Kate Spade Boutique hosts Rue Magazine Launch Party

Refreshments at the RUE Launch Party

Yesterday afternoon, I dashed home after a wonderful morning at the Grand Opening of the Crocker Art Museum (more on that tomorrow!) to throw on some party duds. I hopped in the car with my friend Jori and headed to Marin, (Corte Madera to be exact). Destination? The Launch party for new online lifestyle magazine, RUE being hosted by the gracious guys and gals at the Kate Spade boutique.

After the trip, it was so nice to be greeted with a line-up of refreshments and....ahem...the fresh color and fun of the Kate Spade shop.

Kate Spade Boutique in Corte Madera, CA

Rue's main gals were on hand to say hello and let us in on the latest. Co-Founders Anne Sage ( Executive Editor) and Crystal Gentilello (Editor in Chief) were there with Managing Editor Alaina Kaczmarski. Bloggers, all, these ladies have put together a pretty impressive Premier issue with articles featuring some of our favorite designer slash bloggers, like Grant Gibson, Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic, Vicente Wolf and Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay, and that is just a start. You can look forward to more RUE on a bi-monthly basis.

Anne Sage, Crystal Gentilello, and Alaina Kaczmarski of RUE

Anne Sage and Bri Emery, Art Director at RUE

And did I mention refreshments? There is nothing that'll get a girl's attention like fashion and cupcakes. (These were supplied by delicious SusieCakes.)

SusieCakes

There were lots of people helping to celebrate the launch....



Kate Spade Boutique



Kate Spade Fashions



There were lots of oooo's and ahhh's, and trying on of coats.

My Friend Jori and Kate Spade Coat

And trying out of handbags...and why not?...I'll take three!

And saying "hi" to friends, old and new!....

That's me in the middle with Scot Meacham Wood of Tartanscot (old friend, right) and his partner Drew (new friend, left)

It was great to have the chance to meet the Rue gang! And Kate Spade never disappoints. It was a good time had by all.

One last thing...a big THANK YOU to the folks at Kate Spade for providing such a fun spot for a party! Especially Charles, the boutique manager...I'll be back!

 

America and the Red, White and Blue

That very American of holidays: The Fourth of July is fast approaching! Does everyone have plans? Are you going to BBQ, watch fireworks, go to the beach, eat apple pie, have a beer/lemonade? All of the above? Those of you in other places will be carrying on as usual , but I thought a little red white and blue might perk up your summer just the same.

Above is an example of an American 13 Star Parade Flag circa late 1800's from Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques available through 1st Dibs.

This is the wonderful beach house of Anna Spiro from Absolutely Beautiful Things. I just had to show this red, white and blue loveliness.

There is nothing quite so relaxing as sitting on a shaded porch sipping a tall cool drink. This porch designed by Thad Hayes is one of my "happy place" images that I look at when the stresses of the day get a little out of hand.

I love this image of Peter Dunham's house via Stylecourt blog: the tapestry, the desk, the lamp....love it all!

This Living Room by Bonesteel, Trout and Hall captures that very American "love of the beach" feeling that I long for this time of year. At the same time, there is a strong use of Indian prints and Asian furniture that is so very appealing.

Betsy Burnham uses red, white and blue in this foyer area to great effect. Not the least bit what one expects when hearing "red, white and blue".

What could be more nostalgically "American" than wicker furniture? If you have never been to the Maine Cottage website, please take the first opportunity to visit! They have a wonderful collection and very fun feature that lets you pick your piece of furniture , apply any color and put any of their fabrics on it. You can create your own version of the perfect summer chair.

It is an election year, and Jonathan Adler is appealing to both parties with his elephant and donkey figures. Take your pick, and don't forget to vote!

Pottery Barn came out with a "to the trade" sneak preview of their Fall collection. I have to say, I am liking it. It is a little less obvious as to where it all came from. A very nice mix. What do all of you think? Agree? Disagree?

The Jacqui Table from Bungalow 5 available through Eboniste seems to creep into my mind alot. Available in many colors, this table just seems to "fit" in so may situations.

And a little Kate Spade to put you in the holiday mood: Cute "Kelly" rain shoes in navy and red for those sudden summer rain showers ($125), and the Chattanooga Jocelyn purse ($175).

18" pillow in red "Flutter" fabric from Seacloth ($110).

A pair of very patriotic vintage lamps go by the name of "Stars and Stripes" and are available from LUM.

Enjoy a little Red, White and Blue wherever you may be!