Elegance is gone...

I am on a buying trip so my blog post for last week was delayed due to traveling. While on the road, I heard the news that the world lost one of the most elegant men in the fashion world.  Oscar de la Renta died at the age of 82 this past Monday.  In honor of him, I thought I'd re-post the story I wrote a few months ago.  I promise to get a new post out soon but in the mean time I hope you enjoy the experience I had with this lovely man. 

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Originally posted June 10th, 2014:

I've always loved flowers.  I’m forever creating arrangements from what I see outside and blending the natural greens and branches with whatever I have on hand that comes fresh from the market.  I look forward to the time when Peonies come in to season.  They are one of my all-time favorites.

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working for Oscar de la Renta.  He was in Seattle Washington to personally introduce his collection for Spring at Fredrick and Nelson.  He graciously greeted every girl that would be walking the runway showing his beautiful pieces.  He shook everyone’s hand and introduced himself.  Slowly and thoughtfully he traveled down the line up of models.  The room where we met him had a huge flower arrangement of Peonies that was simply breathtaking.  It was quite something to see!  His charm made a big impression on me and I became a huge fan after that experience.  As a result, I started following him and his brand has developed into many other categories.  His life clearly is one filled with beautiful things.  Now, whenever I see Peonies, I think of him and the beautiful blossoms I saw that day. 

These following pictures are to pay homage to Mr. de la Renta and his sense of style and of course to the tender, fragile and delicate perfection of Peonies.   

Oscar de la Renta Peonies Dress

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I love Shinny Things...

I've had this post nearly completed for over a week and for one reason or another, I just couldn't quite close the gap!  I am happy to bring it to you today and give a nod to October being Breast Cancer Awareness month.

I think every proprietor of collectible and eclectic furnishings has regretted letting something go.  Mine is an easy standout and it was one of the first things I purchased for the595project.  I found an incredible art piece in Tucson Arizona at Augustus Paris Antiques.  It was a large chrome wall panel that was purchased in Paris at the iconic Street Fair.  I fell in love with it and purchased it for my shop.  As soon as I got it home I received a call from the owner asking me if I’d consider selling it to her sister!  Roberta, the owner of Augustus Paris explained that her sister was just sick over it being gone and would love to have it for her home in Texas.  I agreed to sell it and off it went to the Longhorn State!

After talking with the new owner of the chrome piece that I really didn't want to sell, she told me she owned a Chateau in Paris where she spends a fair amount of time.  Chateau Robert, her amazing place is available for rent and all the sudden a light went on!  I was on the Founding Board of BIGHORN BAM, which supports women fighting the battle of breast cancer and every year we have an auction.   I asked Sabrina, the owner of the Chateau, if she would donate her lovely place as an auction item for our fund raising event.  She agreed and it was a big success! 

I've never seen another single item that comes close to this remarkable chrome piece.  I guess the good ending gives me tremendous pleasure.  I've collected several other looks for this blog featuring chrome to inspire you and of course I have a photo of the one that got away!

Don’t forget that October is the month to schedule your mammogram...

The one that got away...

Milo Baughman Chrome Sofa

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