Sepia Tones Take Flight?

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/index.jsp?categoryId=cat100102&link=Home#next

Would you like to live inside an antique photograph? Now you can with one of the latest design/fashion trends — sepia tones — demonstrated here in the Restoration Hardware catalog. Though the trend is a somewhat new look at neutrals, I can't help thinking of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok or one of those cheesy Western backdrop photo booths you find at malls or in Las Vegas. Granted, this is more "The Aviator" than "Viva, Las Vegas," and it does mix in elements of the current "steam punk" trend as well.

I do like the warm, timeworn look, but find it a bit too staged and precious, and made to resemble a Hollywood stage set. And, would you want this look in every room of your home? I would improve the sameness and hyper-masculinity by punching up the neutrals with dusty turquoise, pink or yellow, perhaps. Or shots of red in the textiles to give it more life. No antlers, please. Yee haw!

April's Pattern Mix: Powder Blues with Brown

I recently purchased these new vintage 1970s pieces with the jacket and shirt in powder blue, and the tie in brown/blue/cream. I paired these with new socks in powder blue/black/cream/purple/brown. To complete the ensemble, I'd wear these pieces with medium-finish blue jeans, a black fedora and black & white saddle shoes.

Retail Therapy

Interesting trend on Newbury St. in Boston: It seems there are more British based stores now mixed in with the usual chain stores.
Ted Baker London, Hotel Chocolat, and Jack Wills, to name a few (all fabulous!)
It's also interesting that someone greeted me upon entering all three stores, and they weren't desperate to sell me something. Hotel Chocolat gave me complimentary samples (Tiddly Ducks, I think), and Jack Wills handed me their substantial catalog.

These stores also have fun and impeccably arranged displays. (Photos are of Jack Wills. Simply smashing!)

Purpose

I think Designers, whether it's graphic design, interior design or fashion design — or expressing ourselves through art — we're here to help beautify the world, even if it's in just a minor way.

Obvious Yet Profound

Inspiration often comes from something you haven't seen before or a place you've never been.