipping set – perfect for springtime entertaining!

Tulip Chip and Dip

Tulip Chip and Dip

All you need to do is send your name and address to TheBuzz.Giveaway@gmail.com and write “M&M Tulip” in the subject line.  Only one entry per giveaway is allowed and all entries must be received by 11:59 pm EST on Saturday, May 8th, 2010.  The winner will be announced on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9th, 2010.  And please don’t worry, we will not share your address with any other parties or use it for any other purpose but to send you your prize!

Tulip Plates, Cups and Bowls

Tulip Plates, Cups and Bowls

A big thank you to Diane Seidle, who launched Mustardseed & Moonshine in the US five years ago, for bringing such beauty to our tables!  See Diane’s interview from The New York International Gift Fair here and see how the artisans create their wonderful wares here.  For more information about where to find Mustardseed & Moonshine or to buy online, please visit their website here.

Photos from Mustardseed & Moonshine

Flipping For These Flops

Friday, April 30th, 2010

They say we might get into the 70′s by this weekend so it’s time to break out those favorite flip-flops.  Rather than settling for basic sandals (you know the kind that have been around since 4000 BC – guess those ancient Egyptians didn’t like all that hot sand!), we’re leaning towards these fab florals instead…

Enzo Angiolini "Fiama" Sandal

Enzo Angiolini "Fiama" Sandal

Chanel - Camellia Flip-Flop

Chanel - Camellia Flip-Flop

Manolo Blahnik "Patricia" Thong

Manolo Blahnik - "Patricia" Thong

Prada - Flower Thong

Prada - Flower Thong

Loeffler Randall - Flower Sandal

Loeffler Randall - Flower Sandal

Kate Spade - "Bianca" Sandal

Kate Spade - "Bianca" Sandal

The last three aren’t technically flip-flops but they’re so cute, aren’t they?

Photos from Nordstrom, Chanel, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Barneys and Net-A-Porter