Today I have a nice surprise for you readers- a guest who will visually transport us to her small medieval village near the Roman town of Vaison-la-Romaine. She could be the most exciting French interior design resource you have come across in a while. Susannah Cameron is a devoted Francophile with a successful career in architecture and construction. Based in Provence she and her husband Hugh are uniquely positioned to offer exquisite French décor to the world with their online boutique Chez Pluie. She provides the decorative arts history to position her beautiful inventory into the rich context from which it comes. The back story makes all the difference, and can we ever learn enough? (<–The answer to that would be the one exception to the never say never quote.) Please welcome Susannah- today she will school us on armoires, french glass bottles, wine, wine tables, and the love of all things Louis. So pour yourself a great glass of wine and enjoy Susannah’s decorative arts lesson: [Read more…] about Shop Provence with Me
The Importance of the Handwritten Note… Inspired By: Alexa Pulitzer
to be or not to be a letter writer with style…
Have the texting and email functions of hand-held devices wiped away our manners? What has happened to the handwritten note? I have noticed that it is getting harder and harder to find decent stationery, note cards and note pads to buy. Is it a supply and demand issue? Are good manners being shorthanded and emoticonned into extinction? Let’s hope not. When someone has sent you a gift, done you a favor, shown you hospitality, or the like, there is nothing more important – or appropriate- than to demonstrate your appreciation in a thoughtful manner, taking the time to be expressive about why you are thanking this person. A handwritten note has a memorable way of conveying that another’s efforts had been appreciated. Especially a well written note on beautiful paper. Elegance matters. Stylish New Orleanian, Alexa Pulitzer, is the master of designing unique personal logos for people to bring their A game to handwritten notes. In fact, her designs are so incredible that what may start out as a notecard design order will often extend to cocktail napkins, cups, business cards and invitations- she has evolved into quite a personal branding queen. Luckily for us, she is our guest today on the blog, and she will school us on the importance of the handwritten note. Please welcome Alexa (who will be represented by blue text): [Read more…] about The Importance of the Handwritten Note… Inspired By: Alexa Pulitzer
Shop Dallas: Bisous Bisous
Dallas hit the jackpot when Andrea Meyer decided to open a patisserie in the West Village area. This energetic and enterprising macaron-maven has an impressive background that she shares with us today as we discus her interesting path which lead to the creation of Bisous Bisous. Her eye for detail, love of Paris, and professional path make for a great story- and the best macrons on the planet. If you don’t live in Dallas, I apologize in advance for [Read more…] about Shop Dallas: Bisous Bisous
Artist Spotlight: Alejandro Guijarro and his Momentum Series
Momentum is a body of work created over a three-year project during which Alejandro Guijarro travelled to the world’s great quantum mechanics institutions and photographed blackboards. He visited . The resulting photographs are as big as the blackboards themselves, and the resolution is so realistic that the viewer might be tempted to run a finger across the image just to see if it will return chalk covered. I had the pleasure of seeing this powerful series at The Dallas Art Fair earlier this year. The grouping of his works becomes a force field of sorts; these massive “blackboards” have a way of magnetically pulling people in- perhaps those who enjoy intellectual pursuits might be drawn to them in hopes that osmosis might set in. The designer in me would love to see these in an office or a library… like my own, selfishly. Of course I had questions for the artist, which unearthed the deep thoughts behind the Momentum series. Meet Alejandro Guijarro and view more of his series here:
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Inspired By: The Sultanette
cha·ris·ma
1) compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others
2) a divinely conferred gift or power
Let’s talk about charisma. Charismatic people are a rare breed who possess a somewhat indefinable 6th sense. They walk into a room with a larger than life presence; when they interact with you, you feel like the most important person to ever exist. What gives these people their superpowers? Speculators suggest that it is a combination of traits such as optimism, confidence, high intelligence — with an up-to-date knowledge on current affairs and rounded general knowledge. Perhaps it is that they are both interesting — and interested – they want to listen to what others have to say. Charisma is all about attention to detail, and the details of how interpersonal interaction takes place. Charisma is a gift… and a power. It can’t be faked, and it certainly can not be bought.
The people who posses charisma are superheros of human interactions. While I wish we could get to the bottom of this talent/gift/power, I just don’t think it is possible. So instead, we can further explore the elements in a case study. I invite you to join me as I chat with the queen of charisma. Meet The Sultanette, the persona of one of my favorite blogs, The Male Harem. The Sultanette is a class act – she has more reason than most to brag, yet would not ever consider doing so. She is charming, stylish, witty, kind, intellectual, and extremely mysterious. Let me just, to set the stage for this interview, put on the table that The Sultanette is single. She has a magnetic force field around her that lures, truly, the most interesting male admirers. I’m not talking about empty suits, frat boys or skirt-chasers. I’m talking about powerful people, intellects, the higher cut of the male species. Quality. And while I am on the topic, quantity of said quality. She is the sort of female that men adore…and women want to hate. But they can’t, because she is likable.
This requires further inspection, wouldn’t you say?
In advance, you’re welcome. You’re welcome for the holiday entertainment that will shock you right out of your tryptophan coma. Put on your seatbelt and enjoy the interview, which will end with a fantasy dinner hosted by The Sulanette.
If you are lucky, perhaps you will be invited…
