Giveaway: DixiePatches Shrimp Charm

One of our favorite Southern sites, Dixie Patches, has graciously offered one of their charms for a Love List giveaway. This peel-n-eat Shrimp charm is not only precious, it's also philanthropic, as one of the company's pieces created to benefit America's Wetlands Foundation. According to Dixie Patch's Catherine McSheehy: 

"We are committed to doing whatever we can to aid in the short and long-term conservation and recovery of our Gulf Coast and Southern Wetlands. This area is vital to not only the ecology, but the economy of the entire country, with greater-reaching effects, even, throughout the world. From our seafood and energy industries, to recreational hunting and fishing, our country depends on the conservation and restoration of this area."

For a chance to win, leave us a comment and tell us your feelings on the spill. 

Mad for Mad Men

The Drapers and a neighbor in their original living room

When I heard the premiere date for Season 4 of Mad Men, I immediately put it on my calender and swore I'd set aside any other obligations that night. Yes, you could call me a bit obsessed, but can you blame me? From the clothes, make-up and hair to the stunning sets, every little detail of the show is impeccably designed to replicate 1960s style. I continually catch myself coveting something from the show, and this past season it was Betty Draper's newly decorated living room. 

The original living room (pictured above) was decorated in great taste, but it was beginning to feel dated to Betty. So after her husband was promoted she enlisted the help of a designer who gave the room a modern makeover. Of course, the real master behind the makeover was set decorator Amy Wells, who takes us through a tour of the redesigned room.

I completely agree with Betty's decorator when she gasped "What have you done?" upon seeing Betty's latest addition to an already refined room. I honestly hope that couch never sees the light of day, but other accents such as the silk dupioni drapes and glass bar set are classics that will fit right in homes today. Silk dupioni drapes instantly dress up a room while adding a touch of glamour, and they're currently on sale at Pottery Barn. And if you're looking for a way to make your entertaining space feel sophisticated, a sleek liquor decanter and the proper glassware to accompany it, like the one pictured below from Crate and Barrel, will do the job.

The Draper's bedroom

Although I was coveting the Draper's new living room this past season, I've been a huge fan of their tufted headboard from day one. Not only is the color fantastic, but it adds a bit of fun to an otherwise blah bedroom. You can find your own at Ballard Designs, and lucky you -- this Mad Men gem is also on sale! Now just tune in this Sunday to AMC at 10 p.m. to see what stylish surprises are in store for the new season. -Mary Mentz 

image credits: AMC, Chicago Tribune, Crate & Barrel

A Little Update from Hunter Dixon...

We've talked about them before, but now the news is even more exciting! Last week, Hunter Dixon's website opened its virtual doors to the world of e-commerce, making it all too easy to indulge in the latest collections. No longer must we small-towners scour department stores and boutiques for one of the fetching pieces. Adding intrigue to infatuation, the fall/winter lookbook is also now available, leaving me eager to bid adieu to the summer heat and welcome the new season. -Katie Diaz

Palm Beach, Here I Come!

Goodbye, folks -- for now! I am heading out on the open road just a few hours down the Florida Turnpike to Palm Beach for a week of much-needed relaxation. My trip got me thinking about all things 561 and my favorite spots, people, and things in this wonderful place where I used to live (and still visit often.)  I've even found a few blogs by some cool local ladies along the way, like Kourtney Pulitzer and Brandie Herbst. I can't wait to check out Kourtney's boutique in person!

On the topic of boutiques, I'll also be meeting with the fabulous sisters Orrico at their eponymous island mainstay, C.Orrico, which alone could motivate me to make the drive. If you know me, you  know I love nothing more than a bright, colorful dress and C.Orrico is the altar upon which I worship. You know they must be smart ladies since they were one of the first places to carry Jules Reid!

I'm also excited to pop into Sequin, which I haven't had a chance to case yet.  Jewelry galore. My heaven. House of Lavande? Maybe when my wallet is a wee bit fatter ;) Speaking of fat, we definitely won't be missing the french toast at John G's in Lake Worth... good thing we will be doing so much walking!

I think we will also do a night in Delray, where I'll get to have the treat of hitting the town with my buddy, jewelry designer Krystal Sasso. Krystal and I have a neat story -- we got in touch after I spotted her necklaces at all my favorite spots like C.Orrico and Love Shack and had to find out who was making this drop-dead-gorgeous jewelry. That was a few years ago, and since then The Love List even helped Krystal land a spot working with Michelle Smith at Milly designing jewelry for her spring '09 runway show! She is the best and I can't wait to see her.

Of course we can't talk Palm Beach and not mention Kemble Interiors -- Celerie Kemble has nailed the vibe of this wonderful place just like her mother Mimi. Kemble is a Palm Beach institution and I'm hoping it won't be closed for the season when I stop by. Rita Konig wrote a great piece for the Times mag mentioning Kemble that got me excited to troll all the great area shops.

Of course we will also be spending lots of time in the sunshine and on the sand with some fun nights on Clematis peppered in. I am craving Rocco's Tacos and have a table on reserve for Friday night -- guacamole and Dos Equis? Si señor!

To any of my Palm Beach readers (and that includes you snowbirds!) -- where are your favorite haunts, shops, and insider tips? What do you think must be done, seen, eaten, experienced? I can't wait to hear your feedback! When I return, there's going to be a big Palm Beach-themed giveaway, so get excited!

"Palm Beach is timeless, it has always been beautiful, clean, full of flowers and Southern friendliness."  - Mimi McMakin

image credits: Kemble Interiors, House of Lavande

You've Got 24 Hours.

Starting now until midnight tomorrow, get 25% off at Tucker Blair with code thelovelist

I Love: Jolly Roger key fob, Pink Elephant belt (such a cute way to put a preppy twist on the ole' belted dress trend).

Happy shopping!

Love Quotes: Gore Vidal

"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn." 
-Gore Vidal 

image credit: the Sartorialist

Personality, Prints and Pink

No Londoner's home would be complete without a touch of Liberty of London, hence the printed bike parked in front

In Balboa Island, California there exists a grown-up, fairy tale version of a beach bungalow. Exploding with polka dots, prints, pink and plenty of peonies, this getaway featured in the July/August issue of House Beautiful is no place for beach bums. Instead it's a haven a hop across the pond for Londoner Laurie Thiel and her three children, designed by her very own sister, Krista Ewart.

If you're like me and sometimes hesitate to be bold, take a hint from Krista and just go for it. You'd think the whale-printed wallpaper, elephant trinkets and crab lamp would begin to give you the same claustrophobic feeling as a trip to a crowded zoo, but these eccentric touches actually create coherence and flow within the 1,200 square foot home, giving the bright bungalow a fresh, playful feel.

Flower painting, flower fabric on the couch, flowers on the table -- are you sick of them yet? Because I'm not.

The pastel pink Smeg fridge is the perfect size to store bite-size beach snacks

The printed bike parked out front is just foreshadowing what's to come when you step into the bungalow's back patio. The bright colors create the perfect setting for succulent summer treats, and the Halsea surfboard is the icing on the cake to this shrine of prints. From retro surprises, such as the Smeg fridge, to the playful partnering of textures and colors, I have to assume that this home coupled with the cool California weather trumps any dreary London flat. -Mary Mentz

image credits: House Beautiful, Krista Ewart Design