If I could reupholster the world...

...it would be in Madeline Weinrib's purple ikat.

- photo via Peacock Feathers -

- photo from Elle Decor -

- photo from Vogue -

And I'm not even a purple fanatic! But I cannot get enough of the GORGEOUSNESS (is that a word?) of these chairs. I know we've all seen these images before. But I had to post them before I forget them. And quite frankly I can't think of a more sad day than a day that I forget these purple ikat chairs exist.

Does anyone know where I can find a cheaper version of purple ikat? It doesn't have to be silk. It can be polyester for all I care. Ok, I take that back. Help? Anybody? This is the plea of a desperate design fanatic.

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In other news, thank you, Emily Clark, for showing me that my living room was included in Houzz.com's Ideabook this week and is described as having a "perfect floor plan. Ample seating, and well placed lighting and tables." You have to scroll down a bit but I pinky swear it's there.

Come sail away

In an era of reduce, reuse, recycle, Ella Vickers has got conserving resources in the bag. Literally. (I secretly can't believe I just used such a cheesy pun, but it was too good to leave out.) The handbag designer worked as a first mate on a the Columbia, the "first 12-meter vessel to win Americas cup." I presume more of you East-Coast readers understand the significance of that. I'll go back to shearing some corn now...

During an off-season when the Columbia had its sails replaced, Ella reached for the old but still insanely durable fabric and turned it into bags. Her product was so popular that it led to the formation of Ella Vickers Sailcloth Collection (EVSC). Now the company offers a wide range of handbags in all shapes and sizes ranging from fanny packs and backpacks to shoulder totes and large duffles. These durable but chic products are perfect to use as carry-ons, on beach days, as school bags, work bags, or for voyaging the open seas. And I even noticed a few items for the home: several nautical shower curtains that I am now waiting to see pop up in some Nantucket oasis, and the cutest dog bed - which I don't know about your dogs, but my 25-lb friends sure now how to destroy a normal dog bed over the weekend. One made of strong sail fabric is sounding pretty appealing.

the 2 is my first choice bag - it's been my favorite number for so long and I don't even know why

His nails aren't getting through that any time soon.

Pretty cute for a beach house or boys' bathroom, yes?

Here is their special Valentines heart bags. The tote is so charming.

*all photos from EVSC*

Designers to Watch: Michelle Adams of Rubie Green

Michelle Adams is one dynamite lady. And she's only two years older than me. Talk about inspiring. Who is this soon-to-be wildly successful entrepreneur, you ask?

Well, in a nutshell: Michelle graduated from Michigan State University in 2006 with a degree in apparel and textile design and minors in interior design and advertising. She trekked to NYC where she lived (rent-free with her dad - lucky!) while landing the job of a lifetime - a market assistant position at Domino magazine. Talk about getting your foot in the door. While there, she worked and networked, networked and worked. Somewhere along the way, she met photographer Patrick Cline and you could say the rest was history. After a year and a half, she quit the mag to start her own business - a fabric and bedding company - Rubie Green, whose beautiful products have already been featured in the likes of Vogue Living, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Oprah Magazine. Just this past summer, Michelle announced on her blog, M.A. Belle, that she and Patrick Cline are starting a new online-only, interior design magazine, Lonny (as in London and NYC, Patrick's and her respective homes). Collaborating with top designers, editors, photographers, and stylists, these two are sure to produce a top-notch product. You can tell from the cover and preview page below. The full magazine is set to launch next Thursday, October 1. I cannot wait!

Rubie Green Fabrics

Her beautifully designed fabrics are all 100% organic cotton and manufactured by eco-friendly printers. But they'll cost you. These beauties go for $90/yard. Fortunately you don't need much more than that to get two throw pillows or cover a few chairs as shown below. Just enough to add some punch to a room.

Perhaps her most popular fabric, East Village, was used on the throw pillows in designer Diane Bergeran's home, which was featured in Australia Vogue Living.

Rubie Green Bedding

These strike me as fairly reasonably priced considering how much the upholstery goes for - a queen duvet is $219. But as of now, only four patterns are available. Fortunately, they all mix and match!

Michelle's NYC Abode

The epitome of small space, big style. Michelle's apartment was photographed by business partner Patrick Cline for Real Living. Notice the Rubie Green prints all over the place!

I spy a Sapien spine bookcase!

Her office. Who says you need a view over 5th Ave. to be the head of a chic and fabulous business?

all photos from M. A. Belle and Rubie Green websites

LCY Chicago: Bedside Manor in Hinsdale and Lincoln Park

Hinsdale, Illinois is lucky enough to have one of four Bedside Manor shops among its local businesses - the others located in Winnetka, Lake Forest, and Lincoln Park (Chicago). The charming store features high-end bedding and bath linens that I can stare at for hours. That's right. They are that beautiful.

This is normally a window-shopping kinda place for me as the prices are out of my budget. But, as my mom and I saw this weekend, sales tend to pop up every now and then where you can get great deals on their luxury pieces. Sadly, the sale does not last forever, but if you are looking to treat yourself to the bed you most definitely deserve, I say look no further. Allow me to give you a tour of the Hinsdale shop...

The Beds

Would it be awkward if I laid in it?

I feel like I should say "Ta Da!" when I look at this picture.

Love this bench.

The side tables

I'll have one of each.

Pajamas, towels, soaps, the list goes on...

Manor to Home

My mom's beautiful bed.

Pillow shams by Ann Gish, sheets by Nancy Souther, both from Bedside Manor.

Duvet cover from Restoration Hardware.

Bud vase by William Yeoward.

Clock from Pottery Barn.

Headboard from Macy's Home.

Sweet dreams.