Monday, August 4, 2008

A Very Fine Line

House of Holland A/W'08

I've been trying to do some decorating research for my ongoing boudoir makeover. A large part of my mad, mad plan involves a gratuitous use of tartan and glossy black surfaces. I'm going for a "Vivienne Westwood does Renaissance Burlesque House" look. When it's done, I'll let you know what that is!

Googling for "Tartan" and "Bedrooms", brings up some of the most hideous results, that for any other sane person, would kill their desire to use such a statement fabric. Of course for me, it simply solidifies my resolve to show that it can be done with style, and come out as a whip crackingly sexy room.

But as usual I keep taking a detour from my original mission and finding all sorts of fashion related lovelies. Why is it that the only decent examples of a nicely executed use of tartan is in fashion? Every decorating related piece leaves me shuddering at its sheer bed and breakfast quality. I am somewhat encouraged by the thought that, "tartan is going to be huge next winter" (they say), because at present I feel like I could be creating Frankenstein's monster if I even have so much as one off day.



Tartan Corset from Engineers of Desire.




Corset Dress from Miss Katie's



Ralph Lauren Tartan Boot

15 comments:

Imelda Matt - The Despotic Queen of Shoes said...

I'm desperate for a light weight tartan sports jackets for Spring. I'm off to google tartan in the home and see what gruesome goodies you've held off on publishing!

Lisamaree said...

I think Imelda Matt would be the only one who could pull that off. On anyone else It would be ventriloquist doll or American golfer.
Love the Tartan Basque Super k. And the Waspie. Tartan is always strong for christmas here in the Northern Hem'. I guess it is avoiding that Martha Gardener does Christmas that is the challenge!
xx

K.Line said...

How does Mr. SKM feel about your decorating? (Not that it won't be fantastic, but you know how husbands can put up a fuss...)

Shallow Coffee said...

I must say - I like the tartan eye patch. Very prep school pirate.

WendyB said...

That corset really does look engineered.

Candice DeVille said...

Imelda Matt: I'm having visions of an ironic Felix Unger - nicely done.
Hammie: I always take the non traditional route of a leopard print Christmas! Even the baubles for my tree are animal print! It's the perfect time of year to take things too far. :)
K.Line: So long as I do all the work, he is pretty much happy with anything. I think he takes the line of "Happy wife, Happy life." Although he did draw the line at my monkey wallpaper... (but you never know what things can be achieved).
Kristen: Me too. Fashion has to have a sense of humor in my book.
Wendy B: It was that edge I loved about it. Not too Victoriana or run of the mill Gothic. And the tortoiseshell buckles are unexpectedly fabulous.

Elizabeth said...

Gosh, I can't wait to see/hear all about it. I love tartan. And glossy black surfaces never hurt anyone!

Mel.J said...

At first glance I thought that corset was a lampshade! (How's your DIY skills in that area??)

Candice DeVille said...

enc: I can't wait to get it finished! I've been at it for some time now. But headway will be made.
Mel.J: Do you mean in making a lamp or a corset?

Mel.J said...

I meant a lampshade - I could see those buckles on a lampshade. Course, it might be tricky to get the light through...
perhaps not a good idea.
:)

Anonymous said...

Have you tried searching on "plaid"? America doesn't really use the term "tartan" much, perhaps that where all the quality tartan pages are hiding!!

Cheryl Lynn Pastor Romance Author said...

I love the boot, needless to say. But surprisingly, I love the mini skirt/eye-patch outfit too. I especially love the model's hair. I struggle with all kinds of hair junk to get my hair to stand up like that since it's grown out to the same length as hers.

Great post, Mama!

emsydo said...

i believe topshop has a red tartan jacket and a whole tartan/stripe theme going on.

Lil Midget said...

want the corset and boot!

Shady said...

Ohhhh that dress! Love!
And I absolutely cannot wait to see your bedroom makeover :D