Tag Archives: Product

Dim Some

December 16, 2012UncategorizedProductMrs. Blandings

I have done my fair share of Restoration Hardware bashing, but I have always mentioned that I do, really, like their lighting and hardware. I do. And, so, in the interest of fair coverage, I mention how much I’m enjoying the Library Swing-Arm Sconce. She was easy to install, solid and swivels nicely. She does everything I thought she’d do. I was doubly delighted to find that handsome knob, which makes a subtle “click” at “on” and “off,” is also a dimmer switch. This is the sort of detail that makes my heart explode in a burst of love at first light, like finding Winnie-the-Pooh on someone’s grown-up bookshelf.

Library Swing-Arm Sconce at Restoration Hardware here.

Obviously, RH did not compensate me in any way. And, no, I did not iron my bedding as I have two deadlines and three children in three different sports and it’s a week before Christmas. Get over it.

Back and Forth

November 26, 2012UncategorizedDesigners, ProductMrs. Blandings

“Look back, go back,” say my yoga instructors as we stand in a room heated to over one hundred degrees and they encourage me to arch into a backbend. I resist. The wooziness, they tell me, is caused by uncomfortable emotions that rise to the surface in the pose. What of the sharp pain that occurs a few inches north of my tailbone? It’s possible, of course, that both are the result of my forty-seven years of schlepping things around: chairs, babies, resentment. Looking back can make me unsteady.

Yet, there are times when casting to the past brings great satisfaction. On a trip to New York three years ago, John Robshaw took the time to visit with me in his showroom. The space was flooded with light and Mr. Robshaw has a very groovy vibe. He’s sexy in a way that is not overt and aggressive, but emits something of a low hum. It keeps one quite engaged.

As we talked prints and process he asked where I was headed next. When I reported that I was off to see Christopher Spitzmiller, he told me that he had just been there to look for lamps for his bedroom. He went on to describe bases that Christopher had used to test glazes, large swaths of color swiped across the pottery; these were the ones he wanted. They sounded like just the sort of thing I would want, too. Classic. Custom. Quirky.

They are and I do. You can see them in this month’s Elle Decor. In the back.

Image, Elle Decor, December 2012; photography William Waldron, produced by Anita Sarsidi.

Catching Up

September 17, 2012UncategorizedOn Assignment, ProductMrs. Blandings

Just back from New York after not having been for a year. I had missed it more than I realized and mentioned to a friend over tea that I could see myself living there. “Well, the weather has been great, darling,” was his reply. Too true – it was gorgeous – but more and more familiar and filled with friends. (Bill and the boys are not keen to this idea, so don’t be looking for my change of address card anytime soon.)

My latest piece is up at archdigest.com, so do click over to see what inspired Thomas Pheasant’s newest collection for Baker. It’s the most remarkable treat to be able to rummage about in creative minds, and his is a particularly good one.

Image courtesy of Architectural Digest, but the image top is via Baker and the one below by Mr. Pheasant.

Irving & Fine Find

May 29, 2012UncategorizedProductMrs. Blandings

In my closet full of shirts from J. Crew and skirts from Old Navy, I have a few things that have a style all their own.

More distinct, with exacting detail.

My tunics from Irving & Fine fall in this later category. Every single time I wear them people comment. You can always find them on line here, but if you are New York do stop by the:

Irving & Fine Sale

Indagare Souk

551 Madison Avenue, Ste. 1201

(Enter off 55th East of Madison)

212-988-2611

10 – 5

May 30th & 31st

(The last time I went there was amazing jewelry, too.)

Light Boxing

March 30, 2012UncategorizedProductMrs. Blandings

I must start making some decisions. I’ve had the same pile of tear sheets and memos sitting on my desk for months. One pressing issue is two lamps for the back wall of the living room. Joni at Cote de Texas pointed out these really lovely Ballard Design Small Gourd Lamps by Suzanne Kasler. Lovely. Also, $139 each, which, let’s face it, is dreamy.

But there are a few others rattling around like this gal with her hands on hips from Vaughn (technically, Ceramic Vase with Curly Handles) that I like better. At four times the price. And I keep wondering if later, say fifteen minutes after I plug them in, I won’t really see the difference anymore. That the perfectly lovely gourd lamps will leave a little room for the purchase of something that might be really terrific. Thoughts?