Summer's Flowers...

I'm having a floral moment right now, and no bashful blooms, but strong, bold patterns. So imagine my delight when I saw this picture of Summer Thornton's super chic Lincoln Park office in the latest issue of CS Interiors.  The office features exposed brick walls with Designers Guild's bright, feminine Orangerie wallpaper.  Add in a stylish wicker chair and a chrome lamp and you have the perfect mix of pattern and texture.  I dream of one day decking out the walls, curtains and bedding in my guest room with an all-over floral print - it's granny chic, but I don't mind one bit.  Until then, I'm seriously tempted to bid on one of these floral still life paintings in today's Leslie Hindman Market Place auction....

 Here

Here

Duchess of Windsor's Jewels

Jewelry formerly owned by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor - the American socialite whom Edward VIII famously gave up the throne of England to marry in 1937 - will be auctioned by Sotheby's in London on Nov. 30. Twenty pieces from the Duchess of Windsor’s lavish jewelry collection will be auctioned, including two massive diamond rings and the very first Cartier panther bracelet.  In this portrait by Cecil Beaton, Wallis wears on her left arm one of the pieces that will go on the block, a cross bracelet by Cartier.  My favorite piece, however, is the gold evening case that was a 10th wedding anniversary gift from the Duke of Windsor to his Duchess.  There are photographs of the Duchess holding the bag at a reception she and the Duke attended at the White House invitation of President Nixon in 1970.  Wouldn't it be amazing to own a piece from what some call the greatest love story of the 20th century?

You've Got the Wright Stuff...

I am kicking myself for missing Wright's Mass Modern Market this past weekend.  In a effort to score brownie points with my grandparents I made the 45 minute trek up north knowing very well that I was missing out on some great deals.  On the brightside,  they gave me $20 (and probably saved me a few hundred).

So for now I will dream of what could have been....

1.  Art Deco Door Handles, Germany, c.1960

2.  Château les Merles, France

1.  Atomic Chandelier, Italy, c. 1965

2. Sasha Adler, Chicago Home Magazine

3. Vintage Chandelier, J. Crew flagship store

1.  Milo Baughman lounge chiar, c. 1960

2.  Todd Romano

1. Fritz Hansen, Model 3200 chair, Denmark, 1963

2.  Dara Caponigro's apartment, Domino Magazine

1.  Jeffrey Greene High Spindleback dining chairs, USA, 1975

2.  Stephen Knollenberg

1. Charles and Ray Eames DKR chair, USA, 1951

 2. Hector Sanchez photography

1. Franco Albini, Attribution stools, Italy, c. 1965

2. Nate Berkus, Elle Decor July 2010