On Display

image courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Last weekend I was walking up Fifth Avenue to meet a few friends at a martini bar on Central Park.  As I approached the corner of 58th Street and Fifth Avenue, the home of Bergdorf Goodman, I was beyond delighted to see that the holiday window displays were up for the season!  Creativity is practically bursting from behind the glass of each window, each item perfectly placed.  I went back with my camera a few days later to try and capture each creation, and the thoughtful detail that makes them truly works of art.  Although you can see the reflection of the bustling city behind me in the pictures, you can still get a feel for the beautiful intricacy of each display.

My favorite window of the season is the powerful, pearly Pegasus wearing a cream crocheted cape, paired with a mannequin draped in an elegant gown of stark white feathers.  While this particular window is fairly monochromatic, the varying textures are what make it real eye candy.

This window makes me want to pack a vintage trunk, throw on a wild hat, and board a ship to travel the globe.  Part of the old-world charm of this window is created by the use of tweeds and plaids, and the designer undoubtedly has noticed the current trend of using old maps as artwork in interior design.

This astrologically themed window, complete with life-sized zodiac signs (Aries and Pisces and Libra, oh my!) remains elegant despite the whimsical motif.  The mannequin is wrapped in playful silk and crowned with a cap of jewels and velvet.

I love the play of the masculine, nautical theme of this window with the star of the show in a sequined sailor suit, wearing bright, rosy lipstick!

  Again, the feminine, floral gown paired with a tartan jacket and chunky rouge stage lights is a truly  pleasing combination.  The window exudes a certain feeling of importance, as you get the impression that the train is glamorously leaving the station.

After spending time looking at the original displays at Bergdorf Goodman, there were only a few others that caught my eye with the same strength.  This vignette in the foyer of the Decoration & Design Building, created by the Carlton V fabric showroom, is utterly charming with the mix of rustic antler mounts and hardwood floors, with delicate crystal glasses filled with scotch, sumptuous fur coat smartly placed on a chair back, and a pair of chocolate-colored suede gloves.

This window of Photographer Gilles Larrain's gallery in Soho made me stop dead in my tracks.  The artistically stunning patchwork silk gown, illuminated by up-lights and framed by varying black and white photographs made me want to make an appointment at this "by appointment

only" gallery!

Made in the Shade

image courtesy of elle decor

Plainly put, oversized shades are in.  Pendent lights everywhere are dressing in large-scale shades, taking lighting to a new decorative level.  These hanging items of haute decor are not only suspended over dining tables and kitchen work-spaces, where pendents traditionally tack, but are replacing the floor and bedside table lamps in living rooms and bedrooms respectively. 

Above, the bright-amythist silk shade by Michele Bönan  puts a contemporary twist on an otherwise old-world magnificence. 

image courtesy of Lonny Online Magazine

Interior Designer Lee Kleinhelter creates a mirror image with a large metallic shade hanging from the ceiling,  and a round, similarly sized stool as a bedside table nestled between two wonderfully loud, citrus upholstered headboards.

image courtesy of elle decor

These vintage Japanese, sizable shades by Shamamian give this kitchen island a unique flair by becoming the focal point.

 

image courtesy of Lonny Online Magazine

Designer Lee Kleinhelter uses a carrot-orange shade hanging from a chain link cord in place of a bedside table lamp to give the room a bit of modern flair.

image courtesy of elle decor

Lampshade light fixtures by Homer are used by designer Richard Mishaan to continue the ebony and ecru color scheme from the ground up.

image courtesy of elle decor

Designer Albert Hadley utilizes a single cone-shaded pendent to illuminate a perfectly inviting dining and study space.

image courtesy of elle decor

Decorator Bunny Williams suspends extra-large pendents dressed in fringe-finished shades to tastefully add light to in a large living area.

image courtesy of elle decor

Mary Lynn Turner adds these unique wire and cloth shades to her kitchen in Ketchum, Idaho to give a softer rustic accent to the warm, but mostly wooden cooking space. These are very similar to the vintage pendants we're using for Buccan, Palm Beach!

Individually Wrapped

image courtesy of Healthy Happy Life

You can't turn around in New York City without coming face to face with a boutique bakery.  While these bakeries whip up delights from tres leches to tiramisu, they all seem to specialize in the cupcake.  Now, the best thing about these cupcakes is obviously the undeniably scrumptous taste, but they are also miniature, edible works of art.  After visiting several of these establishments in the City, I have found that not only are the cupcakes a sight to see, but the spaces in which they are created beautifully display the little pieces of heaven found inside.

(In case you are wondering, and I'm sure you are, the above, most photogenic cupcake is the vegan banana bread cupcake from Babycakes wearing a fabulously lavender top-hat of fresh blueberry icing)

image courtesy of Babycakes

The store front of Babycakes in the Lower East Side is just as picturesque as the it's edible goodies.  The bright turquoise door, vintage sign and rust-red building play well together and made me do a double take.  The exterior of the building coordinates with the baking philosophy of the vegan business;  Earthy and clean, but still creative and colorful!

The most popular place to get a cupcake is Magnolia Bakery.  At any time of day, there is a line out the door (and often curly-cued around the block) and a team of bakers working as diligently as possible to keep up with the demand in a small, classic, lunch-counter feeling space.  With black and white checked floors inside, and a simple blue awning on brick outside, this simply decorated establishment puts out a perfectly prepared cupcake that will make you feel like a kid again.

Icing in a simple swirl, nothing too over the top, these cupcakes displayed at Magnolia Bakery on a vintage pie stand keep it classic.

New York Cupcakes are even hitting the newsstands!  Both Babycakes and Magnolia Bakery were featured in Life & Style Weekly:

image courtesy of Babycakes

And Billy's, another fabulous cupcake venue in New York, was featured in In Style:

image courtesy of Billy's

Billy's Bakery has it's own personality.  Two basic benches against a dove-blue exterior, vast windows and a bright indoor sitting area create a crisp backdrop to let the cupcakes work their magic.  

Billy's has an extensive variety of cupcake flavors, so if you need any recommendations, I highly recommend Billy's red velvet!

Ode to Quadrille

image courtesy of blogger Eddie Ross

Earlier today,  a rather gloomy day in New York, I was perusing the beautiful showrooms of the Decoration & Design Building and decided to visit one of my old favorites.  From the instant that I stepped into Quadrille, I was transported from the wet weather enveloping the city in grey, to a vibrant, playful, and palm tree-clad location in the tropics.  I instantly recalled my love for Quadrille and China Seas, which both boast collections of ikat,  damasks, toiles and faux-bois in wild colors and casual materials.  Most excitingly, there were shiny notes that read, "NEW" on a large collection of the fabrics, and who doesn't want to be up on the latest?  Thank you Quadrille, for brightening my day!

image courtesy of Quadrille

Featured in a 2009 issue of Domino, this lime green ikat-clad sofa breaks up the solid boldness of the lively blue wall.

image courtesy of Quadrille

This is my favorite Ikat from the new collection of China Seas fabrics.  It is called "Aquarius" in the color "Jungle Green/Pink on Cream".  It reminds me of rainbow sherbet!

image courtesy of Quadrille

"Monty", one of Quadrille's classic damasks, adorns this wing chair in a 2009 issue of At Home Magazine.  "Monty"  is still a popular fabric in Quadrille's collection and comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors.

image courtesy of Quadrille

"Monty" also is available in wallpaper, as stylishly shown in a 2009 issue of Elle Decor.

image courtesy of Quadrille

Nothing better to spice up the elegance of toile but a little lavender, or electric pink.  Above is Quadrille's "Bagatelle" in "Plum on Grape" as seen in The World of Interiors.  Featured in Southern Accents, below is a neopolitan ice cream combination of color, complete with Quadrille's "Paradise Garden" in "Rose and Brown"on two chairs.

image courtesy of Quadrille

image courtesy of Quadrille

Alan Campbell's playful take on faux-bois is one of the best additions to the Quadrille fabric family.  Shown on these dining chairs featured in last month's House Beautiful, "Meloire Reverse" comes in a handful of less traditional colors than "Camel II on Tint", shown above.  "Pacific Blue on Tint" is the one for me!

image courtesy of Quadrille

Have a vibrant and playful weekend!