A show of fashion ...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx_nD2bMC993T-9WzhKcGcyZRpX440rxeHcYf5XUumrmBmQ7VhWHty4F1RSsShnzDQIBGZvF1rKLiE_OFciaRouHvMO0aXlhzOaqWHWB9CwOCdWcTM-0YZ-_u7KS6iUHr3ROmtuhd0FY/s1600-h/bookonfashionPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZpM6bYDzdvrgYH0DI4Qy90kIFzNemelFCsnoyenLdTqnLx0D4x3fydNelJuf4wM6CNxzMv22UsqufvT6En6sWPT1gyIG5QO4MxFTU_41iHQWMzdiud5emhNk748wZc7SmEacQJtjRUQ/s1600-h/papparazziPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857798403855394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZpM6bYDzdvrgYH0DI4Qy90kIFzNemelFCsnoyenLdTqnLx0D4x3fydNelJuf4wM6CNxzMv22UsqufvT6En6sWPT1gyIG5QO4MxFTU_41iHQWMzdiud5emhNk748wZc7SmEacQJtjRUQ/s400/papparazziPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Anticipating Iris at the Peabody Essex Museum ...</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are my paparazzi shots from the <a href="http://www.pem.org/exhibitions/">Iris Apfel event</a> at the Peabody Essex Museum last Friday night. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Since photography is not allowed in the actual exhibit (which was five rooms of fabulous!) I hope these glimpses of glamour satisfy those of you who enjoy people watching. And for some cool</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> snapshots and</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> interesting background information on Iris </span><span style="font-size:130%;">and her well-traveled life, take a look at the PEM <a href="http://www.pem.org/exhibitions/">video/interview</a>.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxi-diG-g5brhOiTi1qmsfFabveYGKNz9l0MSU78pauG5O7VA_P84aqKVyJDxyh128oPYK_C8A-2N14bJtonv9jqDVDGlmOJ49VJepgfmfxKgYbdERh4mNdBGHbJuYeX2Yu3sooivyV4/s1600-h/IrisbannerPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857305758556498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxi-diG-g5brhOiTi1qmsfFabveYGKNz9l0MSU78pauG5O7VA_P84aqKVyJDxyh128oPYK_C8A-2N14bJtonv9jqDVDGlmOJ49VJepgfmfxKgYbdERh4mNdBGHbJuYeX2Yu3sooivyV4/s400/IrisbannerPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/inspired_iris_apfel/set?id=14144678" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413103772575108354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZXnZHV93v8HDSCL72MDRogsZLEv7mbkqd5S5pqu0bPn3adTpP3vQilc1_q62-dqX4fWL5C00ANMBDkQ_J2QorY4DRLyOxCt8sqvcc8TpZoHbqrRlegCQOlzqCVfKwbkn_ZnBo07QVO8/s400/irisinspiredpolyvore.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 239px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I created this <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">polyvore</a> set to illustrate Iris’ design philosophy (or a day in the life – take note of all the accessories!) Iris is a master at combining equal parts haute couture with unique flea market finds, while referencing the amazing designer fabrics and trims that one might find on the pages of a glossy interior design magazine (the ones that are still in publication, that is). Her fearless use of vibrant colors and bold patterns is truly inspiring.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWPFVeOe2P7Y2GkJBORFqlbWK4j-Ro7OwW2TLchB5P9mOuGnwgsVEkPa1YvTgvcmruRwI3-eLID9aHC8BEi6KdfOcFschK4rROe1sGfq0KHmpGg4TcbmvFY-OYAdHWxW7-Q1WpilcEE0/s1600-h/IrisYvonnePEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857555608841650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWPFVeOe2P7Y2GkJBORFqlbWK4j-Ro7OwW2TLchB5P9mOuGnwgsVEkPa1YvTgvcmruRwI3-eLID9aHC8BEi6KdfOcFschK4rROe1sGfq0KHmpGg4TcbmvFY-OYAdHWxW7-Q1WpilcEE0/s400/IrisYvonnePEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 362px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The irreverent Iris Barrel Apfel and I after the show.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">This high contrast black-and-white jacket is</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">actually sold at<br />the PEM shop. “Fuzzy dice as design accessory”</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">from<br />Salem vintage fashion boutique </span><a href="http://modernmillieshop.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Modern Millie</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I have to say, the crowd was dressed-to-the-nines ... I almost felt conservative in my black blazer, silk top and dark denim jeans — at least I had my smiley-face-yellow ruffled handbag with me! T</span><span style="font-size:130%;">his exhibit is all about dressing with creative confidence (think “butterfly</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> as opposed to </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">caterpillar</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;">) so i</span><span style="font-size:130%;">f (or I should say <span style="font-style: italic;">“when</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> ; ) you make it to the PEM, feel free to put on your best dress, your blingiest-baubles, killer heels, and most outrageous accessories.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2NgbUZcN5u54LFz-9dDaZgxcSpJj1zSN4VSZm4uG2HBhqPyNL0ff9hNrnX0RAXPgdmLpXqAwJ0LWBhtZ2RdUyOTxZMD-vrTISHV1KfRPaEjGQ3oUfuQEYahB1tNAbKAq3lmsNXQ-738/s1600-h/cuteberetPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857052278380226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2NgbUZcN5u54LFz-9dDaZgxcSpJj1zSN4VSZm4uG2HBhqPyNL0ff9hNrnX0RAXPgdmLpXqAwJ0LWBhtZ2RdUyOTxZMD-vrTISHV1KfRPaEjGQ3oUfuQEYahB1tNAbKAq3lmsNXQ-738/s400/cuteberetPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Stylish hats (and handbags) were everywhere ... I just wished we hadn’t reserved our seats behind this model-tall member of the audience (although I must admit her beret was tres chic)!<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1AXXZlKy4cmhZv3w4vPQanH9cWyuDfO-p7CyxnX_3SjEmYIYbhaUyt0R8EsaSaKpvGjoEPfM4GnK2gmNVem8Utuk3zLhR0g7PhoCLwit6Q-nT_n1g2uYXAzsPVIiTRzoyc23YglCfB4/s1600-h/prettyhaircutPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412858028615042434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1AXXZlKy4cmhZv3w4vPQanH9cWyuDfO-p7CyxnX_3SjEmYIYbhaUyt0R8EsaSaKpvGjoEPfM4GnK2gmNVem8Utuk3zLhR0g7PhoCLwit6Q-nT_n1g2uYXAzsPVIiTRzoyc23YglCfB4/s400/prettyhaircutPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Love the haircut. Love the outfit.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4qg1btg_YTUMeyTMfzoXbyREl_-qrM2rJQCxAtqEb75HO7UIckn5Oyicxx-VdlKuhsG-zBW_q2M1jHFA6L10XdVOYYc62S9YHsfUsXhsiz2cT5WDZOkNljvfLvDgrQbJjKNGtfjQByo/s1600-h/updoPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412858261138430530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4qg1btg_YTUMeyTMfzoXbyREl_-qrM2rJQCxAtqEb75HO7UIckn5Oyicxx-VdlKuhsG-zBW_q2M1jHFA6L10XdVOYYc62S9YHsfUsXhsiz2cT5WDZOkNljvfLvDgrQbJjKNGtfjQByo/s400/updoPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Nicely done ... chignon and chinoisserie.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f5pMQBFF6mMh-amncv9oZV14iz_FHbyJf0Do9aFu09W7zhVZUTkC586L1oeNGAe3G1wMms9VWjLcboFxkQvsul0eJ0fe0YxY8Czt0dO3IwY0p2VUKfXvG7ktheFDDm6bu9rU_UlQfww/s1600-h/welldressedcrowdPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412858264975669074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f5pMQBFF6mMh-amncv9oZV14iz_FHbyJf0Do9aFu09W7zhVZUTkC586L1oeNGAe3G1wMms9VWjLcboFxkQvsul0eJ0fe0YxY8Czt0dO3IwY0p2VUKfXvG7ktheFDDm6bu9rU_UlQfww/s400/welldressedcrowdPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">More members of the<br />well-dressed crowd.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIopPE1oiyQOpzfK2M7Y9mWWj1LbmWii9FAW16c9b44-F-1F1qaHC032rqqU5BUivUkw9BPrKLgJLbK67xvsigMrObSvSgtlvDqkC5DKc-4qTIY5QV0BI0yPTvBzKwTF4cjT958zOnRw/s1600-h/laurenbPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857557464109666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIopPE1oiyQOpzfK2M7Y9mWWj1LbmWii9FAW16c9b44-F-1F1qaHC032rqqU5BUivUkw9BPrKLgJLbK67xvsigMrObSvSgtlvDqkC5DKc-4qTIY5QV0BI0yPTvBzKwTF4cjT958zOnRw/s400/laurenbPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Lauren Beesley was striking in this<br />feather headband by <a href="http://www.traceyvest.com/">Tracy Vest</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GDEPKGkmL8iP01biCNqKGG490dftl94JpiC5x9-Cr5MlQAY_Y17nSrTHcJ_021exzPida3yZHdEUOfZ4psJPaO00YPuk049969YXZS-wCgD5CSerFu5QDvWH-m-Avq5l0_73nkZ8taQ/s1600-h/lisalhat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412858390166601058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GDEPKGkmL8iP01biCNqKGG490dftl94JpiC5x9-Cr5MlQAY_Y17nSrTHcJ_021exzPida3yZHdEUOfZ4psJPaO00YPuk049969YXZS-wCgD5CSerFu5QDvWH-m-Avq5l0_73nkZ8taQ/s320/lisalhat.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Lisa Langone models some of her favorite fashion finds.<br />Her black feather bag – discovered at a vintage shop<br />in Boston – started many conversations.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguDnT3cqIqAk1IcGEnxN8DZd_SJB4OGceacNGtoVruyhc0kVQq1G36I5EpuESyUGxNL7DjukhNnb3hVvXAJq8SUsu6aFq5clinV8ehPvkP3V2hz45nLW3mkw7m_OSQB_TboXmofZPYuU/s1600-h/lisalfeatherbag.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857562909164850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguDnT3cqIqAk1IcGEnxN8DZd_SJB4OGceacNGtoVruyhc0kVQq1G36I5EpuESyUGxNL7DjukhNnb3hVvXAJq8SUsu6aFq5clinV8ehPvkP3V2hz45nLW3mkw7m_OSQB_TboXmofZPYuU/s400/lisalfeatherbag.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPZihXIT9p58TjtnXtNfwftJlHllcf3NL-xRqFU0n-82Vwk33RP5SmY5r5iSbouc_qonjnAFICijD9d8nGKeVXjohKDTTlImGWdLzw-J97z03uwm5LWKkUEIRlmdxDCMeGs3UIy31asQ/s1600-h/carriec.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857030163234514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPZihXIT9p58TjtnXtNfwftJlHllcf3NL-xRqFU0n-82Vwk33RP5SmY5r5iSbouc_qonjnAFICijD9d8nGKeVXjohKDTTlImGWdLzw-J97z03uwm5LWKkUEIRlmdxDCMeGs3UIy31asQ/s400/carriec.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Carrie Cabot looked fab in this fuchsia dress<br />from <a href="http://modernmillieshop.com/">Modern Millie</a> and</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> faux fur hat<br />from her grandmother. S</span><span style="font-style: italic;">hawl was<br />purchased on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/">ebay</a> for her fall wedding</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(congrats on that anniversary!)</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVg8wnQ6DFwudaljikw7KHzjRnkgIKUcYg6I7iRzbXrLaBgLwA9pdjnrcriqlu852QyZndA9kmjHqskQmiTDqXhfsqv-gYHtp05pXaEnef1ZbKsOUqVaj9uV-s_FlaBSZs0kPkFDfjS0c/s1600-h/MVflowerdressPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857795244071906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVg8wnQ6DFwudaljikw7KHzjRnkgIKUcYg6I7iRzbXrLaBgLwA9pdjnrcriqlu852QyZndA9kmjHqskQmiTDqXhfsqv-gYHtp05pXaEnef1ZbKsOUqVaj9uV-s_FlaBSZs0kPkFDfjS0c/s400/MVflowerdressPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The crowd was treated to a lively conversation between Iris and fashion designer/artist, <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/features/fashion/article979863.ece">Michael Vollbracht</a>. Above, one of Michael’s most requested dresses. The two discussed tips on dressing age appropriate and also dressing without reservation (an interesting contradiction!) The final verdict was to celebrate life, the body you are in, and to have fun ... this is fashion, folks, so enjoy the show!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeM7AcWcoEY5egR33D7-ED3vR9OaFmZIiGnYgqkR_5ksmn7AF98JFOgG66w4NO02hTKlkey0YxjIXyvyCppD3zu7ND6URbluuhnSaDM8PbTIXswERiPW6yYpU_8mQb731ckNLzIjux1TM/s1600-h/blackdressPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412856816016523186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeM7AcWcoEY5egR33D7-ED3vR9OaFmZIiGnYgqkR_5ksmn7AF98JFOgG66w4NO02hTKlkey0YxjIXyvyCppD3zu7ND6URbluuhnSaDM8PbTIXswERiPW6yYpU_8mQb731ckNLzIjux1TM/s400/blackdressPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 365px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The little black dress gets dressed up.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXt8SfyOOzOycrtj8SLBBkpgOtkG39hUDjieSJjhmck7FLiRrGcJUV6avxpJ15KyeIvk7AoBUfDbXPVjDjSFznlKRPGZalS5Da7Lfj5g4soEO1O69VEPlZ9YOWIw0w527tSfMZTJ99qM/s1600-h/Michael:modelPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857786422972258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXt8SfyOOzOycrtj8SLBBkpgOtkG39hUDjieSJjhmck7FLiRrGcJUV6avxpJ15KyeIvk7AoBUfDbXPVjDjSFznlKRPGZalS5Da7Lfj5g4soEO1O69VEPlZ9YOWIw0w527tSfMZTJ99qM/s400/Michael:modelPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Exquisite embroidered details on a Michael Vollbracht<br />designed dress – happily worn by a PEM model.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgN3VCWNk0LnoqPa-I3C0aCSV5hJu9huSOHaK_7KoXz5nrsF1s3XU-0W9BcdMRLtJ4dpGfKjVEGNlg2Q1dHlErJe4uEhmuk6XQsK9zmvqSAGZUXSdF3sOe5jF91eIw3yDxldfC1W_TP8/s1600-h/suedejacketPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412858253353526754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgN3VCWNk0LnoqPa-I3C0aCSV5hJu9huSOHaK_7KoXz5nrsF1s3XU-0W9BcdMRLtJ4dpGfKjVEGNlg2Q1dHlErJe4uEhmuk6XQsK9zmvqSAGZUXSdF3sOe5jF91eIw3yDxldfC1W_TP8/s400/suedejacketPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I want this coat! Modern Millie is <a href="http://modernmillieshop.com/Fashion_Show_Items.php">auctioning fashion pieces</a><br />from the runway show online. Shall I place my bid? </span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcNmTK20vXNQrc3rqdrAijJTE7kERUf8PYJBK73VccFuHX89p4mZt6ZKqTTdizcwWeLR9BuLWz0riV7ueCm2ZJmtO2StwcjXApRMlroPzc2Ce2x76XgwEY0nkquuWQH3wLnHEG5W-g3w/s1600-h/runwayPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412858045945252674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcNmTK20vXNQrc3rqdrAijJTE7kERUf8PYJBK73VccFuHX89p4mZt6ZKqTTdizcwWeLR9BuLWz0riV7ueCm2ZJmtO2StwcjXApRMlroPzc2Ce2x76XgwEY0nkquuWQH3wLnHEG5W-g3w/s400/runwayPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />FYI: If you go to a fashion show, pick a seat next to the open center aisle for the best view. Have I learned nothing from watching season after season of Project Runway, Gossip Girl and Housewives of New York??? The models were confidently gorgeous and their hair and makeup sparkled (sorry I can’t illustrate it with better pictures – next time!) </span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejE8am-vBH1ah_xYgAswqyTUQuRqv3xvvNAwkn2Al9VoHcUvaFY7Qaoc-MYmJHL_-xc77S4J9lES7I4RfQHgzCm0ZC4Ms1FfopTqXYAKsBWc54NCsFeLqB-6HDGpetqAQefWiDDbXW4U/s1600-h/IrisglassesPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857310792494930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejE8am-vBH1ah_xYgAswqyTUQuRqv3xvvNAwkn2Al9VoHcUvaFY7Qaoc-MYmJHL_-xc77S4J9lES7I4RfQHgzCm0ZC4Ms1FfopTqXYAKsBWc54NCsFeLqB-6HDGpetqAQefWiDDbXW4U/s400/IrisglassesPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The final act ... all the models wore Iris-inspired specs.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6s8A_0wAbfdGzc9XqNnNgq7ytU83uP1_X3WwJSeP9gPxE3KdsIO17M60c9T_InOpQ3XUYxKY99vtIJaepraP10U8BTteIn_SDo2NbGLBZr6dTAOczz2ct3sDiDgRrTY-PLMRMpX0hM4/s1600-h/ChristineRatPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857042969513058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6s8A_0wAbfdGzc9XqNnNgq7ytU83uP1_X3WwJSeP9gPxE3KdsIO17M60c9T_InOpQ3XUYxKY99vtIJaepraP10U8BTteIn_SDo2NbGLBZr6dTAOczz2ct3sDiDgRrTY-PLMRMpX0hM4/s400/ChristineRatPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />Thanks for a great evening of fashion!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />The talented director behind the runway show ...</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Christine Robidoux, owner of <a href="http://modernmillieshop.com/Contact_Us.html">Modern Millie</a>.</span><br /><br />– check her blog for more <a href="http://milliegirl.tumblr.com/">“peek-tures</a><a href="http://milliegirl.tumblr.com/">”</a> –<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PnkmN_iPyYf3VH4NahcakhcPTyTZRVxw6qggwYACfnCRfRMirEQyGSVGhC11_69IfwYVkG4gF5fACaFn_nT_SIYm3cswLBOkPLP6NYwodxHtJSsWtKr3qvggQ_COIc_MX1CheQjzLoY/s1600-h/catwalkPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857035499947858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PnkmN_iPyYf3VH4NahcakhcPTyTZRVxw6qggwYACfnCRfRMirEQyGSVGhC11_69IfwYVkG4gF5fACaFn_nT_SIYm3cswLBOkPLP6NYwodxHtJSsWtKr3qvggQ_COIc_MX1CheQjzLoY/s400/catwalkPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Own it girls!</span><br /><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrqx2R4TpH2w6d9qKIvvf4tHuhCEJRaIevqrzFwdBgy1HjyWjnnbbdJ23_yIJCtmOY45Xk0anViHiN0FenQslgJakhEYtyASSJQe022EoUwxI8sOJ-28J4qB9jPfWsIhIBr2N0zdA81M/s1600-h/zebracoatPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412858268150081650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrqx2R4TpH2w6d9qKIvvf4tHuhCEJRaIevqrzFwdBgy1HjyWjnnbbdJ23_yIJCtmOY45Xk0anViHiN0FenQslgJakhEYtyASSJQe022EoUwxI8sOJ-28J4qB9jPfWsIhIBr2N0zdA81M/s400/zebracoatPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Buy it for yourself<br />at Modern Millie or<br />at the <a href="http://www.pemshop.com/">PEM shop</a> ...</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx_nD2bMC993T-9WzhKcGcyZRpX440rxeHcYf5XUumrmBmQ7VhWHty4F1RSsShnzDQIBGZvF1rKLiE_OFciaRouHvMO0aXlhzOaqWHWB9CwOCdWcTM-0YZ-_u7KS6iUHr3ROmtuhd0FY/s1600-h/bookonfashionPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412856825149963314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx_nD2bMC993T-9WzhKcGcyZRpX440rxeHcYf5XUumrmBmQ7VhWHty4F1RSsShnzDQIBGZvF1rKLiE_OFciaRouHvMO0aXlhzOaqWHWB9CwOCdWcTM-0YZ-_u7KS6iUHr3ROmtuhd0FY/s400/bookonfashionPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I love this illustration.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG58YxxbMvDBv4OceBEZjaVv5sis8C-Ar21zcCOtUuczS2vfGhS1xvskg4eJ7WiGsk5Qoq5Lue2oRQ9y8uum73y75JggOt8jrZ5H6K5Q66jBU-OqE0jqvaQkysM1QhS5rHQ2N9AF24VfU/s1600-h/IrisJacketPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857316026017250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG58YxxbMvDBv4OceBEZjaVv5sis8C-Ar21zcCOtUuczS2vfGhS1xvskg4eJ7WiGsk5Qoq5Lue2oRQ9y8uum73y75JggOt8jrZ5H6K5Q66jBU-OqE0jqvaQkysM1QhS5rHQ2N9AF24VfU/s400/IrisJacketPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">What Iris wore.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HxiC41qzm3LxinEQpT6a58G0XCnhVvytdBq44f8RpORjCliKjilPoKXZOutsMzOsn1SIWiqKVtQYZ8wv6ux2xhGk_30zBAmM42s8VQGSnA9RrYjkBhHbBuEaS18A9qbVd5NKV73gVvE/s1600-h/IrisAnewspaperbagPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857299401998626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HxiC41qzm3LxinEQpT6a58G0XCnhVvytdBq44f8RpORjCliKjilPoKXZOutsMzOsn1SIWiqKVtQYZ8wv6ux2xhGk_30zBAmM42s8VQGSnA9RrYjkBhHbBuEaS18A9qbVd5NKV73gVvE/s400/IrisAnewspaperbagPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-spy-printed-word-recycled.html">Remember these??</a> This handbag by <a href="http://mycoutureplanet.com/">Couture Planet</a><br />features press coverage from the show.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08BITNMSexHcyl-Y-sx14t3rzuNmfr9SGiX9UlTmuwLqqooKKfyMPqDtJ0jLq5KkgjC2W6Nlm1kqz3-LtBiGz2ZQrVaQJWn-WSk53HH95amz6Iz9dt7KkRvvoN24pV1Y7FrGK2tv7yyk/s1600-h/roundpursePEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412858039998050450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08BITNMSexHcyl-Y-sx14t3rzuNmfr9SGiX9UlTmuwLqqooKKfyMPqDtJ0jLq5KkgjC2W6Nlm1kqz3-LtBiGz2ZQrVaQJWn-WSk53HH95amz6Iz9dt7KkRvvoN24pV1Y7FrGK2tv7yyk/s400/roundpursePEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Put this darling on my wish list.</span><br /><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIqpwUy2f2YG_-2k0IKAlygfyeSWAu0hA_I07fj7d737IA3_CEHkmKuJAg4h6zFktoI6Lztolg50alEUsOJgO-gLn7RKZNGkNka86oCSHwr2D4ZuyMCPVIeEN8X6-YAzOZPKFRTN22B4/s1600-h/peacockfeathersPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857804943890290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIqpwUy2f2YG_-2k0IKAlygfyeSWAu0hA_I07fj7d737IA3_CEHkmKuJAg4h6zFktoI6Lztolg50alEUsOJgO-gLn7RKZNGkNka86oCSHwr2D4ZuyMCPVIeEN8X6-YAzOZPKFRTN22B4/s400/peacockfeathersPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">More of my favorite new design trends.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghj9G08m9uRjvmp0Ftr6qS2_TMmAC2uO20rm1NtWMZersqd0OZUHLK4xGQxK4JJszMsVg-z1zGku8jUvGG8fNHDUUQQCCz0piHmHiz6tfpEO_OLdPK_pK_OgphnHvjgdMlXgfkFqeg5-A/s1600-h/cupcakepursePEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857049241093810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghj9G08m9uRjvmp0Ftr6qS2_TMmAC2uO20rm1NtWMZersqd0OZUHLK4xGQxK4JJszMsVg-z1zGku8jUvGG8fNHDUUQQCCz0piHmHiz6tfpEO_OLdPK_pK_OgphnHvjgdMlXgfkFqeg5-A/s400/cupcakepursePEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Sweet.</span> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSHb8umirHjE7KMU-1iPxWZTbkHQH-oTCSTCHMi0F32nVsX5FdhwOCDobEI0sek1iX9QfS85akbhi9UOdSJUk9iBRSdkfJ0uWgK9H-Fe9jZSKB1s9ARa1qJSSTWqRfzN2YbUVWK9AC8c/s1600-h/beltsandbeadingPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412856805662283890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSHb8umirHjE7KMU-1iPxWZTbkHQH-oTCSTCHMi0F32nVsX5FdhwOCDobEI0sek1iX9QfS85akbhi9UOdSJUk9iBRSdkfJ0uWgK9H-Fe9jZSKB1s9ARa1qJSSTWqRfzN2YbUVWK9AC8c/s400/beltsandbeadingPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Bold colors and beading<br />... very Iris-like.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc4JZPnNQjLKkKv_UXXjHJjaP80fV1H2j9z2_l6wXeq3cUTfgPDMy14Yha7aTEOTPw1mWDVltkfuU9zZPvUi1NucrZwa1wFc6g_cq_giMgod9VxDIsPaVZdfVyq62uUBDt0wmLx-hcKQ/s1600-h/hangingstarsPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412857295621439602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc4JZPnNQjLKkKv_UXXjHJjaP80fV1H2j9z2_l6wXeq3cUTfgPDMy14Yha7aTEOTPw1mWDVltkfuU9zZPvUi1NucrZwa1wFc6g_cq_giMgod9VxDIsPaVZdfVyq62uUBDt0wmLx-hcKQ/s400/hangingstarsPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >“Dress gives you the opportunity to express yourself – who you are, who you think you are or who you want to be.”</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">– Iris Apfel</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx_nD2bMC993T-9WzhKcGcyZRpX440rxeHcYf5XUumrmBmQ7VhWHty4F1RSsShnzDQIBGZvF1rKLiE_OFciaRouHvMO0aXlhzOaqWHWB9CwOCdWcTM-0YZ-_u7KS6iUHr3ROmtuhd0FY/s1600-h/bookonfashionPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzlVA0QXaqMN9Vq2mI0WN5dA5hnatpOf79lYebyCjL-jZkMacptZE1-rvpuDrjtBlzvRdI2G-yRVLy40xAxrGsQdIPlAmTmj_SrCfAIt7a3OwKByjbGAy_1-sBAikmuYrIjP5T4rpCuA/s1600-h/ApfelbannerPEM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412856803957967282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzlVA0QXaqMN9Vq2mI0WN5dA5hnatpOf79lYebyCjL-jZkMacptZE1-rvpuDrjtBlzvRdI2G-yRVLy40xAxrGsQdIPlAmTmj_SrCfAIt7a3OwKByjbGAy_1-sBAikmuYrIjP5T4rpCuA/s400/ApfelbannerPEM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.pem.org/exhibitions/" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Rare Bird of Fashion:</a></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.pem.org/exhibitions/" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">The Irreverent Iris Apfel</a></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><br />at the Peabody Essex Museum</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" >now through Feb. 7, 2010</span><br /><br /><br /></div>

A show of fashion ...

Anticipating Iris at the Peabody Essex Museum ... Here are my paparazzi shots from the Iris Apfel event at the Peabody Essex Museum last ...

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Style at the Stevens Estate

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9KksEFNJPGYQEAROlRjujO0UkDvhTFRQRqKaNhQ9m0LNZ51mil_rT2KF7R1lIrh11bw2-UL0pgeyB0aGVM00dHbRoEj7hyx_gVwIa2pXvyJ2hb1xWE7SUe_9XgyWe2mYFssKOr1uxxg/s1600-h/gardenparty.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349035272832439298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9KksEFNJPGYQEAROlRjujO0UkDvhTFRQRqKaNhQ9m0LNZ51mil_rT2KF7R1lIrh11bw2-UL0pgeyB0aGVM00dHbRoEj7hyx_gVwIa2pXvyJ2hb1xWE7SUe_9XgyWe2mYFssKOr1uxxg/s400/gardenparty.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Garden Party at the Stevens Estate in North Andover<br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I was just visiting one of my favorite design blogs, </span><a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Elements of Style</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> which is written</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> by the talented (and humorous) Boston-based designer Erin Gates. For today’s <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2009/06/fashion-friday-hot-pink.html">“Fashion Friday</a></span><a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2009/06/fashion-friday-hot-pink.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">”</span></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2009/06/fashion-friday-hot-pink.html"> </a>entry, she notes that hot pink is one of the </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">hottest new trends</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> and posts some gorgeous pics to illustrate and inspire. Well I am glad to know that when I pulled out my peony-pink skirt last week </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(I bought it 5 years ago, but have always loved the designer-detail of its construction) that I was on the cutting edge of fashion as I attended an old-fashioned garden party ...</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_5VPq_Cmb6cKw02xICMJ4VmigYvYL3BSq9RgK4nWJh0TW2wvUitKl8JcrV4l_E8moNGRUHj5rRBJHCYPPpJztzp2dTBODq9SdUX78TN_CWF6hZGcMjDlVhPpR-87wiAG98jiaOi8Fw4/s1600-h/SEarch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349035402029434562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_5VPq_Cmb6cKw02xICMJ4VmigYvYL3BSq9RgK4nWJh0TW2wvUitKl8JcrV4l_E8moNGRUHj5rRBJHCYPPpJztzp2dTBODq9SdUX78TN_CWF6hZGcMjDlVhPpR-87wiAG98jiaOi8Fw4/s400/SEarch.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLPQK3QHhxen2dUvx4akQKRlgWN5ts2J_L3XhnvZeKITjmSrUHaVEbw6h2aUJ6OsqadtVgIZImhjzGkSA5xhjZ106eIQlnE_vxXeYGA5NbW7W-hTjlSyT7YRog5O-3EBhisuk7QN1xCY/s1600-h/peonies.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349035799620190962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLPQK3QHhxen2dUvx4akQKRlgWN5ts2J_L3XhnvZeKITjmSrUHaVEbw6h2aUJ6OsqadtVgIZImhjzGkSA5xhjZ106eIQlnE_vxXeYGA5NbW7W-hTjlSyT7YRog5O-3EBhisuk7QN1xCY/s400/peonies.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 163px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-size:130%;">As this year’s program director for the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Village Garden Club of Lynnfield, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I booked the <a href="http://www.stevensestate.com/index.html">Stevens Estate Special Events & Conference Center</a> in North Andover for our year-end event – a light and delicious catered meal set up outside this historical mansion</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > (I am on the team of designers who are </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span>“adding sparkle</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >” to this beautiful event property.)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_g8xxwsRwYKIy5DKNdWlyItScOdL4ydDCmTbqNJ8C2Jp_RMQnbug7IQkwA5Q1KMIIqAfPmOXSZet4VSo_KCdATbYz0oj6zeBdx30MI5lgUdr42Q7NeLB0Imp5m3oqRD8VEaGhTSzm3k/s1600-h/StevensEstateart.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349062601873752002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_g8xxwsRwYKIy5DKNdWlyItScOdL4ydDCmTbqNJ8C2Jp_RMQnbug7IQkwA5Q1KMIIqAfPmOXSZet4VSo_KCdATbYz0oj6zeBdx30MI5lgUdr42Q7NeLB0Imp5m3oqRD8VEaGhTSzm3k/s400/StevensEstateart.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Original rendering of the Stevens Estate by<br />Boston architects Hartwell & Richardson</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Most of us wore hats </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >(not quite Kentucky Derby, more garden inspired) ...</span><br /><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YtjUZvWE8sA6cmAZsBlXyZCsWXurBN2rf3_u6U3BbU_Tn3ACPDdiFb4F5w7t1FjV-jl4Sa68mh8D0O0Bui5iJfiUYt_Pdd65QBXLXEZpkQ-Vq0M01Mx6UTjSUXRzzNCNIu7tSRrxyqY/s1600-h/hat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349044998997164626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YtjUZvWE8sA6cmAZsBlXyZCsWXurBN2rf3_u6U3BbU_Tn3ACPDdiFb4F5w7t1FjV-jl4Sa68mh8D0O0Bui5iJfiUYt_Pdd65QBXLXEZpkQ-Vq0M01Mx6UTjSUXRzzNCNIu7tSRrxyqY/s200/hat.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 200px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN4gFrYMQ-kZmRYgdk3C3DsJ15OW9NmOzwx9ybrtmo4RLW_6DH8JVJGRh_lgmF7UCGCqugZeuu4FSvhKyoeJKDo9VChChrJzhaxVqT97RoYGh-OV4RVUKxxk8bgwn3hkCn6rAN9Dk2bw/s1600-h/pinkrose.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349044646892414690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN4gFrYMQ-kZmRYgdk3C3DsJ15OW9NmOzwx9ybrtmo4RLW_6DH8JVJGRh_lgmF7UCGCqugZeuu4FSvhKyoeJKDo9VChChrJzhaxVqT97RoYGh-OV4RVUKxxk8bgwn3hkCn6rAN9Dk2bw/s200/pinkrose.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 178px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKgZybGScPV4c1Q6ws0_SlWB-fdp7Gs5asfaoe_J3vo3m6eqP23sADeyBYTyQJMi6EU4ed5LZFnayXl8vczQT8RKoSyruYNt_DeYfaXXiWWT5LWvBtOCopja-n_9SeeGBTqvjBGG0p0U/s1600-h/greenonblackhat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349044641905525858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKgZybGScPV4c1Q6ws0_SlWB-fdp7Gs5asfaoe_J3vo3m6eqP23sADeyBYTyQJMi6EU4ed5LZFnayXl8vczQT8RKoSyruYNt_DeYfaXXiWWT5LWvBtOCopja-n_9SeeGBTqvjBGG0p0U/s200/greenonblackhat.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">and the 20-or-so members from the club were able to enjoy each other’s company while sitting outside the veranda,</span><br /><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HA5G4NwVx8NfdCuiGeAt08LYSPHn2RPZ7mseFX0JB_PckXorUpyhhs5aEWwNI7DDOPrwMwtzCuEnzB1pj5ULS-CF-iRInNTDwtvkoExNPEJMEMlAKVBPTS5Kcl7ntNHXzhdeiWV54oY/s1600-h/SEwalkway.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349035397824586674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HA5G4NwVx8NfdCuiGeAt08LYSPHn2RPZ7mseFX0JB_PckXorUpyhhs5aEWwNI7DDOPrwMwtzCuEnzB1pj5ULS-CF-iRInNTDwtvkoExNPEJMEMlAKVBPTS5Kcl7ntNHXzhdeiWV54oY/s400/SEwalkway.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">later touring the amazing architecture inside,</span><br /><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9RooxMphhw4h8acwmzz21I8If8odP1Wu8uqpIvj1KG3thjdkChlK-pnTHElklzEBAaKRHLXY2ZA73BrlPa6jdiMKjxvJgDVhXMe0BTrFO5IRXUu3RA7Wf61nq3gRjBcaUIJGEgsiURY/s1600-h/SEstainedglass.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349047982093237058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9RooxMphhw4h8acwmzz21I8If8odP1Wu8uqpIvj1KG3thjdkChlK-pnTHElklzEBAaKRHLXY2ZA73BrlPa6jdiMKjxvJgDVhXMe0BTrFO5IRXUu3RA7Wf61nq3gRjBcaUIJGEgsiURY/s400/SEstainedglass.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Can't you just picture a bride – or the lady of the mansion –<br />floating down these stairs to greet her awaiting guests?)</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">then chatting over dessert and coffee while sitting beside original marble fireplaces in the intimate setting of the oak double parlors.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7Kyzd-jDqcEbcPvhVM6KEryp4VYlmJlkPds-PFiqZnNhIJOLHr7NNK2M12XHYA2cX3EEL35HwzcFVrkItAx2DQkF32GdT_I42AJStYJ0CvpbI5vUj1scxKsw_Ch-gQz7hKw0XYarbW8/s1600-h/dessert.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349046045984102754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7Kyzd-jDqcEbcPvhVM6KEryp4VYlmJlkPds-PFiqZnNhIJOLHr7NNK2M12XHYA2cX3EEL35HwzcFVrkItAx2DQkF32GdT_I42AJStYJ0CvpbI5vUj1scxKsw_Ch-gQz7hKw0XYarbW8/s320/dessert.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN5DShBNXLxkLniR7Qf342hUlo5bbrqhW8GdkDR_seKTeUst7eStHNajVDtsqKimZBN7Qc_Ppx4RXFLWWVEVFZCJEITcEBH07eHiWkfxyfAhKDggbFir5wE_GpOqgvVUVguGOvgVuYws/s1600-h/SEfireplace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349063937047213554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN5DShBNXLxkLniR7Qf342hUlo5bbrqhW8GdkDR_seKTeUst7eStHNajVDtsqKimZBN7Qc_Ppx4RXFLWWVEVFZCJEITcEBH07eHiWkfxyfAhKDggbFir5wE_GpOqgvVUVguGOvgVuYws/s320/SEfireplace.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We had the entire estate to ourselves, and even though it can accommodate much larger parties, it felt cozy in an awe-inspiring way. Whenever I travel up the long, curvy drive that leads to the estate, I feel like I have “arrived</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> ... almost as if I had lived back in the day <span style="font-style: italic;">(the mansion was built in 1886 for Charlotte and Moses Stevens, one of the founding families of North Andover and owners of a </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >prosperous </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >textile mill).</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Check back for more posts that highlight the design updates we will be making to the estate. To book a tour or to inquire about scheduling your next event, contact the <a href="http://www.stevensestate.com/contact.html">estate manager</a>, Laura Gifford. The Stevens Estate is a hidden historical treasure that brings one back to the times when entertaining at home was grand-scale, dressed-up and high-style.</span><br /><br /></span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs5Oh4cAqKZmagvfRshBNDdcS8ZHWrzbGq7iS2bhoeClIfZcFcIb37-NPUnxDf1xaHNauUr1z8QXQKLQH2_m7g71um48YYvAW6noVtqca6BdfKOX_-MmgZTn-yB1UT2Ae8HF5Lc8sQaM/s1600-h/SElight.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349068238543945970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs5Oh4cAqKZmagvfRshBNDdcS8ZHWrzbGq7iS2bhoeClIfZcFcIb37-NPUnxDf1xaHNauUr1z8QXQKLQH2_m7g71um48YYvAW6noVtqca6BdfKOX_-MmgZTn-yB1UT2Ae8HF5Lc8sQaM/s400/SElight.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.stevensestate.com/about.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349067638160468882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEAM6X__RX1Go-xBEke2cZp9DW_NJCigekJ2UAw-c1YkKR1OEZbVbGCPtZPdPh9WDwrv_GkvFk3H7dKJR2b1Wr0PDAqSrlu4ADzOXi9Qnch_WGLcf6LJeKhyxRgCNF2oeo0KwduZCvy0/s200/StevensEstate.logo.F.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 131px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Email: <a href="mailto:thestevensestate@verizon.net">thestevensestate@verizon.net</a><br /> 723 Osgood Street<br /> North Andover, MA 01845<br />Phone: 978-682-7072</span><br /></div>

Style at the Stevens Estate

Garden Party at the Stevens Estate in North Andover I was just visiting one of my favorite design blogs, Elements of Style which is writte...

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