December 24, 2008

HAPPY HOLIDAYS


Illustration by M.H.D.
Wishing you a happy holiday filled with joy & peace.
Thank you for reading My Dog-Eared Pages.

December 23, 2008

COASTAL RETREAT


After successfully launching ANKASA home in 1995, husband and wife team Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia have recently ventured into ready-to-wear, with a collection inspired by the Italian coastline. SACHIN & BABI for Ankasa highlights the elaborate embroidery and fabric-sourcing this dashing couple is known for. Only natural fibers... silk, linen, and cotton are used in this beach chic line. Shown above from left to right: Serena Tunic | Melanie Tunic | Elle Dress. For a list of stores, visit Ankasa.

December 21, 2008

A SOCIALITE JUICER'S JUBILEE


In the 1950s, socialite Lilly Pulitzer headed south--for, as my friend André would say "a juice run to Palm Beach." She opened a stand just off Worth and sold juices made from produce grown at her husband's citrus groves. But as the tale goes, it happened to be the ever-preppy pink and green frocks that her seamstress stitched that attracted the crowds. Soon, Lilly was selling more shifts than fresh-squeezed and the rest is history. This year the Lilly shift rings in its 50th Anniversary. The Jubilee celebration kick-off at Parsons The New School for Design in November included the launch of a Lilly-print piano from Steinway & Sons. The Lilly Pulitzer limited-edition Steinway & Sons Piano is available at Lilly Pulitzer stores nationwide by special order. While you're there, pick up some of the juicy dresses from the Lilly Jubilee Collection. Also available at Neiman Marcus.

December 20, 2008

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY NOW


Michael Thompson
Ruffled Neck, New York City 2007 © Michael Thompson

From January 16 through May 3, 2009 • New York's International Center of Photography will present cutting-edge fashion photography from the last few years. WEIRD BEAUTY | FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY NOW will include original photographic prints, tear sheets and covers from mainstream and independent magazines by Steven Meisel, Cindy Sherman, and others.
For more information, visit icp.org.

The exhibition is supported, in part, by public funds from NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.


December 19, 2008

HAPPY HYBIRD | THE CUBE


It's a bit odd at the moment to give props to foreign autos... but, I've always been a VW girl at heart. Volkswagen's 2009 Jetta TDI Clean Diesel has just been awarded Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal. Hats-off to VW... but, once my Passat wagon hits the hay, I'm considering my first Japanese car - the Nissan CUBE. Besides being cute, it's great at carrying stuff while conserving on fuel consumption. The 5-passenger interior is full of soft raindrop-inspired curves and can certainly fit that fabulous flea-market find.

QUICK SPECS: 30+ mpg/122-hp 1.8 L 4-cylinder engine | manual or automatic | Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System | Rockford Fosgate subwoofer/iPod | 6 standard air bags | electric engine-driven generator | 50 cubic ft cargo space | loads of colors | Estimated base price under $14,000 | available in North America in early 2009.

December 18, 2008

LOST ART? • IDK


Does the art of texting threaten the future of note writing? IDK.
But one Christmas, in my efforts to impede any chances of it, I ordered personalized note cards for my nieces and nephews -- handsome deep-green type on ecru notes with an embossed border for the boys and a swirling girly-pink type on bright white notes for the girls. I did receive thank you notes that year - hmm. Just yesterday, my custom note cards arrived for this blog (shown above) with the best dachshund silhouette I've seen, yet. I love them. They were handmade by Bella Blu designs, a design studio in Austin, Texas. Will I pop one of these note cards in the mail to my nieces and nephews to announce my blog-launch? DEF!
GTG | TTYL


RELATED ITEM | Bamboo Pens • set of 3 | $10.00 at iomoi.com

December 17, 2008

'TIFF FOR TEENS


Elsa Peretti Sevillana Ring
Sterling Silver $275
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Italian jewelry designer Elsa Peretti moved to New York in the 1960s where she began designing jewelry for a handful of top designers • Halston | Oscar de la Renta | Giorgio diSant'Angelo. Since 1974, she has been a featured designer for Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti's designs are minimalist perfection! If your teen already has a penchant for the blue box, skip the tag charms and opt for the sophistication of Peretti.

Elsa Peretti photographed here by Isabel Steva Hernandez in 1969. (image courtesy of Style.com)

December 16, 2008

DIANA VREELAND | style icon



Illustration by MHD

A friend of mine and I were imagining Diana Vreeland as a modern-day blogger. Would she be wearing UGGs? Probably not. She was our ultimate tastemaker and most recognizable fashion icon. Known as DV to those lucky to be her friends, Diana Vreeland was the essence of classic elegance and savoir-faire. Her career began in 1936 at Harper's Bazaar where she eventually became fashion editor. After 25 years there, she joined Vogue where she remained the editor-in-chief until 1971.
Her autobiography DV is a great read.

DV was also loved for her wonderful sense
of humor and irreverence:
"What do I think about the way most people dress? Most people are
not something one thinks about."

"The only real elegance is in the mind; if you've got that, the rest really
comes from it."

"Blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola."

"I adore that pink! It's the navy blue of India."

"Too much good taste can be boring."


December 15, 2008

Revolutionary Road | Oscar Buzz


The novel, Revolutionary Road is the basis of a new movie starring Leonardo diCaprio and Kate Winslet (in select theaters December 26th). Published to acclaim in 1961, Revolutionary Road by American writer Richard Yates, has maintained a cultish status among writers for over four decades. That year, the book lost the National Book Award to Walker Percy's Moviegoer. Revolutionary Road became the decade's critical indictment of postwar suburban life and those who left the cities in search of its hopeful surroundings. In the December 16th issue of The New Yorker, James Woods details how acutely Yates placed gender issues at the center of this, and all of his work--which might remind us of just how much in American culture has shifted since the 1950s and in some ways... how much we've remained the same.
Revolutionary Road | Directed by Sam Mendes

December 14, 2008

A LITTLE TIME IS ALL WE NEED


One of my dearest friends takes a little time each month
to be a big brother to a teenager in dire need of grounded
friendship and mentoring. We all feel compelled to do the
same type of volunteer work... but this friend actually
does it. He's also a brilliant illustrator (as you can see by
the cozy sketch above). This blog-post is a tribute to my
good friend M.H.D. and all of those who take the time
to improve the lives of others as a big brother or sister.
Big Brothers • Big Sisters

December 13, 2008

December 12, 2008

COLLAGE | COMEBACK


The art of collage is making an impressive comeback.
Not since the 1961 Art of Assemblage Exhibition at MoMA,
has collage been so hot. Some stunningly vibrant examples
of original mixed-media collage can be found in LULU, the
coffee table book by designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski.
Dreamlike collages highlight her own 1970s childhood
experiences and travels to exotic locales. Inspiring!
LULU | Hardcover | 192 pages | $63.00

For more information about collage, visit collageart.org
(dedicated to the art of collage).
 

December 11, 2008

The Glory of Choral Music


I come back to this recording with great joy each holiday.
Songs of Angels, Christmas Hymns & Carols by Robert Shaw
and his Chamber Singers, is purist a capella - just the way
it should be. Shaw was an extremely significant American
Conductor (April 30, 1916 – January 25, 1999) who, for more
than half a century, set the standard of excellence for choral
music. He was a 1991 recipient of the Kennedy Center
Honors (the same year Gregory Peck was honored).
"He was the greatest choral conductor we had, beyond a
shadow of a doubt,"
said Yale music professor Lawrence
Smith, conductor-in-residence at Yale's School of Music.


Support the Arts: Chorus of America

December 10, 2008

CNNs Planet in Peril


Tomorrow night, December 11 at 9pm (ET), CNN is back
with its worldwide investigation Planet in Peril. Hosted
by Anderson Cooper, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Lisa Ling.
Ling travels to the Zakoma National Park in southeastern
Chad to report on the astronomical reduction of Central
African elephants (from 200,000 to several thousand)
nearly wiped-out by the demand for ivory combined with
war in Sudan. What can we do? Take action. You can also
learn more by visiting save the elephants projects or by
adopting an elephant from the Wildlife Adoption Gift Center
(one elephant is $20, an elephant family is $50, or adopt a
herd for $75). Defenders of Wildlife ensures that your
donation will enforce international trade policies concerning
endangered species and will provide public education about
threats to these magnificent animals.

December 9, 2008

The Color RED • Gift Ideas


Nars Lipstick in fabulous shades of RED!
(an In Style Magazine Best Winner).
Available at www.neimanmarcus.com | $24.00


This 100% Wool Shawl from Canadian designer Virginia
Johnson is full of Dachshund Love. Size 44 x 82 inches.
Available at www.virginiajohnson.com | $195


WOW! This shiny, lipstick-red Palazzo Tote from Crate & Barrel commands attention! I love mine. Over-the-shoulder brown handles and lining. Size 15.5 W x 7 D x 14.5 H inches.
Available at www.crateandbarrel.com | $24.95

Lush & Lashy


O.K.,... it might not give you Twiggy's eyes but Dr. Hauschka's mascara is the best. It contains Neem Leaf extract to boost strong lash growth and is even scented with rose oil. It's gentle to allergy-prone eyes and of course, it's ophthalmoogically tested. Go for Royal Blue or Black. | chemical-free • silky • NO clumps | Available at www.drhauschka.com for $23.50

December 8, 2008

Spicy Sweet Potato & Coconut Soup

This soup is so yummy. I found it in Real Simple magazine's March 2005 issue and I've been making it since [recipe]. I skip the sesame oil drizzle and sometimes add shrimp during the final 5-minute simmer. It's a big hit served with a big fresh arugula & red-leaf salad and your best local crusty bread. Great dinner for guests with a latish arrival.  hands-on-time: 15 minutes | total time: 1 hour | 4 servings

https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spicy-sweet-potato-coconut-soup?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1036249

December 7, 2008

In Fondest Memory


A great father of a best friend.
June 1923 - November 2008

JUICING IN JANUARY


Heading into the holiday season, I've been tuning-in
to the much talked about NYC-based Blueprint Cleanse.
You select one of three different cleansing options that
include specific nutritional juices, i.e., (pineapple, apple
& mint)
delivered right to your doorstep (now nationwide).
You decide how many days you want to cleanse. Navigating
the Blueprint Cleanse site is a bit tricky but it does have an
extensive FAQ. I will be opting-in with a friend this January!
NYC residents $75 per day, Nationwide $85 per day.

December 6, 2008

Let's Toast Naturopathica With a Kir Royale


I love Naturopathica Holistic Health skincare
products. At the moment, my favorite is the
Crème Cassis Bio Amino Replenishment Cream.
Even though its fragrance is a bit fruity for my taste
(contains Black Currant, Orange and Grapefruit Oils),
it works wonders. I must say, after just three weeks
of using it, my complexion is rather glowy and
appears to have actually firmed-up! Another bonus...
Naturopathica's botanical skincare products are
free of synthetic solvents, thickeners and emulsifiers,
and contain no petroleum-based ingredients, artificial
dyes, or fragrances. "Hear-Hear!"
www.naturopathica.com (1.7 oz) $85.00

December 5, 2008

L'air du Temps


The spirit of the era - in reverse possibly?
Even so, Reese looks lovely in this lipstick-red
couture gown by the brilliant, young Olivier
Theyskens. Maybe for a future shopping trip?
name Nina Ricci
list under
Couture, Paris
address
39, Avenue Montaigne
website
Nina Ricci

Reese Witherspoon photographed by Mario Testino for Vogue 2008

A BIG LITTLE SECRET



Ssshhh! Please don't tell too many people about this find. These gloves are SO great looking and yet so inexpensive. The OVATION crochet riding gloves in Natural from Dover Saddlery. Mens $12.90, Ladies $11.90 (yes, that's right)

I AM NOT A PAPER CUP


I love this addition to the eco-friendly marketplace. I AM NOT A PAPER CUP, designed by James Burgess (available at the MOMA store for $20) is a double-walled porcelain cup with a pliable silicone lid. Add a British Tea Sampler, and a copy of 84 Charing Cross Road and you have the perfect holiday gift.

Think Big? Absolutely • 1stdibs











I am a huge fan of 1stdibs (isn't everyone?).
It's a wonderful online marketplace for antiques,
mid-century modern furniture, and now jewelry.
Check out the website's abundant Style Compass
features, and Founder Michael Bruno's Think Big
tale of how he started 1stdibs. I'm serving it up as
a must read for all of my nieces and nephews.
And, while you're at it...
Do the planet a favor, buy antiques and vintage design.*

* 1stdibs advertising tag

Jumpology


Philippe Halsman's Jump book is a great classic for any portrait and photog-lover. Famous jumpers include—Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Richard Nixon. Run don't jump to Alibris for a first edition copy.

December 4, 2008

Safir Suzani Fabric


There are a few fabrics that have legs beyond the recent Suzani trend and one of them is Kathryn Ireland's Safi Suzani (shown here in Fiesta). 100% Linen. For showrooms visit Kathryn M. Ireland textiles and design.

Flipping for Video


You Tube, 12secondstv, metacafe... we've gone video crazy!! To feed our frenzy this season is the Flip by the Pure Digital company. In just a year, these 3.3-ounce+ adorable video cams have swept 13% of the camcorder market. Duck tape the camera to your dog's collar? Starting at $129.oo

chic • simple • fun

All I Want For Christmas Is


Unfortunately, at a time when luxury shopping is considered gauche and the WSJ says it’s cool to be cheap, I’ve spotted the Beloved India, silk twill scarf from Hermes. I’ve been waiting years for a slightly more bohemian design to add to my growing collection and the elephant with his charming passengers and ankle bracelets has it! Even my husband loves this jolly design with its bronzy terracotta border. Will this one be my last? Bolly Christmas! Silk twill, $375.00