STYLISH SHOPPING ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE: GERALD BLAND

If you frequent the Upper East Side in the 90's on Madison, then perhaps you know of the beautiful shop, Gerald Bland. For years it has served as a go-to source for stunning English 18th and 19th Century antiques. I was in the shop recently, and was amazed at what I found. The space was alive with color, innovative artwork and filled with unique statement pieces that bring a room alive. He represents a stable of really fascinating artists and everything looks at home against walls painted in a rich chocolate brown.  You may not know that Gerry Bland was close with Albert Hadley and handled his estate. There are a few remaining drawings of Mr. Hadley that he has in store, so if you missed the One King's Lane sale, now is your chance.

Bland has always had a knack for finding the coolest stuff, and upholstering it with just the right amount of detail, from tiny button tufting to contrasting welting.  His wife, Mita Corsini Bland, is also immensely talented, she is a painter and did the watercolors for the Sister Parish book.

 I loved the about-face here,  there is a younger, fresher vibe that I can't get enough of it. 

A chalky white console is so chic

Bright canvases and a Louis chair in Quadrille

See that bench in yellow leather? So good.

A painting of the artist Basquiat Hadley had.

A vignette with a charming fern to add a touch of greenery.

There are so many great chairs to be found I wanted one of each.

A pop of white with camel upholstery

The work of New York-based painter Julie Gross

A perfectly lived-in bookcase

Need a console? Look no further

Modern and antique forms live side by side

Like they say, scale is EVERYTHING

Hello color

These mirrors move me

A desk is the perfect perch to watch the world go by on Madison

Art of every size and shape

Want to look at inventory? It is housed in leather books

A painting on a chair? Sure, why not.

Bland's office downstairs is worth checking out too

More goodies

Where the magic happens

Matte and shiny surfaces

Need accessories?

Like I said earlier, there is no shortage of great chairs

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: DAVID WEBB JEWELS FLAGSHIP

Photos courtesy of Katie Ridder/David Webb

Tucked into a discreet Madison Avenue entrance before you reach 72nd Street and Park Avenue, you will find David Webb jewelers. If you blink you might miss the small awning leading into their understated chic location. Jewels of this stature are probably better off being displayed behind layers of limestone and glass, rather than screaming for attention. They will garner enough of that when worn.

Husband and wife, architect and designer duo Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder set about designing the salon for David Webb the same way they go about creating a home.  No design detail or comfort was overlooked. The ever-important New York flagship, as part of any stylish re branding, sets the tone for any brand on a global scale.  The company, bought in 2010 from the founding family that has owned it since its 1948 beginnings, is trending hot for starlets and those that love rather large stones and gutsy settings.

The seating area, with icy blue walls, crystal chandelier and yellow, chartreuse and teal accents sets the opulent stage for the gorgeous gems that live there. Like a gracious living room, the space instantly makes one feel at home for a relaxed un-retail experience.

The viewing room, with vivid custom chartreuse lacquer tables and chairs.  A classic Ridder color, it is used in ways that sooth, never vying for center stage. The brightness is toned down by the use of a neutral wall color, in Philip Jeffries popular rivets - studded wallpaper.

Framed archival designs mounted above a long table inspire today's designs while acknowledging the creative spark of the past.  By framing past design renderings as artwork, rather than hanging a tranquil scenic, the brand heritage is enforced with flair.

The mix of delicate and tough make give the space a fresh twist.  Fluid Baques crystal sconces against a graphic geometric wallcovering merge soft and linear. Display cases have subtle lighting to enhance the setting, rather than  detract from it. Because when you feel at home, you are more likely to enjoy a shopping experience., and warm to the idea that you may be wearing these baubles in your living room.

Magnifique, non?

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND!

Wherever you are this weekend, I hope you drink up every last drop of summer goodness. Picnic, party, beach, BBQ or pool, you are sure to enjoy summer's last lovely moments with a bit of cool. Here are some ways to hang onto the feeling.

Party of 4! The grass is ready for you. Acme Party Box Company has a jaunty French straw basket ready to go with tablesettings for 4. Complete with a cool Weck glass carafe, Bistro goblets or Mason Jar glasses, 4 Weck glass jars for food, bamboo plates and cutlery, bamboo cheese board and red and white gingham cotton napkins, this is sure to be one good looking feast. Perfect for watching that end of summer concert or hitting Central Park for a little fun in the sun.

Photos courtesy of Acme

 Picnic time! 

Photo courtesy of Longstreet Collection

Popsicles on a hot day make everything ok. This Longstreet Collection print of watercolor popsicles in every flavor you can imagine keeps summer going.

SHELL IT OUT

It's time to bid adieu to the seashore and seashells, but that doesn't mean you can't bring the seaside feeling inside. Karen Robertson's coastal chic  artistic endeavors never fail to surprise, so as you put away your flip flops and sarongs, you can still look at the art on your walls and feel as though your toes are in the sun - warmed sand.

 Karen Robertson's shell - encrusted Blue Limpet Shell Anchors framed artwork  come encased in acrylic or wood frames. There is an old - world charm to these clean and spare designs.

For a more is more effect, shell flourishes and curlicues. Like a neo - sailors valentine, The Shell Grotto collection includes detailed shell inlay in elaborate decorative patterns.  Utilizing the 18th Century art of mosaic shell patterning, the detail is incredible.

WELL ADORNED: HARRISON MORGAN'S PAGODA AND BAMBOO JEWELS

If you love pagodas and bamboo like I do, then I have just the thing for you. I discovered Harrison Morgan's pretty jewelry collection recently.  Bridging the gap between super dressy and everyday go-to, his designs are inspired by classic vintage touches evolved for today. Things we love in interior decor, from bamboo and pagodas, to door knockers and semi-precious stones converge. Wearability and beautiful scale make his collection a hit, and can be worn with a crisp white shirt or to a cocktail party. Providing a bit of luxury and days-of-yore glamour, his designs are divine. To order, email agata@hcmcollective.com, and their e-commerce will be up soon.
Have you started your Christmas list yet?

Photos courtesy of Harrison Morgan

Carnelian Agate Pagoda Drop Earrings



Carnelian Agate Links Necklace with Pagoda Drop

Carnelian Agate and Gold Doornocker Earrings

Carnelian Three Strand Necklace with Bamboo Clasp

Green Triple Strand Necklace with Bamboo Clasp

Coral Single Strand with Bamboo Clasp

Turquoise Single Strand Necklace with Bamboo Clasp

Turquoise Three Strand Necklace with Bamboo Clasp

Turquoise and Gold Arch Necklace

Sunburst Pendant Turquoise Brooch 

Sunburst Tiger Eys Brooch on Slide

Sunburst Tiger Eye Bracelet

IT'S 5PM SOMEWHERE: COCKTAIL TIME GETS CUTE

With a few warm August days remaining, now is the time to thank those that hosted you for the weekend, or longer this summer. If you bring a darling gift with you or send it as a token of your appreciation, and your chances of getting invited back are increased. August Morgan, the vintage needlepoint pillow company run by Austin, Texas-based Kate Hersh, just introduced the most adorable linen cocktail napkins. Cocktail hour will never be the same again. 

Don't get overserved. These snails will remind you to take it slow.

In case your really thirsty.

Fish aren't the only ones who love the bubbly and the drink.

GIFT SHOW A GO GO PART II: FOR THE NEO PREP

I covered another round of Gift Show aisles today, where I uncovered an abundance of cheery new finds. Since summer is on the wane, I thought I would show a bit of beachy fashion and home accessories to help extend the joys of summer. Try to take full advantage of the casual living and entertaining till Labor Day.  You will find Three Islands clothing and Iomoi for Matouk additions fit right in with your few remaining lazy days.

 Photo courtesy of Tina Barney

 Looking for easy breezy clothing you want to wear every day of the week, all summer long? Look no further, Three Islands has you covered. A friend of mine, interior designer Amanda Essex, shared the collection with me awhile back.  I kept seeing the purple and white Julie Dress (pictured above)  this summer, and I always wondered where it was from.  With its little cap sleeve and a-line silhouette, it was just perfect to wear to lunch and over a bathing suit.  Not knowing it was Three Islands, I was excited to come across their booth at the show, and discover they made the elusive dress!  Rhode Island-based cousins Phil Barney  and Justin Goff took their love of the shore, casual lifestyle and Balinese prints and created the fresh clothing line. Their cotton graphic, block - printed batik patterns change seasonally, and beautifully capture the essence of chillaxing, at a price where you can feasibly pick up a few pieces. You have some time left to enjoy the summer in these resort basics, and they are sure to be the first things you pack for your next island getaway.

 The Julie Dress in coral

The Julie Dress in purple and white honeycomb

 Guys get to look casual cool too in long sleeve shirts that look great with a navy blazer or Nantucket Reds.

A tiny pink sunflower print on navy just shows real men do wear pink.

This cotton is the softest woven cotton, perfect for golf outings or BBQ's. Or grilling fish.

 Little ladies can also rock the look, with a mini shift dress in an alligator print. I mean, come on! So cute.

 Iomoi for Matouk debuted their second collection at the show. The small scale prints compliment the original collection perfectly. Mix and match to get the complete Iomoi effect.

 From bar towels to pillows, you can go blue/green, pink/orange, and pink/red and blue.

 All the pretty bar towels in Pom and Mr. Casual patterns all in a row...

 ... and the row goes on

 Mr. Casual gallivants around on his seahorse alone or with coral sprigs in blue and green. A gift set includes 4 in one of each pattern.

He also comes in pink and orange.

Photo courtesy of Tara Wilson

 Remember the Lucite photo cube your parents used to put pictures of you in? It's back! Tara Wilson Designs has brought back the classic 1970's icon, and you can relive the good ol' days with your kids pics.