Orange + Purple: Color Study

The obsession started with this photo:

image

Which I sort of fell in love with....immediately.  Orange and purple.  Such an unexpected color combination - outside of Halloween decor that is.  I love everything about this room.  From the lavender grasscloth wall paper, the black quatrefoil mirror, gold coffee table, vibrant sofa, patterned purple throw pillows and side chairs, and natural wood end tables. Add in the graphic black and white rug and black lampshades and it's over for me.  

Yeah, I fell. Hard.  

See for yourself.

You can go super fierce with it:

  

(eyes, style, door)

Or get all trendy and ColorBlock it!

(style, invite, bag, tights)

Orange + Purple can be subtle...

Or BOLD

and BRIGHT

You could wear it....

...to play in

...to work out in...

or to just be hands down fabulous in!

So if it's desirable enough for the Tory Burch flagship store in NYC...

and breathtaking enough for nature to forever paint with...

Well, then it's certainly good enough for me.

I'm hooked!

-Kate

(all photos can be found here)

The Art Of Letting Go....

With a store like Retropolitan...

...You kind of fall in love with every piece of furniture, 

every inspiring work of art, 

every gorgeous lamp, 

every fluffy pillow that walks in the door.  

And as excited as you are to see your child the amazing vintage sofa find a new loving home, you're also locking the door and physically fighting the customer from taking it with them sad to let it go.

Sort of like when your kids go to college. (I'm assuming).

Or your puppy finds a new home. (If you're a breeder).

However, it's always fun when our customers send us pictures of our favorite pieces in their new environment!

When a lovely customer sent us these 3 photos, we had to share them!  This mahogany console has always been a special piece, and we are so happy it found a great home.

Inspiration photo that the customer had in mind...

The console in our store before she took it home...

And the console in it's new home!

We love how the ornate details on the console compliment the boldness of the drapes and valance...

Fabulous!

...sniff, sniff...kids grow up so fast:>)

-Kate

A Night With The Ballet!

The Ballet Ball is one of Nashville's most elegant fundraisers.
This annual event brings together Nashville's most prominent philanthropists and supporters of the arts.

Paul Vasterling (Artistic Director) with Nashville Ballet Dancers

I attended my inaugural Ball Ball last year and had an absolute blast. So, when buzz started going around about this year's ball, I crossed my fingers that I would get to hit the repeat button!

(Ballet Ball 2011)

Luckily, a certain someone has a pretty good memory and snagged us tickets before they sold out :)

I just love black tie events! There are so many layers of preparation...
1. The Dress (I opted for a one shoulder, belted, slinky black number)
2. The Primping (HUGE step right here! Nails, Hair, Makeup)
3. The Accessories: shoes, shawl/stole, bag, jewels (I love any opportunity to wear mama's jewelry)
4.  And lastly, that thing that goes on your arm...no, not your evening bag, your date!

(That was one thing I didn't have to worry about!)

The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception...

Guests mingled and sashayed about in the most beautiful dresses.

I can honestly say, this was one of the most well dressed events I have been to in a long time.

Gorgeous girls! I'm loving Ashley's bold leopard print.

While diamonds, pearls, and glitz can definitely make a girl shine, 

a beautiful smile is really the best accessory. These girls have got it down pact.

The always stunning Alyson Mencio! Al and I went to high school together. 

She continues to live up to her superlative: Most Beautiful.

My good friend Aly Armistead helped out with the event.

Aly recently started her own catering company. (Way to go, Aly!!) 

I just adore the name: Backyard to Ballroom. Definitely give her call for your next party.

The tables were lined with creamy white orchids and sprawling cherry blossoms. Beautiful!

The highlight of the evening was without a doubt the musical guests. Last year, The Band Perry performed their hit "If I Die Young." This year, The Ballet Ball welcomed 2 of my favorite Nashville artists:

The Civil Wars

Ben Folds

Each artist performed 2 songs while Nashville Ballet dancers captivated the audience with syncopated dance routines. It was magical, to say the least. I applaud The Ballet Ball for continuing to host some of the most talented and atypical Music City performers.

Many thanks to The Nashville Ballet for another wonderful event. See ya next year!

Katie Fig