advice please…

I’m thinking of adding a couple of items this week, and I’d love to get your input…give it to me straight: “Best idea evah” versus “What, are you nuts?”

I’m thinking Brit Chic…tongue-in-cheek…for the hipsters out there!

I bought a set of these mixed plastic flatware sets in Seattle, and they’re the first ones I reach for when I set the table. They’re just so pretty! Again…I’m appealing to the hipster picnicers!!

dress form divine…

Don’t ask me why, but when I see vintage dress forms, they transport me right back to the classic black and white movies that I grew up watching starring the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Bette Davis. I guess it’s ’cause I imagine them placing their beautiful gowns on the forms at the end of the evening–after the big dance, where the men of their dreams looked at them across a crowded room.

These are some wonderfully whimsical updated versions of the really old dress forms, which I admit, can look just a wee bit creepy…you know…the kind that would freak you out every night on your way to the bathroom in the dark!!!!

photo courtesy CosetLacedMannequin on Etsy

photo courtesy Saldos Da Concha on Flickr

photo courtesy thisnext.com

photo courtesy CorsetLacedMannequin.com

photo courtesy Apartment Therapy

photo courtesy CorsetLacedMannequin.com

British invasion…

There are a couple of design trends that I’ve been noticing lately, and I just thought I’d share them. For those of you who are way ahead of me on the trend front, please bear with me (actually had to Google that to make sure it isn’t “bare”–I can hear my teacher sister gasping for air).

There’s a bit of a British invasion happening. I’m seeing more and more Union Jack flag decor–from an entire couch covered in Union Jack leather upholstery to clocks and pillows. One of the items I’m bringing in for spring is a metal pillar candleholder in the shape of a British crown.

I found this image on a lovely blog called White Alder Home. The Union Jack pillow really packs a punch of style.

photo courtesy of Google images

This wall hanging by Fire Horse Textiles was featured on MadeByGirl. I just love the green take on the iconic Union Jack

The other trend that I’ve been noticing is animal skin prints–especially zebra. They were hot when I was a kid, and it looks like they’re making a strong comeback. Giraffe prints are a fresh (even if they’re classic) take on this exotic look.

This is another photo featured on White Alder Home.

This is a room designed by Miles Redd a celebrated Manhattan designer

photo courtesy of Metropolitan Home magazine