Food For Thought~ Weekend Read of the Top 20 Fashion Posts Via Links A' La Mode

Food for Thought

Edited by Ashe Mischief

This is my first time editing since I wrote Good Cop/Bad Cop: Participating in Links a la Mode. Thank you all so much for making this my most pleasurable experience in editing yet!

I’m not sure if it’s because American Thanksgiving is a week away, or because the blogosphere is ablaze with Kate Mosses’ unforgettable quote, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” but either way, I’ve got food on my mind. This week, you brought me the best kind of food–rich, decadent, and 100% calorie-free! That’s right–you delivered highly thoughtful posts on fashion, fashion blogging & communities, and more.

On a personal note, ferOHHHsh has asked that we share her post about her close friend’s near-fatal accident. I believe that the fashion community is one of surprising strength, dignity, caring and compassion, and that it was worth sharing. We’re sending your friend speedy thoughts for a wonderful recovery!

Links à la Mode : November 19th

• Awakened Aesthetic: – Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffers (Part I)


• Crisis in Denim: – Crisis in Denim: I make gentle fun of a Banana Republic ‘rewards’ card I received in the mail, that seems designed to make me think I accomplished something by shopping at BR and earning ‘rewards’ points, by riffing on the president’s Yes We Can slogan.


• dramatis personae: – the Hat’s Out of the Bag! by Michelle at Wicked Whimsy


• Fashion X K8: – The importance of Fashion Ad Campaigns and analyzing the collective subconcious of fashion consumers. I beg the question, what makes a great Fashion Ad.


• Further Ado: – With many of their paper equivalents going bust, Further Ado finds 5 great online fashion magazines to keep you satisfied.


• Grit and Glamour: – yesterday The Psychology of Lace Lace, in spite of its implied fragility, holds very special power in the sartorial world.


• Idiosyncratic Style – Infatuation List: Five Fall Fashion Favorites


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Fashion Blogging : The Road Ahead


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – Interview with Lauren Jones of mydearthing


• Mystery Creature: – I love vintage, I love handmade… but I don’t love Etsy, as much as I want to.


• Oranges and Apples: – What drives fashion bloggers? Oranges and Apples in the Scotsman


• Random Fashion Coolness: – Musings on the power-partnerships in the Blogosphere


• Shoe Daydreams: – Collaborations and “inspiration”


• slsvgg fashion: – An interview with Gossip Girl actress LEIGHTON MEESTER, on her style


• Somewhere over the Skyline…: – rugality? Sustainability? The Recession! – Thoughts & Recommendations on Sustainable/Vintage Lifestyles


• Super Kawaii Mama: – Meet the Dr. of Dames and her new book Our Girl’s – Aussie Pin Up’s of the 40’s & 50’s


• THE COVETED: – Benefits of Chilly Days… Coats!


• The Curvy Fashionista – Got the Plus Size Bridal Dress woes? Enter in Cc.Elaine- A studio dedicated to the Curvy.Confident.Chic. Plus Size Bride


• The New Wave: – Underwear as Outerwear: How to wear this spring’s runway trend using vintage pieces.


• The Pixelated Blonde – Fashion: it’s an individual thing – a look at how to be stylish whilst maintaining one’s individuality.


• White Rabbit: – Lookbook.nu vs. Flickr’s Wardrobe Remix – the battle of “What I wore today” sites


• Wicked Whimsy: – Rene Geneva Designs – featuring a local, woman run eco-friendly design house that makes gorgeous clothes to boot!

The Study of A Study in the Maria House In San Juan Capistrano~The Private Home Of The Proprietors of Whim Interior Design

Continuing on our home tour of the soon to be (hopefully) historic home build in 1924 of the design duo Eric Guenther and Daviell Maldonado. This talented duo not only own one of the most memorable properties in Orange County, they also own one of the most memorable upscale furniture, home furnishings, jewelry and floral shop. Well, that's a whole lot of talent under one roof. And, their home truly shows what type of talent they possess.

An interesting lamp, grand unique mirror, books and collections of exotic items from all over the world.

The art of displaying a bookcase with layers of old books on top of books. They sure know how to do it. The old iron would lead to an interesting conversation I am sure. Maybe they found it in the home?

Well, this study makes me want to get a cup of coffee, grab one of their cashmere blankets and get comfy for a while. There are so many interesting items in this cozy study, I would love to ask the owners about many of them. But, for now... I enjoy just looking upon the beauty. A study of a study.

Does this study bring up any thoughts for you? Such as the love for the color, style or collections? Do you use old books as well? I think they bring a soul to a room. What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by. Have yourself one fabulous day!!!

All photos taken by yours truly, Christina Gough.

Travel Back In Time To The Master Suite Of The Maria House in San Juan Capistrano The Private Residence of The Owners of Whim Interior Designs

Continuing the grand tour of the Maria and Folie homes that share the same property in San Juan Capistrano, California. This is the luxurious yet cozy master suite of Eric Guenther and Daviell Maldonado, the proprietors of Whim Interior Design. This house was built in 1924 and is in the process of becoming an historical building. You can find more information regarding this property by viewing all the posts on Whim Interior Design.

Again, all the windows are doors are from the 15th and 16th century and brought over from Europe by the previous owner and well known antique dealer, Gep Durenberger. This is the lovely view from the master suite.

One side of the double doors that lead into the suite from the poolside veranda.


Collections of beautiful blue glass vases on an exquisite crystal leaf vanity tray.


A view behind the master bed with treasured photos, books and collectibles that I am sure all have a story to tell about the homeowners travels and lives.

A few necessities that create comfort on the bedside table.

A desk, comfortable chairs, decorating books and magazines seem to be calling to us to sit down and enjoy this a while.

The gorgeous and quaint wood burning stove in the master.

The view from the master to the space with a cozy breakfast nook and bath.

Since this is the entry from the pool, this entry type of table with books, candles and collectibles sets the mood for the space.

Oh my... do I need to say anything here?

Fine luxurious lines crown the bathroom.

A table setting in the master set for the kings of the home. I can image sitting there having a cup of coffee and reading the paper in the morning. What a life they lead!!

They are so clever to use a unique and colorful table lamp to add height, lighting and ambiance.

Hand painted Swedish cabinets, floors and bath make this one memorable space.

The owner, Daviell, poolside in during the home tour in October is the buyer for their retail store and a fantastic jewelry designer. If you are looking for a unique piece of quality jewelry you should visit their store that is downtown in San Juan Capistrano. I promise it will be a feast for the eyes!!!

The other owner and partner, Eric Guenther, the interior designer of this luxurious property looking very stately during the home tour this month.

Well kids, I hope you enjoyed the master suite from this amazing property. More to follow this week. The beauty just goes on and on...

Go have yourself one fabulous day!

xo,

Christina

Fabulous Finds Gal

Finding What Works~ Top 20 Fashion Posts Via Links A' La Mode

Finding what works…

Edited by Jennine

Man, editing the links this week was painful, only because there were so many fantastic posts, so be sure to check them all out in the IFB forums! This week we have loads of great interviews, a few wonderful lookbooks from our members, and had a recurring theme of personalizing style, from the DIY projects from M.I.S.S., Monoxious.com, Quirky Fashion, to customizing trends on Clutch 22, dramatis personae and The Art of Accessories we’re finding what works!

Links à la Mode : November 12th

• 39th and Broadway – Wendy B Tells All!


• Clutch 22 – AMSB Challenge #3: How to Style a Hot Pink Mini


• Denim Debutante – How to: Easily Find the Right Denim Sizing for You


• dramatis personae – A Girl’s Guide to Faux Eyelashes


• Fashion Pulse Daily – Candela NYC: Casual, Carefree, Cool


• Fete a Fete – Armani 2009 Holiday Crystal Collection


• Fresh Pie! – Piewacket – Outtakes


• Gloria's Jeans – Flight of Fancy: How to Travel in Style


• IdilViceFashionRocks: – wedding in las vegas


• Idiosyncratic Style – Pearls of Wisdom: The Holy Fashion Grail


• Large Black Diary – Official neck trend of 2009


• M.I.S.S. – She’s Crafty: DIY Convertible Chain Jewelry


• Monoxious.com – DIY Clothes Tutorial: Shirt to skirt.


• Painfully Hip – Painfully Hip Design Collective F/W 2009: Daphne


• Quirky Fashion – How To Make a Fascinator – DIY Fashion Story


• Retro Chick – Luscious Lingerie – Miss La La’s Boudoir


• Sweet Fancy Treat – The Nomadic Way


• The Art of Accessories – How To Accessorize With Belts


• THE COVETED – Everyone is beautiful: Our relationship with beauty isn’t always easy


• The Curvy Fashionista – Plus Size Fashions by the Ines Collection


• The Working Wardrobe – Designers Who Work It: Orlando Espinoza Transcends Both Time and Trend for the Working Woman

Thanksgiving Table Test Run~ Am I Ready To Get The Party Started???

Well, I decided to take quick break from the home tour of the owners of Whim's house because it was time today to do a test run for Thanksgiving. My parents were going to have Thanksgiving, but we decided yesterday that it was best that my husband and I have it. So, no pressure!!! Like a good little hostess, I hit a few stores today while small child was in school to gather a bit of inspiration and maybe a few new tricks. What I came up with was the wreath in brown and gold that I turned to hold the pumpkin as a centerpiece. On sale for $15 just seems to do the trick. After I hit a few stores I had my weekly training session with my trainer which proceeded to take my "at rest" heart rate. She said "wow" that's a lot higher than last time. I didn't have the heart to tell her I was in a decorator hell. Somehow I didn't think she would understand. We all have our sicknesses, right? After viewing the table scape from Eric and Daviell last weekend, they really set the bar.

Here is my everyday dinner plate, candlewick salad plate from my gracious Grandmother, Pierre Frey napkins acquired over 10 years ago, beaded butterfly napkin holders about 15 years ago from a San Fransisco trip, silver place setting from my gracious Grandmother, Versace glasses from my parents last year and custom wine glasses by a friend, Misty, last year.

So, after whipping out the said wreath I had to see what the heck I was going to create and if it would even work. I pulled these items from the living room and kitchen bay window. I was a mad woman on a search for all things orange and brown. These are items I have collected over the years from various shops. I always had a thing for those gold 60's grapes and I am thankful today I did. They seem to work perfectly with the Thanksgiving theme I am creating. And, they have such a great reflective property.



This is a great example of adding a special item each year to your table. This wine glass was hand painted by my friend, Misty Maretsky, a local talent and fellow momma. I had thought last year that leopard and those colors would be timeless and useful in my house. Again, I was very thankful today. (Um, I thought I should try to see what a glass of Merlot would look like... tee hee)


You can't see very well, but the drinking glass on the bottom left is a Versace glass that my hubby was lucky enough to receive as a set of 6 from my parents last Christmas. They are coming in handy this Thanksgiving!



So, I pulled a velveteen drape and made it the table runner. Don't tell anyone! I also pulled those balls from a previous decoration. Oh, how I love using what I already have. I used the balls to create interest and a lower filler for the grapes. The colors and different textures just seem to work. I mixed matte with shine to create interest as well.




Here's my storm trooper that just happened to match my Thanksgiving theme today. I guess I had Thanksgiving on the brain.



A little back side view. I need to fill it in a bit to match the front. The pumpkin does the trick, but if I could do my dream centerpiece it would be a piece of art glass in the same colors. But, since I still have a small stromtrooper, art glass is on hold for now. But, I can keep my eyes open. Now I know my measurements and you just don't know what you can find.

So, there it is. The official test run for my Thanksgiving table. It looks like we will have 6 adults and my little one. So, I could show the grain of the table instead of using a tablecloth. I am liking the wood grain, since I normally do a tablecloth. But, I was wondering your thoughts. Should I do a tablecloth? Any other suggestions? We have a little time to pull it off! This psycho momma hostess is now enjoying that yummy glass of wine and hopefully my resting heart rate is down to normal... I never said I was normal!

xo,

Christina

Fabulous Finds Gal