Atlanta Day 2 Trend Report

Prior to our scheduled appointments today, we walked some favorite floors of the apparel market to scout for new jewelry inventory. We were not disappointed!




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Linda and I in our first stop...jewelry buying and in heaven! I wanted the sales rep to get the pretty blue things in the background behind us...a huge trend for the upcoming season in fashion and home decor as well. The necklace I have on is coming in again...since I first ordered it last market, I could have sold it off my body every time I wore it! I ordered more for the store and also the same one in coral. Call to save yours!



Linda and I always find a few things we want for ourselves...one of the delights of our work! We often end up with the same thing, as that is the way orders are placed...i.e. 2 each of this and 2 of that...We thought you could help us decide on which carry-on bag to order!

This navy and orange striking one (with expandable bottom (!) for more cash and carry space! Or...



This posh cream and black striped one...which one do you like?!




We found this stylish and colorful flatware for several custom projects we are working on. Oh. My! Every color you can name and all the in vogue colors.
So cute! Naturally, we were drawn to navy, gray and orange...but the chrome yellow and turquoise was pretty darn perfect too. So many choices...




Navy blue reigns for sure this market. It is a great classic reborn and can be striking with orange, lime or white...or, all three! We bought this assortment of enamel bracelets.



One of our favorite showrooms had this story as their entry point. Everything was put together and enticing.




Classic color, pattern and punch. Wow.




And, and the end of the day, this stylish dessert display was too cute to pass up as a photo op.

Style. It's all over town.

Atlanta Day 1

We got off to a good start today, and even documented the beginning of our trip with a self portrait (By reader request!) only to realize that I don't have a way to download it to my Dropbox account. I elected to bring only my IPad and not my laptop, and took the photo with my small Cannon. Sorry.

We spent the day resourcing new vendors, hit a few old favorites, and did some shopping for several interior clients. It was a good day and our feet held out just fine. Believe me, there are days when we have ruined our feet on the first day!




Red is quite a projection for the upcoming season...we found these great ceramic vases, a beautiful cherry red with unique shapes. Should I order them?




Red and still lots of succulents...




More color in a pretty teal blue...




I'm looking for a special mirror to build a wall of collages mirrors with...this one comes in a reclaimed finish and white. I like it!





My heart stopped when I saw this chartreuse sofa...or should I say davenport?! It's a bit retro. Check out the coffee table too!





We found this possible chandelier for a client working on a home in Naples, Fl. Oh, the color!




...and, these chevron waste cans! Chevron is a big trend in pattern for many things. Pretty cute.










We found some great art possibilities...




...a perfect set of hand crafted imported Italian dishes...more like art!




One of our favorite bedding vendors, Legacy, produced a favorite pallet with this beautiful set in stunning colors. Wow!




We wound up our day previewing the newest in Kate Spade china and gift ware! I need this for every girl in my family from sisters to daughters...and quite a few good friends, including Linda! Put your orders in, please!




...or, if you want a paperweight instead, here you go!!




...what if we started a bridal registry?




We loved these beautiful ceramic frames. Note the tiny bow and band. Perfect for a new bride or baby!





We took a fancy to these enameled clocks in watermelon, white,turquoise and black. Look for these soon I hope!




I think these unique everyday dishes will be perfect for my Charleston kitchen project and found quite a few options for the formal china as well.

We've got a full day planned for tomorrow. With list in hand and a new pair of shoes we are armed with what we need for day 2.

Stay tuned for more reports!

Atlanta July 2013 begins!

With a 3AM wake up call, a 90 minute wait through airport security and an overlay in Atlanta of a mere 2.5 hours to get to Charlotte for a haircut and meet up with Linda to drive back to Atlanta....the week of buying begins!

The length of that run on sentence is how my day felt today! It's part of the trip to fly into Charlotte, see my cutest ever grand daughters, and then drive the four hours to Atlanta. Linda and I catch up on our children, do some last minute planning for the days ahead and overwhelm the bell men when we roll into our hotel. Yes, we are two matched high maintenance girls...

I shot this photo of our collective shoe wardrobe ( a much requested part of my market reports!).


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The shoes go well into the closet and you can see that I had to request 8 additional hangars from housekeeping. Tomorrow we start our hunt for new and exciting things to fill the store. With our clothes pressed ( remind me to put my iron on the list of must haves next market ...I hate toy irons), our list started and a good nights sleep, we are ready for the task.

As usual, I promise to keep you updated on the good finds and the not so good...and, I'll let you know how the shoes are sustaining us!

Till tomorrow, then.


It looks like orange, coral, and a little glitter seem to rule this trip. And what's wrong with that?! I hope you'll stay tuned.

Wednesday Night Magic

So here is my late night Wednesday Magic report! 

We got in multiple new orders with some great selections this week. That always makes my work more fun!

I rearranged one mantle, found homes for loads of new items and switched things up all over the store with darling Ann's help. She is a trooper and we had a creatively rewarding night with good help from Patty as well. Of course Sneelock was there to lend a hand for all things that needed to be hung. Whew!

Here's a look at some of the new displays including some of the new things just waiting to inspire you.

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This chrome yellow glass base took our breath away! And what about that mirrored tray? Glamorous for sure. The cloched candles are wonderfully scented-birch bark. Delightful!

 I received a number of the most interesting clocks. Multiple sizes, stylish and oh so Susan! Note the tip card I had printed for the mantle. I spent a good amount of time scripting various tip cards to place around the entire store. They are fun to read and I hope they give you loads of ideas to fill your creative needs.

 These stylish (and orange!) leather frames have been in the stockroom for about a week. I've been salivating to get to them and finally had time tonight to find a home for them. Oh course, if you've been following the column I write regularly for Bucks Life Magazine, you've most likely figured out that one of these most certainly will need to come home with me...

 This is another of the new clocks that came in. There are some beautiful and sophisticated delightful selections in clocks! So many times the clocks are more rustic or cottage-y. I'm truly in love with the new ones. They are suitable for mantles, desks, bookcases and consoles. I'm afraid they won't last long (which as you know will make me sad!)

 About a year ago I saw these zodiac figures. I placed an order and had actually forgotten about them until they showed up this week! Great surprise. The gray lidded urn (set of three sizes) are beauties and favorites as well. I think you'll be pleased.

Another category that we filled in was photo frames. Look at this hammered chrome-like finish! Square, no less! Paired with this glamorous mirrored table, who can resist?!

These are just a few of the exciting new things we put out tonight. I always say, Thursday is the day to hit the store for the best new surprises! Hope to see you there.

Wednesday night magic

Another successful late night magic occurred tonight! Ann and I filled in blank spaces, restyled several areas with new arrivals and felt a little dizzy smelling the new candles ( orange no less!).

It's always a blessing when we leave before midnight and love the end result of our efforts. Tonight was one of those...


- Posted using BlogPress from my ipad ..We put out these cool stacks of book pages that have been back ordered far too long...such a nice addition to our organic mix.




These slipcovered dining chairs came in today and we found a home for them until some lucky beachfront owner steals them away!





This great weathered sideboard came in and we found a good home for it. The perfect colored set of books+ mossy spheres and an oversized clock resulted in a great look. We added the chevron drapery panels and loved it! These lined redimade panels would be perfect for a shore house or instant redo for a summer bedroom. At $100.00 per panel, style is so affordable.








We used a favorite modern canvas print to restyle one of my favorite vintage sideboards. It's a perfect marriage of old and new. These white glass lamps are perfectly beautiful ( brand new!) and the addition of several chrome and mercury accents made our hearts sing. That eye chart art in the forefront is really spectacular too. I've been threatening to take that art home for my new family room....maybe this weekend?




These shadow box frames were filled by Ann with some wallcovering memos from my design studio...so clever! Of course, volumes of old books are the perfect backdrop! And how about that ceramic cherry ?! *sigh*




A recent shipment gave me this white ceramic shallow platter with a hammered silver rim...Oh. My. And who wouldn't think of putting a kale leaf and oyster shells as interesting fillers?!




You know how I love orange...this slipper chair just makes me happy. Paired with these well priced nested matte silver and mirrored tables, it is a show stopper. And by the way, that yellow tag you see means it has a super promotional price right now.

And that is just a few of the new looks we put together tonight...I'll just remind you that Thursdays are always a great day to visit my store. Perfectly fresh, new, and inspiring. Hope to see you!

Pssst...if you mention my blog post, an additional 25% off as my gift.

Wednesday night magic...what can I say?!

Sisters!

Every week I hear accounts of various customer exclaims! It's a true joy. Who wouldn't want to hear such accolades?! As a store owner and designer, I love it. " This store speaks to me" ..." I love this place!"..."I come here to get inspired"...the kind praises go on. It really is a delight to have such friends and fans of my retail and design vision.

But on Saturday last week, I heard a new story that thrilled me! As I arrived at the store I noticed two darling young women perusing the store, exclaiming delightedly over each area and offering. As I approached them to echo my favorites, Jackie ( my in store designer) introduced me.

Meet Kathryn and Julie. Sisters who grew up in Hartsdale, NY, now live in different cities. Kathryn in Ridgefield, Ct, and Julie in Falls Church, Va. Each year for the past 3 1/2 years, they drive and meet at my store for a sister 's weekend! Yes, Black-eyed Susan is the assigned destination for these two darling sisters to meet, catch up and start their sister reunion.

Upon meeting them, hearing the story and exclaiming my honor and delight, both Kathryn and Julie gave me fair warning that they would most likely be here for hours. I loved these ladies as much as the story! We totally enjoyed sharing favorites and even raided the front window for several items to complete their purchases.

Kathryn told me that the first time they happened into the store was during Holiday season. After that trip, they decided they really needed to see the store during the " off season" to see how different things looked. They weren't disappointed. It truly thrilled me to get to know them, hear their excitement and feel the bond of kindred spirits of style.



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Meet Kathryn (left) and Julie (right). They indulged me in taking their photo as they were ready to leave...about three hours after meeting!! ( I can't believe that I cropped their multiple BES bags showing their treasures....).




Ok, that 's better!

We parted with hugs and well wishes for a delightful weekend together, with a united promise to meet again from opposite corners. Kathryn was elated with the announcement of my annual Paris Flea Market date, September 7. She plans to bring her truck for that one!!

Here's to supportive fans and darling friends. I'm happy to say we have many.

Till September 7...I love those girls! Thanks for sharing your story, Kathryn nd Julie. We have a date.

Graduation Day!

Seeing your oldest grandchild find joy in a such a milestone is rewarding. My tall, handsome and talented, accomplished grandson, Max Taylor Olivier graduated from high school today. The service was motivational and impressive. Max was in the upper tenth percentile in his class of 320 and certainly one of the most poised and confident. The world awaits and he is anxious to go forth.

Michelle and I spent yesterday baking and preparing for a dessert bar to honor him, having inviting his classmates, neighbors and family. If it is chocolate or peanut butter in flavor, it will pass the bar for all of the Oliviers! So, after careful thought and review of the Petersen family favorites as well from the annals of my darling moher's recipes, we came up with this menu:

Double Chocolate Fudge Pound Cake
Chocolate Eclairs
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Charlotte's brownies
Peanut Butter Pound Cake
Charlotte's Old Kentucky Nut Cake
Peanut butter trifle with whipped cream and chocolate ganache
Salted Caramel Cheesecake

That's a lot of baking in one day! 7 pounds of butter and 3 dozen eggs later, not to mention a quart and a half of heavy cream and several jars of peanut butter later, this is the end result.




Max is a fine and accomplished musician, a cellist and pianist. I brought with me a vintage book of sheet music from 1946 ( which he promptly recognized and told us about the composer)! Lettuce, kale , and an oversized succulent seemed perfectly natural to fill this large trophy vase. I added two rolls of the vintage music pages into the mix for added Interest. Max's graduation announcement ( designed by my daughter, Michelle) was mounted on pages from the music as well and framed...I added a graduation card " Congratulations" along with two vintage music flash cards into the mix for perfection.




Chocolate Eclairs, Trifle and Salted Caramel Cheesecake...




Old Kentucky Nut Cake , Peanut Butter Pound Cake, Double Chocolate Fudge Pound Cake, and brownies in the background...You might recognize the Kraft paper table runner from my store, so cute!



I tried to get a more complete shot of the spread!




A shot from the rear or the centerpiece. Note a favorite sycamore log that made it into my luggage !





Congratulations dear Max-man. I loved being with him for this milestone. He's got the world by a string.