Rock Hudson & Loyd Paxton

Just got back from lunch (yes, it was a long one) with the dashing Loyd Taylor of design duo Loyd Paxton. Talked for hours. I learned that Loyd and Paxton (who met in college circa 1960) got their start in the antique business when a woman named Mary McCormick, related to that famous Chicago family (either the McCormick Reaper or McCormick Place), called and said she was moving to Amarillo, and would they please take some of her antiques on consignment. Dallas was a much smaller community in those days–less than 300,000 people. Had no idea how or to whom they would sell them, but they said yes. (more…)

Post-modernism

Luxus Showroom owner Hilda Yong told me last night at our advertiser’s party that she’s no longer going to try to figure out what people in Dallas want. Says she: “I’m going to buy what I like.” Luxus is known for its contemporary European style, so when she told me she loves traditional, my jaw dropped. She said, “I like to mix things up and use both classical and contemporary at home, so that’s where I’m going now at the showroom.” She’s put a light oak dining table on the floor, for gosh sakes. To make room for the new mix and a new private label furniture line, Yong is hunting for a new showroom space and is leaning towards the Decorative Center.

Ties at William & Wesley

Just when you thought William & Wesley couldn’t squeeze one more industry out of their space (they sell, build and upholster furniture, finish frames, and make draperies), he’s at it again. Now Bill is making ties out of Christopher Hyland fabrics. Sound like a good idea to me, you can make 3 fabulous ties out of 1 yard of fabric. Watch out, Hermes.

Angie Barrett’s Home on Market Again

This time with Lillie Young and not Best Realtor Doris Jacobs. Go figure.

Sweet Rebecca is Cursed–Literally

Do you see the nuttiness we must put up with in this world of shelter magazines? Well, you will now. Apparently, someone has decided they would like to see a hex on our Rebecca Sherman. Like that’ll get his house published. I have no idea what he’s talking about and honestly, I bet he doesn’t either…

P.S. Re: River Rats

Ladies, if you didn’t go to the meeting Tuesday night you should start crying into your pillow right now. Christine Lieb was there (with hubby), so she can testify. I have never seen so many tall, good-looking young men in one place at one time in Dallas that didn’t involve a thumping downbeat and a Stoli on the rocks. Erika Huddleston, the director of marketing for the Trinity Trust, said she was floored when 80% of the RSVPs for the event came in from young men. Seriously, trust me on this, do yourself a favor and become a River Rat today.

Life Goes on Despite Our Tsunami

Jeanne Prejean and I both wonder about the Park Cities Parade–but the great thing about open houses is, who needs a patio?

Says Jeannie: “Just heard from Travis Mathews that they’re going ahead with today’s open house on 6606 Stefani for Woldt despite the storms. Regardless of the tsunami, the Paciugo and Champagne are chilled and NorthPark Gold is in someone’s future.”

Ron Hall’s Organic Insect Oil

We’ve talked about mass insect extinction before but heaven knows this summer’s bugs are getting the best of all of us, right? So, coincidentally, I ran into Ron Hall, landscaper with Ron’s Organic Dynamics, who tells me his wife has concocted an all-natural insect repellent from organic oils. Sprinkle it on your lawn and you’ll be bite-free for one week–pretty good for $15 a bag, right? More info here.

River Rats and Brooke Rydman

Ran into textile designer Brooke Rydman at the Trinity Trust party Tuesday night. She sells her designs at Neiman’s and Forty Five Ten and has just completed a custom project with Emily Summers. She’s just one of the many cool, talented people who are interested in being River Rats, the young supporters of the Trinity River projects. Hey–if you’re 20-40, like canoe trips, hikes, nature seminars, and happy hours, get your $50 ready and join online now.

Big Wine Sale Extended

Due to the rainy weather (“what? It’s raining? Really? I hadn’t noticed.”), The Wine Market is extending its storewide sale for an extra two days. Save 25 percent off everything in the store (wine, glassware, wine accessories, and more) through Friday, June 29. If you want some wines to cellar, this is the time to buy them.