Crown Jewel

In 2002, twin sisters Elizabeth and Kathyrn Fortunato formed Lizzie Fortunato Jewels after being inundated with sales requests from fellow Duke University classmates. The line's crafty, hand-woven pieces pack a thrifted punch and prove diamonds aren't necessary for high-end jewelry. Silk, hand-sewn leather, antique chains, vintage buttons, precious gemstones like Peruvian opals, shark's teeth, porcupine quills, Whalebone chips from a 19th-century French board game, and Wyoming arrowheads plated in brass and gold are just a few of the fanciful elements that keep this wearable line ahead of the pack.


And the talent runs throughout the Fortunado family. Not only does their grandmother make each sample, but she created the needlework for the horoscope bags. This heirloom-inspired belt is a perfect mix of granny chic handiwork and rich leather; I'm currently saving up for the Leo! J will be traveling extensively over the next 3 years and I plan to accompany him on many jaunts. I can't think of a better accessory for scouring and maneuvering through foreign flea markets!

Pick of the Litter

If I were to go back in time and re-register for my wedding, it wouldn't be at the stereotypical Crate & Barrel or Williams-Sonoma. Instead I'd opt for a houseful of classics from Design Within Reach. Their accessories are so spot-on, I'd imagine my house filled with the most functional and best looking housewares around.

The Kitchen Registry:

The Honey-Do Shower:

The Future Baby Shower:

The Groom's Gift:

And the only bits I would still need [causing me to stray from DWR] are everyday dishes. Without a doubt, Virginia Sin's Porcelain Plates are exactly what I'd want.

A Leg Up

These colorblocked tights give slingbacks and peeptoes a leg up on fall footwear.

Writing on the Wall

While identity and biographical details may be unknown, British guerrilla artist Banksy has been leaving his mark on the streets since the 1980s. His art combines graffiti writing with a unique stenciling technique, which was born out of the Bristol underground scene. Anonymous Banksy, originally trained as a butcher, still has his parents believing he's a painter and decorator.


In August 2008, the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Banksy produced a series of works in New Orleans on buildings abandoned since the disaster. I love the addition of humor and whimsy to his work which focuses on politics, culture and ethics.


[via the incredible Plus More Collective, a collaborative blog started by my graphic designing friend that allows a community of creatives to share photos, design trends and current events.]

Waisted

Seasonless, ageless and special—everything I look for in the perfect belt.

I'm FLORed

The newest FLOR catalog has me salivating over oodles of refinished furniture and conspicuous pieces. I know I'm supposed to be staring at the carpet squares, but it's nearly impossible when they use such smokin' vintage finds!

This cane settee is given a snazzy new life with gold paint. The ultimate seat for anyone with Magpie Syndrome!


I love everything about this tablescape...including the table itself.


Tiny little sheep, oversized ball of yard and the etched glass on that background door, all so sweet!


This vintage dress has been stuck in my head since I first laid eyes on it. Love the colors, love the flutter sleeves and love the hippie print.


And I'm still not sure which is cuter, the vintage BMW or the luggage strapped to the rear rack?

To Sweat the Details

Having the opportunity to work for couturier Ralph Rucci is one of the best—and most humbling— experiences of my life. I have the utmost respect for him as a designer, business owner and man, and just like his creations, Rucci is refined and full of class. Surprisingly there is little difference between his couture and ready-to-wear collections as both showcase the impeccable quality and hand finishing he's known for. Rucci is the first American designer to be invited to show his couture collection in Paris since Mainbocher in the 1930s. Quite an honor!


It was incredible to work amongst his talented staff and with the very best embroiders, furriers, leather and braiding experts in the industry. Seeing garments so well constructed that they could be worn inside out was staggering. This month both Harper's Bazaar and Threads have featured articles on Rucci's architectural works of art.


Artistic knots and cords, feather sculpting, worms and fractured fabric, rampant tucks, and braiding gone wild are a few of the details that have built Ralph Rucci's reputation. [Threads October/November 2008]


If you love to sew and want to learn a few couture techniques, Threads teaches many of his tailoring tips such as Rucci "Worms" and Double-Cloth seams. 


For more tricks of the trade, click to enlarge these tear sheets.

Out of the Park

Almost everyone is familiar with The Parker's retro-perfect interior, lush and layered exterior, and cheeky reputation. Recently, my sweet friend had the pleasure of being their guest and immediately emailed photos containing Parker sights I have yet to see. All proving that designer Jonathan Adler knocks it out of the park with his impeccable, over-the-top details and quirky objects d'art lurking in every corner.

An old world gate surrounded by verdant greens—a definite showstopper!


This poolside wooden horse would have my undivided attention.


I've seen the Lemonade Stand's umbrellas in numerous photos, but I never noticed the crisp white tassels hanging from each indentation.


I love the preppy clean feel of this spa locker room, but the porthole window is the best part!

Heads or Tails

Dogs have ruff days too, I suppose. So I gave Burkly extra lovins in hopes that tomorrow her head is back in the game.

Trial by Fire

Last Sunday we woke to a loud boom and an orange glow hovering above our garage. Lightening struck the utility pole behind our house and it was one fiery mess. We quickly called 911, gathered our valuables and left the house in wrinkled pajamas.


Say you have mere minutes to collect your most prized possessions, what would you take? We had a big laugh riffling through our "goodie bag" once the fire was out.

Courtney's Picks:
Laptops. Muy, muy importante! Pictures, files, documents—most everything in one spot.


Gobs of vintage costume jewelry. My Uncle was an antique dealer and I always raided his jewelry stash for the best of the best. I made sure to grab handfuls of my favorite pieces, certainly a nice way to accentuate the pajamas I was wearing.


Engagement ring and diamond pendant. Both very sentimental to me. My Grandmother managed a jewelry shop in downtown Baton Rouge and when the shop closed, she purchased a few loose diamonds. My Uncle had the pendant made out of those diamonds and gave it to me on my wedding day.


Inherited mink cape. What everyone should save from fires! My Grandpa gave my Mom this fur when she was 18 and it’s still so stylish today. This piece will forever be a closet staple for me and I love seeing my Mom’s initials embroidered on the inside. I thought J was going to fall out of his chair when he realized I made an effort to go into the way back of his closet and retrieve the fur.


5-Year Journals. We've both been working on these for almost a year now and I can't wait to have them completed in 2012. There was no way I was leaving behind these books filled with our day to day memories.




J's Picks:
Rings and inherited watch that belonged to his Dad. Totally understandable.


Passports. Yes, we are American and these aren't necessary for everyday living. But if we had lost our house, a weekend in The Galapagos Islands would have been nice. I was at least prepared for an exotic trip with my fur and jewels.


Tax refund check. Now I agree, that was a genius move! Could help fund our trip to said Islands.


Keys to our classic car. You know, the one that is housed inside the garage that would have burned should the utility pole have fallen.


We tested our ability to pack under pressure and we have been laughing ever since. Fortunately there was no damage, so we were able to keep all things packed or not. Pretend you have only 5 minutes to round up your goods, what makes the list?