Teuscher Chocolates in NYC

 Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland had a really beautiful window display, crammed full and spilling over in a riot of colour and texture.

ABC Carpet & Home

I thought I would continue to show you some of the lovely shops I found so inspirational in New York City. ABC Carpet & Home was a delightful discovery. I had never heard of it and came across it by chance while on my way to Shabby Chic.

These lovely yellow window displays caught my attention.

And enticed me inside to see more.

The exotic zen vibe was totally captivating.

The yellow gave way to a more monochromatic area.

And to the restful monochrome was added some soothing pink.

In the middle of the store there was a long table that was set for dinner. Each place setting was completely different and yet they all blended together beautifully.

There was also a section devoted to the garden with lots of weathered pots and garden furniture.

Shabby Chic New York City

I have long been a fan of Shabby Chic, so on my recent trip to New York City a visit to this famous brand was on my priority list.  Somewhat hidden away on a side street in Soho, we took a few wrong turns before we finally found it and stepped inside to see the beauty of Shabby Chic in the flesh instead of in the pages of Rachel Ashwell's beautifully photographed books.

And it did not disappoint. The shop is divided into a series of rooms, each with a different decor but all of them distinctly Shabby Chic.

A mixture of old and new fabrics, furniture and accessories, Shabby Chic's delicate palette was upheld throughout. After hearing a friend's experience with snooty staff in the L.A. store, I steeled myself for an uncomfortable visit. But the NY salespeople could not have been nicer.

I did not know where to look, it was all so gorgeous.  Just look at that ruffled hanging lampshade. Quintessential Shabby Chic.

Little White Jug

Here I am, almost one year to the day since my last post. How could so much time have passed? A longer break than I anticipated, but here I am feeling inspired once again and raring to go.

I thought I would mark the occasion with a blog about my little white Lord Nelson Pottery jug from England.  This jug is very special to me because it was a gift from my lovely friend S.  She and I were on an antiquing trip in Almonte, Ontario and S. found this jug at one of the shops, fell in love with it, bought it and took it home. Some time later, she surprised me by giving it to me, not because she did not love it anymore, but because she knew how much I loved it.  Now that, is a special friend.

I picked the flowers this morning from my garden. Alliums from the bulbs that I planted last fall.

 
Siberian irises, which I just love. These are a dark blue purple and the clumps that they form are full of spiky thin green leaves. They don't last long but their slender elegance makes them a favourite of mine.

And last, but not least, in this lovely trio is a perennial bachelor button, more larger and showier than the annual variety.  This year, mine are much larger than I have ever seen them grow in my garden. Their spiky spheres are remarkable.

Put all three together and they are even more beautiful.  Have a look and see what you think...

I think they work so well in contrast with the simplicity of my little white jug.  I also think that I will continue to make other flower arrangements in this jug and share them here so you can see just how versatile this wonderful receptacle is. I am willing to bet that the mood of the arrangement will change with the flowers. Time will tell.