Designer Blankets

In the world of pricey, label-flashing designer blankets, Hermes is king.  The "Avalon" blanket seems to be the most popular.  It is a wool cashmere blend, and the vast range of colorways (and pronounced "H") make it pretty hard to resist.  And, let's not forget the more understated Hermes "Altai" blankets which are also beautiful.  But, let's be honest, if you're going to buy a Hermes blanket, don't you want everyone to know it's from Hermes?  These blankets cost $1,300.00.  If you can't impress people, what's the point right?  Ok, glad we're on the same page.

In Lee's previously mentioned high rise condo...

But what about Gucci? Burberry?  And, Louis Vuitton?  These blankets are more elusive...

Gucci?

This is the only image I have of a Louis Vuitton blanket...  Can you see it?  It's just a sliver.  This is a room designed by Burnham Design (please forgive the poor scan).

If you want to save a few bucks on one of these, I recommend shopping on ebay.  Bids on Hermes "Avalon" blankets are running between $535.00 and $999.00.   I found ONE Louis Vuitton blanket, with a bid at $922.00.   And, sadly, I cannot locate ANY Gucci blankets...  but, one may come up sooner or later.

I know these blankets are pricey but, a girl's gotta stay warm right?

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Chuck Williams & Williams Sonoma

Watch CBS News Videos Online

I already think that Chuck Williams is a star-- I worked at Pottery Barn through college and remember the introductory videos that they used to show new employees about the Williams Sonoma business.    If you want to watch a short but interesting report on his life (now in his 94th year!), watch this CBS Sunday Morning special. 

It's about 7 minutes long, and it requires sound...  so, if you are at work, beware.

Burnham Design

Yesterday, (my new favorite design website) Decor Demon posted a fabulous article about Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design.  Betsy has an incredible design style and a fearless ability to take risks with her work.  To say I am a huge fan is an understatement, because I was lucky enough to work with Betsy for almost five years.  And, I loved every day of it.  But, that's obvious... just look at her portfolio and you'll see what I mean.

During graduate school, I applied for an assistant job at Burnham Design.  I worked one day a week, picking up samples, filing paperwork, and making deliveries.  That one day a week turned into more days, I was given more responsibilities, and had the opportunity to experience the design world on a first hand basis.  On a glamorous day, I helped prep photo shoots for House Beautiful, Metropolitan Home, and California Home & Design magazines.  On a not so glamourous day, I broke a vintage lamp in the back of my car while taking it to be fitted for a shade.  On another, I incorrectly measured a table for a glass top and didn't realize it until the glass was ordered, sitting in the client's office, and we were ordering a second peice of glass to be correctly cut (I will never forget these instances, and I will never forget Betsy saying, "Mistakes happen.").  Seriously, a vintage lamp.  I broke it.  Will never forget it!

My experience at Burnham Design shaped me into the designer that I am today.  Thank you, Betsy, for being such an excellent mentor and friend.  And, I have to give a nod to the insanely talented crew at BD:  Alyssa, Max, and Shelli!  The people behind the curtain.  :)

Read the Decor Demon article HERE.

Learn about Betsy's Instant/Space design service HERE (which was recently featured by the New York Times).

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Square America

from square america

I have just discovered this website, and have spent the last thirty five minutes browsing the gallery.  I absolutely love these candid moments from a time gone by. 

Square America has a book, Who We Were: A Snapshot History Of America, which is going on my wishlist.  And, there's a blog too.  Read it HERE.

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Sunny Saturday...

Even though the weather is FREEZING everywhere and we are all bundled up (except for you brats living in Southern California, where it's 80 degrees)...  at least it's sunny today!  I've pushed the drapes open in every room to get that therapeutic sunshine into the house. 

Unfortunately, my morning was wasted by attending the worst estate auction ever.  And, to make it worse, I drove an hour to get there.  So, I made up for it with some shopping at Target (where I tried on the previously mentioned Rodarte leopard dress and realized that I am way too old to pull that off...  so, I settled for a couple of sweaters).  I hope you are enjoying your Saturday and that it's sunny where you are!

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BTW, I added an awesome marble lamp to the shop.  It's so gorgeous.  Oh, and an amazingly preppy hunting trophy-- the largest set of antlers ever listed in the shop.  Nice rack, huh?

A Snowy Morning

It snowed last night, so this morning, I decided to take a quick walk and enjoy the scenery.  Let me just say that I would never decide to do this, but there was absolutely NO WIND this morning and the sun was shining.  And, since we won't be living here much longer, I thought a walk sounded good.

The picture above is the large pond near our house (remember what it looked like in the Fall?).  Most of it is frozen, and covered in snow.  There is a smaller pond around the corner that some kids use as an ice skating pond (as a Southern California girl, this scares me!  I envision George Bailey jumping into the freezing water to save his brother...  but, these East Coasters have more confidence than me).

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A Draped Bed

Gorgeous cozy beds with luxurious drapery... on a snowy day in Philadelphia.

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Glass Paperweight Copycat

I love these two glass paperweights featured in a room designed by David Scott.  Ever since I laid eyes on them, I wanted a pair for the shop!  Well, I finally found a really good pair for High Street Market, and I listed them tonight...

pair of vintage glass orb paperweights

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