D.PORTHAULT LINENS: FRESH FLOWER PRINTS FOR SALE

A LOOK INSIDE THE BOUTIQUE:

D. Porthault, founded in 1920, is the French answer to Lilly and Dek Tillet for luxury linens. Their multi-colored bedding, towels and tablecloths in hand screened prints pack a delightful pop of pattern. They have a very loyal following, and there is something delightful about mixing their scallop-edge patterns with any interior--a very French way of doing things.
The company has been purchased and reinvigorated by an American couple, Joan and Bernard Carl, who were great clients and became friends with the founder's son. Digging into the 5,000 pattern archive, they brought out new blooms and vibrant recolored prints, shown above. Signature Single and Double Heart, done for the Duchess of Windsor, and Four Leaf Clover patterns in pink or blue have graced baby's and their nurseries time and time again. Why not start with a boudoir baby pillow cover and begin your own collection? I love pairing one with an all white bed. Plus, they get better with age.


A fresh fern pattern in spring green mixes well with a wide stripe.


Summer is here! Matisse Coral in tutti frutti colors-- perfect poolside.


Cool blue and white for those that prefer something more tame.


The always adorable window displays are a bonus in their newer Park Avenue location.


Custom designs have been done for social swells over the years, Pamela Harriman (below), The Windsors (above), Givenchy and Jackie O among them.



THE SALE:
Scoop up some real deals at their annual White Sale from June 15th – June 30th, offering discounts from 30% to 80% off retail prices. Must-have items include sheeting, terry, accessories and children’s items in D. Porthault’s signature florals and prints. For example, a queen bed set that would have regularly been priced at $1100 will be available (in certain prints) at $550; a bath towel regularly priced at $180 will be available at $72; many boudoir shams will be marked down to $30 (from $165).

470 Park Avenue (on 58th Street), New York, NY
10am-6pm
For more information call 212-688-1660

STYLEBEAT DESIGN DEAL OF THE WEEK: SALE AT JOHN DERIAN

Photo Courtesy of John Derian (item not in sale)
WHAT: Decoupage maestro and all around trend setter John Derian is moving merch!
WHERE: Get thee down to 6 East 2nd Street for the John Derian Sale
WHY: for 30-50% off selected Decoupage and 25-50% off other great stuff in the treasure trove of a store
WHEN: Sale runs June 12-13th
Hurry!

A GENEROUS OFFER FROM DEMPSEY AND CARROLL TO FORMER CLIENTS OF MRS. JOHN L. STRONG

Today I was contacted by Jonathan Arnold, the general manager of New York- based stationer, Dempsey and Carroll. He told me about a great program they are offering to former clients of Mrs. Strong. Many paperless people are turning to Dempsey and Carroll to fill their printing needs, and this generous offer makes it worth while.

A Special Offer for Former Clients of Mrs. John L. Strong:

Dempsey and Carroll products are handcrafted in the traditional manner -- from the hand-bordered cards to the individually lined envelopes we offer. All of our products reflect our true commitment to quality.

If you need to replenish your supply of writing papers, we would be happy to help. We can use your existing engraving dies or plates if you have them. If not, we can work from a sample. Or, if it is time for a change, we have thousands of options to help you design your new stationery.

Our special offer* includes your choice of a free name plate, $50 off a return address plate, or $100 off a monogram die for all former Mrs. John L. Strong clients placing new orders for their current papers.

Please contact us at info@dempseyandcarroll.com or 877 750 1878. Or, visit our store at 1049 Lexington Avenue, between 74th and 75th Streets in New York City.

What a nice thing to do. Jonathan, thank you for letting me share this with fine stationery aficionados everywhere! Online ordering a breeze at Dempsey and Carroll.

A SHORE THING: ENTERTAIN IN A NANTUCKET STATE OF MIND

If you can't get there, channel Nantucket when you entertain at home. Bring the Gray Lady home with a whale motif and grosgrain ribbon from Target. Snap it up while it's hot, online only!

Photos Courtesy of Target
Nautical Acrylic Tumblers from Target have preppy grosgrain ribbon inside instead of a yacht club burgee, provides a nice new take on a classic. Anything with grosgain gets high marks in my book. Keep your Goombay Smash cold (an alternative to the usual Ball Jar) and your J. Crew enamel jewelery condensation free.

To make a delicious Straight Warf Goombay follow their recipe below-- you will be glad you did!

Combine the following ingredients:

3/4 ounce Bacardi spiced rum
1/2 ounce Bacardi light rum
1/4 ounce apricot brandy
1/2 ounce coconut cream
2 ounces pineapple juice

Add ice and shake, garnish with an orange slice and cherry.


First Wedgwood did their Nantucket basket homage, now Target does their chic n' cheap version. Serve farm stand salad, wishing it was from Bartlett Farms, in this well- priced bowl.


Target continues it's Nantuckety line with a blue earthenware Whale Platter, perfect for serving Something Natural Chocolate Chip Cookies after a day at shore, wishing it was Cliffside Beach.


Make some Straight Warf Bluefish pate and serve it on these adorable little Target cocktail plates.

MRS. JOHN L. STRONG HAS CLOSED- IS THERE ANY CHANCE OF A BUYER?

Photo Courtesy of Vivre
I heard it a few weeks ago, but did not want to believe it until it was confirmed. Then I read about it in the New York Times. Mrs. Strong, founded in 1929, has closed. Their fine, handmade writing paper represented a genteel, elegant way of living, entertaining and communicating. The demise of a great American brand like this says something about the times we are living in. Nannette Brown, a style icon of mine, purchased the company several years ago, injecting a youthful, au courant style into the signature red and brown packaging, design selection, icons, candles and gifts. Her freshening of the brand attracted a new customer, and it was easy to believe there would always be a loyal following, willing to spend more than usual to leave a lasting impression. A splurge for some, a necessity for others, handmade quality products like this seem to be a dying breed. Brown tried to find a buyer for the company she revived, to no avail. Is there a company out there that will swoop in and save Strong?
If there is no turnaround in sight, take your custom plates to the following brands: The Printery in Oyster Bay, Dempsey and Carroll, and Smythson of Bond Street.

EASY WAYS TO GET READY FOR SUMMER: ADD BRIGHT NEW BEDDING

The latest crop of summery bedding brings relaxing pastels and nature motifs. Put a new coverlet with matching Euro shams on your bed and you can get your bedroom in summer mode in no time at all.


Bedding newcomer Ferran, started by pattern aficionado Kathryn Ferran Kayajan, has great color combinations, whimsical embroidery and fun patterns. Visit their website Ferran Store for adorable coordinating robes and raincoats.


Awning Stripe, a new pattern from 1891 by Sferra, has a broad lavender stripe alternating with blooming florals for a fresh spring is here! look.


Blue and white shells and coral come together in the newest Lulu DK for Matouk Harbour Island pattern.


Embroidery by John Robshaw is mixed with a graphic geometric, making green and brown new.

Photo Courtesy of Manuel Canovas
Manuel Canovas will have you thinking pink with their Saint Barth Rose bedding. Carried by Gracious Home.

Photo Courtesy of Manuel Canovas
Canovas's hallmark punchy colors, seen here in pink and green in their new Taj Mahal pattern, make the combination European sophisticated, instead of preppy cute.

TRULY INSPIRED: MODERN LUXURY BY RICHARD MISHAAN

Photos Courtesy of The Monacelli Press
Interior designer Richard Mishaan is a New Yorker, but takes his clients on a global journey, mixing objects from African Tribal to Art Deco in their homes. As a master colorist, he uses this to great effect in his first book, Modern Luxury, written with Elizabeth Gaynor, principal photography by George Ross, published by The Monacelli Press. Do not be put off by the title of the book, Modern Luxury. Yes, we are in a recession, but inspiration and fantasy are always in style. The book takes you on an American grand tour, through art-filled apartments and weekend homes. For those that love designer scoop, his Shopping Sleuth section reveals his favorite shopping hot spots. His rooms are fun, festive, bold and sophisticated, and he is not afraid to mix unexpected antiques with modern pieces. Mishaan had a great Madison Avenue shop called Homer, where his custom furniture, sculpture and candy-color bright vases introduced new clients to his fun style. Artful arrangements and unique designs brought shoppers looking for that special object or two. There are vignette shots of the shop in the book, and this became his incubator for projects to come.


Cool and calm with pops of black, a curvy leg farm table mixes with clean pendant lights lined in a black and white damask wallpaper. The contrast in styles results in a Modern Americana moment.

Bright green and pale blue take a country living room and turn it into a bold statement. By mixing roman shades and floor-length panels, the mood of the room changes from day to night.

For a global feel, chinchilla pillows and zebra ottomans bring graphic pattern to the smooth surfaces. A shock of peacock blue lacquer instantly makes this room soigne, and chrome lamps with shiny white tables push it further into Hollywood modern.