CREATING WOMEN and GIVEAWAY

I have so missed blogging, reading blogs, responding to my favorite blogs.........life has drastically interfered. Real life work has been the culprit.........landscape installations before the weather changes, interior designs before the holidays, ordering Christmas for the shops....YIKES........should have been completed eons ago! Where has this year gone?

 Take a look back with me if you will, to a post I intended to write ONE MONTH ago, our trunk show.

The goods and the talented women of Chicago that I would love to share.

PHOTOGRAPHY      By Rebecca Plotnick

A board spotted in Paris.............LOVE this photograph!
Rebecca's collection starts in our beloved Chicago to Paris, England, Italy and recently Israel.

What a unique eye to look at the Chicago 'EL' tracks and find art. Rebecca's goal is to "encourage people to linger over the beauty of life a little longer" I believe she succeeds.

Impressive isn't it? All of the photo's shown here are printed on a canvas frame, 12 x 12, and ready to hang. Custom sizing is available.

Cannot decide which is my favorite, but this photograph really speaks to my soul. Upon reflection it brings me back to fond childhood memories. Here is a ceiling in the old Marshall Fields store on State street. Our special treat was a meet up, "I'll see you under the big clock!" my grandmother would say. Could not wait.

 

Meet an amazing powerhouse of a woman, Jess Constable
Jess is as beautiful inside as her gorgeous outward appearance. Spend time with her, and you will be instantly energized.....this girl has a lust for life . She began her biz when she was fifteen and is now nationwide. Jess and I are in the beginning stages of contemplating  'Empowering Women' get-togethers at the Chicago shop, would you be interested?. Visit her blog, Make under my life for inspiration.

All of Jess's collections are named for renown streets in Chicago. 

This line, 'Diversey' was launched at our event

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 Diversey earrings. All jewelry is Paladium gold plated

This is my next purchase..........from the Armitage collection

The classic Chevron pattern, 'Division', in sterling silver

Here is Ali wearing a necklace from the 'Franklin' collection, as shown in People magazine

I am very lucky to call Cynthia Espy a friend. Warm, funny, great hostess......Christmas Party this year Cyndy? A successful business woman; Interior Designer and the founder of Amenities Home.

For impact, the reversible 100% Silk Dupioni shawl in fuchsia and orange. Think 'little black dress'

Have a favorite qoute? All of Cynthia's products are custom made, to order, in silk.

Choose your color combination

Wonder who Winston is? Why Cynthia's dog, of course!

Again, chose a saying or look through her extensive suggestions ......... a memorable hostess gift

Jewelry    by Lisa York

 The first copper cuff is a New Orleans route, above is Brooklyn, from vintage maps and routes. 

 Chicago EL stops. Whenever I have mine on, I am stopped, and soak in the "oooh's and ahhh's"

Vintage New York City map.
Jewelry maker +  private chef = a life lived creatively and passionately.

Beach Grass earrings in industrial eco- resin (40% recycled) with sterling silver. Lisa's favorite materials are silver and resin.

Soapmaker and Body Products by Amanda Konieczny

 Sugar Cookie soap bars..... mild with gentle exfoliating. No calories!
Amanda named her purposeful company after her toddler Genevieve, "Veve" for short. Her mission statement is less chemicals, small footprint, natural ingredients for a superior product all crafted by hand in small batches.

Coffee for the kitchen, maybe for a morning shower?

Who knew? That hops are a natural anti-inflammatory and ultra skin softener with great lather. Imagine the natural aroma of Blue Moon Beer with a hint of orange essential oils. Great stocking stuffer for the men in your life

These bath salts are to luxuriate and relax in a warm bath while taking in the scent of a just baked chocolate cake.

 Cocoa/Lavender bath melts

My gift to you, dear readers........... choose any one of the items above and share your thoughts. If Veve is your favorite, pick three. Have fun!

P.S.  The extent of my seasonal decorating...........oh well............so easy I do not even have to think! Happy Autumn
Next post..........another giveaway!

Best of luck
fondly,
Debra

Nouvelle Vague

 Last year my friend Patrick Roullier sent me an email with this YOU Tube video, 'Dance with Me'

Intrigued, the song resonated with me but the video remained a mystery  .

France. But was it part of a movie? Staged? Who was the woman, the men? When did this take place, where are they now? Take notice of the decor; tile floor, railings, the men..........swoon

Finally deciding to research and having fun with it, I wanted to share my findings. I would be interested in your thoughts. Were you as intrigued? This beautiful young woman is Anna Karina

And this was a movie clip, 'Bande a part', by the famed French director Jean-Luc Godard, 1964.

Goddard influenced a trend with this film, called Nouvelle Vague, or New Wave. An era of breezy Nova Bosa styled music combined with "youthful frolic and irresponsibility". ( new? a trend?)

And Goddard's favorite was the beautiful Anna, starring in seven of his iconic films

Anna was the new femininity............
"sensual........smoked like a man.........wore fedora's and brandished pistol's.........defining free wheeling nouvelle vague......all while being intellectual"   glad he added the last bit

 

Anna is currently 80 years old. Here she is at 60.............. the blue eyes still glowing

 

This CD which includes 'Dance with me' was created in 2005. A touch of French chanteuse and a mix of Bossa Nova with both period songs and 1980's classic's.

This cover would make great wall art

Artist, Patrick Roullier who started me on this mystery and whom you may remember in this post continues to be in demand. In a few weeks he will begin work with one of my interior clients creating a 'Faux Bois' paneling effect in their foyer. Shortly he may be off to L.A. collaborating with a renown designer. Watch for the before and after's.
What is he up to lately? 

Here is an effect just completed for his client. The dark walnut surround is the actual floor, the "runner" is the work of Patrick. I cannot stop staring at this.

But here is his "piece de resistance"! What are you seeing, a square of crocodile leather?  NON!       

Without revealing the technique he just developed..... you are looking at his "sample board".                     NOTE: No animals were used in this creation.

An entire parsons table received this look, can you imagine the possibilities?!

                                                                   www.sggrand.com

 This Thursday, we hope you can join us! .

                                          
Have a great week!
Debra

You are cordially invited....................

 DESTINATION?   Chicago!      

Our Chicago shop, SG Grand is in preparation for welcoming those in the arts, those that create and excel in their craft. Don't you feel an affinity towards artisans? They work for their passions, and ultimately ours.

This month on the 23rd we are thrilled to introduce the following women and host a trunk show. It was difficult choosing one image to represent this talented group. We hope you can join us!

 

Thursday September 23rd 5pm until...........

Art is indeed not the bread but the wine of life-
     John Paul Rechter

Our "hood", the 'West End' is fast becoming known as the new "design district" in Chicago. Our collective growth extends to hosting our first major event. An Autumn street fest;
DESIGN HARVEST 2010      Celebrating the Home

Over 50 vendors, some of the city's best in modern, vintage and handmade furniture and home accessories. Oh, and live music................a fest for the senses!

Can you come?
xo
debra