5 Things I Heart - Ben Collins Edition

I heart Ben Collins...I feel like I start every 5 things post that way but I really do love him (not that I don't love the rest but you know what I mean!) Ben is part owner in Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams in Atlanta, Nashvegas, and Dallas. He travels all the time and it makes me sad because I don't get to see him as much as I would like. But he's a super cute, ultra savvy businessman who has great taste and serious southern charm. Here are his 5 things:



1. My new Billy Reid Duffle...Its a great looking white canvas duffle perfect for summer travel......and when it gets completely dirty from all of my abuse, I plan to dye it a nice grey for Fall. Everything that Billy does is fantastic. He truly make "country" look cool and hip.

2. The new Woodrow Collection from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Made from reclaimed wood, you can know that you are being environmentally responsible while getting a great look. The clean lines of the piece mixed with the reclaimed wood top makes it a great fit for any space! The console and cocktail tables retail for $1120 and the side for $680. The new collection will hit the showroom and the website in August.

3. The non profit Room Service Atlanta....Local Atlanta designers, Dayka Robinson and Erika Ward, have founded a non profit that helps homeless and those less fortunate "get back on their feet". Through donations, and with the help of other local Atlanta designers, these women are furnishing and decorating spaces for those in need. Its truly an amazing organization.



4. My Imogene + Willie jeans.....they are hand made in Nashville TN. You actually are fitted in the shop and wait for them to be hemmed. Great jeans and an incredible shopping experience. It feels like you have taken a step back in time when you walk into their shop.



5. Online home mags.....when traveling it so nice to have my airbook and not have to lug around 20 magazines for a flight. There are so many great online mags to choose from....one of my favorites is Trad Home.

Lonny loves my cousin!

I know I have written about my discovery of Lonny Mag, but my dad just sent me an email and told me they did a spread on one of my cousins from Texas! Her name is Laurann, she is a writer and she and her sister produce a line of killer sleepy time apparel called Claridge + King (I own several and sleep in them all the time...and sometimes wear them out, I'm not going to lie.) Locally (in GA) you can find them at Tootsies, Luna, and Gramercy, but check their website and you can order from there as well. Anyway, click here (page 156) to see Laurann's beautiful home in Lonny!

Goodbye Metropolitan Home, Hello Lonnymag.com

I assume that almost everyone today is writing some sort of post about the devastation of losing another really good shelter magazine. No doubt that Met Home was one of the good ones, the really good ones and I know we as a design community are sad to see it go. As a designer I am not ashamed to say that I am constantly trying to be recognized by any publication, but it was one of my dreams to be in Met Home, and believe me I tried...twice! Regardless, let's not look at this as another "sign of the times" rather as an opportunity for new and innovative ways to highlight trends and creativity. That being said, I was recently introduced to LonnyMag and I like it. This latest issue, Fall 2009 is their premier and it's just what the design starved are looking for. Think Domino Magazine(brought to you by one of their former editors)/Fun Blog/Eco-trip meets the internet. We all know we loved Domino, there's no shame in that. I love it's photography and it had some amazing resources, we'll it's basically be reincarnated on the internet. If my 72 year old father is savvy enough to sign me up for a digital edition of Marie Claire Magazine, then surely we can start reading online magazines. I am thrilled that I found LonnyMag and I am sure I am not the first, but I don't care. I hope you like it too!