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February 28, 2009

Feet Don't Fail Me Now

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Tell me... When yummy shoes like these are available, what compels a woman to spend her days wearing these? Or worse yet, these, these, these or these? Low self esteem? Please, dear readers, tell me.

I know what you're thinking... "Franki... not all of us share your love of heels so high they'd be better labeled stilts. Some of us like - and even prefer - the comfort and look of a low heel or flat." Fair enough. So why not just don something as sweet as these sweet sandals below?
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I mean there's "sensible" (which I've come to appreciate since last year's purchase of my much loved Bernardo low-heeled bronze thong sandals) and "soup kitchen sad" footwear. Please... please, ladies. You owe it to yourselves and to your fellow countrymen (and women) to let your footwear be the source of much joy. Don't be fooled by fashion week's muted palette and somber approach: fashion is escapism. It ought be a source of inspiration, not a reflection of Wall Street. Soup kitchen chic? No thanks. 

I'll let my feet speak for me. Life is good and I'm going places. I'm happy and I'm on the path to greatness. Feet don't fail me now!
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For forth and spread the love!

Posted at 06:49 AM in culture, fashion, observations, style, trends | | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

February 25, 2009

Casting Call for 2nd Best Job In the World

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Sadly, if you haven't already applied for the best job in the world you're out of luck. One lucky soul will be responsible for living it up and blogging about all there is to see, do and experience at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. I'd have jumped at the chance to do this a few years back. And (sorry, other applicants) I'd have won! LOL.

I have a sneaking suspicion my friend will win. His submission video is nothing short of hilarious. And, let's face it, he's already kicking out that island vibe. Go, Khayyam!

But you, dear reader, are in for a treat. I know the blogosphere is teeming with talented web designers. And I know someone... a big someone... who is looking for you. Hallmark. The industry leader in greeting cards. The creator of the annual White House Christmas card (such a thrill). Hallmark is looking for you. Yes you, talented designers. They just need one. Is that you?

If you can genuinely say you "get it" and have a portfolio that speaks of your myriad visual talents, please send me a note ASAP. The opportunity is going fast. Don't live in Kansas City? Doesn't matter. They'll pay the right person to move. Great salary. Amazing environment. For someone, this is a rich opportunity to be a shining star at a fantastic company.

If you missed my previous post where I gushed about the amazing creative culture at Hallmark you should absolutely go back and read it. I've worked in many, many wonderful creative environments. But never one that celebrated the creative class in the same way that this company does. The real stars of the company are the designers. Your work is truly celebrated. Your entire environment is designed to foster good creative vibes. You are encouraged to play, to create, to dare, to dream. It's ridiculous.

Seriously, if you want your chance at the second best job in the world, send me a note, asap. I'd love to help you out.

Posted at 01:29 PM in design, designers, great people, success | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

February 08, 2009

J. Cruel

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Have you seen that commercial for Hotels.com? The one where the husband notices that the hotel provided two shampoo bottles in the room? He wonders if the hotel in question wants them to give a good review and is buttering them up with extra toiletries. Suddenly he opens both bottles in front of the vanity mirror and begins pouring both little bottles out onto his head exclaiming "It's working! It's working!"
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You've seen it, right? That's how I feel every time a J. Crew catalog arrives in the mail. I am overcome with the contents and have even begun marking up pages and planning my next season's color palette. Don't pretend you don't do it too. Am I a 'spicy guava' girl this spring or a 'fresh mint' person? Hmmm... tought call, but I'm leaning towards the spicy guava. And how on earth can I justify the luxurious Jacquard Treasure Pant when a simple Café capri or Mahali-dot café capri will do?
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But wait... then I'll need to add the fresh mint lightweight cashmere cardigan in again for good measure (because, of course, it matches those pants perfectly!). And before long I'm saying out loud to my husband (literally) "It's working! It's working!" and banging my tiny little fist of fury on the kitchen counter for emphasis.
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Oh, J. Crew...why do you torture me so? Bittersweet, sublimely good, gotta-have-it-or-I-might-just-die pain. Whatever you do dear J. Crew, please don't stop sending me these catalogs. I do adore them so.

Posted at 02:19 PM in fashion, leisure, life, style | | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)

February 06, 2009

Deep in the Heart of Texas

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I think I've died and gone to Dallas. Do you see this? A sprawling Mediterranean pad with my name (if you look closely) written all over it. Holy cow. Sweet, sweet, home.
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I'll let the images do the talking for me. Needless to say, I'm in love with this space. It needs my touch with decor, but that's easily fixed. Do you see that kitchen? OMG!
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It gets better. LOVE the patio with outdoor living space, fireplace, ceiling fan. Hello, fabulous.
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The master bedroom. I'd work wonders with decor in this room. But look at that barrel vaulted ceiling! So very Roman. perfection. And do you see it? Yes... another fireplace.
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Clearly, space is not an issue here. Vertical, horizontal. You name it. And... yet another fireplace. Hooah!
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A quaint breakfast nook and bar...
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I've got more pictures, but I fear I've gone on long enough. Did I mention I love windows and ridiculously high ceilings? **love**

My heart is definitely loving Texas.

Posted at 12:21 PM | | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)

February 05, 2009

Stuck On You

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I'm obsessed with all things Texas right now. And these dreamy images of a Dallas model home by way of Robb & Stucky only makes me pine more for the Lone Star state. French doors, built ins, slipcovered formality. It just looks so breezy and casual - but I suspect that at a moment's notice you could tug off those slipcovers, bring out the fine china and host an intimate dinner for the who's who of Dallas society.

I suspect we could open those doors onto a lush patio lined with elegant lighting out outfitted to host quite the party by the pool.
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This image alone has me rethinking my color palette. Look at those cool blues & greens. Normally I go for warmer tones, but would feel so refreshing on a hot afternoon. That sofa is just begging for a juicy conversation. But the star of this room really is the ceiling. Note how the stain on the tables brings visual unity to the beauty above. And the arches? Arched doorways make me swoon. I need arched doorways.
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This last image isn't particularly my taste, but it is part of the same home. The idea of a true theater room (think MTV Cribs) is a must for me in our next home. Club seating, room darkening shades, surround sound... you name it. While I dont particularly like the elements in this room, the general warmth of it appeals to me. It looks ready-made for family and friends to cozy up and settle in for a night o good movie watching.

Best of all, the elegance isn't only left to upstairs. Looking through to the landing and the room in the distance, there seems to be a place for art and conversation. Yes. I do believe I'm loving what I see.

For more details, check out Robb & Stucky or visit the Flagstone Custom Homes web site.

Posted at 06:53 AM in interior design | | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

February 03, 2009

Siesta Worthy

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Maybe it's just me... but the plum and bronze arrangement here is just begging me to take an afternoon nap. Get your siesta on at Blissliving Home.

Posted at 04:15 PM in leisure | | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

Entrepreneur of the Day: Tamre Sutphen of Shi Shu Baby

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Next up, Tamre Sutphen. We "met" on Twitter (like so many others coming up). And as I enter this post I realize that the first two self-starters sell baby products, but that's not going to be the theme of that series. But what that does tell you, is that there is always room in the market for a product that fills a void. And often (very often) new moms discover that what they are looking for either doesn't exist or is difficult or impossible to obtain.

Without further adieu, I will let Tamra of Shi Shu Style share her tale from idea to reality...

Continue reading "Entrepreneur of the Day: Tamre Sutphen of Shi Shu Baby" »

Posted at 07:53 AM in designers, entrepreneurs, great people, success | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)