Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Vacation, Destination, Inspiration...


There's something very strange about living in a tourist destination. Rather like being an actor in the same production of "A Christmas Carol" year after year...you realize that you have become a fixture in someone else's holiday. Like a wreath. Or, in this case, a lobster trap. Then there are the people who ask in hushed tones, "How do you manage to survive the winters?" And, just what exactly, is the answer to this question? Heavy drinking? Dark corner athletics? Friends in the Carribean? I am always at a loss. Nonetheless, even I have a favorite Maine summer destination: WASPy old Blue Hill in general, and the treasure trove that is Blue Hill Antiques in particular. Marjorie Kernan and Andre Strong create, summer after summer, the Elle Decor photo shoot of your dreams, with the amazing antiques they source during the winter in France. (That's it! The perfect answer to the previous question!) And while antique shops can often be musty and staid, theirs is anything but. It's the sort of place that, if someone offered you a gin and tonic and then launched into a tale about their dissolute love life, you wouldn't be at all surprised. Oh, yes, and it's where I found my pink settee.





And further afield....

The English eccentric in me wants to go here.

And the incurable romantic? Here. Where else?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Seduction scenario....














This is a detail from the 19th century French settee that resides at the front of the shop. To invite you to linger. Or read. On the floor next to it is a tall stack of Selvedge magazines---I have nearly every one. Before five, a brewing pot of coffee. After five, a glass of good wine. In a crystal glass. We could listen to this. Yes, it's all part of my elaborate plot to attract lovely (not to mention witty, wry, intelligent, attractive, brave, loyal, true, and reverent...) people into my retail "lair". To that end, I've decided to use this image on my new postcards, which I'll be distributing all around Portland later this week. And, if all of the above isn't quite enough lure you to our doorstep, we're giving a 10% discount to anyone who comes in with our pink postcard in hand. If your home is elsewhere, and you think you might be coming this way, I'll be happy to mail you one. Just send me your address!

A special "Thank you" to Erica (and adorable Leon) for driving up from Cambridge to be at our party and for her loyal, enthusiastic support of Lisa. I loved the post and the pictures (inspiration board! It lives in the dressing room...). And if anyone is curious...yes! I'm happy to take phone orders.

It's very late here on the east coast. Since you're up, I recommmend that you step out into the summer night, gaze up at the sky, and look for this. Be transported. Think of someone you love who's far away. Under the same sky.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

everyone had a wonderful time...






























In fact, I had such a stellar evening with all the warm, engaging, attractive, intelligent souls that crossed my threshold, that I have no actual party documentation. Thank you new friends and, thank you, most especially, to dear friends (some who travelled great distances to be here) for your creativity, your loyalty, your good humor and life-enhancing energy. I love you all. I'd say the chelliswilson. is off to a very good start.

In lieu of party photos, I give you some quotes that now grace the Zettel'z and the archetypal party decoration "Wild Flowers in Prosecco Bottle". (thank you, Sara, for the flowers and the "love".)


Enjoy the rest of your weekend. And, might I suggest, if you aren't able to do this, then how about this? Exhale.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

It's perfect...























Thank you, Sara, what an incredible addition to our space! This detail is to tempt everyone to come tomorrow night to our little soiree and see Sara's piece in person! And meet lovely Lisa Dorr of Le Bouton Studio (and see the gorgeous clothing exclusive to the shop)! We're baking cupcakes and putting the Prosecco on ice....

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Magic at 10 am....












































She's bringing it to life....stay tuned.....


Tuesday, August 4, 2009

art in real time...























So incredibly happy to announce that wonderful artist/friend/force of nature Sara Lemieux is creating an original wall painting for the shop! Here she is at work the other evening, drawing the outline. (Thanks, Rob, for lending us that amazing old projector!) If you'll be in Portland on Friday night, come by and toast the finished product with a glass of Prosecco!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Sometimes we work very late...























....and find something more to say....

on the subject of creative community....

Project M Lab. thinking "wrong".

Maybe...in addition to prosecco and cupcakes (see aforementioned party announcement)....I should serve pie, too.

Then, of course, there's natalie. and alice.

(alright, alright, I'm going to bed now....)