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I'm leaving next week~ for the Big Apple. A few new places I'd like to check out while I'm there (or they're new to me, at least). Antony Todd's store in the east village..

ABC Carpet & Home - on a mission for a chandelier for a nursery. This is usually the mecca for those....

Just recently read about FLAIR in SoHo- can't wait to check it out!

And my friendly host and dear friend Pam has me ALL excited about drinking coffee in a bowl at Cafe Henri. (see below).

I would also like to visit Passementerie for trims (it's always fun). I'm sure we will cram in as much as possible in during the 3 days we're there. I heart NY!

Happy Saturday!

It's Sad, but True

From http://www.dominomag.com/ :

dear readers
It is with very heavy hearts that we say farewell. Over the last 4 years, in 28 issues, we have done our best to create a great magazine. We started with a real idea—that style is for everyone—and tried to carry it out with stories that provide inspiration and empower you to act on it. From your tremendous response, we know that we were onto something. In this tough economy, however, we simply weren't able to get the advertising support we needed.
As domino evolved, we never lost sight of our original democratic premise. Looking back at the manifesto we published in the premiere issue, the first tenet of domino is still the truest: Home should make you happy. We hope we have played a part in making this come true for you.

Love,

All the editors of domino

My friend Susan and I set out for Round Top, Texas last Saturday morning. Round Top is a tiny town between Austin and Houston with a population of about 70 people. The Round Top Antiques Fair has 4 yearly shows. This wasn't the largest one, but we had a great time, nonetheless. A few great things we saw:

One vendor in particular I loved: Nick Brock Antiques out of Dallas had some very gorgeous things. Again, not in my b-school budget right now, but someday...

I definitely want to make it back to their big show in April. Had I been on a mission for bird-cages, this would've been the place. Anybody need one?

MERE Bags featured in Austin Tidbits

I am proud to announce I have my first Texas press! As seen today in Austin Tidbits!
Click here to read the full article.


Splurge Purge
January 15, 2009
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With the economy on a downward slope, we’re all having to tighten our purse strings. But can’t that purse at least look amazing??
MERE, created by Austin newbie Meredith Leach McBrearty, is a hot handbag collection that will keep you looking amazing no matter how ugly the recession. Keep your resume for job-hunting in the Georgetown Tote, carry your life-savings in the Two-Timer, put the paycheck you need to cash in a Go Stag and keep your coins in a Bandeau Clutch.
Now go play—recess is in.
http://www.shopmere.com/

White House Design

As I was running around this morning, I overheard something that caught my attention - The Obamas have chosen an interior designer for "their" White House! - Mr. Michael S. Smith of Los Angeles. While my politics might not always agree with said President-elect, I will give them props for their choice of designer. Enough Hillary and Sanjay Gupta - this was the appointment we were waiting for. All we really want to know is what type of sheets will they sleep on - Sferra, or Yves Delorme? And what sofa - Christian Liagre or Rose Tarlow? Speaking of things democratic, I wonder how they ever decided? Perhaps they voted. I read an entire article recently (I believe it was on 1st dibs) about who would do what to the White House if they were chosen as the designer. The thing to remember is that after all, the White House is typically home to a husband and wife, and this time - a family. Michael Smith will be charged with making this American Icon feel like home... (photo from the White House Historial Ass'n) Image of President and Mrs. Reagan in their private residence of the White House. Beaute!

First Lady Laura Bush and Michelle Obama recently met in the private residence. I bet they spoke of this very thing! (photo from Getty Images).

The Lincoln Bedroom as shown In Architectural Digest March 2008 edition.

The following images are from Michael Smith's portfolio. Click here to see more. His style is classic, yet fresh, and I think he will be a great guy for the job - I hope that he will give it new life while maintaining and respecting the home's important history. I have admired his work for quite some time, and have many of his images filed away in my "inspiration" binders.

Knock yourself out, Mr. Smith - we can't wait to see what you do!

Ebay = E-BLAST about the fabulous finds that are right before your eyes every single day! A few things that are too good to keep to myself. A pair of hollywood regency-style vintage "slipper" chairs... Whoo-hooo Jimmy Choo's!

This mid-century lucite lamp would be so super-chic in our master bedroom.

Danish modern pendant - But it now: $28!!

Anybody getting married? BUY IT NOW - this beautiful Carolina Herrera gown for $1600.

Zebra skin rug - Starting bid: $299..

Egyptian leather poufs - Buy it now - $69

Art Deco leather club chair...

Ivory lacquer console - yummy!

Light up your Life

Twas on a mission for light fixtures today. If a pair of manolos is the sugar to your wardrobe, then a fabulous fixture is the fashion in your home . As great accessories complete the way you clothe your body, so they should in the place you call home. I am reminded of an episode of Bravo's Top Design this year where the designers selected a Swarovski fixture and were asked to design a room around it. Like a special piece of jewelry, a cool lamp can transform a room...

Antique brass metal shade - $35 from Lamps PlusMoooi Light Shade - $4598 - Y Lighting"Twiggy" pendant light - Y Lighting: $595

Raffia drum from Serena and Lily: $89. Great for a beach house!

"Delight" drumshade - $108 from Exclusively Home. This one's adorable. Wish I had a 5 year old daughter.

Designers Diamond & Baratta use this trick often..

Hand-block printed shades from Galbraith & Paul - available at http://www.2modern.com/

Image from Point Click Home...

Beware of Amazon!

I've had a long week and have been working super hard - not much time for interesting posts. :( When I came home tonight there were 2 packages at our door - one was for Lee. This cracked me up and I had to share - please see below a belated Christmas gift from his brother. It's hilarious - Sean thought he was buying a "real book!" What will he do with this 2"x2" square mini book on "How to use what you already know to make money in the market"? Perhaps he can keep it in his suit pocket for quick (sneaky) answers in his interviews next week? Or, perhaps he can slip it under his sleeve and quote it to impress his classmates? Surely this little black book of powerful advice will come in handy somehow!
Lesson learned: beware of buying on the internet - you just never know.

Books! Books! Books!

I am very excited about a few new books I received for Christmas this year. Elle Decor: So Chic - already read through half of it! This book is filled with some serious eye candy, in particular I love the article of Tamara Mellon's London flat (founder of Jimmy Choo shoes) and the photos of her ridiculous closet filled with Jimmy Choos! Style - by John Saladino. A classic design book with beautiful imagery and great attention to detail.

Barefoot Contessa: hmmm, someone may be trying to hint something? Nonetheless, I'm excited. :)I have already read this book cover to cover but I don't care! I'm so excited to add it to the Library!

Cannot WAIT for this one. I hope KW's hair is as funky in the book as it is on Top Design.

And, last but not least - my cute Dad gave me a subscription to House Beautiful. I've actually never been a subscriber and am thrilled - now I don't have to buy them in the airport once a month!

In other news, I have been writing from the husband's laptop ever since mine went under about 3 weeks ago. The ER doctor will be coming tomorrow (hopefully) to repair. Please cross your fingers as my entire LIFE is on that computer and we must get it working again!