Fashion Break: Really Ugly Shoes

I’ve been clicking through a lot of shopping sites for work for NBC’s fashion blog “The Thread.” I just put together “Espadrille Thrill,” a photo gallery (complete with shopping credits, of course) of the 20 cutest espadrilles of the season. I came across a number of absolutely hideous summer shoes in my search. Here are five of the most ridiculous.

Clockwise (the middle one is last):

DSquared2 Hiking Sandals, $595
Cocobelle Bahia Python Thong Sandals with Ankle Cuff, $70
80%20 Molly Tea Party Open Toe Hidden Wedge in Pink Floral, $116
F-Troupe Heart Plastic Sandal in Black Heart, $140
Giuseppe Zanotti Strass Suede Caged Sandals, $1,595

Design Diary: John Stefanon at FP3

This is a model apartment in the loft building FP3 in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood. Like the other FP3 space I blogged about last fall, the interior design was done, and beautifully, by John Stefanon of JFS Design Studio.

Stefanon incorporates earthy elements, like this rough hewn table, into the dining area. The chairs are on casters so they can be easily transported during a party.

This is the standard kitchen. Love the addition of the blackboard, both as a design and practical element. The cloudy glass cabinetry provides a bit of airy relief from the opaque panels. Adding just one section is a lot cheaper than doing all the upper cabinets in that style, but makes a noticeable impact.

Branches in a vase – always an easy way to bring the outdoors in. The pink artwork provides a splash of sweet, candy color to an otherwise neutral palette.

I love hte wood veneer pocket door between the hall and the media room. The aerial map photo is great too. The plexiglass shelf provides storage without looking bulky.

A hand-drawn type of patterning on the wall covering is a modern update to a classic plaid.

The crisp, upholsterd headboard fits trimly in the small space.

I adore the wavy front of this white lacquered dresser.

An amazing red wall in the media room gives an unexpected zing. And that enormous mirror really opens up the room. The effect reminds me of a wall with a circular doorway at the university in Taiwan where I once studied.

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ARTmonday: Sloane Magazine

Mass College of Art graduate and art publishing company veteran, 30-something Dana Cordova, has launched a new eZine called Sloane Magazine. It’s mission, she says, is “redefining what it means to be a modern, 30-something in our evolving society.” But don’t worry, it’s not all that serious. You’ll find everything we crave: beauty, fashion, decor, cooking, career, with plenty of beautiful photography. The fashion spreads leave me a bit baffled, as there’s not much in the way of clothing on the girls, but the images are lovely. Here’s one that’s more clothing intensive. Loving the boots. Not sure what the message is here for the modern woman, but hey, it’s all nice to look at.




Event Alert: Style Clinic with Kara Butterfield & Lindsay Bentis

Two of my favorite Boston stylists/designers are teaming up once again to hold a style clinic at a local home furnishings shop. This pair is super talented, so if you have a brick wall in your place that you’re trying to make the most of, definitely sign up to hear their ideas.

What: “Decorating with Exposed Brick”
Presented by: Stylist Kara Butterfield and interior designer Lindsay Bentis
When: Wednesday, May 26th, 6pm – 8 pm
Where: J.E.M. Home, 470 Shawmut Ave., South End, Boston
Attendees receive 15% off purchases made at J.E.M. that evening.
Price: $15 – RSVP

Get the Look: Ikat & Suzani

As promised, a smattering of ikat patterned furniture and accessories, with some suzani thrown in.




S H O P P I N G   G U I D E
Matthew Williamson Ikat Jersey Drape Front Dress, $1,195 at Matthew Williamson.
F. Schumacher Konya Suzani in Mulberry/Peacock Fabric, $196/yd at Inside Fabric.
Vintage Chippendale Chair in Ikat, $1,395 at Jayson Home & Garden.
Ikat Clutch, $150 at Jayson Home & Garden.
Antique Suzani Pillow from Uzbekistan, $450 at Nathan Turner on 1st Dibs.
Twinkle Living Hand-printed Ikat Pillow, $68 at ModDecor.
Koko Java Ikat Pillow, $116 at 2Modern.
Ikat Coffee Mug, $24.40 by buymystuffplease on Zazzle.
Tribal Tangle Necklace, $80 at Anthropologie.
Black Suzani Upholstered Armchair, $975 by MaterialRecovery at Etsy.
Thibaut Tea House Bravado Ikat through Anna French.
F. Schumacher Sunara Ikat Confetti Fabric, $47.60/yd at Inside Fabric.
Damask Ikat Rug, $458 at Shades of Light.
Hand-Woven Ikat Rug, $2,950 –  $5,650 at Williams-Sonoma Home.
Ikat Curtains, $275 at Horchow.
Ikat Bowl, $14 at Anthropologie.
Mediterranean Nap Painting by Catherine Nolin, $175 from catherine47 on Etsy.
Louis XVI Style Fauteuil in Ikat Moire, $1,100 at Glo on 1st Dibs.
Robert Allen Khandar Jewel Ikat Fabric, $12.98/yard at Lewis & Sheron Textile Co.
Echo Hot Pink Beach Towel, $25 at Dillard’s.
19th c. Louis XVI Settee in Vintage Ikat, $4.800 at Ceylon et Cie on 1st Dibs.
Vintage Suzani Pillows, $350-$395 at Jayson Home & Garden.
Ikat Champion Slip-On Sneaker, $72.65 by missm485 on Zazzle.
Embroidered Silk on Cotton Suzani Pillow Cover, $45 at Fabricadabra.
Burberry Ikat Canvas Tote, $595 at Neiman Marcus.
Nate Berkus Boxed Set of Journals, $29.95 at HSN.
Madeline Weinrib Sapphire Norwood Carpet at Madeline Weinrib.
Robert Kime Naryn Silk/Cotton Fabric at Robert Kime.
1960s Ikat Teapot, $94.99 at Distant.Java Dessert Plate, $116 at Home, James!
Pair of c.1930 Suzani Swivel Chairs at Voila! On 1st Dibs.
Uzbek Ikat Atlas Chapan Robe, starting bid, $36 on eBay.
Madeline Weinrib Pink Antoinette Pillow at Madeline Weinrib.
Madeline Weinrib Sean Pillow at Madeline Weinrib.
19th c. English Baronial Carved Chair, $4,125 at Ceylon et Cie on 1st Dibs.
Vera Wang for Wedgwood “Ikat” Dinner Set, $89 at Bloomingdale’s.
Ikat Motif Cards, $10/set of 4 from TraceryDesigns on Etsy.