James Andrew at the West 25th St. antiques center.
Regardless of how posh my clients may be – almost everyone has a budget. So there are times when I turn to some select alternative venues to keep things in the black.
There is always a fantastic assortment of treasures to be had at the various flea markets and antique centers here in New York City – wonderfully unique items, often very well priced, that can provide an interior with a spark of the unexpected.
While designing under Albert Hadley and Sister Parish I learned that mixing in something modest amongst the grander things creates a good balance – Hadley would say too many rich sauces can overpower the beautiful simplicity of wonderful ingredients. The knowledge of how much to add and when to stop is something that a brilliant designer should bring to the table when creating the perfect sensory feast.
Here I’m at the antiques center on West 25th St. in New York City on the prowl for some well priced and rare finds. I’m wearing an ensemble that takes its cues from the gorgeous Gucci scarf I’m wearing – over-sized plaid in browns, ivory, cognac and smoky pale blue wool/silk – this wonderful scarf is a lesson in combining color – whether it is a scarf or a fine interior print we are using for inspiration it can provide the direction to create either a whole room or an outfit!
This scarf provided me with all that I needed to bring together this super chic look – I pulled the smoky pale blue into my Gucci suede biker jacket; the browns into the Tom Ford brown end on end cotton shirt with french cuffs and contrast white collar. My Ralph Lauren vintage moonstone cufflinks, brown tweed biker pants, cognac python belt with silver double horse head buckle, and my peccary gloves in cognac are all referenced in the scarf. And my ivory KVA sunglasses by Oliver Peoples and the silver leather Dior sneakers are a perfect neutral so they go with virtually anything.
Loves it, James!
James,
High – Low is the way to go !
Dean
I think you’re absolutely right – too sumptuous is just too too. Mixing wow with WOW, as it were, makes for a happier experience be it in what one wears or where one sits. Well done from a commentary standpoint today James. After all, recession chic has to involve SOME kind of price tag awareness no?
And there are a lot of really great strong pieces available for backgrounding in an otherwise opulent setting. Were it not for the “extras” on the set of life, how would one ever see the principals in any vignette?
You never know what sort of treasures you can find in the antique shops!
Great Scarf and Trousers!
you look gorgeus!
I love the scarf, I think this outfit rocks!
Estoy segura de que tú sabes encontrar las mejores cosas, luces sencillamente hermoso!
besos
Lola
You´re right darling u can find very interesting objects in flea markets, I bought wonderful XIX Century Paintings in one of them!
you look really elegant as usual
love,
Pearl
NY is the place where the best things can happen and where the most interesting people live 😉 you are one of them
kisses
Paper Doll
Well I have to tell u that I make a kind of flea market once a month, I fill my old red monaco with antiques and drive to different spots and then I open the car and lots of people come to buy them! There´s plenty for everyone!
You rock my world!!!!!!!
Mein Liebster!
Wie geht es Dir? Anscheinend super! Du siehst umwerfend schön aus wie immer!
Alles Liebe
Deine Christiane
Dear James,
Please help me! My house is filled with cats and racoons, I need to make room for some antiques! I need all the help I can get! You look great!
love,
Edie
Hola James! Es cierto, hay que ver el presupuesto también 😉 Me encanta encontrar cosas en los mercados de pulgas, hay que tener suerte y paciencia, me encanta chalina.
un beso grande
María
sunglasses, scarf, shoes, everything works perfect together!
the sunglasses, the scarf and shoes, everything works perfect together!
I really love it you are a genius!
me encanta!
tu sí que eres elegante!
I can´t live without your daily posts anymore…….
We need someone like you in Brazil!
kisses
Pearl