Haute Couture: Stylish & Convenient

Ok I’m going to let a big secret out…or not…I am no fashionista but every once in a while something comes along that you just have to share and these dresses are something I just had to share.

 

Over a dozen Canadian fashion designers got together for a breast cancer fundraiser and designed some high fashion…… toilet paper anyone? Yes toilet paper that often found paper product in most people’s homes.

 

While some of the gowns are purely pink and white toilet paper the designers were also allowed to use suit fusing for stability. They were also allowed to use rhinestones, tulle and ribbon.

 

Who ever knew that something so chic could be designed out of something so simple as toilet paper? So next time your in the lady’s room get creative, let your imagination run wild, who knows you just might create the next fashion “it” gown!

To see some wedding gowns made out of toilet paper go here. So what do you think of these gowns? 

Does size really matter?

I love decorating magazines because they give me ideas for my home on how to bring it together. As an antique textile dealer I also read decorating magazines because they keep me in touch with the latest styles and colors, what’s hot in terms of pillows and textiles for my business.

Pillows are consider soft goods, the last thing to go into a room to finish it off bringing in color and size can make all the difference in the world.

Traditional Home Magazine

You don’t want to go too small because then a pillow looks lost......the pillow on the sofa would have looked better slightly longer and lower.

Traditional Home Magazine

Too small and short, these sofa pillows would have looked better as one pillow and slightly taller in a different fabric.

Too big and a pillow overwhelms a piece of furniture not allowing room to sit.

Just right!

Room by Kathryn Ireland

Love the layered look when done right so it isn't taking over the sofa.

Country Living Magazine

Country Living Magazine

Decorpad

Love this look!

My pillows

I’ve been questioning the size of pillows lately because I’ve been designing some over a yard long and wonder if people really want bigger pillows.  So what’s your take bigger is better or do you prefer a lot of different pillows on your sofa?

A quiet moment.....Decorating with Religious Artwork

Veranda, Touches of Europe, by Eleanor Cummings

When you think of room decor do you turn to God? To the legends of angels and all that it entails?

Veranda, Kay O'Toole

Have you noticed the number of homes where the focal point of a room is a religious piece of art? I personally find that these lovely old pieces have a calming effect while also being decorative. Incorporating spiritual objects bring a sense of warmth without having devout reasons.

 Most people like myself collect for aesthetic, not religious, reasons. Pieces should be looked upon as art having dimension and texture.

Veranda, Kay O'Toole

Veranda, Eleanor Cummings

  

One well-placed item can help tie the décor together making it flow.
I am in love with this Italian headboard!

Veranda, James Michael Howard, aka Mrs. Howard

In this living room it’s the artwork that brings in the color of a mostly neutral setting.

From the same room as above

Home of Pamela Pierce, Veranda

Country French Magazine, Alabama designer Mary Finch

Designer Donna Temple Brown's Home

Maisons Cote Magazine

via Cote de Texas

Kate Stassi Design

Designer Mary Finch

Religious art pieces outside can even bring a focal point to a garden patio.  

Even in my own home I use religious pieces to bring in warmth from the rich colors and depth. So how about you do you decorate with religious pieces?