Much to the relief of my grandparents, my dad was too young to serve during World War II. But he enlisted in the armed forces anyways and was later stationed on Adak, one of the Aleutian islands off the coast of mainland Alaska. Although the war was over, there were still lots of reminders on the island- broken plane parts, bullet shells and of course, the talk of those G.I.s who had actually seen combat in Europe. These men spoke of the battles fought and the many friends who, sadly, didn’t make it home.
My dad is in the front row, fifth man from the left.
Over forty years later, our son Curtis (at age 8) tried on my dad’s uniform jacket and hat.
Categories: More About Me · Then&Now
Categories: Fashion · Weddings
Don’t miss the June issue of Vogue Magazine with Grace Coddington’s styling of a wedding photo shoot. The fashion evokes the past, yet is perfect for today’s modern nuptials. Coddington puts the bride- fashion model Sasha Pivoarova- in a delicious mint green dress by Nicolas Ghesquiere. And check out the bridesmaids- all in different dresses with the color black uniting them.
(Photos by Arthur Elgot)
Categories: Fashion · Weddings
I thought you’d enjoy seeing a terrarium I made as a gift for a gardener friend who is moving away. It’s about 18 inches high. I think the cement mushrooms are a fun addition, don’t you? I hope she likes it!
List of supplies and sources-
Clay pot and plants- Metropolitan Plant Exchange
Glass bell jar- Pottery Barn
Cement mushrooms- Madison Ave. Gifts
Moss- My back yard.
A great book to use for inspiration is ‘The New Terrarium‘ by Tovah Martin and Kindra Clineff.
(Photo- Martha B.)
Categories: Displays · Gardens
A series of posts showcasing bridal dresses under $700.
Budget Bride #4. One-of-a-kind white dress designed by Stella Merle.
Available on Etsy- $525.
Related Nibs posts-
Budget Bride #3
Categories: Fashion · Weddings
As part of the Nordstrom window display team, I would periodically make trips into New York City. It was a blast spending the whole day looking at the handiwork of other stores’ teams. I don’t get into the city that much now, so I appreciate having Rudy of Another Normal and his ongoing posts of window installations. He covers windows from Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman and Lord & Taylor- to name just a few. He also has friends who occasionally contribute images from other countries. These two photos showing designer Douglas Hannant’s bridal gowns are from windows in London, England.
Categories: Displays · Fashion · Weddings
Due out this September is a new book about Laura Ashley and the company she founded with her husband Bernard. I worked at three of their U.S. stores over the course of several years. I can’t help but feel gratitude to those in the company who hired me despite my being very young and inexperienced. It turned out to be a great place to learn, gain confidence, and later springboard into my other jobs- interior design and window display.
Related Nibs post-
Working For Laura
Two Careers: Part One
Two Careers: Part Two
Categories: Fashion · More About Me
alfresco- to dine in the open air.
List of supplies and sources-
Table fabric ‘Checkmate’- Calico Corners
Chair fabric white cotton duck- Ballard Designs
Napkin fabric- Joann Fabric
Plates- Crate & Barrel
Wooden utensils- Anthropologie
Bottles- Specialty Bottle
Plant- Dug up from my garden and set right on the table with exposed root ball.
(Photos by Martha B.)
Categories: Gardens · Vocabulary
