The Domino Effect

Once a month, I open my mailbox with a squeal of delight to see my Domino magazine waiting for me. I typically save it for later that night when I can sit back with a glass of wine and devour the publication in one fell swoop. I swoon over just about every page of the magazine with its fresh designs, modern-yet-classic styles, and unique products. It is one of my little monthly indulgences that usually leaves me looking around my own home thinking of ways to integrate what I’ll call the Domino Effect.

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Inspiring Erin McDermott

Charlottesville is a beautiful town with inspiration all around us, and jewelry designer Erin McDermott finds it in even every detail. She has perfected the art of translating nature and the everyday into beautiful, unique designs.

Her jewelry is as creative as she is, each piece given a wonderfully descriptive name like Drive-In Movie Drop earrings and First Day of Spring necklace. I had the pleasure of learning more about Erin and her designs. After hearing her story, each item seems that much more special. Read more

Must Have Sandals

I am as happy as a daffodil to unearth all 30 pairs or so of my Jack Rogers sandals. While I hate that these fabulous, go-with-anything sandals have become a preppy cliche, I truly cannot live without them. Indeed, they comliment any outfit (even cocktail dresses) and come in every imaginable color. The style is classic (made famous by Jackie O in the 60s), and you can even get them monogrammed. I also have a few Stephen Bonnano shoes, which are a decent derivation of the classic Jack Roger design, but they do not hold up as well.

I knew of Jack Rogers years ago before they became a staple at every sorority house. Having been born and partly raised in South Florida, I saw my first pair of Jack Rogers over a quarter of a century ago when they covered the floor of my mother’s closet. I feel somewhat entitled to think of Jack Rogers as unique to my personal style.

While amassing a spectrum of Jack Rogers, I typically try to avoid footwear fads in an effort to be unique. For instance, I did not purchase a single pair of Tory Burch flats although I find them super cute. I do not own a pair of Crocs or those flip flops with the little rainbow. Oh, and I had Sperry boat shoes years ago when friends thought they were hideous (a requirement on annual deep sea fishing trips with Dad). However, despite their widespread popularity, I cannot go through a Spring nor Summer without Jack Rogers in every color.

By the way, I noticed that Scarpa now carries Jack Rogers, as does Richie & Co in Barracks Shopping Center (and I think they are a few $$ less at Richie & Co).

What shoes can you not live without?

Bust envy

In my quest for stylish design on a dime, I’ve recently become obsessed with busts. Yes, head sculptures.

It seems that busts are becoming an increasingly popular interior design accessory. This objet d’art is typically found in historic societies and educational institutions, but busts have been popping their little heads into everyday decor and interior decorating mags like this one from House Beautiful.

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