playing dress-up at the beach . . .

Last week I was asked by the talented photographer (and my good friend) Ingie Markovich to do a photo shoot ~ I was thrilled with her unique approach and dramatic style ~ she titled this album "Annie's Wonderland" quite fitting I think!

all photos by Ingie Markovich

I jump at any opportunity to wear one of my many wigs and dress up in outfits I might not have an occasion to wear under "normal" circumstances! I think its clear from the photos ~ I'm having a blast!! Thanks again Ing!! XOxo

Heaven on Earth

On my very first visit to Europe ~ many many years ago, I had the good fortune to take a weekend side trip to a place (at the time, I had not heard of) called Lago Maggiore! We drove from Southern Germany, the Black Forest region, through the Swiss Alps and arrived at our location, a tranquil lake in Northern Italy surrounded by a lush hillside with snow capped peaks beyond. At the time, I was 22 and I had never seen a place so beautiful. Well, a lot of years have past and I have traveled to many gorgeous places, but for me, nothing has topped this little slice of heaven!

Here I am enjoying a draft with my German friends, Wolfgang and Jens after a day of exploring the villages

The lake is surrounded by charming seaside villages that have not seemed to change much over the century's.

Many of the buildings in the villages date back to the 13th century!

During my short stay I did not visit (nor was I even aware of) the exquisite Palace on Isola Bella

This is the main reason I can't wait to return! This privately owned island is my personal vision of heaven

One of the many terraced gardens! 

and another . . . . . (I think I would be content just to be a grounds keeper here!)

An interior shot of the main palace building! (inspiration for Lenox china pattern no doubt!)

All the old streets winding up the hillside are so narrow ~ you see little old cars like this Citron everywhere!

A few vistas of this lovely paradise that has remained out of the limelight all these years,
unlike it's cousin Lake Como with George Clooney and his paparazzi! Hope to go back soon!

Musings on mosaics

Here are some amazing mosaics I've snapped photos of recently . . . 

The showroom window of Sicis in NYC and yes that golden shoe is a bathtub! Their stuff is the best!
Check out their amazing designs and huge selection of glass and stone mosaics @ http://www.sicis.com

This fun facade of Polly Maggoo (local dive)  on Rue Saint Jacques in Paris caught my eye while
strolling back from a visit to Notre Dame.

I just adore these mosaic sculptures by the very talented artist Elizabeth Healey ~ I want one! See more
of Elizabeth's stunning mosaic creations @ www.elizabethlaulhealeyart.com 

This is a local Laguna Beach installation using tiny glass tiles - its creates such a vivid image!

The bottom of a fountain at the Art Museum in Vancouver ~ love the play of water over the mosaics!

Spotted this on a road trip, we spent the night in Half Moon Bay and this large wall mosaic charmed me!

Mosaics aren't limited to tile! This clever artist used old computer keys to create this memorable piece!

fortune cookies!

another day, another step . . . 

1st DIBS

My favorite website for design inspiration or finding the perfect piece, not to mention one of the best designed and functioning sites out there. 1st dibs brings the finest showrooms from around the world to your desktop. All the images are top notch and have extensive descriptions of the individual items, their cost and their history. I have spent days perusing this site and continue to go back to see what is new and exciting! Here Are a few of my favorite Art Deco delights, that I compiled for my future dream dressing room! Check it out for yourselves @ www.1stdibs.com

every glamorous space needs a avatar of sorts ~ mine would be this gleaming goddess!

and of course a knight in shining armor! this piece is painted on glass and I would light it from behind!

A couple lovely chairs for guests to sit and chat while I decide what to wear!

and of course a fainting sofa, for when an hour has past and I still have not decided!

to create that rose colored glow which makes everything more appealing, I chose this pendant light 

this mirrored skyscraper chest would house my huge collection of gloves, hose and scarves 

a pair of sconces for mood lighting and reflecting the sheen on the silk upholstered walls!

This would be the perfect slipper chair for my dressing table - something with substance!

and of course a lovely bar set for entertaining ~ I think eight glasses will do! 

blow'n bubbles

When plan A falls through, its time for plan "B" ~ bubbles on the beach!

a change of perspective

I have been a fan of Dr. Wayne Dyer for over a decade now. His book, Manifest your Destiny had a huge influence on me and inspired me to start my own design firm many years ago now. When I saw this quote painted on a wall yesterday, I couldn't resist snapping this photo. The fact that this wall has a door in the middle made me think of how whenever a door closes on us and it seem like an ending, we need to remember it also allows for a new beginning!

Rather than watching last nights sunset from my desk (behind my computer) I decided to put on something
 glamorous and take in the glorious sky with my toes in the sand! Oh, and by the way, isn't this Lalique vase amazing! Its the type that needs no flowers and I'd never put away!

paisley pairings

It's fun to dig deep into the back of your closet and see what you come up with!

Feeling reckless in my Bebe bohemian shirtdress, I decided to pay a visit to The Anti Mall!

This was a piece I loved at the store, but once I got it home, never was quite sure how to accessorize.

Finally found something I felt "worked". Instead of the black slip that I used to wear under this,
I decided to go with a slim black cami and black tights and finish it off with these studded suede booties.

a fresh start!

Love the color on this flowering chive in our herb garden!

my aegean dreams

Still on my bucket list ~ cruising the Aegean Sea and exploring Greece!

just hanging around ~

The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do  ~ Andy Warhol

photo by tom kwon

photo by tom kwon

illuminations

Here is a clever idea from one of my SPECKtacular artist inspirations ~

Anouska Hempel's savvy dining room at The Hempel Hotel in London w/illuminated tables!

Her style has wowed and influenced me over the past twenty years! I was thrilled to come across this sophisticated space that is so unique and enticing and find out it was one of hers! Here is a fun quote on
her design philosophy: "It’s all or nothing with me, it’s either completely contemporary with very little,
or it’s a brilliantly mad and rococo and over the top. The in-between situation doesn’t really suit my personality – I can’t just do the middle ground, it doesn’t work."