THE LOVE LIST

Love Quotes: Cooper Ray

2009-07-08T16:04:00.004-04:00

If you've never read Cooper Ray's mannered alter-ego, Social Primer, then it truly needs to be your next stop. Read the full NYT interview here.

"If there is a solid base of civility, you can toss off a little irreverence now and then."
- Cooper Ray

Glassware Galore: Hobnail and Milk Glass

2009-07-08T15:20:00.008-04:00

I love the display of beautful glassware on exposed shelving. Image from Domino.

One of my favorite things to shop for is glassware. Don't ask me why, but I'm always drawn to pretty cups of all sizes and shapes. Whether I am in Anthropologie or a thrift store, I'm always trolling for the next in a long line of lovely finds.

Hobnail juice glasses, 8.00 per glass, at Anthropologie.

One thing I am always drawn to, it seems, is hobnail. Even better, a colored hobnail. The glass is inspired by the hobnail studs sometimes used on boot soles. It can be a pattern created by blowing a glass vessel into a mold, or it can be achieved by pressing the glass into a mold.

Eddie Ross makes frequent use of milk glass in his infamous Manhattan apartment. Milk glass footed bowl, Eddie Ross at Etsy.

Another weakness is milk glass - those of you who have ever opened an issue of Martha Stewart living can see her affinity for it, and it's one I share. The opaque glass looks like porcelain and is produced by the effect of tin-oxide.

In the offices of Flower Films, Ruthie Sommers used a bold teal that works beautifully with a mixed white and milk glass display. Image from Domino.

Often you will find the two overlap - it's not odd to find a hobnail milkglass lamp floating around Goodwill, cast aways from an estate sale. The true statement is made when a collection is gathered and cast against a dark background - perhaps in exposed cabinetry or a glassed armoire.

Love at First Sight: Irving & Fine

2009-06-30T22:15:00.009-04:00

Right: Irving & Fine at product launch. Image from style.com, photographed by Neil Rasmus. Left: Irving and Charlotte Moss at Townhouse. Image from Charlotte Moss. Photograph by Mary Hillard.

You may have heard of Carolina Irving already if you ever flipped through Domino or read Ronda's wonderful "LIST" at All the Best. Formerly the design editor at House & Garden, Irving has teamed up with Mississippi-born designer Lisa Fine to form the globetrotter-chic clothing line Irving & Fine. Fawned over by housewives and socialites alike, Irving & Fine's beautiful tunics marry pattern, textile, and color in a way that creates an effortless chic that feels as good as it looks.

Left: Carolina Irving in her Manhattan Apartment. Image from Vogue, photographed by Francois Halard. Right: Lisa Fine in her Paris Apartment. Image from Elle Decor, photographed by Ivan Terestchenko. Both top images scanned by StyleCourt.

The tunics, as of the moment, are admittedly not easy to come by, and have to be scooped up at a highly edited roster of high-end retailers (Charlotte Moss townhouse was the first.) I personally have been lusting after one since I first saw a post about them on Michael Devine's blog - I'd wear it belted, over skinny jeans with ballet flats, my hair up in a pony with some simple chandelier earrings to show off the tunic. Sadly, I can't seem to find one anywhere and though I compulsively check their website, there is no online shop quite yet.

Photos of Irving & Fine tunics taken by Michael Devine at Charlotte Moss Townhouse.

Until the day comes that I have one in my hands, I'll remain envious of my Harbour Island readers who are mere steps away from Sugar Mill Trading Co., who carries the line, and continue to admire the ladies' beautiful design work. I simply cannot get over some of these prints - the hand-printed look, the color depth... why doesn't Vivre carry these? A glaring oversight. It is always the things inspired by travel and excuted by talented women that inspire me the most.

Retailers who carry the line include India Hicks' Sugar Mill Trading Company in Harbour Island (right) and Merry Vose's Cabana in Dallas (left).

Southern Table: Hush Puppies

2009-06-26T13:22:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite side dishes is hush puppies. I may incite some anger by making this statement, but my favorite place to get hush puppies is Kings Barbeque in Kinston, North Carolina. Kinston is off of I-70 and on the drive from central North Carolina to Carteret County. My family has a summer home in Morehead City, and my father now runs a year-round diving and fishing charter out of that area, so I grew up spending a lot of time in that area of the Outer Banks. And virtually every trip down, we stopped at Kings for a barbeque sandwich, sweet tea, and hush puppies.

Among those of us that prefer Eastern North Carolina barbeque (made with a vinegar based sauce as opposed to the tomato based sauce of Western NC) in the Kinston area, there is a debate over whether to dine at Kings or Wilburs. As you would have it, my grandmother preferred Kings, while my grandfather preferred Wilburs. As my grandmother was usually the one driving me to Morehead, I grew up a Kings girl through and through. As soon as we exited I-40 onto I-70 and started passing fruit stands and tobacco fields (now soy and corn), my mouth would start watering.

My favorite thing about King’s, besides it’s food, is the music it plays in its bathroom. A weird selection, you may be thinking, but they have (literally) been playing the same song my whole life. I have no idea what the song is called or who it is sung by, but the lyrics vary between “I want some barbeque” and “give me some barbeque.” In a loop, over and over again, for over twenty years. It’s all about the ambiance in my opinion. I like my barbeque with a side of hush puppies and bathroom crooning.

Hush puppies are insanely easy to make. The combination of cornmeal and flour makes them both crunchy and light, the buttermilk and egg keep them together, and the spices you choose make them savory and irresistible. Like most of my food, I prefer my hush puppies with a little kick to them. Chili powder, cayenne, paprika, and maybe even some chipotle. You could even add herbs or thinly diced jalapeños if you wanted to jazz them up some more. Beyond barbeque they make great appetizers, or sides with fish. They’re also pretty perfect on their own with a big old glass of sweet tea.

Hush Puppies
1 cup corn meal
1/2 cup flour
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
Pinch of paprika
Pinch of cayenne
Pinch of garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Peanut oil for frying

-Begin by mixing dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk. Combine wet and dry ingredients, and use your hands to form 1/2" round balls.
-Heat your oil in a large pan. You want your oil to be deep enough that the puppies can be totally immersed. You'll know when your oil is hot enough if bubbles form around a wooden spoon.
-Drop each ball into the fryer. Use a spoon to push them around so they're sure to get cooked on both side. Cook until golden brown- 3 or 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels so they can dry through and through.

["Southern Table" appears regularly on The Love List. Elena Rosemond is a Carolina-born cook who has made it her mission to bring traditional and southern recipes to the grits and biscuit-loving set. Visit Elena at Biscuits and Such, her southern food blog, for more recipes and commentary.]

Kyle's Drab to Fab Office Makeover on Tyra Banks

2009-06-25T17:26:00.005-04:00

Kyle's drab to fab office makeover for the Tyra Banks Show. Photos by Joe Schmelzer

Our very own young gun and monthly contributor Kyle Schuneman was recently featured on the Tyra Banks show with a "drab to fab" office makeover. Kyle's work is fresh, graphic, and reflective of the LA cool he's so well-known for.

You can check out the entire makeover on the Tyra website here, and don't forget to Ask Kyle your design questions - you might see it answered here!

Ask Kyle: Color Inside Color

2009-06-25T17:08:00.005-04:00

I got a very quick question from Susie, who asked, what’s your favorite yellow paint color? Usually, when selecting the Ask Kyle question of the month I try to choose something more complicated, but I think it’s a very relatable question. First off, I think picking a tone of color is the hardest thing.

Kyle recommends using yellow as an accent color without marrying yourself to it on the wall. Photo via Patricia Gray.

Once you decide on “blue” or “purple” then opening the paint book and seeing just how many varieties there are can be a bit overwhelming. If you already have a fabric or wallpaper picked out then the choice becomes a lot easier as it can be your guiding point. I would recommend that to everyone when doing a room. Pick your fabrics and patterns FIRST. Paint color is such an easy thing to have matched, but picking your paint color and then trying to find a fabric that has that certain paint color in the design is extremely difficult and truly corners you.

Kate Spade's Manhattan bedroom uses small "pops" of yellow to make a bold statement on an otherwise neutral palette.

Regarding yellow specifically, I think that any tone (except for neon) can be a good base for a chic room. I personally don’t use it very often as I tend to like cooler tone colors, however, I am a big fan of mustard as long as it stays away from having too much gold in it and dating itself to the 70’s. Mustard and gray has become a very big trend in the last year so it just goes to show that old colors become new again and design truly is cyclical.

A framed swatch of wallpaper fills a wall without painting it, which is great for renters. Photo via Domino.

If you are interested in a softer shade of yellow, I would stay away from the yellows with orange in them as they tend to be less sophisticated. A butter yellow is a bit overdone as a neutral these days and grays and taupes have really taken the place of that as a modern base for a room. Yellow can really be a sunny color -don’t get me wrong- and the classic combination of yellow, white, and blue is still relevant, but my advice would be to keep it as an accent in the accessories and not marry yourself to it on the walls. Along with gray it makes a great compliment to berry and deep purple and as long as you introduce other complimenting colors into the room it won’t feel like a sports team’s theme or kids room gone awry!

[Read more about Kyle's extensive design background; Meet Kyle Schuneman. Kyle is The Love List's resident designer, Email Kyle with your design questions .You can visit Kyle's website at KyleSchuneman.com]

Love This Client: PIPM, Krystal Sasso, I'm Over It!

2009-06-20T20:43:00.005-04:00

I had the best time designing a recent blog makeover for Megan over at prettyinpinkmegan.com. The new look was inspired by a designer line we both love - Milly! My company, Front Porch Studio, loves handling clients like Megan who are really so fun to work with.

A screen shot of Megan's new look at prettyinpinkmegan.com. If your blog needs a little nip and tuck, email me for rates.

Megan's blog gives you a peek inside her world as a newlywed, stylista, and contemporary boutique shopgirl. We were put in touch by one of The Love List's new sponsors, Jane, at Clover, one of our favorite boutiques in Jacksonville, FL. All of our new sponsor spots will go up starting July 1st, I can't wait to share all our fabulous benefactors with you - they make this blog tick!

The cozy storefront at Clover in the Avondale district of Jacksonville, Fl. Jane carries tons of great contemporary lines like Milly, Tibi, Lilly Pulitzer, and Vineyard Vines.

You may remember my post about talented jewelry designer Krystal Sasso (and her bout with the Milly runway) - she wanted some fun stationery to tuck into orders and write notes to customers, so we came up with beautiful embossed papergoods featuring her signature koi.

Printed, the cards have rounded corners and embossed initials - Krystal's Monogram is on the front flap of the envelope and it is lined with a trellis print. Email me for custom stationery, calling cards, enclosure cards, and more.

Last but not least, Sarah at I'm Over It! has the most creative business idea I've seen in awhile - it's genius! She leases high-end jewelry to fashionistas for events and weddings - go check out her site, her selection is bananas. Her logo turned out great and she was patient with me when I got sick last week - keep her in mind for your wedding!

Who Says Southern Art Has to Be a Landscape?

2009-06-08T11:13:00.003-04:00

I love great etsy finds, but I love them even more when they come courtesy of my sister! Kackie's a talented artist based in Austin, TX - her art takes a lot of direct influence from the music she listens to and she's got an Escher-esque affinity for hands. Have a look at Kackie's shop and let me know what you think in comments.

Southern Table: Jalapeño Grits

2009-06-03T03:03:00.000-04:00

For my first post on The Love List, I wanted to share a recipe that was Southern... even Southern! if you will. And for me, there are not many things more Southern! than grits. I have seen people use grits in every way imaginable, and one of the things I love about grits is that they are a blank palate for your culinary genius. I also have a long history with grits, and thought that this would be a good food to help introduce myself to you.

Growing up, my grandmother would shower me with shirts, hats, and key chains all emblazoned with the letters G.R.I.T.S. in bright, flashy colors. Naturally, this stands for Girl Raised In The South. Giggle all you want to, but don’t underestimate the G.R.I.T.S. movement. My best friend, Megan (a debutante) has the G.R.I.T.S. guide to etiquette in the glove box of her car. For quick reference, of course. Those sticky situations where you’re just not sure if it’s appropriate to have another piece of banana cream pie. Or whether or not the guide would condone smiling back at those handsome fellahs in the next car. It would, obviously because the number one goal of a G.R.I.T.S. is catching a husband.

When I left the south to go to college, conversations always seemed to come back to grits once I mentioned where I was from. It turns out that people in the North have one common burning question- what is a grit? I ended up explaining time and time again that grits are the coarser half of what’s left after corn is stone ground. The finer half being cornmeal. Their next question was always why grits were appealing, which is a silly question because we put butter in grits and what doesn’t taste good with butter and a little salt & pepper? Huh?

My sophomore year in college I was talking on the phone while trying to eat a bowl of grits, all sitting in a lazy boy. I am not the most graceful or coordinated of people, and that phone slipped right out from under my chin and plopped into my steaming hot grits. I dried it off and scraped most of the grits out, but a few days later I found myself walking into the Cingular store in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. I tried to be elusive about why my phone was broken, but when they took it apart and grits started sprinkling onto the counter I knew I was done. And boy was I right because I got laughed right out of that store.

Nevertheless, grits are still one of my favorite foods. My fiancé and I eat them on a regular basis. Our favorite way to dress them up is with some spice, and I think jalapeño grits may be the first southern meal I ever cooked for him. These grits are bold and cheesy and spicy and creamy and just everything you want in a dish in every single way. In a lot of ways this dish represents how I think of the south. It’s over the top and loud but at the same time it’s comforting and makes you feel blissfully happy.

Jalapeño Grits Serves 4

1 cup dried grits
6 cups water
1 jalapeño
2 cups fresh mushrooms
1 white onion
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1 lemon, juiced
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup milk
1 garlic clove
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
Red pepper flakes

Dice your onions, mushrooms, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté them with olive oil.

While your vegetables are cooking, bring your water and grits to a boil together. Grits take between 10-15 minutes to thicken, but it is important to stir them every few minutes to make sure they aren’t sticking.

When your vegetables are tender, reduce heat to a simmer. When your grits are thick, stir in milk, cream, cheese, seasoning, and lemon juice. Stir until cheese has melted and is fully incorporated. Finally stir in the vegetables and serve.

["Southern Table" appears every week on The Love List. Elena Rosemond is a Carolina-born cook who has made it her mission to bring traditional and southern recipes to the grits and biscuit-loving set. Visit Elena on her blog, Biscuits and Such, her southern food blog, for more recipes.]

Save the Dates with a Honky Tonk Twist

2009-06-02T07:33:00.001-04:00

A Nashville, TN wedding boasts beautiful save the dates from Ceci New York.

Perfect Penmanship: May + Belle

2009-06-02T06:50:00.001-04:00

All photos, May-belle.com

Maybelle began her calligraphy career, as she puts it, "with a simple note". From there it evolved into a style she likes to call "perfectly imperfect" that has attracted clients like C.O. Bigelow and Martha Stewart Living. Beautiful work that inspires me to take a calligraphy class!

Summer Chic Polo Looks

2009-06-01T18:39:00.007-04:00

Great summertime fashion inspiration from the Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic in the Hamptons. Sundresses and heels prevail here, but skirted separated and horsey-appropro hats pepper the star-studded guest list that included Kate Hudson and Prince Harry. For a full slideshow, visit style.com.

Beyond Inspiration

2009-05-28T03:13:00.001-04:00

This inspiration board from Diane Bergeron makes me want to study it endlessly - I even spy some Rubie Green fabric on there!

Thursday Rooms du Jour: Kate Spade

2009-05-28T02:43:00.000-04:00

Kate Spade's adorable banquette in her small but functional kitchen, via Elle Decor.

Favorite Looks from Tracy Feith for Target

2009-05-27T06:27:00.001-04:00

Tracy Feith for Target is now available in-stores, and I'm a sucker for the solid dresses and bohemian prints. And in case you were wondering, yes, that is that girl from The City. At least we know she's a "real" model.

Kelly Wearstler Goes Back to School

2009-05-27T02:36:00.000-04:00

Check out this cute piece in Cookie about Kelly Wearstler's pro-bono makeover of her sons' beloved Wagon Wheel School.

Wednesday Rooms du Jour

2009-05-27T01:56:00.000-04:00

Image, Erin Valencich

What I wouldn't give for that John Derian coverlet!

Reasons to Adore Paul Costello

2009-05-26T14:04:00.008-04:00

Ho hum. The long weekend is over. To cheer you up from the Monday-on-Tuesday blues, some of my favorite shots by the incredible Paul Costello. Enjoy.

Rooms du Jour: Nanette Lepore

2009-05-26T13:49:00.003-04:00

Source unknown. Help appreciated.

Nanette Lepore's unfussy, eclectic living area is set off by a showstopping ship chandelier.

Daily Find: Outdoor Umbrella

2009-05-26T12:02:00.000-04:00

South of the Mason Dixon, or South of France? Keep the summer sun at bay in style.
Santa Barbara Mission Terrace Umbrella, 1, 820.00

Summer Sun Dresses by Tibi

2009-05-24T21:09:00.005-04:00

strapless maxi, caftan dress, and print maxi available at net-a-porter

Ah, sweet summer time. Happy Memorial Day! These breezy warm-weather frocks by Tibi are just what I'd like to slip into to soak up the sun in the sticky southern heat. What are y'all doing for the holiday?

Ask Kyle: Recreating Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment

2009-05-21T02:31:00.007-04:00

Dear Kyle,
I am trying to be a good mom and help my soon to be 16 year old daughter redecorate her room. This is quite a task for someone like me who doesn’t do this kind of work, but I want to work with her and come up with something fantastic. We love the paint color and decor in Carrie’s bedroom from the Sex and the City Movie. I know it’s close to the Ben Moore paint color electric blue. Her room is a northern exposure - is this blue too dark? Her furniture is creamy white, bedding will be something new, and she has a French love seat with blonde wood trim. The cushions are a light beige.
Thanks,
Judy

Judy,
I think taking your inspiration from a movie is always a great jumping off point and Carrie’s place is no exception. Even though she has bright blue walls, the rest of the space works because nothing else competes. As you took note, the room relies heavily on creams and whites, but the key to the room is all the reflective qualities; from the vanity to the lamps, there are many mirrored textures that I feel should be brought into the room. Its a great "grown up" touch that will grow old with her. For example, I love the simplicity of these mirrored side tables because they keep it feeling youthful and not overly art deco. A great mirror is another way to bring the same look into the room, and at the same time make it appear larger.

Side table, Z Gallerie. Mirror, Burke Decor.

Because your inspiration are the electric blue walls, think about ways to give it an extra glamorous edge. Try using the same paint color and creating subtle stripes with different sheens. The process is called "Sheen Striping" or "Contrasting", and the results are beautiful. By painting the entire wall in a flat sheen and then striping it with a gloss, you get a wall treatment that I am sure all your daughter’s friends will be jealous of. Regarding the northern exposure, I think the color will work fine - with added glossy texture it will bounce light around even more.

In Carrie’s apartment, she has a grouping of frames over her bed and I think you could do something similar with mirrors and framed photos/sentimental objects of your daughter's. If you want to glam it up, think of doing a single wall decal over the bed - a bright white would look great against the blue. The idea of a chandelier decal is one I like.

Chandelier decal, Etsy: janyemacpress

Finally, the most important thing in the bedroom is the bedding. I would keep it simple so that it doesn't compete with the room. You can go for the look of Carrie's graphic rug and keep the bedding simple, or go for bedding with a bold graphic print instead. By bringing your existing French love seat to the edge of the bed, it will make the whole room come together. Throw a couple great blue pillows on the love seat to really make it pop.

Rug (yes, it's the exact one!) Marni for the Rug Company. Bedding, Dwell Studio for Target.

["Ask Kyle" appears every month on The Love List. Kyle Schuneman is a professional designer who has worked in not only residential design but also on the sets of many of your favorite design shows. To learn more about Kyle and see pictures of his work, click here. If you have a question for Kyle, feel free to ask! Email Kyle@thelovelist.net, and you may see it answered on The Love List!]

Daily Find: Grosgrain Napkin Rings

2009-05-21T02:31:00.000-04:00

No longer just for cinching preppy waists.
Grosgrain Napkin Rings, 12.00 for 8. Also available in pink. SocialCouture.com

Font Friday: Waschkueche

2009-05-15T15:43:00.002-04:00

Waschkueche by Peter Wiegel. [Download]

Etiquette: On Business Cards + Giveaway!

2009-05-12T12:26:00.000-04:00

Business card design by Jessica Condatore Design Studio, email me for rates!

As a graphic designer, business cards are part of the bread and butter of what I do. Your business card is vital as a cohesive part of your brand. Whether you're operating a small business from home or a corporate conglomo, your card should project a consistent image that ties in with your logo, website, and print items as a natural fit into your overall brand identity. You want to project a consistent image that your customers can recognize, identify with, and trust.

Business card design by Jessica Condatore Design Studio

Your business card should have, at the very least, your name and business name, your title, and at least two ways to contact you. If your company has a professional website, I would put that on there too - at the very least, you should own a domain name for your company. Think ahead about what you're projecting with your email address. Does alexismneely2845@aol.com make you sound professional? Yourname@yourbusinessname.com is far more professional.

Business card design by Jessica Condatore Design Studio

Elena Brower of the International Etiquette Center in Hollywood, FL says to "make sure that when you hand your card out, hand the person a clean, un-smudged card and put it directly into their hand - do not put it on the table in front of them." Alternatively, when you are being handed someone else's card, Brower notes that "you should always look at and read the card before tucking it away. Do not fold it, handle it with care. Make a comment on the card's design, the location of their office, or other small talk that encourages professional conversation."

Business card design by Jessica Condatore Design Studio

Most importantly, be proud of the card you hand out. Ask yourself - is it attractive? Does it stand out? Does it reflect you and your business' identity? Is all of the information current on it current and correct? If not, it may be time for a new set of cards.

Business card design by Jessica Condatore Design Studio

GIVEAWAY! UPrinting.com and The Love List have partnered up to do just that. Wer'e giving away 1000 free business cards and 500 brochures printed by UPrinting.com with free shipping. To enter the drawing, leave a comment below and tell me what you would use a new set of cards for. If you'd like an extra entry, link back to this giveaway on your blog and let me know about it in your comment.