Find of the Week

I think I've mentioned that I'm originally from Maine.  I spent much of my youth in New Hampshire.  Two beautiful states, filled with gorgeous trees, wonderful people and my favorite coastlines.  But cold, cold,cold winters.  So this amazing NC weather will never get old for me.  Warm, sunny days that allow us to have big pots of pansies out on the porch all winter long (well, not our porch, we have deer, but let's not ruin the mood).  I soak it up and am ever grateful to be here.

Find of the Week-- I went to Ecko, over on Glenwood Ave., in Raleigh.  Neal is the top dog over there and he's very knowledgeable about his products and a dapper dresser.  I was looking at kitchen chairs in particular for a lovely client. You all know how hard it is to find great kitchen chairs.  They've got to take some abuse, but we want them to be stylish too.  And we don't want to spend a ton on them because it's nice to change them out every now and then.  Sorry, but I don't want the same chairs for a lifetime, I want to have a little fun with that part of the room.  Ecko has some great choices in metal finishes and leather.  These two are my favs from last week's visit:

This is the Violetta.  $200.  It comes in a myriad of finishes and seat fabrics.  Love it!  I wouldn't go with that fabric, just because of all the white, but there are plenty of other equally fun choices.  That metal color is a charcoal. Fabulous.

This is the Bennet in leather.  $150 each.  Comfy.  Nice clean lines.  So handsome.

Just about everything at Ecko comes in several finishes and fabrics.  And they carry a fair amount of market samples, so there are some real bargains to be found.  Every lover of contemporary style can find something to take home at Ecko.  My own kitchen chairs were Ecko clearance finds and everyone who walks into our kitchen says "where'd you get those chairs?" 

Life is short.  Have some fun chairs.

Ciao,

Anne

Fashion Alert!

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Fashion and I have a difficult relationship.  I love great style, but cling to the classics and scowl when I see anything that makes life more difficult, never mind downright dangerous.  In the picture above, you see the fabulous and accomplished Sofia Coppola.  She's holding a Louis Vuitton handbag.  I often love L. Vuitton bags, but come on, this one is SUCH a bad idea!  Maybe as a carry-on when travelling, but look at how big it is on that tiny woman!  And do you see the shoulder strap, dangling near the dirty sidewalk and ready to trip her up at some point?  Now I'm sure Sofia Coppola never trips on her shoulder strap.  I, however, would trip, or at the least manage to drag that strap through a puddle or two on my way to meet the queen.  Let's pass on that bag.

I feel better.  I've saved the world in my own little way. 

I'm taking a client to Ikea for some shopping next week. Want me to check anything out for you?  Sit on a chair to see how it feels?  I'm going to remember to check out the quality of their leather furnishings (I always forget) and will report back.  With those prices, my expectations are low, but you never know.

Ciao,

Anne