CALL OF THE WILD...

I am completely enamored with any type of animal print, both in fashion and in interior design. As with most accents, a little can go a long way. "Friends don't let friends wear more than 25% leopard print!" - a recent pin I came across on Pinterest. As for interiors, in abundance, the result can be striking. A zebra print rug, usually stenciled cowhide, can add glam to most any space. And speaking of cowhide, a few of my favorite vendors feature pieces with "Bessie's" coating.

Check out these amazing rooms where the wild has been tamed for the sake of design...

Happy hunting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of Pinterest.com

THE LOW DOWN: HOMEGOODS...

You can imagine the excitement I encounter whenever I venture into HomeGoods - the color, the texture, the variety coupled with the low prices - its all very stimulating for a budgetnista like myself. I have outfitted complete rooms with wares I've discovered there. The only thing with HomeGoods is that you never know what you are going to find from day to day.  If you don't buy it when you see it, it might be long gone if you wait overnight.

Here are some amazing rooms created with HomeGoods finds...

The accessory and lighting aisles are always my first stops followed by bedding, pillows and kitchenware.  With all of the samples, catalogs, etc. I need for work, I covet their fabric storage bins. The same ones I find at places like the Container Store or Bed, Bath & Beyond are up to 60% off retail prices.

My favorite acquisitions are the turquoise velvet wing chair that proudly sits in my living room next to the fireplace and the white leather chair that greets visitors in the foyer.

See why I am HomeGoods happy...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of HomeGoods.com and Tammy Bolden.

DESIGNER HIGHLIGHT: DIVERSITY IN DESIGN SYMPOSIUM...

The NY Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers recently held its first "Diversity in Design" Symposium at the NY School of Interior Design located on the Upper Eastside in Manhattan.

The panel consisted of Robin Wilson of Robin Wilson Home (via video message as she was due to give birth at any moment), Anisha Clarke of Ishka Designs, Joy Moyler of Joy Moyler Interiors, Freeform & Deform Creative Collaboration, and Michel Boyd of Smith Boyd Interiors. Among other design luminaries in attendance were Malene Barnett of Malene B Carpets, Orlando Dominquez of GIN Designs and Karen Young of Hammocks and High Tea.

 (L TO R) JOY MOYLER, MICHEL BOYD, MODERATOR, ANISHA CLARKE, ARCHITECT, ARCHITECT, AND MALENE BARNETT

The panel displayed examples of their work and discussed the important role of designers of color.  During the Q&A session, the common theme communicated was (1) build your brand, (2) collaborate with like minded individuals and (3) always be prepared. I was extremely pleased that ASID recognized the need to emphasize the role of designers and architects of color in the industry. Bringing a broad perspective to design ignites creativity for all the enjoy.

I'm looking forward to future discussions of the same...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

THE LOW DOWN: JOSS & MAIN...

My latest obsession! Joss & Main is a premier members-only site, similar to RueLaLa and Gilt, that offers limited-time sales on the world's best brands for home and lifestyle products.

 

J&M offers everything from home furnishings, décor, accents, lighting, tabletop, cookware, and entertaining essentials at up to 70% off retail prices.  The carefully curated events - usually lasting just 3 days - showcase distinctive designs and trends, along with the talents of noted influencers from the interior design community. 

I have purchased several incredible items that nearly match the wholesale pricing available to the trade only. The best thing to do is to check it out for yourself by clicking here. 

Happy shopping...
   

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy       

THE 40/40 CLUB...

I was pleasantly surprised to find a picture of me and my daughter Courtney (r) with Kimberly Ward (c) of Pink Eggshell Blog at the African American Top 20 Designers Event held at the 40/40 Club in NYC last May. (Click here to see my post on that event.)

Most people know that the 40/40 Club is owned by hip hop mogul Jay-Z and his partner Juan Perez.  The club made headlines recently when Jay-Z and Beyonce hosted a fundraiser for President Obama's reelection campaign a few weeks ago. Opened in June 2003 and renovated 2 years ago, the 40/40 club is a 12,000 sf sports and entertainment lounge designed to evoke the feeling of a lavish NYC penthouse and glamorous court side seats.

That lead me to wonder, as beautiful as it is, why did Kimberly, who is based in Atlanta, select that venue for her inaugural AA Top 20 event. Let's take a look... 


 

 Any design aficionado can see why. The photos don't really do it justice. I went there for drinks one Saturday evening this summer before the nightlife crowd poured in. I was able to take in the enormity and grandeur of the place. I get it...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of the4040club.com and Kimberly Ward



THE GOTHAM COMEDY CLUB...

For my birthday celebration last weekend, me and Todd (my hubs) and 4 other couples went to the Gotham Comedy Club on 23rd Street in NYC to see comedian Aries Spears.  You remember him from Mad TV and as Cuba Gooding, Jr.'s brother in Jerry Maguire. The Chicago born, New Jersey bred comedian was HILARIOUS to say the least.


Comedian Aries Spears

Although I'm sure I've past the club a million times and never noticed, Gotham is well worth the visit. Tickets start at $25 and up with a 2 drink minimum but I'd recommend the VIP ticket for prime seating, no lines, open bar and an appetizer for $115 per person (ahem, it was my birthday). 

Gotham is not at all "seedy" like some small comedy spots tend to be. It was well lit and clean with a courteous staff (despite the 20-something brunette waitess in need of an etiquette refresher course). Most I've attended don't have a private party room either and separate bar/lounge area.

So next time you are in the mood for a good laugh, see who is performing at the Gotham Comedy Club.  Click here for more information on upcoming acts, etc.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

 

DESIGNER HIGHLIGHT: TRACY REESE, A MICHELLE OBAMA FAVORITE...

Most people from either side of the political fence will agree that First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning during her DNC speech in Charlotte a few weeks ago. Aside from her outer beauty (awesome guns, notwithstanding),  that gorgeous dress commanded a presence on its own.



First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2012 DNC

Tracy Reese is the amazing designer responsible for that creation. Reese, who launched her first collection in 1998, has been flying just slightly under the radar for some, until then. The dress, made of a raw silk jacquard in a luminescent mix of hot pink, rust and copper with an accent hemline of silver and blue, was a showstopper.

Her clothes are aimed at women with a similar sense of strength and femininity as Mrs. Obama. "She's got a clear vision of how she wants to look," says Reese. The FLOTUS is a big fan of the designer having been spotted in several of her creations over the years.

In the spring of 2006, Reese opened her first flagship boutique in NYC’s Meatpacking District. The 2200 sf space reflects her colorful and feminine design sensibility and offers the full Tracy Reese experience including her apparel lines, accessories and home goods.

For her farmhouse getaway in upstate New York, Tracy's personal style is quite evident in her design choices.  Her flair for feminine strength is also displayed in her choice of strong yet girly color palettes and textural furniture and accents like wicker and antiques.







For more information on Tracy Reese and her amazing work, click here.  Welcome to the spotlight, Tracy. You so deserve it, girlfriend...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of TracyReese.com, Reuters.com, CountryLiving.com, and NYMag.com