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The current issue of Vanity Fair magazine has a fascinating article about the most influential and important pieces of architecture of this century and the last. Vanity Fair asked 52 experts in the field to vote on their choice for this designation. For those of us who are fascinated with...
When I can’t get to Paris but need a French fix, my destination of choice is a charming little shop on State Street of Chicago called P.O.S.H. It’s a treasure trove of French Flea Market finds, a jumble of lovingly arranged vintage and new table top and home accessories. Makes me feel like I am...
Who would have thought that when I took the elevator to the roof of a really big museum in NYC in search of a chicken sandwich, I would find 5,000 sticks of bamboo seemingly randomly lashed together. Here’s the story. In May I enjoyed a couple of days in NYC. While I was there I […]
Saugatuck, MI is a very colorful place. That’s part of why I like it. I also like the creative energy, the beautiful setting on the Lake Michigan coastline and the fun time I have when I go there. I meandered around Saugatuck yesterday with some friends who were visiting us from Texas. They...
Who would have thought a cow kicking over a lantern would have major long-term effects for a huge metropolis? I learned this recently on the Chicago Architectural Foundations’ Chicago River Boat tour. The extremely knowledgeable guide told us that after the fire in 1871 that left a third...
A week or so ago I did a post about the current Matisse exhibit at the Chicago Institute of Art and a bit about a building nearby–the Aqua Building. Got some interesting comments and am personally quite fascinated with this building. Still can’t decide if I like it. That seems to...
I slipped into Chicago for a briefly yesterday. Stayed less than 24 hours actually. But the sun was shining and I found time to take the Architectural Foundations River Tour. I loved the reflections in the many historic and modern buildings along the waterway. Reflections are fascinating to...
I’m a sucker for Show Houses. Why? They give us a peek into the lives of the rich and famous while highlighting the talent of area designers. It gives designers a chance to strut their stuff, hopefully at their most creative. Especially compelling are the extravaganzas in big cities...
Yesterday I hopped on the Amtrak with a good buddy to go to Chicago. What a great way to travel—chatting and enjoying the scenery as we made our way along the western Michigan coast line to the Windy City for the day. Our mission: tour new Matisse exhibit at the Chicago Institute of Arts. The...
To wear a kimono is to make statement. While saying something like this is a bit of a cliche in the world of fashionistas I recently learned it is true when I attended a wonderful exhibit called Artfully Adorned: The Japanese Kimono. The exhibit is at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts...