HFH in 002!

Check out the March issue of 002 magazine. The Costumes for Cocktails page features clothes from the High Fashion Home boutique! (plus it's illustrated as always by our instore Merchandising Director)

High Fashion!

Splendid at High Fashion Home

Splendid rugby striped top in white/navy stripe $73

Splendid blazer $97

Splendid modal/lycra foldover top leggings $62

Karma Living recycled materials bag $50

studded leather bangle $9

HFH Boutique

Yoana Baraschi silk tribal chain dress $328

Seamless gray leggings with tuxedo stripe side detail $21

Wide bangle bracelet $13.75

Yoana Baraschi dress detail

Have you been to the new womenswear and accessory boutique at High Fashion Home lately? Well, our buyers have just come back from market and are really excited about the new spring and summer lines coming in. If you haven't shopped with us yet, or you've been away for awhile, come check out High Fashion Home spring/summer '10.

Velvet
Ella Moss
Splendid
Chan Luu
Rachel Pally
Ali Ro
Monrow
Jwla and Johnny Was
Enza Costa
Left Coast by Dolan
Saivana
Corey Lynn Calter

Akiko

Cynthia Steffe

McGuinn
Meghan

Goldhawk

BCBG generation

Heather

Dreamsack bamboo clothing

213 Industry belts and shoes

Matt and Nat eco-friendly bags

Cheryl Dufault hand torn and washed leather cuffs with vintage badges and coins

Tolani scarves

Anu by Naturals scarves

Raina Belts

Dog-eared necklaces
Alex and Ani bracelets

See you soon!

How To Get A Leg Up...

I am a recent leggings convert. It has taken me a little while to jump on the bandwagon, mainly because every pair I ever buy always ends up making me look like I have saggy baggy elephant legs. And girls, you know what I mean. Wearing pants made with Lycra and spandex leave little to the imagination as it is. It takes a bit of confidence to strut fully in leggings, but worn under a skirt or dress or tunic... yeah, I'll give it a go! But not if it means I am constantly pulling and tugging. Waistbands that dig in or roll down and saggy baggy knees are not my thing.

Thankfully we now carry a line of leggings here at High Fashion Home that actually keep their shape, stay in place and are flattering. We have regular, ribbed and patterned. And all our employees have already scooped up a pair.

The best part... the price tag. They start at $15.00!!!

How Cool Is This?

This is real. Someone took a vintage Vespa and made it into a child's rocker. I am so freaking jealous. Check it out at Ohdeedoh.

Lonny, part deaux

Lonny is back for more! Virtually flip to page 57 for a great article with stunning pictures of my very favorite store in the whole wide world, J. Crew!

It's That Time Again...

photo via A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words.

Happy New Year's Eve (and subsequent New Year), everybody! Hope you get smooched tonight!

Blast From My Past

Rewind the clock almost five years ago. I was a wide-eyed college grad moving to New York to pursue my career in fashion. I was offered an internship at Mint Collection whose founder was a fellow Baylor grad. Best. Job. Ever.

Draped Zipper Tunic by Jodi Arnold, $209

Now flash back to the present. The name Mint has been dropped in favor of Jodi Arnold, she's opened a shop in the West Village, and is now collaborating with The Limited on a line to be unveiled in March. Dare I say, I'm proud?

Jodi in her shop. Photo via The Cut.

So, yay, for Jodi! I hope I can get up to New York at some point to see the shop. And just between us, she was a fantastic boss!

Happy Black Friday

photo via Gerry May.

May you have the wisdom to shop online this year! Psst... we've got lots of good stuff for Christmas at HighFashionHome.com!

We Did It!

Top Five Reasons To Conquer a Half-Marathon:

#5: It's a good excuse to skip the parties and get to bed early!

#4: The bags full of free swag!

#3: Holiday pounds? Not you!


#2: The awe of family and friends. "You ran how many miles?!"


#1: The satisfaction and pride you get from crossing that finish line faster than you predicted!

You may have guessed by now that I did some running this weekend. Cynthetica and I travelled West to San Antonio for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon and we had a blast! There were some pre-race nerves, but we did better than we expected with a time of 2 hours, 29 minutes and 7 seconds. Considering this was the longest run I'd ever attempted, I was pretty pleased! The highlight of the course for me (aside from the finish line) had to be one spectator's "inspiring" sign spied around mile 8: "Don't stop now...Finishing is your only damn option." How true.

Running Wild

Judging by the crowds at Memorial Park at 5am on Saturday mornings, I'd say running season is in full swing. Time to tie on those sneakers and hit the pavement (or trail... or grass...). Currently, my running partner-in-crime, Cynthia, of Cynthetica fame, and I are preparing for the Nike Human Race, a 10K to warm up for the main event: the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon in November, and the Chevron Houston Marathon in January. Will we be ready? Only time will tell.

Since the weather has decided it's not ready to cooperate with my running schedule (I could cut the humidity with a knife this morning!), I suppose I need to get inspiration elsewhere. My iPod for instance. Here are the songs that are keeping me going through the sweat, aches, and cramps...

1. Reset by MuteMath

2. Supermassive Black Hole by Muse

3. Cosmic Girl by Jamaroquai

4. The Way I Are by Timbaland

5. Beard Lust by Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

6. Take Your Mama by Scissor Sisters

7. That's Not My Name by The Ting-Tings

8. Circus by Britney Spears

9. D.A.N.C.E. by Justice

10. Love Today by Mika

11. Girls On The Dance Floor by Far East Movement

12. Tik Tok by Ke$ha

13. Different Sound by Teddybears

14. I Like The Way You Move by Bodyrockers

15. Whatcha Say by Jason deRulo

16. Fergalicious by Fergie

17. Human by The Killers

18. Hey Jude by The Beatles

Lonny To The Rescue!

For those of you who are still in mourning over the loss of Domino... your prayers have been answered. Enjoy!

BFF's 4-eva!

Pick Up Sticks Necklace by The Docent, $105

Quick! What does this necklace remind you of? If you said "Those friendship bracelets I used to make in elementary school!!!"... Bingo! Is this cool again? Are we doing this? Because I will bust out my collection of embroidery floss and get to twisting!

Yesterday, I found these on Apartment 34:

by For You, For Me via Etsy

Oh, it is on (like Donkey Kong).

P.S. After I found those two necklaces, I wanted to see if I still had to bracelet making skills...

Now I know. That skill is permenantly implanted in my brain. Awesome.

Three Cool Things

I did a lot of clicking around on the world wide web one day, and I found lots of cool little things. Since then, I've just been hanging onto said things, not knowing quite where to stick them. They are homeless no more. Presenting... three cool things:

These Log Bowls from Loyal Loot are really cool. They are made from reclaimed pieces of wood and given a bright paint job on the inside. Naturally beautiful.

My husband thinks I'm a hardcore coffee addict. I think if I was truly hardcore, I'd have one of these. It's a Coffee Cuff from Contexture Design. But I don't have one of these... yet.

I'm not about to slap these on my electric bill, but these envelope wraparounds from TapeSwell are pretty darn cool. Maybe for my Christmas cards...

Puppy Love

Two weeks ago, my husband and I adopted an adorable 3 year-old Black Lab mix named Kola. She was rescued from Galveston a few years back and raised by a coworker of John's until now. They needed a new home for her and we gladly took her in!

Naturally, we've gotten her lots of toys and treats, we take her for lots of walks, and play fetch until it's time for bed. However, Kola has one thing that, I think, most dogs do not: a custom-made Amy Butler print dog bed.

Since she's relatively small (especially for a Lab!), I just bought a 30 x 30 down pillow and whipped up a pillow cover with one of the super-cute Amy Butler fabrics we sell here. Of course, I picked a darker color because she sheds like mad. The verdict? Success! She loves relaxing on it during the day and sleeping on it at night. Nothing but the best for our very hairy baby!

For more information on the Amy Butler fabrics we carry in the store, feel free to give us a call!

That's Not A Bad Idea

I was always a fan of the whole chalkboard paint thing. While furnishing a model apartment in the Mosaic, Cyn and I tranformed one wall in the kitchen into a blackboard and loved it:

But now, I might have to join Team Dry-Erase. I've discovered Idea Paint. It works the same way as chalkboard paint, but it's white (or beige, or even orange!) and you can turn a room into a giant dry-erase board without the looming dark walls!

See? The room stays airy and bright, and you have a huge surface on which to draw, doodle, and erase.

And, of course, it's a kids best friend. "Yes, Suzy. You may draw on the walls!" P.S. Isn't that tree adorable?

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Fourth, everybody! I'd be jumping, too, if I were wearing the

Catherine Malandrino Flag Dress!

Bond, James Bond

I don't know about you guys but I love James Bond movies. The best part would be the fact that he has the coolest, high-tech gadgets. Well, wait no more because we will be able to talk to someone via wrist watch!



LG is releasing the GD910 this July in Europe. The list of cool components range from a Bluetooth, 1.4-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, text to speech capability, and MP3 player--it's pretty much loaded. All we have to do is wait until it's available in the United States!!

Art Appreciation

Pardon me for using the blog for my own selfish use, but this picture was too adorable to pass up.

Cynthia's show, Hey You, was a great success- beautiful art, beautiful people, and the wine was flowing. A few nights later, she held another showing for friends and family. I decided to take my seven-year-old nephew Daniel. He is an avid drawer (and an amazing one at that! I'm not biased or anything...) and I suspected he might get a kick out of seeing a professional artist's work. He didn't just get a kick out of it. He was enthralled. We looked at every piece at least twice. I snapped this picture of him while he stared intently at this piece, entitled Hey...You?, for a good five minutes. I love to see a little kid with an interest in art!

This Is What Heaven Looks Like...

via Elle Decor May '09

I recently uploaded some new finds to the Rooms We Love section (to your right!), and was particularly fond of these two finds. Okay, "fond" is an understatement. I think they're heavenly. I love how to bed above combines modern and vintage so literally. The mismatched nightstands are the perfect complement to the traditional/modern/eclectic style.

via Domino's final issue :(

I've been salivating over this photo for a while. I absolutely love the drapes! They add softness to the windows without blocking the light, and the calm neutral fabric doesn't overpower the rest of the peaceful room. The cowhide stool add a touch of rustic cool to the traditional (with funky, modern pillows) settee. I don't know what your version of Heaven looks like, but this is mine!

P.S. Happy 30th Birthday, hubby! I love you!

Sackboy Lives!

I wish I had stumbled upon this sooner. My husband's birthday is coming up in a week or so and this would be the perfect cheeky add-on to his present. You see, several months ago, John annoyed me into letting him buy Little Big Planet, which, in my mind, was just another one of his dang video games. He begged me to play it with him- just once- and see if I liked it. And you know what? I did. The main reason I liked it was the main character, Sackboy. He's just oh-so-adorable with his tongue sticking out all the time and his floppy arms.

via Bloom.acious Cafe. Get the pattern here.

So, like I said, I would love to make one of these for John, but, alas, I don't know how to knit (well), and I've just got too much other stuff to do. Someday, though. Someday.

Gear Up

Last year, around this time, as the mercury started rising and the humidity kept pace with it, my running tapered off. I had dreams. I was going to run the Chevron Houston Marathon in January and be in the best shape of my life for my October wedding. Unfortunately, I lost my motivation and didn't get it back until cool weather arrived again. It was too late to bare super-toned arms for my wedding and too late to register and train for the marathon.

But, this isn't a sob story. Luckily, the marathon happens every year. So, I'm getting back on the horse and going for it again, but this time I'll have help. Not only have I signed up for shorter distance races to keep me running through the summer, I've enlisted some gadgets and cool gear to make me want to embrace the heat and go for that ten mile run.

There's nothing more annoying than a belt bouncing around your hips while you're on a long run, but going without water is not an option. This guy stays put. The whole time. Period. GoLite HydroSprint, $40.

I personally prefer to run early in the morning before the sun had risen. The only caveat is the dozens of early morning commuters that have trouble seeing me. Well, I can't pave my own sidewalk, so I got a couple of these Nightlife Magnetic LED Lights to put on my clothes. Problem solved! From Brooks Running, $15 each.

By far, the BEST purchase I have ever made for my running. The foot sensor keeps track of how far I've gone and lets me know every mile or so. At the last 400 meters, it counts me down to the finish line and, man! does that get me pumped. When I get sluggish, I call up my PowerSong (The Beatles: Back in the U.S.S.R.) and it gets me going again! Nike+ Sport Kit for use with the iPod nano, $29.

The only thing I don't like about the Nike+ gadget is the inaccuracy of the sensor. A mile isn't always a mile on that and I discovered that when I ran my first race. The Garmin Forerunner 305 is way more accurate and since I don't usually run on a measured trail, it's the best way for me to track my distance. At $300, it's a bit pricey, but if you are serious about running, it's worth the investment.

I bought two of these the other day at the recommendation of the salesperson at the Finish Strong by my house, and I'm glad I did. These really are great for summer weather. They're super lightweight, don't stick to you, and they wick moisture away fantastically. Don't worry, guys! They make men's versions as well. Saucony Empress Short Sleeve in Sonic, $32.

Just between you and me, runners generally do not have the sexiest feet. Mine are dry, cracked, blistered, and sore. Lovely. I think I'm going to have to give this a try. I've heard good things about it. Once I try it, I'll tell you for sure! Sante Active Pedi-Relax System, $20.

Green Roofs in NYC: Inhabitat

The Next Big Architecture Trend...

We looked at doing a green roof for High Fashion Home. It's not in the budget currently, but it's definitely in the cards when our roof needs to be replaced. A green roof helps reduce maintenance and energy costs, provides sound insulation and amenity space, and improves air quality.

Ten Arquitectos is designing a mixed use project called Clinton Park, which will incorporate an elaborate green roof design. New York is an incredibly dense city, so any additional green space helps soften their urban grid. In case you never been to the NYC in the summer, it's pretty hot with all the concrete trapping the heat.

Check out the spectactular pictures courtesy of Inhabitat:

Every city is looking to add more green space.

The green roof adds a different dimension to the usual urban skyline.

The step down architectural feature adds to the drama.

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.

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!