Congratulations

Another shout-out goes to Coni Marotz who owns Iconi Interiors. Marotz is celebrating her one-year anniversary tonight with special sales and deals. I first wrote about her store in our June 2008 issue and have stopped back many times since—she’s always got something new. My favorite items (as I’ve written about on this blog before) are most definitely the vintage jewelry pieces she hangs from jewelry trees and displays in the glass cases up front. I adore (and drool over) the chunky strands of baubles, hefty cocktail rings and statement bracelets that take up a few inches of wrist real estate. In my opinion, Iconi would fit right in in a chic Chicago neighborhood, or perhaps on a laid-back San Francisco street—and yet, we’re lucky to have her shop right here on West Washington Avenue.
(I loooove Coni's display of her vintage barware and her vintage framed wallpapers, below).
Iconi, 534 W. Washington Ave. 441-0077. iconiinteriors.com





Anthology celebrated their year anniversary last Saturday, March 14. Owners Laura and Sachi Komai already held festivities, but you can still stop in to check out all of their new items like recycled bottle-cap necklaces, vintage-inspired charm bracelet kits, stickers, books and much more. If you haven’t been to Anthology it’s one of those shops that you can easily walk in and spend under $10 if your wallet’s tight—or more if you’ve got it! I personally favor their decorative papers, cards and jewelry.
(A rack of Anthology's decorative papers and a display in the shop).
Anthology, 218 State St. 204-2644. anthology.typepad.com

Things I Love

I was out and about earlier this week working on a magazine story and stopped in two of my favorite stores: Fontaine and Iconi. I thought I'd share pics I snapped of some cool stuff I encountered.
First are these gorgeous vintage slipper chairs from Fontaine, priced at $1,635. With touches of Asian, organic and luxe all rolled into one, these chairs are fit for a queen. I've long admired slipper chairs because they always look so stately and feminine in home décor magazines; though they could be fashioned into a more "manly" look by covering one in leather and adding some nailhead trim, too. Either way, I love, love, love these chairs and the fabric they're swathed in.

Next is my perennial favorite Iconi Interiors. So, I'm one of those people that like dressing up. You won't catch me in a T-shirt and sneakers, unless I'm working out. No sir—it's pumps, bangles and dresses for me! That's why I like Coni Marotz's store Iconi, because it reminds me of a time when women dressed up for cocktail parties, wore red lipstick and glammed it up with major jewelry. Men sported smart suits and had pocket squares. Marotz has quite a collection of vintage barware, seen here. She also has an awesome collection of vintage jewelry that I yearn for every time I step in her store. It's like a magnet—I'm drawn to her case of jewelry every time I stop by.
Can't you just imagine a cocktail party in the '50s or '60s, where these glasses were surely used? I sure can. So, combine the sparkly cocktail glasses with one of her major necklaces and you've got my dream world of dressing up for a party, clutching a extraordinary glass all while looking fabulous. Cheers!

Fontaine, 811 E. Johnson St. 310-8002.
Iconi Interiors, 534 W. Washington Ave. 441-0077.

Makeover Time

I recently received a press release from Century Furniture (not to be confused with Century House here in Madison) on their plans to release a black-and-white upholstered collection at the Fall 2007 International Home Furnishings Market. While I wasn’t familiar with the company or the market, the images that were sent along with the press release were stellar. Cool curvy ottomans, retro white armchairs with black and white scrollwork upholstery and the beautiful Tuxedo Wing Chair. The reason I mention my love of black and white furnishings is because I recently “made over” a chair I found on a curb near my apartment, if you can believe that. Hey, the price was right!
Originally a wood dining room chair with a bland mauve upholstered cushion, I decided to jazz it up with my vision: spray-paint the frame a glossy black and reupholster the cushion in a black and white brocade patterned fabric. Tres chic!
Not only did the chair turn out swimmingly (with the assistance of my mom—thanks mom!) but it was incredibly inexpensive to make over. And I can say I did it myself!

Cool New Product Lines

Stepping into Indocara on West Washington always relaxes me. The serene interior combined with the wafting scent from the lovely aromatic diffuser calms my senses.
On my most recent visit, owner Natasha Vora had some new product lines to share with me. First were the delicious and soy-based Archipelago body lotions, candles and shower gels. Vora gave me two samples of the pomegranate hand cream and I have already used both of them up—it was that good. They’re definitely on my short list of gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season. The store already sells one pre-packaged set of Archipelago products and most likely, we’ll see more for the holidays. With prices ranging from $8–$34, this is an affordable, yet luxurious gift.
Vora is also carrying L.A. designer Nathan Anthony’s line of furniture. These made to order, upholstered pieces have a lifetime guarantee. Shoppers can go through Vora’s look book of options, pick out a fabric (I personally loved the funky mod sunburst print and the black and white brocade), send out the order and voila!—the item will be sent back made just for you in eight weeks. Fun fact: at least one of Anthony’s pieces has been spotted in episodes of Entourage.

Indocara, 540 W. Washington Ave. 251-7711. indocara.com

Fancy Furnishings

Left: Chest by Anna Millea. Right: Chair by Earl Walker.

Last year marked the first time the Fine Furnishings Show was brought to Milwaukee. This year’s show promises an “Arts & Crafts Revival,” which, according to show materials, took place from 1890–1929 and drew inspiration from England, Japan and the regional traditional crafts of America. I attended last year’s event and lusted after thousand-dollar coffee tables, funky Dr. Seuss-like bookshelves and exquisite handcrafted kitchen items. The show will peddle furniture, decorative accessories and original art. Regional artists from Madison, Milwaukee, Door County and Chicago will be there in addition to over 150 artisans from across North America.
Fine Furnishings Show, September 29–30. Midwest Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. 401-816-0963. finefurnishingsshows.com