fashion friday: Hermes

                                                     

With that classic orange "H", the absolutely amazing quality of leather goods, and impeccable style, Hermes has been consistent for decades.  I am an Hermes fan all the way! Each and every piece that comes bearing the Hermes name is 100% handmade.  These are classic pieces that will last more then a lifetime.  One of the most iconic pieces is the famous Birkin (shown here), so coveted that most Hermes stores have a waiting list to get one.  They range in price from $5,000-$25,000. Hermes is famous for their clever use of exotic skins, such as lizard and alligator.  If you ever have the chance to browse through an Hermes boutique, I highly recommend doing so; it is a heavenly experience.

oh martha

Everyday Foods, Martha Stewart's latest publication, is a digest-sized meal planner for every day of the week, all year long.  Often categorized and featured with seasonal fresh ingredients, this is a great way to come up with a real good meal.  There is also an app available for iPhone/iPod touch that is my favorite!  I have used it at the market as my shopping list--perfect!

succulents

Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, and roots.  This gives succulents a more swollen or fleshy appearance than other plants (this is called succulence). 

Succulent plants have become my absolute favorite plant to have around the house.  They are very low-maintenance and require little watering.  Although they thrive in warm and sunny climates, setting them in a window or under a growing light for up to seven hours a day will allow them to flourish.  Their unique architecture and odd appearance add so much character and life to your home.  I have several succulent and cactus plants throughout my home, and they have become such a passion for me.

Succulents don't always have to be potted plants.  They are also great to use in arrangements, like this one above.

texture

Texture is one of the most important design elements.  Adding texture adds interest and character to any space.  A furry sheepskin throw, like the one shown above, lightly thrown over a chair adds warmth and variety to a basic room.

Even adding a carpet with a print, like this faux bois by Martha Stewart, still adds the element of texture.  This also allows a break in the color palette and creates dimension.

Tired of your plain couch?  Add ruffled pillows, and you can basically reinvent your existing sitting space.

office

fashion Friday: logo refresh

So this week, Gap (one of our favorite stores) unveiled its new logo.  A new logo that replaces the iconic blue box design that Gap has had for more than 20 years.  The old logo:

...and the new one:

This font is the same font that Gap has been using in its marketing campaigns for a few months now.  They decided to update the logo to bring it into a new direction, in order to appeal to a younger, more modern customer base.  Personally, I think it would have been even just a little better without that silly blue box in the corner, which pays homage to the old logo.  Overall, online reactions have been pretty negative, mainly because of the simplicity of the design.  Maybe this could change though.  Remember "new" Coke from the '80s?  Nobody liked it, so Coca-Cola went back to the classic.  Maybe Gap will do the same?

book club

She is back!  Ina Garten's latest cookbook "How Easy Is That?" is available for pre-order on Amazon.com.  Full of simple, elegant recipes and entertaining ideas, this is a must-have for the modern home cook.  I love how easy-going Ina's style is.  She is all about simple, good quality ingredients, and making it fabulous!

roy

Roy Lichtenstein was a prominent twentieth-century American pop artist.  His work was heavily influenced by both popular advertising and the comic book style.  Lichtenstein described pop art as not "American" painting, but actually industrial painting.

faux bois

The French term for false wood, faux bois is a technique found often in planters and garden accessories that replicates the look of wood grain, often made of cement.  There are very few known faux bois artists in the United States; but one Texas artist, Carlos Cortes, still produces custom faux bois pieces, which are considered to be highly collectible.  This fake-me-out woodland motif is timeless and adds interest to any room.  This is a picture of my faux bois planters.  I have gorgeous succulents and moss planted in mine.

frog

Floral frogs are small devices used to arrange flowers.  They come in multiple designs and sizes.  Some, like the one above, are metal circles with many spikes sticking up.  Flowers stay quite easily in them and appear more full and symmetrical.  They can be found at most potting sheds and florists.