Abode

Absolutely Shore

2011-07-11T23:51:00.006-04:00

My new Essie obsession: Summer 2011 Essie collection's best Absolutley Shore.

Absolutely Shore just slightly replaces my other current Essie obsession: Fall 2010 Collection, Marino Cool.

Both still my top two Essie favs of the moment! Eek but I have so many! Russian Roulette, Candy Apple Mint, Cute as a Button, Turquoise and Caicos, and the list goes on!!

Royal Wedding Garb

2011-07-11T23:43:00.003-04:00

Can you see my fastener!?
Location: Madison Square Park
Dress: Libertine for Target

Thank you Vogue

2010-12-17T14:05:00.004-05:00

Oh Vogue, how I love thee! You keep getting it right with your leading ladies... Anne Hathaway... Angelina Jolie..and now again Natalie Portman. Many kisses to you!

And a favorite shot from Vintage Portman/Vogue, 2004:

Black Swan

2010-12-17T13:16:00.004-05:00

Darren Aronofsky + Natalie Portman + NYC Ballet = The best thing of my life.

I heard of Black Swan this past summer and was at the edge of my seat with anticipation of its arrival in theaters. As suspected, the film did not disappoint. It is a truly beautiful, haunting, and gorgeous piece of work. How could it not be though when you put Aronofsky at the helm?

A brilliant director that is not afraid to dive into the messy parts of life, Aronofsky will turn the most beautiful thoughts and images into deeply ugly, but yet real moving moments; and then he will take the most grotesque, thoughts, ideas, and moments and make them brilliantly gorgeous. Need further proof of this? Simply take a look at Ellen Burstyn's performance in Requiem for Dream. Haunting!

In Black Swan, Portman nailed it as Nina Sayers. And of course she did so because she too is simply brilliant. If you haven't seen her in Closer, I highly recommend! The Black Swan supporting cast was brilliant in the demise of Nina. Kudos especially to Ms. Ryder, who I will always refer to, of course, as a Veronica.

I long for my next viewing of Black Swan!

LES and the EV in NYC

2010-07-25T14:42:00.006-04:00

Spying Eye Candy

2010-04-15T12:50:00.039-04:00

I never tire of museums and shopping and just keeping in check visually. Looking at clothing, accessories, decor and fashionistas on the street has a similar affect on me as perusing a museum. Whether it's at an Olive & Bettes (which rarely happens) to an H&M (which happens too often,) and spying the fashionistas in between, I am inspired to create Jolene Jewelry or some fab outfit from the remnants of an old Salvation Army jaunt.

I am just as charged by the art of The Met and MoMA as well as local galleries, random happenings on the street and student-shows. I figure, as long as I'm getting eaten alive by New York City, I may as well go down looking at some of the world's most phenomenal works of art and soaking up the loveliness of the streets!

Here's a little of what has caught my attention on the streets, at the shops (online included), from the fashion shows, and in the museums lately:

Pop Up Shop: Mannequins Speak the Brand

FIT Students used mannequins to conceive, design, and execute fashion presentations for the class Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design. Displayed in the lobby of FIT; The School of Fine Art on 7th Ave-Fashion Avenue in Chelsea now thru April 21.

Marina Abramovic': The Artist is Present

MoMA exhibit, Now thru May 31. Sound pieces, video works, solo performances and collaborative pieces made with Abramovic's former Partner Ulay make up this phenomenal installation at MoMA's top floor. Explores the worlds of energy, life, and art. Marina is even there for a solo performance.... she sits at the table and anyone from the crowd can join her for as long as they want...I am planning on doing it myself before the work ends on May 31.

New Mad Men dress: $10 find; Buffalo Exchange

The gorgeous dress definitely makes me feel like a lady of the Mad Men era, certainly due to the details—see button closures on the shoulders, inside buttons for hiding bra straps, and the narrowness of the bodice. Women were tinier then and I know I always have a vintage steal when my ribs have to crush together to zip the dress. Also features the Ladies Garment Union workers label.

Dino and cocktail purse; Bergdorf's window/Fifth Avenue

I love mixing ideas and aesthetics and nothing is more sweetly funny and aesthetically pleasing to my eye than seeing a semi-scary looking dinosaur carrying a diamond-encrusted cocktail purse and hitting on a lady clad in crystals.

Chuck Close at The Met.

Every time I see a Chuck Close painting I am in awe and stunned by the detail and beauty. Recently I saw his works at the Met and again felt inspired and awed.. how is this man doing this!? And no less from a wheelchair!? Photo from Stiw Kit.

Mod Cloth; Floral Essence Heel by Irregular Choice

These shoes make me die. Need I say more?

Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear Louis Vuitton collection by Marc Jacobs

The GORG Coco Rocha in the to-die-for gown by Marc Jacobs for fall 2010 Louis Vuitton and the even more breathtaking and iconic model Elle McPherson also dons Marc at the top of this post.

Five American Design Influences

2010-03-30T01:06:00.039-04:00

Recently I was asked to think about my five top American influences in design, particularly Interior Design. It was a tough assignment because I kept thinking of it so broadly, but when I really just thought, "what do I like?" It was a cinch! And what I came up with, after a brief elimination ceremony, I think, is pretty accurate. Oh, and these are in no particular order. Enjoy!

1. Jonathan Adler

I heart Jonathan Adler. That is exactly what happily runs through my mind every time I pass one of his shops or catch a glimpse of one of his fabulous decor pieces in a magazine. The Brooklyn-based designer just simply makes my heart skip a beat because his designs are fresh, funny, fabulous and, all at the same time, totally classy and chic!

Having originally started as a potter, Adler kept at his craft with little encouragement from the outside world. Good thing he did because today he has 12 shops, a booming interior design business, and a stint on a reality show for his expert design sense, all spun (pun intended) from pottery orders from Barney's back in 1994. What definitely makes his designs so appealing is its evident he is having fun and doesn't take the business of interiors so dead-pan serious, and, at the same time, he knows quality is key. Adler's interiors are always at the same time, warm and welcoming while also remaining to be decadent and achingly beautiful.

Shown above is a living room designed by Adler that features one of his most popular pottery designs.

2. Ruthie Sommers

Sommers is a risk taker and often marries modern-day décor with vintage steals. She is not afraid of color, texture, or making a serious statement with a little fun as evidenced with the zebra rug shown here. A Sommers designed space is completely livable and, with pops of color, can easily change any mood into that is just simply being happy and relaxed.

3. Bill Finks' Recycled Doll Art; Primitive Fig

I met New York-based Artist Bill Finks years ago at a design show in Chicago. It was the end of the day and I was tiredly finishing up a few last-minute aisles to see if anything would catch my eye, and it was during this time I almost died as I spied the recycled art dolls of Bill Finks. I was crazy excited as these pieces just spoke to me. With beautiful faces, intricate details, and a total sense of originality no two dolls were alike. At first sight the dolls seemed a little morbid, but upon close inspection, it was obvious, old sad doll parts were happily come to life again in art that was breathtakingly lovely.

Finks lives with his wife Marcia, also an artist, in New York and the two happily create their own respective works of art in the city and in Kingston, New York. Finks makes his dolls from old doll parts, vintage tins, buttons and other trinkets found at flea markets, garage sales, and other used goods shops throughout the country. All pieces are one-of-a-kind and sell out at every show he is exhibiting.What I specifically love about these dolls is that they are slightly girly with that morbid twist and they always inspire my own creativity. They also are a beautiful example and wonderful tribute to the joys of what happens when one reuses and recycles.

Every show I make a point to visit Bill and see his new set of dolls and last Christmas I was pleasantly surprised when I was checking out the windows at Bergdorf Goodman, to see two beautiful Bill Finks’ originals in the windows.

4. Dransfield & Ross

Luxury and fashion come together in all pieces from Dransfield & Ross as headed by John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross. Based in New York City the Dransfield & Ross aesthetic is simply classic pieces, done in a couture fashion. Known mainly for their luxe pillows and super comfy bedding, the designs are evocative of Europe, the tropics, and far off places of eternal beauty in nature and life.

I love Dransfield & Ross because it simply makes a girl swoon and dream, but yet the beautiful pieces and styles aren’t so far off from reality; it's the ideal combo of luxury and modern elegance. Also, aside from simply wanting to climb in bed and fall asleep on a bedding of luxury, what makes their designs so appealing as well as are the sweet little details. Adorable designs and touches of whimsy rest amongst the designs of the company and such details aren’t fully noticed until the piece is thoroughly studied. So a bit of playfulness is included on a piece that overall is quite adult and ladylike.

5. Frank Lloyd Wright

One cannot speak of American influences in interior design without speaking of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright revolutionized America design and the American home from the latter part of the 19^th Century throughout the 20^th Century to his death in 1959. And, thereafter, his aesthetics and visions can be seen in most all American architecture from 1960 to today. Wright gave Americans homes for which they could breath in as they were designed to offer space and an easy flow from room to room as opposed to the Victorian homes of the 19th century.

I love Frank Lloyd Wright for many reasons, but probably mostly because he was a pioneer in organic design. When designing he thought of a home’s inhabitants, as well as the land and environment where the home would rest. His homes were built with an appeal toward nature and were built by using materials native to the land. Woods were often stained, as opposed to painted, to show their true beauty and so forth. Wright is a Midwestern and so am I, so I feel a genuine connection to him and especially to his most popular designs, the Prairie Houses that originated in Midwest soil.

Wright was a visionary in all facets; he wasn't just the architect but his hand was in everything. He designed the interiors and all pieces including the furniture, glass, fabric, dinnerware, and beyond—all of this was done to ultimately create an overall design that would allow for a pleasing flow and energy for the inhabitants and environment. In total, Wright designed 1141 works, including not just homes, but also churches, libraries, schools, offices, and most notably, the Guggenheim Museum.

Bill Cunningham New York Film Review

2010-03-25T04:10:00.011-04:00

"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life."

—Bill Cunningham

Last night I attended the documentary Bill Cunningham New York, the kick-off film for the New Film/New Directors series presented by MOMA and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. The film follows the renowned and somewhat elusive New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham as he peddles around the streets of New York on his 29th Schwinn Bike (the previous 28 were stolen,) camera in hand, snapping photographs of the most fashionable New Yorkers for his two weekly Times' columns. The columns, “Evening Hours,” showcases the rich and fabulous at New York City galas, and my favorite “On The Street,” showcases everyday people dressed to impress in their own original ensembles. Both have been running for four decades and are considered more of an archeology of fashion, rather than photographic art. Cunningham himself even says he’s not a photographer. “I just take notes with my camera of the clothes I like.”

An octogenarian, Cunningham has an eye and doesn't just capture great shots of the uber fashionistas walking around during Fashion Week, but he gets the shots of the everyday common city dwellers on their lunch breaks and the like. In fact, it's these people he prefers shooting, as he said in a 2002 article on his own life for The Times, "Women's Wear has been photographing socialites and celebrities for years. But the difference for me is I don't see the people I photograph. All I see are clothes. I'm only interested in people who look good. I'm looking for the stunners."

The documentary delves into how Cunningham got started with his passion for fashion, first as a milliner, then as a photographer, with one of his first jobs working for Annie Flanders of Details. Love and adoration for Cunningham is resonated by the likes of museum curators, downtown club kids, high society, Fashion Maven Iris Apfel, and, of course, the diva herself, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour. The Vogue Editor noted that Cunningham often sees things in fashion that those trained, including herself, never see. Wintour also reiterated what she said in a 2002 article for The Times, "I don't know how many times he has taken my photograph, but we all dress for Bill. You feel he's the only one who notices or cares how you dress. I wonder if Bill will like this. And it's always a flattering picture he chooses. He picks everything carefully, so you will look your best.”

Overall the documentary is a love letter to Cunningham, but not really. I say this because I believe that the love letter happens naturally because Cunningham is just so brilliantly wonderful. He’s modest and joyful and just loves fashion. Press would have to be a truly terrible filmmaker if Cunningham’s spirit did not shine through. Where Press failed incredibly is the awkward moments of when he pushed Cunningham for clues to his sexuality and a link to Cunningham’s Catholic faith. What any of this had to do with Cunningham’s career is beyond me. I understand a documentarian may have his job to do, but the moments were out of place and truly just made Press look like a villain, and for what? In the documentary, it’s noted that, as a reporter, Cunningham has always painted his subjects in the best of light. Never once has he gone into the muck of the trash arena to tarnish, hurt, or drudge up any unnecessary information on a subject. He just loves fashion and the people that pull it off! So for Press to turn around and push Cunningham in a moment that was so obviously upsetting and awkward was truly a poor choice in judgment.

Abode's Own Moment with Bill

Last January I saw Mr. Cunningham 'On The Street' (tee hee) and I freaked. I was walking with my friend Frank to the MOMA. Frank was visiting from Chicago and we were catching the sites, every now and then Frank would light up a cigarette and I would then scream in protest, "Do you have to do that!?" On this particular Tuesday, we were power walking down West 53rd—we had a packed day and I wanted to make sure we would fit everything in—and suddenly I felt a presence of someone saddling up to my right side, a little too close, and I could see this person was on a bicycle. I slightly turned to offer up one of my best new New Yorker faces of annoyance and then BAM my eyes about fell out of their sockets. It was Bill Cunningham and he was spying around at the lot of people, looking for his next photog victim. Almost in the same moment that I recognized Mr. Cunningham, I whipped to my left toward Frank and screamed "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! LIGHT UP!" Confused, but then computing that he was getting a 'freebie smoke' so to speak, Frank stopped and lit up a cigarette. In this same moment I whipped back toward Mr. Cunningham and just started posing. Yes, posing. It wasn't totally obvious, but it was to me, to Frank, and likely to Mr. Cunningham, if he even noticed.

A second later Mr. Cunningham was gone in a flash of blue down the street on his Schwinn.

Later, after I told Frank who the man on the bike was, Frank made fun of me saying "You almost got your pic snapped, but nope, you didn't."

DIFFA's Dining by Design

2010-03-21T17:11:00.006-04:00

This past Thursday I attended the first day of the 2010 Architectural Digest Home Design Show, a New York City anticipated spring event that took place all weekend. The show features a wide array of designers and special events, all of which is very inspiring to one looking to cover more design and home in the future!

Later that night DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, held a special viewing gala in honor of its anticipated 2010 Dining by Design five-day event that runs concurrently with the Architectural Digest show. Dining by Design features dining installations done by the most talented, eclectic and well-known designers in their respective industries including David Rockwell for Rockwell Group, David Beahm for Continental Airlines, Kravet, Marc Wilson Designs and Mark Tamayo for Manhattan Magazine. Installations were also done under the Student Design Initiative. DIFFA’s Dining by Design event ends with a gala dinner held in the design installations and hosted by Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber on Monday, March 22. The photos in this post are just a few of my favorite installations from the event.

Garla from LOL Target!

2010-03-17T04:22:00.006-04:00

Liberty of London premiered its line for Target this past weekend and wow-oh-wow was everything absolutely beautiful! I seriously think I could fall in a vat of these beautiful florals and just die. And while I LOVED everything there was actually only one item that I wanted for my own, a must have and, happily I scored it two days before the official launch!

It's the Garla quilt that is seriously SO Jolene that I am really not sure why the print wasn't simply named "Jolene."

It's SO beautiful, 100% cotton, guarantees nights of happy slumbering while dreaming of garden parties and Petit Fours, all for only $49.99! What a Recessionista bargain!

Oh and the best thing, if I have to go live in the park due to the high NYC rent costs, it will make for a GORGEOUS tarp!

Gift For Life Party

2010-03-17T04:08:00.004-04:00

Jolene Turner (yes me :) made the news with GLM Marketing Manager Melissa Gray at the February 2010 Gift For Life party held last January during the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF.) Gift For Life is a national fundraiser with all funds going to DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. The "Kings & Queens Casino" Party, held in Manhattan's Meat Packing District, raised over $100,000 for DIFFA. Way to go gift industry! Woot!

To see the full article visit Gift & Home Interactive!

Betty & Joan Barbie-ized: Mad Men Barbie Dolls

2010-03-10T17:35:00.006-05:00

Mad Men characters Don and Betty Draper; Roger Sterling; and bombshell Joan Holloway have been immortalized into couture Barbie dolls, designed by Robert Best for Mattel, Inc.

While I adore the show, costumes, characters, and Barbie herself, I am a little bummed that Joan has somehow managed to lose all her curves... I want to see her va-va-voomness! Barbie dolls will be available July 2010.

The World of Beautiful Blythe

2010-03-10T02:14:00.008-05:00

Blythe from the Kenner Toy Co.

A true style icon, Blythe! She's out-of-sight in her mod outfit.

Rodarte

2010-03-08T17:00:00.005-05:00

As Gaultier storms Target this week, last week I hit up the Rodarte clearance sale and SCORED! I got two beautiful dresses for $9.98 each and a kickin’ sweater from the collection as well for $11.24! I snapped a pic donning my fav Rodarte piece from my finds. Just $9.98. Are they out of their mind!?

A Doe, A Deer, A Female Deer

2010-03-05T00:36:00.009-05:00

I bought this little doe at the Unique Thrift in Minneapolis for $ .80. Yes New Yorkers, that is correct. I got something at a Thrift Store for 80 cents. CENTS! That is how real thrift stores work.

I love my doe, but my mom hates her. When I brought her to my temporary home, i.e. parents house, I proudly put her up on a shelf in the kitchen; my mother, when I wasn't looking, put her in my bedroom. I proceeded to them put her back on the kitchen shelf and she put her back in my room and so fourth. This little game of ours when on for the duration of my stay. The little doe ended up in all sorts of odd places as we tried to hide her from one another...

When I left for NY I decided to leave the doe in Minnesota so I wouldn't be bogged down with unnecessary tchotkies, but upon unpacking my box, once in my new home, I realized the little doe managed to get nestled in between some clothing. I guess my mom got me one last time with the doe, but what she doesn't realize is that I got the Doe! She is SO missing out on having a cute tchotkie in Minnesota. This was definitely 80 cents well spent, got a cute tchotkie and some laughs with my mom... Oh, and my mom just got this same image sent to her email with a note saying that the doe misses her. Thought about sending her in the mail but I wouldn't risk her possibly getting broken!

John Derian & Whales

2010-03-03T02:48:00.011-05:00

At the last New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF; Winter 2010,) I had the pleasure of interviewing John Derian, artisan, decoupage extraordinaire, New Yorker, and founder of The John Derian Company.

In a brief piece I did for The Editor at Large, for my Daily NYIGF Trend Reports, I snagged a few minutes of Derian's time at the end of a very long day. He was kind enough to spend a couple moments to let me know what he was seeing as trends or rather, as I see it, what inspires him to set the trends.

He noted that blue was doing quite well for him—this now makes me think of the new H&M Blue Video, and he received compliments for his sea life pieces, in particular anything with whale imagery. In my opinion, his Spouting Whale decoupage 6" x 12" pencil tray is definitely a must and not just for pencils, but also diamonds, cigarettes, and seashells. Oh, strike cigarettes, I have been watching too many old movies.

In speaking with him about whales, I also thought of the beautiful whale imagery by Longstreet Collection that I saw at the Pier during the show as well.

Whale series from Longstreet Collection.

Each 12" x 27"

Such imagery made me see that whales are definitely the new birds.

Now that I am New Yorker—okay I have lived here just a wee 10 months, BUT since I did endure two minutes alone with a very alive, very gynormous cockroach, in my bedroom no less, I get to say I am a New Yorker at least once—so, as I was saying, now that I am a New Yorker, I'll be heading soon to check out Derian's East Village location at 6 East Second St. I do hope The Avant Guardian will join me when she visits!

To learn more about John Derian, visit the NY Times article It's All Coming Back to Him Now.

To learn more about Longstreet Collection, visit Interiors Inc.

Liberty of London

2010-03-03T01:37:00.004-05:00

Liberty of London for Target to debut this month. Thanks to Sharon for the heads up!!

Gaultier & Posen

2010-02-26T17:12:00.003-05:00

This spring both Jean Paul Gaultier and Zac Posen are coming out with lines for Target's Go International division. I have to say, I am not too excited.

I preferred the days when Target sought out up and coming designers like Paul & Joe, Proenza Schouler, Alice Temperley, and most definitely, Erin Fetherston! And I loved the Tracy Feith collection from last summer (even though people bashed it.) I also miss the days when Isaac Mizrahi designed for Target. All such designs were easy, funky, definitely creative, affordable, and without much hoopla. It's like their cool factor when under the radar. The lines would simply come in an elegant fashion and those lucky enough to be around could nab one or two pieces and never spend more than $40 per piece.

Now Target is working with the big names. Alexander McQueen (R.I.P.) did a line last March, and last fall the company came out with the very disappointing Anna Sui collection where the pieces proved to be a bit junky, unoriginal and priced as high as $79.99!

So, yes I'll check out Gaultier and Posen this spring (Looking more forward to Posen,) but I am not getting my hopes up. I think right now though I'll take a trip to Target to see what's happening with the Merona collection.

My My

2010-01-27T16:54:00.000-05:00

In doing work today I happened upon the Jonathan Adler website where I saw the words "Lady Pillow"—this immediately caught my eye. See I just watched the 30 Rock episode with guest star James Franco and his girlfriend, Kimiko, a body-sized pillow with a graphic of an Asian woman. I had to see if Jonathan Adler was selling Kimiko-style pillows. So I click on the link and found these interesting pillows...but what is so funny to me is the room shot with the banana statue in the background. My My!

Hello Chanel

2010-01-27T04:09:00.000-05:00

From the Spring 2010 Chanel Couture show in Paris

Greenport

2009-11-23T23:17:00.000-05:00

My latest obsession is the Essie color Greenport from the Summer 2009 collection titled North Fork. It's SO beautiful!! I got a mani today and opted for this color straight away since they didn't have the new Mint Candy Apple Green on hand... I think I'd prefer this to that anyway! Reminds me of my Peacock Plume walls at the Wynn! It's a beautiful vintage color.

Photo credit: Vampy Varnish

Kitty Earrings!

2009-10-25T00:49:00.000-04:00

I made these kitty earrings for Anjellicle Cats Rescue. For just a $10 donation you can help a great organization save kitties AND get a cute pair of earrings! Check out my designs and be prepared to see more Jolene Jewelry here and on Etsy soon!

Jolene Turner Hosts the NYIGF Exhibitor Videos

2009-10-15T20:57:00.000-04:00

This is one of ten videos; the rest can be found on the NYIGF Channel.

Equestrian Dreams

2009-09-22T02:20:00.001-04:00

When I chose this horse motif background for Abode's current background, from The Cutest Blogs on the Block blog, I guess you could say I was subconsciously inspired by Betty Draper and her equestrian-inspired afternoons on "Mad Men." Betty Draper, Don, and really the set designers, costumers, and Matt Weiner, the creator of "Mad Men," have certainly brought to the forefront the absolute loveliness of the early 1960’s style, dress, and interiors. Pair this with Weiner’s deliciously sumptuous execution of it and his camera shots, and what you have is a visual masterpiece. And it's such things as this that inspire me to update Abode, my style blog.

Many of you may be familiar with Jolene's World, or as it was aptly nicknamed in 2007, J's World, while that is still going strong with silly anecdotes for my two fans to enjoy, Abode has been something I have had in the works now for a few years. It started as a personal portfolio specifically geared toward a job I really wanted. While I was told it did impress, and I got an interview as well as the momentary dream of relocating to San Francisco, I didn’t get the job. What I did get though was a clearer vision of my interior design tastes, and a vehicle for sharing my visions on the world wide web.

Over time Abode has since morphed into a bit more of an overall style blog, likely due to my own morphing from city to city, life-path to life-path. Abode is a celebration of interiors indeed, but also fashion, my personal style, the art of thrifting, what inspires me visually, and silly things like my love for plastic animals and Tokidoki.

When I began this blog, I was living in Chicago in this adorable brownstone I dubbed the EP Suites located smack in the middle of Boystown. The apartment was charming with exposed brick, my watermelon-colored living room wall, black and white checked kitchen flooring, and crown molding. Later I moved to my favorite Chicago flat in Lincoln Square, a fabulously huge three room studio with a deck for gardening (a hobby that I wasn't as good as say choosing Strawberry Shortcake curtains for my kitchen) and two doors to rooms other than the bathroom! Here I got all my colors just right, Peacock Plume for the living room walls, and a deliciously beautiful brown-vintage pink for the accent walls.

In each apartment I had everything strategically placed and my interior design evolved each day, until I could get it perfect, which, in Lincoln Square, may have been at its best when Time Out Chicago did an article on the place for a May 2008 issue. Shortly thereafter , out of the blue really, I decided to move and get rid of everything I own. I guess I always just wanted to be one of those quirky girls featured in a magazine, showing off her thrift store apartment full of tacky things like Hello Kitty Pez dispensers and old hats. Once this happened I was done being owned by my things and decided to move forward as a vagabond.

For a girl who LOVES her things, her home, her space, deciding to lead the vagabond lifestyle was a weird thing for me to do. In fact, as I write this now I have nowhere to live. I am in New York City, happy I am finally here, but a little lost. I literally only have in my possession a handful of clothes, okay a closet full of clothes, my computer Miss Stella, some jewelry, my jewelry making kit, books, a ceramic deer, four tokidokies, mini Rebecca for photo shoots, and a little rubber guy with a red heart that I found on the street in Soho (he was washed thoroughly.) Adding to the mix, and again inspired by Ms. Draper, are my new cool equestrian style boots. (Shown here.)

While I should probably be focusing more on where I will live than what I will be wearing, I figure, if anything, at least these boots will keep me warm should the park become my new temporary home.

And, alas, whatever part of the park I may end up, or hopefully maybe a place with four walls, I will still be blogging here on Abode and hope you will follow me and be inspired too by my tastes and stylrific influences!

Anna Sui for Target—Disappointing!

2009-09-21T23:14:00.000-04:00

I didn't buy one piece, all of it seemed cheap, poorly made, and WAY over priced for Target! Dresses were marked from $60 to $80. Silly! For that price I'll go to a better boutique and get something more original and much more well made. I'm just sayin'.

I did pick up a couple cute tops at one of my fav cheapy shops Forever Twenty One or, as I lovingly call it, Forever Slutty One. Going to wear this number to a very Foxy Birthday dance party on Saturday! Oh I'll wear some sleek black pants as well, I'm not in my twenties afterall..

Anna Sui for Target

2009-08-25T00:43:00.000-04:00

So excited about the next Go International collection for Target from Anna Sui. Sui says she based her designs on the women of Gossip Girl, however many industry experts have noticed the striking resemblance to numerous Sui designs of the past. Either way I am loving this Serena (above) and this Blair (below!) Must get mine come September!

Blythe

2009-08-11T00:38:00.000-04:00

Blythe! Blythe! Beautiful Blythe!

I just LOVE Blythe dolls!

Old is New Again

2009-07-31T22:33:00.001-04:00

At the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, found an old vintage frock while donning a similar dress just picked up on the cheap at Forever 21

Unicorn Necklace

2009-07-02T11:59:00.000-04:00

As a new resident of New York City, I have come to realize a creative drawback for myself personally, one I can easily live with, but nonetheless is odd and a bit difficult, is that I have a roommate for the first time in 11 years! The actual roommate is not the problem; she's a doll! What is the drawback is that my craft of decorating and making my space my space, is, at the moment, non-existent.

This is not just because of having a roomie to share space with, but also I am living in an already furnished apartment. It's SO bizarre! Not the furnishings of my new place—luckily I have purple lilac bedroom walls—but the fact that, overall, my little nook is not speaking 'Jolene!'

To counter this lack of creative force in decorating my home full of tchotchkies, chic thrifty finds, and, of course, the occasional Strawberry Shortcake home good, I have been dabbling more into my jewelry making. I have purchased some goods here in the city that I has me coming up with new, creative ideas for necklaces and earrings. Once completed, I hope to be showcasing these goods here on Abode!

One such item I made a few months back that I am proud to share is this pretty unicorn necklace. I made it with my friend Mandy in mind and gave it to her on my last trip to Chicago. Mandy is my type of friend that would definitely wear a unicorn necklace and when someone will comment on it I can just hear her say "Oh this is my unicorn necklace; my friend Jolene made it."

I hope she still wears it. :)

Sunae, Kanzashi, and GiGi

2009-07-02T11:56:00.000-04:00

At this years National Stationery Show, held at Javits in NYC, I saw new artists, old friends, and many beautiful, artist-driven work that made my heart sing! Here are just a few of my favs!

Red Cap Cards artist Carrie Gifford introduced new artists to her card company, including this fabulous Japanese artist Naoshi! Naoshi paints in shiny color sand, a process called "SUNAE" in Japanese. Her imagery is smart, quirky, and very funny!

Artist Amy Kwong for her stationery company Smitten Kitten showed pretty stationery as well as her line of beautiful handmade couture necklaces she crafts herself. Similar to Origami, the flowers are called Kanzashi and are made from vintage silk scarfs, and are accented with glass and acrylic beads.

As a HUGE fan of Dare Wright and The Lonely Doll, this company certainly tweaked my fancy! Gigglegraph offers up silly cards with the sneaky GiGi doll everywhere!

Oh Economy

2009-02-05T00:12:00.001-05:00

Okay so the economy BLOWS and many things in my personal life have been affected, i.e. family and numerous friends losing their jobs, no one eating at my restaurants, no one wanting to actually pay for writers...and now the final straw, my beloved Domino Magazine has folded.

I credit Domino with SO much; introducing me to the COOLEST, HIPPEST young interior designers; showing me how to have a FABU home that is SO all about my personality, well put-together, and still so affordable; having pages oozing with the color pink, teal, and purple; and being a resource that truly spoke to me about what design could be for me no matter what my bank account was or my style desires! I have never been one to follow rules, and Domino was the first shelter pub to recognize that people's homes can be as individualistic as their personalities.

The Premiere issue in 2005 with Ruthie Sommers on the cover; this cover had me immediately sending in my subscription card and I was a loyal fan ever since. To read more about Domino's folding, go to this good article in The New York Times: A Girl World Closes, and Fans Mourn.

Domino I will so miss you. R.I.P.

Vintage For Sale!

2008-09-24T12:42:00.001-04:00

Abode is Moving to New York City!

All Cute Vintage Items Must Go!!

Items below are vintage, uber cute, and for sale!
Vintage postcards and photo, sweet tchotkies, and other adorable finds.

Mirrored Dresser and matching end table

Mirror is 30" diameter; Height of dresser is 66" tall, including the mirror, x 41.5" w x 18.5" d

The matching vintage end table is adorable and includes a glass top, big storage space and matching molding/design. 26" tall x 16" wide x 13" deep.

Super cute Vintage dresses!!!!

Cute trinkets, postcard display, and candy canisters!

Marble coffee pedestal table (two pieces); measures 16" tall and 38" in diameter. $75

Contact me ASAP if interested!

Kitty's Home to a Home

2008-06-17T16:49:00.000-04:00

How does one go from a home full of kitty love, toys, nooks, special snuggle spots, and decorated cat place settings to nothing?

A week ago my beloved 13 year-old cat, Honey, passed away and it's been really hard loving my home because at its center is a hole.

So, how does one go from a home full of kitty to a home without? I'm not sure yet. I do know it takes time. The kitty nook in my computer station is staying, along with a few favorite toys; these things I do not mind so much as they bring back the good memories of her playing, being happy, or helping me work on the computer.

There are two household items though, that while they also brought her joy, make me feel that pang of sadness; that is her two favorite kitty rugs. One was hot pink and suited her well; the other was this silly fish mat I got from a client at work.

I'm not into fish motifs, but the colors fits perfectly in my bathroom and the minute I parked it on the floor, Honey declared it her own. Her eyes matched the rug perfectly. Stepping from the shower to this rug is no longer the same. First I see it and feel sad, then I feel it and it feels clean. There is no kitty fur sticking to my wet feet, nor loose bits of litter. I would give anything to have that icky, no longer clean feet feeling back, if it meant life back to normal with my sweet cat.

Va-Cay

2008-06-05T00:34:00.000-04:00

Abode is going on Vacation through the weekend... since I'm having trouble activating my comments option here...if you have any... leave them on the first post of my other blog J's World. I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Have a good weekend...spring clean and create a space that is beautiful!

Is it weird?

2008-06-02T23:08:00.000-04:00

...that I think these images are cool and totally inspirational for decorating?

I saw them in one of Yahoo's story about this new first-aid book... While the red signifies pain in the body, I love the hues and seeing the human body in another form.

Also imagine if these were wall art; then throw them on the wall of a girly room... they'd be so wrong, that they'd be right!

Leopard

2008-06-01T00:18:00.000-04:00

Never underestimate the power of a dash of leopard print.

This classy, and yes sometimes trashy, print can add a spark of eclectic pizazz to your home. If you're not super into the idea, but want to play a little, simply add a pillow or small accessory wit the print, or go a little crazy and do a rug, like me. Whatever you decide, not only will you have that spunk of kitten, but you may just feel a little bit more feisty!

Little House... The Musical!?

2008-05-30T15:30:00.000-04:00

Today I found out they are making a musical based on the Little House book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and guess who is playing Ma Ingalls? Melissa Gilbert!!!!!

Um, okay for you non-Little House fanatics, that's little Laura Ingalls from the television show!

In honor of this great bit of news, I say we all take a moment to think about those simpler times of home living.... okay yes there was no plumbing, but there were porch stools (if you had money like the Olesons); cute little churches/school houses—A simple black drape changed that building's function in a flash; and beautiful things like a velvet couch, or a pretty floral textile was truly cherished.

Oh and the Little House itself! Pa Ingalls worked so hard, down to his knuckles, to build that Little House with its cute loft for the girls, back room for the wife, and a cute matching barn! And of course a few years go by, business is good, and Pa gets to build an addition so Ma can have more room to cook and sew.

I was addicted to this show, for years—yes, obviously, I still am!—but not only did I adore Laura and her crazy antics, but I really did love the way they lived and remember nearly every part of that set from Oleson's Mercantile to Laura's first house as a married woman.

I was truly in awe of this house because it had steps, which to me, meant the Wilders were rich! It was my dream to grow up, marry manly (my first love) and be rich and have a huge house with stairs!

I could on and on, talking about the ginormous house they had to move in toward the end of the series. It had a big beautiful circular window, but Half-Pint hated that place.

While the show's ending was sad, the true tragedy for me was when—due to the ending of the series and the production company wanting the lot back—the writers, including the super hot, and now deceased Michael Landon, wrote the final episode to destroy the set. The story was that the evil Mr. Lassiter had bought out Walnut Grove and was going to take over the town; in retaliation, the characters took loads of dynamite and blew up their homes, and all the buildings that made up Walnut Grove. It was sad.

Aaah is that life imitating art? I tell you though, had they turned that lot into a Disney world for Little House fans, I would have been first in line!

Kitty Nook

2008-05-29T17:16:00.000-04:00

If you have a kitty that is anything like mine, you'll want to create a kitty nook next to your computer so kitty and you can easily brainstorm up wonderful ideas together without kitty sitting directly in front of the monitor.
Here I found a random object at the Ikea clearance corner and paid a couple bucks for it and it turned out perfect! It's simple a cube missing two sides. It fits perfectly on my desk, next to the screen and not only provides a snuggle spot for kitty, but a place to shelf my computer so no glasses of orange juice or large vats of vodka accidentally spill on the computer!

Simple and sort of genius—well at least my kitty thinks so!

Try making your own kitty nook with an old milk crate or other plastic cube option from either a storage unit, or an old shelving system. Make sure to place a small blanket or cushion down so kitty can work comfortably.

Tablescapes

2008-05-29T01:17:00.001-04:00

Escape away into an easy decorating task—make a tablescape complete with your favorite things for function and beauty!
Shown here is a favorite tablescape from my dressing room. Setting includes vintage dishes full of jewels, an angel mirror, fan, a gift from a friend's vacation, and a photo of the beautiful Betty Hutton.

Tchotchkeeper

2008-05-28T21:03:00.000-04:00

On page 47 of this week's issue of Time Out Chicago, there's a small story about me and my design sense...Check it out!

Follow the flowers

2008-05-22T15:26:00.000-04:00

As a nice prezzie, my friend Frank stopped by with a bunch of flowers and his expert green thumb!

This is all to build my very own tropical garden right here in Chi-town... well the flowers are more your midwest variety, but you get the point.

So the flowers have been growing out on my porch for about two weeks now... after some hungry black birds have come by, I realize I must pick up a pinwheel from the Market. Once I do that I'm sure they will begin to bloom like crazy and I will posting pics here as they grow... I'm really hoping my own green thumb will shine through.

Sweet Score

2008-05-13T01:59:00.001-04:00

I found these cuties at my fav thrift store and I couldn't be happier! Does anyone remember these? What were they for? I remember them from my childhood, having a bunch of them, but I don't really remember how I got them...

I do have one vague memory of these plastic animals: I was playing with my neighborhood friend Jenae on her lawn when we saw our parents drive away together. We knew they were headed to go shopping for prizes for the neighborhood cul-de-sac pig roast (Um hello suburbia!) and I remember Jenae telling me "Don't worry I asked my mom to keep two extra glass animals for us." These were the animals. I'm pretty sure I got an elephant. But I had so many more thereafter! I tried doing some searches on the Internet, but couldn't find anything.

Suffice it to say I just love them.... four little 2" chunks of plastic, they could have easily gone to a landfill, but thankfully were saved and found their way into my home!

Here Piggy Piggy...

2008-04-23T23:11:00.000-04:00

Good thing I no longer eat pork, because I'd feel real bad about my new decor obsession... collecting pig tchotchkies!
Now instead of longing for bacon, I long for cheap pig figurines... the pig pair on the right were 45 cents each! Hello! That's a way better deal to me than getting some bacon fat on my thighs!

I want a deer

2008-04-09T18:13:00.000-04:00

I seriously want a giant deer in my living room, like Interior Designer Fawn Galli's living room shown here (Galli is shown in the inset). Image from Domino. That deer is so darn cute!

Today I love...

2008-04-09T15:31:00.001-04:00

TOKIDOKI!

Tokidoki is the cutest collection of art work, fashion accessories, and toys all based on a quirky style of anime by Italian, yup, Italian, artist Simone Legno. Tokidoki, as Legno explains on his website means "sometimes" in Japanese. He chose this word because he loves Japan and what the word can convey.

He believes everyone waits for moments that change one’s destiny. As he says, "By simple chance, or meeting a new person, tokidoki is the hope, the hidden energy that everyone has inside them that gives us the strength to face a new day and dream something positive, that something magical will happen within us."

Oooh that’s so cute!

And you know what else is cute? Tokidoki Cactus pups! Love! love! love!
I also covet the uber cute new Tokidoki fashion bags made in collaboration with Sanrio's Hello Kitty. They aren't available in the states; these bags are selling for up to $200 on Ebay. Aye Yi Ya!

To keep up on Tokidoki, be certain read the Tokidoki blog!

Peacock Plume

2007-11-09T19:16:00.000-05:00

Introducing The Winn.

That is what I have dubbed my new digs, partly having to do with the building's official name and partly an homage to any of the fabulous and dramatic hotels built by Las Vegas entrepreneur Steven Wynn. So the Winn has been painted and the colors are fabulous!
It took me a while to find the living room color; I spied it in a magazine and couldn't find a good match. I finally found it in an obscure little pamphlet from Sherwin Williams—the Interior Color Preservation Palette Victorian collection.

The main room's color is Peacock Plume, a greenish-turquoise. Very vintage, very pretty! Well, at least I think so.

The accent colors for the foyer and adjacent hall are Cabbage Rose, a light brownie pink.

Frank helped me paint, he's a pro. We got the main room, foyer and hall all done in about five hours! While Frank was amazingly helpful and really did paint the whole main room like a pro, the biggest help was Ms. Honey....she acted as painting supervisor.
And really... when all was done, it became pretty obvious Honey and I both look fabulous with a Peacock Plume backdrop!

Keen on Keane

2007-11-09T15:30:00.001-05:00

You know you've seen them: big eyes; big, sad eyes; giant, depressed, sad eyes on sweet little girls, puppies, and kitties. I am speaking of the paintings of Margaret Keane. Popular in the 60s and 70s, Keane's paintings often adorned many young girls' bedrooms.

Funny thing is Keane's paintings were credited to her second husband Walter Keane. As the Wikipedia site stated, under the name Margaret Keane, "Many reasons might be put forward to explain this, but it was also one of the reasons they divorced."

The site also says that Keane did not want to relinquish the rights to the artwork when they divorced. Thank God! So the divorce went all the way to Federal court. At the hearing, to prove she was the artist of the Keane paintings, Margaret painted in front of the judge, which showed her obvious talent. Of course Walter couldn't do this and deniied the chance to paint. In 1965, the courts sided with her, enabling her to paint under her own name.

Why I am speaking of Keane is because her paintings certainly had an impact on Jolene's World... of course! While I did not have Keane's work adorn my childhood walls, two of her prints decorated a wall in my Grandparent's guest bathroom in Monett, Missouri. To this day I can still visualize nearly every detail of that bathroom. I loved it because it was very pink and very girly!

There was the mauve and light pink shower curtain tied back with decorative pinks ropes. In the corner of the bathtub rested a bottle of hot pink bubble bath emblazoned with a pink rhinestone brooch. Across from the toilet was a tiny bench with a deep mauve velvet bench cover.

And of course there were the Keane prints.

My father bought them in 1962 while visiting San Francisco and gave them to his mother. When I was little, visting Granny and Gramps, I'd ogle the prints and think that someday they’d make a great addition to my home.

After both my grandparents passed I received the prints and have had them hung in my home ever since. Not only are these prints reflective of my tastes, but they also have much sentimental value.

Above they are shown in the old EP suites. Now that I am getting ready to decorate my new apartment, I am reminded of how I love these prints and I am excited to see which wall will request their presence today... to find out stay tuned for more posts!

Candy-Coated Creativity

2007-06-29T19:39:00.005-04:00

Are you a candy freak? Do you have canisters full of the sweetest treats, chocolate morsels and sugary confections, so much so that just thinking about it makes your teeth ache? Consider turning your candy obsession into more than just a treat for the taste buds, but rather a feast for your eyes as you transform your kitchen into candy heaven.

To start, stash your candy in kitschy canisters like the ones shown here. The dotted set is from Ikea; Roger Le Borde designed the striped canisters. Vintage Old Fashioned Hard candies are from F.B. Washburn Candy Corp.

If you have the extra room add favorite Pez Dispensers to the mix! Pez Dispensers will always remain to be a favorite kitschy collectible item.

To decorate the walls, pick up some simple Ikea 5” x 7” frames and get ready to paint them in fun, crazy candy colors. Fill them with various candy imagery, or frame vintage candy wrappers. Check out Candy Favorites for all your candy needs—just think you’ll get to eat the goods while you work!

Another option for decorating the walls is with Wallies wall decals. Shown here are DottiLicious Wallcandy Arts Peel and Stick Designs. Similar to a wallpaper, but much easier to adhere and remove, there are 80 dots ranging from 1" to 10" in numerous candy-coated colors.

To really commit to the candy haven, paint your walls and cabinets the sweetest candy colors you can find. Sherwin Williams has an online color visualizer that helps you choose the perfect match for your project. The color visualizer program allows you to paint a room online, keep a color file, and will provide you with the exact color numbers to bring to your nearest Sherwin Williams location for easy ordering. Consider choosing fun contrasting colors such as a bright Cotton Candy Pink with a Robin’s Egg Blue. Or, for a more elegant appeal, choose Chocolate Brown and match it up with any candy colored pastel.

Functionally Cute!
This uber cute toaster provides just the right amount of kitschy candy color while remaining to be a useful and much-needed appliance. Toaster by French designer Créa Créa for Pylones products for The Sarut Group

Don’t forget about transferring the candy theme to the kitchen linens. Just check out these tea towels, quilted potholder, and oven glove from Klippan of Sweden. The glove is heat resistant. All items made of 50% linen/50% cotton.

Of course what is a kitchen without a proper candy dish? Options in styles include the traditional vintage tiered candy dishes. These regularly have three tier plates stacked allowing for plenty of room to display many store-bought or homemade candy confections. Look for vintage candy tiers on such auction sites as EBay.

Another option is a traditional crystal or glass bowl. For something truly luxurious check out the candy dishes from Juliska. These ornate pieces are fluted, mouth-blown glass, and encompass whimsical designs. Shown here is the Amalia Grande Design. Two pounds of pastel colored M&M's, or any Brach's candy would look too pretty in this creation! I suspect the candy wouldn't last too long though!

Three Must Haves for Summer

2007-06-29T19:39:00.003-04:00

Make sure your summer sizzles with these three home décor must haves!

Fresh cut flowers are an absolute must in the summertime, so it's only proper to keep them in a beautiful and eye-catching vase. From renowned potter Frances Palmer are the pretty designs from the Frances Palmer Pearl Collection.
Pressed from molds, the vitreous China pieces are taken from original Palmer pottery vases and exude Palmer’s eclectic style and whimsical lines—the perfect container for peonies, daisies, or lilacs.
The designs are so simple and elegant the flowers will be sure to pop. An average price for a Frances Palmer vase is $150.

For a vase that will offer a vestibule for water without breaking the bank—and will still lend a truly stylish flair for the summer home—is the Victoria Hagan Daffodil Vase in Grass Green from Target. This pear shaped vase is 8.38” high and is only $14.99!
Enjoying a summer meal on the patio is the ultimate in summer enjoyment, but one must be careful with the appropriate dinnerware.

To avoid accidents involving glass, opt for plates made of Melamine, a high-heat resistant plastic best suited for outdoor use. French Bull offers an array of designs that scream summer fun. Platters below are 11” dinner plate size. Melamine plates range in price from $10 to $25.

Equally stylish, and safe, is the Hot Off The Grill paper dinner plate from C.R. Gibson. These super cute paper plates are the ideal option for serving up corn on the cob and brats at any summer gathering. Eight 11.5" plates go for $5.50.
Lounge in style this summer with a super comfy rocker or lounge chair that is not only ideal for book reading, but can also withstand summer weather changes. The Hammock Source Collection (800/334-1078) has this deluxe Signature DuraCord Double Rocker. Constructed of 100% DuraCord woven rope and Brazillian hardwood, the rocker is weather-, stain-, and fade-resistant. The rocker retails for $598.
For a more affordable option check out the outdoor furniture sale happening at World Market. This Candy Apple Red lounger will not only look fabulous on your patio it will provide for some definite lazy summer Saturdays. The adjustable chair was $59.99 but is now $39.99 and is crafted of a weather-resistant, plantation-grown Acacia wood. The chair has a natural finish and an oil-base stain. Bright red canvas is machine-washable.

Quick Tip!

2007-06-29T19:39:00.001-04:00

To organize a crammed den full of books and paperwork, find an old bookcase at your local Salvation Army, decorate as you see fit, with either paint or paper! Then simple organize what needs to to be saved and what can be pitched. If paper work is over a year old, shred it before tossing—no need for identity theft when trying to create a cute space! To hide ugly papers seek out old hat boxes or vintage shoes boxes. Such pieces will add personal flair to your space while performing a function!

Happy Organizing.

Lady Head Vases

2007-06-29T19:36:00.000-04:00

If you’re looking to take on a new hobby of collecting, consider collecting Lady Head Vases from the 1950s and 60s. Originally manufactured by various ceramic companies just prior to World War II, Lady Head Vases were made for the floral industry. While the first vases were made in the U.S. and feature plainer styles, by the 60s styles were coming out of Japan and featured such accouterments as dangling earrings, faux pearl chokers, gloves, hair bows, eyelashes, and more.

While they initially were sold for just a couple dollars, today such vases are worth anywhere from $75 to well into the thousands. To seek out vases start perusing your local antique shops and flea markets. Also be sure to note the difference between authentic vases and fakes. An article from American Antiques gives you a good start on the history of the Lady Head Vases as well as clues on authenticity.

Do you love the look of the vases, but don't have the dough for the pricey items? You can still enjoy head vases with head vase wrapping paper from PopInk. Frame it for a fun wall decor piece.
Paper titled Glazed and Confused. available in 19.5" x 27" rolls, and in text weight flat sheets and cover weight flat sheets.

Preparing a Beauty Collage

2007-06-29T19:35:00.000-04:00

Personalize a dressing room or bathroom with a DIY beauty collage!

Tools needed: old magazines, 18" x 24" tag board, glue stick, glue gun, gems, glitter glue, Ikea 18" x 24" plain wood frame, metallic spray paint.

1. To get started page through old magazines and tear out inspirational photos of favorite handbags, jewelry, models, clothes, etc. Intricately cut around the objects to create an appealing aesthetic.

2. Use the glue stick to adhere the images to the tag board. Board can be any color of choice, we prefer black as it really makes the images pop! When adhering the images, you can either plan out the layout, or be spontaneous and glue as you go watching for various shapes to come to life before your eyes.

3. Once the tag board is full of your desired images, there is no limit of how many can be placed, let the board dry and turn your attention to the frame.

4. In a well ventilated area spray paint the frame's edges. We recommend a metallic paint for a truly glamorous effect. Another option is seeking out a vintage frame at a thrift store or rummage sale.

5. While the frame dries, return to your tag board art and begin to decorate the images as you a see fit. You can use gems that can be glued on with the glue gun, or glitter glue to outline models, shoes, or other bits of inspiration.

6. Once the board and frame are fully dry insert tag board in the frame and hang appropriately in either a dressing room, bathroom, or bedroom.

7. While primping enjoy being inspired by your favorite images, not to mention feeling proud of your own creative handiwork!

Designer- Ruthie Sommers

2007-06-29T19:34:00.000-04:00

Hailing from North Carolina, Ruthie Sommers doles out her stylish and creative twist on traditional design aesthetics to her clients from her West Hollywood design firm, Chapman Radcliff Home. Sommers' style consists of a girly chic with flair for the contemporary mixed with old world appeal. Often marrying modern-day décor with vintage steals, Sommers is not afraid of color, texture, or making a serious statement. Why I am personally drawn to Sommers’ design sense is because her spaces are truly evocative of the owner’s personalities; she is fearless in her choices; and her spaces are not only inviting visually, but they also maintain an air of comfortability. With such a combination and straight raw talent, it is no wonder why Sommers is one of the most sought after designers of today. This bold study shows off Sommers fearless approach, and I so want to curl up in that chair and read a book!