Aide Memoire

November 19, 2010UncategorizedProductMrs. Blandings

One of my friends always sends an email entitled “aide memoire” when we have plans. It’s such a lovely way of saying, “I know you’re a ding dong and might forget.”

No, she’s not really saying that. She wouldn’t. And I’m not either, but I am reminding you about Robyn Brooks’s trunk show tomorrow.

I stopped by today while she was setting up and the products are so lovely. Terrific colors whether you want a wrist stacked bright or a sea of neutrals to compliment your oh-so-current camel.

Lots of product that you can take home right away either for yourself or someone on your gift list.

Lynne Gilbert will be there, as well, showing her new line of fine cotton PJs and cashmere sweaters.

If you can’t make it to 6220 High Drive between 11 and 4 you can find Robyn’s line here and Gilbert’s line, Marigot, here.

CCHL, vol. 2

November 18, 2010UncategorizedConnecticut Country House LookMrs. Blandings

In retrospect, every room I’ve crafted for myself has been a cottage. While my mother was having her 70’s moment of mylar paper and orange carpet, my room was yellow faux bamboo and quilts.

The dorm rooms and apartments that followed all included chintz, most memorably that Ralph Lauren black floral that I am sure I would still have in a plastic bin had it not been for the toenails of a beloved, albeit rambunctious pup. (Not Rosie. Rosie would never.)

The split-level that was Mr. Blandings’s, and then mine, whose entry hall was papered with faux stone and ivy, seemed happy to receive the iron bed and the braided rug and the wicker.

Most of the things I tend to gather are the stuff of other people’s second homes. I stopped short on a walk this week with Mrs. Griswald to study two wicker chairs left by the side of the road, “I think I might need these.” “Um. Well. You could…” And I caught the wisdom in her unsaid words and walked on.

Moving twice is hard enough; acquiring stuff to move is total folly.

All images House Beautiful, design by Justine Cushing; photography by Don Freeman.

Out and About

November 17, 2010UncategorizedAntique DealersMrs. Blandings

I had a wonderful lunch yesterday at Webster House and noticed these terrific Deco pieces near the back of the store. That blonde wood is yummy and the prices were great. The T-table is actually one of a pair.

Also, look who popped up in Joanna Votilla’s window – Chiavari. Also a pair.

Wait, what? OK. The image is awful.

Here’s an image of another pair on 1st dibs. Joanna’s are a lot less ching. Ring her up at 816-753-7606.

Seconds, Please

November 17, 2010UncategorizedDesignersMrs. Blandings

A little bird told me yesterday that there is a new project up at Isabel Lopez-Quesada’s site. If you haven’t stopped there before, do take a minute. If you have, scroll right until you see Asturias, Espana 2010 to see the new work. A portion of this project appeared in World of Interiors recently; what you didn’t see was terrific, too. Here.

Connecticut Country House Look

November 16, 2010UncategorizedConnecticut Country House LookMrs. Blandings

I’ve deemed this the Connecticut Country House Look (even though none of these houses are in Connecticut.)

This look seeped under my skin watching Christmas in Connecticut, Holiday Inn, Bringing Up Baby and Philadelphia Story. Again and again.

Mostly white walls. A fair amount of floor showing. Some chintz. A lot of leg.

I’ve been known to show a lot of leg myself.

A mix of painted and brown wood with a little bit of sparkle. Not too much. Too much sparkle kills the WASP. Not that I am one, but I have quite a few buzzing around me.

That’s sort of what I’m thinking.

Images from top, Ruby Ross Wood from Regency Redux, a French mill from House and Garden Complete Guide to Interior Decoration, 6th edition, 1960; Veranda, September 2010, design by Melanie Turner; photography by Erica George Dines; final two, House Beautiful, design by Marshall Watson; photography by Nathan Schroder.