New Store in Bethesda

Last week on a drive through Bethesda I passed a store called Accessories of Old. I wanted to stop in but I had Clemmy with me and the time just wasn't right. Flash forward to this weekend, Brian and I had lunch at The Burger Joint in Bethesda so we decided to stop in Accessories of Old and it was love at first sight!

(Above: A general pic of the store.)

(Above: A very small selection of the store's VAST selection of vintage velvet ribbons.)

The store was opened in 1917 in South Africa and the granddaughter of the original owner and husband just opened a Bethesda MD location. How lucky are we??!

(Above: Original store in South Africa)

The store is awesome! It specializes in vintage trims and has everything a heart could desire: vintage lace, upholstery trims, racks and racks of vintage buttons still on their original cardboard in a variety of colors, earrings and adorable hair clips!

(Above: Three clips we bought for our little Clementine. Stayed in her hair and held tight.)

(Above: Adorable hair clips.)

Stop by this awesome store and buy, buy, buy!!!!

Store website here.

Kicking Off the Day!

I'm on my way out for a very busy day but before I leave I needed a little art pick-me-up. so I scrounged and I scrounged until I found some gorgeous pieces of jewelry that remind me why I have chosen the arts as a life path over a fast yet unfufilling buck. Enjoy and feel inspired!

Above: A pair of Etruscan revival rings. Dated 1870 and priced at $9500. I could see these on my finger while I give commands. Above: A pair of earrings that really take a different way of seeing to a whole new level. Indian gold and enamel earrings priced at $3250. These are a contemporary piece. My co-art teacher, Judy, hates Indian art so don't show this to her.

And last but not least an 1870 pair of coral and 18k gold earrings. Although I rarely fall for a chandelier earring these I like. Priced at $19,500.

On a sad note- Domino magazine is going under. It's a sad day for us eclectic home design enthusiasts.

Become a Follower

Okay so I know I'm no Christ-like figure but it would make my day if you would sign up on the right of this post and become a follower of my blog.

Do it. Do it now!

Read Post Below

Then this one will make sense....

As promised:

John James Audubon

I love John James Audubon's sensitive renderings of animals. I especially like his pelicans and other birds. These you can appreciate in a museum or purchase a few similar engravings (no prints or posters please) have them framed professionally and hang them in a bunch. The bunching will add drama.... I'll find a pic and post it! (please note not all images below are J.J. Audubon.)

Above: I especially love the dynamism of this one.

If You're in Kensington

I just happened upon the preppiest store in the tri-state area. The Fine Swine is located in Kensington MD and has everything preppy from novelty cuff links to Lilly Pulitzer clothing. The store has been open for about a year and feels very homey.

I am unable to download any pics from their website so here's a picture of my daughter in their wares.

thefineswine.comAnd I'm feeling a little lazy so just imagine that this picture is rotated.

A Litte Jewelry

I have decided as 2009 kicks off to post more things about what I do in my own home and life that is beautiful but I would like to not forget the reason I began this blog- to find beautiful things and exhibit them. This blog has been my own little museum and for that I am proud. Below a gorgeous watch.

A Piaget 18k white gold watch made in 1970 in Switzerland. No price on this baby but you can email the dealer for the info: info@watchcommander.com

Now this is a conversation piece!!

We Had a Godilocks Problem the Other Day

I have been desperately searching for a bed for my dear daughter. I am a perfectionist when it comes to finding the right pieces for my home (that's the only thing I'm a perfectionist with.). So here's where my search began:

Gorgeous bed from lone ranger antiques in FL. Problem... too expensive. Cost about $1200.


Option 2:


Another Swedish antique bed from lone ranger antiques. I was set on this bed showed everyone and saved the money to buy it. At the last minute I checked the dimensions and found that the length was not a normal twin and was instead longer then even a XL twin. Yes, I could get a mattress custom made but it would be a lifetime of sheet buying problems. Yes, I could get the bed cut down but that would be a pain to have a handyman come over fix it and then have to pay for the repairs.

So I was feeling very depressed about the whole thing. As I mentioned I am very anal about my house furniture and I was not going to settle for a PB kids particle board bed. Then by the grace of God I checked Martha Stewart's furniture line. She always had a bed my friends and I loved but it only came in a queen and up.... but.... then Martha decided to be awesome and make it available in a twin in 2009!!! Yay!!!! So below is the bed we have for now decided on for Clementine. Just right!

Longest Post Ever....

I was doing some spring computer cleaning and I wanted to post all the images I have been hanging onto for my blog but have never used.

Cool cocktail table that plays on surrealism.

Love this set of 3 coordinating coffee tables. Use together or around the same room.

This tickles my Danish side (which I rarely tickle.)

Sophisticated, non-sloppy club chairs. I am the ultimate fan of tight seats and backs.

A Jim Dine-ish Wayne Thiebaud.

A little painting for when I'm feeling not very Catholic.

A great settee from Wisteria... can be ordered with a tailored slipcover. Nothing I love more then a tailored slipcover.

Beautiful pearl and gold earrings.

I should throw a party like this!

Katie Holmes fantastic haircut.... mine still seems different though.

For the Blanche Devereux in all of us!

These mugs come as a set of 4 for $200 (yikes!) But I still think they're a great way to take down your coffee (or coke) in the morning.

A mod chandelier.

Fantastic star sconces.

Russian architecture.

A John Derian plate.

Another John Derian plate... I really do sweat this guy.

A French menu holder. So modern, so French.

A pair of Marie Antoinette earrings.

Some Mexican earrings.

I forgot his name, a designer I posted in the past Jacques... something...

The ideal chaise lounge.

Same designer. I love the way the bustle cascades.

A chandelier... just a reminder to think outside the box.

A pair of consoles.

Love the woodwork on this chair.

Nothing flatters my "womenly" curves like a shift dress.

A Swedish Bed.

A textured sculpture.

A fancy bangle.

And finally!!! A sleek and stylish bookcase... doubt it could really hold any heavy duty books.