'Manhattan Vintage Show'

Going to be in the New York City area this weekend?

Check out the Manhattan Vintage Clothing and Antique Textile Show and Sale:

Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010
The Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street
(between 6th and 7th)
Friday open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $20

The complimentary tickets to the Manhattan Vintage Show this weekend that I hold in my hand are a small reward when compared to the insider secrets I received from home furnishing stylist Leigh Infield.

It’s almost guaranteed that if you purchase a comforter or tableware set, Infield was behind the styling of the beautifully executed image of product on the package design.

I met the stylist earlier last week at a seminar at the Fashion Institute of Technology where Infield was the guest speaker.

From brands like Kohl’s to Calvin Klein, Infield styling career started 20+ years ago representing a client as a public relations representative. Little did she know that when the stylist didn’t show to style the set for a magazine editorial featuring the house, that Infield would take over much of the home styling herself in order to please her client.

Unlike other stylists that work in huge production studios with little to no light, Infield sticks to her small production house in upstate New York.

Filtering natural light into her sets and fearless when it comes to styling outside or on location, Infield produces images that are more ‘real’ and ultimately more attractive to clients.

According to Infield, out of 27 design houses that once ran New York years back, only 3 are still in operation. And business for this image and PR guru has never been better.

Not that I plan on becoming a home décor stylist one day – I prefer sticking to fashion and still life editorials.

But Infield’s approach to styling could apply to my own decorating at home.

Tips:

· Open those shutters and let natural sunlight pour into the room.

· Shift the pieces of bedroom furniture around in such a way that the light falls where you want your eye to focus: the bed, desk table, or armchair.

· Don’t be afraid to let the outdoors in. Okay, so it doesn’t mean sleeping in a queen size bed on the front lawn. It means that if you want to create a canopied seating area outdoors, go for it. Or perhaps it could mean keeping potted plants by the window sill or installing more greenery elsewhere in the room.

Now, back to those Manhattan Vintage Show tickets that are burning a hole in my pockets. Up to 80 vintage clothing and textile dealers will be the Metropolitan Pavilion. Antique lovers – this is the place for you too! Look for photos later this weekend and highlights on the event itself.

-S.Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of Manhattan Vintage

'You're Out!'

Just like the umpire yells, “You’re out!” in baseball, these trends have struck out for 2010.

In continuation of the last post, here’s what I have to say about msn.com’s verdict of ‘What’s Not’:

Exploring Your Dark Side – Out

The sight of dark furniture and wood floors reminds me of my mother, who years ago replaced most of the living room, kitchen and dining room with deep, crimson-colored cabinets and drawers and near black granite tabletop. She had wanted the rooms to match the dark, Victorian furniture she has acquired from an elderly friend. And although the antique furniture was in excellent condition – to me, the new décor seemed more dated than regal.

Design consultant Remignanti predicts that the appeal of dark woods have lost its luster among customers. People now look for lighter hardwood floors and goods in lighter colors, he says.

As the typical optimist, my thoughts: It’s about time we all look on the bright side.

Faking It ‘Till You Make It – Out

We’ve talked about how "Eco is your friend" and about "Going Green before. This is not new territory. So why do you have those fake silk flowers on your end table? Get rid of them!

Whether it’s tending to your own indoor garden or keeping house plants, nature is the best way to spruce up your indoor/outdoor décor. Have a bare corner in a room and not sure what to do with it? Add a floor plant for instant texture and substance.

Natural motifs in textiles, fibers and furniture design are also finding its way indoors. And those silk flowers – they are getting the eviction notice.

Old World Charm – Out

It might be lavish, tufted chairs in damask or the embellished trimming on the drapes that elicits that ‘Old World Charm’ in your home. But that ‘Old World Charm’ is now frankly just plain old.

When the economy falters and a recession sweeps over a nation, most people re-prioritize. Downsizing first becomes a necessity and then, it becomes a lifestyle change. We want uncomplicated furniture in light colors and clean lines to reflect our simpler, upbeat and less stuffy lives.

That 'Old World Charm' is out.

A décor editor named Carmen Natschke summed it up for msn.com like this: “When people are stressed, they simplify.”

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of raftertales.com; msn.com; www.dynamodecor.ca

'This Just In'

Can’t decide between the Victorian armchair or the klismos? Don’t know whether to go neutral, or be a bit more daring with the color of your living walls?

Hear what the experts on msn.com dictate as the new décor trends for 2010. I will tell you which trends I agree with, and others which are, well… off the mark.

Mad for ‘Mad Men’ - In

The 1960s New York drama has made tweed pantsuits and floral dresses a thing of the present when it comes to fashion. According to design consultant C. Davis Remignanti, it is a matter of time before the ‘Mad Men’ effect takes a hold of interiors.

Look for retro, sleek, low-lying furniture that is minimalist to its core, he says. Personally, I think the trend towards retro furniture has been around since the Ikea revolution. Except now we can expect other big-time retailers to get in on the trend.

All Natural - In

Spring-Summer Collections witnessed a surge in tribal and aboriginal influences. From the Sahara to the Native American woodlands, it won’t be long before ethnic-inspired textiles and rich, earth tones will eventually turn up in the home.

Colors like amber, deep red, sand colors and even teal, a director of color marketing named Jackie Jordan predicted, will appear in African-inspired designs and crafts. The décor world has long-awaited this trend, which in my mind has shied away from depth and character and looked to a more inexpressive and characterless design aesthetic.

Go Klismos – In

I am bit skeptical that this reported trend will take off, being that the ancient Greek style chair (going back thousands of years) is not the most comfortable for your keister. Modern klismos chairs (above) with an upholstered seat, however, can be quite comfortable. But the design consultant on msn.com is certain the design ‘is really taking off.’ Perhaps at trade shows, is what I say.

For those unfamiliar with the klismos, it is a classic chair with a semi-circular backing. The director’s chair is a modern adaptation of the klismos chair, which makes you feel as if you are being cradled in your seat.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com; msn.com; www.buffaloah.com