Divine Finds

01/31/2012

FAVORITE FINDS of 2011

New York…
I’ve been to Manhattan a jillion times, but had never taken the time to explore Brooklyn. Now that my youngest daughter lives there, I have a tour guide and I must say, I love it!

My favorite new place is Maison Premiere in Williamsburg. From my website you know I love New Orleans and this place is absolutely as close as you are ever going to get without being in the middle of the French Quarter. They serve about 70 different types of oysters and their specialty is absinthe cocktails. We were fortunate enough to get a table in the garden patio on the 4th of July afternoon. We stayed for hours! So good, we went back a second time at night. The interior is perfectly Southern with great antique lighting. Lovers of design – check out the restrooms.

01/31/2012

Brooklyn...
JULY 4, 2011
My younger daughter, Delaney, introduced me to the bar, 'Maison Premiere' - where she worked as hostess all summer - on Bedford Avenue in hip and creative Williamsburg, BK. When we attended the July 4th soiree, I immediately fell in love with the French, New Orleans-inspired (specifically the Napoleon) interiors, garden (pictured here), music, and menu. It was like being transported to NoLa circa 1890!

01/31/2012

01/31/2012

And way over the Pond, it was a great surprise to run into a friend, Brad Bloom, VP of Sales for Pollack. What a treat to visit with him and see Pollack’s fall collection – I want a jacket made from their Razzle Dazzle fabric!

01/31/2012

In London, if you want to see beautiful fabrics and furnishings, take a stroll down King’s Road for great shopping, including the Osborn & Little and Designer’s Guild showrooms. And do not miss the exquisite handmade crystal vases and lighting at William Yeoward’s. Kicking myself that I didn’t purchase a vase. Twenty yummy colors – you’ll want one in each!

01/31/2012

And I had to go to Portobello Road twice. Once for the Saturday Market and back on a weekday to scope out a few stores without the crowds. Favorites: Sara Tiara for the coolest, most original handmade millinery you will ever find (we bought 5!), Alice’s for the best antiques and all the street corner vendors with fresh topiaries we can usually only get through florists.

01/31/2012

London...
Fall 2011

A favorite London activity of mine is, of course, Portobello Rd. Market. I could spend the entire day there!

Sara Tiara's incredible headdresses and headbands distracted my daughter and me for a good hour or so. Look her up and see her stunning, hand-made creations.

01/31/2012

Another favorite was The Gentleman Farmer. This is not just another art & gift store. The owner, Madeleine Jex, has a great eye. It’s country at its best – in my opinion – with distinctive, original art by local artists like C. Wood, plus interesting antique smalls – just an exceptional, one-of-a-kind store.

The first weekend of December, businesses on Bell Street were hosting a holiday street fair. Sorry we missed it, but I’d like to go this year for some Christmas shopping, and maybe for a little wine…