Rustic, romantic, forgotten

I like looking at rooms that might have gone a long time without visitors. Forgotten, yet still inviting. These photos remind me of a hidden country house- a little bit dreamy- places that beacon you to come in and poke around to see what you might find. (photos from Cote Sud, Campagne Decor, Don Freeman)

Alicia Bell

Usually I don't write about fashion in this blog. But I found a new (to me) designer, which I absolutely love. I really like the romantic fabrics, the '40s-style shapes- all of it is deliciously pretty. Alicia Bell is known for her tailored button-up shirts out of soft cotton with pleated cuffs that fan out. (She used to work with Vivienne Westwood, and I can see the influence.) She also practices the lost art of custom-making blouses. But her website shows her design talent in other pieces like the less-tailored tops and fancy dresses. I haven't seen them in any shops, however. Anyone know where to find the dresses?

Collecting: antique playing cards

Maybe I've never considered playing cards as a cool decorative element, but I ran across these and the colors and designs seemed interesting. They'd be nice in a frame or reproduced on wallpaper, maybe? I never realized the history behind playing cards, but they have been around since the 14th Century. (photos: ebay, World of Playing Cards, with more than you'll ever need to know about cards)

children's cards from Cuba






Spain, '70's


wildlife playing cards from the '70's

French Find: Jeanne Bayol and Gypsy Style

There is something wonderful about someone who takes their very specific craft and makes it their own- and makes it into their livelihood. If you ever think that no one would be interested in your "niche," you're probably wrong. Take for example, Jeanne Bayol - créatrice extraordinaire who is passionate about l'esprit tzigane- (gypsy style). She restores old gypsy caravans and swaths them in bright colors, fabric and layers of decoration. Doesn't this make you want one? It would be like camping out in a fanciful mini technicolor palace...

You must check out her books, Les Roulottes and Vivre Bohême, ...There are more incredibly inspiring photos from these books at this flickr set. If you need an injection of color in your surroundings, definitely have a look! Or, order your own roulotte (caravan) at Les Verdines. (images: Jeanne Bayol; Les Verdines; Le Journal des Femmes).

Simplicity

Pool-like bright blue tile brings back memories of the ocean.

Today: pretty home scenes to enjoy from Danish photographer, Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer. One of my favorite things about Scandinavian style is the clean and airy look that happens to not be starkly modern. I love the wooden white bench. When I find where to buy one similar, I will post it.

At home in a boarding school

The unusual and gorgeous home of Alain and Claude Fassier was featured in the July issue of House & Garden. This adventurous family converted a 19th century boarding school into their home and shop. With huge proportions (13,000 ft. sq. in all) and unique layout, it seems the perfect live and work situation for a family who loves renovating and antiques.

Who wouldn't love dining outdoors in this open setting? I discovered the House & Garden article thanks to Claude's lovely blog, La Maison Fassier , which also showcases her other many talents.