Anthro-chic

When I shop, I really try and patronize smaller, non-chain stores. I took the Shop Locally 3/50 Pledge earlier this year and really try to keep my promise. Anthropologie falls somewhere between a national chain store and a local store. With 130 stores world-wide, including a newly opened one on London’s chic Regent Street, they’re far smaller than, say, Walmart.

I have always liked their quirky mix of items and their artistic way of merchandising what’s on offer. Apparently, EVERYTHING in the store is for sale, including the window displays, which at the Soho store, were made of paper and plastic cups!Someone had made two life-size (not that I am 100% certain about this) ostriches from pages of books! He was taller than I am, and had the funniest expression on his face. His companion had his head buried in the sand.

Speaking of books, there was the most massive hand-made book laid out on one of the beds on display. It must have measured about 20 x 20 inches. The book was full of short poems/rhymes and illustrations. It was really amazing.

As I mentioned, I am quite partial to Anthropologie’s displays, and loved the crossed spoon plate holders. I took a closer look at one, and figured that with a little bit of heavy gauge wire and some solder, I could whip a couple of these up, tout de suite! I thought the initials on these cups were perfectly placed… and no, I didn’t hang them this way! These bowls reminded me of one of Madeline Weinrib’s fabrics – Green Brooke, perhaps? Or maybe an ikat? Another thing I could whip in my copious spare time is this quilt made from old plaid blankets. It was backed with a very soft wool and looked to be very cozy!Last, but not least, was this incredible GIANT knitted blanket. I am a knitter and I can not even imagine what size needles you would need to make stitches this large! I knitted a blanket once, it was hot pink mohair and was light as a feather and kept me toasty warm in the cold Welsh winters, springs, summers and falls.

New York Times: Staging a Home

There’s a very interesting article in the New York Times’ magazine today about the business of home staging. It says that now more than ever, it’s very difficult to sell a home, especially one priced in the millions, so it’s well worth the time and effort to stage a home. Prospective buyers get a home with a story and a family, so it’s easier to imagine themselves living there. There’s even a short video with Meridith Baer, one of the premier home-stagers, with a staff of 170 to help her get a home in perfect condition.She charges between $10,000 and $150,000 to stage a house, but if you’re talking millions in selling price, who’s is going to quibble?