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Friday Fun with ID Collection’s Jim Williamson

Author:: By Laura Kostelny
Post date:: May 17th, 2013 2:23pm
Category:: Personalities

Hi. It’s Friday. I’m trying to finish D Weddings, so without further ado, here are the wise words of ID Collection’s Jim Williamson. For the non-bloggers out there, spamments are SPAM that appear on websites. They are disguised as friendly comments. Some people call them “ham”; some refer to them as “yam.” I prefer to use the word “Spam,” as I only like ham on holidays.

Typically the comments are something like this: “My first time here. I really like your site. And let me tell you, you have hit the hammer upon the head. I am no expert, but you really sound like you know what you are talking about. This has been helpful to me. I will be back more soon. Keep on keeping up.”

When you initially read a comment like this, you think, “Wow! That’s so nice! Someone is actually reading my stuff. Obviously, they are not from here because this English doesn’t sound quite right. How exciting to have a following overseas!”

Unfortunately, it turns out that these things are merely computer-generated comments that pick up on SEO words. These seemingly nice comments are actually hiding RSS feeds. So when you post these comments showcasing how fabulous your writing is, you are really adding their RSS feed to your site. And usually those hidden feeds are coming from places like BUY MICHAEL KORS CHEAP, MONTCLER AT UNBELIEVABLE PRICES, and UGGS LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN.

I am glad I figured this out before posting one particularly nice comment. It linked to male enhancement products.

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The Midas Touch: Seletti’s Estetico Quotidian Collection

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 17th, 2013 6:58am
Category:: Obsessions

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that pretty much anything becomes infinitely more chic if you dip it in “gold,” driftwood, rocks, rope… (all of which I’ve recently subjected to a can of gold spray paint) you name it.

I’m also going to say that Seletti agrees.

For their brilliant (no pun intend) Estetico Quotidian line, the Italian company known for its whimsical, high-design furniture and decorative objects has gilded sundry everyday items (i.e., colanders, laundry detergent bottles, pie plates), taking them from merely utilitarian to totally-in-your-face little works of art.

My friend Sam gifted me with a Seletti sardine can a couple of years ago, and I can’t help but smile every time I look at it. It’s a total happy maker. (Bonus: every piece in the Estetico Quotidian line rings in at under $100.)

You can pick up your own piece of smile-inducing gold goodness locally at Nest, We Are 1976, and TenOverSix. Or you can nab one online.

Happy shopping!

Seven Stellar Things In Store at West Elm

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 16th, 2013 12:30pm
Category:: Shopping

Prior to my gig here at D, I worked in corporate America for nearly 14 years. And while there were certainly many perks to my job (i.e. international travel, an office with windows, a pension — old school, I know), sanctioned “shopping” during the work day wasn’t one of them.

But as the market editor for a shelter magazine, I need to know what’s, well, out in the market, so in this job, “shopping” is actually “scouting.” And, yet, earlier this week I found myself at the West Elm desperately searching for hand towels to replace the shoddy ones that currently reside in my guest bathroom (I’m hosting a party for 60 at my house tomorrow, so the hand towel situation required immediate attention) and feeling guilty for shopping in the middle of the day.

But then I thought, hey, I can multi-task here, I can get those pretty Hammam hand towels, thus avoiding massive hostess embarrassment, and do my job. At which point, I went all Sheryl Sandberg on the situation and leaned into my purse to retrieve my iPhone so I could snap photos of all the things I was “scouting” in the “marketplace.”

The end-result? Those seven beauties above. All at the West Elm in Mockingbird Station right this very second. All completely awesome. All likely coming home with me at some point in the near future…

Just doing my job friends. Just doing my job.

The Goods:

1. Mottled ceramic pitchers — I have no idea what these are actually called, as they’re not online yet, but I’m seriously digging their whole Commune Design/Adam Silverman feel.
2. Ikat Squares pillows — So pretty in person…and the pink feels earthy, not twee.
3. Huron outdoor chair - I love the Calatrava-esque vibe of this woven cord stunner.
4. Marbleized Cylinder planters — I want to replace every pot on my patio with these beauties. Full stop.
5. Copper and wood twine holder — This is another in-store only find, and I want it bad (even though, given the fact that I have never actually used twine for, well, anything, I have no idea what I would do with it).
6.Wood and glass vases — Also not online, and maybe not even vases, but awesome nonetheless.
7. Paper flowers — So festive. In mass, they would be fantastic for prettying up a wedding shower or graduation party. Oh and the entire lot is 20% off in store.

The Ultimate Trunk Show Hosted by I.B.C. Design Studio

Author:: By Ryan Conner
Post date:: May 15th, 2013 12:40pm
Category:: Events

The Constantine bedding from Isabella Collections by Kathy Fielder.

Local high-end bedding designer Kathy Fielder is opening up her I.B.C. Design Studio at 2000 Greenville Avenue for a trunk show and sale next Thursday, May 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Her luxurious Isabella Collection (you can shop it at Horchow) will be the star of the show. Bedding, draperies, decorative pillows, and fabrics will be available, as well as one-of-a-kind samples at discounted prices. This is a rare opportunity to pick up discounted pieces!

She has also invited some other locals to be a part of the fun. Glam Girl is selling jewels at affordable prices. Georgia Stuart, medical skincare specialist, is offering mini glycolic freshening peels and deep tissue hydration treatments for $40. Are you an antiques enthusiast? Rue Seven Seventy just got back from Paris and will bring their recently hand-picked selection of 18th and 19th century antiques. On the food front: Nora will be serving up their signature Afghan dishes. If you’re planning on attending, RSVP here: info@isabellacollection.com.

Visit the New Gracie Showroom Today

Author:: By Laura Kostelny
Post date:: May 15th, 2013 11:26am
Category:: Shopping

Hello. I am very busy trying to finish the Fall/Winter 2013 issue of D Weddings. But when I get a free moment, I am going to pop over to the Dallas Design Center (Ste. 620) to check out the new Gracie Studio showroom, which opens today. I think you should do the same. Then let’s eat cupcakes and talk about how much we like it. (I’m very, very hungry today.)

Kathy Adams Talks Trends

Author:: SPONSORED CONTENT
Post date:: May 15th, 2013 11:12am
Category:

After a recent trip to High Point Market, Kathy Adams of Kathy Adams Interiors shared her insights on trends worth talking about this year. From bold hues to the “it” fabric, Kathy explains what to watch for.

1. Honeycomb

The home furnishings industry is right in line with the newest designs from Alexander McQueen. Honeycomb patterns were very prevalent. Hexagons, pentagons, and other geocentric patterns were incorporated into everything from bookcases to chests.

2. Malachite

This year is truly the year of emerald. Pantone’s color of the year was very evident in fabrics and fabulous malachite accents. This magical mineral was spotted everywhere in items like accent tables and nesting boxes.

3. Monaco Blue

Emerald was not the only bold hue to gain popularity. There’s a new shade of blue that is headed more toward a deep Monaco sea color. The emergence of this hue is exciting because it walks the line of feminine and masculine and has potential for both casual and formal use. It can be zipped up with other brights for a bold look or combined with a cool gray for a more soothing effect.

4. Gold

Say goodbye to “modern” polished nickel. Gold was the word at High Point. A true 20K color was the dominating look. Hammered, brushed, and polished golds were popular, but a warmer gold prevailed.

5. The “It” Fabric

Every High Point Market, there is an “it” fabric—a fabric so irresistible that it is contagious. This time, it is Mary McDonald’s ode to chinoiserie, Chinois Palais in lettuce. This large-scale linen print features exotic birds among a flowering tree of peonies and cherry blossoms. Derived from an antique Chinese painted silk mural panel, the soft color palette is the perfect choice for refined elegance.

Hilary Walker Channels Her Inner Martha Stewart and Plants a Kitchen Herb “Garden”

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 15th, 2013 11:03am
Category:: Floral

By Hilary Walker

*******

If you’re like me, you might think you’re doing a good thing in the kitchen when you purchase a box of fresh herbs over the dried, ground, and bottled versions in the spice section of the grocery. But consider this… For every expensive box of fresh herbs that you purchase, you could have nurtured a live plant and avoided another herb purchase all together! At least that’s what I finally put together.

So, here’s my next tip for feathering your first nest… resurrect your green thumb and invest in a few small containers to create a beautiful and useful fresh herb kitchen garden. It’s so incredibly very easy. I picked up my pots at a local thrift store (figures) and chose some hardy and popular (see: useful) species such as rosemary, sage, and cilantro. I repotted them carefully and placed them next to a sunny window. Not only does my kitchen now smell amazing, but it looks pretty darn good too!

Next up, actually cooking with them… In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m feeling very “Martha Stewart” right about now.

(Ed. note: You can keep up with Hilary on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.)

Pretty Paper Flowers at Southern Fried Paper

Author:: By Ryan Conner
Post date:: May 14th, 2013 3:31pm
Category:: Entertaining

One of our favorite stationary gals, Chelsea Carpenter, is throwing an open house and garden party tomorrow night to celebrate Southern Fried Paper’s relocation to the Design District. We’ve got the details over on BridalBuzz.

She’s decorated the space with the coolest paper flowers to create a garden wonderland. We’re seeing paper flowers pop up in stores (Joslyn spotted some at West Elm) and it’s a fun alternative to the real thing. We all know I can’t keep real plants alive. Maybe I should give the paper version a try.

Check out the party tomorrow from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and peruse her selection of stationary, art prints, and wine tags. The wine tags make the best hostess gifts.

It’s Your Last Chance to Enter The “Life In Color” Contest

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 13th, 2013 3:20pm
Category:

Yep, it’s true friends…Your chance to win fame and fortune (not to mention discounted paint for life) is almost over, as this Wednesday, May 15 is the very. last. day. you can submit your entry for the Texas Paint & Wallpaper/D Home Life in Color contest.

What are you waiting for?

(And for an added dose of inspiration behold that color-laden playroom to the right designed by Dan Nelson for Pat and Charles McEvoy’s Park Cities home.)

What Do You Serve at Brunch? (I’m Talking Alcoholic Beverages)

Author:: By Ryan Conner
Post date:: May 13th, 2013 1:26pm
Category:: Entertaining

I’m sick of the same ol’ Bloody Mary mix (Zing Zang + Tito’s) and mimosa (OJ +sorta cheap champagne) recipe. I need to mix it up (literally). Do you have a favorite brunch drink? I want to hear from you if so. This post is strictly for personal use. I’m shameless like that.

Why am I asking? Well, I came across these glasses on sale at West Elm. They will match my new ombre hair color and I think they’d look good with a fun drink in them. Okay, reader. Ready, set, go.

Dwell With Dignity Thrift Studio Goes to 50% Off Tomorrow

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 13th, 2013 11:56am
Category:: Shopping

I just got word from the lovely peeps over at Dwell with Dignity that the Spring Thrift Studio has been a smashing success, so they’re going out with a bang by taking everything 50% off tomorrow… all of it, the whole enchilada (like this stuff, oh and this too).

So mark your calendar, set the alarm, and head over to 1100 Slocum (suite 590 in the Dallas Design Center) sometime between Tuesday and Saturday from 10-5:30. (But I would highly recommend going tomorrow to get the good stuff!) The pop-up store is officially closed after Saturday, May 18th, and all proceeds benefit Dwell with Dignity.

Happy shopping!

Friday Fun With ID Collection’s Jim Williamson

Author:: By Laura Kostelny
Post date:: May 10th, 2013 5:55pm
Category:: Personalities

It’s Friday. You know what that means. It’s time to hear from our friend, ID Collection’s Jim Williamson. Recently, while enjoying a Sunday afternoon in Fair Park, my friends and I decided to stop in at Craft and Growler. It was fun. We posed for pictures and posted them to social media, like you sometimes do when you’re having fun. Unfortunately, the result of one particular self-portrait featured a certain body part rather prominently. It had implications that I certainly was not expecting. It revealed something I certainly didn’t want people to see. I am speaking, of course, about my dreaded double chin.

At first, I was in denial.

Denial finally passed, and I started thinking: What do I do about it? Where do I start? And what if I start undergoing work—and just like on Property Brothers—and they tear something out only to find something else wrong? I called my good friend, Dr Vu Ho, and made an immediate appointment for a consultation to see what we could do about my little friend. We talked, we looked, we pulled, and we decided I was a good candidate for Lazer Lift. Basically, this is lipo for a double chin.

Here is how it went down the day of the procedure.

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Is Blue The Fairest Hue? (+ You Have Six More Days To Enter The “Life In Color” Contest)

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 10th, 2013 2:20pm
Category:: Contests

I say yes.

Unequivocally, wholly, completely, and totally, yes. I am a proud blue fan. In fact, if I were forced to declare a favorite color it would be that particular shade of cobalt meets electric blue happening above. (But, in general, I refrain from picking “favorites,” as nothing good ever comes of it.) So as an ode to my beloved color, I’ve pulled together a little round-up of blue-tastic furniture and accessories.

But wait, there’s more. All of those beauties above are from, wait for it… JC Penny as part of their collaborations with design luminaries Sir Terence Conran, Jonathan Adler, Michael Graves, and Martha Stewart. (We’re so psyched with the home action happening at JCP that we even wrote about it in the latest issue of D Home.)

Herewith the standouts:

Oh and speaking of color, have you entered the Texas Paint & Wallpaper/D Home Life in Color Contest? No? Well get going, you only have six more days.

Modern Home Tour: Last Day to Buy Discounted Tickets!

Author:: By Ryan Conner
Post date:: May 10th, 2013 10:26am
Category:: Home Tours

5544 Waneta Drive is one of four homes on the tour. Designed by David Benners Architecture, the Greenway Parks home was built with sustainable features.

You know spring has sprung when the home tours are in full effect. This weekend is no different with Saturday’s Spring Modern Home Tour benefiting the Dallas Architecture Forum. Tour four modern beauties designed by licensed architects on this self-driving tour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect various design styles while staying in the modern aesthetic with materials like stainless steel, Lucite, walnut, clerstory windows, and smart use of light and space.

The advance ticket price of $20 is available until 6 p.m. today. Purchase tickets here. Tickets will also be on sale for $25 each when purchased at one of the homes on Saturday (cash or check only!). Along with the Greenway Parks home (pictured above), two W2 designed homes and a Spun Creative Group house will be ready for your perusing pleasure.

The Wait Is Over — TenOverSix Is Open At The Joule

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 9th, 2013 3:17pm
Category:: Shopping

It’s finally here friends… TenOverSix, the LA-based champion of small, artisanal designers has landed in our fair city, with adjoining fashion and home (TenOverSix Presents) shops officially opening yesterday at the Joule.

Raya and I popped by earlier this week to chat with TenOverSix’s girl crush worthy co-owners Brady Cunningham and Kristin Lee and get a first look at the stunning space and drool-worthy merchandise. She’s got the full scoop on the fashion front and an excellent Q&A with Cunningham and Lee here.

For my part, I’ve got a few photos of the home and gift goodness on offer at TenOverSix Presents. I was wielding my iPhone, so they aren’t the most professional snaps, but I think they do the trick… Suffice to say, I would recommend making a beeline downtown stat.

Check out a few more photos after the jump.

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