One of my favorite Grandmillennials is artist Riley Sheehey who I enjoy following on Instagram. With a whimsical and playful outlook, Riley finds inspiration from the past through vintage floral wallpaper, antique botanical prints, block print textiles, and more. I have prints from her botanical series and simply love them! Riley has engaged in numerous product collaborations, and the latest is Riley Sheehey for Moda Domus.
For this collection, Riley incorporated her signature soft pastel florals to design hand painted tableware such as scallop-edged and shell-shaped plates, table linens embroidered in Morocco, and glasses and plates hand-painted by Italian artisans. She channels the charm of southern summers, inspired by old block-printed textiles, hand-painted Spanish and Portuguese antiques, and William Morris botanicals.
One of my favorite illustrations by Riley Sheehey via @cestriley
“My favorite part of this collaboration is that during a global pandemic, Moda has managed to bring together artists and artisans from all over the world to create pieces (the textiles are embroidered in Morocco, the glasses and plates are hand-painted by Italian artisans, and I am designing and hand-painting collateral in Virginia), making the world feel a little smaller,” Riley said via Instagram. “In a time when so many things are quickly and mass-produced, to me, this collection, full of hand-painted elements, is a celebration of the art of ‘slow living.’ Working on these designs with Moda has undoubtedly been a highlight of my career, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
We could all use a little escape these days… 2020 has been quite a year. Since the world around us is locking down again I asked my friend Norma Thiessen – founder of My Beautiful Paris: A personal guide for your fun and stylish Parisian adventure – to take us on a virtual holiday to the City of Love. Because Paris is always a good idea, n’est-ce pas? Norma’s website is a treasure trove of all the best places to eat, stay, visit, and shop when in Paris. She even offers custom itineraries for travelers to Paris and other areas in Europe, from putting together something as simple as suggesting accommodations to planning entire trips down to every detail. The Glam Pad is delighted to welcome Norma today as we take a pre-covid trip back in time to Paris… Enjoy!
Who wants to go to Paris? I do! I do! Me too please!
But, we can’t.
Wait a minute! We can do the next best thing and go virtually. So, get ready for what they call… a little armchair travel! (It’s the best I’ve got. I’ll make it fun. Promise!)
I will take you to a few of the most spectacular places. We’ll stay at one of the most iconic hotels in the world (pack your Sunday best!). We’ll walk through a dreamy garden (you’ll need your trainers); pick up a few specialty items from my preferred boutiques in all of Paris like mint tea flavoured mouthwash from my favourite perfumer (who doesn’t like fancy mouthwash?), a vase, a coffee cup, or whatever suits your fancy from my favourite Parisian ceramic makers; and of course we’ll grace at least one of the grand museums with our presence, all before sipping an aperitif at a classic Parisian café (pack a scarf – we’ll be sitting outside!).
Are you ready? Are you packed yet? Leave no shoe un-stuffed!
Let’s go to Paris.
You are going to LOVE me when you find out where we’re staying. Seriously.
Drumroll please… let’s check in to the Hôtel Ritz Paris! Ahhhh! I know. I know. I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. Would you like the Imperial Suite, the Windsor Suite or… how about the Chanel Suite? Your choice. Even their standard suites are exceptional.
During our stay we’ll be sure to pay a visit to Bar Hemingway. This awesome little bar is nestled in the back corner of the hotel, named after famed author Ernest Hemingway, for whom it was a favourite drink spot. As a quick aside, the history of Hôtel Ritz Paris is quite fascinating. I treated my niece to a stay at the Hôtel Ritz Paris last Christmas on the condition that she read The Hôtel on Place Vendômeby Tilar J. Mazzeo, A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway, and Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin. It was important to me that she be able to appreciate where she was staying. I think it did the trick.
By the way, do not fret if your French is rusty. A friendly “Bonjour” will get you far. Plus, the staff at the Hôtel Ritz Paris speak 28 different languages –27 more than I speak.
I’m sorry to tear you away from hotel heaven, but we’ll be back!
A five-minute walk from our hotel will take us to the Jardin des Tuileries. (When I speak about this garden, I always instantly hold my hands to my heart. It has such an effect on me.)
The moment we enter the garden through the massive wrought iron gates, you will hear a subtle crackling of crushed stone under your feet. It’s such a soothing sound.
The crushed gravel walkways will take you around the large fountains and through tree-lined paths and pretty gardens to many of the loveliest views in Paris. By the way, Jardin des Tuileries is just as picturesque and magical in the winter than it is in the summer.
When I visit the garden on my own I usually bring a book and a baguette avec jambon et fromage. I will sit in one of the green metal chairs for hours, reading and people-watching… but we don’t have hours, so let’s continue. Off we go!
I adore Renoir’s L’enfant au chat. This charming painting hangs on a wall at the Musée d’Orsay. The sweet affection between Renoir’s two subjects cheers me right up!
Another favourite art piece of mine is La Petite Danseuse de 14 ans by Edgar Degas. (If you haven’t read The Painted Girlsby Cathy Marie Buchanan, do. It’s a riveting story about Degas and his dancers and will bring you a whole new appreciation for the artist.)
After the museum, I hope you’re in the mood for a little shopping, or a lot of shopping, because you’re in for a treat.
Buly 1803 and Astier de Villatte are the prettiest boutiques in Paris. At least in my opinion they are. The first time I entered both establishments I was immediately taken.
In Buly 1803 you can order an engraved toothbrush, pick up their popular mint tea flavoured mouthwash or yummy toothpaste, and snap up a monogrammed soap. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the floor tiles yet! Just standing in this boutique alone will give you great satisfaction.
Astier de Villatte. This rustic piece of heaven holds my heart… and the most wonderful handmade pottery I have ever seen. Their simplicity is what makes them so desirable. These little pieces of art (cups, saucers, mugs, plates, bowls, vases, etc.) are mostly in white. Besides their dreamy dishes, they also offer beautifully scented candles. During one visit, I picked one up named Commune de Paris, lifted the lid and the scent was of Paris! How can a candle smell like Paris? Well, it just does! Or perhaps it is just me. I bring one home every time I visit.
Sorry about all your shopping bags. Why is everyone looking at me? Ok, fine my fault.
It’s been a long, yet wonderful, day and my feet are throbbing. (I miss that sensation!) We’ve earned an aperitif, I’d say! Shall we shlep our shopping bags to Le Nemours? (That is more of an instruction than it is a question.)
Le Nemours is situated in a fabulous spot between Palais Royal, with her magical gardens, and the Musée du Louvre. Though this cafe is constantly bustling, getting a table never seems to be a problem. There might have been times when I’ve sat here for too long. Slumped over. Clinging on to the table. “H-h-h-heeeeeey! Jusht one mer!” I’m kidding. I would never.
The beauty about coming to the end of our day is that we get to saunter along the pretty rue Saint-Honoré back to Hôtel Ritz Paris, run a hot steaming bath, slip into our comfy PJ’s, crawl under the covers and lay our head on our very own embroidered pillow. (Yes, Hôtel Ritz Paris embroiders your initials onto your pillow. I know, I know. How wonderful is that.)
Bonne nuit mes amis! I hope you enjoyed your day as much as I have.
Norma Thiessen lives in Toronto, Canada. She adores all things French: the people; food; history; architecture; countryside and culture. But most of all, she adores Paris. Norma writes about why she loves the city so much on her website – www.mybeautifulparis.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @mybeautifulpari. And click here for Norma’s in-depth tour of Hôtel Ritz Paris.
Exciting news today at The Glam Pad… I am delighted to announce Lacelliese King has joined as Home & Style Editor! Some of you may already know Lacelliese from Instagram, and now she has taken an active role in overseeing content @theglampad. We are excited for you to follow along! She will also be writing and contributing new content for The Glam Pad’s website. Lacelliese’s career began in Washington, DC, where she also earned her law degree… but she always maintained a passion for interior design and style. Prior to joining TGP, she has served as a contributing writer for Paper City and and shares her occasional musings on her own website. Lacelliese lives in Dallas by way of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and she just so happens to be the epitome of Grandmillennial Style! She has a passion for entertaining, tablescapes, and of course… classic, timeless design. Let’s get to know more… Welcome, Lacelliese!
Q: With a background in law and much of your early career in Washington, DC, what inspired you to turn your attention to interior design and style?
A: The early years in DC — particularly during a time at the White House— were so important in shaping both my personal and professional values, and I am forever grateful for the near-decade that I spent working and studying there. I have always been drawn to elegantly designed spaces and beautifully made things, so throughout the years it became clearer that these were areas within my “domain” that I could share with others through thoughtful writing and visual creativity. Embracing that sense of domain eventually led here to The Glam Pad — and I am thrilled!
Lacelliese’s darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lily, poses in front of the White House
Q: When did you become interested in interior design?
A: There is much, much more to this story, but I believe that the heavily European-influenced interior of the house where I lived for most of my life in Jackson Hole was likely designed by John Saladino, around 1989. I don’t know for sure, and while I no longer call the house home, to this day, very little about it and its interior has changed, right down to the original fabrics. It is aging so gracefully and is as timeless, comfortable, and well-appointed as ever. The design of the house and the antiques throughout it most certainly made the earliest and most significant impression on my taste and attention to design detail. I hope one day to make a home as special and timeless as this house is to me.
Q: Who are your favorite designers and style icons (past and present)?
A: Designers: There are far too many to play favorites, but through her writings, Alexandra Stoddard has been the single most influential upon my design philosophy and mode de vie. I treasure the now dog-eared books of hers that are in my library, and we are so lucky that she continues to add to her canon by publishing a monthly letter containing pearls of both life and design wisdom. I also have grown to love Mario Buatta, and am inspired as much by his legacy of wit and humor as much as I am inspired by his design! Rubber cockroaches, anyone? It was such an honor to cover the Sotheby’s auction of his estate for Paper City Magazine in January.
Style icon:Aerin Lauder. I am such an admirer of her understated, elegant personal style, and I especially look up to her as a model of grace, strength, and savvy as a woman entrepreneur. I had the pleasure of meeting Aerin in Dallas last year on the occasion of the launch of her latest home collection, and she is just as lovely and engaging in person as in her interviews. Her new book is exquisite.
Q: How do you describe your style?
A: I would love to be able to describe my style as timeless and elegant — at least, that is the aspiration! At home, I tend to select antiques for our furniture, but at times I will also pair something traditional, like our dining room table, with something more contemporary, like a Cassina chair. In dressing, I often wear a simple, tailored pant paired with a shoe such as a mule, a Chanel flat, or a pump; a structured handbag; and a wool or cashmere sweater in the winter and a looser-fitting blouse in the summer. I also find myself seeking out classic silhouettes like Molly Moorkamp shift dresses, LaVie Stylehouse tunics, and Oscar de la Renta knit dresses.
Q: What are five things you could not live without?
A: This year has given new perspective on what truly matters and what we can and can not do without! On a serious note, I could not do without my family, including my beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But on a lighter note, I’d prefer not to go without the following:
– Morning coffee and croissants … from Sant Ambroeus in New York whenever possible!
– Cocktail hour. I absolutely adore cocktail hour—and in winter, it’s après! I don’t need the stiff cocktail: for me, cocktail hour is simply a sweet chime that sounds the end of the day when it’s time to relax, unwind, and chatter with friends and family during the golden hours before dinner. (Not that I’d say no to a crisp linen cocktail napkin and a dirty martini, though!)
– NYC-style jazz. Any time of day it will almost always lift my mood, or set the mood for a less-than-ordinary evening.
– Snow. Winter is my favorite season!
– A good, eye-watering laugh. Can one think of anything better?
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Dallas and Jackson Hole?
A: In Dallas, we joke that all we do is shop and eat, which isn’t too terribly far from the truth! There is wonderful shopping and dining to be had here, and I especially enjoy looking for antiques at the showrooms in the Design District and at estate sales. I exercise outside every day, which usually means long walks around historic Highland Park.
At home in Jackson Hole, truly nothing compares to a full day on the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, finished with après at the Four Seasons or the Mangy Moose, and dinner at Old Yellowstone Garage. That is my perfect day.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Needlepoint, downhill skiing, French and Alpine cooking, talking on the phone (or via messages!) with friends, walking and hiking with our dog, Lily, and spending time with my husband. I dearly miss entertaining and traveling.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your role as Home & Style Editor at The Glam Pad?
A: I am absolutely delighted to be part of The Glam Pad, and am most looking forward to getting to know our friends and readers more! I can’t wait to shop for and share beautiful, timeless items for our homes, tablescapes, and wardrobes that I hope you will love.
I am also especially excited to connect with small businesses and interior designers alike for collaborations and new ideas, so please do not hesitate to send me your calling card!
Please join me in welcoming Lacelliese! And do let us know if there is any new content you would like to see at The Glam Pad. We are so excited to be working together. 🙂
A design philosophy based on classical principles, infused with whimsical elements, and reflective of a joyous nature. This the vibe emanating from the Patricia Altschul Home Collection with HSN. When asked to describe the Collection, Patricia offers, “I would best describe my home décor collection as luxurious, expensive-looking, well-made, and unique, while also being accessible and affordable.” Altschul notes the import, now more than ever, of cultivating a luxurious, comfortable home environment in which to relax and rejuvenate, and hopes that her line lends itself to achieving those ends.
An everlasting bloom as shown in the artificial olive tree is always welcome ($29.95). Image provided by HSN.
For decades, the sublime interiors of Patricia’s homes have been featured in shelter magazines and, more recently, the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House on Bravo’s Southern Charm. Patricia’s always kind in responding to questions regarding followers’ objet du désir. A sampling of replies to Instagram questions: “Van Day Truex’s seed pod for Tiffany. Mario [Buatta] let me get it only after he had one”… “A shell-form coal scuttle from the Estate of Nancy Lancaster”… “Doris Duke’s baby chair.” Factoring in provenance, the objet tend to be one-of-a-kind and unattainable. Over time, Patricia identified recurring themes presented in follower questions about design/style to be instructive in developing a Collection. Armed with years of research, Patricia set out to create a high-end home collection with HSN that would provide an attainable means of emulating her design aesthetic. The Collection’s price point is a decidedly accessible $29.95 to $350.00 – a small price to pay for the Altschul imprimatur!
Pug form salt and pepper shakers ($42.00). The pugs evoke a set by iconic Dominick & Haff – not to mention Pat’s beloved pug, Chauncey! The pineapple pair are not to be missed. Image provided by HSN.
Now curl up with your coziest throw – if you need one, keep scrolling for our pick – as we present a smattering of the choicest items from the Patricia Altschul Luxe Home Collection with HSN.
The faux-fur trimmed robe is available in 6 colors – black, blue, blush, eggshell, gray, orchid – with trim in either gray chinchilla or leopard ($59.95). Patricia is wearing the orchid trimmed in gray chinchilla. Image provided by HSN.
What’s Patricia favorite piece in the Collection? The faux-fur trimmed robe. Patricia traces the genesis of the stylish robe to a Roman holiday where she found a cashmere robe with real chinchilla that “cost thousands and thousands of dollars.” Patricia poses an apt question, “Who wants to spend that much on a robe?” and then furthers, “We don’t do real fur anymore.” One envisions Patricia standing on Via dei Condotti staring at the Bottega Veneta or Loro Piana storefront with wheels turning on how to create a fabulous version of her own. “When I did this collection, I didn’t think at all about cost. That’s just the way I am. I don’t think about it. And then when I saw how beautifully this [robe] is made and the fabulous fur, the detailing, and found out the price – I was in shock.” At only $59.95, Patricia had good cause for shock.
Sartorially adjacent to the robe is the faux-fur house wrap, also available in gray chinchilla or leopard trimming. It is available in 5 colors: beige, black, deep blue, rose, wine ($59.95). Image provided by HSN.
The luxe faux-fur oversized throw (70″ x 50″) in gray chinchilla or leopard ($101.35). Early prediction that this sells out. Does the purchase include a ride in the Rolls-Royce? Asking for a friend. Image provided by HSN.
The double-sided, faux-fur pillow pair (20″ x 20″) in gray chinchilla or leopard with removable cover for easy washing ($55.77). Image provided by HSN.
America’s favorite butler, Michael Kelcourse, toasting to the pineapple beverage dispenser ($32). Image provided by HSN.
This image features 3 items from the Collection. Visit HSN for a closer look at the pineapple ice bucket ($65), pineapple serving tray ($35), and mirrored bar cart ($350). Patricia also uses the bar cart for serving hors d’oeuvres on the piazza. The authors see its potential as a mobile vanity. Fun fact: Nancy Lancaster gifted Albert Hadley a pineapple form ice bucket. Image provided by HSN.
Luxe-leopard printed pillow 20″ x 20″ ($29.95) and matching luxe-printed oversized throw 70″ x 50″ ($45). Also available in alligator, flamingo, and cocktail prints! Images provided by HSN.Luxe cocktail hour pillow with Patricia’s infamous quip, “It’s Time for My Medicine,” ($29.95) is sure to be a hit among fans of Bravo’s Southern Charm! Image provided by HSN.
HSN Active Offers, October 2020
Subscribe to the mailing list for 15% off
$5 off purchase of $25+ for first time buyers with code: HSNFIVE
Buy what you’d like through installment payments with 0% interest using FlexPay
Luxe faux-fur throw, trimmed robe, and house wrap are shipped in a gift box
Be sure to visit HSN to see the entire Patricia Altschul Collection. To learn more about the woman behind the Collection, pick up a copy of her book, “The Art of Southern Charm”, and tune into Bravo’s Southern Charm, Season 7 premiering Thursday, October 29th at 9PM EST
Luzanne Otte is a graduate of Harvard, Notre Dame Law School, and USC. She currently works at Barrister Executive Suites in Los Angeles. Emily Selter graduated from Vassar and began her career at Town & Country magazine before getting her Masters degree in Art History from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. She currently works at Sotheby’s New York in the Old Master Paintings department. You may find her on Instagram @EMSelter
For those of us who love timeless, classic, elegant homes, Southern Home magazine never disappoints. The September/October issue features a stately Georgian home – Merryhill – that dates back to 1871. Located in Virginia, the historic home has undergone several renovations over the years, but it still retains many of its original architectural elements, including the beautiful staircase and banister in the entry. It was love at first sight for the current owners, and they commissioned Anne Dutcher, their longtime designer, to refresh the interiors while embracing the home’s past. “My clients appreciate the history of the home and were excited about living with it,” Anne told Southern Home. “This project is a carefully planned venture between the old and the new that understands and respects the historic elements of the structure without masking them in modernity.”
Let’s take a tour with photography by Kip Dawkins. Southern Home magazine is also sharing a special for readers of The Glam Pad you won’t want to miss. Details below… Enjoy!
Such a lovely home and a breath of fresh air! To learn more, please subscribe to Southern Home… You can take advantage of this special offer today! And please visit Anne Dutcher Interiors to see more of Anne’s beautiful portfolio.
The colorful, bright, and cheerful interiors designed by Katie Ridder have always put a smile on my face, and her latest book, Katie Ridder: More Rooms, is a delight. “Ridder’s work is beautiful, balanced, classical – in that old English country house sort of way, in which treasure upon treasure, fabric upon fabric, pattern upon pattern, have been piled up over generations,” writes Dominique Browning, longtime editor in chief of House & Garden, in her introduction. “More Rooms, her first book in nearly a decade, proves Ridder to be at the top of her game.”
More Rooms demonstrates a few of Ridder’s signature elements – bold color combinations, exquisitely crafted trims, embroidery, lampshades, specialty finishes such as silver leaf and stenciling, and countless accessories. The text details Ridder’s creative approach to the essential elements of each room, including furniture plan, color, lighting, finishes, pattern, layering, and scale. Illustrated with specially commissioned photographs by Eric Piasecki, Katie Ridder: More Rooms provides endless inspiration for design aficionados.
