PAUL SMITH + MINI + CORGI = CLASSIC COOL

Ok, I know you're probably thinking, not ANOTHER post on Mini Cooper!!  

Please indulge me for a second - I couldn't resist showing this miniature Mini with Paul Smith's signature stripes. I can't help thinking what a kicky little accessory it would be to have around to "up" the fun factor at home - forget the fact that I don't have kids. It combines 3 things I love, Paul Smith's design, stripes and Mini Cooper. It's made by classic British toy brand Corgi and available here. What a perfect stocking stuffer!

PAUL SMITH VS. CHROMOPHOBIA

Double-decker buses even look more stylish wearing Paul Smith's trademark stripes!


Check out this video of British designer Paul Smith giving a tour of his recently opened San Francisco boutique. I just love his total lack of self-consciousness and his sense of humor.

OK, a perfect match....Paul Smith stripes on a MINI!

A spunky striped swimsuit.

Paul Smith has that innately British knack for being hip, quirky, smart, fun and stylish all at the same time. Talk about innovative, he has a uniquely cool philosophy when it comes to design and business. He celebrates color and infuses all realms of design with life and personality. He decries what he terms"chromophobia" and somehow manages to make most of the other design gurus look kind of stale and stodgy by comparison. I think that he has reinvented the wheel. And with great finesse!
Have a terrific weekend, everyone! I'd like to wish all of my US friends a wonderful Memorial Day Holiday.
See you back here next week!

SMITH'S SWIRLS

I am captivated by Paul Smith's signature swirly stripes design on everything. The rug above.

 The shoes above.

The bag beneath.

And all of them are beyond my budget, but that doesn't keep them from inspiring me and giving me a great deal of joy when I look at them.  That's the beauty of photos, all of the pleasure, none of the calories. Is there a particular artist or designer's style that inspires you?

A FEW OF MY FAVORITES......

The signature yellow-orange shade used for Aqua di Parma's packaging really bakes my cake!

I am a bit short of time this week, so I am throwing together a few favorite photos from my files, some without labels, unfortunately. If anyone else happens to know their origins and wants to enlighten me, I'd be very grateful! Thanks!!

Gracie wallpaper - if money were no object, I'd have this in my foyer!

Gorgeous ranunculus, peonies and roses

Light-drenched Euro loft - Marie Claire Maison (via Alkemie) LOVE the sofa! (Only someone French would have the guts to do this)

A cheery, girly European loft Marie Claire Maison (via Alkemie)

One of my favorite paintings by Matisse

A favorite vintage chair - origin unknown

Rug designed by Paul Smith for The Rug Company