This Week's Quote

Hermann Park, Houston, TX

"When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food , and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies within yourself." - Tecumseh Shawnee

I'm sure most of you have seen footage of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas and in my hometown of Houston. Thankfully, we are doing just fine. Thanks to those of you who e-mailed and kept us in your thoughts.

Fabian and I were incredibly lucky and didn't suffer any damage to our property, but I know several people who did and we do not take our good fortune for granted. We were only without power for about 22 hours which is nothing compared to how long other people are having to wait. My parents had a couple of trees and their fence fall, while my sister, who lives in The Woodlands area north of the city, had several older trees fall on her street and had her transformer blow up. My entire family is without power, so they are all staying with us.

Most of the city is still without power and many have suffered extensive damage to their homes. I am so proud of how our city has banded together to help each other out and hope that we can rebuild Houston and Galveston soon.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as Palin & Clinton on SNL

I couldn't resist. Click here to watch the video.

Project Runway S/S '09 Collections at Bryant Park

Jerrell

Leanne

My top two picks are Jerrell and Leanne. I think either of them could win this season. It's funny because Jerrell hasn't been my favorite, but he BROUGHT IT to Bryant Park. His collection looks so rich and Leanne's is so well constructed. To see all of the complete collections, click here. Who is your top pick?

Images via Project Rungay

Ron Marvin's Ultra Stylish Apartment

Ron Marvin's incredibly stylish Manhattan apartment

Ron Marvin's stylish Manhattan apartment is a testament to the fact that any space can be fabulous, regardless of its size. At just 250 square feet, his studio apartment has miles of style. Marvin was able to create separate "rooms" (studios typically consist of one large room with a bath and possibly a kitchen with their own walls) throughout the space. I absolutely love Marvin's aesthetic. It is modern, polished, a little glam, with just the right amount of vintage items thrown in to make it look collected. The color palette, streamlined details, and lack of anything frilly appeal to my sense of style (more masculine than feminine in terms of interiors).

Marvin has homes in Manhattan and San Francisco (lucky!) and his interiors have been featured in Metropolitan Magazine, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune and on HGTV. Even if you don't think you are familiar with Marvin's name, you have probably seen his work on many occasions. He has worked in visual merchandising for stores such as Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Hold Everything, Gap, and Williams-Sonoma Home. Be sure to watch the video at the end of this post. It was his entry for Apartment Therapy's Smallest, Coolest Apartment contest in 2007. In the video, Marvin takes the viewer on a guided tour of his beautiful apartment.

Love the walls, bedding, mirror, and the fact that all of the spaces are clearly defined

Marvin's 250 square foot apartment is home to 11 chic lamps! He calls himself a "Lamp Tramp"! I love it. I will have to start calling Fabian that. It is evident that he has maximized every square inch of the space.

Parsons desk, vintage lamp and chair (both flea market finds), and turquoise foo dogs in the office niche

The chocolate and white palette continues into the bathroom. I actually think it's a great idea to utilize the same palette throughout a small home like this. It really unifies the space. No space is safe from the Lamp Tramp! Marvin's bathroom hosts a floor lamp and a small lamp on the vanity.

A vignette featured at Marvin's bedside. I love the classic look of the lamp, but the photograph is my favorite. To me, the man in the picture looks like a Spanish torero, or bullfighter, being coy behind a fan. I love the yin and yang of masculinity and femininity in the photograph.

A close-up of the cabinet in Marvin's living room. The vintage yellow lamps are very Palm Springs. What is the overall look of Marvin's apartment called? I feel like it is a mix of things, but I'd really like to know because it is so me. I love it!





Images via Ron Marvin

Hurricane Hysteria

It looks like Hurricane Ike is headed straight for the Houston area. I drove into town this morning for my class at 9:00, only to be told that it had been cancelled. An e-mail or a phone call would have been nice. Oh well. I took advantage of the fact that I was near Costco and headed over there to pick up some bottled water and other storm survival supplies. Unfortunately, the store wasn't open and about 100 customers had congregated outside, ready to charge the minute they opened, which according to an employee, might be an hour later if they could get everything ready soon enough. It's so muggy and nasty outside (usually a pre-cursor to a storm), that I decided I would be better off hitting another store instead of wasting an hour waiting in the heat.

I drove back to the area where I live and attempted to go to HEB, a Texas-based grocery store, but that place was an even bigger mad house than usual. I made it over to Target, where I was able to get a few things, with the exception of water. They were completely sold out. People were going nuts in there! I can't tell you how many times I got bumped by someone's shopping cart.

Finally, I decided to check Kroger, where I was able to get some cases of bottled water, and a few magazines (these are essential to riding out a storm).

I hope everyone in the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast areas stays safe! I'll be thinking of you.