Mississippi Maven

For the real Mississippi Mavens.

2016-01-08T10:34:00.000-06:00

photo from here

The name of this blog is misleading. Or at least it is now. Maybe it always was.

For starters, I'm not from Mississippi. Sure, I lived there for six years during college, did a lot of growing up there, did a lot of growing down there. But when I first arrived I was an outsider from another planet. Close encounters of the California kind. I didn't know what half the food was (turnip greens, pardonez-moi?), I didn't know the basic rules of civilized society. Who would have thought leaving the house with wet hair was the worst offense a girl could commit? Other than drinking a beer straight from the bottle or smoking a cigarette (gasp!) standing up. It wasn't the smoking that could kill you, it was doing it without sitting in a chair with your legs crossed.

Before I found my way, I was caught somewhere between trying to blend in and trying to stand out. I had left the comfort of my all-girls boarding school full of progressive Catholics (I promise that's a thing, maybe only in California) and had been dropped in this big new place, full of the most beautiful co-eds on the planet. I'm telling you, the girls at Ole Miss don't sweat. You can walk around the Grove in 100-degree heat at 80% humidity and these Mississippi queens are still perfectly poised, crisper than a saltine on the side of a delta tamale. They're God-fearing, power-walking, gracious women who let me into their world.

And what a world it is. The town of Oxford has become an icon in the last few years, popping up in stories from The New York Times, McSweeney's and the like. It personifies the southern idyll: rich with history, charming residents, Fried Fridays and Faulkner. A very small town, especially in the summer, you'd think Oxford would be one-dimensional. Ole Miss, the square -- cut and dry. And you'd be wrong. This little place is dripping with culture, full of artists, musicians, chefs, athletes, intellectuals, stoners and fire-and-brimstoners. A town so rich in history that is worthy of all the stories written for it.

This small town's got style, too. In spades. Head upstairs to the City Grocery bar on any given night and you'll see the Mississippi Mavens in all their glory, right at home with a sazerac in hand and Lamar Sorrento on the walls. I set out to shine a light on these cool, coifed beauties with this blog. It veered away from its original purpose as I veered away from Oxford, becoming more of a spot to share inspiration and a passion for interiors, all with a dash of style that I soaked up in my Ole Miss years.

I'm back in California, and it looks like I'll be here for a while -- so it's time to say farewell to this here blog. I plan on starting something related to my hometown in the blogosphere soon enough, but felt like I needed to write one final love letter to the place that inspired me, this little speck of internet, and so many others who are lucky enough to visit.

So thank you for reading over the years. Even though I was never a true Mississippi Maven, I sure did love being in their orbit for a little while.

My Third Favorite Olsen

2014-11-06T10:34:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I stumbled upon this space designed by Nick Olsen on Domaine. It stopped me in my tracks-- the mix of patterns, textures, colors... I could go on. Basically I want to move in.

It's no surprise that Nick used to work for Miles Redd, master of the mix. I love pretty much every project of his that I've ever laid eyes on. Obviously this one is no different.

All photos are from Domaine. See the rest here.

The Life Eclectic

2014-06-08T20:07:00.002-05:00

This past week, my monthly post ran on the At Home in Arkansas blog. It was a round-up of the eclectic spaces that are inspiring me right now. I loved doing the post but I should have remembered to stop by The Selby to include some images of John Demsey's townhouse. This place is marvelous. Every square inch is covered is some vibrant, artistic detail. Everything about it makes me smile. I'm not sure that I could live in such chaos but it sure is fun to look at. All photos via The Selby -- check out the rest here (these few snapshots are just the tip of the iceberg).

Pink Slip

2014-03-19T11:34:00.000-05:00

Domino

David Hicks

David Flint Wood in Lonny

Ines de la Fressange in Domino

Katheryn Ireland

Mario Buatta in Architectural Digest

Mary McDonald

Domino

Ruthie Sommers in Lonny

I've been grappling with quite the issue in our master bedroom... We've got the most gorgeous settee (it was in my bedroom growing up) covered in a very fancy green and pink striped fabric. I love the fabric but it's seen better days, which has me wondering -- should I stay in the pink realm or change directions entirely when I have it recovered? I LOVE pink but is it too much for a master bedroom?

Blue White Black Gold

2014-03-05T11:58:00.001-06:00

Lorenzo Castillo

Markham Roberts

Miles Redd -- House Beautiful

Veranda

Lately I can't get enough of this chic color combination. The furniture in our more formal living room is black and gold and I'm itching for some blue and white accents to finish the look.

La Datcha

2014-02-10T13:43:00.001-06:00

While reading the latest issue of Architectural Digest, I literally gasped when I came upon this story. Pierre Berge's home in Normandy, decorated by the brilliant Jacques Grange took my breath away. Modeled after what the Russians call a Dacha -- or country home -- this cozy retreat is full of beautiful details and comfortable nooks. Read the rest of the story here, or pick up the March issue of AD.

Les Orchidées

2014-02-05T11:39:00.000-06:00

Mark D. Sikes

Another post went live today on the At Home in Arkansas blog. This month I chose to focus on using orchids in design. They are so beautiful. I'm truly lost cause when it comes to tending to them but can't stop buying them for my house. I picked out some of my favorites for At Home -- check out the post here.

TC's Hamptons Maison

2014-01-07T18:33:00.003-06:00

My grandmother gave me this book last week and I am obsessed with it. Published in 1977, it's filled with fabulous photos and interviews with some super glamorous people. One of my favorites is the home of Truman Capote in the Hamptons.

There are some truly 70s pieces in the home but overall I think his look stands the test of time, particularly the vibrant colors and leopard skin rug (!!). I like to think this is where he wrote Music for Chameleons.

Polyvore

2013-12-09T23:47:00.001-06:00

How have I not gotten into Polyvore this before?? I am officially addicted!

Ho Ho Ho

2013-12-09T17:53:00.001-06:00

This old Kate Spade holiday ad is one of my all time favorites. So fun and whimsical. I still like their ad campaigns but something about their older ones really makes me smile.

Kate in Istanbul

2013-11-20T16:25:00.002-06:00

I was so thrilled to see a huge fashion story with Kate Moss and actor Chiwetel Ejiofor in this month's Vogue. She's my all-time favorite model, and beyond that, the scenery (it was shot in Istanbul) is absolutely incredible. I couldn't resist posting a few of my favorite pictures. To see the rest, click here.

Top of the List

2013-11-18T11:07:00.001-06:00

I've officially found the #1 item for my Christmas list this year. This J. Crew collection coat is absolutely brilliant.

In a mood

2013-10-05T13:01:00.002-05:00

Something about fall puts me in the mood for moodier shades of greens, greys and blues.

Miu Miu Pour Moi

2013-10-04T13:01:00.001-05:00

I've always been nuts about Miu Miu: the quirk, the colors, the overall aesthetic. Of course, the Spring 2014 show was no different -- I loved looking at all of the runway pictures but the colorful outerwear and amazing textured tights are what really did it for me. I can't wait to scoop up a few pairs myself!! See all the looks here.

Becker's Place

2013-09-07T14:17:00.002-05:00

I'm still getting over how gorgeous antique dealer Christopher Becker's Syndey apartment is (this shot is of his well-collected mantle display). I spied it in the May/June issue of Australian Vogue Living -- it was "The French Issue" so naturally, I had to buy it. Becker's space was my most favorite of everything in the issue, but the whole thing is fabulous. I would recommend getting your hands on a copy ASAP.

Libra Loot

2013-08-09T12:36:00.002-05:00

I'm completely obsessed with these astrological Charlotte Olympia slippers and clutch from Neiman's. I'm a proud Libra and would love to show off my sign -- especially with such chic accessories. If only I still had that employee discount...

Vanity Fair

2013-08-07T09:40:00.001-05:00

I'm crazy about this vanity/dressing area spotted on the Garden & Gun website. The rest of this little carriage house isn't too shabby either.

I've been dreaming about a vintage dress form to hang all of my necklaces but haven't found the perfect one to purchase for my vanity area yet.

C'est beau

2013-07-27T10:26:00.002-05:00

S&W

2013-07-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

I'm having a little too much fun with the Stubbs & Wootton Bespoke tool this morning.

Sheila Bridges: At Home in Harlem

2013-07-18T12:36:00.002-05:00

Have you had the chance to read the New York Times article about Sheila Bridges yet? It's a wonderful piece on the sassy decorator and her thoughts on love, decorating and her upcoming book. You may know her as Bill Clinton's decorator and as the author of The Bald Mermaid, in which she discusses life with alopecia. Besides her colorful commentary, I also fell in love with her colorful Harlem apartment! I've selected a few of my favorites (I'm particularly partial to that pretty green room) but you should definitely check out the rest when you have the chance.

Un petit peu

2013-07-09T20:51:00.000-05:00

The Prairie

2013-07-04T16:04:00.001-05:00

You may remember this post about Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic B&B, "The Prairie" in Round Top, Texas. Well, when I was there a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking a look around! It is a wonderful place for a quiet getaway: picturesque views, cozy as could be, and of course, decorated to Shabby Chic perfection. There was a wedding taking place that day so I wasn't able to tour any of the guest rooms, but I was able to browse quite a bit. If you're ever in Round Top I highly recommend heading over for a walk around the grounds. And of course, a peek into the store they have on the property! I picked up a few goodies there myself.

The main office, dining area and super-chic lounge.

A fabulous vignette in the big barn.

Another corner in the big barn.

Wouldn't you love to curl up here all day?

This sofa was about as big as a king-sized bed.

I fell in love with this chandelier. I've seen plenty like it, but those tiny pink pleated shades make a fabulous statement.

This guy watches over the dining area.

Love the relaxed look of the slipcovered barstools. They'd be perfect in a family kitchen too.

The prettiest seating area outside.

The gorgeous view from the back door.

A matelaisse/white denim sofa inside the Shabby Chic shop.

Pillows on pillows on pillows in the shop.

A pretty piece of art in the shop -- we've got one just like it at home!

My finds of the day: Shabby Chic extra-long matches, silver hearts on leather, and a silver-plated bowl from a store down the road from the Prairie.

Coveteur x Pamela Skaist-Levy

2013-07-01T12:43:00.000-05:00

My obsession with Juicy Couture track suits in high school was probably unhealthy. When my teacher told me "one day you'll laugh at how much money you have spent on sweatpants" I laughed at her. And now, I realize that even though I did spend WAY too much on sweats, they have a special place in my heart and a special place in fashion history, whether we like it or not. One thing that's never changed is the fabulous style of the two creators of the bedazzled velour phenomenon, Gela Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy. One of my favorite designers, Peter Dunham, decorated Pam's casa and it is one for the books. So you can imagine my delight when The Coveteur's email hit my inbox this morning and surprise! Pam's closet was the latest to get their fabulous treatment. I've selected a few of my favorite pictures from the shoot, but you NEED to check out the rest here. And if you're not on their mailing list, you really are missing out. Enjoy!!

Round Top

2013-06-25T21:17:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I made the trip to Round Top, Texas for an antique extravaganza. Known for the famous Marburger Farm Antique Show (which happens in October), there are smaller shows in June and January and I wanted to scope out the scene before I head back in the fall. If this show was any indication of what it will be like, I really can't wait. There were so many wonderful finds -- piles of majolica pottery, french dough bowls, green glass, an old paper-mache horse, a greek-key stool... I could go on. We also stopped by The Prairie -- Rachel Ashwell's B&B, which you may remember from this post. I really fell in love! More on that tomorrow.

DV

2013-06-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

"There's only one very good life and that's the life you know you want and you make it yourself."

- Diana Vreeland

I watched the film The Eye Has to Travel the other night and I can't stop thinking about Diana Vreeland. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. Very inspiring for anyone who has ever wanted a creative career, or life for that matter. Speaking of inspiring -- isn't this Andy Warhol photo of her just perfect?