Denise McGaha "What's In Your Bag" ????

Today's guest on "What's in Your Bag" is my friend
 and fellow interior designer, Denise McGaha. 
 You may recognize Denise as the
 Currey & Co Ambassador.  Denise is known as the 
"Design on a Deadline" girl! Her thriving design firm is
 based in Dallas, Texas.  She is a girl on the go!

Let's go see what's

in Denise's travel bag and where
 she is off to these days!   

1.    Where are You off to Travel? 

I am so excited to be traveling to Spain in September with Cosentino. 

I am heading to Madrid and Barcelona with five other Silestone Trendspotters from across the US and Canada as we work on the new countertop designs for 2016 for Silestone.  These great design minds will all be adding our market trends to the design teams samples of new countertops and we can’t wait to show the world what great designs we have come up with to inspire the Cosentino Design Team.

2.    Do you have a favorite bag?

I bought this great Givenchy bag at Bergdorf Goodman on a trip to NY last year.  I was shopping with my BFF and it was an impulse purchase.  It was the last one left and everyone always asks about it.  I love that it is basic black, large enough to hold my laptop and many other things for travel, and also looks really great with a suit or jeans.

3.  What are the necessities in your bag? 

Red lipstick, iphone 6 Plus (for the camera), Trident cinnamon gum, chargers, lavender hand sanitizer and flats.

    4.  Clothes to wear?

I love jeans or black pants with a v-neck tee and a long cardigan or jacket.  I am becoming more and more a creature of habit and have found I have 8 pairs of white jeans that are my uniform for summer.  I have traded in my high heels for low-heeled boots and flats as well, so an ankle length jean is my go to.  When I heard skinny jeans were out, I ignored that fashion edict and you will be seeing narrow pant legs on this girl for a while.  I also love leather riding pants tucked into riding boots and a long jacket or cardigan.  You may see a fringed jacket in the mix for Fall but I am really working hard to have a uniform that makes packing and getting dressed each day on my travels so much easier.  My ultimate goal is to travel with a carry-on only and not check any bags.  I’m not there yet……

 5.  Favorite shoes for walking?

I love a short flat-heeled boot like this Valentino and also Sam Edelman flats.  They mold to my feet and I can pack at least 6 pairs without taking up hardly any precious suitcase space. 

6.  Do you like to wear a hat?  If so, what brand? 

I am Fedora gal and I really like the ones offered by Rag and Bone.  My favorite one for Fall is this one! 

7.  Favorite shops?

I would love to tell you that I have so much time to shop on my travels, but most of the time I am working.  When in Dallas though I love Forty Five Ten (www.fortyfiveten.com) and Neiman Marcus .   I was a buyer for Neiman’s in my twenties, I am still very loyal to their stores and their brand.  I buy most of my shoes there (I'm a huge Stuart Weitzman and YSL fan) and order almost everything online since I know how all of my favorite brands fit.  I often shop for major purchases mainland and pick up accessories and shoes while traveling.

8.    Favorite place to stay?

I have never been to Spain and since our trip is orchestrated by Cosentino, I’m not quite sure yet where we will be staying.  However, I look forward to enjoying the hotel restaurants and bars of Madrid and Barcelona and I hear the views from the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona are the best.

9. Favorite restaurant for dinner?

I am dying to try out one of the rooftop restaurants while in Barcelona to enjoy a meal with friends and views of the city.  Some of my plans also inclue visiting Hotel Duquesa De Cardona.  

 10.  Favorite street side lunch spot?  

I plan to enjoy the tasty tapas and gastro bars in Madrid and haveSergiArola http://www.sergiarola.es/on my list of places to make reservations.  I'll report back once I visit and let you know what I loved on my blog so make sure you check out my blog in September after my trip!  

11.      Favorite drink   

My Favorite drink is a  Caipirinha

12.      Favorite off the beaten path spot? 

 I can’t wait to shop the markets and plan to bring home canned meats and local delicacies I can’t find in Texas.  I'm really great at finding the hidden gems in every city.  I do my homework and travel fully prepared to find the hot spots only the locals know about.

13.      Favorite souvenirs to bring home?

Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes.  And olive oil and sherry

 vinegar for my favorite chef – Mr. M.

14.      Any other interesting activities or things you

 find special about this place you would like to share? 

The architecture is one of the greatest draws and I plan to experience every ounce of Gaudi I can.

Thank you Denise McGaha for sharing with us today!  Have a great trip!

We cannot wait to hear all about it!

Make sure to visit Denise's blog "Design on a Deadline" in September after her trip where she will dish on all the fun she had in Spain!  I'm so jealous!  I plan to live vicarously through Denise's trip with Consentino. 

Follow Denise on her social channels
twitter, Pinterest, instagram 
Facebook 

Taylor Burke Home "Style It Challenge" On One Kings Lane

I have a treat for you today!!! Have you heard about the "Style It" Challenge?  One of my favorite resources, Taylor Burke Home, teamed up with another favorite resource, Cotton and Quill,  then partnered with One Kings Lane to bring us the "Style It" Challenge.  They invited five design bloggers to use one of Taylor Burke's gorgeous brass based X-benches to design a room of their choice. 

My friend and fellow designer, Holly Hollingsworth Phillips of The English Room, used moss green x -benches in her mountain house, Pixie Springs Cottage.  I love the moss green Taylor-Burke x-bench and Cotton and Quill Purple Orchid Fabric on the pillows!  Stunning room!

Another design blogger friend of mine, Vicki Bolick of

 The Ace Of Space created this beautiful bathroom!

I love that Cole & Son fish wallpaper peeking from

 the water closet!  

Remember there are three more design bloggers projects to 

check out so pop over to One Kings Lane and see them

all!  It's a treat to read while sipping coffee on a Saturday Morning!

Peter Zebra X Bench


What to see all the pieces from Taylor Burke Home available on One Kings Lane Today?  Click here!

Pulaski Furniture "Rhythm and Home" Collection

Pulaski Furniture introduced their new Rhythm & Home Collection at High Point Market. This collection fuses
 artistry with furnishings to create a collection with style, comfort and individuality.  The collection was inspired
 by the music of Matt Marshak, one of the country's leading contemporary jazz musicians.  The foundation
 of the collection is rooted in classics, but a fresh and fluid mix of contemporary and urban styling.

  The same sexy energy Matt Marshak uses to create his contemporary jazz
 and R&B was evident in the design of this collection.  Pulaski designers did an
 amazing job of creating vignettes which reflected a casual, easy living vibe
 much like the music which inspired the collection.  

Music wasn't the only inspiration for the collection but also the musical
 instruments themselves.  Here is a very creative use of guitars as a back drop to
 Pulaski's new table and chair.

There was a stage set up in the show room where Matt and his band performed
 during market.  This new intro bar table and chairs was situated in front the the stage.
  The top of the bar table is a replica of a street sewer cap.

Pulaski is known for their beautifully made bars, so it was no surprise they

 included one in  the Rhythm and Home collection.  Note the drum cymbals

 as decoration on the back wall.

This leather chaise was a favorite of mine.  How great would this piece

 be in a masculine bedroom or man cave?

The bedroom collections from Rhythm and Home feature masculine touches
 of leather, stained wood and sueded fabrics.



Here is a closeup of the hardware on one of the pieces.  The inspiration for 
this hardware was guitar strings.  



Other interesting details feature bluetooth technology in the nightstands discretely
 integrated into the top of the furniture as shown above. 



This handsome bar cart with antique brass trim and hardware is a 
nice addition to the collection.  

Lounge seating is available in this collection as shown here in leather again with very masculine details.  
This would be great for a man cave or family recreation room. 

Here is a closeup of the small drinks table/stool shown above.  This table
 can be height adjusted by twisting the top up or down making this
 great as a table or a stool.  

Last, but certainly not least, is this beautiful urban designed dining room furniture.  Handsome, sophisticated and upscale.  

I hope you enjoyed my visit to the Pulaski Furniture show room and their Rhythm
 and Home Collection.  I have more from Pulaski I want to share with you in upcoming 
posts so be on the look out for more to come. 

Pulaski Furniture is available in every major market of the United States, distributed
 through independent retailers, regional chains, national chains, department stores
 and catalog houses.

A privately owned company, Pulaski currently employs about 1,000 people, with an additional sales staff of 100, and a staff of 30 in their Asian offices. In addition to corporate headquarters, they operate four other facilities in Pulaski, Virginia, a distribution center in Madison, North Carolina, Virginia, and Dawson Furniture in Webb City, Missouri. There are also permanent showrooms in High Point, NC and Tupelo, MS used for trade exhibitions.

If you are interested in learning more about the items I shared today from Pulaski, click on their website here and input information to find a Pulaski Dealer near you.  

Follow Pulaski on their social channels to see more here:

twitter:  Accenture Home
Pinterest: Accenture Home on Facebook
Pulaski Website

"One of the country’s best-known furniture brands, Pulaski Furniture is synonymous with outstanding craftsmanship and refined style. Continuously improving and adapting to trends and desires, Pulaski covers the complete design spectrum: traditional, contemporary and transitional in a wide range of bedroom, dining, accent and display cabinets. 

With almost 60 years of furnishing homes across America, Pulaski Furniture continues its heritage of outstanding value, quality and design while looking ahead for style and livability."

Disclosure: Pulaski was one of my sponsors for the High Point Market.  All opinions are my own.  I only accept sponsorship of companies with products I feel are of exceptional quality and are beneficial resources to share with my readers. 

Packing for High Point....Fall Fashions at a Discount!!

It's time for ShopBop's Annual Friends and Family Sale!  Don't miss out!  I have been busy getting my fashion on for High Point Market so this sale came at the perfect time. Yay me!!!  I found some fabulous things on ShopBop.  Wanna see what I'm lovin these days?  My eyes are always bigger than my pocketbook but hey, looking doesn't cost a thing, so I say look away!!!  Oh how I wish it were that easy!  I can't help, but buy when I look!  Temptation gets me every time!

Click Here for Details

Sarah Designs wrap bracelet style watch! I love the look and styling of a bracelet watch.  It's so chic and adds a hip factor to every outfit.

Click for Details

Love this rabbit fur infinity scarf which would dress up any simple tee or sweater and elevate to fabulous in a nano second.  I travel a lot so I'm all about bringing little accessories which can transition a simple outfit into a dressier look.  Not to mention it will keep you warm on th plane!

Click for Details

Talk about the ultimate...this grey cashmere scarf is a wardrobe basic.  If you don't have this buy it now, you will be asking yourself why you haven't sooner.  I love this scarf!

Click for Details

C. Wonder Fab Jewelry box in lacquered orange finish.  Talk about the perfect gift!  I'm buying these for holiday gifts.  

Click for Details

If you need new jewels to go in the box....here is one of my new favs from Kenneth Lane.  Love and adore this necklace!  It is also available in this color which is even cheaper.

Click for Details

Love this new piece by Nocturne "Rua".  I would throw this on with a pair of jeans like this, a sweater like this or  a crisp blouse  and a pair of shoes these these or these and be out the door.

Click for Details

Sexy BCBG tuxedo style "Waleska" dress.  Perfect for holiday cocktails or anytime you need a fab little black dress with an edge.  This dress has the look of a blazer and would look great with leggings too.  

Click for Details

I never met a leather jacket I didn't love and guess what?  This one is vegan, even better. 

I would wear this to pieces.  

Click for Details

I adore this houndstooth dress and the price is amazing!

Click for Details

Coclico "Henrietta" Boots!  I adore Colico shoes.  I just bought this pair for market week comfort and now think I might have to splurge for these.  Have you ever worn Coclico? I also love this pair for weekends.  They are fabulous and comfy plus they look amazing on your feet.

Click for details

This Ash Boots are spectacular

click here to shop away and save big for the next three days only!!!

The Makings of A Savannah Dream Home & Grand Opening Giveaways!!!

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT "THE MAKINGS OF A SAVANNAH DREAM HOME" post on the DXV website Decade15 Magazine, which is the first of a series of posts I will be doing about Jay Gould and his wife, Arlene's Savannah renovation.  Please join me on DXV's website to read the article in its entirety.  I think you will enjoy learning a little more about the amazing Mr and Mrs. Gould as well as Savannah.   Please join me as I journey through the renovation of the Gould's newly acquired home in "The Hostess city of the South" , Savannah!

{Click here to continue to the post}

Grand Opening and Giveaways!!!

Traci Zeller and I are busy preparing for our Grand Opening on Wednesday, September 10th from 5pm - 8pm in our new studio at 2935 Providence Road Suite 202 Charlotte,NC .

If you are in the Charlotte area please drop in to have a glass of bubbly, enter to win amazing door prizes and see our new retail Design Center and studio!

A few of our artists in house will be here!!

Traci and I are working hard to raise money for Ronald McDonald Long Island Project!

We had our first several donation today thank you to our dear friends!  You will all be receiving a Traci Zeller candle while they last for your donation of $100 or more!

Whether you come in person to the Grand Opening or not, you may still enter to win our Grand Prize.   I will be posting the list tomorrow!!

Please Consider donating to Ronald McDonald by Clicking the Link Here!!!

 Friends near and far, we would appreciate your monetary support for

 Ronald McDonald.  It is easy to donate!  Click Here and do it today!  Anyone who donates $100 or more will receive a Traci Zeller Candle while they last!  Traci and I have made a commitment to raise $5000 so we need your help to meet our goal!  Every little bit helps!

Also each person who donates to RMD will be entered in the

 drawing for our Grand Prize!

Prizes announced tomorrow!!!!

Grand Opening 

September 10th 5pm-8pm

Champagne Reception

Come one, Come All!!!

Providence Plaza

Suite 202

2935 Providence Road

Charlotte,NC  28270

July 6th - Peals of Wisdom - Jeffery Zeldman

There is always a lot of chatter online about people stealing other people's work.  With the advent of Pinterest, this practice has gotten out of control for designers in many respects. I even know bloggers who copy other bloggers style. The list of copycats goes on and on. While I personally do not endorse the practice of not giving credit where credit is due, I thought this quote was an interesting take on the idea.  Anything stolen is a breach of trust in my opinion, but what if no one ever took your ideas or gave you the time of day?  I'm sure I am opening a can of worms here but what if, instead of always looking at the glass half empty, we looked at it half full?  The next time someone uses a picture of your work, or copies an idea that was yours send them a thank you note and ask them to credit you. I'll guarantee you will get better results than if you respond angrily and negatively.  Try it and let me know if it works.
{click here to continue reading...}

David Palmer Studio

Credit David Palmer Studio

 I found the amazing artist, David Palmer by clicking through new followers on my Pinterest account this morning.  David has one of his paintings as his profile picture on Pinterest.  There was something about that red and white pinwheel lollipop that caught my attention and made me want to see more from this artist.    

Photography credit to Judith Lutuz

David Palmer was born in Syracuse, New York, but currently lives and works in Los Angeles.   He was educated at the University of Massachusetts where he graduated in 1987 with a Masters of Fine Art.  Inspired by nature, his work is representative of microscopic views of environmental relationships only visible through a microscope.  Complex and cerebral, his work provokes thought.   David's use of color and pattern combine to create energy and emotion on the canvas.  I was immediately drawn into his web.

{Click here to read more & see his work....}

Great Outdoor/Indoor Rugs for Your Porch

 I apologize for the fuzziness of these photos, but I simply had to share these fun rugs from Trans-Ocean Group designed by artist Liore Manne.  We have a black lab in our family named Levi so these first few rugs struck a chord with me.  I may have to order one for my beach house! 

{click here to view more of these fun rugs and see Trans-Oceans more sophisticated patterns...}  

Introducing "Warm & Inviting" by Libby Langdon

New York Designer, author and makeover television personality, Libby Langdon just debuted a new line with Walmart Online.  The new line is called "Warm & Inviting" by Libby Langdon and is sold exclusively online.  Walmart was brilliant to partner with a well known designer like Libby to offer a collection that is a cut above Walmart's usual offerings.  

 I can't think of a better name for a line designed by Libby than "warm and inviting".  Those two words sum up Libby's personality and design aesthetic to a tee. Libby had told me about the line when we had dinner a couple of weeks ago.  I  knew the line would be great if Libby put her name on it, but it is even better than I expected. 

The collection includes rugs, pillows, poufs and more.  There are too many great pieces to share in one blog post so go to Walmart online to see the rest. 

 Check out the six curated collections Libby put together to make shopping the line ever so easy!  

I have chosen a couple of my favorites from each collection to whet your appetite to check out the entire collection.  

{Click here to read more and see some of the collection....}