So Sylvie

Re-Inspire

I'm deviating from my daydreams of Florence, Italy to inspirational epiphanies via Florence, Alabama. The source of my inspiration is Alabama Chanin, Natalie Chanin's lifestyle company that focuses on "slow design and sustainability."

Their one-of-a-kind products are made by hand, incorporating organic and recycled materials, by artisans in and around Florence, Alabama. The collection includes jewelry, clothes, lighting, pillows, objets, and more.

They have workshops in the studio at the factory in Florence, there's a blog, a book, and a Flickr group. Tons of food (slow food) for thought and loads of inspiration. I've got a lot of ideas spinning in my head now. I'm re-inspired!

Snappy Shop

I love the sign on Melissa Averinos' shop Yummy Goods, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts (as seen on Decor8):

For almost two years I've kept regular hours -- Tues. -Sat., 11am to 6pm (10am to 5pm Fall/Winter), and I would still hear over and over, "I come by and you're not open." Agh!
Let me guess, was that on a Sunday or Monday? I mean, a gal does need a nap now and then.

Here's Melissa embracing a pillow made up of fabrics from her new Sugar Snap line:

And a fun interior shot of her shop:



Best of luck Melissa! It all looks so delicious!

From The Castro to WeHo...

...people are on the march in reaction to the passing of Prop 8. Or I as I've been calling it "Prop Hate".

photo property of Instinct Magazine

West Hollywood has let its voice be heard in front of the Mormon Temple in West LA for the past two days, and in San Francisco thousands marched peacefully on this beautiful autumn evening down Market Street to Dolores Park in a show of solidarity.

Great capture by The Enabler (Wilson Hardcastle) of the march going past the Castro Theater with (Harvey) Milk showing on the marquee.

Lisa Davis of Alameda carried a sign that read "You gave rights to chickens and took away rights from human beings" -- a reference to the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act.

Check out the wonderful footage by Mojito (Jill) on her Flickr.

Home Sweet Blossom Home

Getting down to our last days at the shop and all of the prices have been slashed, hee! Really. There are a few wonderful pieces left. I think I will be bringing home this desk and chair...

I'm going to miss having the shop to stylize and socialize in. It's like an extension of my home. And now that it's autumn it's so cozy there with all of the lamps glowing in the spaces. It feels very special. There are other things blossoming though and I'll let you in on the happy plans very soon...

I Vote for ~ Preston Lee ~

Tonight is the finale on Top Design. I'm rooting for Preston. He's a quiet genius who consistently delivers divine interiors. He studied in Australia for a year, among various other design edu, and it shows. Some of the best design leading off the 21st Century is coming out of Australia. Here's a glimpse of his living room:

The wall color reminds me of Elephant's Breath by Farrow & Ball, which I just used on a victorian in San Francisco. It has me daydreaming about an accent wall behind my bed.

Here's a non sequitur...isn't Todd Oldham the sweetest person!

Orwell's Choice

The future is now.
In case you don't already know there's a brilliant new drama called The Last Enemy on Masterpiece Contemporary, on PBS. It's a five part series with the finale airing tomorrow night; Sunday November 2nd. You can watch the first four episodes online at PBS.org. The production values -- writing, direction, sets -- are superb, and the cast, including my favorite Robert Carlyle, is totally engaging.

Robert Carlyle.......................................Anamaria Marinca