Lori's List » Accesories

Barclay’s Brand New Bag

Lori — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:38:06 +0000

Last week Barclay Butera joined design’s uber-elite when he opened his new showroom in the La Cienega Design Quarter- the Champs Elysees of Los Angeles Design. There were swinging tunes, cocktails and canapés as Butera played host to a bevy of A-listers who turned out to view and celebrate the grand opening of his second Los Angeles location.

The atelier concept is a new one for La Cienega showrooms, as Barclay is more interested in bringing in his existing clients for a little “shop time” and is a bit less concerned with retail sales. (I’m not saying you can’t purchase his scrumptious furnishings at the shop, you can. It’s just an amuse bouche, instead of a smorgasbord.)

“Often times with celebrities and moguls there is a demand for the utmost discretion and privacy. These clients will now enjoy a very on-brand setting to meet and review projects. We will have our material at our fingertips, access to internet, samplings of furniture all handy. It’s the quintessential arrangement for both designer and client” said Butera.

With appointments already booked and a staff of capable, design assistants to cater to one’s every need, Barclay is sure to have yet another grandslam.

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Lori Dennis Shop is open for business!

Lori — Sat, 08 May 2010 00:00:13 +0000

For years I’ve been getting calls and emails from around the world asking…”where can I buy this (lamp, rug, throw, pillow, chair, sofa, etc) that I saw in your design. I’ve also received thousands of inquiries from people asking how they can make their rooms look like the ones I’ve designed. When I tell someone what is involved (especially the fees) in putting these rooms together, the average person, understandably, is less than willing to commit. So after decades of reading fashion magazines’, “get the look” sections, a light went off. I’ll offer “get the look” for people who love high design without the high end fees. In the Lori Dennis Shop you can instantly find the treasures that took me an entire career to locate. Everyone who has seen the shop, loves it and People magazine recently featured our sheep throw.

Some of my favorite items are the beeswax candles, which are eco-friendly, 100% beeswax, long burning candles that contain no artificial dyes or fragrances and are made in the USA. Sweet, light honey smells fill the air and the wicks contain no metal or lead.

Since the weather is so nice, I am also loving the outdoor furniture, especially the Maui Bed. There is nothing like getting some fresh air and lounging while returning work emails!

If you have some time, check it out, I’m sure there’s something you’ll love.

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Elle’s First Tea Party, No BPAs Invited

Lori — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:58:14 +0000

My daughter Elle recently celebrated her first birthday. Checks for college funds, adorable clothes, noisy toys (she loves), a soccer ball and a super stylish swimsuit were among the gifts she received. But the tea set from one of her BFFs (whose mommy happens to know a thing or two about etiquette being a deb from Houston) was our favorite. I believe all young ladies should host tea parties for their stuffed friends. Doing so teaches grace and generosity, vital ingredients to being a social success. Of course little Elle Bell took to it like a fish to water, tiaras in tow. Plus, tea sets don’t make annoying noises and they don’t require (rechargeable) batteries.

But what was unique about this tea set and the reason we loved it so much was that it is green, made from 100% recycled, plastic, milk bottles retrieved from curbside collection. The back of the recycled cardboard packaging gives a little information about how much energy green toys can save. In this case it’s equal to using 3,000 AAA batteries or enough energy to power a TV for 3 weeks or run a lap top for a month. This set also contains no BPA, phthalates or lead paint. Just a box of good ole’ fashioned, girly fun- and best of all- made in the USA. You can find one at GreenToys.com.

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Recycled Doilies Steal the Show

Lori — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:54:36 +0000

This may be the coolest way I ever seen to display a doily. Designer Kristen Wicklund showed her collection of porcelain dipped dolies at Greenwich House Pottery this holiday season. She dips them in porcelain and fires them in a mold until the fabric evaporates. I’m wondering if I can dips granny’s doilies in starch and get the same effect.

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