Lillian Bassman

Thursday night I was lucky enough to make it to the Lillian Bassman exhibition at the Staley Wise Gallery. Ms. Bassman was among the most important fashion photographer's of the 20th century. She took her most significant photographs from the late 40's to the early 60's.
The exhibition titled "Women" was the perfect fit for this display. The New York Times says it perfect..."The clothes have a structured beauty; the gloves are mandatory; the necks are long. Elegant men with cigarettes between their fingers occasionally enter the frame, encountering women who appear utterly indifferent to their attention."

Corn Stalks

I took this photograph a couple days ago... I was out hunting pumpkins for Halloween and this small farm stand was also selling corn stalks. Many people in the neighborhood are using the stalks as decoration around their doors. I just love it!

Oh Karl...

As I glanced back at one of my last postings, it reminded me of when I took an inspiring trip too Fendi in Rome. During my quick visit, I was able to see how the fur samples were made in addition to the original paper pattern's. The picture above is from the rooftop of Fendi (overlooking Rome).
A pattern for one of the amazing fur jackets. Karl Lagerfeld's sketch of the jacket has been pinned on the front. ( I wanted to rip it off and take it home!)The studio itself was a work of art. As you may have realized by now I generally do not find myself inspired by extremely modern architecture. The studio was very modern, but I immediately fell in love by the way it was able to capture light. The space was refreshing and airy. Don't worry... I took an imported antique elevator to reach this floor. Mr. Lagerfeld does not disappoint.
Multiple samples of Fendi furs.
Fendi infused gold into their luxurious furs.

The Air is Crisp...

The air is getting crisp and the leaves are beginning to fall...
If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in new york there is a huge possibility it has been bricked closed. If that's the case, this is a great way to showcase your fireplace during the winter months.


This past weekend Mom and I ventured into the country to find one particular antique store. As we were exploring the countryside we stumbled upon this beautiful farm house. I loved the way they were storing their firewood for this coming winter. It was stacked so perfectly in this stone archway. I never thought I would be inspired by the display of firewood!
As you saw above, Vogue living must have been inspired too!

The Rise of Fall...

It's inevitable that every girl at one time or another has owned a leopard print item. This past and present trend must be dug out of your closet and brought to life again.

Get ready for this winter with your favorite fur (or faux) .

Door's of Great Heights

A few months ago we moved into the historic neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights. When I started exploring the neighborhood I fell completely in love with the doors and windows of these great brownstones. Many still house the original interior shutters! ... I wanted to share with you a couple of my favorites.

Updated Wall Collage...

As of Wednesday we have added seven new vintage frames to our collage! Metal frames in addition to brighter colors helped this collage take on a new personality.

Goodbye Summer...

A great bookcase can make anyplace feel like home.

This is our tiny little bookcase in our New York apartment. Although it's small in size, we are still able to showcase our favorite books and collector items.

The Eighties Antidote

The 80's shoulder is back with vengeance and I had to be a part of it! Those of you who were fashionista's during the 80's probably couldn't dream of wearing shoulder pads and acid wash jeans again. Fortunately, for me I was still in diapers so the current trend seems all so new.

Many designer's use the 1940's as a source of inspiration. Giving the illusion of a smaller waist the shoulders are strong and structured. The era was full of glamour and inspiring tailored garments.
I found this 1980's Christian Dior blazer buried in an antique store! It was love at first sight... the blazer features hand sewn french lace, bound button holes, military rope trim to accent the edges and beautiful covered buttons.

Eden's Edge

"With weathered stones and a dose of black, floral jewelry crosses over to the dark side," states W ACCESSORIES when describing this photograph for Fall 2009.

W ACCESSORIES has always been a source of inspiration for me. I love the way they showcase different shapes, jewels, and metals into new combination's each season. Immediately, I started rummaging through my vintage jewelry to see how I could create my own interpretation.





As I began sorting through my jewelry I realized that the vintage Gucci wristwatch would be my dose of black. For the feminine touch, I featured a bone, ivory brooch along side my grandmother's weathered pendant necklace.

Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris

Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris forever changed my view of what I thought was beautiful. Upon entering the old cathedral, I was overtaken with the thickest layer of dust imaginable. I could feel and smell the history of the old architecture. This is just one of the amazing things that I experienced while I was in Paris.


The cathedral was such a source of inspiration for me that it found it's way into my portfolio. The seams of the columns and arches of the ceiling were translated into special details in my garments.

All Dressed Up

On a recent antiquing trip to Clinton, New Jersey, I happened upon this beautiful French provincial dresser.The 1930's dresser had just been purchased by the dealer, and it was a deal I simply couldn't pass up. The dresser is a beautiful dusty beige color with dark, brushed gray cracking paint that enhances it's antique quality. Curved, leaf handles, and crystal knobs are small details that make this dresser such a memorable piece





The dresser is in great condition, but needs a little love in the form of sanding and reconditioning just to even out the cracking and uneven paint. Otherwise, this dresser is a lovely starter piece for me that I will enjoy for years to come. On a side note, the beautiful flowers used in these pictures were grown by the woman with the greenest of thumbs, my wonderful mother Betsy, in her New Jersey garden.

The Floral Collage

We love decorating our apartment with floral arrangements during the summer months. To the left of the floral collage is this cranky, old, antique door that we acquired with the apartment (which I love) . The door is a nostalgic remnant of a decades past and a good contrast to the more modern elements of the apartment.

Featuring: Vintage metal flower box that can hold singular flowers. They are commonly called "flower frog's". I discovered this frog and many more buried in an antique store.

Bloom

I just received this 1930's vintage milk glass vase as a gift last week. I loved it so much I was inspired to take a mini floral photo shoot.
Featuring: 1.1930's reproduction Louis XIV armchair 2. Antique hammered aluminum tray 3.Antique needlepoint floral prints
P.S. Thanks Nick!!

Tobacco Warehouse...Brooklyn, New York

This Tobacco Warehouse resides on the Brooklyn waterfront. It was built in the 1870's by the Lorillard family and was saved from demolition in 1998. The warehouse was used as a tabacco custom's inspection center.

This warehouse is old in age and yet it manages to feel so modern. These prints would look great on canvas.

A Painting of Rust

Washed Up Romance

I took these pictures in Italy last summer and had to post them first. The textured and thick layer's of paint you find chipping away can leave such beautiful color's

The dewy white's and dripping gray's are so charming and romantic.