Bergdorf Goodman ~111 Years of Extraordinary

When I walk into Bergdorf's, I often breathe a heavy, happy sigh.  That store just makes me happy.  When I was in fashion, styling to be exact, I often dreamed of what it would be like to style their breathtaking catalogs.  To me, that was the epitome of refinement and fashion represented in the most beautiful visual context.

Presently wrapped in their iconic purple ribbon, Bergdorf Goodman is ready to celebrate in a BIG way.  One hundred and eleven years signifies: 1 store, 1 city, 1 experience.  David Hoey and the visual merchandising team were very busy creating windows that not only take you down memory lane, but celebrate the exclusive merchandise made for this special occasion.  As always, the eye candy was intoxicating!

There are MANY exclusive items that have been created by top designers, all wanting to pay homage to "the great 1".  Included is the book Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman, full of stories and anecdotes from fashion luminaries to long time employees.

Akris

Christian Louboutin

I was in the other day, and while I am always excited, everything just felt a little extra special.  BG is really pulling out all the stops.  Between the people watching and the celebratory installations, I was mesmerized.

I couldn't help myself ~

ph: Bergdorf's

The Long & Short of It

One of my clients had a great rental in NY.  Unfortunately, the lease and their run in NY came to an end (temporarily, I hope).  We didn't want to put the furniture we had purchased in storage, so we repurposed it ~ in the guest room of their Philadelphia home.

Out with the old and in with the new ~

The bed, vanity and TV easel looked beautiful.  This client likes simple and neutral.  I was given 2 instructions when asked to accessorize the LONG, 15 foot by SHORT 6 inch deep ledge above the closet; make it funky and not overly accessorized.

Since antiquing in the Hampton's went so well, see here, I was able to accomplish exactly what my client had requested.

I often preach the importance of using an odd number of objects but in this case, the 3 wooden vessels along with the addition of the basket for height and a change in texture just felt right.  Many times you just need to think intuitively.

Since the ledge was very narrow, I wanted to hang things on the wall.  This helped create more interest and made for a less cluttered look.
I bought these paintings at the Hampton's Show House shop.  They had a beautiful selection of vintage wares, and these paintings were done by an artist/instructor from Parson's who passed away recently.
People often ask me where I buy things and I always say, "Wherever I can."

The spiny brass sculpture and Murano glass jar were the perfect compliment to each other and created more texture than color, as is the case with the mercury candlesticks above.

To speak to the soft colors in the paintings on the other side of the ledge ~ I brought in assorted vases.  My client wanted very little color, but I felt as though it needed a shot of it along with the texture for visual interest, especially because you were viewing from far away and below, way below, the ledge.

There is an art to accessorizing, and for me it's the most fun part of the job!  Never underestimate its importance in a room.  It's the final layer that helps tell the story and brings all the other elements together!


Ph:CLI

SHOPPING: The Hampton's

English Country Antiques
26  Snake Hollow Road.  Bridgehampton, NY   (631) 577~0606

If you can't find it here, it doesn't exist.  Chris Mead began shipping antiques from England 20 years ago and hasn't slowed down.  Like a kid in a candy store, I spent hours, literally, studying the new and old; from bedding to a huge assortment of decorative lighting, boxes, and everything in between.  A venerable treasure trove for homeowners and designers alike.

Mecox Gardens made my heart skip a beat as we pulled up to the flagship Southhampton emporium.  With 8 stores around the country selling antiques, reproductions, and repurposed treasures from near and far, you'd be hard pressed to not fall in love!  Their mission is to seamlessly blend the inside and outside, and they do it well.

above & below via Between the Boxwoods

via So Haute

Mont XIII
40 Madison St. Sag Harbor, NY (631) 808~3333

Natasha Esch, an interior designer from Los Angeles, and prior to that head of Wilhelmina models, knows a thing or two about style.  The newest home store in Sag Harbor offers beautifully curated spaces with both new and reproduction furniture and accessories.  I especially loved the leather wrapped everything!

above & Below via Mont XIII

Ruby Beets
25 Washington St.  PO Box 1174.  Sag Harbor, NY   (631) 899~3275

Old and new co-exist in this little jewel of a store.  Sharone Einhorne and Honey Wolters have the perfect selection of unusual finishing touches, as well as contemporary murano glass, furniture, and art.  They are always included in everyone's list of favorite "to dos" in the Hamptons

via Habitually Chic

JED 
27 Washington St.  Sag Harbor, NY    ( 631) 725~6411                  

Jack Deamer, the owner (not Jed like you would assume), had a beautiful high end selection of antiques and objects'd art.  I was rooting thru a box of framed intaglios that were to die for but a little rich for my blood.  It does warrant another trip though, they all do!

via JED facebook page

Ya'll come back and see how I used what I bought on my shopping trip in a client's home ~ next time

I also checked out ~

Donna Parker Habitat Ltd.
Water Mill, NY

Gustavo Olivieri Antiques
East Hampton, NY

John Salibello
East Hampton, NY


and you should too.  Many of these great stores are on 1st Dibs as well.


ph:CLI unless otherwise noted.

Stop the Presses!!

SPECTACULAR, SPECTACULAR.
For one night only Ralph Lauren creates a larger than life 4D experience to usher in the grand opening of his newest Madison Ave. and London stores.  You must see the video.

Thank you  Design Therapy

                                       http://vimeo.com/16722030




I had heard that Alber Elbaz was doing a Lanvin line for H & M.  What I did not know was how cute it was.  I have a feeling lines will begin to form well before the November 20th debut.

 There are 48 items in the collection.  Prices range from $9.95 for a lipstick to $349.00 for a coat.   If you see me in line~ get out of my way because these pieces are calling my name.

Photos: NY times, Fashionista