Agreed

I swear this should be a quote from me and not Woody. Who wants to live to 100? I personally could care less. I only want to live so long as living is enjoyable. 

So I'm taking a break today. Taking all the photos and then editing them down and posting is a lot of work so I'll be back tomorrow with more Palm Springs but today you just get Woody Wisdom. xo

studio one11

The Mister and I couldn't leave Palm Springs and not check out the famed mid-century shops. The Design Sponge guide was a great help. But also a few recommendations from friends and a magazine or two added to our list. Most are all within the same few blocks and we would have gladly walked to them all if it hadn't been 108 to 110 nearly everyday. Those temperatures are really only good for one thing, lying by the pool.

The shop that blew me away was Studio one11. I haven't seen a shop with such an impressive and broad selection of works. Sergio Rodrigues, Stan Bitters, that stunning clay relief on the wall, the tapestry that reminded me of the works in this book, (sorry I can't remember the name of the artist Update: David just reminded me it is by Edith Zimmer) ceramic pieces by local artists, one offs and unique pieces.  The extravagant, the quirky, the rare, and the classic all together and beautifully curated.


We picked up one of the Josh Herman's apple bottles (shown in the final photo) with their absorbing textural quality. This quality is achieved through a volcanic glaze that Josh has taken upon himself to perfect and make his own. A really lovely memento of the trip. 


Also as a side note I really enjoyed... 
Dazzles - while I wasn't into the period furniture and accessories, I was into the jewelry! One of the best collections of costume jewelry I've ever seen. I could spend weeks in here and not see everything. And I took home a couple gems.

Next Stop - Viceroy

Next place we checked into was the Viceroy. The Mister and I stayed at the Avalon when we first met and loved it, so we thought it fitting to explore another property designed by Kelly Wearstler.


There were many things I enjoyed about the property, the lanterns in the trees, the service, the very private and manicured poolside, the yellow and black color scheme throughout, the service (did I say that already?), the light fixtures in the entrance and the cheeky greyhounds on every patio. We both really enjoyed the restaurant Citron as well and will definitely return. But in comparison to the Ace and the Korakia (where we stayed for the wedding) the Viceroy was not my favorite. I feel guilty for even writing this but everything seemed a bit expected and I realize that I sound completely jaded here but I was even a bit bored. It was a perfectly lovely place but it lacked some sort of genuineness something that kept me from feeling that it was the luxe and luscious property it claimed to be. Thoughts? Have you stayed here and felt completely different?

Frey House II

So you all remember that I did a drawing of the Frey House for a welcome tote for my good friends wedding, right. Well, I arranged for us to visit the home, that is, if they had enough time to spare with setting up and preparing for the celebration of a century. (It really was) Turns out they could eek out just an hour or so. I just had to find out where it was located. Would you believe just by coincidence it was literally straight up the mountainside from where the wedding was held. You could see it from nearly every angle on the property. 

We had the great fortune of having Don Gonzales as our guide. He knew Albert Frey personally through his mom, he even had dinner up there with him on a few occasions.  You could feel the personal connection between Don and the house and he had some charming stories for us as well. Like for instance did you know Albert Frey was a yogi? Apparently you could always see his feet in the air from the basin below. Love it!

In case you are interested the Frey House II (photos above) is available for viewing for architecture students (free) and architects (for a fee). You just have to contact the Palm Springs Museum. Not and architect or a student? Find a friend who is and rope them into taking you. It truly is a must see it in person experience. There are just so many details and viewpoints that you miss with photographs. And your entrance fee goes directly to the up keep of the house. It is also available as a shooting location for what we all thought was a very reasonable fee. 

Thanks Again Don!

smile now cry later

Because really, she deserves her own post. Just look at that photograph! The Mister and I randomly saw her at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs. A one woman band, Liseth Santos, who covers Sheila E gets a Yes Please in my book. 

And someone please book her for Dia De Los Muertos up here in the bay area, stat!

Palm Springs - Ace Hotel - Part Trois

Delicious steel letters, tile murals expertly crafted, fantastic signage, free bicycles, lounging by the pool, more great tile work and signage, funny pool rules, and a map I can barely read but it sure is pretty;) 

All in all a pretty delightful visit, with the first night sending the mister and I back to our early youth when all the neighborhood kids came out to see the one woman band Smile Now Cry Later. All the kids were so young it reminded me when I couldn't get into bars but my older friend could. We would do the lick em stick em trick. She would go in and get a stamp on her hand then come back out lick the stamp and restamp it on to my hand and then we would both go in together. Did any of you ever do this?

The one thing that would have put our stay over the top is great service. Don't get me wrong I didn't go expecting to be wooed and wowed in this arena, I clearly went to experience the place and space but it sure would have sealed the deal if I didn't have to chase down servers and if the servers actually had some knowledge of the menu.  I mean the guidelines, and backbone are all there just a wee bit more care and training would set it straight. Alright kids on to new places next post. xox Happy Weekend. 

Palm Springs - Ace Hotel - Part Deux

The lobby and the cafe were killing it. When that gal walked in, in the most perfect dress I really couldn't believe it. The custom shelving, the coffee table/crates by Commune. Who doesn't love a photo booth?! The amazing macrame draped across the facade windows. The hand painted signage as you walk in the front door. And that amazing elephant hanging in the dining room. Okay Ace, we get it... you've thought of nearly everything. 

Update: Oh and just a quick couple of photos of the bar lights in the Amigo Room that I was so smitten with but forgot to take a picture of. (but noticed that remodelista hadn't) I really love how dead simple they are conceptually but also have me wondering just how are they really created? How do you weave wire mesh? I guess I'll have to inquire with Robert Lewis but, first I'll have to find him.  

Palm Springs - Ace Hotel - Part Un

So I up and disappeared on you all. Forgive me. I was planning on doing a few posts as I went along on this trip but I had a few hiccups with drivers and wifi etc. that was driving me bonkers and therefore I decided I would just wait until I returned so I could actually enjoy Palm Springs and our dear friends most amazing wedding. The Mister and I decided to stay at a few locations since we hadn't been to Palm Springs before (I had been once but it was quick and a long time ago) and thus allowing me to do a little research and exploration while I was in town. First stop was the Ace Hotel Palm Springs.

I couldn't help but geek on every detail. The fire escape route posters, the vintage office accessories, the 'not now' to hang on the door to procure a little privacy, the 'make fire' on the switch to the the outdoor fire place. The feeling you were on the inside of a cabana or tent was such a lovely touch as was the hand screened bedcover. There were the less obvious details as well like the pattern used on the entry gates to the rooms/patios, after all they could have used a typical 2X wood gate for (most likely) exactly the same cost but they put a little more love and thought into it then that.


There were also the little notes on the turntable reminding you to please be careful with the needle and a little stickers to let you know that the vinyl was courtesy of Amoeba Records. I think it is okay to ask guests to be respectful if you ask nicely and another great collaboration with Amoeba Records.  And of course the large shampoo and conditioner bottles are a nice change of pace and a greener choice as well.

 We both agreed that our stay was so different then any place we had been before. It didn't feel formulaic but fresh and most of all FUN! You could tell that the designers and artisans really had a ball pulling this place together. Well, that is all for today kids, mostly because I need to refocus on work and haven't had time to make my way through all the photographs so we'll finish this post up tomorrow. xo

Finished Product...

Looky what I just got in an email. Yea! I'm so glad it turned out and I can't wait to see you two lovebirds. We are days away now. xoxoxox K

Plumen

Pretty excited about these for no other reason then that CFL's are an abomination and Plumen has at least begun to resolve one of their many flaws. They aren't available in the U.S. just yet, but soon. Find out more over here. 

via notcot 

Bar Agricole

The mister and I overheard a gal at Thermidor talking about a new bar that will only be serving delicious cocktails made from non-industrial spirits. Trying to take us back not only to pre-prohibition elixirs but how you might have some across the spirit back in that time period as well. Non-industrial processes, no additives, small batches. We've seen this revolutionize our food but we haven't really seen it in in our drink. Being the cocktail lovers we are, we of course had to stop in to try a couple at Bar Agricole.


To my surprise there was as much care with the design as there was the libations. I then found out that Aidlin Darling had a bit to do with it. Of course, now it all makes sense. I don't think I've seen a project of theirs that I haven't liked. I couldn't find anything about the artisans on the Bar Agricole website (psst hello restaurant owners, a little request here, a little something about the designers/artisans sure would be nice to see. Us, die-hards will of course find out somehow but it would be nice to see a little love from you too. It doesn't have to be front and center just a little blip in the contact section or something;) 

The sick light fixtures over the dining area (by whom?), I wasn't so sure about the glass sculptures until the light began to recede outside and they began to sparkle, catching a bit of their windblown upskirt cheekiness. (By Nikolas Weinstein)What I wouldn't do for a couple of those concrete booths. (Concrete Works, Oakland) And I really can't wait for that exterior garden to open. Another rare outside space in San Francisco, is really something to celebrate. Overall an elegant and comfortable space I'll be returning to.

No internets :(

Kids there is still no connection in these here parts. I'll try to duck out at lunchtime but if not have a lovely weekend. Xo

Alula Editions

I was invited to attend last Tuesday* nights first opening of Alula editions. Alula Editions is a yearly subscription service, where for a fee, you receive 4 unique artist's work in the form of textiles and print. An ingenious idea started by Helena Keeffe and Amber Cady through the Museum of Craft and Folk Art. (By the way they have an amazing exhibit up  by Clare Rojas) The first artist pictured above is the San Francisco based Jason Jägel.


To find out more, sign up for a subscription, or see who the next edition visit their site here. Congratulations to Helena and Amber or a successful first edition.


*I know I don't have a regular schedule of posting but I wanted this up yesterday afternoon :( but my internet went bye bye on me and has been out ever since. I hoping for a mini miracle this evening... otherwise posting will be a bit difficult the next couple of days.

New Piece.

So excited to see Leah's work finally up in our place. I've always had a soft spot for those mid-century boxes just to the south of us in Westlake designed (most of them anyway) by Ed Hageman. She paints another neighborhood I have a soft spot for as well.

Nervous System

I feel like most days I'm pretty self aware. Usually way more then I ever care to be. This past Friday I was a bit surprised by myself. The Mister and I went to an opening at Rare Device, for two reasons. One was that we were picking up our anniversary gift to each other, (a piece by Leah Giberson) and two because we were intrigued once again by what Rare Device was showing. I was immediately drawn to the display by Nervous System... and at the same time I was completely unaware that I was drawn to their work before. 

The mister mentioned that the bracelet above looked similar to the necklace I'd picked up at the ICFF a couple of years ago. Jesse mentioned that that was by them too. Well, there you go I am obviously drawn to a certain aesthetic. I mentioned this tidbit to Rena when I picked the bracelet up and she shared that she often sees people pick up things on opposite sides of the shop by the same designer and have no clue that they have been drawn in by that designer's aesthetic. Interesting no? I'm so intrigued by our subconscious behaviors. 

Well, either way the captivating work above is by Nervous System, founded in 2007 by Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg. Their work reminds me of a more youthful, and high-tech version of another favorite of mine. Ted Muehling. 
Also, if you are into this kind of exploration check out the tools section. How generous of them.Love!

p.s. all photos from Nervous System