  |
Be Jeweled
|
Too Cute
Gray Haze
This season gray is anything but boring, especially when a touch of vivid color is added in a sunny yellow handbag, a shiny, red patent pump or a stack of lime-green bangles. Gray is also the perfect complement for another seasonal favorite—black. It’s time to get in the mood for a great gray fall.
 |
 |
 |
| LUXE LAYERS A lace-embellished gray chiffon camisole by Karen Kane at Lefler’s in Conway is the perfect layering piece when paired with a cashmere black jacket and pants from Blackbird Fashion Boutique in Searcy. Silver earrings, Lefler’s. Silver bangles, Masons in Fayetteville. |
GRAPHIC GRAY Gray pops in a graphic design on this Joseph Ribkoff top from Sharon’s in Hot Springs. Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Claudia Lobao earrings, Origin necklace and green bangles, also from Sharon’s. |
A MODERN MIX Gray is soft and elegant in this three-piece linen ensemble by Planet from Beyond Cotton in Little Rock. Crystal ball necklace, Faux Pas in Little Rock. Silver peep-toe pumps by Jessica Simpson, Wilkinson’s Mall in Conway. |
 |
 |
 |
| BORROWED FROM THE BOYS A gray suede and fur vest by Tribal tops off a slinky surplice-wrap, animal-print blouse and wide snakeskin belt layered over a pair of cropped gray jeans by Christopher Blue. All from The Accessory Gallery. Large gold and gray beaded cocktail ring, Tallulah in Little Rock. Tano yellow leather handbag, Faux Pas. |
THE SHARP SUIT Fall’s latest silhouette cuts it close in Alexander McQueen’s newest suit, accented with Claudia Ciuti black satin platform pumps and a black satin clutch by Valentino, all from B. Barnett in Little Rock. |
SHARP JEWELRY Jewelry from Powder & Smoke in Little Rock: Pink Kunzite and diamond ring by Rayomond Mazza; Judith Ripka sterling and 18-karat gold earrings; Jude Francis 18-karat white-gold bracelet with Maltese crosses. |
 |
 |
 |
| A SILVER STREAK The cocktail dress to own this fall sparkles with sequins floating over tulle, from Teri Jon at Feinstein’s in the Heights in Little Rock. Crystal necklace and earrings, also from Feinstein’s. Silver pumps by Jessica Simpson, Wilkinson’s Mall. Jewelry from Powder & Smoke: 18-karat white-gold ring with cognac and white diamonds by William Levine; Jude Francis 18-karat white-gold bracelet with Maltese crosses. |
THE CROPPED JACKET The hottest jacket of the season by Ted Baker at Companions in Little Rock is tossed over a silky Parameter shirt and slim Faverizio Gianni pants. Silver bangles, also from Companions. Circle earrings, Sharon’s. BCBGirl red patent pumps, Wilkinson’s Mall. |
RETRO REDUX The sheath dress is alive and well in pewter Lurex fabric trimmed with metallic beads by Walter from Masons in Fayetteville. Bracelets, hoop earrings and silver pumps with Lucite heels by Vince Camuto, also from Masons. Black Tahitian pearl ring in 18-karat, two-tone gold with diamonds by Zydo, Powder & Smoke. |
…
Restore and Restyle 2007
Green Your Home
Lower Your Utility Bills By…
Switching to compact fluorescent bulbs. Changing five of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home can save you $100 a year on electric bills.
Programming your thermostat. Keep the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the summer; in the winter, set your dial to 62 degrees or lower. This can reduce your energy bill by $100 or more a year.
Plug air leaks. Common leaks occur around windows, doors and other wall areas, and can easily be fixed with weather stripping or caulk. This will also lower your energy bill by $100 or more a year.
Tune up the HVAC. Be sure to have your heating and cooling system checked every two years to ensure maximum efficiency, and clean or replace your filter monthly to reduce your energy bill by $100 annually.
Choose Energy Star appliances. Energy Star qualified products have a high level of energy efficiency, which can translate in to savings of $50 per appliance per year on your energy bill!
Reduce water use inside and out. Switch to low-flow showerheads and add aerators to faucets inside; outside, incorporate native plants and minimize high-maintenance landscaping elements like turf to conserve water. Taking these steps can reduce your water bill by as much as $100 a year.
Choose Green Products
Buy local. Buying local produce reduces the amount of fossil fuels required for the transportation of products from other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces the amount of plastic and paper products consumed in the packaging of these products.
Use low VOC products. Improve your outdoor air quality by switching to products that don’t give off volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Cleaning products and paint are the two most common sources of VOCs.
Use wood alternatives or FSC-certified wood products. Rapidly renewable flooring products include linoleum, bamboo, cork, eucalyptus, recycled-content tile and non-VOC carpet. Wood products are only certified by the Forest Stewardship Commission if they are harvested from sustainably managed forests.
Green Your Yard
Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection. Save on heating and air bills while providing beautiful views around your home!
Use native plantings. Native plants have been growing and evolving in your area for centuries and have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. As a result, they are more likely to thrive with minimal care, including less water, fertilizer and pesticides.
Use non-toxic gardening techniques. Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their families and pets at increased health risks. Pesticides and garden equipment emissions also affect our clean air and drinking water.
Green Your Transportation
Carpool, walk, bike or catch the bus when possible. Green transportation means can greatly reduce your energy expenditures and carbon emissions from your daily routine.
Buy a high-efficiency car. Check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s list of the most fuel-efficient cars at www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst/shtml.
…
At Home with Kids
Kitchen and Bath Style 2007
 |
 |
| Interior designer Johnna Thomas of Little Rock gave client Miles Goggans exactly what he asked for in his master bath—a modern space that takes full advantage of the amazing view of the Arkansas River. The minimalist décor includes rich chocolate-brown furnishings contrasted by a neutral color palette on all surfaces. Windows above the bath and in the shower bring the outdoors in while offering top-notch views. | Miles’ favorite aspect of his new bath is the sunken trough sink featuring double faucets from Falk Plumbing Supply. The sink carries on the clean, uncluttered look of the rest of the space. |
 |
 |
| Once dark and enclosed, Mike and Cheryl Shook’s Stuttgart kitchen is now functional and open thanks to a recent remodel. With cabinets filled with organizational extras, a dual-level granite-topped island that includes individual surfaces for cooking and dining and beautiful new views of the atrium courtyard and patio area, this kitchen is now completely use-friendly thanks to the team of Donna Danforth, Lori Hazelwood, Jim Stengel and Brian Gibbs Construction. | In Bill and Greta Wright’s Little Rock bathroom, Trudi McCollum, ASID, CKD, CBD, of Design Phase One took contemporary to an entirely new level with the use of unstained walnut paneling on the cabinetry and tub skirt. The sleek white backdrop is balanced by the walnut, as well as brushed nickel faucets, porcelain sinks and red accents found in art and accessories. |
 |
 |
| In their Quapaw Tower condo in Little Rock, Mary and Joshua Johnson wanted a simple, clean-lined design for their kitchen, which blends with the living room for easy entertaining. IKEA cabinetry combines with stainless-steel accents for a chic look, while refrigerator and dishwasher drawers keep the space clutter free. | Beautifully complementing the dark cabinets, frosted-glass shelving offers plenty of room for storing dishes and serving pieces in the Johnsons’ new kitchen. |
 |
|
| With an emphasis on entertaining, the Fayetteville kitchen of Bobby and Judy New boasts an open floor plan with a decidedly modern look. Designed by architect Laleh Amirmoez of AFHJ Architects in Fayetteville, the kitchen opens directly into the dining room, and many of the same materials were used to tie the spaces together. “We really wanted to provide a sense of continuity between the two spaces,” Laleh says. | Goggans photography: Janet Warlick Shook photography: Kendy Schimmel New photography: Brian Meredith Wright photography: Kendy Schimmel Johnson photography: Janet Warlick |
Occasional Style
The early part of the 19th century is characterized by the development of furniture designed for specific purposes. Of such pieces, the small-scale occasional table stands out thanks to its multi-functional nature, and because its size made it easy to transport. Because these tables can often be seen from all sides, they were usually veneered on the back as well as the front, unlike side tables, whose backs were hidden when set against a wall. Tables produced around the 19th century were primarily associated with leisure activities, such as chess, reading, painting, or ladies’ activities, so pieces like sewing tables and commodes were given considerable attention. Kirby Whetstone, co-owner of The Antique Co. in Little Rock, offers customers an assortment of occasional tables in varying sizes from around the world.
An English painted-lacquer sewing table, circa 1880, from The Antique Co. is a classic example of these types of tables. It features a lid with six small compartments ideal for needles, threads and buttons, one larger compartment perfect for scraps of cloth, and a mirror that is revealed when the tabletop is opened.
One style of occasional table, the commode, is characterized as a chest with deep drawers and was first introduced in the late 17th century, continuing to appear in varying styles throughout the 1900s. Whetstone displays two different designs of this type of table — an English red chinoiserie lacquer commode, circa 1900, featuring a beautiful Oriental motif, vertical curves, known as bombe’, and a horizontal serpentine skirt on the bottom, and a circa-1850 French fruitwood commode with a lined top drawer as well as a sliding door compartment, perfect for holding larger items.
In the early 18th century, around the reign of Louis XIV, an evolution of the occasional table occurred, most noticeably in the form of leg shape. The cabriole leg was introduced into the French court — a look based on the shape of an animal’s hind legs, which may have originated from Chinese influence. The finest pieces most often had “knees” that were highly decorated. Ormolu mounts, which were originally designed to protect veneer, provided such decoration and were often made of cast bronze and given a gilt finish. Stamped or painted leather also began appearing on tabletops during this period, and in the earlier part of the 18th century this decorative leather was not only used for upholstery, but also for wall coverings.
Perfect for storing trinkets of all sizes, the hinged English painted-lacquer sewing table also boasts a mirror inside the top. The table’s delicate painted motif is a feminine nod to its role as a sewing table. |
 This English red chinoiserie lacquered commode, circa 1900, features a beautiful Oriental motif, vertical curves, known as bombe, and a horizontal serpentine skirt on the bottom. One interesting feature of this piece is the versatile small pullout shelves and drawers. |
 The dainty, English Adams-style table, circa 1900 is perfect for setting beside a chair and lightweight enough to be moved around easily. Four legs that are joined by cross-stretchers, as was common during this time period, support the painted octagon table. |
 With three pullout shelves that would have been used for displaying candles and gilded mounting on the legs, it’s easy to imagine this occasional table nestled in a castle in the French countryside. The black leather top also made it an extremely functional piece. |
…
Birds of a Feather
|
|
For your next party, invite guests in exquisite style with an invitation from Sarah LeClere. The detail of the cutout images is impressive, while the ribbon and soft color scheme make the invite a present in itself. Available at Molly’s Paperie in Little Rock |
|
… |
