Just a couple of days ago, I enjoyed shopping at "The Plaza" in Kansas City. I tagged along on a business trip of my husbands. (This time HE had to work...and "I" got to play) I was in the market for beautiful vases and interesting containers to include in my "Arranging Silk Flowers" book which is due to the publisher in just a couple of weeks.
While the focus of this article isn't trends spotting, I did notice very clean, fresh, simple designs in nearly all the upscale shops. For flowers, the trend was simple and elegant. This followed through in the linen shop I went into, clean - fresh style - simple and fluffy!
One particular design in a very UPSCALE shop (which shall remain nameless) did catch my eye.
I give this design kudo's for being trendy and "re-purposed".
But as you can see in the photo....I've given my take on these designer teapots.I think the biggest shock of the day was the price tag -$128.00! Seriously! No.... I did not misplace the decimal. One Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars! For a minute I thought I was back on Rodeo Drive! (Though this shop had a super friendly sales staff)
Who buys this stuff at $128.00? Or better yet....why am I not making this stuff and putting $126.00 profit in my pocketbook? Am I jealous that they're getting these prices? Savvy? Realistic?? Hmmmmm.....
I'm thrilled at the re-purposing, reclaiming trend because it takes me back to my roots. All in all though, the teapot covered in fabric is a great idea to spruce up a dull, ordinary tea pot that you might have laying around or one you might find in a thrift store. *Think potential* But, do me a favor please, and cover it with prettier fabric then what you see here. And, if you are privileged to sell it for over a hundred dollars (even $50)- email me...I want to hear your story!
The shopping day ended with a slight blast from the past. I absolutely love Restoration Hardware which is where I met Peggy, a beautiful sales lady with a big, bright personality. She was so cheerful and friendly and greeted me when I walked in.
She saw that I was looking at the lilacs that were arranged in a beautiful tall glass vase. I told her I was authoring a Floral Design book and was looking for exceptional flowers and beautiful containers. She wanted to know how I got started. We stood there for a few minutes talking. Turns out, we had a lot in common.
She was starting up her own "Mind and Body" company and we chatted about being entrepreneurs and the importance of networking. She commented on the necklace I was wearing which was the piece that Julia designed on a MagnaDoodle featuring "our wedding day". (The design issue was published in the Fall 07 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry). I shared the story of how I made the jewelry with Peggy. As we were talking, something occurred to both of us....and I think it dated both of us too. Obviously MagnaDoodles weren't even thought of (way)back then. We both laughed because the closest thing that we had to a MagnaDoodle (outside of the etch-a-sketch) was Willy faces. It was a piece of cardboard with a plastic cover over it. Inside the cover were metal shavings that you could drag along using the magnet stylus that came with it. I don't know were you go yours, but I got mine at Woolworth's. I remember taking the magnet and giving Willy a head of hair and a moustache. Who knew? From Willy Faces to MagnaDoodles. Peggy and I both had to laugh at that. It was fun to reminisce.
I walked out of the store the proud owner of three beautiful stems of blue lilacs and connected with a new friend.
Next it was off to meet Dana for lunch at 810. If you get a chance to eat at this sports bar, get the chicken salad croissant! To die for!
Definitely a great day in celebrating the creative life!
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