At The Meadows

Love :: One Card, Three Ways

2010-01-02T21:33:00.013-06:00

Talk about the things that make life great!* This holiday, my dad handed each of us -- my brother, his wife, and me -- an identical red envelope. But no, no -- not identical cards! My dad being my dad (and a designer by profession), we opened our envelopes to find customized versions of the same card!

As much as we're into finding and haunting wonderful things At The Meadows, we're even more so into making them.

My card (Chicago skyline, haunted loot and all):

My sister-in-law's card (with the kids -- and a husband):

And my brother's card (he's the ceramist):

And, God is in the details, right?

Check out the pocketbook and those pointy shoes on yours truly --

He knows where I'm headed --

And get a load of the haul! Modernist furniture, red foam roller (gotta roll those hip flexors!), art and he said the green thing is a candelabra -- no doubt!

Such a delightful and thoughtful handmade treat is the ultimate in gift-giving. We were all so delighted by these cards -- best ever!

*What's going on here At The Meadows :: We're talking about everything that makes life great (art, type, design, fashion, entertaining, history), and the places you find everything (the haunts).

Love :: Needlepoint Paperweight

2009-12-28T10:44:00.001-06:00

This is the first product of my new needlepoint hobby -- a paperweight for my brother the potter. I have always liked needlepoint, it's so full compared to cross stitch, which was my needlework of choice when I was little. Everybody did cross stitch in Raleigh. Cross stitch or french knotting (natural cotton yarn on natural cotton fabric, of course).

My appreciation of needlepoint stems from the ability to create whatever design I choose -- whatever I design. This design is from a pottery bottle that my brother made about five years ago. I created the design and counted it out on a blank canvas. This was a Christmas present -- a big hit!

Needlepoint has always been big in the trad set, and recently a lot of places have been offering needlepoint accessories, but I could not bring myself to buy a needlepoint key fob with an American flag motif that was made in Vietnam. American flag or no, it just soured me. Is that weird?

So, being one to take matters into her own hands -- this time, quite literally -- I asked my friend from Minooka to show me how to make the stitch. I'm working on another top-secret project... reveal soon!

One More Good Thing About Christmas

2009-12-25T16:35:00.000-06:00

Says it all!

Merry Christmas from a Happy Santa

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:32:00.001-06:00

Love a little sparkle on Christmas! Happiness to you and yours!

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-22T18:44:00.001-06:00

Love :: Christmas Show at the Music Box Theatre

2009-12-21T08:13:00.013-06:00

Every few years a friend will suggest the Music Box's Christmas Show, and I always bite. It's a great way to enjoy the holidays in Chicago!

Walk in to the Mediterranean-inspired theater, blue painted skies, lanterns, tiles and even a fountain. This is an old-school theater. There are twinkling stars on the ceiling of the main theater and clouds are projected as well. Though my friend thought there were fewer stars than in the past, and the clouds were a little sloppy. The ante-lobby is all decked-out for Christmas --

In line with all the people in Santa caps and reindeer antlers you enter the main theater lobby, where members of the Chicago Chamber Choir sing carols next to a huge tree.

I went for the double feature -- White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life -- which I had never done before. I'm kind of a White Christmas girl -- "the best things happen while you're dancing," they say (though there are parts about knights on white chargers that make me a little ill). But, my friend suggested the double feature, and I was game. I only saw It's a Wonderful Life for the first time about ten years ago, and I don't ever really watch it, so it's still fresh for me.

Between shows photos of Chicago Christmases past are projected on the screen, courtesy of the Chicago History Museum. There were some great ones. This one is of ladies making holiday wreaths --

There was also one of a horse-drawn snowplow! And the Christmas shoppers on State Street looked amazing similar to today (save the outfits, of course). They were laden with packages.

Before each movie, those carolers from the lobby would come in and sing a couple of tunes with the organist (remember -- old-school theater) to warm up the crowd. And after "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is over -- if we sang loud enough -- guess who comes out!!

Santa leads the whole theater in song, with the carol lyrics projected on the screen. Some of these lyric pages look like they are from 1968. And people bring sleighbells to jingle as they sing.

My personal favorites are the parodies -- there was a song to the tune of "My Favorite Things", and "I'm Dreaming of a Chicago Christmas", which reminds old-timers and regales the newcomers of Field's windows, Frango mints and Uncle Mistletoe (and here), as well as memories of when the Berghoff served a meal with care -- ouch!

At during this last carol, a snowstorm is projected onto the screen, and the movie starts. The sleighbells are reprised when Clarence gets his wings!

Love :: Hat with a Feather

2009-12-19T09:04:00.001-06:00

Festive Magnolia Garland with Fruit

2009-12-17T17:59:00.004-06:00

Loved seeing this building today! You can't go wrong with magnolia and fruit. And check out underneath the arch! And on a quiet side street to boot.

Darling Christmas Clementines

2009-12-16T11:41:00.007-06:00

Clementines, gold ceramic partridges, crystal candlesticks and deep green candles. This is what I've been working on. What do y'all think?

Clementines at Christmas is something that I learned here in the midwest. In North Carolina, we did cloves in oranges* -- I love this! It's what my Mema used to do, and it seems like something I would do here, but thinking about my poor little fingers being stuck by those cloves, well, ouch. And you'd be surprised how long it takes to make those little guys. So, clementines it is.

I'm not a big fan of Christmas-y holiday stuff, either... you know, the kind of things that you can only pull out 30 days of the year. That in no way means that I don't have a few Christmas-specific items -- I have a ton of vintage ornaments, um... in the basement. I think it's much simpler, elegant and economical to find beautiful things that you can use year-round. Between vintage haunts and new places, you can find really great things for a song. And just like an article of clothing's price per wear, an objet's "price per display" goes down dramatically if you love it and can use it more than once a year.

Natural decorations are great -- if I need a snack, just reach into the display. Refill as needed.

Here it is with day lighting --

*If you're being fancy, it's a "pomander".

Festive Color and Type

2009-12-16T09:46:00.001-06:00

The person who dreamed up the type on this Chicago elementary school deserves a gold star!

Love :: Holiday Wrappings

2009-12-15T09:53:00.002-06:00

Christmas wrappings are a fun as Christmas cards, and ever since Martha Stewart put a glitter monogram on a present, it's become a wide-spread hobby, even.

So -- there is something to be said for a pretty present. My rule is that you can't spend too much time. It's important to have a little kit of papers and especially ribbon (satin is my favorite). Some little tags are good too. I like round paper key tags and above you can see a deep red Crane's place card with a white border is doing the job quite nicely. But really, it shouldn't take more that five minutes to wrap. Just show a little love.

And here's a little nugget that I just heard today:

The S&S sisters' mother used to sign the tags on their Christmas presents from their celebrity crushes. Imagine being a twelve-year-old girl and receiving a guitar from Rock Hudson!

Talk about charming -- I'm thinking of trying this. Mastering the Art of French Cooking from Meryl Streep? Brilliant.

Happy wrapping!

Beat to H-E-Double Hockey Sticks

2009-12-13T21:36:00.001-06:00

You've heard of "Go to Hell Pants", right? Well, this is my "Beat to Hell Pocketbook". This gem is a vintage Coach bag, in the saddlebag style. It has some patina on it, let me tell you. And that's what makes it great.

The color is what really sold me on this bag. The plum color is a staple of my fall/winter color palette, and the depth of the color is incredible. Your eyes just drink it in.

Check out the cracking on the strap. I'll probably try to give it a little TLC, but not too much. This bag has been around, and I like to keep it looking that way.

The hardware has just the right dullness, too. And check out the little feet --

Paired with my Tyrolean hat, that killer lemon-yellow cardigan, and aubergine scarf and chocolate cords, we're ready for a casual afternoon of holiday toddies with Mr and Ms Fab and the crew* --

*most of "the crew" need At The Meadows monikers. The editorial staff is hard at work on it.

Christkindl Market in Lincoln Square

2009-12-11T18:00:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday -- yes, late post -- was the Christkindl Market in Chicago's Lincoln Square, a traditionally German enclave on the northside of the city (Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Lawrence and its environs, if you're really wondering). There is a Christkindl Market in Daley Plaza (at the Picasso) as well, but I thought this would be more real -- and local is good.

Lincoln Avenue was beautiful, decorated with lots of twinkling white lights --

Merz Apothecary is a health and beauty wonderland! Homeopathic remedies, European skin care -- Lord it is good.

At Chicago's Brauhaus, they polka all night --

Once inside the tent, everyone makes a beeline for the food. Apple strudel (really good) and Julius Meinl coffee (it's Austrian, but whatever).

The band was great -- Captain Blood Orchestra (though I say "CBO") rocked 60s and 70s pop. Always a good show. Saw Mr and Ms Fab there, too.

And there was pretty spiffy fashion among the fleece and Uggs --

Love her hair with this plum scarf and hat.

I took this for the crowd -- and that fur hat in the center.

Nice hat! This guy was dapper.

And here's some more local flavor for the close --

Frohe Weihnachten!

I Have This Outfit

2009-12-10T09:55:00.001-06:00

No, not the one Kenan Thompson is wearing -- the one on the mannequin in the background. Imagine my surprise to see it on my screen while catching this weekend's SNL on hulu. Actually, I picked up the dress for a song last year -- I wonder how long it's been sitting in a prop closet at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Also, they were throwing around "Prada this" and "Prada that" in the skit, but that dress is not Prada -- or Saks for that matter. Works with the color story, though. Makes me think it should get debuted at a party this holiday!

Catch the skit here.

New York Elves Are the Coolest

2009-12-09T20:53:00.005-06:00

God bless Simon Doonan. I love that he's become this spokesperson for Barneys. Love the get-up -- especially the Milton Glaser's I *Heart* New York rebus logo in green-sweatshirt form (probably intended for St. Patty's don't you think?).

By the way, Barneys does not qualify as a "haunt" -- if you got it at Barneys, just say so. The lady at Privilege does (great blog by the way, go see).

If only Simon Doonan the Cranky Elf would add me to the list --

Agh! First Real Snow

2009-12-07T08:23:00.004-06:00

Not what I wanted to see this morning. Please scroll down for today's real post --

Holiday Brunch Downtown

2009-12-06T22:17:00.013-06:00

Quick Interjection :: I wrote this whole little post about clothes and this and that -- but you know what? It's not really about the clothes. It's about color. The color you bring around with you all day, wherever you go.

Back to our regularly-scheduled post:

Actually, I love all these pieces. This is the kind of well-oiled ensemble that I really get into (you know what I mean -- it works and wow).

I have acquired quite an extensive wardrobe of hats, but I really want them to be wearable -- I'm not so much into the vintage for the sake of being vintage concept. And one of my goals this year is to wear them. Really wear them. This gem is a black velour felt cloche with cute little unaffiliated crest -- which I like. Nary an RL, TH, etc to be found. Love the velour "feather" element too.

Paired with my kilt, acorn bracelet (signifying my love of the City of Oaks), a fab muted green silk square and a cream coat --

Red lips and of course the much-discussed manicure -- and voilà! Ready for a day of Michigan Avenue hustle and bustle!

And after a day of dodging shoppers, lunching, visiting, and a final cappuccino, out into the cold night to find this --

The Christmas tree at the Hancock Center.

Love :: Christmas Cards

2009-12-04T10:50:00.004-06:00

Christmas cards and holiday greetings are one of my favorite parts of the holidays. It's not an every day occurrence to have your real mailbox fill with warm greetings just for you. Usually only birthdays and weddings garner such in-the-mail attention.

However, the actual cards are always a bit of a challenge, as I am always drawn to high-quality materials and design (preferably custom), but -- especially now -- budgets are definitely an issue, particularly because I tend to err on the "send" side of things if I am on the line of sending a card to someone or not (one has to have an end to her list, right?). Inevitably, my card list is a very long one -- happily so!

Usually, I scour shops for good cards at a reasonable cost. I've never done an actual photograph of myself on a card -- it seems pretty self-indulgent -- but I think it's wonderful for families with children. Everyone wants to see how much they've grown!

This year I decided to try something new. I designed my own card using one of the online quick-print (digital printing, not offset) sources. And, save their website name on the back of my card (ugh!), I think it worked well. The linen paper was a bit of a stretch for me, but it has had a bit of resurgence of late -- in a kind of retro, ironic way -- but I was happy to have an uncoated paper option. And the best part is that I designed the card myself and uploaded it -- so what you see here is no template -- all Esse Quam Videri. Even a special ligature on the "ME" in "Merry".

I do print my name at the bottom, but for close friends, I slash it and sign, as you would a calling card on a gift. And I always write or print the year. Another great perk of designing your own -- your very own sentiment (and monogram, if you choose) --

Time to get those cards out! I hope I can still get my favorite stamp! Off to the P.O.!

Debut :: What's That -- a Tribble?!

2009-12-01T17:03:00.015-06:00

No, no -- no tribbles. Just a fab gray ostrich feather folly. I love gray and yellow together. It's so bright and sophisticated. And it keeps my vintage black and ivory striped blouse from making me look like a bumble bee (though it's more of a lemon yellow). Today I had a lunch date with one of my favorite people -- an old colleague of mine who can talk the talk about old-school design. I'm serious about design -- design makes life better (and more delightful). I thought I'd add some dash to my personal sartorial equation for today's luncheon.

And here are the luxurious red fingertips with my latest fave vintage bag -- black suede flat bag with buckles on the handles. Check out the pleated ruffles on the cuffs --

And yes, shoes too -- I got these a while back, thinking that they would be a nice -- comfortable -- heel for holiday. Today it was 50º here in Chicago (crazy-warm for December 1), so I took the opportunity to debut them as well. This whole bang-up technicolor ensemble is definitely inspired by this layout -- I love vintage graphic, billowy silk blouses. LOVE.

This would make a great holiday look -- going home to see the folks, laden with presents to give. I'm glad Ms Fab convinced me to get the gray tribble -- much better than the black.

The 'Cure for What Ails You

2009-11-29T18:50:00.003-06:00

I have been dreaming about a manicure and pedicure for longer than I would care to admit. But today -- oh I was 'cured, to be sure. My usual nail color is a sheer, pinky hue (as not to distract as you're making a presentation), but I went crazy for the holidays and decided to go red on toes and fingers. And I like, I like.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Thank You Forever

2009-11-11T09:43:00.006-06:00

It's hard to see here, but a child has scrawled "Daddy" over his uniform. Think about Veterans today -- Thank Veterans today. And tomorrow too.

Moon Glitter

2009-11-10T10:04:00.001-06:00

This is one of the most beautiful things that I own. It's a photographic postcard, postmarked November 1907, and printed in England. You can make out the flags on the tugboat as they flutter. The moonlight does really seem to glitter across its surface -- the person who named this was a genius.

The handwriting is a little difficult to read, but here goes:

A Happy Thanksgiving!

Can you make me two more chairs, our green & white dud the other blue. ??

They are for Christmas.

Xxxxxxx?,

H.L. Pouke

:::::

If you can read it, please let me know what you think it says!

Wish List :: Dresses

2009-11-09T10:05:00.001-06:00

These two ladies are magic! Pearl Bailey and Carol Channing have a little fun on Broadway. And check out those dresses! I need, need, need them. I love them both, but I think that Pearl's would look better on me -- Carol's got that angular thing going on. I'm sure that Trinny and Susannah would agree. APB!

Debut :: Needlepoint Pocketbook

2009-11-08T20:54:00.006-06:00

Yeah, I have a needlepoint pocketbook, what of it?

Seriously, I love this little pocketbook! It's a Koret vintage number (an old maker that I am really into right now -- I'm like a magnet for these little gems lately), with big woolen needlepoint and navy leather with a gold frame top and closure. The inside is lined in bright red leather, imprinted with "Koret" and "Made in Italy". The interesting thing about this bag is that the needlepoint design is different on each side -- and I think the fact that it is the larger stitch style is odd -- you usually see a lot of petit point, but not a lot like this. It's a true beauty!

Today DAR Chicago had one of our Bertha Honoré Palmer Teas in honor of our new members, and it was just perfect with a vintage lavender silk blouse, dark slate blue/green jacket (a fabric with some shimmer) and navy pants -- Talk about popping it with some color! I also sported my favorite homage to my hometown: the dangly acorn bracelet -- Raleigh is the city of oaks!

My mama was in town, and we went haunting everywhere -- she's the one who taught me all I know!

Check it out in action --

Read a little more information about Koret handbags here.

Parking Backlash!

2009-11-07T19:41:00.002-06:00

Seen in Chicago this weekend. Drivers are still very unhappy with the city leasing its parking meters to a private company -- and this is the first backlash graffiti that I've seen. Let's tag this a "typography" post, shall we?

Mizrahi Dishes

2009-11-05T10:06:00.002-06:00

Just read an article about Isaac Mizrahi's new QVC gig, and these great plates were in the slideshow. The rest of the stuff -- eh. Maybe it's a WWD thing, but the models and merch just looked sad. And when I say WWD thing, I mean a bit unstyled -- fashion at it's most raw, just there on a white wall.

I enjoyed Isaac's commentary much more than the product, he's always a good interview. Very real and pointed. He even alludes to the Liz Claiborne thing of which I am not up to speed about what's going on, but it's making me think I need to do some google-ing. I do think he's very creative, and lives the creative lifestyle. A designer's life -- not fashion designer or fashion -- design as a bigger concept. I always like to see people who live it -- not in terms of their stuff, but about how they live with -- and through -- their process. It's a very different thing.

And on that note, back to the plates. Love the watercolor sketch quality. I find it's hard to make things like this... it's hard to put yourself out there and make it by hand, without the help of a camera or other image-making machine. I wonder if he actually did these sketches or just ideated* it that way. Curious.

Read the WWD article here.

Image: WWD (from the article slideshow)

*yes, this is a real word, or derived from one, anyway... from "ideate", which really means make ideas (sometimes brainstorm). It comes from my design school education.

Little Linens for Entertaining

2009-11-04T09:59:00.002-06:00

These little pieced circles were billed as "doilies", but I shudder even typing the word. They are much more suited to cocktail napkins, don't you think?

Sure, place one under a few macaroons at tea on occasion, but let's not relegate these beauties to dainty affairs. Now, as you may know, I have a little bit o' old lady in me (we're talking big pearl earrings, big gold jewelry and wraps -- chic -- and a lot of "big", apparently). But, ironically the old lady thing includes little linens. I think it's a Southern thing. I like these circles because they aren't lacy -- but they are certainly refined.

I hate showing empty glasses -- seems akin to having an unburned candle on display in your house... a little fixed and cold, no? Oh well, we're looking at the cocktail napkins, right?

There were twelve in the set (incredible). A couple have a spot or two, but Mama is coming this weekend, and I think she might know a secret or two. You remember Mama, right?

I was also fortunate enough to get these place mats and napkins (again a set of eight!):

While these are decidedly dainty, they have a 20s/30s deco quality that reminds me of embroidered, monogrammed scarves that my grandmother wore. I love the way the flowers embrace the area where the plate sits. Sort of a "victory wreath" idea. And, they are actually a taupe color, not white, so that adds a bit of modernity and cuts the cute.

PS :: Don't fold napkins that way, please.

Discovered Color

2009-11-03T20:58:00.000-06:00

Found color: check out this bike. Lemon yellow, neon pink, and patina-ed mauve lavender. Inspired!

Love :: Prince and Mercer

2009-11-03T09:26:00.002-06:00

Directly from one of my favorite places on Earth. And I mean this corner: Prince and Mercer!

Via The Sartorialist, bien sur. Love the idea of checking out what's going on at a specific corner. That's why he's the best.

UPDATE: Just found her! The Christian Lacroix lady in the video below -- I need her rings and that jacket. I fall down.*

*that's my version of "I die"

To Quote :: "Welcome In!" (Club Lago is Back!)

2009-11-02T10:02:00.004-06:00

It gives me more pleasure than you can imagine to say that one of my favorite Chicago spots is back! Club Lago has been around since the 1950s, and it is the quintessential Italian joint -- run by two of my favorite people: GianCarlo and Guido Nardini.

When you walk through the door -- it's adorned with a ship's wheel -- you'll hear the call of the Nardini brothers -- "Welcome In!"

Last spring a boiler exploded in an adjacent building, causing extreme damage to the place. Luckily, the explosion happened early in the morning, and no one was hurt. Read more about the damage and see pictures here.

Saturday morning through a completely random social media chain, I found out that Lago had reopened after six months of dormancy and rebuilding. I had to go.

I think that Lago's food is best described by an old coworker -- and Italian himself -- he said, "This how my [Italian] mother makes Italian food." Hearty, Italian comfort food.

When I arrived, I looked around, and I was so happy and full of joy. Every thing was the same. Except better. Luckily, the damage was mostly in the back of the house, so the front bar area was pretty much unchanged. All their little knick-knacks were there -- from the photo of the brothers as kids, to the "Women's Lib" plaque (a woman standing next to a man at a urinal -- ugh, don't ask!) -- and of course, a vintage portrait of Hizzoner Richard J. Daley (father of Chicago's current Hizzoner).

The painted plywood cut-outs of boats were back on the walls, as was the iconic lighthouse that shines a green light from above in the back of the restaurant. Even the big boat with sails that divides the bar and the dining room was intact (the mylar balloons were leftovers from a party the week before -- very festive!). The walls have always featured black and white portraits of regulars -- from the 80s I think -- and all the wood is painted the perfect Club Lago Capri red. Iconic. Iconic. Iconic. There is a depth to that red that I love!

I will tell you right now that I started to tear up.

Go, go, get thee to Club Lago -- and tell them At the Meadows sent you!

Welcome In!

:::

Visit Club Lago online here.
Join Lago's Facebook group here.

Halloween Fun Delivered

2009-11-01T16:30:00.011-06:00

Halloween is over. I went to a very fun party last night, and yes, dressed up. I went as a mail lady, circa 1978. In a 100% polyester United States Post Office regulation uniform, mind you. How did people wear this stuff?

I also whipped up some tricks and treats to deliver (see below). The mail was fashionably carried in a vintage Coach saddlebag -- looked great! I don't know if the mail ladies of the 70s sported white shortie gloves, but I raided the DAR drawer to add a little extra lady-like panache.

I originally bought this uniform for the logo patch:

The treats -- love letters to Paris and postcards:

And the tricks -- !!

Thanks to K and J for a great shindig!

Now the holiday season starts --

Ms Fab Gets Screened

2009-10-30T23:24:00.005-05:00

Oh wow! This incredible iron fireplace screen was a surprise at the haunts today. It has a dull brassy/silver patina over iron, and is very heavy. I love the scrolls integrated with the greek key motif.

Unfortunately, I have no fireplace. Kitty does, though, and I sent her a quick email with the shot above. But I had forgotten that her fireplace has a door. "You should just get it for when you do have a fireplace." Love her.

"What about Ms Fab?"

YES! I had forgotten that Mr and Ms Fab have a fireplace.... Kitty forwarded the image to her, and now...

This fab piece is living with fab people. It's a great foil for their modern furniture. It would have broken my heart to leave this behind!

Ship It

2009-10-27T20:32:00.004-05:00

If you have 18 minutes -- it is worth it. Watch. Watch. Watch. Watch. SHIP.

Great video for anyone who produces -- "creative" or otherwise. I am sharing this with everyone.

Running Hot and Cold

2009-10-26T09:14:00.001-05:00

Eating with real silver adds so much to the gastronomic experience*. I find that particularly with cold foods -- ice cream is ideal -- the chill travels up the utensil to your fingertips. The first time I felt it was the first time ever that I actually felt "connected" to my food, that it was actually an experience rather than just a taste thing -- it was a heightened multi-sensory experience.

It works with hot foods as well, but I think the cold is more pronounced. Try it -- besides, it is truly an elegant way to dine, with your silver. And it gets better with use.

Find out about the mug at its original post here.

*(25¢ bonus for "gastronomic")

Hallejulah It's Five O'Clock

2009-10-23T17:00:00.002-05:00

There is major music going to start when you push play -- in case you're at work.

Love this rendition of Hallejulah. Let's just make it a type thing, okay? Enjoy!

Debut :: Aye, We Speak Trad in Chicago

2009-10-22T18:58:00.021-05:00

Royal Stewart Tartan -- if I am incorrect, be kind and just let me know, as I'm not a tartan scholar (but this gentleman, apparently is -- and suddenly I care nothing for haunting kilts, but only of ordering one from him). This incredible four-yard kilt was haunted in Chicago and debuted today. The trees are really popping with color now, and with a rainy, gray foggy sky, this was just the punch I needed. Tartan debut!

Though my ancestors were Scottish Kennedys, I feel right at home sporting the Royal Stewart, as one of those Kennedy men married Princess Mary of Scotland. And let me just invite the thousands, nay, millions of other descendants to share in our wearing of a bright red kilt!

Details: Four-yard kilt (read more about eight- and four-yard kilts here) with fringe on the front panel, two black leather straps with buckles, kilt pin in-tact (biggest surprise of the score), and many, many knife pleats in the back. Made in Jedburgh, Scotland by Rannoch Designs.

Hmm, now that I am referencing my handy little book "The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans", I may be wrong. Well, I will keep telling people it is Royal Stewart until a tartan scholar corrects me, and then I will thank him or her for keeping me on the straight and narrow. The little book was given to me by Mema -- the Kennedy herself.

A sartorial Scot --

And the other Scot's footwear --

"Avise la fin" :: Consider the End
Clan Kennedy motto

The only other bit o' motto that resonates with me as much as Clan Kennedy's is "Esse Quam Videri" (to be rather than to seem -- North Carolina's state motto).

But is there a castle? Why yes, Fiona, there is.

And for context, today's weather report -- just like the midlands!*

*Though I understand that this name is out of fashion. The "Central Belt" just doesn't sound very romantic.

To Quote :: "Are You on Facebook?"

2009-10-21T09:19:00.001-05:00

My good DAR friend M treated me to a Civil War reenactment in central Illinois this weekend. It was interesting to experience a Civil War anything above the Mason-Dixon line -- it was weird. I'm so used to everything being so pro-South. It's the same feeling that I had the first time I heard the words of the third and fourth stanzas come out of my mouth while singing "Illinois" (the State song, lyrics below, see the bold passages) at a DAR function. But we're all together now, right? Yes.

Well now, here the Yankees are advancing -- check out that standard!

And a quick shout-out to my NC rebel boys --

In the end, the Union won this battle. But we are in Illinois, after all! Everyone loves an at-home win.

After the battle, we walked around the grounds and came upon President Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. As we passed them, we overheard Honest Abe ask, "Are you on Facebook?"

Lordy!

::::::

Illinois
Written by C.H. Chamberlain
Composed by Archibald Johnston

By thy rivers gently flowing, Illinois, Illinois,
O'er thy prairies verdant growing, Illinois, Illinois,
Comes an echo on the breeze.
Rustling through the leafy trees, and its mellow tones are these, Illinois, Illinois,
And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.

From a wilderness of prairies, Illinois, Illinois,
Straight thy way and never varies, Illinois, Illinois,
Till upon the inland sea,
Stands thy great commercial tree, turning all the world to thee, Illinois, Illinois,
Turning all the world to thee, Illinois.

When you heard your country calling, Illinois, Illinois,
Where the shot and shell were falling, Illinois, Illinois,
When the Southern host withdrew,
Pitting Gray against the Blue, There were none more brave than you, Illinois, Illinois,
There were none more brave than you, Illinois.

Not without thy wondrous story, Illinois, Illinois,
Can be writ the nation's glory, Illinois, Illinois,
On the record of thy years,
Abraham Lincoln's name appears, Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois, Illinois,
Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois.

::::::

Bin 36

2009-10-20T09:40:00.000-05:00

Chicago's famous Marina City through the window (otherwise known as the "corncob buildings of Wilco cover art and Steve McQueen movies). Had a delicious prosecco and a cheese flight with a couple of DAR ladies.

The end of the cheese flight:

Love :: Big Country Weekend

2009-10-18T20:13:00.002-05:00

Spent the weekend in central Illinois. Answered trivia for charity, sang karaoke, visited a family pumpkin farm, saw a Civil War reenactment and learned how to needlepoint. The landscape is so flat and open here, you can really shoot some big, flat vistas, punctuated with the occasional vertical element: grain elevator, barn, windmill or water tower. And the colors of Illinois (and the midwest in general) are disctinctive: light-golden hues with black soil, green leaves and clear blue skies.

Here's the photo essay:

Thanks for a great weekend, M!

UPDATE :: The next to the last photo is an Indian Mound -- meant to add that in the post!

NYC :: String Me Along

2009-10-16T10:23:00.001-05:00

I was stopped dead in my tracks by this window at Rockefeller Center! Check out the type!

There's a real absence/presence thing going on here that I love. The outlines of the letterforms are created by connecting nails in the wall with yarn, creating an interesting reference to the digital bezier curves that create typography for printing. The Bodoni face really shines in the execution -- modern faces have thin, hairline serifs, and the yarn is perfect!

Bodoni typeface showing bezier curves.

The colors are spot-on fun-sophistication, and they really pop on the chalkboard-black walls.

Scale is important too -- these letterforms are all pulled together with the same weight yarn and typeface, but they are totally random letter selections. Type as scenery!

Check out how the curves are executed on this "J"!

J. Crew does great window displays. They're creative with design elements (type, color, composition) and use "white space" -- or I would say "empty space" in a 3-D environment -- to create a fun and sophisticated presentation. Kudos!

To Quote :: "The Best, Jerry -- The Best!!"

2009-10-15T09:13:00.004-05:00

While in New York I had the pleasure of dining at Compass on the Upper West Side. The menu features seafood, and my red snapper was delish. But the end-all was the dessert by Executive Pastry Chef Jerry Thornton ("J.T." on the whites): an interpretation of classic s'mores, but for a decidedly adult palate. Envision chocolate mousse and toasted marshmallow ice cream on crushed graham cracker with a cinnamon-bourbon foam. My God it was good. To quote Kenny Bania à la Seinfeld, "The best, Jerry -- the best!!"

Visit Compass here.

The image above doesn't do it justice, it's just a quick shot! Trust me. Get the s'mores.

What's Niew?

2009-10-14T10:24:00.005-05:00

Looks like Europe, no? This is Stone Street in New York City, formerly New Amsterdam. While in the city last week, I made a special point to explore the New Amsterdam area in downtown Manhattan as I have ancestors who settled there, while the colony was Dutch. As a southerner, I have been intrigued by this decidedly northern landing.

Much of my knowledge of the colony comes from the book The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto. This book does a great job explaining why:

1) New York is today the world's financial hub (the colony was established by the Dutch purely as a trading post, not for political or religious freedoms)

2) New Yorkers are apt to "live and let live" and be more tolerant of other peoples' beliefs (a product of the Dutch idea of civil liberties and their generally tolerant nature)

3) New York is diverse. New Amsterdam was not a Dutch colony filled with singularly Dutch people. Colonists from all over the world came to work for the Dutch West India Company. There were eighteen languages spoken in the colony!

One of my ancestors had a home in this area, and I love to walk the roads and trails where they lived, and imagine how it must have been when they were proving themselves to the world. When in lower Manhattan, you'll see street signs that are black. This color signifies that the street's footprint has not changed over time -- that these streets are the same width and plan as they were in the Dutch colony.

I had lunch at one of the cafes on Stone Street (above). Stone Street was the first street (paved road) in the New Amsterdam colony, hence the name: "stone". Pearl Street is just south, named for the oyster shells left by the Lenni-Lenape Indians. The shells gleamed in the sunlight -- like pearls.

Near the cafe society of Stone Street is the intersection of Pearl Street and Coenties Alley, and this is the location of the old City Tavern -- where Dutch colonists met to rail against Peter Stuyvesant's militaristic rule. The building eventually became City Hall, where the municipal government met. The colony received it's municipal charter in 1653 and stopped being a "company town" of the Dutch West India Company.

The yellow bricks in this sidewalk trace the footprint of the City Tavern. I made sure to get a person in the shot for scale.

Near Pearl Street you'll also see stenciled markings on the sidewalk indicating the waterline in 1609 when Henry Hudson came to the island. Over the past 400 years there have been a lot of changes in Manhattan's shoreline as a result of landfill, and these markers are another way to get a feel for the landscape of the past.

I followed the National Parks Service free audio walking tour on my iPhone. You can download the map and the audio here.

Also, learn about all the events celebrating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson finding Manhattan at www.henryhudson400.com.

"Off with Their Finials!" :: The Bowling Green

2009-10-13T09:58:00.004-05:00

New York has lots of Revolutionary War history. The Bowling Green is a very old park situated directly in front of (north of) the old U.S. Customs house at the bottom of Broadway.

When the Declaration of Independence was read to the soldiers of Washington's Army, they were so fired up that they stormed the Bowling Green and felled the grand statue of George III and chopped off the crown finials from each major fence post.

The image above shows one of these major fence posts, without its crown. Every crown was cut off, and the metal was used to make shot for the army's fight against the British. The fence that surrounds the Bowling Green today is the original fence, with only black paint coming between today and it's Revolutionary history.

Haunted :: Columbus Day!

2009-10-12T15:12:00.006-05:00

It's Columbus Day -- and who would have thought that this guy could be scored today of all days. It was just too perfect, I had to get it.

The illustrations are wonderful, created by the author Ms Genevieve Foster. Ms Foster authored other books in addition to The World of Columbus and His Sons, including George Washington's World, Abraham Lincoln's World, Augustus Caesar's World, and The World of Captain John Smith (Jamestown shout-out!).

The book is filled with charming line drawings of locations across the globe.

Unfortunately, there isn't a colophon, but it looks like a Garamond type, with inline initial capitals -- easy on the eyes.

And the lady herself --

I will now be haunting for the series -- APB out on Genevieve Foster!

Debut :: NYC Street Shawl

2009-10-12T15:04:00.006-05:00

I love a debut, you know -- even a cheapie one. This gem is from a street guy in SOHO (aka one of the best places on Earth), and I love it. It's totally in my fall palette, and no worries if it gets lost, snagged or otherwise ruined. All good!

More "real" New York posts to come, I promise -- like actual stuff about New York!

Love :: New York!

2009-10-12T10:47:00.001-05:00

Three Days in New York

2009-10-08T11:20:00.010-05:00

Off to the Big Apple for a small retreat. Looking forward to lunch at Fraunces Tavern, a patriot walking tour (or two) and getting some creative electricity. I've been having a wardrobe essentials moment lately -- seems every fashion article or post is "the essential wardrobe" or "ten items you must have", but I suppose that is the season. In a month it will be cocktail and holiday party looks.

However, my own wardrobe is starting to be a well-oiled machine. All the arms and legs of the system are working together, and I'm pretty pleased with the results. The wardrobe schedule for New York:

1 :: Sweater :: black silk/cashmere cable-knit with a shawl-style v-neck

2 :: Sweater :: cream cotton with 3/4 bell sleeves and a cowl neckline

3 :: Trousers :: black. enough said.

4 :: Cords :: brown corduroy with a slim boot-cut

5 :: Tee :: comfy, black

6 :: Shirt :: white button down

7 :: Blazer :: black knit

8 :: Shoes :: Robert Clergerie black suede lace-ups

9 :: Shoes :: Black patent leather pumps

10 :: Handbag :: The man magnet

11 :: Handbag :: Bright mustard yellow daily

12 :: Scarf :: Vintage silk floral (cream ground with magenta, gray, brown dynamic blooms)

13 :: Coat :: Vintage trench (a debut!)

New York photos to come! Have a great weekend!

Bringing Chicago Home

2009-10-08T09:50:00.006-05:00

This spring I made the big decision that I was in Chicago to stay*. This realization put a fire under me to truly embrace this town -- and to integrate its imagery into my personal space. I've always used images and souvenirs of North Carolina (which will always be my home), but I had never really thought about Sweet Home Chicago in the house. It seemed pretty cliché.

But I love to turn around a cliché now and then. This little pillow was surely made by someone's auntie in 1984 (I know because she added her initials and the date), and it could be on the settee right beside one of my Mema's cross-stitched monogram numbers. When I was growing up, embroidered pillows were de rigueur. While my mother was having her cross-stitch moment, there was also a lot of french knotting (natural cord on natural cotton, of course), and my grandmother did quite a bit of needlepoint. At that time, it's what you did.

I was in the cross-stitch camp as a girl, and I've been hot to try my hand at needlepoint. I have tons of books but have never actually tried it. I'm hoping my good friend Martha can help me get started -- she's a needlepoint genius.

This pillow has become one of my favorite little pieces. It's as if Mema decided to bring a little Chicago into the sitting room.

*Add a clapboard beach house on the outer banks, and I will be in heaven.

Haunted :: A La Tête :: Le Deuxième

2009-10-07T10:38:00.003-05:00

May I present the second haunted chapeau from the weekend: a classic green 1950s beanie. Love this because it is so wearable. No hemming or hawing -- no looking costume-y. Just easy style. Personally, I am a big beret person, and it's nice to keep the signature beret shape and have the structure of a proper hat.

This soft green integrates well into my fall color palette -- I never realized that I had one until Kitty pointed it out. Funny, she points out a lot of things that I never realized. The fall palette is one of mauves, browns, heathered soft green, creams and grays. I'm a brunette* with a Scotch-Irish complexion, so it's a classic look with a brown base. I am thinking about debut-ing it in New York. Chic!

*I love the word "brunette". It's so Betty and Veronica.

Haunted :: A La Tête

2009-10-06T10:04:00.003-05:00

From the weekend haunting: this very elegant 1960s Italian felt hat with feathers. Even with the high crown (very 60s), I think this is very wearable for fall. Everybody expects one to turn up the volume a little when it gets cooler, and I love wearing luxurious fabrics this time of year. And in Chicago it's not like we get a robust fall... in a few weeks we'll be wishing for sunshine and dealing with the bitterness of gray and wind.

Still, this isn't the type of thing you just run down for a coffee in -- or do you? Probably not, since this hat requires a proper shoe and attire. Definitely heels. With a slick trouser and a fitted jacket or fab sweater and a soft fringed gray shawl. Look out!

As my dear friend the Architect (a reformed hat wearer herself) told me long ago, "when you wear a hat like this, anyone -- and everyone -- will think nothing of walking up to you and striking up a conversation."

I'd better polish up my conversation skills.

Love :: The Secret of Southern Cooks

2009-10-05T13:32:00.002-05:00

Best. Mayonnaise. Ever.

Dukes Mayonnaise is so good that whenever I drive down to NC, I bring back a jar of this fantastic stuff. I recently connected with a cousin of mine (my mother's 81-year-old first cousin who just got rid of his motorcycle last year) and told him this fact during the course of our conversation. Not three days later did a USPS flat-rate box appear at my mail box with this hefty 48-oz jar of Dukes rolling around inside.

You cannot imagine how happy this surprise made me on that run of the mill Thursday. I emailed him to say thanks, and his reply was, "Let me know when you are running low."

Thanks Jimmie!

Off the Cuff!

2009-10-04T19:45:00.004-05:00

Hey y'all -- went haunting today at a new spot and picked up these glorious little cufflinks.

Let me tell you about this haunt: I had heard about it and driven by a few times, but I only get up to this part of Chicagoland on Sundays, and they're only open on the first Sunday of each month -- today! So, I was pretty happy to stumble upon it and find out that there was a huge vintage jewelry trunk sale today only to boot. They had the jewelry in a separate room. As I tried to just step inside, the young man at the door said "No ma'am -- you have to get a number and check your coat and purse" -- fine, fine. It just seemed that every which way I turned a got a "No, ma'am" or you-can't-do-that kind of thing -- what do you mean, shop in your store?

Anyway, I got over it after telling the shopgirl that "No, no, no" was not something a first-time customer wants to hear... on to the fun:

There was all kinds of jewelry, but all très expensive -- especially for a haunter -- it was retail, after all. I buggied a few items in my little white tray, but in the end put it all back and just got these beauties. I don't wear a lot of jewelry -- usually just pearls and pearl studs or little fat gold hoops, but these will flash up a plain shirt quick. The ladies at the DAR won't know what hit 'em!

More from the haunts all week! Stay tuned!

Quintets and Trinities

2009-09-23T23:58:00.012-05:00

Today was my first time at the Women's Athletic Club (WAC) in Chicago. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a performance sponsored by the Chicago Chamber Music Society. Quintet Attacca performed four pieces, including two that were Latin-inspired. Quintet Attacca is:

Jennifer Clippert, flute
Barbara Drapcho, clarinet
Erica Anderson, oboe
Collin Anderson, bassoon
Jeremiah Frederick, horn

The WAC was formed in 1898 as the first club for women in the United States -- and it did not disappoint. I wanted so badly to take a few inconspicuous snaps of the small ballroom, but I couldn't bring myself do it. As if it would have ruined it. But the room was gorgeous. Art Deco to the hilt, and all around the perimeter of the room was a banquet with kelly green upholstered banquette with a black frame. Die!

After the concert, we had lunch in yet another beautiful Art Deco room with silver wallpaper with Asian motifs and silver leaf beams. Stunning, but again, no pics. Sorry! Our post-luncheon excursion was a quick stop at Cartier. Trinity ring, anyone?

The ram skull ornament is on the WAC building on Michigan Avenue. Image credit here. Copyright info here.
And check out Cartier, too!

Kiehl's Original Musk

2009-08-18T09:51:00.002-05:00

Kitty surprised me this weekend with a bottle of Kiehl's Original Musk. She turned me on to it a couple of years ago... and we snap it up whenever it shows up at a haunt. It's a soft, warm scent that will be a nice change when it starts to get cooler. I'm still into summer here, but I can't help but start thinking of the next wave of sartorial choices... after all, most of the year in Chicago is cool to freezing -- it pays to be prepared.

Get it online at Kiehl's.

Haunting :: JCrew-la-la

2009-08-17T09:48:00.000-05:00

Very happy to report this score from a super-secret haunt. These lovely shoes were only $15 per pair. They are suede JCrew pumps (made in Italy) -- and I am so happy to have them for fall.

That muted citrus will pop like crazy with gray pants and a warm red silk blouse (with a wide gray snakeskin belt). I use this color almost as a neutral (see last week's Kate Spade post for a great way to integrate this color). The dove gray pair are a little more "standard" -- but lovely still. With a win like this, you can afford to get both pairs! Can't wait to debut!

Now That's What I'm Talking About.

2009-08-15T16:46:00.010-05:00

Now this -- THIS is what I've been talking about! I have been wanting to try 12 Bones in Asheville, NC for a long time, and this week I finally had the opportunity to go. The barbeque was just right -- Eastern NC style (as in little to no vinegar-based sauce), even though we are decidedly in Western NC here. They do have an array of sauces you can add to your pulled pork or pulled chicken (they have ribs, too). Of course, my go-to order item for lunch is the pulled pork sandwich, and this one did not disappoint!

My brother recommends the green beans and corn pudding (which was more "country" than what I usually have in corn pudding -- think paté de campagne vs fois gras -- a little chunkier and "rough"). Add a big glass of sweet tea (those are not my sweetner packets -- I'm anti- fake sweetner), and you have it made!

My personal favorite of the 12 Bones sauces:

And a little taste of Chicago:

Let's face it, our President knows where to get good vittles. The line was out the door the whole time we were there. 12 Bones is only open for lunch!

I promise: Last barbeque post for a while. I've had my fill for now. I seriously need to add a tag on the blog sidebar for this topic -- I had no idea that I thought that this was one of the things that "makes life great". But, there you go.

Love :: New Kate Spade, Silk Blouses and Color

2009-08-12T19:37:00.011-05:00

Lord I love this stuff. Not just the blouse, the dress, the coat... but the ways that these ensembles are put together. The pop! The glamour! Oh-la-la!

One of my wardrobe staples is the bold print silk blouse like the cream and black polka dot number shown above. I scour my haunts for vintage versions made in Hong Kong, usually from the 80s. Snip out the shoulder pads, fluff up the details, and you are ready to rock.

Check out the new Kate Spade website here.

Asheville Typography

2009-08-10T13:17:00.003-05:00

Cool tiled Arts & Crafts letters on Haywood in Asheville. Like it.

Love :: "I Have My Sources"

2009-08-02T22:00:00.003-05:00

Today I had the pleasure of having coffee with my friend E.

I was telling her about At The Meadows and explaining the concepts of "my haunts" (see sidebar if you're not in the know), she told me her mother's solution to the age-old question:

"Where did you get that?"

Her response: "I have my sources." (with a sly smile, I imagine!)

And the fabu cake we enjoyed at the Viennese coffee parlor:

Actual Email Correspondence

2009-07-28T14:53:00.005-05:00

As I was writing this response to Kitty, I thought my description of my new haunted earrings warranted a quick post:

I just went to the local haunt at lunch -- didn't look at clothes though. Got an H2O sea salt scrub for $4.99... and some sterling/fwpearl (kind of old-lady, David Yurman but bamboo-esque metal rather than rope design) earrings on clearance.

On Jul 28, 2009, at 2:20 PM, Kitty wrote:

Sorry...it's busy here today. I saw some good Isaac Mizrahi/Liz Claiborne stuff at Xxxxx, so stop by your local haunt and check it out if you have time.

And the earrings:

"A Perfect Beach Day!"

2009-07-26T16:46:00.002-05:00

These are the cheery words that my neighbor said when he saw me heading to the beach today. And it was. Not too hot -- because the water in Lake Michigan is still freezing. And just busy enough -- some kids, some couples, some loners. Check out that sky!

Kevin Spacey = Jack Benny

2009-07-22T21:22:00.013-05:00

And I love Jack Benny.

The Jack Benny Show is on MeToo late at night, and if I'm up, I make a point to catch it (right after Burns and Allen). I love checking out the styling of the shows -- the clothes, the hair, the mannerisms (and manners), and the interiors. There is something about the refined simplicity that I'm drawn to -- but they are just cardboard walls, though, right? No matter.

When I saw this clip of Kevin Spacey trying to explain twitter to David Letterman, I immediately thought of Mr Benny's mannerisms. Here's the clip -- if you like Jack Benny or need the lowest-level primer on twitter:

Then compare to Mr Benny's monologue:

Jack Benny color image above from Google's Life archive.

Love :: An Interior within an Interior

2009-07-21T01:14:00.008-05:00

This little snapshot (c. 1975) is of the entry at my grandmother's house. On the most perfect drop-leaf table, she had a portrait of me, one of her mother, and two small photos (in a little metal frame that folded like a book), one half of a pair of truly elegant chinoiserie lamps with silk shades, and on the left side of the table is a lantern (red candle!) that my uncle made on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. It's like the ones they used in the mid-nineteenth century -- the only other time I've seen one like it is on a Confederate ghost walk.

I love a little vignette, and this little white-edged snap perched on its delicate brass easel is a peach. The best part is the "interior within an interior" effect (à la "play within a play"). The setting of the photo (endo-frame) relates so much to the setting (exo-frame) of which it's a part. The similar colors of the tables, a single lamp to the right, and the mirrors on the wall behind.

Why was this picture ever taken? It's unusual to to find a box filled with party-people and holiday smiles, only to come across one where the only people in the shot are two-dimensional. How did this one make the cut into the box with the party people? Talk about absence/presence and representation through image! Whoa -- heavy stuff, Mema!

Unpretentious southern decor: a bit of nicety, a lot of quality, and family ever-present. Mema had it.

Love :: A great pocketbook

2009-07-20T22:05:00.000-05:00

Carla Bruni really works it. I need this.

photo: www.huffingtonpost.com

Kind of gray, but check out the view!

2009-07-19T11:15:00.004-05:00

We had a board meeting on boat yesterday and then went for a spin on the lake. Dramatic clouds but no rain.

Love :: A Patriotic Look

2009-07-04T12:57:00.003-05:00

Sometimes having patriotic sartorial flair can come off as costume-y. Personally, I love one item (usually a scarf, sometimes a hat) in red, white, and blue, and a couple of low-key (sometimes vintage) pins or buttons. The ones shown in the photo above are a DAR recognition pin (no better day to be a Daughter), and our DAR Chicago Flag Day pin.

Another way to play it is to wear pieces that are solid but in the right colorway. For instance, dark blue denim pants with a white base of a great tee or white button-down (I love the sleeves rolled up to above the elbows and the collar popped), and a sweater or scarf in red. Either way, navy is a good base... it can cut the "Pollyanna" look (a huge no-no if you are over twelve). And going for color references, not necessarily flag designs and the like, are much more sophisticated.

Independence Day :: Fly the Flag and Ring Bells!

2009-07-04T08:30:00.013-05:00

This is a really old pin-back button that I picked up at a flea market in North Carolina back in college. I love to wear it on patriotic holidays like Independence Day or Flag Day, and Memorial [Decoration] Day, but also on election day. And sometimes I wear it to a DAR events. The paper insert inside reads "Lucke Badges and Buttons, Baltimore, MD". The flag artwork is just beautiful. It's such a pure sentiment. (You'll also probably notice that this is the button that inspired this year's DAR Chicago Flag Day pin, in the sidebar below.)

One of my favorite patriotic songs is "You're a Grand Old Flag" by George M. Cohan. It's a good one to put a little pep in your step this time of year.

::::::::

YOU'RE A GRAND OLD FLAG
chorus
by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag!

::::::::

When you're out today, carry a small flag if you have one (I love to carry a little parade flag... particularly the Betsy Ross variety), wear a vintage flag pin, or even a vintage political badge. The DAR also encourages people to fly the flag and ring bells on the Fourth of July. Enjoy your day!

Read more about the history of the song, "You're a Grand Old Flag" here.

Chicago Fireworks :: Independence Day 2009

2009-07-03T23:54:00.002-05:00

John Adams started the tradition of firing cannons and such on the Fourth of July to mark the day. In Chicago, fireworks are on the third -- which I really don't like, on principle. But, when in Rome (or Chicago).... Truth be told, it is a great way to kick off the holiday weekend.

Pool Date :: Postponed

2009-07-03T10:23:00.001-05:00

Today I was planning on skating into the Fourth of July weekend and heading out to the suburbs for a pool date with a DAR friend. But, her preps for the Hamptons are making for craziness, so no suburban pool date today. Maybe I can skate into the weekend with Johnny Depp instead. That sounds about right. M, we'll regroup in a couple of weeks -- summer is here for a while!

The image is of Raymond Loewy, industrial designer, from the Google Life Collection. Find it here.

Haunting :: Ms Wearstler Eat Your Heart Out

2009-07-02T00:40:00.000-05:00

This ceramic number is from my recent visit to the haunts with Kitty. It's about eight or ten inches square, and about two and a half inches tall (elevation view) with highly reflective silver and gold glazes. This is the kind of thing that when it catches my eye, I immediately buggy it to inspect and assess. I walk around with it to "live" with it. When I saw this piece, I grabbed it and carried it around with me. Its only marking is a label with the words "Jaru" on it. The circle with radiating dots in the center is raised inside a sunken area, so the gold surface is at the same elevation as the silver surface.

The label is just like the one on this objet from Modern Cactus:

I'd never heard of Jaru, but after a couple of tries researching the name, I have finally found a confirmation of what it is -- what "family" it belongs to, so to speak. Finding that Modern Cactus image was the clencher, because though I'd seen things like this, nothing really matched up -- though those have similar glazes, which was encouraging.

This objet is the type that seems a little weird at first, but I had such a visceral response to it -- it feels good. In the shop I said to Kitty, "Kelly Wearstler would kill for this!"

Ever find something you thought was iffy but turned out to be a showstopper?

Public Enemies :: Opening Today

2009-07-01T10:14:00.004-05:00

Johnny Depp has really grown on me over the years. I love that he's so serious about acting. He is in a league of his own. I have been looking forward to this movie ever since Mr Interiors told me that some of it was shot in a Chicago building with which I am quite familiar. Chicago is always great on the big screen, and to see some familiar sights through vintage glasses, all the better. If I can't get to the theater on Wednesday -- save me a seat this weekend!

Check out the trailer here.

The second photo is the Biograph Theater on the north side of the Chicago, and the third photo is Chicago's Union Station.

Ospedale degli Innocenti :: Festa della Rificolona

2009-06-30T18:14:00.005-05:00

And this is the other side of the card mentioned in the previous post. Executed at dinner with a BIC pen and a highlighter purchased at the local farmacia that day.

Love :: A Desk of One's Own

2009-06-30T10:00:00.004-05:00

Stuff everywhere... I was sitting down to write or sketch or something one day last week and thought this summed up my ideal space. This is where I conduct my personal correspondence and At The Meadows business, where I write notes to friends... on paper. It's a bit of curated haunting -- I know some things have been seen on At The Meadows before (like this and this), but to see them together and how they "talk" to each other is nice.

The card in the holder is from the Ospedale degli Innocenti ("Hospital of the Innocents") in Florence. I like to send postcards to myself at home when I'm traveling. They are great reminders when you first arrive home, but even more so years later. On the back of that card is a quick sketch I made of the lanterns of the Festa della Rificolona. And the birds in the background are needlepoint done by a German woman (according to the signature on the back of the frame).

What's on your desk?*

*And a side note on desks, my favorite baristas offered to make me a little desk made of milk crates so I could work in the beautiful weather today. Those baristas are handy!

Happy Birthday Mama

2009-06-29T19:03:00.006-05:00

Looks pretty good --

2009-06-23T18:16:00.008-05:00

Oh but those hushpuppies were dense! Like little breaded super bounce balls.

Kitty and I made a barbecue run on Saturday between haunts -- to Sweet Baby Ray's restaurant. They say their BBQ sauce is "the boss" -- and it is good if you like the red stuff (on chicken, I would say).

But I dragged Kitty out to try an Eastern NC style sandwich. Kitty was raised in Chicago, so this was exotic! And I was ready to give this Chicagoland sandwich a try.

Points for having the slaw on the sandwich when it arrived. I did have to add some extra sauce, to really get a good vinegar taste, but all in all, not a bad sandwich. I had been jonesing for this for two weeks, so I'm sure I am being generous, but happy to do so (before our visit, I was on the verge of calling Kings in Kinston). As I mentioned, the hushpuppies were hard and dense. And get this -- they charge $2.49 for four puppies. I sweet-talked them for gratis, though. Good thing, since they were not up to House-Autry snuff! And no sweet tea, of course.

I was happy to just have a little bit of sandwich to taste and review... worth the drive for this Chicago-southerner. Sweet Baby Ray's is serving Eastern NC style barbecue during the month of June, so check it out for yourself and share your thoughts!

Happy Father's Day :: 2009

2009-06-21T11:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day!

Call your Daddy or Paw-Paw today!

This photo is of my Paw-Paw... this picture was probably taken in the 40s or 50s. Maybe you can see where one of my aunts wrote "Daddy" on the left side in his t-shirt. He was the best!

Haunting :: Some Saturday Finds

2009-06-20T20:03:00.011-05:00

Oh, Lord. Kitty* and I hit the haunts today and whew... we were all over the place. Here are a couple of my finds:

A brass magazine rack with a relief of what looks to be a landing scene of a Spanish ship -- conquistadors? No telling really -- though I can't see any Spanish helmets on our landing party. It's marked "Peerage -- Made in England", and it definitely has some patina, if you know what I mean. But it will look fab in the living room -- I have a lot of magazines, and I need a lot of ways to corral them. And y'all know I love all things Americana/explorer/manifest destiny/history (what a thought-bucket!). Check the end of the post for an impromptu set-up.

This deck of playing cards was a steal! Love the type on this!

Okay ---- drummmmm rolllll pleeeease....

Oh this is going to be good.

More haunted stuff to come -- stay tuned!

* formerly known as "K"

On the Prowl Today!

2009-06-20T09:20:00.000-05:00

K and I are out today haunting -- hopefully there will be post-worthy objets!

Happy Saturday!

Wish List :: Stanley Ford's Bachelor Pad

2009-06-19T15:17:00.018-05:00

Last night I was surfing through my digital converter box offering (no cable here), and came across this embarrassment of riches. I missed the very beginning of the opening credits, so not until today when I was researching for this post did I find out that the flick is called "How to Murder Your Wife". (gulp!) Jack Lemmon's character, Stanley Ford, is a cartoonist ("Bash Brannigan" is the name of the strip) -- and he is the ultimate bachelor until he impulsively and drunkenly marries a beautiful Italian bombshell who jumped out of a cake at another gentleman's bachelor dinner.

Stanley lives in a townhouse in Manhattan with all the good stuff: a study, a terrace, a bar, incredible cabinetry in the kitchen and his dressing room. And the type in the opening credits ain't too shabby either. All this with a cuter-than-all-get-out Jack Lemmon.

These are my kind of digs. I love this 1960s eclecticism -- great art, great objets and fantastic furniture.

And check out the studio!

Love the way he's making hand gestures as he speaks, and the woman in the painting in the background has her hand to her mouth. It's as if they're the ones having a conversation.

Is it weird that I want this bachelor pad?

PS :: Going haunting with K tomorrow -- crossing fingers that we'll score some good stuff!

Haunting :: Sea Biscuit

2009-06-16T22:23:00.004-05:00

I'm not talking thoroughbreds, either.

What a great score that I found at a haunt in the dead of winter. This beautiful blue vintage glass piece has the shape of a sea biscuit like one I remember my mother always had in her house, but the transparency like a jelly fish (I remember seeing them from the heights of the Johnny Mercer Pier). Either way, it's summertime at the beach -- at home!

The Hog Highway

2009-06-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

Since I posted last week about my recent cravings for some Eastern NC barbeque, I have been seeing it everywhere. Maybe there is something to asking the universe for what you want! Since I posted this, I have had the following things come to me:

1) My June/July Garden & Gun just arrived, and it features an article on the best barbeque joints of Eastern NC. (Ayden has two!)
2) America's Test Kitchen showed how to make it at home... specifically, sandwiches with slaw! My favorite!
3) The Sweet Baby Ray's restaurant in Elk Grove Village, IL is featuring Eastern NC barbeque all month! Check it out here. My expectations aren't very high, but I am desperate.

I am trying to go next weekend, and I will report back on how the Illinois version of NC barbeque goes... apparently there will be hush puppies as well!

Flag Day

2009-06-14T23:15:00.003-05:00

Today was Flag Day, and DAR Chicago was out in full-force along Michigan Avenue giving away American flags. We gave away 3,000 flags at three locations: the Water Tower (shown above), the Wrigley Building (right at the Michigan Avenue Bridge), and at Millennium Park's "Bean" (Cloudgate sculpture). It was so great! So many smiles!

After our flags were all gone, we regrouped at The Gage for some more social time. Thanks to all the ladies who came out today!

PS :: if you're on Facebook, you can join the "Friends of DAR Chicago" group!

Absinthe, Chocolate and Minnies

2009-06-12T14:06:00.017-05:00

Last night I attended a little soiree for the opening of Vosges' wine bar service at its Armitage shop. I always love a good Vosges event -- remember? Haunt-Chocolate. Everything is so rich and wonderful -- signature purple is everywhere and the place exudes a worldly vibe.

Mr and Ms Fab* and I headed straight to the back for a glass of prosecco, and Sam (check out that suit -- talk about dandy-glam!) treated us to a brand-new Vosges creation. It's a "Rock 'n Roll" interpretation from their Groove collection, and it's a dark chocolate truffle with clove ganache that has some kind of Brazilian smoked tobacco infusion. Forgive me, Vosge-ies for not describing it exactly right or eloquently, but I am not a foodie. (I'm a lover not a foodie... I don't analyze.) To get to it: This truffle was amazing. Amazing.

But what's next:

There is ABSINTHE. I have never had absinthe before. In fact, about the only knowledge of the green fairy that I have is from watching Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge. Sam demonstrated how to serve it -- from pouring to sugar with water drops, to adding more water and ice -- it was quite a production. And after all that, I have to say that I am not a fan. Loved the demo, the drink, not so much. The licorice flavor is just too much for me. Back to prosecco I went.

In addition to the Rock 'n Roll truffle, we sampled the Chef Pascal (one of my favorites), the Red Fire (with chili pepper -- num) and the Woolloomooloo truffle. I can never pronounce that one.

After all this decadence, we headed off to Minnies on Halsted for a quick nosh before home with our chocolate purchases (I decided on Red Fire Chocolate-Covered Tortilla Chips). What a night. Loved being with you, Mr and Ms Fab!

*as in Fab Four, you know

Castaway for an Hour

2009-06-12T13:57:00.003-05:00

Ahoy mateys!

It's finally sunny in Chicago today, and Mr Interior had the great idea to head down to Castaways at North Avenue beach for lunch. I was amazed at the number of people in the water! If you know Lake Michigan, then you know that the water is freezing until mid-August, and even then it's iffy. No gulf stream here, babies.

PS :: That waitress in the red tank top was totally rocking out to the tunes.

Blog? What blog?

2009-06-12T10:04:00.004-05:00

I have been remiss this week! But I also have new pics to share, so there will be a new post this afternoon. And I will have to be more diligent. I've only been blogging for a short while, and I am new to the experience of blog-guilt -- that pang of "shoulda" when I don't have time to post. As soon as my camera charges up, I'll post some great pics from last night.

Wish List :: Bar-B-Q King

2009-06-07T11:11:00.005-05:00

It's Sunday, and I have a hankering for a visit to the barbeque place. Alas, none here in Chicago. Oh, they can call it "Carolina pulled pork", but it's messy and doused in red sticky sauce, but that is not my barbeque. Shredded pork with clear vinegar "sauce" is what I like -- Eastern NC style. The photo above was taken during a road trip with Mama. We were traveling from Asheville to Charlotte and decided to take the business route into Lincolnton for lunch.

Luckily we found the Bar-B-Q King. Everything you ever wanted in a barbeque place. Good, fast and low-key. Every table had a bottle of ketchup, a roll of paper towels (the kitchen-Bounty variety), salt/pepper and a a bottle of Texas Pete. This place is pretty far west, but is on the geographical edge, so to speak, of where barbeque goes from shredded to sliced and sauce goes from "clear" to red. It was a great lunch. And the tea was pretty good, too. (I have a friend whose mother says that a place's sweet tea is the only real way to judge a restaurant.)

Somewhere I have the card of a barbeque place that overnights food. I need that card. I'll make tea today -- halfway there.

Urban Pow-wow

2009-06-06T16:50:00.012-05:00

Members of the American Indian Center in Chicago conducted a mini pow-wow today at the Raven Festival (one of Chicago's many summertime neighborhood festivals). As a member of my DAR chapter's American Indian committee, I accompanied B, the committee chair, to the event.

The outfits were great. I particularly liked the "fancy dance" girl (that's what they called her). Her headpiece is beaded with images of the Hancock and Sears Towers flanking a tepee. And her moccasins and cape have the same image themes. Very interesting to see these images manifested in Native American beading techniques.

Learn more about Chicago's American Indian Center here.

Sunny Day Ensemble

2009-06-06T16:24:00.003-05:00

Blue linen jacket, white button down, blue/gray striped trousers with a gold-link and tomato soup red enamel with a kelly green pocketbook. Oh and straw flats with a light gold buckle. Love these shoes.

A Modern Paradox Wrapped in a Vintage Enigma

2009-06-04T17:32:00.000-05:00

MBM over at Preppy Patio posted a quiz for identifying your decorating style. They call me "Vintage Modern". I can see it. We southerners love our antiques, but that doesn't mean that we live in the past. But they also mention microfiber -- I think not.

:: Take the quiz here.

A Low Country Treasure

2009-06-03T00:36:00.011-05:00

Charleston has quite a few historic plantation houses, but after pouring over the details of the lot, we settled on Drayton Hall on the Ashley River for a visit. Drayton Hall is the house of an old indigo and rice plantation. It is spectacular in its state of preservation. The paint is peeling, the floors creak, and you can still see where the family marked children's heights on the door frame.

This house has been preserved, not restored -- meaning that since it was acquired by the National Trust from the Drayton family in 1974, it has been kept as-is. The wonderful part is that not many changes had been made since the mid-eighteenth century (it was built in 1742). Shutters were added in the nineteenth century, and repairs made with contemporary materials as needed, but on the whole, it's very similar to how it would have been back "in the day".

There is no furniture or artwork inside the house, since there is no air conditioning to protect it. Windows are wide-open as you pass through the rooms. Window views of languid spanish moss and lush grass are the art. The ultra-verdant landscape contrasts sharply with the dull green-gray of the walls with bits of red wood underneath, and striking greek key on the mantels and star motifs on the molded plaster ceiling. This place is a feast for the eyes.

Find out more about Drayton Hall here.

Haunting :: Back in the Day

2009-06-01T18:15:00.000-05:00

From the pages of the Hugh Morson High School in Raleigh, circa 1930. My favorite: "A certain Buick".

Love :: Tea Time

2009-05-31T19:19:00.016-05:00

Tea time is a great way to connect with people. I have a group of friends who go out to tea fairly often, but I think it's great to entertain this way at home. A simple flower arrangement, a menu of savory and sweet tidbits -- and of course great tea -- make for a convivial atmosphere. Such a delight!

I prefer to send invitations to tea in the mail. Each invitation includes my monogram and the invitation "Please come to tea", along with the pertinent details and reply information.

A few more details:
Earl Grey with Lavender tea (served in these), and three courses, always served in this order: savory tea sandwiches, scones with strawberry preserves and clotted cream, and sweets (baby eclairs, fruit tarts, petit fours, palmiers -- and a sea salt caramel). My good friend S made the comment that the palmiers complement the teapots -- elephant ears. So true!

Tea may look fancy, but it's really not. I hope that everyone had a great time!

Okay. I need a baby eclair. Last. One.

Love :: Weekends at Green City Market

2009-05-31T00:36:00.009-05:00

One of the best parts of a summer Saturday in Chicago is the Green City Market! Right now, peonies are ramping up, and there is -- among other things -- live music. This group played last weekend. I think the band is called Haywood Blues, but my cursory research to confirm that turned up nothing. If you do know who they are, please let me know. They were fun!

As I said the peonies are "ramping up", meaning that they are there, but sell out fast -- they aren't at their peak yet. So on the day I went, I had to settle for blush-colored lilies. Which have lasted all week! Happy weekend to you!

Haunting :: Mottled Green Marble Bookends

2009-05-28T23:32:00.002-05:00

I spied this pair of mottled green Italian marble bookends on the second scour of the bric-a-brac section of a little nothing place in NC. They have some issues, but those wear more like patina than damage, and the green is so good -- so good. They will be good in my living room. And they are so heavy, there is no way that my books will fall over.

The little books shown here are part of the Penguin 60p series from the 90s. Penguin sold these little guys for 60p each to celebrate the company's 60th anniversary. They were perfect for toting through London during my study abroad trip... to have one of these on the Tube or while waiting in line for theater tickets was supposed to be smart use of your time, but inevitably I just liked to watch the people hurry about on the street or study the design in the Tube stations. And when I came home I picked up a few more American books (I think they were 95¢ in the U.S.), things like the United States Constitution and the Fannie Farmer Cookbook.

Memorial Day :: Thank You

2009-05-25T09:48:00.005-05:00

That's my grandfather on the right. He served in the Pacific theater in WWII. He came from a small mill village in southwestern North Carolina, and his family had lived in the area since Tryon County was half the state. I workout with a woman whose husband is in the National Guard and this spring returned from deployment in Iraq. I think that serving in the National Guard is very honorable, and I told her so. The DAR is going to be laying a wreath at General Logan's monument at Grant Park today, and I will be there.

Thank you to all the men and women who have served our country.

Dior vs Chanel :: Le cinema de la mode :: Bring it!

2009-05-23T17:59:00.008-05:00

Marion Cotillard is starring in a serial film for Dior... all about a handbag. She's cool; "eh" to the bag. You can view the Dior film here, and you can see the post on Audrey Tatou in her film for Chanel here. Personally, I like the Chanel film much more. Enjoy!

Love :: A Chicago Hot Dog Stand

2009-05-22T13:36:00.002-05:00

Down south I was used to getting a hot dog on a steamed bun with ketchup and slaw. They would run you out of town on a rail if you tried that order in Chicago. On a Chicago dog: mustard, onions, sweet pickle relish that is a very unnatural shade of green, tomato slices, hot peppers, a dill pickle spear and celery salt -- all this is usually piled into a poppy seed bun. Never ketchup (back to that rail). And there isn't even slaw on in the fixin' line-up.

I was inspired to visit Bill's Drive-In after seeing "The Hot Dog Show" on PBS for the upteenth time, even though I have heard that these are different owners from the "Bill" of yore. And, technically, it's in Evanston (but about 50 ft north of the Chicago border). I had a dog all the way -- just no peppers. Hot dog, eh. All the 'yelps' rave about the burgers -- next time.

Debut :: Espadrilles

2009-05-22T11:43:00.004-05:00

It's the holiday weekend, and I'm starting it right with the debut of a pair of salmon pink round-toe espadrilles -- paired with dark denim tailored sailor pants and a white smock shirt with pin-tuck pleats. Ooo la la!

When in Chicago...

2009-05-21T21:42:00.004-05:00

I love the designers over at MeTV. The spots they create to promote the network's vintage programming are right-on, and not syrupy-sweet nostalgic. Check out this great promo for The Andy Griffith Show. Especially at 00:35 where Barney's song is answered by Andy.

I had this idea about a year ago that my perfect man was about 85% Rob Petrie and 15% Andy Taylor. No kidding.

When in Chicago, watch MeTV! You'll feel good.

Love :: A Man Magnet

2009-05-19T21:38:00.002-05:00

It's a funny thing about this clutch. It's black leather with perforations and these four die-cut holes along the top. It closes with strong sewn-in magnets (they are in the structure of the bag, pretty invisible at first inspection).

This little black clutch has garnered so many compliments from women and men alike, that my friends used to joke that it was a "man magnet". The funny thing is -- turns out it's not a joke. When I take this out, random men compliment my bag. Straight men. In wine bars. Or at a restaurant for lunch. They cannot resist it. It started as a joke, but no more. It's bona fide.