Sunday, February 26, 2012

PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ

It's Oscar night and, both on and off the Red Carpet, we will all be glammin' it up -- even if only in our flannel "cat pajamas". Always a huge fan of 1930's interiors, this year I was particularly inspired by the French film The Artist, which as we all know is in the running for Best Picture.

As a child, I admit that I almost looked forward to being sick and able to stay home from school. I would lay in bed, dotingly waited upon by my mother, who brought me steaming bowls of tomato soup and hot tea, while I feverishly devoured hours and hours of old black and white Hollywood movies.




While I adored the corny acting, and the gloriously swan like song and dance routines, the interior design always made the greatest impression on me, and has stayed with me through the years. I allowed myself to be swept away into that chimerical lifestyle of white leather, lacquer, feathers, crystal and gossamer fabrics of all sorts and kinds.



I pictured myself sitting at a mirrored vanity, powdering my nose, primping, and sipping champagne, readying myself for an evening out at the Club -- where I would be entertained by the likes of Billy Holiday or Fred and Ginger.

Personally, I am overjoyed that this old Hollywood style has been enjoying a resurgence and that we can continue to indulge ourselves in a bit of luxury -- especially in this dismal economy. We owe it to ourselves!

Let's keep that cool, sophisticated passion for all things glamorous alive and well! My money is on The Artist
tonight and I hope yours is too!




Wednesday, February 8, 2012

WHAT HAPPENED TO WINTER?

Everyone in Chicago is simply reveling in this unusually warm Midwestern weather. While I do admit that I love the sunshine, I am very suspect and just a bit anxious. I have lived in Chicago for 30 years and this is all pretty much an anomaly. Being a four seasons kind of gal, I have to seriously question what's up?


As I understand, it's all about the belly of  La Nina. Ordinarily, she's below the middle section of America. This year she's way up north near the Canadian border. Like a tight belt on a great dress, nothing can fall below the waist. So, we just aren't getting that cold air.
Still, I worry about Global Warming. Is this the just the beginning of the end?

More importantly, this weather has thrown me off creatively. Ordinarily, I would be blogging about snowy things like cashmere blankets, flokati rugs and amazing white accessories (aka Blanc de Chine) Now, what to do?
Like the birds, I'm confused. Where do we go from here?