Munch

We are attending After Dark: Becoming Edvard Munch: Influence, Anxiety, and Myth at the Art Institute of Chicago tonight as part of the Institutes "After Dark" series. Munch is famous for "The Scream" which I love with all of its gloom and doom. I believe there is supposed to be a theatrical ensemble collaboration as part of the event... which should be interesting... as long as I have a cocktail in my hand:) Maybe I'll see you there.

It's cold and rainy here in Chicago right now but it's Friday! Hope you all have a good weekend!

Favorite Nurseries

I thought I would continue with my favorite tear sheets by posting about nurseries. I never really thought about what my "dream nursery" would look like until I saw Father of the Bride II. The nursery that "Franck" designed is timeless, classic, comfortable and kid friendly. The color scheme could be for either a boy or girl. I think what I love most is the amount of light that comes into the room. It's amazing how natural light can really alter the senses and make a room cozy and warm. Ok, well this is more like a suite than a room!!! Images via Silver Screen Surroundings.

I love the rocking chair! And don't get me started on the fireplace:)

Perhaps a little too girly and formal but I love the color scheme for a girl. Nursery in Southern Accents by Suellen Gregory

Nursery images via Cote de Texas. I love the murals, comfy chairs, and color scheme. I had a teddy bear just like the one in this photo (before I ripped it to shreds!)

Chic Chicago

Tonight my sister and I are heading over to the Chicago History Museum to view Chic Chicago; an exhibition of modern fashion showcasing extraordinary gowns by the most prominent couturiers made between 1861 and 2004. Charles Worth (House of Worth), known as the Father of Haute Couture (1825-1895), will be showcased and he is credited for redefining the female shape, using exquisite materials and for his unparalleled workmanship. I can't wait to see a Worth gown with my very own eyes!!! Take a look at a sampling of gowns we will see tonight:

Gown 1878: By Emile Pingat. Cream silk brocade, lace, gold and yellow satin.

The "Butterfly" 1954: By Charles James

Evening Gown 1861: By Worth & Bobergh. Silk satin, silk ribbon and handmade Point de Gaze lace

Audubon

Known as the "American Woodsman", John James Audubon became famous when the world was introduced to his Birds of America; a collection of hand colored prints depicting 497 American bird species that became an instant hit across the pond. I learned this and more after watching a Audubon special on PBS and I was inspired to post my favorite Audubon prints. His American White Pelican above is probably my favorite print. Pelican's are such funny looking creatures; awkward yet stately. In Louisiana the pelican is seen everywhere; it's Louisiana's state bird (the brown one that is) and is part of the Tulane University seal . The Tulane seal depicts a mother pelican shedding her own blood to bring her young back to life (based on an ancient legend, the “pelican in her piety” ). It is seen as a symbol of self-sacrifice explained in Tulane's motto, Non sibi, sed suis: “Not for one’s self, but for one’s own.” Audubon is also closely associated with Louisiana; he lived in New Orleans for some time which provided inspiration for the prints shown. You can get the rare Octavo First Edition prints by John James Audubon at Joel Oppenheimer Gallery in Chicago and compliment it with a pretty gilt frame. Here are some more Louisiana inspired ontological prints by Audubon :

Louisiana Heron

Whopping Crane

Barcelona Chairs

I think I'm going batty because everywhere I look I see the Barcelona chair. I think I've just trained my eye to spot them out in magazines and blogs. The Barcelona chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and its design is iconic. I would love a pair... but alas they come at a hefty price. Knoll manufactures these hand made beauties in a variety of colors and metals. I think I would go with a burgundy red or black but the white as you can see is quite nice. They just add a flair of style and a touch of modernity to any room. *sigh* (photos from Southern Accents and Simply Seductive)

Mimi Holliday by Damaris

I think I have a new favorite lingerie designer...... yes, Agent Provocateur has been supplanted. Mimi Holliday by Damaris is drool worthy. You must check out the website.

For all you brides to be Agent Provocateur has introduced a new collection!

Spring Cleaning

It's finally warming up here in Chicago so it's time for the dreaded Spring cleaning. Fortunately Jack has been a good sport and is helping me out with my long task list this week. Last night I finished folding and packing all of our sweaters we dry cleaned along with our winter accessories. Out came the light weather clothes! I can't wait to wear skirts again but I'm so ungodly pale right now:)

I love to organize but I honestly hate cleaning. But once I get into the groove of cleaning my place I love seeing our home shine. I came across Mrs. Meyers products that I was going to share and I thought heck, I might as well share my favorite cleaning and organizing products. What helps your home stay organized and clean?

1. Cedar and Lavender Sachets
After I dry clean or wash all sweaters/jackets I store them in plastic containers I bought from the Container Store. Jack bought me some really nice smelling cedar sachets that I put in the bottom of each container to ward off moths and other insects (it also keeps your clothes smelling fresh too).


2. Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products
Mrs. Myers products are biodegradable, actually get the job done and come in a variety of scents (sans the harsh chemical hospital smell you get from most cleaning products). Bed, Bath and Beyond and Whole Foods carry Mrs. Myers.

3. Cedar Hangers.
I hate the look of plastic hangers. I've been living with them for years and I'm finally starting to supplement my wardrobe with cedar hangers slowly but surely. You can also get these from Bed, Bath and Beyond (a more economical option) and they will keep your closet smelling fresh and looking good.

4. Garment Bags
I store all my nice clothing in these hanging natural cotton garment bags from The Container Store.

5. Russell & Hazel Storage products
They come in cute colors and help store my enormous magazine collection. The boxes help keep my knick knacks out of the way.

Auntie Mame and her kaftan

Speaking of dressed up kaftans....here is Rosalind Russell in all her glory as Auntie Mame in one of my favorite movies of all time. As Auntie Mame would say:

"Yes! Live! Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!"

Kasbek

I just found out that my favorite kaftan store is now online! I discovered Kasbek on my honeymoon in Morocco (more on that to come!) while trying not to get lost in Marrakesh (one should always try to get lost at least once because you never know what you will discover!). Anyway, we saw Cassie and her beautiful kaftans and we stopped in. I purchased two on the spot (one for myself and one for my sister) and I'm lusting for more. Kaftans are really versatile; you can dress them up with heels or dress them down with jeans. I can't wait to wear my silver antique kaftan when the weather gets warmer. Check them out!

Svenska Mobler and Mark Shaw

You know, I'm pretty lucky. Instead of having a sister who trots off to Cancun or Vegas for Spring Break she'd rather see me. I compensate in a non girls gone wild kind of way:) Chicago is a big city but for a resident it doesn't feel that way because of it's neighborhoody feel. That is until you have someone come visit. Then you realize how much there is to see and do! This year I plan on taking my sister to visit all the galleries and furniture stores on Wells Street. It really is a treat for the eyes. One stop along the way will be Svenska Mobler; a Swedish antiques store that also offers some gorgeous modern pieces, lighting and a fine selection of Mark Shaw photography.

Mark Shaw's work is instantly recognizable around the world. Who can forget the gorgeous photos taken of the Kennedy family leading up to the 1960 Presidential Election? He was also prolific in his fashion photography and his work highly collectible. Looking at these photos are inspiring; it reminds me to put on that lipstick before I head out the door and to hold my head up high. Enjoy!

Favorite Formal Dining Rooms

Ever since I discovered the wonderful blog world of interior design I have been saving images at an alarming rate with every click of my mouse. Each day I open my google reader and I'm inspired to provide a stylish but comfortable home for my family; a place of refuge that exudes our personality and style. Although these blogs have helped me hone my taste there are certain tear sheets that I have accumulated since college that are dear and near to my heart. And most of them are from Southern Accents. Here are some of my favorite dining room images I have collected: (the last two are from style court and cote de texas)

Perhaps its the soothing green color on the walls or the misleading simplicity of this room but I love it. Even the little tassels on the silk curtains (not a big tassels fan). The chair covers steer the room from being too dated and I just dig the bowl of lemons. Why? I don't know. The double chandelier is the statement piece; anything more would make the room fussy. I would kill for those parquet floors!

I love, love, love Aerin Lauder's formal blue dining room (yes, I do deviate from taupe). It reminds me of a dinner party I was invited to by a friend of mine whose sister had a home near Tulane's campus. Her dining room walls were painted peacock blue and it was the first time I ever saw a dining room painted in bold color. It made a big, bold beautiful statement that I would love to emulate one day.

I love this dining room because it looks comfortable and elegant all at the same time. I love the upholstery on the chairs, the antique barometer on the wall and the lovely provencal feel to the room (perhaps its the flowers?).



I love the mix of the formal trumeau and fancy chandelier with the more casual pedestal table and chairs. Don't get me started on the parquet floors! Perfect for a small dining room.

Aldo Tura

A bar cart is in order. It really would be nice to have everything in one place that we could move from room to room if need be. We love to entertain and Jack makes a mean cocktail. I did bartend in college (but I was horrible at it) and the best I could do was pop the cap off a bud light. But I digress:). At least Jack would make the most use out of it!

When I think of cocktails I think of Aldo Tura's 50's mod furniture with Frank Sinatra tunes in the background. Aldo Tura is an Italian furniture design firm that has been in business since the 1930's. Their design aesthetic ranges from classic to art deco to fun 50's mod. Besides loving their vintage bar cars I'm also digging their current furniture line. Here are some collectible discontinued bar carts from 1stdibs that are sadly out of my price range but perhaps I can find something similar elsewhere? Anyway take a look:

Rodney Smith

I can't help but join the herd and post my favorite Rodney Smith photos. I first came across his photos via one of the many bridal blogs I used to visit (although I can't remember which one). Anyway his style is glamourous, surreal, fresh and lovely. The play on light is gorgeous and his photos inspiring. I'm tempted to order his new book The End. Which one is your favorite?