A Final Word on New York

Who could resist this beautiful storefront? We certainly could not, and took a hasty detour across the street to investigate! Stepping inside, we entered Michele Varian's charming shop, filled to the brim with her flat-out-gorgeous silk and velvet pillow collection, plus an intriguing selection of hand-crafted jewelry, home accessories, curiosities and found objects.

Inside, looking out onto Crosby Street.

Michele's solid velvet collection.

Her pillows are hand-made, with wonderful details and fabrics.

I am helping Michelle (my friend), decorate a guest room in her bungalow, and we decided to design the room around this pillow. The printed silk is accented with a solid purple velvet back, with purple side-tie detail. It is really beautiful to see. The salesperson was so nice and helpful, and had the pillow shipped to Michelle's house so we didn't have to carry it on the plane.

I lingered over this sea urchin box – it has great tactile appeal.

The nature-inspired Silver Jasmine Blossoms Ring is so delicate.

Finally, I just had to find out about the wallpaper on the outside of the building! Michele kindly offered that, "It has been up for a couple of years. Before hanging it, I sealed the gaps in the overhang above the doorway so that the paper only gets wet when the rain is slanted in that direction. So far it has held up very well. Mostly it gets dusty from all of the traffic."

The pattern Michele used is Neisha Crosland's Cactus Paisley. Here is a detail, in a different colorway.

More about Soho/Nolita:

Some pretty awnings and vivid orange doors at Tory Burch, with a little graffiti for accent.

The pale color scheme on this townhouse is perfection: soft blue-gray painted brick wall with cream shutters and trim, and little black & white striped awnings. The door is painted a slightly brighter blue-green than the wall. I can only imagine that the interiors of this home are as great as the exterior!

The door sports the shiniest hardware I've ever seen, and the centered European-style doorknob is quite over-sized, as is the door knocker.

The house numbers (on the metal plaque) are the same silver as the hardware. I love the architectural details around the doorway and the graceful black iron lantern.


Paula Rubenstein (exterior shown above) has a wonderful assortment of quirky and fabulous finds.
Another favorite: Hayden-Harnett. The leather cuffs, handbags and totes are made with outstanding materials and attention to detail. After having seen them up close in the Elizabeth Street shop, I snagged one last week on sale at ideeli! (Thanks, Annechovie!)
Sample sales, wherever you find them!
And another community garden ...

This garden is divided into plots, tended by several different people.

Roses, and more roses!

The huge red flowers towards the rear of this plot are peonies! I had no idea there were varieties like this!

Michelle has a knack for finding doggies everywhere! How adorable is that puppy?

When I'm traveling, I like to catch a movie, if there is an opportunity. I just love movies to begin with, and seeing a good one in a different city seems to make the experience more memorable. One afternoon we walked down to the IFC Center to take in the new French film with Juliette Binoche. The story slowly unfolds, and doesn't end with a conventional "happy ending," but is exceptionally well done – and I'm still thinking about it today. (One thing to look for: the behind-the-scenes quick peek at the Musée d'Orsay art storage and restoration rooms.) I loved this movie, just as much as I loved New York!





SUMMER HOURS: Movie Trailer

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Michele Varian photos by Michele Varian. All others by Topsy Turvy, from the iPhone.
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