Last night I attended a book signing at One Fish Two Fish. The author, Angèle Parlange, was signing her new book Creole Thrift: Premium Southern Living Without Spending a Mint. Here's the premise: "Our most interesting and cherished possessions are not always our most expensive; they are the unusual decorations that tell a story— the irreplaceable antiques or heirlooms that express history and heart. With ingenuity and an open mind, famed New Orleans designer Angèle Parlange sees potential in the offbeat yet sentimentally valuable. Using an eclectic array of heritage pieces, garage sale treasures, and unusual items that simply spark her interest, she creates quality pieces for the home that are as gorgeous as they are distinctive. In this stunning book filled with project ideas, recipes, whimsical stories, and enchanting "Creole Expressions," Parlange describes how she created some of her favorite designs— from a fabric pattern inspired by her ancestors’ 1830s calling cards, to a shower curtain based on a seventy-year-old college football program. Raised on Parlange Plantation, a national historical landmark in Louisiana, Parlange draws from her Southern heritage in both design and way of life. In a voice as charming as her signature style, she shares tips from her "Creole Thrift" philosophy that you can live first-class without spending a fortune, simply by being resourceful." Beyond being visually stunning, the book is also packed full of stories and tips on how to incorporate Angèle's design ideas into your own home. I'm actually really excited to work in a southern design aesthetic 
into my own apartment. When I arrived home after the signing, despite having to rise early this morning for a new job, I stayed up into the wee hours devouring Angèle's book. Today Angèle was still in Savannah and did a bit of shopping at the new shop I'm employed at. I got the opportunity to tell her in person how smitten I am with her book. Trust me, you'll love it too. And if you're ready to inject some new design ideas into your home this spring might I suggest finding inspiration from Creole Thrift: Premium Southern Living Without Spending a Mint.
This is such a great book. I think New Orleans has fantastic design sense. It's a great mix of fancy antiques used casually in a fun way alongside haute kitsch.
Posted by: lisa hunter | March 17, 2007 at 12:24 PM