Style Story - Market umbrellas

One of my favorite features on my deck is my market umbrella. There's nothing like having breakfast or a candle lit dinner outdoors under my umbrella. Whether shading you from burning rays, providing a canvas roof of privacy, or creating a tropical ambiance, these market umbrellas in their varying shapes, sizes, materials and colors will have you covered!








www.EasternSerenity.com
www.Westelm.com
www.PotteryBarn.com
www.ConranUSA.com
www.SmithAndHawken.com
www.RestorationHardware.com
www.CrateAndBarrel.com

Style Story - Zebra print

Hmmm ... what can I say about zebra print? It's such a touchy subject isn't it? People either hate it or love it. Well, just as I'm treading lightly in writing this caption, it's probably best to do the same when incorporating zebra into your home. The key is remembering that less is more - you don't want your guests to feel like they're on safari! Unless you're going for a big statement, use it sparingly - maybe one large piece like a rug or chair and then smaller accessories like a pillow or tray to compliment. A touch of the exotic can be so stylish and just enough to awaken a quiet room!





Zebra Rug $179 and up - Pottery Barn
Zebra-stripe Armchair $1,069 - Horchow
Black Printed Umbrella $39.50 - J.Crew
DKNY Zebra Haircalf Tote $325 - Bloomingdales.com
Zebra Garden Stool - www.Dovecote-Westport.com
Crosby Stool $1,500 - Williams Sonoma Home
Zebra Pillow Cover $34/cover $13/insert - West Elm
Zebra-Stripe Bench $339 - Horchow
Zebra Hide Rug $559 - Horchow
Animal Beaded Pillow in zebra $68 - Williams Sonoma Home
Italian Zebra Luggage $635 and up - Horchow
Zebra-Stripe Chair $1,129 - Horchow
Personalized Zebra-print Cards/Notes/Labels $58 and up - Horchow
Laminated Zebra Wastebasket & Tissue Box $75/$45 - William Wayne & Co.
Zebra Duvet Cover & Sham $129 and up - Pottery Barn

Love it! - Ford's umbrella stand

It's pretty rare to find interesting umbrella stands which is why this one immediately caught my eye. Designed by New Mexican artist Ford Ruthling, he's also had four of his paintings used on U.S. stamps. There's just something so nostalgic and whimsical about his Bengal tiger, parasol and bees motifs. Who knew an umbrella stand (or possible wastebasket) could be such a work of art?


Ford's Umbrella Stand $149 - Wisteria.com

Love it! - Get a handle on it

So I'm not one for those tall cane-like umbrellas - just a bit impractical and cumbersome. Love a small umbrella that you can fit in your shoulder bag, but on the other hand, the tall ones always have the more stylish hook-handles. Well you can imagine how excited I was when I saw these compact umbrellas with a traditional hooked bamboo handle - the best of both worlds! Ok ok, they're a bit on the expensive side, but even if you can't afford them, isn't it great just knowing they're out there!


Bamboo-Handled Striped Umbrella $225 - Vivre.com