GOOD BYE 2011, HELLO 2012 - HAPPY NEW YEAR! (AND MY ONE RESOLUTION)!

Oh what a year it has been! A wild, fun, exciting, challenging, scary, incredible, fascinating year. Indeed. (there I go using indeed again!)

This exact day in 2010 I made my resolution for 2011. It was "to be brave". I think I accomplished that resolution.

As most of you all know, at the end of January 2011 I launched the COCOCOZY textiles collection and home furnishings line. That's when my marathon began. I've run hard over the last year...the race isn't over yet...but so far, launching this collection and lifestyle brand has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done in my professional life.

I didn't know when I started 2011 that the year would change me. I've worked harder than I've ever worked in my life, I've grown up a lot, I've learned to put things in perspective, and I've learned that the most valuable thing in life is not all we try to achieve but it is about the relationships and the people around us. I would not have made it through this year without the people around me most definitely.  It was the constant unwavering support from family and friends that got me through this year.  My mother, my big sister DS, my extended family, best of friend AM, and all of my dear dear friends  - they have been my cheerleaders.  Then there are the amazing people who have been instrumental in helping me launch and run this business (I've been so lucky) including KS (incredible), JC, JF, EF and SZ just to name a few.  Oh and did I mention all of the encouragement I received from the lovely readers here on COCOCOZY...your words of  have kept me going along the way.   So I guess I could say I was brave but I was brave with a lot of back up. (Speaking of perspective...I do understand that there are people all around the world who face much bigger challenges than starting a business like mine.  The people who have had to be brave in situations where lives are at stake and/or when they face truly challenging life circumstances that make them have to rise to the occasion...my hat goes off to those people...they are the truly brave.)

Now onto 2012... If you don't mind in 2012,  I'll need to hold onto that bravery I resolved to have in 2011 only because I'll still be taking quite a few scary leaps this year, but then I'll add my new resolution for this year...

My resolution for 2012 is -  "To inspire".

A few weeks ago, after a quick trip to the South, I told you all that I hope my journey of launching a business and taking on things I've never imagined I would do, would inspire you to challenge yourselves too.  I am going to be doing bigger and better things this year with the COCOCOZY brand...it's going to take a lot of that 2011 bravery to make it through this year as well...but along with being brave, I hope that my stories will encourage and inspire you to make your dreams come true. 

I can't tell you how much it means to me when I get an email from a reader who says that something on the blog has inspired them.  It makes me very happy...indeed.   I hope this year you will find even more inspiration here on COCOCOZY - whether it be about interior design, decor, fashion or more importantly life.

Just an aside admission:  This "to inspire" resolution is not an entirely altruistic resolution...I get something out of it too.  When I hear stories from you on how you were inspired by something I wrote, or a photo on the blog, or by one of my stories, I get inspired...cyclical...if I inspire you...you inspire me.

It has been such an honor and a pleasure talking design, decor and sharing all that goes on in my sometimes comical world this last year with you.  Well tomorrow's a new year, a new day, a new beginning of sorts...here we go...let's do it!

I wish you much love, even more happiness and great success in 2012!

Happy New Year!

xo
Coco

Photo: Kelly Stuart

FASHION FORWARD: COVETING THE COVETEUR - STYLE AROUND THE HOUSE!

A black Oscar de la Renta dress hangs over a collection of framed black and white photos on a wall.  (above)

Okay...it is official...I am obsessed with fashion blog The Coveteur. I think I like it because it marries two things I love...home decor and fashion. The Coveteur is an inside glimpse into the closets and homes of fashion and style trendsetters.

Basically they go to the homes or workspaces of fashionable people...and then take photos of their prized clothing and accessories around their homes. Love this idea. Fashion on top of interior design. Perfection. Here are a few images I liked today from The Coveteur.

The most is made out of tiny closet with shoe racks on the top shelves. (above)

Hmmm...not a bad idea...a small glass front shelf to showcase a fantastic shoe collection. (above)

A vintage beaded top hangs on a dressing table mirror with Hermes shopping bag and box as accents! (above)

A lovely white Chloe gown hangs on a trellis of roses in a Los Angeles garden. (above)

Love the crisp clean photo wall and dress in the first photo and am drooling over the romantic white dress in the last.  I would love to be sitting in a garden filled with white flowers wearing that dress!

Which of these images do you like the best?  Anything here inspire you in terms of interior design or fashion?

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  It is the last Friday of 2011!  I cannot believe it.  Oh how time flies.

P.P.S.  Off to another hike on Runyon Canyon today....taking full advantage of the time off from my regular job to get outdoors and enjoy L.A.  Also think I'm headed to a little barbecue at the beach this afternoon.  Need to squeeze a massage somewhere in here before the holiday is over.  Oh and did I mention all of the last minute things I have to get squared away for all of the trade shows in January.   So much to do...so little time!  All good though!

Photos: The Coveteur

MIX IT UP!

Am back after a 5 or 6 break.  Has been wonderful spending time with family and getting caught up on all things  COCOCOZY.

In January, I am dashing off to Atlanta and New York to show the COCOCOZY textiles collection once again to buyers from all over the country...so these last few days of 2011 have been spent getting all in order to hit the road.  I am so excited to present some new designs, new construction, and some brand new categories I am trying out with my designs!  All the standards...luxury pillows, gorgeous throws, drapery, bedding and candles will still all be standards in the mix but adding a few more items that I hope you all like. So exciting.  A little overswhelming.  Hard to focus with so much to get done.  Must focus.  Just trying to mix it up a bit in the New Year.

Speaking of mixing it up...this living room does just that. Grand classic architecture mixed with mid century modern iconic furniture (white leather Barcelona Chairs, an Arco floor lamp, Cherner wood chairs on the left) and a 1980's designed Taraxacum 88 suspension pendant light taking center stage as a chandelier in the space.  The sleek modern wall shelving is adds even more modern to the traditiional bones of the space.

Embracing the old and bringing in the new.  Hmmm...feels like this is appropriate for this time of year.

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Went to a fab party last night at the home of fab friend and super publicist Sarah Robarts of Ballantines PR.  It was lots of fun.  A ton on the schedule today too...hmmm...how to fit it all in plus a little hike on Runyon Canyon?  Must get started!


Photo: House to Home UK

MERRY MERRY WISHES!

Photo by Coco of COCOCOZY

I am running off for the next few days to enjoy my family, do a little good, spread a little cheer hopefully and see some good friends.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time with family and friends too. I wish you much joy and happiness during the holidays. Also if you can, find a way to lend a hand or even a smile to someone who isn't as fortunate (whether it be someone in your own family or a stranger) - I think it's those little things - reaching outside of ourselves - that make the difference during the holidays.

Thought long and hard about my gift to you this Christmas dear readers...can't give the thousands of you who join each day a tangible gift...but I can give you a word as my gift. Hope. My gift to you is "hope". Use this gift wisely but carry it with you throughout the next year. I think you'll find the ability to dream big an invaluable gift.

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve! Happy holidays! Merry Christmas!

xoxo
Coco

Photo by Coco of COCOCOZY

MAKING A GRAND HOLIDAY ENTRANCE!

Just 3 days until Christmas!  Regardless of what you celebrate (Hanukkah, Christmas etc.), this is such a wonderful time to spend time with family/friends and spread good cheer.

Today...COCOCOZY will be a bit of an elf - delivering gifts to all of those sweet and nice people we work with every day and who have made this first year of COCOCOZY textiles just amazing.  Then later at the office at my regular job, we will be doing a cute gift exchange.  Then it will be time to focus on family.  We are all gathering at friend JS's house for dinner this year on Christmas Day...family and friends alike.  I promised to make my famous sweet potato pie...a tradition handed down from my grandmother...I might even make an apple pie too. (I love to do a little baking over the holidays.)

Adore this holiday foyer above...it is in the home of stylist and designer Jill Brinson Sharp who is also the creative director of Ballard Design.  I like it because the space is not too over the top holiday but definitely says it is the time of year to be merry. Well edited. Well done. Lovely green garland over the doorways, the little decorated tree all work in this Atlanta cottage entry.

I must say...my favorite thing about this foyer is the tall steel and glass double doors.  Love that these grand doors can read so many ways - traditional, modern or industrial.  I also love that they let so much light into the foyer.  Nice.

Oh, I just threw in the photo of the ornament above because I liked it.  It is sunny here in Los Angeles...not a bit of snow...sometimes I would like to see just a speck of snow over the holidays...just enough to enjoy a pretty scene like this...then I would go back to our sunny Southern California holidays ways!

What do you think of the holiday decor in the foyer?  Too much or not enough.  I like that it is primarily all greenery with just a bit of sparkle.

What do you look forward to most during this holiday season?

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

P.S. To those of you who celebrate Hanukkah...Happy happy Hanukkah!


Photos: Atlanta Homes Magazine

CHEAP TO CHIC: BLACK PENDANT LIGHTS! (take two)

I like this image above of the dining room with 3 large matte finish black dome pendant lights hung above the dining table. Caught my eye.

I like a nice black dome pendant lamp. Visually striking yet so basic at the same time. Eye catching indeed. (Oh btw...I've been using the word indeed a lot lately. Is that annoying? Every time my boss at my during the day job asks me a question, I answer "indeed"...my sister DS was saying something about dinner the other night via a text and I answered "indeed". I think and I hate to say it I may have picked up this "indeed" habit from my guy friend BN...not sure...but if I did pick it up from him, he should be ashamed of himself for introducing "indeed" into my life. I use it as a crutch. When I don't have much else to say, I just say "indeed"...when someone asks me a question I'm trying to avoid or don't know how to answer, I say "indeed"...it sounds smarter then "I dunno" or "Uh duh" or "Yeah okay" but it means the same thing. Indeed. Can the word "indeed" replace all forms of communication...is it a catch all for everything? Hmmm...my answer is "indeed". LOL!)

Anyhoooooooooooo...back to black pendant lamps. Seems that these black dome shaped lamps have caught my eye before...see this post for October 2010. Maybe it is the time of year...randomly I landed on this photo above which inspired me to do this post last week and when I did a search on the internet for black pendant lamps...my old post came up. Hmmm... Either this is a form of genius or a complete lack of creativity on my part. I'll let you be the judge. Indeed. (Oh. I forgot...I've also been using indeed as a form of punctuation or just as declaration. I use it when I am trying to be vague too.)

All this to say...here are black pendant lights in today's CHEAP TO CHIC!

Ikea - 365+ Brasa Black Pendant Light - $39.99 (above)

Hive Modern - Topan VP6 Black Pendant Lamp w/black matte finish - $580 (above)

yLighting - Skygarden Pendant - $1992 (above)

Which of these dome hanging lights to you like the best? Could you see these working anywhere in your home as well? Do you like the look or just loathe it? Would be very interested to know. You know. :-)

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco


P.S. Just a few days until Christmas and counting!

P.P.S. I have such nice neighbors...some have stopped by with holiday gifts (last night I got a visit from a few), they've dropped by cards and I've gone by to visit others.  I have so enjoyed the holiday spirit on my street in the Hollywood Hills.  On the way home the other night, I also stopped by friend and decorative artist Jean Horihata's house to visit with her and her husband Mark and their daughter.  Jean made me this holiday arrangement with silver leaf gilded pomegranates that she made herself!  So nice.  They are sitting in the window of my kitchen.  I am enjoying the holidays.  Everyone is in such a good mood.  I like!

Homemade hand gilded pomegranates in my kitchen - a gift from my friend and artist Jean Horihata. (above)

P.P.P.S.  I need to get all of my neighbor holiday gifts together and walk around and spread a little holiday cheer!

P.P.P.P.S.  I also have to do a little good this holiday season in the form of charitable giving.  Sounds cliche...but it makes me feel good to give to my charities (side bar for my two favorite right now).  All on the to-do list between now and Christmas!

P.P.P.P.P.S.  We're doing Secret Santas at the office...so stopped off at a music store last night and got that gift off my list. We also have to write a poem about our Secret Santa person.  I've gotten the same person a few times now...wondering if I can use a poem I wrote 5 years ago and just say it with a different accent or something to change it up?  I'd like to point out, I am not being lazy in just wanting to recycle a poem, I am usually the only one in the group who actually writes the poem.  One year, the person who was my Secret Santa simply wrote for their poem something like "Coco is nice.  Coco is great. Merry Christmas.".  The poems I write are several lines (I'm sure you can believe I have no problem with writing too much) and usually take up a page or more.  Oh did I mention, I am Secret Santa to my boss! 


Photos: Jarlath Mellett; norm cph

CHIC ANTIQUES!

Vintage French Leather & Steel 2 Drawer Table by Jack Adnet - $19,850 (mid 20th century. French. Use as console or desk. 39.5"w x 23.5"d x 29.25"h)

For no apparent reason was on 1st Dibs the other day...and came across these three lovelies. Black furniture with a bit of gold toned trim. I like the lines of all of these pieces...wouldn't put them in a room together...but would certainly want one as a signature accent piece in a space. Imagine a white room sparsely decorated and add in some wonderful decorative molding on the walls...and then add one of these pieces for a powerful punch of style.

What do you think? Chic or not chic that is the questions?



Petite Ebonized Louis XVI 4 Drawer Dresser Commode - $7980 (19th Century. France.)(ab0ve)




Antique French Louis XVI Gilt Settee w/Mohair - $12,850 (19th century. France) (above)


I think I like the settee the best. Which is your favorite? Would you ever spend this much on antique? If not, maybe a reproduction would work?

Please do tell.

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

WEEKEND PHOTO!

Clean, crisp, and neat.  I like this lovely modern bedroom in grey and white.  Nothing visually distracting or disturbing. Perfect place for a clear mind when going to sleep or waking. Easy to relax and just enjoy the city views.  I like the modern chaise at the end of the bed with the three mattresses on top of it.  I'd lounge there happily.

I have a little Christmas shopping to do today...other than that am taking it a little easy today.  What are your plans...we are one week before Christmas eve...how will you spend this Saturday?

What do you think of this room?  Too sparse or just right?

Happy Saturday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Felt like a criminal yesterday at the Whole Foods market in Beverly Hills.  I popped into the 12 items and under line with my tiny basket of groceries and the check out guy called me out in front of everyone in line. While he was ringing me up he said loudly, "Next time, this line is ONLY for 12 items or less".  So as he was loading up the bag I started counting then I confidently said, "I only counted 13 or 14...that's not that much" and then I made a "like whatever" noise from the back of my throat.  He then ripped the receipt out of the cash register and said "This says 17".  I felt like all of the people in line were staring at me disapprovingly and I scurried out of the grocery store as quickly as I could.  As I was running to my car I was mumbling to myself out loud, "12, 13, 17? I counted 13.".  How many times have I had less than 12 items?  Shouldn't that count for something?  Shouldn't it be an average of 12 items over several visits to the grocery store?  I didn't realize how far over I was.  Oy.  So much for holiday cheer. LOL!


Photo: Selldorf Architects

GUEST POST: FASHION EDITOR MARLIEN RENTMEESTER ON STRIPES GALORE!

Hallway painted in horizontal stripes in Le Catch blogger and fashion editor Marlien Rentmeester' s home (above)

Yoohooo dear readers...one of my dreams came true...I found someone amazing to guest post on fashion here on COCOCOZY! Woot woot!

Long story short...friend and interior designer Alison Blumenfeld sent me a link to a new fashion blog called Le Catch the other day...it is fabulous...turns out Le Catch is written by Lucky Magazine's West Coast Editor Marlien Rentmeester. Without knowing a thing about Marlien (I didn't even take the time to read the "about" section of her blog), based on the content alone I immediately emailed Alison asking her to put me in touch with Marlien. I then emailed Marlien, we had a brief chat on the phone and without a blink I asked her if she would guest post about fashion and design here on COCOCOZY. She said yes...and here we are...

I love what Marlien does because she curates amazing stylish looks...great design ideas for the wardrobe!

Today...I am thrilled to bring you Marlien's first guest post - Stripes Galore....! Woohoo!

***

BEGIN GUEST POST BY MARLIEN RENTMEESTER OF LE CATCH

I have never met a stripe I didn't like. They're ubiquitous in my wardrobe from my casual Breton t-shirts to luxurious cashmere knits. I even love pairing different striped pieces together. So, it should come as no surprise that stripes have horned in on my home. In fact, I recently painted a dark, small hallway with black and white horizontal stripes (pictured above). The result is eye-catching and timeless. Same could be said of this stripe (on stripe) ensemble below. The trick to combining stripes is to make sure they vary in size and share a similar color palette. I also like stripes with other prints, such as florals, tribal prints, animal patterns or even polka dots. Stripes are anything but boring!

1. Michelle Mason cashmere sweater, $315, netaporter.com
2. Samudra Pink Coconut Pouch, $60, samudra11.com
3. Alexander Wang mesh booties, $570, alexanderwang.com
4. Burberry Prorsum raffi-weave skirt, $795, netaporter.com
5. No. 7 Poppy King Lipstick Number Three, $10, shopbootsusa.com

Marlien

P.S. Noticed how I added yet another print into the stripey mix?

END GUEST POST BY MARLIEN RENTMEESTER OF LE CATCH

***

I absolutely love the sweater and the shoes. I love the skirt and bag too.  So I guess I love it all.  Which stripe do you fancy?

Thank you Marlien for a fabulous guest post!  Can't wait to see more of your fashion perspective here on COCOCOZY!

This guest post just made my Friday!

Happy Friday to you!

xo
Coco

P.S. Press alert - COCOCOZY on DAILY CANDY!:  A COCOCOZY cotton knit throw is featured on Daily Candy's luxury gift guide - Deluxe Gifts for Giving!  So excited to be featured and among good company with luxury brands like Frette, Hermes and Ralph Lauren.  This little press tid bit made my week!

P.P.S. Remember that cold I was fighting?  Well it won the battle.  So annoying.  Next time I'm going to win.  This cold better watch out and not come back again this winter!  Aside: I think I might be delirious...here I am talking about a common cold like it is a person...oh dear...help me please.

P.P.P.S.  Must think about what I am going to wear today.  With all of this fashion talk...feel like I have to look extra cute. Hmm...what to do...maybe a stripe? :)

COCOCOZY EXCLUSIVE: ALL THAT GLITTERS IS BRASS IN THIS STUNNING GOURMET KITCHEN! (and a little bit about my trip to the South)

An exclusive look at my friend JG's awesome kitchen! (above)

Got these fab photos the other day from friend JG. She just finished renovating her kitchen in her historic home!  Love these photos...adore this kitchen and am completely in awe of the centerpiece of the kitchen - a stunning shiny brass hood over the stove!

JG  designed this kitchen herself.  She did a fantastic job!  Besides the brass hood, the fact that JG designed this kitchen herself is so amazing. The finest materials were used throughout...a custom made brass range hood, an ILVE Majestic stove, Christopher Peacock cabinetry, custom green marble top kitchen island, it looks like Calacatta gold herringbone patterned marble backsplash behind the stove and counter to ceiling marble tiles in a subway pattern around the rest of the kitchen.  Love the glossy black crown molding and trim...adds a hint of sophisticated glamour.

JG says she decided to go with the stunning brass hood because of the gold in the marble backsplash. The island base concept she had always envisioned - an island table! JG says the island was brought to life through the help of Michael Carbine Restorations and Monica James and was inspired by a coffee table she saw in Monica James Interior Design store in Miami.

So without another word I bring you JG's wonderful kitchen...

A luxury Italian made ILVE Majestic stove and the custom brass hood to match the knobs and pulls! (above)

A brushed nickel Rohl pot filler above the range is mounted on a Calacatta gold marble backsplash set in a wonderful herringbone pattern. (above)



A glass front Sub Zero refrigerator! (above)

Glass upper cabinets with a wonderful metal detail. (above)

JG found the vintage light fixture over the kitchen island on 1st Dibs and the Drucker's French Bistro barstool at Walters . (above)

Did I mention how much I love the color of the dark brown wood floors?

Thank you JG and AG for sharing these fab photos of your kitchen. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you feeding my design addiction! Thank you! Thank you. Beautiful beautiful space. I am honored to have it here on COCOCOZY first! I can't wait to see it in person on my next visit!

Readers hope you enjoyed this COCOCOZY EXCLUSIVE of this amazing kitchen.

Happy Wednesday!

xo

Coco

P.S.  Okay my 48 hour 2 city trip is over.  I am back in Los Angeles this morning.  What an amazing whirlwind trip.  So productive.  Here's how it went...

P.P.S. Stop 1 - Atlanta - After a late night photo shoot on Saturday night, I flew out of L.A. on Sunday evening...straight to Atlanta.  On Monday, I headed right over to the Christian Mosso Associates showroom in Atlanta where the COCOCOZY collection has a permanent space.  I got to touch base with the very sweet showroom owners Laura and Christian and got a brief moment to catch up with fab showroom manager Nicole W.  I added new items to the collection (so spent some time stuffing pillows) and gave an hour long presentation to the 9 or so sales reps introducing new items and just chit chatting about COCOCOZY textiles and new offerings.  The reps were so sweet.  We had a nice talk...getting ready for market.  After meeting with the reps, I hopped in a car and went over to meet with RT a very nice buyer from a well known furniture company...we are trying to figure out how to collaborate on a project.  Great meeting there too.

My view out of the airplane window  - sunrise yesterday morning in Atlanta...just before take off on the way to Charlotte, NC.  Caught up on a little design reading if you can make that out in the reflection. (above)

P.P.P.S.  Stop 2 - North Carolina - The next day...yesterday...Tuesday...was the best.  I got up at 4 in the morning to catch a 7am flight out of Atlanta to Charlotte, NC where I was meeting best of friend AM who was flying in from New York City (poor AM had to be at the airport at LaGuardia at 5am so she was up at about 3:30a).  AM and I were off to a top secret meeting in the middle of North Carolina with a very interesting home furnishings company who has been in business for almost a hundred years and who potentially may want to partner with COCOCOZY on a collection.  It was so exciting and fun.  First, it was so cool to have AM there...she is my best of friend...she knew this was the first type of meeting I've taken like this for COCOCOZY so she hopped on a plane without a blink to lend her business acumen and to give some great advise (AM is a Harvard Business School graduate and has so much success in business that I felt very comfortable having her there with me).   So AM and I met up at the Charlotte airport at about 8am...rented a Dodge Durango...and drove off into the North Carolina country.  Almost 2 hours later (due to a failed attempt to find a Starbucks via the GPS), we arrived at our destination and to a warm greeting from the group we were meeting with which included the super smart and nice TW, amazing CC and the very charming two J's.  We had a three and half hour meeting discussing their business (all new to me and AM) and how we might partner together.  You know when you go someplace, meet a nice group of people and you feel like something clicks?  Well that happened during our little excursion.  Oh and K was so nice to bring lunch in for us.  It was just such an inviting warm friendly group who are clearly amazing at what they do in business.  After saying our good byes to our new friends (and potential business partners), AM and I got back on the road, almost got lost (I tend to argue with the decisions the GPS lady makes and AM encouraged me to just follow the GPS lady's instructions), but we made it back to the airport in time to both hop on our flights back to our respective cities.  I got home at midnight...had to lug two suitcases of samples up to my little cottage in the Hollywood Hills.  Am a little tired this morning back here in Los Angeles (I am sure AM is exhausted...did I mention she has two children 4 and 2!)...and I have to head off to my wonderful regular job that I also love. A new day begins.

P.P.P.P.S. I think I tell you guys all of my stories of running around building the COCOCOZY business in hopes of inspiring you.   It does take some doing to get any endeavor going whether personal or professional...but if you have an idea and you want to make it happen, make it happen. :-)  If I can do it, I know you can too...whether it be going after something in your personal life or getting something started in your professional life...jump in, jump in with all of your heart and make it happen.

P.P.P.P.P.S.  Have a wonderful day. xo


Photos: JG

HOW TO THROW A THROW 101 - 5 EASY IDEAS!

A chair in a corner of my tiny tiny tiny cottage in the Hollywood Hills - a great place to curl up with a good  design book  (if I ever had time)! (above)

Yesterday, on Facebook, I put up this image above showing a COCOCOZY Gate cotton knit throw on a chair in my tiny tiny little cottage in the Hollywood Hills...I posted it on Facebook just to say "Happy Sunday!" to the tens of thousands who follow along on COCOCOZY Facebook. Readers on Facebook had lots of nice things to say about this little corner in my house. One reader correctly noted that the orchid is sitting a little too low in the pot on the coffee table...I agree!

The same reader was curious about the brown trellis thing on the chair. I don't think she thought it was a throw at first. She asked whether I was using the "it" on the chair to protect the chair from getting dirty or for a dash of interest. I responded...that it is a knit throw from the COCOCOZY textiles collection that I designed and I was using it for a dash of interest of course. I don't think she had seen a throw used like this before...draped right down the middle of a chair and then tucked in (I must give credit here...my friend Candice Scott is the one who came up with this look for COCOCOZY throws last year during our first photo shoot)

I love the idea of using the throw like a decorative pillow...neatly tucked but providing a bit of texture and color.  Hence I manufacture my own throw designs now!

Well the Facebook reader's question and curiosity over the way I threw my throw got me to thinking...what are the ways to throw a throw?

Below...I use several of the COCOCOZY throws I designed to demonstrate different ways to throw a decorative throw on an armchair...it is my Throwing a Throw 101 of sorts...here goes...

5 WAYS TO THROW A THROW

1. THE LADY LIKE CROSS - Fold the throw so it is about 1/3 of its normal width.  Lay it across the back corner of the chair and let it gently drape on a slight diagonal over the seat of the chair.  Fold the bottom over for a little feminine touch. (below)

2. THE SIDE WAYS SLING - This is more dramatic than the Lady Like Cross.  Fold the throw in half length wise and then fold it in half again so it is about a quarter of its normal width.  Then drape at a complete diagonal from the back of the chair all the way across the seat.  Open up the ends of the throw if it is reversible give a more casual look and show off the other side. (below)

3. THE OVER THE ARM FOLD - Take throw fold in half length and then half again.  Then turn and fold in half the other way.  Basically you want the throw to be folded into a rectangle of sorts. Simply toss over the arm of your armchair or sofa. (below)

2. THE WATERFALL - Fold the throw in half...about a third of the way down the throw bunch it together and place at the back of the arm on a chair or sofa...then fan out the rest of the throw across the seat to create a waterfall like look. (below)

5. THE TAILORED TUCK - This has turned into a signature look for COCOCOZY Throws.  Start standing up with the throw completely unfolded.  Hold your arms out with the throw in each hand...then fold so top ends are touching or are slightly overlapping.  This will give you a long wide envelope of sorts.  Take the throw...place down the middle of the chair and then neatly tuck the bottom of the throw under the seat cushion and voila! (below)

Which look is your favorite? Any other ideas on how to throw a throw?  Please do tell!

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco


P.S. Scheduled last minute COCOCOZY home furnishings collection photo shoot with fab photographer Hugh Hamilton on Friday...we shot on Saturday night into the wee hours.  Talk about tight turn around...schedule photo shoot on Friday, shoot on Saturday....samples weren't even done when I scheduled the shoot...and if you could have seen me on Saturday running around like a chicken with no head (I like saying a chicken with no head instead of chicken with its head cut off...feels a little more crazy for a chicken to be running around with no head for no reason...) you would have chuckled I think. Anyhoooo...I'm liking the new COCOCOZY offerings - new textile designs and new products coming out in 2012.  I can't wait to tell you about them and show you what I've designed next! Hugh has been my photographer of choice for shooting the COCOCOZY Collection...he shot all of the product photos above earlier this year on previous photo shoots.   Hugh doesn't normally shoot pillows and throws...normally he shoots rock stars, celebrities and more.  While I was at Hugh's studio/garage on Saturday night...Hugh showed me some amazing photos he shot of the 80/90s grunge rock band Soundgarden in New Orleans a few months ago.  Hugh said he only had a half hour to shoot this mega rock band down in New Orleans...the photos are amazing...they are for the cover of some big international magazine.  I'd like to point out how appreciative I am that Hugh is patient with me...it took Hugh and I  4.5 hours to shoot COCOCOZY offerings as I agonized over whether something was folded just right or placed just so but it only took a half an hour with a rock band...hmmmm...home furnishings are more temperamental than rock stars it seems...amazing!

P.P.S. Still feel like I'm coming down with a cold...hmmm...no time to be sick in the next two months.  So I'm not getting sick. Power of positve thinking in overdrive on this cold issue.  I am not sick.  I am feeling great.  Feeling fantastic.  Woohooo!!!

P.P.P.S. Put together wardrobe for my COCOCOZY collection related business meetings in Atlanta and North Carolina this week...need to look cute but professional but stylish but cute...hmmm...trying to figure out how to do something different than my black Prada dress uniform, black tights and black Louboutin heels.  Think I might a little checkered shirt into the mix...I know it sounds weird...but maybe I'll take a photo of what I'm thinking and get your thoughts.

P.P.P.P.S. Okay...I'll stop after this one...but some exciting news...I've asked a very stylish person to try out a guest blog for me on fashion....keeping fingers crossed that it works out!

WEEKEND PHOTO!

On the weekends, my dream is to keep things simple.  That's why for the last few weeks I've posted some photos of living rooms with very simple design aesthetic.

I dream...reality though is far from my dream.  I dream of keeping things simple on the weekends but I am doing the exact opposite every weekend.  Making the weekends as jam packed and busy as ever with all things COCOCOZY.   All good and I am enjoying it but definitely the opposite of simple!

As an example of how I complicate my weekends...Yesterday, last minute, I called fab photographer Hugh Hamilton and asked if we could do a quick weekend photo shoot of all of the new COCOCOZY offerings for 2012.  I am headed out next week for a COCOCOZY related business trip and wanted to get started shooting all of the new goodies in the collection...that means today I am running like a chicken with no head.  We haven't even finished making some of the samples.  Ooooohhhhh...yikes.

Gotta run.  I wish you a simple and relaxing weekend.  I will stop for a moment in the chaos of today and take a look at this living room with its super long light blue sofa and calming color palette and almost bare decor...I'll look and dream of the simple life!  No clutter, no frills (almost no furniture I might add!), no nonsense...just the basics.

What do you think of this room?  Not enough frills for you or just right?  What would you add to or subtract from this space?  I might add something in the corners to fill up the dead space there, some accessories like pillows, throws and a few decorative knick knacks to warm things up and...ooohhh...there I go complicating things agan.

Happy Saturday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Gift shopping...still not too late to order your COCOCOZY candles in time for Christmas or as hostess gifts for those holiday parties.   We sold out of a few fragrances last week but more are coming in on Tuesday and we can send out right away.  They come gift wrapped too...one stop shopping!

Photo: Jeff McNamara

THIS OR THAT: WINDOW SITTING!

A cushion and a throw are added to make the ledge of this arched window in a Swedish apartment more comfy and cozy. (above)

Who wouldn't want to spend a bit of time curled up with a good book or magazine sitting under or near a wonderful window?  The sunlight, a comfortable seat, an interesting view perhaps...that's the recipe for a perfect moment or two.

So many ways to window sit...which of these do you prefer? That's my question in today's THIS OR THAT!

A blue velvet tufted bench and just the right amount of pillows under a nice window m a corner. (above)

A white wingback chair and ottoman make for a sleek and stylish window seat in a city apartment. (above)

Sunlight washes over a lavender settee perfectly postition right below two windows. (above)

Floor to ceiling windows with a lush garden view provide a gorgeous backdrop for this mid century classic blue Saarinen womb chair. (above)

A traditional built in window seat is the perfect place to enjoy a bit rest and perhaps storytelling in this adorable nursery. (above)

My favorite window seat would be the first one on the ledge.  I would love to spend a little time just sitting on a window ledge watching passersby.  Pretty picture indeed.

This is a THIS OR THAT...so I must know which of these window sitting areas you prefer?  Do you have a place to just sit by a window in your own home?  If so, where?  I want to hear.

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Whirlwind weekend...as I get ready for a quick trip to the south...North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia are on my agenda next week.  Will be there for just two days meeting with all kinds of folks and talking about COCOCOZY.

P.P.S. Just wanted to say how much I appreciate all of you readers and how much I enjoy hearing from you here on the blog.  I love your comments so please don't be afraid to weigh in...I love seeing what you have to say about design or about anything else.  I read all of your comments and am entertained and informed by them.  So thank you for being part of the conversation!!  xoxo


Photos: Alvhem; Emily Henderson; Victoria Hagan; Amie Weitzman; Herron Horton Architects; Rinfret, Ltd

THE WELL SMELLED OUT GIFT - CANDLES!

I am so happy with the way the COCOCOZY candle collection is working out so far. A nice selection of lovely soy wax candles...all hand poured here in the U.S.  All scents selected by me.  If you have to divide it up between gifts for him and gifts for her...the white are for her...the black label are for him.  Really though these scents are gender neutral...just depends on your mood.

I think you can never go wrong with a candle as a gift.  My favorite is the Citrus!

For those of  you last minute holiday shoppers...does this help?  This year I feel extra lucky. I'll admit I am a true holiday shopping procrastinator but for the first time in my life I have gift options ready to go.  The benefits of running your own home accessories business!

Citurs Candle - $47 (Clean grapefruit and citrus aromas. Soy wax candle. Frosted glass. Hand poured in the U.S.A. Comes gift wrapped. 12 oz) (above)

Flower Candle - $44 (A subtle floral Gardenia scent. Soy wax candle. Frosted glass. Hand poured in the U.S.A. Comes gift wrapped. 7.5 oz)

Beach Candle - $44 (Soy wax candle. Frosted glass. Hand poured in the U.S.A. Comes gift wrapped. 7.5 oz)

Fresh Candle - $44 (Mint scented. Soy wax candle. Clear square glass. Hand poured in the U.S.A. Comes gift wrapped. 7.5 oz)

Black Label - $44 (Rich cedar musk aroma. Soy wax candle. Clear square glass. Hand poured in the U.S.A. Comes gift wrapped. 7.5 oz)

Coco's Flower - $44 (Romantic Verbena scent. Soy wax candle. Clear square glass. Hand poured in the U.S.A. Comes gift wrapped. 7.5 oz)

Each candle comes gift wrapped in a white box with a signature black and white grosgrain ribbon! (above)

We can send a delicious gift wrapped COCOCOZY candle to you or to your gift recipient. We'll even add a note if you like. Just let us know.  Please try to order as soon as possible so we can get you what you need in time! Allow for 6-10 business days for these to arrive.  So now is the time to order!

Happy holiday shopping!

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco