Entre Nous.

A rare gem

I've been a Temple St. Clair (jeweler extraordinaire) admirerer for some time. I've devoured her book, Alchemy. I've even met the designer herself, when she popped into the store I worked as a buyer for in Savannah. She's a southern girl (her family resides in Charleston and Savannah), but honed her craft in Italy and now resides in NYC. Up until this point though, I've yet to acquire any of her jewels, due, of course, to their hefty price tag. The closest I've come to owning is tempting myself by trying on a pendant or two for a lark. But, come August 29th, Temple's jewels will finally be within my reach. Temple is the latest designer to announce a limited-edition collaboration with Target. Everything in the line is rumored to be priced under $50. The collection, which has been described as "modern heirloom jewelry at a price that's precious", will feature 14k gold plate over brass and colored cz "stones". Pieces in the line include multi-drop necklaces, charm bracelets, tear drop earrings, and rings. Count me in!

The lights went out in Georgia,

when the legendary Dixie Carter died on Saturday. Carter played Julia Sugarbaker, the elegant owner of Sugarbaker Design (an interior design firm set in Atlanta), on Designing Women, a show I watched avidly. Julia was sassy, strong, and above all else Southern. When a customer, at the shop in Savannah I used to work as a buyer for, stated that we were Savannah's own Designing Women, I took that as the highest of compliments.

Graphic Image Giveaway

          
I've been smitten with the leather goods company Graphic Image for years. In fact it's become a tradition of sorts to buy myself a new pocket day planner from the company every January. Then there's the variety of items I amassed while working for 2 1/2 years as a buyer for an interiors/lifestyle boutique that carried the line. I was able to fully indulge in my "smittenness" over that time period.

Since changing jobs, and subsequently losing my easy access to Graphic Image, I've been stalking the website of late hoping that two of my current coveted items, a gold Dictionary and a black croc Travel Wallet, might be discounted. No such luck, although I was impressed by all the incredible items included in their annual Winter Sale that lasts through February. Most of the products included in the sale are 50% off, and some calendars and desk diaries are up to 75% off. Graphic Image products are just as satisfying to give as they are to recieve, not to mention they're as practical as they are luxurious.

     

Now imagine my surprise when I was contacted by a representative of Graphic Image and asked if I'd like to host a giveaway on my blog. How could I turn down such a generous offer? Color me jealous of you lucky readers. Now, let me get to the best part. The winner of my giveaway will win not one but three items: a Leather Passport Holder (valued at $48), a Leather Luggage Tag (valued at $23), and a Leather Zipper Case (valued at $48). Think of how envious your traveling companions will be when you pull out your new travel accessories. You'll have a variety of colors to choose from and the items can be personalized if you like. And why wouldn't you like? Even if you don't win the giveaway, through the end of February you can also receive free U.S. ground shipping on any item ordered through the Graphic Image website by using the code: entreship.

 

In order to enter the giveaway please go to the Graphic Image website and pick out which item you covet the most. I'm dying of curiosity. While you're there check out their vast array of items included in their Winter Sale. Then kindly mention the item, along with your name and Email, in the comment section of my blog between now and midnight EST on Tuesday, February 23rd, to enter the contest. Then I'll randomly select a winner on Wednesday.

 

Good luck!

Lost + Found

I wondered what had become of Rita Konig after the demise of Domino. She had a plum job writing the city shopping guides for the magazine and had her "Girl About Town" blog on the Domino website. I actually met her almost a year ago when she was doing an article about Savannah and she came into the store I worked as a buyer for. I stumbled across Rita's new 9 to 5, just this morning. She's writing for The New York Times Style Magazine blog The Moment. Good times are here again!

"Movin on up..."

For the past 2 1/2 years I held the position of assistant buyer at a home decor/lifestyle boutique in the downtown design district of Savannah. I had an impulsive moment (so out of character for me) over the summer, I went into work one morning and promptly gave my 2 weeks notice. Then hightailed it to Washington for several weeks of R+R and regrouping. Yes, clever girl that I am, I left a plum position in these tough economic times without another job lined up. Several nail biting weeks were spent looking for a suitable replacement, and I found it, at a high end French linen shop. After working with such lines as SFERRA, Matouk, Pine Cone Hill, Scandia, Roberta Roller Rabbit, I know my linens. So, like The Jeffersons, I'm "movin on up".

Kurtas and Kaftans and Tunics! Oh, my!

We brought in Roberta Freymann's Roberta Roller Rabbit line (the name originated from a bolt of fabric that she found in India) at the store about a season ago. We ordered comforters, bags, hats, kurtas, and pareos. But by far the best seller ended up being the kurtas. At $70 a pop, they're not cheap. But women will leave the store with armfuls of them. I sincerely don't get the difference between kurtas, kaftans, and tunics. This particular company decided to go with the kurta moniker. Of all the kurtas my favorite, and the one I own, is the Elsa Navy. Some of the kurtas (including the Elsa) have a border around the edge, giving them a more finished look. They're perfect over white jeans, thrown over a bathing suit, or even to lounge around the house. [pictured is the Elsa Purple kurta] 

Razzle Dazzle

Celebs (of a sort) spotted this week at the store: 

 

Carlos Falchi, handbag designer extraordinaire.  Set to designer a line of handbags for Target in the impending future.  Very sweet.  After he found out only locals can make reservations at Paula Deen's restaurant, he joked he'd be back to have me make his reservation.  Was in town for SCAD graduation.

 

Erin Williams, one of Whitney Port's sidekicks on The Hills spinoff, The City.  Asked her when the new season of the show would start airing.  She said she wasn't sure, but that they'd been filming a lot lately.  Then she complimented me on the color of my hair and asked if it was natural.  Love that question.  My first brush with a reality "star" (that is if you don't count Ruby, but she's homegrown, so she probably doesn't count).  She also was in town for SCAD graduation.  (Trivia: who knew her dad is bassist for AC/DC, Cliff Williams?  Not I.)

 

Celeb not spotted this week at the store:

 

Glenn Close.  She was apparently out and about in the downtown design district, but didn't bother popping into our store.  Disappointing.  She was in town to give the commencement speech for SCAD graduation.

"Saturday night, I watched channel 5, I particularly like CSI" Kate Nash

Speaking of CSI.  Someone from the cast came into the store yesterday.  Marg Helgenberger, more specifically.  She was in Savannah doing who knows what.  She purchased a Toss Designs orange trellis make up bag and that was it.  Saying it would be perfect for traveling in Spain.  She is quite striking in person, I must say.  As well as being very nice and unassuming. 

Just don't

Here's a tip:  Please don't ask me for a discount on jewelry then when you are granted the discount pull out a black American Express card to pay for the items.  I'm all for giving discounts, especially with the state of the economy the way it is.  But even when times were good we would consider giving a discount if asked nicely.  It really never hurts to ask at a boutique if they will indulge you in a discount.  Especially if you are buying multiple items, jewelry, furniture or art (usually this is a bit more complicated, requiring an okay from the artists as well).  But paying for your discounted items with an exclusive credit card is a no no in my book.

Sparks are flying

So who should wander into the store last week but, Nelson Coates, production and set designer for the latest movie slated to be filmed in Savannah.  I got to chatting with Coates who's in town early scouting locations and what not.  He was extremely generous with the movie scoop once I guessed what he was in Savannah for.  So here's the deets.  Apparently Savannah and nearby Tybee Island have been selected as the locals in which the next Nicholas Sparks movie, The Last Song, will be filmed.  Nicholas Sparks of The Notebook and Nights in Rodanthe fame.  In case you aren't familiar with the Sparks genre of literature, basically his books always revolve around a love story in which one of the people in love either dies or comes very close to doing so.  This movie is not based on a previously written book but on a screen play he's written the lead role especially for tween queen Miley Cyrus.  Bizarre casting, no?  Filming is set to begin in a few months, during the height of humidity and intolerably warm weather.  All of course so they can work around Miley's schedule.  They are still casting the roles of Miley's parents.  But apparently Aiden Quinn was up for the role of Miley's father but had to bow out due to a scheduling conflict.  According to Coates, Miley's love interests has been cast and is apparently a dream boat.  The film's plot revolves around a rebellious teenager sent to spend the summer with her estranged father.  The story will take place in two drastically different houses and settings.  One, an upscale abode, likely located at the Ford Plantation.  The other a more run down by the sea sort of place, located out on Tybee Island.  I was also told there's a wedding scene.  Here's hoping they pull a few key items from the store for the movie.  Coates was eying some large silver lanterns by Lunt Silversmiths for the wedding scene.  While he was in the store who should drop by but Susan Mason the doyenne of Savannah catering.  In the minute it took to introduce Coates to Mason they were already exchanging information.  Apparently the wedding scene will need to be catered.  Coates swore he'd be back to the store over the next few months he's in Savannah.  Looks like Hollywood's coming to town, again.

 

Update:  A few other members of the Sparks brigade came to the store scouting the exterior of the building as a potential location to shoot for the movie.

Afternoon Delight

We got in the completion of our shipment of Trina Turk home accessories this week at the store that I'm a buyer for.  Trina Turk has teamed up with Peking Handicraft to produce her residential line.  The line is “inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture and landscape of Los Angeles and California.”  The collection includes needlepoint and embroidered pillows, hook rugs, needlepoint coasters and guest towels, as well as needlepoint eyeglass cases.  I couldn't help but snatch up a pair of pillows for myself.  A great store discount proves fatal when you can justify any purchase by telling yourself you're getting it at a steal.  The state of the economy has unfortunately not curbed my spending at the store where I'm employed.  And my impending trip to Vegas this weekend isn't going to help matters.  But back to the pillows.  They really are darling, well made and designed.  My only qualm being in the look book the white came across as white but in reality it's more of a "natural" shade.  But pish posh.  They're still adorable.  Two Shanghai Links pillows in black and "white" are sitting on my sofa right now. 

Crackle Crackle

What sets DayNa Decker's candles apart from the slew of other candles currently available is their eco-wood wick, which imitates the crackling of wood burning in a fireplace.  In this day and age when if we're lucky to have a fireplace at all, it's most likely non operating, this candle will transport you to cozy nights by the fireplace sipping hot cocoa.  Plus, as an added bonus, they smell amazing.  We've carried the candles in the store for about a month now and have been working our way through the various scents.  There hasn't been one I wouldn't be thrilled to bring home.

"We didn't start the fire"

Last week Laura Slatkin's new line of candles, Nest Fragrances, arrived at the store.  They are the perfect combination of fabulous packaging, intoxicating scent, and reasonable price.  I placed a reorder early in the week due to our dwindling stock.  We've already sold out of one scent, Wasabi Pear.  Out of the 12 scents there is literally none that I absolutely abhor.  They're all really lovely and unique.  The unusual scent combinations, such as Wild Oats and Bourbon, actually compliment one another well.  We've been taking turns selecting which candle to burn each day and are slowly working our way through the line.   Each candle is housed within a soft touch box.  The candle itself is set within a classic glass with etched stripes.  This subtle container allows the candle to blend in with rather than compete with a persons decor.  Now this is just an aside, but doesn't Laura know how to rock the big hair?  I think Amy Sedaris would so perfectly portray her in a SNL skit.