There's so much to covet from the Target + Neiman Marcus collaboration. But for me, this pretty little Robert Rodriguez dress is everything. Elegant lace with a four-layer, contrast underlay and scalloped edges. It is festive, feminine and perfect. My advice to you awaiting this limited edition collection of goodies? Shop now before it's all gone like a bottle of bubbly.
December 01, 2012
The Venti Girl Gift Guide: The Perfect Hostess
There's so much to covet from the Target + Neiman Marcus collaboration. But for me, this pretty little Robert Rodriguez dress is everything. Elegant lace with a four-layer, contrast underlay and scalloped edges. It is festive, feminine and perfect. My advice to you awaiting this limited edition collection of goodies? Shop now before it's all gone like a bottle of bubbly.
Posted at 06:10 AM in entertaining, fashion, style, venti girl gift guide | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
October 24, 2012
High Point Market: Magical Maitland-Smith
I still remember my first trip to Maitland-Smith several years ago. How do you explain such a brand to those who aren't familiar? Do they design furniture? Do they design lamps? Do they design accessories? I now know the answer. They design objets d'art. They truly do. Each and every piece is painstakingly detailed and completely beautiful. Let me show you some of my favorites...
First, the Renaissance Chaise. There's not a single element I'd wish to change about this piece. It is lovely and amazing. I sat on this piece in the showroom during High Point Market and felt so very Zsa Zsa Gabor. All I need is a white fur coat, bigger diamonds and a glass of champagne. Garçonne!
And now for the desk that made my knees weak. Both of these pieces were from what they had dubbed the "Socialite" grouping. Like the chaise above, this desk has deep European influences and conjures images of a cosmopolitan lifestyle where the heftiest task of the day is ordering fresh flowers and penning a few thank you notes. An enviable life and exquisite furnishings to complement such a lifestyle.
This beautiful desk has a leather top and a curvaceous silhouette. It is so incredibly pretty. Wouldn't this make the loveliest blogging perch? I have to say yes.
As I toured the showroom at High Point Market, I came across a few entire areas that made me gasp. First was the Prep School room. If ever a room made me think of Mr. Venti, this was it! Think varsity sports, academia and long discussions about pre-Renaissance Greek history. If you imagine fresh faced young men in khaki pants and navy blue wool blazers with brass buttons, you've nailed the vibe of this incredible room. Each piece individually designed and crafted to perfection.
This particular table above is stunning in person. In an aged Regency finish, it has a reeded single pedestal on a tri-pod base. But the crowning glory of the table is its heraldic lion inlaid top. Isn't that gorgeous? Such unique detail done in such a tasteful way. My husband would LOVE this occasional piece. Ten year anniversary, perhaps? I'll keep that in mind when it rolls around.
I could go on forever about the many wonders of Maitland-Smith, but what you really need to know is that they are magical. They offer everything imaginable. Incredible lamps, surprisingly modern pieces, accessories so luxurious they'll please the most discerning client, upholstery... the list goes on. They inventory is rich and interesting and is clearly designed with the true luxury clientele in mind.
Bonnie Cedolia, the Marketing Coordinator for the brand, was so gracious with her time. She patiently walked me through a personal tour of the showroom and answered my many questions about the brand. As you might guess, clients who come to this showroom tend to write their orders in the spot. These items are so unique and so intricate that it would be impossible to remember the details once returning home. Knowing this, they cater to this need and make it easy for their well-heeled clientele to stroll through the showroom identifying the specific treasures they'll take back to their firms, department stores and showrooms.
Maitland-Smith is truly an experience of its own. I can't say enough wonderful things about the products or the staff. I know the pieces I've shown above focus on their old world glamour, but Maitland has a surprisingly diverse product mix. Mid-Century influenced collections, Art-Deco and contemporary silhouettes are all a part of their offerings.I think now you can see why I say they design objets d'art rather than furniture or accessories. You go to Maitland-Smith for items of quality and design so uncommon that you simply won't find them anywhere else. It's what draws their clients from all regions of the world to come see them at High Point. There simply isn't another brand quite like them.
Thank you, Bonnie, for your incredible hospitality. You are so well-informed and so generous with your time and attention. I cannot wait to add more Maitland-Smith to my home, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Posted at 08:13 PM in entertaining, fabulousness, home accessories, interior design, luxury | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
July 25, 2012
Daily Obsession: Cake Kitchen Papers
These are just plain genius: Cake Kitchen Papers. Add a touch of luxe to your daily life (even if it is a bit tongue in cheek) with these pretty little paper placemats. While they come in many designs, I'm especially fond of these. They might even inspire you to properly set the table for dinner.
My neighborbood Paper Affair has them, but Nordstrom carries them as well. Nab yours here.
Posted at 11:44 AM in entertaining, style | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
April 12, 2012
Passionate Pursuit of Excellence
If you listen closely to leaders, entrepreneurs, moguls and admirable people a common theme will ultimately emerge. Excellence. They demand it from themselves, they expect it from their team and they strive to create it with whatever grand idea, innovation or product they are developing. A simple word but a lifelong challenge: the pursuit of excellence.
Immediately names like Steve Jobs (known for his relentless pursuit of perfection) and Richard Branson (who refuses to take no for an answer) come to mind. People for whom "it's not possible" or "it's good enough" readies them for the challenge.
Also look at Alli Webb the founder of DryBar. Do one thing and do it exceptionally well. That's her (and therefore her brand's) goal. Be the best. Accept nothing less. Offer exceptional quality and service. Raise your standards and be far better than anyone else would ever dream should be expected of you.
These thoughts all came to mind as I attended a Nespresso event at one of Dallas's hottest eateries, PrivateSocial. Once in, I had the opportunity to sit with Padma Lakshmi of Top Chef fame. She shared with me why she partnered with the brand and what makes a famous model/author/host/mother/businesswoman choose to add coffee spokesperson to her long list of titles. Her answer was fairly straightforward: excellence.
Listening to her speak about coffee was eye opening. The vocabulary she used and the passion she had for the topic was something I'd only seen among oenophiles. She spoke of varietals and picking the berries (yes, berries... for in face what we call a coffee bean is actually one half of the seed within the delicate berry) at the precise right moment from the right location and roasting them to the unique roasting level that is best for them. Using terms like "science" and "respect" she shared stories on how far and wide Nespresso (a European phenomenon) goes to source the ultimate product. Perfection is the goal.
You'd think it would end there... but as the event went on we had the opportunity to talk to many people from the product team. It was pretty clear that although ceramic glasses and shiny proprietary equipment surrounded us, we we were hardly talking about coffee any longer. They were preaching a different gospel. How to conceive the best idea, execute it flawlessly and deliver it to the right people at the right time. Do one thing and do it exceptionally well. Better than your fans, your competitors, your supporters or anyone else expects from you.
Isn't this the formula for success for every business and - frankly - every life? Be the very best at what you do. Pursue excellence with every fiber of your being. The result in this case was incredible coffee in a very unique delivery system with some of the prettiest packaging and equipment I've seen. But how does this apply to your life? Are you striving to be the very best at what you do in life? In excellence your goal?
If not, take this moment to shift your focus. Decide to be unreasonably great at your craft, your business, your job, your life.
How did I get this from fabulous food and incredible coffee? Because it was clear that excellence was the goal of the PR team, the brand leaders, Padma, Master Chef Tiffany Derry and all of those involved. Passion for excellence is impossible to hide and always shines through.
Pursue excellence and don't settle for anything less in your life. Ever.
I'd like to graciously thank the Nespresso team for the invitation and the incredible products they shared with us. Thank you for a reminder to be truly great at even the finer details of my craft. True greatness is all in the details after all.Posted at 07:45 AM in celebrities, dallas, design, entertaining, events, glamorous gifts, success, technology, the venti challenge | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
April 08, 2012
Fresh Start
Source: fabhousewife.com via Debi on Pinterest
Source: wrenhandmade.typepad.com via ChrisC. on Pinterest
Source: shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Bayley on Pinterest
Source: fabulouskblog.com via Ireni on Pinterest
Gorgeous Easter eggs from creative minds far and wide. Some dipped & dyed, others are far moe ornate require a kind of patience I can only admire from afar. Others are quite simple and surprisingly lovely. May your Sunday be magical and inspired.
{editorial note: for fun, be sure to search Angry Birds Easter Eggs on Pinterest}
Posted at 07:18 AM in art, entertaining, holidays, life | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
March 22, 2012
Joy of Spring
Planning my daughter's fourth birthday party has unleashed my inner entertaining diva. She's been hiding since the holidays it seems. It's a welcome shift, and I think a timely one since spring has arrived.
So in the course of planning a fete for a dozen squealing children I've been plotting and planning my seasonal tablescapes. A few items I think are key to keep your tabletop seasonal but not "theme-y" when entertaining.
1. Fresh flowers. Need I say more? I suggest a massive bouquet of either a singular color or a single variety of flower. Let the blooms speak for themselves.
2. Colorful place settings. Have fun here, especially for dining al fresco. Spring is all about color.
3. A clear glass decanter or apothecary jar filled with... anything! I love these with candies, fruits or pretty objects. Don't overthink this. A few blooms floating in water look lovely as well.
4. Pillows. Yes... you're dining outside, but that's no reason to leave guests in search of comfort.
5. Adorn the front door with a wreath. Set the tone from the moment company arrives... it'll lay the foundation for a festive gathering.
6. Vintage inspired birdcages. These are lovely and make for clever tabletop centerpieces if you place candles inside. I suggest flameless pillars to transform these into gorgeous lanterns.
The key to any spring affair... relax. It's advice I need to heed myself. Guests can't unwind and enjoy if the host is uptight or rushed. Plan, plan, plan ahead... but by all means on the day of the party be sure the only thing you need to style is your hair. ;)
Gorgeous items above all from Joss & Main.
Posted at 08:05 AM in dining, elements of style, entertaining, fabulousness, holidays, home accessories, leisure, life, style | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 22, 2011
Words With Friends... The Old School Edition
It's fascinating to me that in a texting, BBM'ing world we also relish and celebrate the beauty of stationery. I do think it's possible, though, that we love the artistry, nostalgia and idea of beautiful papergoods and handwritten notes more than we relish the actual use of them. We love to fawn over letterpress on Etsy and the newest designer collabs at establish stationers... but the number of handwritten notes I receive (and send, frankly) clearly absolutely decreased. In the meantime, my inbox runneth over.
Does that stop me (or any of us) from coverting limited edition creations like Oscar de la Renta's new Mrs. John L Strong produced line of stationery? Not a chance. Will it dampen my desire for Vreeland's (that being Alexander Vreeland... grandson to undisputed fashion icon Diana Vreeland) Special Edition Card Set available exclusively at Barney's. Never.
Just two days ago, in fact, I placed my order for custom Crane's note cards and personalized envelopes. I do this each year, always with a slight twist on my normal design. It's an expression of self and always a personal journey to create something that reflects my mood or current style. Somehow the pretty box with custom papers bearing my name actually prompts me to write little notes. It's the letter writing equivalent of having a TotalGym in your bedroom. You invested in it, and to not use it is a waste of time and money.
And now, with even more glamorous sets like Oscar's on the scene I may find myself placing an additional order. The de la Renta paper goods assortment features glamorous sets of individually hand-pressed pieces printed on luxury weight creamy paper. Choose from note cards, invitations, and place cards - each featuring beautifully embossed gilded bows and the designer's emblem on the inside of the envelopes. How positively irresistible is that? For the ladylike among us, these glamorous little notes are the perfect way of inviting friends for a fete or simply saying thank you.
(Editor's tip: since these aren't personalized, they make an ideal last minute holiday gift for that stylish friend, sister or loved one.)
Shop for yours at Oscar de la Renta.
Posted at 08:14 AM in art, entertaining, fabulousness, glamorous gifts, great gifts, illustrations, stationery, style, venti favorites | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
November 24, 2011
Waterworks Offers Online Shopping
File this under the "why wasn't this possible before?" category. Waterworks, quite possibly the ultimate in kitchen and bath outfitters, now offers an online shopping experience for customers. If you've never ventured into one of these incredible showrooms, this might not mean much to you. Lately they've been given a bit of press on television. Million Dollar Decorators stopped into a showroom, as did Guiliana and Bill in an episode in a recent season.
If you're redesigning your kitchen or bath - or are seeking an excuse to do so - you're in for a true treat. These are some of the loveliest fittings, fixtures, tubs and surfaces you're likely to find anywhere. While I hadn't noticed before, the online offerings feature apothecary products, furniture and lighting.
Before you start demolishing your fabulous kitchen on a food-centric holiday let me urge you to stop. Sit back and enjoy the feast with family and friends. Tomorrow when your local Waterworks showroom opens you can indulge in your remodeling fantasies. Besides... you don't want to buy a soaking tub online, do you? No. You don't.
Until the shops open mañana you should stay offline and enjoy the day of fabulous company. And you current kitchen and baths. Trust me... those fittings and surfaces will still be there tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Posted at 08:07 AM in architecture, entertaining, interior design, kitchens, luxury | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
October 02, 2011
Let's Take It Outside
The irony of living in a sunny, beautiful Texas is that everyone hides indoors during the summer. No matter how you slice it, when it's 114 outside it is simply too hot to frolic in the sunshine. But the moment the thermometer hits 95, the parks are packed, lakes are brimming with activity and patios are overflowing with giddy Texans enjoying the sun.
One of the things I love most about Dallas is the popularity of fantastic patio dining at most restaurants. Yesterday we al fresco for every meal. Restaurant patios were abuzz with happy people, laughing couples and animated conversation. Us among them.
It's as if the city has come to life after a blistering summer. And it has. Fortunately we were able to score our favorite tables amidst the crowds, but it's clear we're not the only ones taking things outside this season. It's time to create our own Shangri-La at home.
Clear blue skies, gentle breezes and 70-80 degree temps that will last for months... I don't want to miss a moment of this incredible weather. And so the hunt began for my perfect outdoor dining set. And... score! I have found it.
This photo does not do it justice. The Andalusia collection from Century Furniture is designed by Richard Frinier. Again and again when I see what I choose for myself I'm reminded of how incredibly classic my tastes are. The Andalusia Collection's archutectural form and bronze finish are just beautiful to me. I love every detail and can't wait to see it in person today. Wish us luck as we go take it for a test drive (or should I say sit?)
Enjoy fall, everyone. I hope you're enjoying the shift in the seasons as much as we are. It's my favorite time of year!
Posted at 07:22 AM in architecture, dining, entertaining, furniture, leisure, shopping, style | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
July 02, 2011
Lights, Action!
Lighting has a powerful effect on your home. The right lighting, to be exact. It's amazing how a simple lamp can transform an unused space into a warm little reading nook or the impact dimmer switches possess on the ability to alter the vibe of a party.
Getting it right is an art. Fortunately there are many stunning choices on the market to get you moving in the right direction. Here are a few selected favorites. Go ahead... light up your life a little. You deserve it.
Featured: Latticework chandelier, Arteriors Gold-Leaf Lamp, Visual Comfort Brass Ring Lamp.
Posted at 06:11 AM in design, entertaining, furniture, home accessories, interior design, luxury | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
June 29, 2011
Dinner is Served
We spend so much time outfitting our homes for guests. When they do arrive, be sure to bring out your very best to entertain them. Grand ice buckets greet them like ballers at a night club. Blinged out place settings show them you know your way around the kitchen. Stunning silverware has them devouring every morsel of your stylish spread. So go ahead... roll out the red carpet and send out those hand written invites. You (and your fabulous friends) have a reputation to uphold.
Featured: Malmaison ice bucket by Christofle, Gold & Platinum place setting by Raynaud & Acorn flatware by Georg Jensen
Posted at 02:42 PM in dining, entertaining, fabulousness, home accessories, style | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
June 24, 2011
Fête for a Queen
I had a fun little Joss & Main moment this morning. Woke up in the mood for party planning and bevy of entertaining goodies in stock. French bakeware, bamboo serving dishes, party invites and the like. Here is a quick roundup of a few of my favorites.
Posted at 06:15 AM in entertaining, shopping | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
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