On the wall

LINEAR THINKING

Stripes are literally everywhere for spring. Available in varying thickness and color, add fashionable stripes to your wardrobe and your home. They have a happiness factor you cannot deny. Pack a visual punch and stripe it rich when the weather turns warm. Don't you want to earn your stripes?

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie
The Venezia Pavillion from Z Gallerie will transform your outdoor space into a Dorothy Draper inspired getaway.

Photo courtesy of Pretty Ballerinas
Marilyn Ballet Flats in black and white stripes with red accents from Pretty Ballerinas.

Photo courtesy of Dash and Albert
The Lakehouse indoor outdoor rugs from Dash and Albert have a wide classic awning stripe that works in a variety of settings.

Photo courtesy of Minnie Mortimer
The Kate Dress from Minnie Mortimer is a classic sailor shirt as dress.
Photo courtesy of Kate Spade
Brushstroke Bow Anabel is lacquered canvas from Kate Spade with a darling bow detail.

Photo courtesy of Kate Spade
Candy Shop Jeanette Dress is an easy shirt dress from Kate Spade.

Photo courtesy of Top Shop
Black scallop stripe one piece swimsuit from Top Shop.

Photo courtesy of LA Plates
Jot a note on a customized zig zag striped notepad from LA Plates.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitter's Cabana Stripe Duvet Cover is a lot of bang for the buck in a wonderful peachy sorbet color.
Photo courtesy of Shades of Light
6" Hand painted Metal Ticking Stripe Chandelier Shade from Shades of Light is a way to add a striped element in a small dose.

Photo courtesy of Pier 1
The Wycliff Chest with painted stripes lined in turquoise from Pier 1 is a way to make a big impact with stripes.

West Elm Striped Shower Curtain in citron shows stripes horizontally.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
Sunbrella Round Umbrella with stripes from Pottery Barn has thick stripes that look great.

Photo courtesy of Land's End
Land's End Classic Oxford Stripe Duvet Cover combines stripes of varying thickness, reminiscent of French textiles.

and matching Sham

Photo courtesy of Target
A crisp blue and white vase from Target brings a little bit of seaside to your home.

Photo courtesy of J. Crew
The stripe that started it all, from French purveyors of all things striped since 1850, Saint James. J. Crew carries their beloved Naval II Tee.

Photo courtesy of West Elm
Tribal Triangle Dessert Plates from West Elm have a painterly stripe.

A bit of the top of the Kitchen Cupboard and my new turquoise plastic cups

Made by HART... remember them?  They are plastic and what a colour.
And my cut glass milk jug with matching sugar bowl and a butter dish  - in the fridge with butter in it.

LAST WEEK: DIFFA'S DINING BY DESIGN

This year, DIFFA's Dining by Design event, held last week at Pier 94, honored Margaret Russell, the newly appointed Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest. Her years of tireless work on behalf of DIFFA and D by D were recognized this year, and given her busy schedule, she did not design a table as she usually does. Alas, the color filled tables were amazing as they always are-- here are some of the best of the bunch:

I was invited to sit at the transporting zen Donna Karan for Lenox table. Her new black and white globaltabletop collection, carried at Neiman Marcus, filled the place settings.

A long table with a brass planter running down the center was surrounded by modern, pared - down benches on a neutral sisal carpet.

Ralph Lauren built out a country porch for their Dry Goods table, complete with mismatched white chairs and camping lanterns.

Blue and white plates and wildflowers enhanced the Little House on The Prarie cozy aesthetic.

A white hemstitched linen tablecloth and pewter charger under plates enhance the country look.

Michael Tavano looked to daisies for inspiration- his yellow and white palette was fun and springy.

Embroidery and calligraphy in yellow, gray and white say happy.

Peonies and a giant umbrella tie the hot pink, orange and green colors on Scalamandre's table together.

The William Yeoward plates are the perfect addition.

NYDC's saffron yellow painterly tromp l'oeil walls were inspired by the Guerlain Institute in Paris circa 1939.

Brad Ford spent literally months working with Moore and Giles Leather to create this custom Woody/Traveling Bar.

It is just amazing- from the ice holder in the center to the plush interior, he has thought of everything for this 1950's drinking den on wheels. It will be auctioned off in December to benefit Diffa. If you want to follow the tricked out Silver Tear Camper on its cross- country tour, Follow The Woody here.

Kravet's table combined rich jewel tones of plum, yellow and red. A demilune banquette created a chic dining setting that I wish could be transported to a real restaurant!

Lamps with bright fabric shades were placed on Diane von Furstenberg Home's table. This was the first time many saw the graphic geometric collection up close and responded with raves.

David Beahm Events created a lush floral enclave, complete with William Yeoward Crystal and William and Kate's faces on dinner plates. Their impending nuptuals are on everyone's mind.

Mark Blackwell created a modern rustic setting with bark lamps, louver blinds and a chocolate, white and silver scheme.

Faux bois dessert plates of his design brought the modern and rustic together.

Sacred Ibis

Driving between Montague and Riversdale this weekend

Coastline and plastic

All the bits of plastic I see on the coast always make me think of this chap called Simon who does installations with found plastic to raise awareness about plastic in our oceans.  More on his work here.

Flotsam - worn down by the sea

I have no idea what this piece of wood was but the layers have been beautifully worn and bleached by the sea and the sun.

Lichen and drift wood

Jongensfontein coastline - on the Stilbaai side

For Katie - Born Free

Between 2 places

German/English dictionary
Map of London from the said dictionary
Map of the Cape Peninsula from 1963
Birds cut from the 'Endangered birds of the Western Cape 1967'

HEADING BACK FROM LA

From browsing at Harbinger to lunch at Cecconi's I checked in on the LA design front this past week. Westweek occurs every March, bringing designers, trade resources and La Cienega galleries together at parties, product launches and panel discussions. What a week it was! From hearing the Editor in Chief panel keynote at the PDC to moderating the upcoming Bravo designer panel to kick off their new Million Dollar Decorator show, the week was filled with informative talks in a vibrant design destination.

Here are some of the favorite spots I returned to:

Joe Lucas and Parrish Chilcoat's Harbinger Shop in Almont Yard

Lee Stanton Antiques

Cecconi's Restaurant

Suzanne Rheinstein's Hollyhock on La Cienega

Joan's on Third

Lemonade in Venice

Blackman Cruz on Highland