Fashion and Decor Romance

Fashion and Home Décor Romance

The intimate ties between latest Fashion Trends and Accessories for your home.

Inspiration is the air! Being present everywhere it is our responsibility to notice it and embrace it. 

Daily routine of breathing forces us to take oxygen for granted, however, as soon as we start consciously inhaling our experience of breathing elevates. Similarly, when we expose our mind, inspiration and beauty becomes an inseparable part of happy living.

Inspiration is essential for progress and amelioration, regardless of ones interest or occupation. Artistic souls have established this value, therefore, they have elevated the concept of inspiration to such a distinct extent. Below are some extraordinary examples of how the decor and fashion intertwine and inter-inspire one another:

1.PRADA

Miuccia Prada:“I saw them as strong, visible fighters. We need to be fighters in general. There is this debate about women again, and I want to interpret it. My instrument is fashion. I use my instrument to be bold. I had this idea that if you wear clothes so exaggerated and out there, people will look, and then they will listen.” She chuckled. “It’s a sort of trick.” Then she added, “I want to be nasty.”

Ms. Prada brings out vivid and highly geometric looks. All have a lot of underlined confidence and character. Moreover, the collection has a distinct message behind it: Prada uses her models as a medium to paint the image of feminism. 

Similarly, "Go Home" designers use diverse color palette and uncontrolled shapes to draw attention to the recycling of materials. Each plate on the surface of the Patchwork Rubix Stool is made out of recycled tin. 

It is truly fascinating how similar visual approaches are used to convey societal issues.

2.VALENTINO 

Chiuri and Piccioli expose serenity and  absolute minimalism. The kind of minimalism that speaks without saying a word. The apple green is so bold  and affirmative that it allows for the cut to be clean and crisp. 

 

"Worlds Away" designers take a similar approach: instead of creating elaborate decorative accents, they bring out a flawless duet of a bold color and flawless lines. Green Lacquer Wooden Bar Cart:

This pair is a classic: less can be much greater the just more.

3. DOLCE & GABBANA

 Domenico Dolce found inspiration in his birthplace - Sicily. One will argue that each model is a literal presentation of physical Greek ruins, nevertheless, what underlines is the Athenian mentality. Pompous, rich and above all  note is read in each silhouette. Risk is also present: an extreme diversity of materials and textures. Smooth, immaculate silk, unexpected pattern, golds and fur  - the combination one would never expect.

Currey & Company show a similar affection for a textural  diversity. Sharp angles, smooth surfaces, textured fabric and incorporation of nature  - all so counterintuitive, yet implacable together. Driftwood Sphere Table Lamp with Shade:

This duet is all about unpredictability - those who do not risk don't get to indulge in champagne!

4. Stella McCartney

“I think it’s an honest approach. A celebration of who we are and who our woman is,” said Stella McCartney. 

McCartney presented the most feminine looks for Spring 2014. The collection does not only emphasize the beauty of female body, but also the underlined sexuality. Abundance of crocodile patterns add  mystery  and intrigue:

  Caspari use animal skins to achieve a similiar affect: snake skin patterns create a more complex and affluent feel in a home.

  Inspiration is free.Open your eyes, free your mind, embrace it... 

 

 

Image credit: http://www.vogue.com

Lamp Shades 101- Mastering the Basics

Lamp shades are often under-rated by home owners in the realm of home decor. Experienced interior decorators know that the perfect lamp shade can add so much to a room. Everyone knows that lighting is important. Picking the right lamp shade can actually affect the amount of light in a room.

In this blog post, we will go over the very basics when it comes to lamp shades:

1. Shape

The lamp shade's shape is the most basic quality of a lamp shade. The shape helps to determine how traditional or modern, how edgy or average the shade looks. Here are some sample shapes and their attributes:

Drum is one of the most common shapes. This particular shade is in our Jamie Young shade collection. Drums are typically very contemporary, and can be a "transitional" piece; a way of melding a traditional lamp in a modern-looking room. These are typically pretty cost effective and come in a variety of fabrics.

  
Empire is the classic shade shape. Most lamps in big box stores come with an empire shade, and they are what people picture when they first think of a lamp shade. It's a very "safe" shape, and will work in a variety of environments. Use an empire when you don't want to pull attention away from the lamp. Of course, any shade shape be transformed into the extraordinary by a striking fabric or pleat pattern. Empires can also be called open cones, depending on the harshness of the taper, or the size difference of the top and bottom openings.

The coolie shade is a classic, elegant and very traditional shape. It stems back from the days when lamps had a wick and oil. Although the words usage in modern day is considered offensive, a "coolie" was considered to be an Asian laborer in times past. The traditional hats that they wore to protect themselves from the sun had the extreme taper that we now recognize in modern day coolie shades. These tend to be on the pricier side, and pair well with eastern-style porcelain lamps.

The pagoda shade is another "oriental" traditional shade shape. The name derives from a form of eastern architecture that is often used in temples and traditional structures. These can be quite expensive due to their complex frame and stitching work. They are striking, and add a touch of elegance that is hard to compete with.

For the delicate traditional look, scalloped bottom edges add elegance (and price) to any shade shape.

Back to more modern shapes, the rectangle and square can add a strong statement to a lamp.

To add complexity or to soften the hard edges, a cut corner can be added to a rectangle, triangle or tapered rectangle. This adds complexity, and therefore expense, to the shade.

There are many additional shapes such as bell, carlile and others.

 2. Size

Once you get past the complexities of shape, sizing the shade can be difficult to follow as well. When "shading" a lamp, it is essential that you have the lamp with you, and not rely on the previous shade, especially if you are changing shapes. 

On a skinnier floor lamp, you may want a more slender shade. On a fat porcelain lamp, a large coolie might look more appropriate. Unfortunately, there is no set rule for sizing. Fortunately, this makes the process more fun! You can play with different sizes, and typically you will be able to trust your eyes for the proper proportions.

Custom shades give designers the ability to "design by the inch". They can tweak dimensions, adding a little depth to a rectangle, or more of a taper to an empire. It is highly recommended that you have experience when exploring this route, as these shades get tremendously more expensive (and tremendously less refundable).

3. Fabric

An incredibly important component to your shade is the fabric that you use. A typical 18" diameter drum shade can be rustic or industrial, art deco or traditional, contemporary and airy or pleated and fancy. We'll discuss several different fabrics below:

"Paper" or Parchment

The most cost effective and flexible, paper is very useful. It is typically used in more contemporary settings, but it can be employed in a more relaxed traditional area as well. Paper is very opaque, and often shouldn't be used as a main source of light. The interior can be lined with a variety of colors, including a reflective gold or silver lining, which adds additional warmth to the lamp.

Of course, there are countless colors and types of parchment (vellum, waxed) that can be ordered.

Linen  

Linen shades are very transitional. They can be used in a variety of settings. Once again, there are many different kinds and colors, ranging  from very see through to completely opaque and gold lined (like the chandelier shade above). Different linens such as butchers linen can have very course textures when under the light.

Silk

A beautiful shade from our sister store, Illume NYC

Silk is the classic material used on shades. There is now synthetic silk available for the classic look without the cost, as well as the real thing. Silk can have "slub", or streaks, or it can be super smooth. Silk can often be pleated (as seen above), and there are many different types of pleats (i.e. french pleat). 

    
Raffia and Other Rustic/Natural Materials

 For a more rustic or country cottage look, check out some of the natural materials that shades can be made out of. Raffia is a straw that is traditionally made in baskets in areas of the world such as Thailand. There are also shades available in cow hide or faux cow hide, perfect for a rustic hunting cabin.


We have only just barely scratched the surface on what there is to know about lamp shades. The materials, shapes and methods have been around for centuries, and many stem from long traditions that pre-date electricity. Our store offers thousands of in-stock lamp shades, making us a must-see location for serious interior designers, and even the likes of Martha Stewart, who invited our owner on her show to discuss techniques for shading lamps!

 Here's the video!

In addition, we send out thousands of orders for custom lamp shades each year to be featured in beautiful new homes, hotels and hospitals. Our shades are also going to be featured in the upcoming film, The Wolf of Wall Street featuring Leonardo DiCaprio!

 

  
Visit our website for a limited selection of our massive shade collection. Visit our store in Stamford, Connecticut for a one-of-a-kind experience!













    

Tour the Store

I got my hands on a professional-grade camera recently, and decided to go on an Accessory Store photo-shoot spree.

We are situated in the Antique District of Stamford, CT, minutes away from the Metro North train line into NYC. The building used to be an old paper factory, and years ago the owners reconditioned the space into a beautiful lighting and accessories showroom.

For our online customers, we are excited to show you our brick-and-mortar shop. We hope that you get a chance to visit us!

Enter through the front door and into an overwhelming and eclectic array of items. Note the blue glass aqua chandelier. Here you can find our decorative cattail balls, rattan accessories and of course our giant plant!

The Modern section of the store features some creative and whimsical pieces.

Even our check-out counter has all sorts of potential gift ideas, and convenient home care products.

From Caspari Napkins to Creative Candles, always be prepared for your next party. We even have hard to find candle accessories like sharpeners, stabilizers for placing a taper in a candle holder, and of course bobeches.

What’s a lighting store without lamps? We have many different styles of lamps, ceiling and wall lighting.

Lighting for paintings and pictures, courtesy of House of Troy.

Our traditional area features Asian-inspired porcelain lamps. Notice also our new WAC pendants that can be customized for over-the-counter or a minimalist single pendant.

A seemingly never-ending array of bases and display stands. 

Do you need a lamp shade or sconce shade? You’ve come to the right place…we have a few of those…

Make that a few thousand of those. Shopping for shades here, you get the VIP treatment. Refreshments, a comfy chair, and a dedicated “shader” who knows exactly what your lamp needs. And if you don’t find what you want, we can have one custom made, allowing for infinite possibilities!

Parker, the stoic store mascot, stands vigilantly, ready to greet customers. He was found when we first opened in the parking lot of the store, abandoned and disheveled. Dubbed “Parker” by the store owners, they adopted him and have dedicated themselves to helping dogs in need all across the country with our charity dog toys and accessories.

Head to the back of the store, and you’ve entered a totally new world. Any lighting accessory, bulb, part or accent you can think of we carry or can order for you! Our owner is an avid collector of rare and beautiful light bulbs, and loves to share his passion for unique decorative bulbs with you.

Our world-class lamp repair and restoration department has done some incredible works; from simply changing a socket on a lamp to turning a real hammerhead shark into a triple-hanging pendant! Your ideas become a reality back here…

We hope that you have enjoyed the tour of our store. We are proud of what we do here, and are excited to spread our knowledge and unique product line to our online store.

If you have any questions about us, contact us, we’re happy to chat and even answer your pressing lighting questions.

Have Happy Holidays,

-The Staff at The Accessory Store-