Random Chanel Item

No. 15

Kittens!

The only thing better than getting images 

of Random Chanel Items, sent to me in my inbox...

 is having them gifted to me for Mother's Day!

My uber talented and creative sister in law Shelly,

made me these adorable magnets for Mother's Day!

Shelly is such a whiz at needle crafts, she can even work 

with teeny tiny canvases. 
{She made a Zhush magnet too...so cute!}

Check out her blog, Fourteen Countess.

It's full of her beautiful projects and pieces.

Thanks Shelly!

Hope you all craft a lovely weekend for yourselves!

Look + Listen

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S, yeah
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S...
by the glamorous, ooh, the flossy, flossy...

Image via:  AnneCoyleInteriors via OdieEtAmo
Lyrics by:  Fergie 

Major Lodge Style!

Major Lodge Style...
that must be what M.L.S. stands for here, right?

This amazing Adirondack style home
is located in the neighboring town of Bedford, New York.

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting this house, 

before the current owners purchased it.  

When this property reappeared on the market, I couldn't wait 

to check out the photos.  The rumors have it
that Steven Gambrel 

was hired by the current owners to redesign the whole space.  

I can not attest to the veracity of this, but I can tell you 

the house looks completely different
from when I last viewed it in person.  

The only remaining decor is the mural
on the dining room ceiling 

(3rd photo down) which depicts the surrounding lakes outside.

The main house contains a movie theater, 

billiards room and wine cellar.

Included on this lakefront property are a beautiful pool, 

pool house, outdoor fireplace, play house and gym,
complete with indoor basketball court.

Plus, if you buy this house,
we would be neighbors.

{I could stop by and drink your wine.}

Wants vs. Needs

WANT!!!

{don't forget to enter the giveaway!!!}

Images via: ApartmentTherapy; The Neo-traditionalist; French Kissed;; Fashionphile; Coco+Kelley; Maisonclassique;googleimages.

Not Your Grandma's Dishes {any more}

{Rehabilitated Dinner Plates}

I was instantly smitten with the work of artist Sarah Cihat, 

when I came across her irreverent dinner plates over at Horn. 

Ms. Cihat, describes what she considers to be
a successful day on the Horn site:

"Arriving at my Brooklyn home 

with an armful of otherwise hopeless dinnerware,

saved from local thrift stores and flea markets."

Sarah then rehabilitates each piece with a complete  

re-glazing that includes the addition of a playful silhouette.

Her work is "green", beautiful and incredibly creative.
What's better than that?

+
{don't forget to enter this!}

Channeling Diana Vreeland {+ a giveaway!}

 

Once I started thinking about The Plaza Hotel,

my thoughts led to Kay Thomspon, 

the author of the amazing Eloise children's books.

Not only did she live in The Plaza herself, 

and write the famous Eloise books,

but she was an amazing actress, singer and dancer as well!

Kay Thompson starred in the movie, "Funny Face" alongside
Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.

Ms. Thompson played Maggie Prescott,
the editor in chief of Quality Magazine.
This character was based entirely on Diana Vreeland.
Watching "Funny Face" on dvd recently,
I couldn't get over how well this
fifty year old movie holds up today.

Which got me thinking.....

"Just go ahead.  Give ideas away. 
Under every idea there is a new idea
waiting to be born."
                        ~Diana Vreeland

If you would like to win your own copy of this dvd, PLUS, a copy of Diana Vreeland's autobiography, "DV", a witty and charming tell all about the glitz and drama of the high fashion world, leave a comment, and a way to reach you, below.

One winner will be drawn using Random.Org
on Friday May 14th, and announced on Saturday, May 15th.

This giveaway is open to everyone.
Good Luck!

Images via: IMDB; Amazon;GoogleImages

Monday's Pop of Purple

poetically purple perch.

Image via: NewYorkMagazine

The Saturday Evening Post

Fifteen years ago today, my husband proposed at 

The Plaza hotel, in New York City.

Thinking about this iconic hotel,
and all the different owners and renovations
that have taken place, since the night we got engaged,
"old school New York City style"...

Here is a virtual peak at The Plaza today.

Having gone partially condo, fifteen years later,
The Plaza still looks pretty swank.

The model condominium units designed by Versaci Home,
still retain the glamor and glitz that I will
forever associate with this Hotel.

And, some things have remained exactly as I remember.

The Lobby.

The Oak Bar.

And, the Oak Room as well.

The adorable homage to Eloise is new,
and it seems the hotel's remaining rooms and suites
have all been spiffed up as well.

Not only did we get engaged at The Plaza,
but we spent our wedding night there as well.
One day, I know 
we will return to this famous landmark.

~*~
{stop by tomorrow for a fun giveaway!}

images via: TheLuxist,;ThePlaza; GoogleImages