Wabi & Sabi~ Finding Out Who Is Behind This Creative, Unique and Oh So Inspiring Blog

As summer beach days come to a close, my thoughts go to my fellow bloggers that inspire me so. One of the many blog friends that do so is Wabi & Sabi. I was seriously curious about this person behind the blog. If you have seen it, you know... it's simply Wabi & Sabi. She is like no other. My first question to her was.... "are you an artist"? I needed to get behind the curtain and she was willing to share.

Wabi & Sabi covers everything from photography, clothing, home decor and anything that is beautiful, unique, off the beaten path and inspirational...

Some of it is crazy, but it is always eye opening and inspiring...

She shares with us:


"To sum up me as a person you could say that i'm a 50+ woman who lives in the begining of a new and luxorious lifechapter. My blog is very representive of me. It becomes a window to my soul and personality. I love to create and i would love to do this fulltime. if i could go back in time i would have tried to become an furniture and household designer or a photographer. But now i have to do the best of my life as a devoted socialmanager and thereby spend my sparetime doing what i love. I live in the southern part of Sweden, very close to Copenhagen and Danmark. People use to call this part of Sweden, Österlen, for 'the swedish Provence'. And here lives exremely many artist and other creationary people.


A couple of years ago i opend up a wonderful antiqeshop. But got bankrupt after a year, i'm a terrible buissneswoman ;) Money means nothing to me, except for when the money takes me to India. India is the country where i can imagine myself getting old. i will soon be travelling there again. The country has the same life values that i have. Dignity, pride, goodness, beauty and a love for the human race.


Dont know if this got you an idea of me as a person... But i can add that i have three grown up sons who all accepts that their mother has a very uniqe freedomneed, a very unconventional way of thinking perhaps... I want to give energy through my blog, i dont care if its someones elses creation or arts that is beeing presented. Right now i'm trying to learn to handle my new, very expensive digital camera. But i cant find the time to learn all the technical stuff."

~~This gal gives me an energy bolt each and every day I visit her. I am so blessed to have such a creative person feeding into my being. So, if you crave that as well, check out our new friend, Wabi & Sabi. Enjoy friends and kindly let her know who sent you on over.

If you know me, you know that I don't get personal too often. My Dad, JV, is having surgery tomorrow on his calf. If anyone feels like sending some love and prayers our way, it is much appreciated. He is amazing and has taught me so very much about being honest, kind, family oriented and to have integrity. Thank you.

Question of The Day... What have your learned from your fellow bloggers or your Dad?

xo,

Fabulous Finds Gal

Erin Fetherston ~A Story Teller Through Her Clothes and The Winner of the Urban Spark Giveaway!!!

Erin Fetherston, fashions "IT GIRL", sporting her own outfit on the runway. Her clothes are dramatic and full of fantasy to transport you into another place & time & mood. She is a story teller through her ultra feminine clothes. She has designed for Target in the "Go International" campaign in 2007. I wish I had known... I'd already have a piece of hers.

Something about this coat really calls to me, even though it's horizontal stripes...

Loving a fun twist to a classic cape that would be perfect in Paris, New York, Milan or London (anywhere expect Orange County. Help... I'm stuck in the wrong town)...


Feeling a vintage or Betsey Johnson vibe...

The Alice in Wonderland look...


This dress is absolutely amazing and only shows well in the video below where the designer herself wears it. She fills it out properly and they capture the detailing perfectly. And, loving the gloves and hats to really pull a ladylike dressed to kill fantasy into this collection.




This video is fun, shows her collection beautifully with pizazz, and the hair and makeup are inspiring. It may give you the push you need to play the part in her fantasy!




A wonderful behind the scenes interview with Erin Fetherston by Designing Minds regarding her inspiration for her creations. Also, her timeline of design, a peek into her fabulous Parisian apartment and runway. A must see, even just to view the interior design!

~~Also, congratulations to fabulous fashionista Couture Carrie the winner of the Urban Spark Jewellery giveaway. She won the beautiful rhinestone starfish bracelet. It's a show stopper. And, her blog is a show stopper as well!!!

Would you ever wear these clothes? Or, is it just fun to see the trends and learn about fashion designers? Or, what would you want to see more of here? Let me know your thoughts...

You Can Leave Your Hat On...

Emma Watson leaving her hat on ...

Teen Vogue August 2009

"Feathers and draped tails are a nod to the surrealist movement and the animal side of feminine sensuality." Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy. Hat from New York Vintage.
Marie Claire August 2009 photographed by David Oldham.



"Pleated organza, embellished shoulders, cinched waist - this dress is the new modern silhouette: exotic, rich, and fresh" John Galliano. Hat and earrings at New York Vintage. Marie Claire August 2009, photographed by David Oldham.

Van Cleef & Arpels



Vintage "Jackie O" style hat found at Fabulous Finds & Co.


Chanel Runway Fall 2009


Vogue September 2009 "In the Mood" it's 1942 photographed by Steven Meisel



Shasha Pivovarova by Igor Vishnyakov for Harper's Russia June 2009

source Simply Seductive

Vintage Deborah Exclusive " Day at the Races" hat found at Fabulous Finds & Co.

Photography by James. M. Graham

Photo taken New Years Eve 2007 Source unknown

Hats are in vogue again. I think my vintage loving heart has died and gone to heaven. Whatever era makes your heart skip a beat, hats are everywhere and for everyone. From Chanel to Louis Vuitton, hats are all over the ads, editorials and runways. And, if you are a serious hat collector, you will adore the magnificent Courture Millinery Atelier. Also, please stop on by my website to view our collection, which will have more hats listed within the next few weeks and almost everything is ON SALE!

Just in time for you... to leave your hat on!

It's a special day for Fab Finds Gal, since Megan and Kristen over at BonBon Rose have done a special post about our blog and website today. They have one of the fastest growing blogs around, giving decorating and fashion tips daily, giveaways and they are two sweet & talented ladies!! Go on over and check them out. Enjoy your day, friends.

xo,

Fabulous Finds Gal

Style Within Means~ Top 20 Fashion Posts of the Week via Links a' La Mode

Style Within Means

Edited by Debutante Clothing

As the summer winds down and I start planning my Fall wardrobe, I’m overwhelmed by thoughts of how to create a wardrobe on a budget. This week, we have a ton of posts on how to find great style within a budget. Fashion Pulse Daily gives us the top denim looks under $50 and The Recessionista is reporting Anna Wintour is heading to Macy’s for Fashion Night Out. Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : Sepetember 3rd

• 39th and Broadway – - The horrific treatment of young girls working behind the scenes in the fashion industry!


• A typical Atypical - – a summary of vintage eras and style history


• Bonne Vie - – Bamboo: Eco-friendly, or Green Disaster?


• Confessions of a Fashion Editor - – Interview with alternative model, Khrist!


• Debutante Clothing – Q&A with Fashion Scholar and Historian Heather Vaughan


• Decline Designs - – Can you go a week without wearing any black?


• Fabulous Finds and Co. – - Lily Cole is ready for her close-up


• Fade to c5c5c5 – - fashion, art and interpretation


• Fashion For Writers - – feel good fashion from the Clothes Closet


• Fashion Pulse Daily - – Need jeans for fall? Check out Fashion Pulse Daily’s top picks, all under


• Fasshonaburu – - ponders exactly why September is the most important month in fashion


• fête à fête - – Givenchy’s romantic Les Poetiques Fall Le Makeup Collection


• Friend in fashion – A Sydney Story: a bridge climb, shopping and a proposal!


• Grechen's Closet – Why I support independent designers


• Idiosyncratic Style - – A Fit of Inspiration: John Bender – Stealing style from the Breakfast Club’s resident bad ass


• Jewelrywhore – - Reviews Anna Sheffield for Target


• Retro Chick - – DIY Jersey Spaghetti Scarf Necklace


• Style Margarine - – 9 Reasons why we need to over dress


• Stylist Diva - – Unique, Modern Plus Size line with an Edge – Carmakoma.


• The Coveted: – - Review & Makeup Lesson Video of Guerlain Fall Collection


• The Recessionista – - Anna Wintour a Recessionista? She’s Heading to Macy’s Queens for Fashion’s Night out Sept. 10

BTW, do you like edgy rocker or glamed out vintage Sienna Miller? You probably know my response!

Interior Design Inspiration and Home Tour with Vicki Archer, Author of 'My French Life' and 'French Essence'

Come on over... sit down and relax... Welcome to Vicki Archer's magnificent farmhouse in the South of France. Have you ever wondered how to get the "most bang for your buck" in home decor? Or, where to even begin when decorating? How to choose colors? Vicki shares all...

Vicki Archer, author of My French Life and French Essence, has so very kindly agreed for share a few interior design tips with us. Many of her blog followers, like me, have seen her luxurious and stately farmhouse in France in her posts and have loved following her through her life vicariously on her blog French Essence. Her book My French Life was a APA Book Design Awards-Illustrated Book Winner- 2007. Her second book called French Essence (click on highlight to view book details) is a celebration of life in Provence, one of the most charming regions in France. Vicki reveals the underpinnings of that famous French ambiance and sense of style, and offers inspiration to all of us who want to understand the beauty, experience the lifestyle and emulate the interiors of this exquisite part of the world. Ten years ago, Vicki bought and restored a seventeenth-century property in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, and told the story in her book My French Life. Now, in collaboration again with celebrated photographer Carla Coulson, she shares with us her love for Provence. The book is Published by Penguin and available in Australia at the send of September. The dates are pending regarding it's release in the UK and U.S.A. So, I was so pleased to hear she would take time out of her busy schedule to share with us her design philosophy.

So, the premise was she was to assume a guy or gal is starting out in life with nothing and hasn't made any design decisions for their home. So, here we go...

Where do you think they should start?

The most important thing for me is to know what you like. I know that is a very simple statement but many people don't know what they like or if they like something they don't know why it is that they like it. I don't for a moment think that everybody can be a designer or have knockout personal style but with enough time and energy we can all learn. Before starting a project I think research is the key. Read every magazine available, borrow books, wander antique fairs and contemporary exhibitions- learn what you like and why you like it.

Do you have any advice regarding the design style or philosophy?

My design style is eclectic and I change my mind on a daily basis. I re-arrange my furniture endlessly and I pour over design magazines, blogs and interior books in my quest for new ways to reinvent my comfort. Home should be the most comfortable place in the world and I think sometimes people forget that. Comfort is easy to create it just takes time and a little thoughtfulness.

Where can we skimp?

Skimping can equal clever.

Do loads of things yourself and search out interesting objects in flea markets and on your travels. Fabric is one place to save money; there are many inexpensive materials that look wonderful as long as there is lots of it. But never skimp on flowers... the best rooms always have a personal floral touch- even if it is a few leaves from the garden artfully arranged.

Where to splurge?

I recently wrote a post entitled 'all stars no chorus line' and what I was trying to say is that for a room to be great it only needs one 'star' and the rest 'chorus line'. A room needs an anchor and a major piece should do the job. For example, nothing looks more interesting than a beautiful antique commode with an unknown artist hanging above. Splurge on one thing and have fun with the rest of the shopping.

What to look for in the major investment pieces of furniture that may stay for years?

The same rule applies; only buy what you love and those things that you can't live without. I waited until I could afford the sofa I wanted because it is an investment that will last forever. I think the shape of the sofa is also important- a classic, simple shape will work in most rooms and can be covered and recovered as moods change over the years. A sofa should be generous of proportion and above all comfortable- a sofa should invite you to sink into it and make you want to curl up and stay cosy forever. My bed philosophy is the same- don't spare expense when it comes to comfort- find the best mattress, pillows, duvets or blankets. There are a lot of waking and sleeping hours that we spend sitting on our sofas or lying on our beds, we need to make the most of them.

Would you suggest tackling the design "room by room" or take on the entire house in the beginning?

I think it is possible and practical financially to take on a house room by room, but I think to have an overall plan to work with at the outset is best. When we renovated our farmhouse we had an overall plan but we tackled it in three stages. A thorough and well thought out plan can be the difference between a great result and a disaster. Planning saves money in the long run and enables you to turn the house that you have bought into the home of your dreams.

How many colors do you recommend to use in each room or in the home?

I guess there are many schools of thought on this; I prefer a single palette with tonal differences rather than a different colour in every room kind of look. I do believe the style of house/apartment and the climate dictate what works best. I live in an open plan style of house where it is very hot half of the year and very cold the rest of the time. This presents major decorating challenges and I am still trying to figure out what works best. My wall colours are neutral with lighter or darker hues depending on the sunlight in the individual rooms. I love colour and tend to add that by way of soft furnishings and art works. In winter I bring out the rugs and the throw blankets and in summer I roll them and fold them away again.

How do they decide on what colors to use in their home?

The first thing is to go with the colours that you are familiar with and that you love. Pick a base colour for the walls, whether it is paint or wallpaper and accessorize them from there. Experiment with different colours- be brave, buy sample paints and don't rush. Remember that colours change when they dry and that they alter in the shade at certain times of day. If you have any doubt or concerns that the colours you have chosen aren't working then it is not the right choice. Never settle for what you think is just ok; take the time, start again from the beginning and your colour will appear.

What to expect as a timeline in creating a home?

About double the time that is estimated (and double the cost)!

Any other bits of advice to give?

Trust your judgement above that of others. You are the one who has to wake up every morning and live with your handwork. Have the courage of your convictions; you will be surprised how clever you are.

Vicki doesn't actually have a formal design background, but studied History and Psychology. She says "I guess I just know what I like and secondly I really care about my surroundings. As for fashion- I don't know if loving beautiful things is a curse or a blessing..."

~~~I could leave the rat race behind and live in this in this farmhouse. How about you? Are you inspired? Learned anything new?

xo,

Fabulous Finds Gal

Magical Sunday~ Staying Cool in Style and Take A Stroll Through Whim Designs Enchanting Garden

Emma Watson from Harry Potter looking all grown up in a Vintage Ozzie Clark Dress and Parasol .

This vintage dress & parasol make my vintage loving heart skip a beat. What a find... So refreshing...

Fab Finds Gal will be enjoying a tour of Whim Designs of

San Juan Capistrano, California today. This will be my second tour of Eric Guenther and Daviell Maldonado's private home and garden tour. Due to our heat wave, I will surely have a parasol in hand. Viewing their property takes one to another time and place. They have two original properties on a double lot only steps to the beach. It is one of the most enchanting and magical homes I have had the pleasure to view. The proprietors, Eric and Daviell, are the most authentically kind, classy and thoughtful men. They both have impeccable taste in jewellery & home design and can they throw quite a fab soiree too!

Stroll through the gardens with me...

Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3

Did you enjoy it as much as I do? Does it feel Parisian to you?

May your Sunday be magical, inspiring and feed your soul.
Thanks for stopping by friend....



1.Phillip Newton photography via Wabi & Sabi

2. Photobucket

3&4 Tim Walker photography
5&6 Photobucket

How Does A Store Become Successful? An Insightful Interview with Lori Chandler, the Mastermind Behind the Magnificent Parisian Vignettes Antiques

What three words describe your shop?

Faded, French Grandeur. Even though: "French decor, faded grandeur & all that is time-worn is our world" is really how I like to sum it up, but that went over the word allotment! Oh Dear!

What sets you apart from other antique stores and malls?

What sets us apart from other stores is that, very early on, I figured out that there is a niche for what I love & collect-glamorous, French-inspired home decor & settings & so I made that our brand. From the moment you step inside the shop you begin an experience... Light, airy & oh so chic with soft French music playing and beautifully edited vignettes of muted, time worn elegance; this carefully orchestrated setting is not only the soul of our business, but this is what sets up apart. We don't just provide French-inspired vintage home & garden decor, but ultimately we provide a magical experience that people want to take home with them. This is our edge. I haven't strayed from that concept, just expanded on it & then, of huge importance, is the fact that, over the years I have managed to surround myself with the best of the best dealer/designers in the trade. The 20 dealer/designers under my roof are all at the top of their game; each one is extremely business savvy & experienced in the antique world, has some form of a designer background & all share my passion & love for this business. Together we focus on tracking down the most one-of-a-kind, show-stopping finds & then merchandising these grand pieces of the past, into irresistible, must-have displays. We never lost sight of the fact that our clients come to us for inspiration, to see what's in vogue & to buy pieces they won't find anywhere else, that will truly give their homes that au courant edge.

Then, there are several other factors:

• We are located in the San Diego's largest antique destination, the Ocean Beach Antique District where people can come & spend the whole day shopping, just one block from the ocean.


• I work on keeping our name & image out there with every tool possible; advertising, a website, blogging, networking, charitable donations & fundraisers, staging special events & parties, a line of brand name t-shirts, promotion, promotion, promotion & as much goodwill I can spread around as humanly possible.

• French decor, faded grandeur & all that is time worn is our world & what the shop is built around, accomplished by the most talented dealers in the business... It's a powerful combination!
  
  
  
  

  My friends magnificent booth, Tony and Lucy Torres of Paris Flea Market,
  that have had their fabulous home in San Clemente featured in Romantic Homes and Country Homes Magazines
  

  
  

After 14 years in the biz, what gets you out of bed and excited to move huge pieces of furniture around? OK, I'm being a little devil. Seriously, what inspires you?

The fact that my life-long love of all things time-worn, French-inspired & glamorous metamorphosed from a hobby into a thriving business is wildly fulfilling, extremely gratifying & perfectly feeds my vast creative needs. To this day my heart literally skips a beat when I behold a fabulous vintage find, discover a magnifique new paint color, stumble onto a worn, leather-bound French book or have one of my be-jeweled or be-shelled projects turn out better than I had hoped for. Since I always take projects as far as they can go & give 2000 percent to whatever I'm working on, having a shop was inevitable for me.

This business is a living, breathing, demanding & fascinating challenge that I thrive on & it has presented me the monumental opportunity & awesome responsibility of preserving grand & irreplaceable pieces of the past.

What do you hope customers experience or take away from visiting your shop?

A huge reward of all this hard work is that our customers "get it", love & respect all that we do & from that devotion, a huge & loyal following has been developed. They may come in for the first time looking for a particular item or just to browse, but they always, always leave inspired & uplifted by the settings & imagination that surrounds them at every turn & in every nook & cranny. Once again, it's that experience we provide. We have attracted a steady & loyal clientele & have evolved into a unique resource for interior designers, the antique trade & all ages. We are able to provide that almost indefinable, understated, old word elegance that people are searching for. We showcase the furnishings & accessories that give a room its' vintage soul & that's never been more coveted or more needed than in this day & age & that is why clients tell us every day, that we are their favorite shop in San Diego.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Finally I couldn't end this without giving my full credit to my Mother- for me going down this road of all things French. If you've read the tribute to her on the Vignettes' website then you know how she launched me on my path. She was so far ahead of her time was convinced that sending me to study in Paris, France, long, long ago, would be the influence & inspiration to set my course for life. Merci beaucoup mon mere, for from that priceless experience... Vignettes was born!

This shop is seriously an inspiring and a mind blowing experience. This happens to be the shop that Lynn from Paris Hotel Boutique did a post on recently with gorgeous photos and pictures of the gang. Merci Madame to Lori, for being such a good sport and sharing with us the behind the scenes philosophy that created this magical, unique and incredibly beautiful store. While many other antique malls are closing, this gal has made a niche' for herself, stuck to her original strong business plan and markets her little tail off. Lori has a fab blog where she keeps us updated regarding upcoming events and showcases her dealers & their wares. So, even a busy gal like me can get some daily design inspiration by visiting her blog. And, boy can this lady throw a shoire'e!

Don't walk, but run to this special Baroque Gypsy Couture Trunk Show Soiree. I truly hope to see you there. I'll be the short blonde with a bag of new clothes drooling over this creative shell chair vignette with a bonbon and French champagne in hand. And, with a camera, of course. Cheers!

Vignettes
4828 Newport Avenue
San Diego, CA 92107
619-222-9244
Vignettesantiques.com


Photos from the Vignettes & Paris Flea Market blog and website .

P.S. If you were curious, I am not getting paid for this or any of my coverage. The Fabulous Finds Gal enjoys writing about beautiful things, creative people and anything inspiring. And, I'm working on my karma points! But, I'll take donations. Just kidding.