COLOR STORY

Grey. Is it technically a color? We think so. The thousands of shades that can vary ever so slightly from the mix of black and white always bring interesting results. Hints of blue, yellow, or brown often come up. Grey pairs well with everything. In fact, it seems that most designers and tastemakers these days are having a love affair with this neutral shade. Once you get used to the tasteful, instantly chic shade, it’s hard to incorporate color back into your wardrobe. Far from gloomy, think of this color as mysterious. Quiet. And always chic.

There’s no smocking to be found at Charlottesville’s Petit Bebe. If you’re interested in children clad in European, simply designed, and yes, grey threads, shop here. Favorite brands on offer include Bonpoint, Flora and Henri, and Caramel Baby. Owner Jill Tebbenkamp has done a fantastic job cultivating clothes and furnishings you really can’t find anywhere else.

Pursley Dixon Architecture clearly is having a love affair with two things: the color grey and renovated farmhouses. Above are two examples, the latter was featured in Garden and Gun. They boast several very cool projects on their website. Their aesthetic is tasteful, contemporary and all about being subtle. Based in Charlotte, they clearly take work on several places South of the Mason Dixon line.

Alexander Julian is a legendary shirtmaker and a pioneer in Men’s haberdashery. His line, while quite colorful, includes some amazing neutral shirts that have texture to them. The linen is top of the line but the cut is slightly slimmer, a more modern fit. His line Colours is available for purchase from Plainclothes in Birmingham, AL.

Gorgeous lines, high-quality materials, and a slightly modern, sophisticated details characterize the jewelry on offer at Laura Pearce Ltd. We’re partial to the silver pieces, which are slightly more affordable but just as unique. The grey pearl and diamond earrings, the moonstone and silver ring, and these woven cuffs.

Charlottesville’s Isabelle Abbot is what you would call a painter’s painter, making art that is always based on life. Her impressionistic style is loose and expressive; her palette muted. The above oil is already sold, but there are many like this. Invest in a piece of her artwork, it’s sure to have major lasting power.

Paired with white jeans, a loose grey sweater is timeless and can be dressed up or down accordingly. Blush in Denver is a boutique with a cultivated group of simple pieces, including this Alby Sweater.

We admit, this Continental Stone Garden Figure is more “greige” than a classic grey, but it’s close enough. Source, out of Nola, sells nothing but unique patina. Everything in the store is essentially beige, grey or cream; there’s an overriding Scandinavian look that overrides most of the decorative wares. Their furniture and upholstered items are all done in basic linen. See what is available here. 

Mi Ossa’s jewelry is made in Haiti and sold exclusively at Eloise in Charlottesville. The authenticity Mi Ossa’s artifacts are the fruit of artisan exchange, that’s what makes it such a personal piece of jewelry. Buy a few and layer these Kolye Gravite necklaces and you’re wardrobe is set for the summer.

(Image sources via our blog Pinterest board)

#1: There’s nothing like a gold and white, over-sized painting to make the statement in a living room. We love how interior designer Stephen Knollberg made the painting the room, using constraint and pairing the green sofa with a brass coffee table.
#2: Oh to live in this ancient sanctuary. No doubt a guest cottage on the estate of some Irish farm somewhere, we find it dreamy.
#3: Who needs elaborate clothes when you have major jewels to sport. The gold and diamond spiked bracelet make the outfit. Lust worthy and a perfect example of investing in one nice piece that will last a lifetime.

#1: There’s an amazing interview with GERRIE BREMERMANN on the TSG New Orleans blog that is not to be missed. This gold and white painting is available from her store Bremermann Designs, snap it up pronto!
#2: Considered to be the earliest, unaltered house in Albemarle County, Findowrie could be yours to fix up and live in history. Available for purchase through Frank Hardy.
#3: Spiky jewelry is still very much in, especially when it is made out of precious materials. Get cool with these Eddie Bergo Cone bracelets that Space 519 has on offer.

founders note

Throwing kid birthday parties can feel daunting, especially in this age of Etsy, Pinterest and DIY everything. Truth be told, there’s nothing like an old-fashioned tea party at your house.  TSG founder Chritsy Ford gives us a peak at some of the fantastically girly parties she has thrown for her daughters and gives us her recipe for success.

Party Musts:
- an extra long table
- Fancy China
- Champagne Flutes
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Lots of flowers
- A whimsical cake
- Bowls of strawberries
- A simple souvenir
- A photo booth to pose in front of

“it’s all about feeling fancy for my daughters. we rent a long table and We decorate it together and use the same wares we would use for an adult affair. the menu is CUCUMBER sandwiches, strawberries, edamame, and other favorite treats. we drink from champagne flutes or china tea cups. no paper cups here!”

“There is always a theme, like princess or white swan. This year we did a flower arranging party and the bouquets that the girls made were the party favor. So much better than goodie bags!”

“We usually like to set up a photobooth, they’re always a hit. Take an extra large piece of white paper and pin it to the wall. For the white swan party, the girls came in white costumes; the photobooth lets them have fun posing in dress-up. lots of time it can lead to a dance party!”

“It’s all about the cake! This is the place to go the most whimsical and over the top. my mom makes them for the girls and they help out.”

(Photography via Christy Ford)

GET THE LOOK

The design world is catching on to the sumptuous patterns and vivid colors embraced by maharajas for centuries. Landmarks like the Taj Mahal and other maharajas palaces in India always reflect a variety of influences. Turkish elements mingle with Venetian, French, Chinese and even Moroccan designs. Think patterns upon patterns, vibrant shades and a whimsical take on all things exotic.

The genuine turkish Kilim rugs and accessories sold through Durham’s Nomadic Trading Company are the real deal. No two rugs are alike and the color combinations will create a statement in any room. What’s even more fun are the accessories on offer; above, we’ve highlighted a spice jar and hemp pillow, but there’s much more to choose from.

Get the bangles look that every Indian bride sports, but in a luxurious version. New Jersey’s Hamilton Jewelers offers a variety to choose from, invest in one a year and start a collection.

In Charleston, actual imports from around the globe are being sold at GDC Home; we love these lotus nesting tables made from tapped, engraved metal. They could fly as Moroccan or Indian, and are perfect for indoors or outdoors. Equally worldly are the luxury handbags and accessories that Austin’s Zinc has on offer. The yellow print is so fun for summer.

 GDC Home carries a variety of printed sheets in fun lotus and paisley patterns. Mix and match, the more the variety the better.

The artists represented at Gregg Irby Fine Arts in Atlanta are all producing fresh work. Jessica Swift is no exception. She absolutely is influenced by the colors, patterns and typogrophy of the East, as seen above in this tiger painting.

Chicago’s talented floral designer Virginia Wolf is known for her penchant for the dramatic. Hire her to create a fantastical atmosphere using vibrant combinations of orange and red exotic flora.

(Image sources available through our Pinterest board.)