Shopping on Saturday: Magazine Street

I spent the better part of last Saturday touring the amazing shops on Magazine Street. I can unequivocally state that Magazine Street is all that I hoped it would be, and one day is NOT enough time! This wonderful “emporium of shops” is 6 miles long. There is so much to see and so little time. Michael, our tour guide and partner in crime, managed to pack a punch in just a few hours.

After our whirlwind tour of Magazine Street, Michael and Quinn hosted a cocktail party that evening in our honor to meet the many shop owners, artists and designers that call New Orleans home. I've included a few of the stops we managed last Saturday, suffice it to say I will need to plan another trip very soon.

Ann Koerner's shop, hands down, is one of my favorites. In part it has much to do with Anne. Not only does she select a beautiful mix of French, American, Italian, Swedish, regional and decorative objects and antiques, she is a lovely person.

Ann Koerner Antiques

4021 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-899-2664

Mac Maison LTD has amassed one of the most amazing collections of chandeliers imaginable. Specializing in 18th and 19th century antiques, chandeliers, sconces, mantles, gates and other architectural artifacts and ornamentations, Mac Maison LTD is a visual treat for the eyes.

Mac Maison LTD
3963 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-891-2863

I was delighted to visit Hal Williamson's shop. Hal has been a favorite of mine for many years. His stunning store features beautifully selected French and Continental antiques and fine quality reproductions. Hal recently collaborated on the Low Country Luxe "New Orleans" Scented Candle that is carried in his shop - it is a MUST have!

Williamson Design
3646 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-899-4945

Profile: Nadine Blake

Sometimes I feel like the luckiest person alive. Since launching All the Best I have had the privilege of meeting some really amazing and wonderful people. Many I have 'known' through books, magazines or emails. However, on occasion, you meet a 'stranger' with whom you feel an instant attraction.

Such is the case with Nadine Blake. After arriving in New Orleans we made our way to the French Quarter for an afternoon of shopping, touring, cafe' au lait and beignets. One of our first stops, as highly recommended by Quinn and Michael, was the delightful shop owned by Nadine Blake. All of the accolades were true, her shop is a treasure trove and we clicked instantly.

Prior to moving to New Orleans, Nadine and her husband Simon lived in New York (a friend and neighbor of Amanda Nisbet - small world). After taking a few interior design classes in New York, Nadine's work caught the eye of Alexa Hampton. After an interview with Mark Hampton LLC, Nadine joined the firm. "Working with Alexa was wonderful, I immediately felt as if I were home. We are still friends to this day," says Nadine.

It's easy to see why they are still friends. Nadine is not only a genial host, she is a great storyteller with an infectious smile. I especially loved hearing her reminisce about the pink 'office' phone that once belonged to her grandmother.

On Sunday Nadine and her husband Simon invited me, Chris, Quinn and Michael for Pimms on the balcony of their beautiful French Quarter home, before heading off to Galatoire's for dinner. During cocktails the conversation turned to the amazing apartment belonging to Thomas Jayne. I lamented the fact that I was to email Thomas when I traveled to New Orleans for a tour of his apartment, but sadly I forgot. During my last conversation with Thomas he mentioned that a friend held his key. As it turned out, Nadine is that friend!!

After a quick phone call to Thomas, arrangements were made to stop by the apartment after dinner. The apartment was purchased two months before Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully, being eight feet above sea level there was no flooding. The wall paper in the dining room is beyond fabulous! And we were lucky to have Nadine as a tour guide.

I hope you enjoy the photos of Nadine's home and her answers as much as I enjoyed writing this post.


What inspires your creativity and designs?
Art; travel; fashion; movies; nature ... I could go on and on.

Which talent would you most like to possess?
It would be awfully fun to deliver witty ripostes `a la Winston (Churchill), Dorothy (Parker), and Oscar (Wilde) but I'd settle for better short-term memory.

What is your most prized possession?
I'm extremely fickle. Today it's a Polaroid SX-70 camera and a few remaining boxes of film.

Who is your hero of fiction?
When I was young I was obsessed with the glamorous, girl sleuth Nancy Drew. Presently, I'm in admiration of the level-headed Mma Ramotswe of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. And no doubt I'll find the dithering Miss Marple positively charming in my later years.

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
To paraphrase John Lennon, all I need is love.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
It's a toss-up between Desmond Guinness and Daphne Guinness.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
The Bolter by Frances Osborne; The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Diana Cooper; Sacred Monsters, Sacred Masters by John Richardson.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Subscriptions to foreign magazines and the time to pore over them.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I have managed to surround myself with a coterie of very good people (both friends and family). They inspire me, challenge me, cheer me up and calm me down - they're cheaper than therapy.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Brits and grits.

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
My husband, Simon. Every day I aspire toward his creativity and his kindness.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
Elvis Costello, at home, with pots of tea followed by bottles of red wine.

Nadine Blake
1036 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70116-2704
(504) 529-4913

*So many have asked about the pet pillows, just give Nadine a call for more details, she is a doll!

Profile by Ronda Carman/Photos by Christopher Carman

Gerrie Bremermann

It all started with a little book. Accents on Accessories: Ideas and Inspirations from Southern Accents, published in the fall of October 1995, to be exact. It was then I fell madly in love with the work of New Orleans designer Gerrie Bremermann.

I have followed Gerrie's career for years, collecting every possible image of her work. So, you can only imagine my delight when we were invited to her shop on Saturday. Gerrie, a friend of Quinn and Michael, welcomed us with open arms. Despite suffering a cold, she was completely delightful and gracious. It was a true gift to hear Gerrie talk about her latest project and be given the chance to photograph her shop.

Still whirling from all of the weekend excitement, my joy was only elevated today after a long morning phone call with Gerrie and promises to meet again.

Often referred to as the Grande Dame of the "new" New Orleans, Gerrie masterfully mixes warm fruitwoods, airy antiques, contemporary art and stunning chandeliers. Whites, creams and ivories, with a punch of color from artwork, are hallmarks of her inimitable style. "Some people ask why I choose the same colors over and over again. The answer is simple, because they are timeless and they work." I absolutely agree. If you are in New Orleans, Bremermann Design on Magazine Street is not to be missed. It's one of the very best.

Bremermann Designs

3943 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
USA

Phone: 504-891-7763
Fax: 504-891-7765

Photos by Christopher Carman

Home Tour: Dr. Quinn Peeper & Michael Harold

The word gracious only begins to scratch the surface when describing Quinn Peeper, Michael Harold and their amazing New Orleans home. Chris and I were so very fortunate to have such delightful hosts and tour guides for the weekend. Quinn and Michael have the unique talent of making guests feel simultaneously at home, relaxed, spoiled and honored.

It's wonderful to see a city through the eyes of a local, especially if it's New Orleans native Michael Harold. To say that Michael, who grew up in New Orleans, seems to know everyone would be a monumental understatement. As we walked down Magazine Street cars would honk, passersby would wave, and shops owners offered huge, friendly hellos.

Over the weekend we were introduced to a colorful cast of characters. NOLA has certainly cast a spell, and I can't wait to share the raw talent and energy of the city with all of you. I will be devoting this week to the fabulous Crescent City. Enjoy the photos of Quinn and Michael's home.












Quinn and Michael at the Soniat House in the French Quarters, en route to Galatoire's for dinner.

Thank You Phoebe Howard!

A huge thank you to Phoebe Howard for naming All the Best as a favorite design blog in a recent Q&A with the Washington Post. I am truly honored.

Going to New Orleans

Tomorrow my husband and I are off to New Orleans for the next four days. Thanks to the wonderful worldwide web, we have become 'online friends' with Michael Harold and Quinn Pepper, our hosts for the weekend. Michael and Quinn's fabulous home was featured in Susan Sully's book The Southern Cosmopolitan (Rizzoli). Enjoy the photos of their home and I will feature more photos from our weekend next week.

A screen of gold-on-cerulean silk designed by Rosemary James. On the table a costume hat from the Ballets Russe and turquoise worry beads from Greece.

In the dining room a Swedish chandelier and Louis XVI dinning room chairs take center stage.

A French chair and classical relief sculptures from John Roselli grace the master bedroom.

Pocket doors lead to the entrance hall that houses a piano. Both Michael and Quinn are both prize-winning pianists who have performed at Carnegie Hall.

Profile: Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo (Part Two)

Who are your style icons?
All around: Isabella Rossellini, Linda Dresner - she is the one responsible for bringing Jil Sander to the US. Linda is a true fashionista. I love how she combines various designers to create an amazing look. Something is always slightly "off" when she creates a look. It's an edge that has which sets her apart from the rest. Part of my feeling about perfection being in imperfection.

Fashion: Liliana Casabal (Morgane Le Fay) Her use of fabric, wool, silk, the layers. The saturation of color. Catherine Malandrino

Interiors/Fashion: Martin Margiela Interiors: Elsie de Wolfe, Vincente Wolf

Favorite Eye: Paula Rubenstein. Her mix of masculine and industrial antiques are to die for! I could park myself in a corner of her shop and never leave. John Derian - I love his look. Amazing.

Architect: Richard Meier Someday I hope to own the Douglas house that he designed on Lake Michigan. I have been staring at it from a far since I was a little girl!


Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
I hesitate to answer this knowing you have a close relationship with him. Vincente Wolf's scope of work blows my mind. What I wouldn't do to be a fly on the wall at his studio. Books, interiors, photography, CRYSTAL for Baccarat!?! Just to have a creative relationship with such a historic company. I am truly in awe.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
I don't read in bed. There are however two balls of yarn, a set of knitting needles a red uniball pen (love them!) and my note/collage book. I like to have it close at hand. I make interior design collages in various color or design schemes, write down dreams or random thoughts.


What is your favorite luxury in life?
Being able to travel the world with my husband, Scott. In our year and a half courtship we traveled to 26 different places around the world together. Our travel has not slowed down since our wedding! From Helsinki, to Troncones and Deia to the Napa Valley to the South of France - you name it, experiencing the sites, the culture and the cuisine with my life partner is truly a luxury I feel blessed to have.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Good health, warm sun on my face, fresh simple food, good wine and above all else my relationship with my family.

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
When I was a girl we used to rent a cabin on Lake Michigan each Summer. The home that the owner had created was a wonderful representation of her personal style. I think I have always aspired to live a well-lived-life like hers. I have always worked to hone my style and make my home a direct reflection of my personality. I live my life surrounded by nostalgic pieces I love, that I find beautiful and truly inspiring.

"Sally" (the owner of the cabin) was a buyer for Dayton Hudson. I never met Sally, but the cabin and the decor was incredibly influential on my taste as an adult. She collected goods from all over the world on her buying trips. The kitchen was made entirely of reclaimed barn wood as were the beams that ran along the ceiling of the tiny cabin. The cabinets were stocked with mismatched antique china. She collected heart shaped rocks on the shores of Lake Michigan and displayed them as a collection on the fireplace hearth in the master bedroom. She collected shipping crates and used one as a cocktail table. Other crates were stacked under an open stairway for additional storage.

The architecture of the house was modern, but the interiors had a rustic feel and many of the furniture pieces were antique. The front door was a reclaimed apartment door complete with the original metal apartment number on it. The entire house was splattered with stained glass windows. The most amazing of which was on the landing of the stairway. It was grand in scale (no less than 9 ft high and 5 ft wide) and had red, gold, green and blue accents - it allowed for wonderful colored light to spill into the house - not unlike the fantastically colored vintage posters that I collect as an adult. She collected everything from antique quilts to wood duck decoys and Peruvian embroidery pieces that were framed and hung on the wall of the yellow bathroom, salon style - of course!

Profile by Ronda Carman

Thank you Kansas City Star!

A big thank you Kansas City Star for the wonderful profile on All the Best!

Thank You RealSimple!

A huge thank you to RealSimple Magazine for including All the Best in the August 2009 insider's guide to the best online resources. What a surprise and honor!

Profile: Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo (Part One)

I have a confession. Several months back I posted about my love hate relationship with Twitter. What a difference a few months (and a grasp of the concept) can do for your perception.

If you are not a Twitter user, it’s difficult to fully understand the relationships you can forge with likeminded companies and individuals. Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo (ABCD) is a perfect example. Amy and I first became Twitter ‘friends’ in March and were finally able to meet in person at the All the Best and Vicente Wolf launch party—I liked her instantly!

Artist, designer and stylist, Amy is a true Renaissance woman. ABCD first studied fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She completed a six-month chef-training program in NYC and earned a Certificate in Floral Design from Parsons School of Art and Design.

During her 2007 nuptial planning ABCD was inspired to design her wedding stationery. Having experience in event styling she knew exactly the look she was going for. All the vendors for her New York City wedding quickly fell into place. When it came time to order the invitations, ABCD realized she was not happy with the service, style or designs on offer. True to character she took things in her own hands and created their entire wedding suite.

The accolades on their wedding stationery came rolling in. It wasn’t long before guests from her wedding were asking ABCD to design stationery for their special events. Thus ABCD Designs Bespoke Stationery was born.

Amy is a collector of vintage advertising posters, china cups, yarn and images. In her free time she makes collages, knits, loves homemaking and adores spending her time with her husband, Mr. D. Part Two on Monday...


Which talent would you most like to possess?
Math skills -HA! In all seriousness, the only thing I intended when I left to start art school was to become a fashion photographer. What gets better than working with incredible cutting edge fashion, beautiful women, amazing lighting and creating an iconic image for the masses? At that time - the internet was nothing like it is now. It was all about the glossy pages of Elle, you know? At SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) they were just introducing this "fly-by-night" thing called "digital" photography. *Aaaack - had I known digital would actually stick!* But I couldn't get into the process. I LOVED being in the darkroom. I completely backlashed and left the photography program. To this day I regret not following that photography passion. I guess there is still time to learn...

Instead I took weaving courses, painted and printed fabric design ... I often tease that I should have lived in another era, been born in 1875 not 1975! I am so drawn to turn of the century processes from letter press to the architecture. Old New York fashion, hats, gloves and accessories ... the quality of everything produced was made to last. They built it like they meant it - nothing was disposable. I love that.


What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Out of necessity I have reinvented my career several times. My first real job in New York was in event planning and management. After 9/11 there were no corporate events and I started taking floral design classes and styling jobs as I could get them.

When I married Scott and the option was there for me to travel abroad with him two weeks out of every six. It made it incredibly hard to keep up with my weekly floral clients and last minute styling jobs. I reinvented again applying the same design theory to paper!

I am a huge believer no matter what design medium you are working with – a painting or sculpture, design of an interior space, an arrangement of flowers or styling a beautiful plate of food – one must always follow the same elements of design. In order to create a beautiful product there must be unity, flow, texture, harmonizing color, balance and a focal point to please the eye. This is the philosophy that I apply to anything I create.


What is your most prized possession?
My collection of original vintage posters. I was completely smitten when I bought my first vintage poster in college. I loved her rosy cheeks, wings and steaming cup of coffee so much that I started to collect more posters to decorate the walls of my apartment. I followed a theme of sorts when building on the collection. All the rosy cheek gals have wings, are doing housework or sometimes they are wearing wings WHILE homemaking. I love the fonts and the color from the late 1800's and early 1900's. So inspiring!

It is a really fun collection to build on. It took me eight years of searching to get my hands on 'Lane Borgosesia.' I first saw the poster in the hallway of Joan Vass's knitwear studio and knew I had to start the hunt for my very own. It's a Leonetto Cappiello poster where there is an all white drawing of woman who is knitting in a pile of colorful wool.

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
Can't live without? That's a tough question. I think I could live without all of it if that was put to me. But I must confess my theory has always been "Life is short, eat off the good china!" My mother in law is mortified that we eat dinner every night off the "good china" and sip water from the crystal that you're only supposed to use on "special occasions."

Profile by Ronda Carman

Tête à Tête with Charlotte Moss

Sorry for the long delay in blogging! I wanted to send a belated thank you to Charlotte Moss for including All the Best in her July 4th edition of Tête à Tête. Joni, Jennifer and I all shared our thoughts on summer reading, summer style and entertaining. To read Charlotte's feature, click here.

Tomorrow I will profile the fabulous Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo.

Independence Day

Wishing you all a very happy 4th! It's great to be in the States for this holiday celebration. We are flying East this morning to spend a long weekend with my sister-in-law. I will post again next week. Have a wonderful weekend.
All the best,
Ronda