A Splendid Gesture
What is DOROTHY reaching for? It’s something to ponder— isn’t it?— while admiring her fire engine red jacket, closely-cropped coif and slingy hip. Could it be a welcoming kiss? A glass of champagne? A lovely piece of jewelry? Perhaps she’s waving to a group of children or a row of seated theater-goers? Well, there’s one thing for certain. Whoever she’s waving to or reaching for, you can rest assured that the splendid gesture was returned with great relish because Dorothy is indeed spectacular! I’d wave back without hesitation. Wouldn’t you?
Look for Dorothy in the VINTAGE COLLECTION of the FASHION+ART Gallery.
Your new F+A Calendar for October 2011!
I’ve always had a thing for terrific calendars. The more chocked full of useless information, the better. This month we introduce our own—ta-daaaa— the FASHION+ART monthly calendar! We focus on art, creativity, the popular…and the truly meaningless that somehow mean so much. There’s birthdays of the rich, the famous, the important and the not so important, noted holidays, monthly observances and tons of pictures and eye candy. Oh yes! And a featured illustration from the FASHION+ART Online Gallery.
Click on the image to print out a copy for the office. Or save it to your desktop to download as a screensaver. It’s fun to look at—with more than a few surprising tidbits. Did you know that October is National Popcorn Popping Month? Or that Ralph Lauren and Usher share the same birthday? And when was that first batch of buffalo wings whipped up? Come on. Who doesn’t need to know these things???
Keep Moving FORWARD!
When Kalyn Johnson, former lawyer, business entrepreneur and a woman dripping with great verve and panache asked to interview me for her blog POSSESS YOUR STYLE, well, it was beyond flattering. It was a serious, serious WOW moment. Her questions were provocative and there were lots of them. Just give me a reason to run my mouth—
THE INTERVIEW
Kalyn is a real wonder! Author. Lifestyle Guru. Consultant. World Traveler. And then there’s a whole ‘nother side. She’s also the founder and creative force behind EFFIE’S PAPER, a colorful and wonderful stationary and whatnot emporium. With vivid and bold patterns and pairings, Effie’s Paper is like a childhood visit to the candy store. Visually delicious. Check it out ASAP!
October 1 was traditionally a moving day in apartment living. And I’ve moved a lot in my time. Our HOT MELON celebrates that—a change of season and fresh beginnings. Are you starting a brand new venture? Or taking your present to the next phase? Well, HOT MELON is just for you, Sugar. Keep it moving. And in one direction only. FORWARD!
BRAVA!
She just landed her first book deal.
Earned her doctorates degree.
Opened the pastry shop of her dreams.
She just got divorced.
She just got married.
Whatever it is, she’s done it. So here’s to her—
Order a special print to celebrate the moment! The FASHION+ART Online Gallery is always open.
STELLA!
There’s a bit of a nip in the air. Fall is just around the corner. It’s the return of sweater weather. And Stella, as always, leads the way.
It’s All Part Of The Experience
There’s a small but pertinent issue that I’d like to address today.
We’ve had a few people ask about purchasing FASHION+ART prints without our specially selected frame and mat board. And I do understand. Honestly. There’s no one who appreciates preference and personal choice more than me. Don’t I speak on these very things in almost every post? But I’ve been very hesitant to sell the prints unframed. Please let me explain—
Through the years I have gifted and sold many pieces of art. And while there’s no question that the receiver is absolutely thrilled with their gift or purchase, many just never, ever get around to framing it. So there it sits, year after year, either rolled up in a tube for all eternity or leaning unprotected in a corner of an attic or basement. You know what happens next, don’t you? Water, critters, or both go after it, eventually taking their toll. And the art, once so valued, soon becomes nothing more than sheer, unsalvageable garbage. The proud owner? They’re kicking themselves. They’re heartbroken. They’re devastated that they’ve allowed something so precious to come to such a careless and wasteful end.
Trust me. It’s for your convenience (and my peace of mind) that the matting and framing of each print is part of the full FASHION+ART experience. We’re happy to do this for you, kicking the threat of artistic catastrophe to the curb altogether! Wouldn’t you rather open the delivery box, remove the wrapping, and feast your eyes upon your brand new print that’s been framed, matted and completely done, down to the picture wire in back? It’s good to go. Right now! All that’s left for you to do is choosing the perfect spot to display it. Now how does it get any better than that?
I knew you’d understand. We’ll see you in The Gallery—
Your Space? Your Rules!
That wall along the stairs is a natural gallery space, isn’t it? And in most homes, this area is usually crammed with—what else?—family photos. Pictures of the kiddies missing their baby teeth. Grandma and grandpa’s wedding portrait. Family members in uniform. For whatever reason this particular space has been designated as THE spot to display a family’s history. Right? But what if your family wasn’t the picture-taking kind? Or your selfish sister has run off with moms’ photo album? Do you leave the space bare and wait for time to fill it up? Heck no! Here’s your chance, Babydoll, to break clear out of that cage! Go on and take it to another level! Turn that space into a place to showcase artwork that your guests will actually want to climb the stairs to oooh and ahhh over. Need some ideas? You know we’ve got ’em—
In a more traditional setting, you’ll want to go with softer pieces. Here the pencils and pastels of the VINTAGE Collection fit right in. STELLA, TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS, DOROTHY and RENAULD work beautifully with this gray and white palette.
Wood and steel by SB Architects presents the perfect backdrop for the CROQUIS Collection. TUCKED SUEDE and BLACK LACE were tailor-made for this clean and linear stairway.
The graphic minimalism of the DIGITAL Collection is absolutely perfect for a knockout floating stair system such as this. Pick up the red with a little accent table and your statement is more than made!
It’s your space, remember? So don’t be dictated to by tradition, or decorating suggestions from your Great-Aunt Phoebe. Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind. In this house, YOU make the rules!
We’re waiting for you in The Gallery—
Joys of The Mutual Admiration Society
Ask anyone and they will tell you…the ultimate in professional satisfaction is when someone you admire admires you back! So when lawyer turned home accessories designer and HGTV contributor Jeanine Hays contacted me about showcasing FASHION+ART on her wonderful blog AphroChic, I was dizzy in the head with delight. 
Jeanine is getting so much great pub these days! A terrific write-up in the Philadelphia Inquirer. A glorious spread in Matchbook Magazine. AND she just signed her first book deal! So the idea of HER taking time out to give ME props is the absolute ego-stroke. Can you imagine???
Check it out here but be careful—and prepare to duck! My buttons are bursting all over!
And as always, the FASHION+ART Gallery is open for business. Stop on by. Anytime.
A FAB-ulous State of Mind.
Mixing fashion and art in a single space is a win-win in my book. Especially when it’s fashion and the art that celebrates fashion. One just naturally works with the other, right? Like Simon and Garfunkle. Dre and Snoop. Lucy and Ethel. Karen and Jack.
Enhancing your boutique, salon or shoppe with art—whether it’s art for sale or merely on display to hide a few cracks in the wall—goes way beyond good business sense. Is there any better way to showcase your well-rounded sense of style? Your worldly sophistication and impeccable good taste for beautiful things? And evoke the same “I’m so FAB-ulous!” state of mind in your customers as well? Hmmmm?
So please. Why settle for being just another store in the mall? Just another hair salon on the block? Take it to the next level and give your space a personality that far exceeds the same old-same old. ‘Nuff said?
The Gallery is open.
20% OFF selected prints until August 7.
Putting the Fear of a White Room to Rest
I’ve always been afraid of a stark white room. Oooweee!! Chills run up and down my spine just thinking about it. My first thought, my ONLY thought, is how hard it must be to keep spotless. And a white room MUST remain spotless. Always. That’s the whole point, right? Others, however, show no such fear. Brave souls they are. And Sweden’s Per Gunnarsson does a wonderful job photographing their efforts. Check out his inspiring site.
FASHION+ART’s Black & White Collection and a pristine white room are a match made in interior design heaven. Take Caroline Anderson’s casually charming living room for instance.
SMOKIN’ LEATHER leaps right off the wall, doesn’t it? So bold and commanding in the space—just like you. So by all means, go for it! Do it! Make The White Room your next design project. I think we’ll fit right in.
20% off on selected prints. Sale ends August 7.
Fashion + Art discuss... 