The Galleria Madness Continues...

Not wanting our area to get stale, we switched out the furniture for a fresher, lighter, Spring look for April! What do you think?

For arguments sake, let's call this the front. The Melina Bed in natural, earth tones flanked by two side tables.

A very rustic Louis Bookcase conjures images of Springtime antiquing trips!

I love the blue velvet used to cover these chairs. It adds a good dose of color to the neutral Louis Dining Table.

We wouldn't dare get rid of the Teak Root Coffee Table! It pairs perfectly with everything, including the Chester Sofa.

The very cool Dome Chair actually blocks out some of the noise when you sit in it! It would be an excellent book-reading chair!

Continuing the "Natural" theme with Tree Stump Sculptures atop the 9-Drawer Sideboard.

The fabric on these chairs is so soft. People couldn't help but touch them!

I think this area is my favorite. Adding a little greenery is always a good choice, whether it's real (in the mini-greenhouse) or fake (on the chair). The Bowling Desk is a great little writing desk, too!

Passers-by in the Galleria seemed to like the pieces we chose for the area. Hopefully, we'll impress them even more with next months vignette! We'll keep you posted!

Sweep Me Off To Paris!

via Elle Decor

Something about a summer in Paris is really appealing to me right now. Maybe it's the dreary, rainy weather we're having in Houston. Maybe it's the small and architecture-free apartment I've been in for close to two years. Maybe it's the constant reminder of our declining economy from TV to radio and magazines that's finally getting me down. Either way, I need a vacation, and a trip to Paris would be just lover-ly.

via Domino

Of course, that involves quite a bit of funding that I just don't have at the moment. I'll have to make do with these Parisian (and faux- Parisian) interiors which are tickling my French fancy.

via Domino

Apparently, the ingredients for a Parisian interior are as follows: 3 parts chevron patterned wooden floor, 1 part ornate fireplace with large mirror overhead, 2 parts French doors with balcony and iron railing, 1 part simple floor-to-ceiling drapes. Voila!

via Domino

Until I can cross the pond and get over there, I'll be dreaming of French architecture, French fashion, and (my favorite) French crepes! Au revoir!

This Just In!

I'm feeling like a kid in a candy store! A snippet of the amazing new fabrics we have...

These would look wonderful on my sofa... Reversible Horizon 9 Pillow, $46.50.

Last week, we received some delightfully spring-y fabrics by Amy Butler in our store. Whimsical prints! Unapologetically bold colors! Perfect for recovery from a dreary, gray winter! And the fun doesn't stop there...

Please send to me one of these Round Serving Bowls, posthaste!

You may wrap it in this medley of gift wraps. What a cheerful way to receive a gift!

If you do, I'll send you a thank you note on the Lucky Flowers Mix & Match Stationery.

Galleria Madness!

We set up shop at the Galleria a couple of weeks ago. Within our 400 square foot boundary, we set up vignettes to communicate the brand and essence of High Fashion Home. Here is our first attempt:

Our setup is between DeBeers and Christian Dior...Not too shabby.

The Houston Galleria is the 5th largest mall in the country.

Every man, woman, and child stops to look at the teak root coffee table.

The Angle Vases have been a huge hit.

The Victor Sectional kind of gives off a Mont Blanc vibe.

I'm betting $50 that she has some Starbucks coffee in her hands. This is my artistic photograph by the way.

The Laurel Dining Table has never looked better.

Don't let this picture fool you. The weekend traffic in the Galleria is bananas.

I average about 5 teas a day from the good folks at Teavana. Word on the street, ask them to do a recommended mix of tea flavors. I did it last Sunday, and it came out extra tasty.

Still Loving Suzani!

Elle Decor had a little suzani on it's cover. Love the sofa!

I'd love to add some suzani to my living room. Beautiful, colorful fabrics add a touch of bohemian to even the most classic room. The patterns are so gorgeous that just a little bit will go a long way. Suzani has been in for a couple of years now, but it doesn't show any signs of leaving, so grab a little bit where you can!

Portobello fabric from Rubie Green.

Rebecca Chair in Zankari Rhubarb by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams at High Fashion Home.

Photo via Rooms We Love on Flickr.

Carolina Herrera, Jr. obviously has a thing for Suzani. She used it on a table in one home for Domino and as drapes for another home in Vogue Living.

Suzani Sunburst Pillow from Anthropologie.

La, La, La, Lavender!

I went shopping at the Houston Galleria last Sunday (and bumped into my sister-in-law and boss! Apparently it was a day to shop!). I noticed a very prominent theme. There was lavender everywhere! It wasn't a dull shade of mauve either- it was a beautiful, rosy shade of lilac. A shade that brightens up the skin from a long, dark winter and boosts you into summer. Paired with other bright shades, it loses the saccharin, and gains some sexy.

Twisted Puff Sleeve Shirt from Gap, $18; Dinah Sandals by Cynthia Vincent at Piperlime, $200; Python Clutch from J. Crew, $495; Maharajah Earrings by Dori Csengeri at Charm & Chain, $412; Carpathia Sky Wide-Leg Pants from Anthropologie, $50; Photo from Domino.

Even furniture manufacturers are jumping on the voilet bandwagon. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams introduced a rich shade in leather for this season. Imagine a classic leather wingback in purple! This is a trend I am loving!

Hi. I'm Mat.

When you are meeting someone new in person, their first impression is you- how you look, what you say, how you act. When someone comes to your house, their first impression is the front door. Now, you could introduce yourself with a plain jane doormat like this one:

But why would you when you could place on of these at your doorstep?

Which side you face toward potential houseguests is up to you. Doormat from SuckUK.

Because getting through a day of work sometimes can feel like a marathon. Finish Line doormat from Feet First.

Everyday is Spring with flowers at your door! Greenhouse Doormat from Anthropologie.

That's cheeky. Nice Underwear Doormat at Amazon.

Fuschia makes quite the statement. Welcome mat from John Pour Home.

Sleep Tight

I'd never given it much thought before, but I love the look of upholstered headboards. They give the bedroom a certain softness that a big piece of wood can't. I've been surfing the Domino website a lot lately, pulling inspiration photos before they shut down, and I found a lot of headboard eye candy...

Grey moire and navy floral- calm and collected. Check out the ceiling, too!

Is calm isn't your thing, there is always fiery hot pink!

I love the sweet, classic shape of these headboards, and I love the throw pillows they put with them!

Sometimes, more is more.

I think neutrals are beautiful. You don't have to feel bad for not using a lot of color!

Headboards are a great place to use a big pattern because you know it will be seen.

A lot of amazing pattern going on in this bed.

I saved my favorite for last. It's a headboard fit for a queen... quite regal, no?

Wishing On A Wall

Here at the store, we try to come up with new and innovative ways to grab our customers' attention. Sometimes, it's with bright window displays. Other times, with a new line of awesome furniture. This time, it's just about interaction.

There's lots of room left for all of your wishes!

Meet the Wish Wall. It's simple really: Come to our store, write down your wish on a colorful slip of paper, and place it in the wall. (Then peruse the store for some interior inspiration!) I may not be able to guarantee your wish will come true, but maybe the act of writing down your desire will give you the jumpstart you need to make your wish come true without a miracle.

I've got my wish ready- how about you? For you out-of-towners, what is your wish? Leave a comment and I'll make sure it makes it to the wall!

Just to Say "Thank You"

It's always nice to bring a host or hostess a little something to thank them for the entertaining efforts, but rather than picking up a random little something at the store, put your own touch on a gift.

I love reading Creature Comforts- such cute ideas and inspirations. This was one of my favorites: Wrap a couple of matchboxes in cute paper, add a label, tie with ribbon or yarn, and voila! A homemade gift that anyone, regardless of age or sex, can use. Pair it with a yummy candle and you're done!

A perfect complement: Voluspa Victorian Candle in Tuberosa Agave, $23

Bon Voyage!

Due to the accumulating excitement of my upcoming trip to Chicago, I decided on contributing to the blog an entry dedicated to....LUGGAGE! (By the way, it's my secret obsession..hehe.)

SarahWithStyle knows how much I absolutely LOVE luggage and sent me a link to the dailycandy blog. They featured the coolest luggage company called steamlineluggage.com. Their pieces are vintage/modern and are offered at an extremely reasonable price considering how fantastic their collections are. Take a gander!


The Ambassador Series: Carry-On $ 409 and Stowaway $473

I walked into my local Fossil store and noticed the perfect travel bag for men. Leather, neutral, and way stylish--you can't go wrong with this duffel from Fossil.


Redmond Duffle Bag $298

Vera Bradley merchandise became really popular back when I was in high school and I can't help but love her luggage. Instead of that stratchy, stiff nylon that most suitcases are made out of, Vera likes to use quilted, soft, highly decorated fabrics. You won't have trouble finding these at luggage claim!


Yellow Bird 26" Two Compartment Pullman $300

Last but not least, I'd like to feature good ol' Louis Vuitton. Of course, I can only dream of owning a piece made by this fabulous company but I just had to add them to this blog. Classic, and clean. The perfect description for all of their luggage pieces. Make a statement at the airport--show of your Louis!


Hat Box, Monogram Canvas $2,470

Bring Back the Cold!

I think the only thing I'll miss about winter is being able to look completely chic just by throwing on a wool trenchcoat and some long gloves. Can't do that in shorts and a tank top! Well, until next winter, my coat will be retired to the back of the closet. Sigh...

Running the Bath

Seriously- how elegant is this? Water pouring from your chandelier to fill your bathtub. Add that one to the dream house checklist...

Congrats, Eclectorator!

The winning trendboard!

Today, Eclectorator and I attended Fashion Group International's Career Day Houston, where she won 1st place for the Interior Design competition. Needless to say, she was very pleasantly surprised- I had to give her a little nudge up to the stage! From all of us here at High Fashion Home: Congratulations, Eclectorator!!!

The gracious winner!

Celebrity Apprentice: Back and Louder than Ever!

Donald Trump knows style!?!?

The pink tie guy is back, and the show is becoming ridiculously, more funny by the second. When you have a cast of characters like Dennis Rodman, Clint Black, Scott Hamilton, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Hershel Walker, Andrew Dice Clay, Tom Green, and some random model that opens the briefcases from Deal or No Deal, you know the entertainment quotient is going to be quite high. On Sunday night's episode, Tony Hseih, CEO of Zappos, got grilled by the girl's team on his dating preferences. I have no idea what that had to do with their assignment, but it makes for good, awkward TV.

Anyways, one of the best things about the show is the interior design of the suites. Every year, they manage to do a great job of decking out the rooms with latest and greatest from the home fashion world.

I (Still) Love Lucite!

An Aitali chair from the pages of Metropolitan Home

Just to prove that lucite is in it for the longhaul, I've collected some inspirations as evidence. It's come a long way from little end tables. Add some fabric and you've got futuristic furniture with warmth. With the added benefit that lucite goes with everything!

At first glance, I wondered what was holding up these chairs! More from Met Home.

From Houston magazine, Lulu-fabric-covered chairs from Elloise Abbott.

Another Aitali chair- lots of options!

Mmmmmm...Missoni fabric on a Kartell chair. From House Beautiful.

Versailles Style

In honor of the Houston Ballet's production of Marie (which I will be seeing on Friday!), I've put together a collage inspired by that spoiled French party girl, Marie Antoinette. Pop open a bottle of your finest champagne, don your fancy ball gown, and let them eat cake!*

*I know, I know. She didn't actually say that, but it makes for such lovely commentary.

From top left, clockwise: Melody Herrera stars as the child queen in the Houston Ballet's Marie; Embellish your bouffant with a feathery adornment from ban.do; Kirsten Dunst in Sofia Coppola's rendition of Marie Antoinette. Such extravegance all around!; Amazing Versailles inspired photography from Jimmy Backius; As long as you're imitating the ultimate spender, indulge in some Louboutins; A shot of Marie's shoes from the movie, not a plain one in sight!; If Marie Antoinette had lived today, she would have worn Dior.

Window Treatment

My husband and I are soon to begin a few home improvement projects to spruce up the apartment, and it's got me thinking about drapes. We attended a wedding in Acapulco this weekend and the look of sheer drapes on the balcony overlooking the ocean was breathtaking.


Alas, no ocean which we can overlook at the apartment. Something along the lines of these could be beautiful when we open up the sliding glass doors on a cool Spring day...

via Domino

Though we don't really have the ceilings to pull off a look this dramatic. Maybe something a little more Parisian?

via Domino

Gorgeous, no? But unfortunately, we use our balcony too much to block it off with a daybed. Though it is glamorous. I can just imagine laying out in front of the window with a good book and a mojito. I think I've found my solution...

via House Beautiful

The perfect combination of airy, simple, but with an interesting detail. Love it! Now I just have to pick out my fabrics and get to work!

Pompidou Museum

I had the pleasure of being in Paris this past December. For the first time, I visited the Pompidou Museum. Granted, I only spent 45 minutes there before I had to catch the plane back to London. It's definitely on my must-see list the next time around where I'll spend considerably more time exploring.

The outside is a mixed bag architecturally. I can't help but feel that Houston's own George R. Brown Convention Center took some design cues from here.

This place is huge!

Looks like random abstract art, until you take a look through a peep hole with a direct view. All the sudden you can see the shape of an eye, which was a very cool surprise.

Wow. I'm not sure if I want to sit in it or give it a hug.

Shiny...

Shiny part II.

Reminds me of a egg slicer. A very stunning egg slicer at that.

I'm not sure about the comfort, but it looks cool!

A lot of the pieces in this wing of the museum sit on rotating platforms. It adds to the dramatic effect.

I guess in a weird way, I can picture this as a futuristic seesaw.

Not sure what to make of this, but it does look impressive in person.

It's unbelievable how creative people can be.