Beach Style


The making of the Faconnable Spring/Summer 2010 ad campaign. We can't get enough of it. My Friend Jenny from JJScholl described it best. "What a dreamy way to start a weekend...a laissez fair weekend"  Make sure you check out the JJScholl blog as well. http://jjscholl.wordpress.com  
  

             


For over 42 years, Polo Ralph Lauren built a brand based on quality, integrity and a wholesome American lifestyle. Recently, Ralph Lauren unveiled his newest store on the Boulevard Saint Germain in Paris- one of the Company’s largest and most exquisite stores in the world. This photo encompasses the American Lifestyle in the heart of Paris, the RL patio. Who wouldn’t want to have dinner in this setting? Just in time for rethinking our outdoor environments.



Most everyone knows I love the beach style. This explains the sand in my living room. The Walter Wicker Exterior furniture line also exemplifies this laid back style. It's comfortable without being messy and would be a great addition to any outdoor setting.
 
Often outdoor space are lacking accessories. Think of them as a room, they need conversational areas, focal points, lighting, objects of interest, and more than likely, beautiful foliage. I like to place planted urns around, they are easy to maintain and can move in different configurations as needed. This urn is located on the The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Museum property located on Erie Street, right near our shop. It's faux painted and always filled with spectacular seasonal flowers. To learn more about the museum check out http://www.driehausmuseum.org/about/driehaus

Finally, two new additions to our shop that would be a welcoming site alongside any entry. These cast bronze whippets are from a local estate in Chicago. Drop by to say hello, see what's new, you may end up taking them home.
 

Trust & Clarity




We were fortunate enough to run across this palette from Pantone. A combination of blues that evoke qualities of trust and clarity. Introducing fresh greens and rose promises growth and plenty, everything is new and bursting with excitement. Colors that pop with neutral backgrounds of whitewash with metallic accents. 

 
A recent ad from Scalamandre exemplifies this palette in a livable way. Any configuation of mirror either in furnishings or traditional wall placement pulls the metalics together.  Check out ABeachCottage on Twitter, or Sarah's blog from Australia. She has a wonderful sence of style that is applicable to the States. She describes herself as, "an advocate for winging it and not worrying about perfection". Sarah loves to combine coastal, cottage and country for her unique Beach Cottage style. The next photo was taken by her; the other is a  piece we have in the shop. The mirror was noted in Chicago Home and Garden magazine.




Speaking of the shop, look what I found. A hand painted, equestrian cocktail shaker from the 1930's. It's hard for me to resist bringing this one home. Maybe I can hide it somewhere... a corner? Behind a book? 
What about this one? I think it'll do. It's one of my favorite books. Saskia shows you how to bring the beauty of flowers into your own home, providing a wealth of ideas on choosing blooms, selecting vases, composing backdrops and designing your own superb floral creations. 


Until next time- headin' to the beach.