The Sentimentalist

I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful blog written by my friend Lindley Pless: The Sentimentalist.

From time to time I like to share other blogs that I think will interest my readers.  While my own interests tend to naturally focus on design or fashion blogs, today I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful blog written by my friend Lindley Pless:  The Sentimentalist.  Lindley started The Sentimentalist as a way to feature content she considered valuable and worth sharing with others.  Her blog is a place where art, food, design, fashion, and even her own opinions come together and intersect.

From Lindley's blog about Green & Tonic, a natural food store.
From Lindley’s blog about Green & Tonic, a natural food store.
hello fall
From an Autumn photo collection.

When starting a blog, coming up with a name for your site is the first challenge.  Lindley discussed her blog title with friends, and in articulating her desire to create content from her own heart, the title The Sentimentalist was born.  Lindley really is a sentimental person, wearing her heart on her sleeve.  She sees beauty everywhere in life, even in the things we learn from darkness and heartbreak, so the title of her blog is a true reflection of Lindley’s personality.  Following from that, Lindley strives to connect with her readers, hoping to create an “A ha!” moment, whether it comes from learning about a detangling brush for a child’s unruly hair or the sharing of a challenging life experience that another person can relate to or learn from.  One important quality of The Sentimentalist is the lack of negativity; if Lindley tries a new product but doesn’t really care for it, she doesn’t write about it.  Her focus is on the positive, the sharing of information and experiences that can help or inspire people.  When she addresses personal challenges or emotional situations, she doesn’t dwell on her difficulties but shares her journey and what she’s learned from it, reaching out and encouraging others along the way.

grace quote
An inspiring quote!
From Lindley's writing about grace.
From Lindley’s writing about grace.

In a world where the vast majority of blogs are started, then abandoned (an astounding 95% of them according the NY Times), this is clearly an endeavor that isn’t without its hurdles.  For Lindley, there are two challenges she faces when writing for The Sentimentalist.  First, she works alone.  When she hits “publish” on a blog post, she is presenting it to the world without the benefit of a sounding board.  It definitely takes confidence to put your thoughts out there without having someone looking over your shoulder with second opinions or nods of approval.  Second, Lindley sometimes finds it challenging to put herself in a vulnerable place when writing for her blog.  If she feels a topic has value, she wants to share it, regardless of whether it is read by five people or five thousand.  Writing honestly on a blog often means having the courage to forge ahead regardless of the opinions or approval of others.

One of several secrets Lindley shared.
One of several secrets Lindley shared.

As if being a mom to two active little girls and writing her own blog doesn’t keep her busy enough, Lindley also devotes her time to running Sentimental Videography, giving a face and a brand to non-profit groups using her experience in the television industry.  Closest to Lindley’s heart, however, is the Little Wings Foundation.  Lindley started Little Wings in order to help direct fundraising dollars to reputable, deserving organizations.  She talks to different foundations, researches their practices, and helps ensure that donated funds are used for their intended purpose.  In addition, Lindley is passionate about creating a desire to give back and help others in the next generation.  With Little Wings, she organizes Family Volunteer Days to encourage children to understand the value of giving time and effort to those in need.

I enjoy Lindley’s blog for many reasons.  It’s something I look forward to reading because her writing is often clever and always real.  I admire how she puts her thoughts and feelings out there and finds such inspiration in the quotes she shares.  I love starting the day on a positive note whenever Lindley posts something new!

mandela quote
Words of wisdom for starting the day with a good attitude.

Visit The Sentimentalist to subscribe to new posts.  You can also find The Sentimentalist on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  She is also on Instagram as user @lindleypless.

Fashion + Decor

Fashion + Decor is the kind of inspirational site that I love.

Fashion + Decor is the kind of inspirational site that I love.  The site’s contributors take a specific fashion look and translate it to an entire space.  It’s clever, resourceful,  and so interesting.

Fashion and Decor 8

Fashion and Decor 6

Fashion and Decor 7

Fashion + Decor appeals to me because it takes what I love (fashion) and turns it into what I do (interiors).  It’s also a great tool for introducing different looks to clients and expanding their imaginations.  It helps to push boundaries and break out of the typical box.

Fashion and Decor 5

Fashion and Decor 4

Fashion and Decor 2

One useful aspect of the site is the way you can filter by color, room, season, and more.  The navigational tools are really well done and the overall design of the site is really user friendly.  It’s just pure inspiration to me!

Fashion and Decor 9

Fashion and Decor 3

Fashion and Decor 1

It’s well worth the time to visit Fashion + Decor and explore the site.  You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter, as well as Pinterest.

The Well Appointed House

The Well Appointed House blog covers home decor news, trends, DIY projects, as well as lifestyle topics such us travel, parenthood, shopping, gardening, fashion, and living well.

Melissa Hawks
Melissa Hawks

Melissa Hawks of Greenwich, CT, founded The Well Appointed House, a luxury home retail site, in 2002.  Specializing in furniture, gifts, and decorative accessories, the online store was created with the goal of bringing the kind of home decor finds which are abundant in Manhattan to a more widespread audience.  Since its launch, The Well Appointed House has grown to include over 10,000 items and has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNBC, In Style, Harper’s Bazaar, House and Garden, and many others.  The company offers items for every room in the house, including the patio and garden.  There are so many different styles available, it’s possible to find just the right piece for any decor in a wide range of price points.  The Well Appointed House is also great source for unique and beautiful gift ideas.

White bubble and Tail Estancia Chandelier
White bubble and Tail Estancia Chandelier
Quadrille Ikat Turkish decorative pillow
Quadrille Ikat Turkish decorative pillow
Lamar Silver Leafed Etagere
Lamar Silver Leafed Etagere
Tufted Gallery Bench in Brown Vintage Leather
Tufted Gallery Bench in Brown Vintage Leather

In 2010, Melissa created The Well Appointed House Blog as an extension of her retail brand.  The blog covers home decor news, trends, DIY projects, as well as lifestyle topics such us travel, parenthood, shopping, gardening, fashion, and living well.  With weekly updates, the blog is always a good source of inspiration.  You can read about events in and around Greenwich, examine reviews of various products, and stay up to date on new fabrics, trends, and popular styles.  Between the blog and the retail site, there is so much here to love!

From a retro blog post, Jackie Kennedy.
From a retro blog post, Jackie Kennedy.
Gray home décor from Well Appointed House
Gray home décor from Well Appointed House

 

In addition to the blog and retail site, you can find The Well Appointed House on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

The End of History

A few days ago while shopping for fabric in NYC, I found myself stopped short by a window display in the D&D building.

A few days ago while shopping for fabric in NYC, I found myself stopped short by a window display in the D&D building.  The display included a stunning arrangement of vintage glassware and I had to know more about it.  I learned that the display featured items from a shop on Hudson Street called The End of History.

The End of History

The End of History opened in 1997.  Since then, owner Stephen Saunders has amassed an amazing international collection of mid-century glass and ceramic ware.  In fact, The End of History boasts the world’s largest collection of 50’s and 60’s glass in the world.  Hand blown glass and rare ceramics  All this vintage glassware is beautifully categorized by color, making shopping here a real experience.   The store is impressively curated and staffed by friendly people who are more than happy to welcome shoppers drawn in by those glowing window displays.

In addition to the store, the End of History maintains a blog to showcase their glassware and describe where each piece originates.  The blog features writing and photography by Daniel Petix with input from store proprietor Stephen Saunders.  It’s a great way to browse the store’s offerings and learn about the history and styles of various glassware.  The pieces range from funky to stunning, from unusual to sophisticated.

If you’re in New York, you can stop by The End of History at 548 1/2 Hudson Street or call them at (212)647-7598 to inquire about hours.

 

 

COCOCOZY

COCOCOZY is more than an excellent daily design blog. It’s certainly worth reading in its own right for functional and stylish design material, but what really caught my eye about COCOCOZY is the Shop.

COCOCOZY is more than an excellent daily design blog.  It’s certainly worth reading in its own right for functional and stylish design material, but what really caught my eye about COCOCOZY is the Shop.

The COCOCOZY shop offers textiles, from pillows to throws to table linens, gifts, vintage accessories, and other unique items.  I especially like the textiles.  The patterns are fun, quirky, and fresh with a simple graphic concept.  Items like the pillows and table linens make great gifts; they are quick finds without being mainstream.

COCOCOZY Throw
Gate Pillow in Hunter Green
Linen Table Napkin

COCOCOZY featured a blog post a while back about the entire process of making a pillow, from the progression of the idea to the final product.  This behind the scenes look at how a product is developed is just fascinating.  Starting with a sketch, the blog follows the steps involved in bringing a design into being.

First, a sketch of a flower design.
Graphics designer turns the sketch into a repeating pattern.
Deciding which patterns to use for the final products.
An artisan screen prints the pattern onto fabric.
Finished fabric, ready for sewing.
The finished product!

The photos only tell half the story.  Visit COCOCOZY to view the full progression and read all of the details about how these beautiful pillows came to be.  You can also find COCOCOZY on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Material Girls

One of my favorite interior design blogs truly has something for everyone.

One of my favorite interior design blogs truly has something for everyone.  Material Girls was founded by Emily Johnston Larkin of Dallas, Texas.  With a team of contributors from across the country, readers can focus on trends near and far with a healthy dose of pop culture thrown in for good measure.

Material Girls also features tips on the best places to shop as well as great deals specific to certain cities. Dallas, Houston, Chicago, LA, and New York are all beautifully represented by contributors from various backgrounds, experiences, and design styles.  In fact, Material Girls is like five fabulous blogs all rolled into one.  With press and mentions by literally dozens and dozens of magazines and websites such as House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Apartment Therapy, La Dolce Vita, and countless others, Material Girls has a long-standing and well-deserved reputation as a great source of design inspiration.  From textiles and furniture to hidden courtyards and stunning artwork, everything relevant to interior design from coast to coast has a place at Material Girls.

 

Bunny’s Buzz

In 1988, after more than two decades of design experience with Parish Hadley Associates, Bunny Williams opened her own interior design company: Bunny Williams Incorporated.

In 1988, after more than two decades of design experience with Parish Hadley Associates, Bunny Williams opened her own interior design company:  Bunny Williams Incorporated.  Her design style reflects her training in a classic, refined style.  Known for perfectly balanced textures, patterns, and colors, Bunny’s designs look so appealing and effortless.  Her focus and attention to detail show in all of her projects, from the living room to the garden.  In fact, she co-owns a New York garden furniture and ornament shop called Treillage with antique dealer John Rosselli.  Bunny also has her own line of home furnishings and accessories at Beeline Home.

Bunny and her design team work around the US and abroad.  Her success is a tribute to the timeless appeal of her design style and, thanks to her blog Bunny’s Buzz, accessible and enjoyable by all.  Loaded with visually charming photo collages featuring products, rooms, magazine spreads, and more, Bunny’s Buzz highlights many of the best things the world of interior design today.  At the right side of the blog’s page are links to other blogs worth visiting so you will never find yourself with a shortage of amazing design inspiration!

The Lonny Blog and Magazine

Lonny Magazine, an online magazine and blog, is a fantastic resource and inspiration.

Lonny Magazine, an online magazine and blog, is a fantastic resource and inspiration.  While the magazine is “published” online bimonthly (soon to be monthly!), the blog is updated more often with design and lifestyle trends and finds.  Between the two formats, you can always find something intriguing!

Launched in 2009 by designer Michelle Adams and photographer Patrick Cline, Lonny focuses on interesting interiors, bloggers, and current design trends.  They strive to make incredible design accessible to their readers while introducing their favorite products and companies.  The online format allows Lonny certain freedoms a print magazine can’t offer, such as the ability to click on an image to learn more about that project.  Some articles even feature videos!  User-friendly, visually interesting, and easy to share via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites, Lonny is as pleasurable to flip through as a traditional print magazine.

Hover over a product in the magazine to learn more.
March/April 2012 Cover

The Lonny Blog features a team of several bloggers, each with their own contributing style.  Focusing on everything from books to trends to art, colorful blog posts compliment the regular magazine content and give readers plenty of reasons to visit between issues.

From a photography post
Focus on feathery decor
Living room by Jarlath Mellett
Accessories from Waterworks

Lonny Magazine is also on Facebook and Twitter so you can stay updated on all their new issues and posts!

Habitually Chic

Heather Clawson’s blog Habitually Chic is a visual treasure trove of glamor, style, and design.

Heather Clawson

The worlds of fashion, art, style, and interior design intersect, overlap, and influence each other in a multitude of ways.  Finding a resource that incorporates all of these elements is always exciting.  In that vein, Heather Clawson’s blog Habitually Chic is a visual treasure trove of glamor, style, and design.  She uses the blog to chronicle her “musings on art, architecture, design, fashion, photography, books, events, and everything else habitually chic!”

From incredible artists and stunning exhibits to celebrity photo shoots of Demi Moore or Robert Pattinson, from gorgeous examples of chic advertising to courtyard doors in Paris, Habitually Chic showcases every conceivable facet of life as related to interior design.  When combined with Clawson’s thoughts and opinions, the wealth of photos becomes one inspiration or idea after another.

 

Images from Habitually Chic