Market Picks

Were any of you at High Point Market this week?

Yeah, me neither.

Something about living in Brazil...

It doesn't matter, though, because a handful of other bloggers and designers got their Instamatic on, and gave us all a glimpse of what we can plan to see in the coming months in terms of furniture, and accessories.

There were some fresh things I was happy to see on the horizon, but a bit surprised that some trends (framed coral?  rustic/industrial?) still seem to be having some time in the limelight.

Here's my pics among the iPhone images,  remember, "Going to Market" is about inspiration...

A tufted, tangerine leather sofa.  Crazy love.

Source: dcbydesignblog.com via Noir on Pinterest

Punch-colored throws over masculine chairs.  Divine.

Source: houzz.com via Susie on Pinterest

Mary Macdonald's line for Robert Abbey lamps - I'd use a pair with a more curvy, traditional console.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

I sort of sit and stare at this desk.  One of the few glimpses of chrome I saw in a sea of brass and gold.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

Can you tell I'm drawn to accessories with graphic statements these days?  Ottoman by Barclay Butera.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

The peacock-blue velvet of the sofa won my heart, but I'm also crazy about the somewhat manly take on the tufts.

Source: mimiandmegblog.com via Dana on Pinterest

Clearly, hides (and even more now) skins are having a moment.  Get thee some.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

Awhile back, I snatched up a malachite box and lighter for a song.  I doubt the going rate on this amazing tray is quite so kind, but if I were designing your room, you can bet I'd be trying to talk you into it.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

...and finally, for all of you who loved and commented on the light fixture in this post, here ya go:  The Meri Drum for Oly Studio

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

Living Vicariously: The New Furbish Store

It's pretty amazing when the opening of someone else's boutique gives you heart palpitations.  But that's exactly what I'm experiencing after seeing Honey + Fitz's pics from the new Furbish store in Raleigh, NC - the brainchild of decorative artist extraordinaire, Jamie Meares.

I'm more than delighted to live vicariously for a few moments as I virtually go through the store and pick out what I'd take home.  Although, it'd probably be easier to select items I wouldn't want to buy.

The entrance:  the yum factor is just getting started.

A bubblegum sofa. "Oh, I couldn't."  Um, oh, YES I could!

One of my favorite vignettes:  layering art upon large, graphically-enhanced walls.  Brilliant.

Evidence that I need a bit more animal in my life:  leopard bowls...

...and cheetah rugs

Headboard: to die for.  Ms. Meare's ability to layer and mix patterns: OFF the charts.

I'm working with someone who's guest bath is screaming for one of these custom, ikat shower curtains.

If you're into subdued/neutral and subtle.  I dare say Furbish is not your place, but everyone's space needs a jolt of some sort.

I'm due a mommy getaway trip, and I'm seriously considering a mecca-like pilgrimage from Brazil to Raleigh.   Anyone wanna meet me there?

*All pics courtesy of Dina of Honey + Fitz *used with permission*

Yesterday was my Birthday

...and my husband is out-of-town. No one to help with the kids, no one to let me sleep in, no one to treat me to the grand fiesta I so deserve. SO I thought it my duty to throw myself a little retail pity-party. I'm hoping to do some sofa revamping in the near future, so...

I bought these - for the trade price. I feel good about it.I never had my fill of this pattern, so please don't go negative.

...also bought these one-of-a-kinders via this Etsy lady.
As to the first, any suggestions on another pattern/pillow set to go-with the Chiang Mai's?

I feel sad...

....for the person who shucked out almost $900 for this tray table....

...For it's a dead-ringer for the one my sister picked up for about 1/3 that price at RoundTop....

I can help you spend your money more wisely, people.

Drinking and e-shopping...

Looking to re-create something like this...

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Alison on Pinterest

I'm thinking this...

Plus any of these...

Can't decide? Me neither.
All available here.

Recent Retail Therapy

The days following Christmas turned out to have good shopping kismet for me. I found this pair of brass lamps at a goin'-outta-bizzness sale. Please tell me they aren't geriatric, because I like the silhouette, and they have substantial weight. I plan to use them on our desk/sofa table - replacing the buffet lamps I painted gold a few weeks back. These will be much, much better. Great shades needed, obvs.

Also, I found a pair of faux bamboo mirrors for my sister at Needless Markup Nieman Marcus Last Call. If you're unfamiliar, the home decor section features overstocks and "seconds" from the store, as well as the Horchow catalog.

We're still debating whether to use the pair (as planned), replacing the console with a larger buffet...

(Yes, the sponge-painted harlequin pattern will be remedied)

...or, to go singleton style

I'm usually a two-is-better-than-one kind of gal, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Season's Greetings from Brazil

It was just too hot for me to get into any kind of holiday spirit this weekend. The good news is, we leave for The States tomorrow night, and hopefully will be greeted with some season-appropriate temps when we arrive.
Also, I scored a sunburst mirror.

I know, everyone is so over them, but this one is Peruvian, so it's way cool, and I love it. Ben hates it. Not sure why, but since he's been traveling so much, and I've been single-parenting it, I deserved a little treat, right?

I'm trying it out here for now.

...but, might move it around to here...

In other Casa Giese news: We discovered evidence of a Black Magic ritual at the corner of our street. Nice. Hope it was meant to bring good things to our 'hood.

...and, MY newest ritual: Sleepytime Vanilla. It also has hints of mint and lemongrass - it's rather perfect, in my view.

...Especially when accompanied by this...

What were you lurchers up to?

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Shoppe Local

There's a lot to be said about buying local - from the small business owner trying to make a go of it in this not-too-kind retail environment that tends to favor Big Box discount stores. I've always found individually-owned gift shops offer so much more in terms of unique items, so I was delighted to learn that Lauren Bade was opening her doors in my hometown. My first glimpse of Lauren's clever collection of clothing, jewelry and home accents was at her flagship store in the tourist and shopping mecca of the Texas Hill Country: Fredericksburg.
Here, she's taken a large space in our historic downtown, remodeled half to be the darling shop, while the adjacent half gets a facelift to be a wine tasting room. Perfect!
If you're in this neck of the woods, this is some eye candy you don't want to miss! Beautiful entryway with hardware: You have me at Hello!

Some of that gaga-producing merchandising

Embroidered cotton and silk tunics - Eenie, Meenie, Miney Mo!

Unique jewelry

Frame-worthy papers - too gorgeous to cut!

Precious goodies for the pint-sized among us

And of course, more yummy-ness for grown-ups! If there had been any way for me to lug this tole and beadwork chandy back to Brazil, she'd have gone into Isla's nursery {sigh}

...More lamp lusciousness

Wouldn't a cluster of these reflective votives be beautiful on a tablescape?

...and, the impending Wine Room - can't wait!

Let's just say, her perfectly-selected items and winsome displays left a fine impression. Welcome, Lauren, Victoria is so happy to have you!

Lauren Bade

221 South Main Street

Victoria, TX

361.582.4222

**All photos by alison g. for My Little Happy Place