A Summer Break

Nibs Readers,

This is just to let you know that I’m taking the months of June, July and August off from blogging. Posting will resume in September.

Have a great summer!

Warm regards,

The Short Wedding Dress Club- June 2011

What started out as a fun article on short wedding dresses became an email club for almost two years. As of September 2010, the monthly inspired short dress is now a regular feature on ‘Nibs.’

Fashion details- Cotton eyelet dress from designer Alexandra Grecco. Click image to enlarge.

Note- Thanks Sally Jane Vintage for the suggestion. :)

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The Short Wedding Dress Club- You can view all the previous SWDC cards here!

Garden Note #68: Bucket Planter

An old galvanized bucket is suspended from a low tree branch by two black wrought iron hooks.

(Photo- 100 Ideas Outdoor Decor, 2007)

A Page From…

…Glamour Magazine, July 2011.

Fashion- Matching top & skirt by Chloé worn with Clarks Originals.

(Photo- Patrick Demarchelier)

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A Page From…

Vocabulary #16: Wallaby Or Wallabee?

Decorating@Nibs- Fireplace Mantels

Last week I got word that the homeowners wanted back into their place and I’d have to remove my stuff from the room I was using to photograph this mantel series. I was disappointed since I had planned to do six more. Oh well…it was fun while it lasted.

Fireplace Mantel #12- Christmas In The Pine Tree State

I pared down to just a few objects for this Christmas display but made sure they were all interesting and/or had plenty of texture. By the way, if you’re wondering what the pine tree state is…it’s Maine. :)

1. Fabric wallcovering has the look of burlap

2. Large pine cone wreath

3. Vintage tourist plate from Maine

4. & 5. Brass holders with candles resembling tree branches

6. Plaid fabric sample hung by curtain rings (this idea came from a short article on wool textiles in World of Interiors Magazine)

7. Antique woven chair

8. I bought the Christmas pine tree on sale at Crate & Barrel. The ornaments I made from old photographs, scanned onto cardstock and then glued to stained embroidery hoops.

A peek at a new series- place settings!

(Styling & photos- Martha B.)

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Decorating@Nibs

American 4 Square

The American Foursquare was part of the vernacular architecture in the United States.  This house consisted of four rooms on the first floor, four rooms on the second and dormers in the attic…all contained in a box or square shape. I thought the title was appropriate for my collection of images c. 1890-1940 since they coincide with the years of the Foursquare’s popularity.

Original hand-painted photograph

Dated on the back- 1933

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American 4 Square- Series

Toots Thielemans- Bluesette

Fashion Characters

Fashion Character #4. The Classic

“…She has an organized, disciplined approach to clothes, investing in quality rather than quantity. She keeps a close eye on fashion but bypasses all shortlived trends, remaining faithful to understated classics that endure from year to year…”

“…It is a style of indisputable good taste, consistent yet individual…”

“…She makes a point of dressing to suit the occasion. Outfits are planned in advance and time is set aside for her appearance, day and night…”

“…The Classic refuses to be lured by cosmetic hype or extravagance, she remains loyal to one make-up brand, one hairdresser, one beauty salon and her favorite scent, Chanel No. 19…”

- Kate Hogg, author of Vogue’s Even More Dash Than Cash, 1989.

(Photos- Jonathan Becker for Town & Country, June 2011)

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Fashion Characters #1. The Tomboy  #2. The Country Girl  #3. The Romantic

I Heart Classics

What I Wear #1: Summer Pants

A Girl & Her Boat

Vintage slide from ebay

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KidFile #28: Boat Wallpaper

Family Album #5: Weekend Sailing

Mom’s Sketchbook

Here are a few preliminary sketches for future paintings of Gloucester done by my mother while she was a college student at the Rhode Island School of Design.

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Happy Mother’s Day