Showing posts with label windows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label windows. Show all posts

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Maturity is that time...



"Maturity is that time when the mirrors in our minds
turn to windows and instead of seeing the reflection of ourselves we see others."
-Unknown

I have long been a fan of Burberry; my very first pair of "big girl" sunglasses were Burberry, my very favorite purse is my Burberry, my wellies are Burberry, I dream of one day owning the Neiman Marcus Burberry edition British taxi cab... you can see where I am going. To me there is nothing more iconic and British chic than Burberry- from their perfumes to their plaid. But this year they have left me scratching my head a bit with their Burberry Prosum rain cape.

Made of polyurethane and trimmed in patent leather, it is a chic way to not hide your outfit in the rain. It's cute, but at almost $1,300 I can't wrap my head around it...polyurethane! I thought perhaps they had invented some new genius material to use to justify the cost...nope! But none the less they can do no wrong in my eyes, I still kind of love it! 
It's like a window to your outfit! and like all windows- you want to make sure it is accompanied by proper dressing!
Drapes mounted as high as possible help draw the eye up and make a room feel taller

Layering textures isn't just for your bed and sofa; natural fiber blinds paired with fabric drapes makes a stunning statement

Got a big window and can't decide on one fabric? mix things up and create a statement with a collection of curtains

Curtains can add a pop of color and trimmings on them can help set the tone of the room, like these preppy chic curtains

Even a sheer helps the ambiance of the room, it doesn't inhibit the light coming in but it softens it and gives you some privacy 

Window treatments are essential in room where you are eating, can you imagine trying to have brunch with a blinding sun in your eyes.

When I got into the design world I ignored window treatment for the first few years but then I embraced them and I love them, they make a room and can add so much from drama to safety to ambiance- you need window treatments. But what I encounter most is the age old question of how long they should be.

Rule #1 don't do short drapes
Now don't get me wrong- this is an adorable nursery, I am assuming there is some fear of strangulation as to why they are cropped, instead of shorty drapes opt for a roman shade.
Consider fashion for a moment... if you are old enough to be furnishing a home, you are too old for cropped shirts, so no midriff and no shorty drapes.

Rule #2 as long as they are the appropriate length there are no hard and fast rules, only preference

 Floor Length drapes are classic, they brush the floor. They give a clean and tailored feel and are easy to clean around. However, if you have an old home that is charming enough to have uneven floors- this is not for you, you will never be able to get them all even with the floor so save yourself the agony of hemming till your fingers fall off and go longer.

Trouser Length drapes are "breaking the floor" they just rest on the floor. It is a soft and relaxed look that is extremely forgiving of any imperfections in your floor. Some people worry that by sitting on the floor (we are talking and inch or 2 of fabric) they will get dirty easily- harsh truth time, if that is your concern then perhaps you should get better acquainted with your swiffer sweeper... As long as you keep a clean home you shouldn't worry about the drapes.

Puddle Length drapes are over the top romantic, they scream luxe! It's not for everyone because it is more formal but done correctly it can be quite beautiful. So there is a bit more reason for concern on puddled drapes with concern to cleaning, namely because you can easily suck them up in the vacuum if you aren't careful (I can't tell you how many times I have had to repair drapes for clients because of this) but also if you have lovely molding at the floor level then you better make sure they are clean. the puddle will draw attention to baseboards (my favorite place to skimp on cleaning) and as long as they are in good shape this is a plus. Puddled drapes also need consideration on the fabric selection- make sure your choose a fabric that will puddle nicely like a silk, it it is too stiff a fabric it will just look funny.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

I'm not talking about the purple dinosaur...

I love you, you love me...and that is why I am going to continue on my window shopping journey with quite possibly my favorite windows of the holiday season...Barneys! for those of you who default think of the big purple guy I am talking about the gorgeous building residing at 660 Madison Avenue...if you do default to the purple guy maybe you should head up to kids on the 9th floor (or stop in Fred's for a yummy bite! also on 9th).
As usual, I digress...this year Barney's pays homage to one of my favorite subjects- Food! What a splendid combination- fashion and food!



From Barney's holiday gift guide I adore their "alphabet soup ala Jennifer Meyer"
In the spirit of Barneys combining food and fashion a must have gift for this year's list is:
and while your at it pick up these cookbooks too!


And why not bring a some food out of the kitchen and into the rest of your home
 love these cool recycled soup can pendants!

Or just remember to have fun and play with your food!
xoxo

photos: Examiner, Country Living, VegArt, Barneys, food network











Tuesday, November 30, 2010

just doing some window shopping...

Holding a degree in visual merchandising I have a certain fondness for this time of year...Holiday window season! In the world of visual merchandising the ultimate playing field  takes place this time each year on the tiny island of Manhattan in the windows of the worlds best department stores. Since I live a bit south in Virginia (where the windows are no where near as exciting) and from the power of Google I know most of you who read my blog (thanks by the way!) aren't in NYC either I thought I would share my favorite part of the year... and up first is the magical styling of Bergdorf Goodman
At the corner of 5th Avenue and 58th street resides a magical store everyone should visit! and ladies the shoes are up on the 5th floor with the bar!






The magical fantasy windows inspire a since of travel and glamor and I love the mix of modern, fantasy and classical elements  used in the windows.
add some sparkle to your life this holiday season! and it doesn't have to be on the tree...


It could be in your closet! No better time of year to don the sparkley apparel!

but no matter what this holiday season...
follow your heart!
xoxo

photos: examiner, Etsy, Nordstrom, Shoecrazed, Stylefiles