The 5 Senses Tour

I'm excited to announce that I've joined Bohemian Twilight's 5 Senses Tour.  Every Tuesday (my first post is a day late), participating bloggers will write about things that enliven their senses. Monica's blog is one of my favorites ~ click on the link below to learn more and meet Monica...

Book:

I bought this when it was first published (1999), and re-read this beautiful book every year.  Pen/Faulkner nominee.  It's also been made into a movie, but I haven't watched it - just have a feeling it will ruin the magic (but if you've seen it, do comment and perhaps allay my fears!).

"Such a pleasure to read...nothing less than a triumph." -New York Times Book Review


Music:

Listening to Sara's soulful voice is always a pleasure.

Movie:

 Just watched this for the first time the other night ~ classic 70s American cultural film about a woman regaining her bearings after her husband leaves her for a younger woman - minus the cliches and stereotypes.  Sprinkled with great humor and ultimately uplifting, it garnered several Academy Award nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Jill Clayburgh), and Best Writing & Screenplay. Great performances.

Smell:

Wearing my signature scent.  You can read my review of it on my fragrance blog, The Perfumed Parlour.

 Design:

 My own creation, Mystery, adorns my neck today.

I'm in love...

...with this settee!  Created by Jane Hall Design in Toronto, Canada, this is the settee that would make me stop looking at all others...

Jane is a fantastically fearless designer.  Want more?  Click on the links to: tour her home, visit her blog or website.

 

Lighting For The Dining Room

This time of year we start thinking about and planning for the holidays. The dining room becomes a focal point in the house. A new chandelier or sconces or both are at the top of the" I need this for the holidays" list. Here are a few I have selected for clients and a few that I just love.

 The petite Paramour chandelier adds elegance and lots of crystals to a small dining area.. Beautiful.

 No surprise here, a pink chandelier. The raspberry pink crystal orbs create a vibrant style on the metal and wood silver finish frame. Stunning.

 Another chandelier that isn't afraid of color. Turquoise and jade beads on a bronze frame turn up the volume.
Happy Holidays.

 The Sultana pendant in sky blue makes a perfect statement in a dining room without using a single crystal. Modern and wonderful.

 Cool, sleek, silver, the Venus chandelier makes a strong contemporary statement. Amazing.

 As a designer I'm not much for matching but I would definitely add  Venus sconces to a dining room or entry with the Venus chandelier.

 Dark coffee bronze and crystal make the Sebastian sconce a smart, sophisticated choice in a dining room.

With a champagne silk shade, wrought iron base and silver granello finish the Pembroke sconce is a modern marvel.
Lighting is important in any room. In a dining room it should make a glorious statement. Whatever your budget is buy a dining room light fixture you love.

chocolat soundtrack-the caravan-by johnny depp

Nanette Lepore

If I were a fashion designer, I'd want to be Nanette Lepore; her boho chic style really speaks to me.  Her designs look like something the average woman could actually wear - down to earth, comfortable, and fun.

An Ohio native, Nanette first displayed her love for fashion when, at the age of nine, she outfitted a neighbor in a floral bedspread, beaded choker, and face paint.  After completing her undergraduate studies at Youngstown University, she headed to NYC to make her mark.

She's also branched out into perfumes.  My favorite is her 2009 release, Nanette...I've reviewed it on my fragrance blog.  It's perfect for the fall/winter season.

I've also included some shots of her apartments.

What do you think of her style?  Any favorites?

I could live in the middle outfit

The dressing room of my dreams

Did you notice the pirate ship chandelier?

Nanette

I so want this dress!

The fuschia and olive is so great together

This bottle design was inspired by a vintage perfume bottle Nanette saw in Florence, Italy.  It is stunning in person!

Stairways to Heaven

I've had a "thing" for stairs for as long as I can remember.  To me, they represent an adventure, an invitation to explore something new. One of the (many) things that sold me on my cottage was the black wrought iron spiral staircase that leads to the bedroom loft.  Climbing those stairs makes me feel like a princess ascending to her chambers (small chambers though they be).

Whether grand or humble, indoors or out, it doesn't matter; I just can't resist following where they lead...

how great is that fuschia?

medieval mysteries...

this girl knows how to have fun

truly shabby chic

kids would love this

night at the opera...

this reminds me of my own spiral staircase

brilliant!

Lord of the Rings?

Montmartre, Paris.  I've been fortunate enough to climb these!

just stunning!