The Brits and Their Hats

This weekend marks the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.  A full-out party that will be celebrated and watched the world over.  The Brits, and especially the monarchy, are a fascination of the American people.  Why is that?  Is it their cool accent that seems to make everyone seem more intelligent? Or is it our desire to get back to our roots as they say?  I'm thinking it's more about the HATS!

There are elegant hats...

And ridiculous hats...

Enormous hats...

And hats for ones furry friends...

But I think it simply boils down to those who wear them best...

American's just love the monarchy.  They represent elegance, sophistication, our own country's history, and especially our romantic idea of princes and princesses.  While their hats may fascinate us, it is the Crown that enthralls us.  IT is the most beautiful hat of all.

Beautiful Image of the Day

Such a bright, fresh, and happy space.  

Hope your Wednesday has been wonderful!

xo

Painted Brick Walls

I love interior brick walls.  They add texture and interest to rooms and, as a rule, I have always leaned more towards natural brick versus painted brick.  Natural brick can be so beautiful, earthy, and warm and the thought of painting it has always seemed like a travesty. That is until recently.  

This summer I will be working on a project that will transform a dark, garden level, brownstone condo in Boston into a fresh and updated living space. This space has a natural brick wall that is lovely but contributes to a darker and closed-in feeling.  While doing some research to provide visual support for my painting proposal, I came across these images that show painted brick at its finest.

The painted brick is so bright and clean looking.  It provides a wonderful backdrop and creates a visually interesting space while not being distracting.  What do you think?  Do you prefer natural brick or painted brick?  Or, do you think the particular application should be the deciding factor?   

Cowhide Rugs

I am really dig'in cowhide rugs right now and how they are being used in both contemporary and traditional environments.  I'm thinking I may need one...

Rainy Day Foot Fashion

I've never considered myself to be an ‘early adaptor’ to fashion trends but I will say that about twelve years ago I requested, and received, a pair of Hunter rain boots for Mother’s Day. This was way before they became the ‘IT’ rain boot for every non-Englishwoman to have.  And way before they came in pretty colors, glossy finishes, short heights, laces, heels or quilting.  My Hunter’s are traditional green, tall, and perfect for gardening or walking the dog in the rain.

 

Still my ‘go to’ boots for the rainiest of rainy days, I have started thinking that it may be time to send my Hunter’s off to our country house and mix things up a bit for the city house.  While sharing a mother-daughter pedicure experience last week, I was flipping through and extremely old issue of In-Style magazine and noticed these little beauties by däv.

Aren't they just fabulous!

I know that I am not on the cutting edge here but I just can’t understand why I’m not seeing more of these around town. 

 

There are so many different styles and colors to choose from that it is almost difficult to choose just one.

  

 

  

The styles are great and the prices are right.  And after the rainy days we have had here in New England lately, I may just have to start a rain boot collection.