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06/05/2019

What Makes Art Legitimate? Three Expert Perspectives

When HomeGoods is selling abstract pieces with artist bios beneath the cellophane, art has officially become mainstream. There are works that prompt the I can do that reaction. Questioning whether the pictures have the kind of symbolism you learned in art history or do they just look really good above a sofa. Any shift in the art world is synonymous with controversy. How can you decide what signifies a good piece of work? Three different expert perspectives offer insight.

A grouping of current works show the direction the artist is channeling.

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Posted By jdemontravel

05/16/2019

The Paradox of British Tabletop Style – To Fuss or Not to Fuss?

Whether it’s a new royal baby, becoming reacquainted with granny china or there were actually moments of sunshine this week to pick flowers without having to wear a coating of rubber from all of the biblical East Coast rain–British style reigns. The English may be known to be fussy with their hats and hundred pound draperies but they also have a loose quality, notably on the table.

An imprecise display of tea ware, garden-picked flowers and pastries create a casual yet welcoming table setting.

How to get the British look? Think layers and personalization:

Layering: Formal place settings complete with butlers and finger bowls is all very manor house, but a more casual setting eliminates many of the rules. There is still rich detailing but lost is the precision of looking too matched. A variety of tea ware, pulled-from-the-garden flowers, and a lone textile create a setting like no other.
Embellish Embellishments: Back to the no-rules mindset, add accoutrements to the unexpected, like flowers and powdered sugar to the pastries.
Be Selective: Sometimes a basic teabag is just that, basic. Be adventurous with more high end teas, which are a great investment from the packaging alone.

Posted By jdemontravel

05/10/2019

Girly Gypsy Style – Think Couture Hippy

She’s earthy but would rather be pampered in a boutique hotel than zip up for the night in a tent. She’s a free-spirit with an edge. One part bohemian, one part glam, Girly Gypsy style has the color and hippy flare of a caravan without all the incense.

The Nayland Throw Blanket is a perfect example of Girly Gypsy, both feminine and organic.

Our Favorite Girly Gypsy Picks

: 1. Stripes Away Bin

: 2. Handmade Tote

: 3. Rosewood Pillow

: 4. Panama Drop Earrings

: 5. Majorca Throwbed

: 6. Sierra Planter Baskets

: 7. Jinni Sandal

: 8. Aisha Dupatta Scarf

: 9. Aloka Towels

: 10. High Low Skirt

Pehr Design Bin 2. Corey Lynn Calter Eco-Friendly Bag 3. Anthropologie Pillow 4. Sachina and Babi Drop Earrings 5. Hedgehouse Throw Bed 6. Shiraleah Baskets 7. Ulla Johnson Sandal 8. Mia + Finn Scarf 9. John Robshaw Bath Towels 10. Scotch Soda Skirt

Resources:

Nayland Throw Blanket: Anthropologie

Posted By jdemontravel

04/25/2019

Spring Clean without Chemicals to Safeguard Your Home

If you need to break out a chem book when reading the ingredients on your cleaning products, it’s time for a toxin-free treatment. Detoxes aren’t just for socialites with couture ambition, the process can work on the home. Many of our household products contain enough harmful ingredients to spawn a sci-fi nemesis but it’s hard to pass up that insta-spray and clean result. Despite living in an efficiency-motivated culture, cleaning depends on attentive care. Now that I run a household that includes future generations, an awareness of the right household cleansers is essential.

Detox the home with chemical-free cleaners.

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Posted By jdemontravel

04/16/2019

The Notre Dame Fire Is a Sign to Safeguard All Great Churches

Notre Dame took a century to build. The thought is enough for a millennial to take up permanent residence in a hotel. In my town significant homes are a franchise, erected in less than a year. Thus relics of a time when craftsmanship was executed by artisans who had genius creator listed on their credentials is all the more sacred. Notre Dame survived the French Revolution and Nazi occupation. It hosted coronations and was the inspiration behind hunchbacks and gargoyles.

Luc outside of Notre Dame, who will hopefully remember this sublime structure in its original form.

The cathedral is a reminder of the lore behind gothic structures, with their vaulted ceilings built with the intention to be closer to God. It’s a place of worship, belief and Catholicism. My hope is that the overwhelming charity of funding will bring together a team of today’s brilliant artisans and restore this work of art, which will always inspire a modern world.

Is there a lesson from the Notre Dame fire and its ironic timing that coincides with Holy Week? God is known for delivering messages in obscure ways. Just think of the significance behind this week’s Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

My Parisian family are avid collectors, preservationists and advocates for antiquities. They stressed the importance of not only Notre Dame but all of France’s churches, which have recently been the victims vandalism. Perhaps it takes a tragic fire to shed light on such issues.

Posted By jdemontravel

04/13/2019

Get Over a Style Slump with the Trusted Palm Leaf

Any botanical loaded with biblical implication has our attention. The simple palm, with its color and scale, creates a lush tropical look that recalls British Colonialists installing their love for twee in an island setting. Designers always turn to the frond when they want to secure a no-fail design inspired by relaxed days. You can easily work palms into the every day for tropical style without the heat.

A palm paperweight by John Derian offers a subtle nod to this timeless botanical trend.

Shop the best in palm style to elevate capture a look:

: 1. Faux Palm Leaf

: 2. Comforter

: 3. Tray

: 4. Earrings

: 5. Watercolor Throw Pillow

: 6. Wall Art

Terrain Faux Leaf 2. Society 6 Comforter 3. John Derian Tray 4. Tuckernuck Earrings 5. Palm Cove Pillow 6. Crate & Barrel Art

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Posted By jdemontravel

04/09/2019

Florists Take Note – Handmade Paper Flowers Never Expire

Flowers have some competition. The paper variety made by Suzi McLaughlin has such artistry, gardens may start to overpopulate due to the handmade demand. They add impact without the depressing onset of wilting and come with the softness and color of the real version with a modern edge.

Give flowers some time off with a paper floral garland adorning a simple banister.

In McLaughlin’s new book, The Paper Florist (Kyle Books; March 2019), the floral cut-outs ornament everything from party decor to hair accessories, truly identifying a one-of-a-kind style.

: The new classic: A paper floral celebration.

: Decorative paper flowers elevate a cake.

If you’re impatient for spring’s arrival and rather skip the crocus teaser for the cherry blossom shebang, cut right to it with a mobile you can make.

Embellish cherry blossoms in your decor without cutting a tree.

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Posted By jdemontravel

04/02/2019

Instagram Influences the Way We Dress–To Attract Followers Go for Color

The anything black style rule has experienced a shift with colors so explosive, you’d think designers took their inspiration from a Skittles box. You can thank social media for this, as color translates to more dynamic feeds. Your swipe will speed through film noir influenced pictures but once you hit that bright and fresh image–most likely accessorized with macarons, jelly beans and quite possibly a dyed pooch–there’s a pause. Pupils widen. You frantically search the tags to source the products. The phenomenon has also given places like the Museum of Ice Cream and remote poppy fields notoriety, attracting visitors with charged phones in hopes of capturing that possible profile picture.

Styling for social media has taken on colorful proportions, even the accessories you choose will link the overall image.

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Posted By jdemontravel

03/19/2019

Inspired Spring Tablescapes for Easter

It starts with crocuses, the garden waif that’s aggressive enough to break through thawing winter soil. Colors soon burst onto the scene. Garish Easter items take over candy aisles. Open your doors and it sounds like an aviary from the wail of birds. These are the notes to take to your Easter tablescape.

Pastel trimmed dishware by Pip Studio directs the scheme. Accents and treats complete the look.

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Posted By jdemontravel

03/12/2019

Dressing in Layers — Styling for the In Between Seasons

Every month has a theme. For March it’s a time of transition. Consider its adage, “In like a lion, out like the lamb.” Though, from the past March’s I’ve experienced, the lion essentially mauled the lamb and took over. In the spirit of unpredictable weather, layers allow you to dress for flighty elements while still looking pulled together.

Dubbed “Jane Eyre Dressing”, the layered look captures the needs of the cool and damp climate of the British Moors, which effectively keeps you warm with an attention to classic detailing. Furry dogs as accessories recommended.

Clothing that can be worn with other clothes add warmth while having that immigration to the New World appeal. While it may not be because travelers had to dress in their belongings to save room in their steamer trucks–yesteryear’s version of pricey baggage fees–it creates an elegant and tailored image. Look for pieces made of durable fabric, neutral colors and can be slipped on and off without looking like something prurient.