June 10, 2009
I will never forget the first day I came across a Bella Muse greeting card in a teeny boutique in my hometown. The “have expensive luggage will travel” line made me laugh out loud and I was instantly hooked. Thanks to the Bella Muse website I was able to order a wide variety of wise-cracking, vintage inspired cards all of which receive a gushingly positive response from their recipients. My boyfriend still has his “especially for my sweetie pie” hanging above his desk—certainly a classic in the making. The woman behind the witticisms that comprise Bella Muse is artist and typographer (what a cool title) Alicia Peck. She opened the company in 2003 drawing from her love of “writing, whimsy, humor and antique illustrations.” Her work is sold at upscale home stores and boutiques throughout the States. We can’t wait to see what Alicia comes up with next!
(Images from here)
June 7, 2009
How is it that I never tire of John Derian’s fanciful decoupage? You’d think I would find it tragically overdone by now, but I still adore it so! When I lived in Manhattan his shop was just a few blocks from my apartment and I’d often stop in on my way home from work. It has one of the best selections of decoupage, antiques, quilts, and artwork in all of New York—truly a gem tucked away in the East Village. From the custom furniture to the brightly colored moroccan poufs, every piece in the shop is colorful and fun. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the artist, the John Derian Company was established in 1989 and all the decoupage designs are handmade in John’s studio. I used to see John in the shop quite often and would get so excited to be in the presence of such talent. I was always struck by how down to earth he seemed—always so kind and helpful despite the immense publicity his work has received. Keep up the good work John Derian, you most certainly get the NEO-trad seal of approval!
John Derian Company
6 East 2nd Street
New York, New York
(Images from here)
June 5, 2009
HBO’s “Grey Gardens” starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore is being released on DVD July 14th! Sadly, I missed the original showing on HBO, but have already ordered the DVD from Amazon. I’ve heard great things about both actresses’ performances and can’t wait to see them for myself!
(Images from here)
June 3, 2009
I am head over heels for the latest shots of Tiffany’s “Legendary” ad campaign. Though all of the models are familiar each has such a strikingly unique face. As for the jewelry, I love the mix of metals and stones. They’ve tossed out the dated “everything must match” rule and paired yellow gold with platinum and so forth and we’re loving it. I can’t help but drool over the impeccable styling of each shot. Such a fresh, fun take on classic style—so very NEO-trad of them. Bravo Tiffany’s, bravo.
(Images from here)
June 2, 2009
#1 – When Grace broke her arm she used an Hermes scarf as a sling. Oh to be so chic…
#2 – Grace was the first actress to appear on the American postage stamp.
#3 – The shoes paired with Grace’s wedding dress were designed by David Evins. A copper penny was built into the right shoe for good luck.
#4 – Grace Kelly was a friend of the Kennedy family for many years. In 1954, when Jack Kennedy was hospitalized for a back problem, Jackie snuck Grace, dressed as a nurse, in to visit him to raise his spirits.
#5 – Grace Kelly received a Weimaraner as a wedding gift from her brother Jack. She also had a poodle named Oliver and a great dane.
#6 – Princess Grace had an art studio at Roc Agel where she worked on her pressed flower art.
#7 – As a young woman Grace reportedly dated the Shah of Iran. He was said to have given her vast amounts of jewelry including: a gold birdcage housing a diamond sapphire bird, a gold vanity case with a clasp set with thirty-two diamonds, and a gold bracelet with an intricate pearl and diamond face.
#8 – Prior to her marriage to the Prince of Monaco, Grace had been engaged to Russian fashion designer Oleg Cassini (the man behind Jackie O’s iconic wardrobe).
#9 – While living in New York as a young actress Kelly was one of the now famous tenants of the Barbizon Hotel for Women. Other tentants included Liza Minnelli, Ali MacGraw, and Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale.
#10 – On April 4,1856 Grace departed from Pier 84 in New York Harbor for her royal wedding in Monaco. On board were her bridesmaids, family, poodle and over eighty pieces of luggage. Thousands of fans sent the party off on their eight day voyage and in Monaco more than 20,000 people lined the streets to greet her.
(Facts and images from here)
