Profile: Ivanka Trump

Profile: Ivanka Trump
What a fabulous beautiful woman!

Decorator Scrapbook XIII

Albert Hadley Hurricanes, through Liz O'Brien, New York

Progress Shot, Mediterra

Carol Fenzl painting through Kreiss-Design West, Naples

Dear Summer readers, enjoy these random images from our files! DF *****

Jackie’s Capri: Images of an Icon

Jackie’s Capri: Images of an Icon
Great blog I discovered courtesy of James Andrew...
ENJOY! DF *****

Showroom Shots: Kreiss Naples

photography by Dean Farris

Here are two views of our new Kreiss, featuring interiors by Design West, here in Naples. Looking forward to seeing you! DF *****

I Remember C Z

I just woke up thinking about the elegant and iconic social beauty, Mrs. Winston "C Z" Guest. I was remembering being at a cocktail party in Southampton, and having the immense pleasure of meeting Mrs. Guest,who died in 2003. I also spent time with her beautiful daughter, Cornelia- who had been, like Brenda Frazier, a "Deb of the Year"... Horses, gardens, houses, family... this was what they were all about. The night I met CZ, she was wearing a magnificent black and white gown, and still had her blonde mane styled like Gloria Vanderbilts, with the famous WASP flip. I'll always remember her as being a warm and formidable woman, very Boston proper, and one who took no prisoners. Here she is late in life, looking elegant and serene. Enjoy! DF *****

"It" Chair, Cross Back Arm Chair

My time is getting more limited these days for blogging, so, here's a brief glimpse into the classic world my mind inhabits, where old favorites never die, and the classics keep on showing up, perhaps tweaked or updated, but always retaining their sense of history and gravitas. This "Crossback Arm Chair" by Century (model # 3353A) is one of my favorites, I admire how it harks back to early Georgian and Chippendale examples, and yet seems to have a forever, contemporary look as well. Would love it in a leather, or a crisp Alan Campbell printed cotton...and here is a little sentiment I'd like to share with you dear readers.

The past is history

The future is a mystery

Today is a gift

And that's why it's called the present.

I do hope that you'll enjoy today wherever you are, and think about this iconic chair too!

DF *****

A Sublime Sunday Night Dinner

Last night, we enjoyed a wonderful home cooked dinner at the home of our friends Dickie and Troy. We dined in the gorgeous kitchen/breakfast room after pre-prandial wines and cheeses in the living room...they always serve Toasted Head chardonnay, very creamy and smooth. Our first course was a cheese ravioli with fresh frisse' greens and a tomato reduction. Yum! Main course was a divine grilled "Hanover" tomato served with a panko type encrusted chop of pork, again, so good! A side of baby Brussels Sprouts too. Dessert was wonderful macaroons and sambucca, amaretto or limoncello. What a nice dinner! Here's a pic of the kitchen, not including the beautiful breakfast area facing the terrace and the pool. DF*****

Where Art Meets Craft, Coquillage by Judith Auclair

All images courtesy Donald Auclair

I've known Judith Auclair for many years, and she is truly a talented designer. Her former shop, Maison Auclair Antiques, here in Naples, was a fabulous repository of the unique and the one of a kind. Recently, Judith sent me these images from a recent installation of hers, she has become a very accomplished artist using shells as a medium for creating superb works of decorative art. See my earlier posts on her work, and have a great weekend! Headed into AUGUST!!! Enjoy, DF *****

Boutique of the Week: BR Uno, Naples

Bruno Dhaine, proprietor, BR Uno

I have always enjoyed shopping in small, smart shops, known as BOUTIQUES. One of my favorites here in Naples is called BR Uno, on Third Street South, and my good friend Jerry is the manager there. BR Uno carries Hermes', Baccarat, Ice watches, Keith Haring, and Jonathan Adler, as well as delightful decoupage and elegant jewelry...today I picked up a small package of Caspari paper cocktail napkins, in a leopard print, for only five bucks, so not every thing is terribly dear and damaging to the wallet - follow BR Uno on Facebook, or stop in -they are located across from Sea Salt restaurant. DF*****

Amanda Jaron, FABULOUS!

Amanda Jaron, designer

Amanda Jaron is a force, a force of style, beauty, and smarts. A siren of sensual jewelry designs, and a sentinel of high art in the world of jewelry and fashion. Here she is, looking ever so smart and chic, promoting herself and her amazing talent to the world, all while raising her children, attending to her husband, (Steve) and remaining active in the Naples community. Look for even bigger things coming from the world of Amanda Jaron...things the likes of which you've never dreamed of, creations only she can produce, for your enrichment and enjoyment. Old Johnny Schlumberger would be impressed! Enjoy! DF *****

Room of the Week, Pelican Bay

An empty room, an empty apartment, what does one say? This is what we designers and decorators face when hired by a new client. The shock of the empty! Sometimes I think the empty space is so pure and beautiful, in an abstract way, however usually here in south Florida, we are confronted with these blank slate boxes, and often just a raw shell, with no floors, construction dust everywhere, and filthy dirty new windows partially covered in blue film! The imagination runs wild, and often instantly conceives the finished look, as good designers are prone to do...have a great weekend! DF *****

Scalamandre' Candles

I was delighted (pun intended) to receive the news that Scalamandre' has introduced a home fragrance collection, comprised of three scents: white ginger, mediterranean fig, and ocean. They come in chic squared glass containers, and are priced well at $45 each. Order now! DF ***** (Looking forward to dining at Angelina's tonight!)