Buried treasure

This weekend we went to visit family in Copake New York. Copake isn't known for it's town so we took some drives slightly further a field to walk around and see the sights. On Saturday I was itching to get to an antique shop. I don't have to buy anything or even be on the look out for anything particular I just love being surrounded by history. I'm fascinated by the stories in each piece. I always wonder how a particular item came to be in some long ago person's possesion. Was it a gift? Did they save their money for a coveted object? I'm a sucker for romance and a great story and I wish I knew more about the treasures I come across in antique stores. Anyway, I made my way into Verso on Warren Street in Hudson because of a leather satchel on a funky chair outside the store. Walking in was like stepping into the past. Not just because of the things in the store but because of the store itself. Two gentlemen were sitting across a makeshift aisle talking,surrounded by vintage throw pillows, antique quilts and silver plated tea sets. The whole place smelled like someone has been smoking a pack a day in that space for the last decade.It's the kind of place I dream about (ok aside from the old cigarette smell) chalk a block full of amazing finds. Beautiful pieces of art, old books, vintage clothes and funky artifacts- I'm still kicking myself for not buying the African beaded head dress I saw tucked into a corner. Verso is the kind of shop I love, not showy and so exensive that you feel intimidated just walking through the door. It is a wonderful store in a funky upstate town that everyone should check out if ever in the neighborhood. It's well worth the stop! Their website was under construction but check in on it- it might be up and running again. Www.versofinearts.com

All together now...

I love art. I don't understand people who have little to no artwork in their homes. I grew up in a house  full of paintings, photographs and pottery. Art, to me is an expression of who you are. In Victorian times a bare room was considered to be in poor taste. Every surface was filled with objects that reflected the homeowners interest and aspirations. Today,  people's taste tend to lean towards minimalism with clean lines and no clutter. To our thinking if a room is filled with objects, it will be full of clutter and look junky. I disagree, certainly there are those of us who might have a bit of trouble restraining ourselves when we find beautiful objects to put into a space but when done correctly, the effect can be tasteful, elegant and sophisticated. I found a few example that illustrate my point beautifully.

I love the color in this room and that fact that  on one wall the frames are all uniform, but the other wall has art in different sized frames combined with other objects like oversized letters. 

I love the vintage sign as the focal point on this wall of frames.   The white walls keep the space feeling light and fresh not cluttered.

This look is perfect for any house even a beach house. The different color s and sizes of the frames  gives the space an organic look in keeping with a the easy, relaxed feel of a beach house.

Capturing the moment

Your wedding is supposed to be one of the best days of your life but planning it is usually more stressful that you want it to be. Well today I'm going to help relieve a bit of the stress by reccomending a photographer. Steve Savard of Stephen Savard Photography started his business a little over six years ago in Rhode Island. His laid back attitude and enjoyment of his work helps his clients step back and enjoy their day, knowing the moments they want captured will be, in Savard's natural approach to the day. He captures the moments big and small and the one's that you didn't get the chance to see while you were greeting guests and taking your first steps on the dance floor as husband and wife. His business has grown to include the New England area with special concentration on Martha's Vineyard. So if you are looking for someone who will capture your day with a wonderful eye and relaxed humor, visit his website at www.savardphotography.com

*All images by Stephen Savard

Room with a view

Ok I'll admit it, I've become something of an etsy junkie. I don't have to buy anything (although I have) I just love window shopping. Seeing what people create or find, reclaim and reuse is for some reason endlessly fascinating to me. I add tons of items to my favorites list every time I'm on the site, hoping that by claiming it as a favorite of mine, it will hold out and wait for me to buy it. Of course that never seems to happen but I am happy to know that there was someone else out there who saw and appreciated something as much as I did. So for this post I took things that I've found and fallen in love with on esty and created a room out of them. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

I love the look and lines of these 60's Danish Teak lounge chairs
(fabulousmess)

These tea stained throw pillows add the perfect touch of tongue and cheek
(saseaboutique)

This gold leaf Moroccan side table is such a great accent piece for any room
(statesathome)

This rag rug from Rag Rug and Roll is just the right pop of color

Placing this antique teapot on a stack of books on a little table is  great way to add
a little height and detail to a room (86 for the home)

I am on a pendant light kick. I love the shape and vintage feel of this pair
(lampgoods)

A Dream



As always happens to me as these New England winters drag on, I look out of my window and sigh wishing I was somewhere warm and exotic. Although it's not warm, Paris has always been my dream city. The food, the clothes, the streets and markets call to me. I long to walk along the Seine, warm Nutella crepe in hand, watching the city live. Cliche I know but I don't claim it to be otherwise. Latley I've been cheating on my Paris dream and wishing for sand in my toes, sunshine on my shoulders and the vibrant hues of ocean waters. So to keep my mind off of the fact that it's snowing again, I've been looking around for some great little items for an imaginary beach getaway. Hope they get you in the mood for summer.



Sigh..wish I was sitting there with my toes dipped in the water







Perfect summer beach hat for relaxing in the sun. (thefifthhouse)



I love these 70's shades!! The red makes them the best accessory on or off the beach. (onefortynine)





The low cut front makes this retro inspired bathing suit still feel modern.



The Ladies

Without the love and support of your partner, living your dreams would be near impossible. In honor of President's day I thought I would post a few pictures of some of our most stylish First Ladies. They represented in clothes and manners, the attitude and climate in America while their partners were President. Some were more fashionable then others, making them hold a different place in our memories because as we all know it's hard to forget a woman in a fabulous dress. So today I tip my style hat to them and their fashion forward ways.

Topping my list of stylish First Ladies, is the beautiful and always graceful Michelle Obama

Jackie O is considered one the most stylish women of all time and for good reason...because she was.

Mamie Eisenhower's  bold pattern skirt and chunky pearls is classic look.

Edith Roosevelt's subtle patterns and quiet beauty make her one of my favorites.

To Paper or not to Paper?...

I've never been a big fan of wallpaper, the idea of frilly flowers looming from every corner is not my idea of a comfortable space. Lately though wallpaper had taken a turn for the better. Deborah Bowness who has been designing and hand printing paper for the last seven years offers a fresh take on the classic trompe-l'oeil idea of tricking the eye. Couture Deco has some great wallpapers by the french designer Koziel that really help redefine what you can do with wallpaper. Now my problem is not with wallpaper but with what wallpaper I want to use in my own house!

I love the idea that with this wallpaper I could pretend that I really do live in Paris like I've always said I would! (Couture Deco)

This Wallpaper by Deborah Bowness is a great way to make  any space more visually interesting without spending all of your money and time finding antique mirrors.

My favorite paper by Deborah Bowness I love that my kids can't take all the books off of these shelves like they do with our bookshelves.