Monograms, Herend, slipcovered furniture, and pink-and-green combinations have helped define Dallas style for years. Now the look is bigger than ever.
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| photography by Elizabeth Lavin |
It used to be easy to mock the staples of the 1980s: the L.L. Bean duck boots, add-a-pearl necklaces, and Polo shirts. That buttoned up look was so 20 years ago. But lately, the look has invaded our home interiors with its Ralph Lauren-inspired themes, Ivy League traditionalism, and ubiquitous Martha’s Vineyard, seashell-encrusted accessories. Not ready to throw out your Barcelona for a plaid armchair? Prefer your Monet over mallards? Mix a few pieces of preppy with what you already own, and have a little fun.
Just out from Assouline: A Privileged Life, Celebrating WASP Style. Elle Décor editor Susanna Salk captures a thoroughly American way of living, dressing, and decorating, from Mario Buatta to Ralph Lauren to Babe Paley. $40, at Forty Five Ten.
Monogram Everything.
Flaunt your initials, and use color, Susan Palma says. “No wishy-washy beige.”
Where to get it done:
Leontine Linens: 1-800-876-4799. www.leontinelinens.com.
Madison: 214-528-8118. www.kkmadison.com.
OK Alterations: 214-750-1202.
Kyle Painter: 214-507-9284.
Pet Portraits.
It doesn’t take an Ivy League education to know that people often disappoint you, but pets seldom do. (That stain on Aunt Edna’s Oriental rug doesn’t count—that was an accident.) Show your appreciation, and commission an oil painting of your faithful pup. It also sends a message to wayward kids: I might be crazy enough to give your inheritance to Lady. Dave Kramer. 214-526-5572. www.davekramer-art.com. Meg Fitzpatrick. 941-993-2746. www.megfitzpatrick.com.
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| photography by Vanessa Gavalya |
<< Room Service by Ann Fox.
Slipcovered furniture, pink-and-green patterns, wallpaper, and printed fabrics. What could be more iconic? 4354 Lovers Ln. 214-369-7666. www.roomservicebyannfox.com.
Snider Plaza.
Thank heavens for Snider Plaza, a wholesome town-square. Hang out with your own kind while you shop for yarn at Passionknit. Get that shell napkin ring at At My Table. Replace Mom’s (slightly damaged) Spode gravy boat at Suzanne Roberts. Picardy’s Shrimp Shop brings Maine home with classic clam chowder.
Madison.
Remember the rich, spinster aunt who collected beautiful, breakable things? Her devotion to tradition was never tested by a brood of ill-behaved kids. That’s what a trip to Madison is like. Nothing but dainty, feminine items such as Herend bunnies, William Yeoward crystal, and gorgeous Printery calling cards. 45 A Highland Park Vlg. 214-528-8118. www.kkmadison.com.
Quatrine.
This bastion of Shabby Chic carries on the most East-coast inspired of WASP influences: the slipcover. You don’t have to own a summer house in the Hamptons to own practical, pretty slipcovered furniture like this. 3120 Knox St. 214-522-2214. www.quatrine.com.
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| photography by Vanessa Gavalya |
Home, James! >>
Hello, the store hails from East Hampton. Need we say more? The boys (owners Josef Schreick and David Cipperman) are pros at helping you find the perfect gift—whether for a dear friend or yourself. Get personal monogramming for a $250 setup fee, and then each time you have something monogrammed, it is only $10-20. 4514 Travis St. 214-528-0700. www.homejameseasthampton.com.
Coffee spoons circa 1930, $125.
Ivory-handled cheese knife circa 1898, $175.
Needlepoint Pillows.
Needlepoint must have derived from an austere Protestant need to be practical. It’s amazing how a pillow with an enigmatic saying (what does “A stitch in time saves nine” really mean?) can disguise the wear and tear on a sofa. Learn to do it yourself at Key Stitches or, if you’re short on time, buy some at Peek in the Attic. 6722 Snider Plaza. 214-750-7335.
Restoration Hardware.
Even with global warming, this store manages to channel an East Coast summer. Perhaps it’s the signature sea green walls, the nook filled with gardening gloves, or the clean, white monogrammed linens. It’s a perfectly respectable place to buy outdoor lighting fixtures, cabinet pulls, and other hardware for your summer house. Multiple locations. 3133 Knox St. 214-520-7255. www.restorationhardware.com.
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| photography by Vanessa Gavalya |
<< Swoozie’s.
This pink, green, and orange party store is a favorite among University Park moms for invitations and such WASPy accoutrements as the tennis bag. 8417 Preston Center Plaza Dr. 214-890-0433. www.swoozies.com.
D. Porthault.
Before you send Muffy off to Hotchkiss, make sure she’s chosen her Porthault pattern. The boutique carries more than 100 French linen patterns, but, as you know, some are more iconic than others. Mille Fleurs with its pink, yellow, and blue flowers is a classic. But if your darling wants something a little newer and more modern, look for the patriotic New York Mille Fleurs in sheets this fall. 85 A Highland Park Vlg. 214-526-3545.
Beretta Gallery.
The name was made famous by firearms, and an aristocratic, old-money feel pervades this store, which also carries home accessories and clothing. 41 Highland Park Vlg. 214-559-9800. www.beretta.com.
Haynsworth Photography.
It has been said that children are better seen than heard. Haynsworth Photography has captured silent, smiling kids for more than 40 years. The noted photographer’s family portraits are showcased in the homes of some of the best families in town. 86 Highland Park Vlg. 214-559-3700. www.haynsworthphotography.com.
Ralph Lauren.
Women walk in wearing jodhpurs and riding boots. Judging from the state of their hair and makeup, the Polo logo is about as close as they ever get to horses. Here, riding gear is completely appropriate. Grab your riding crop and head in for a cable-knit throw. Multiple locations. 58 Highland Park Vlg. 214-522-5270. www.ralphlauren.com.
Collectors Covey.
Few stores understand the need of the well-bred to bring the outdoors in. The Covey does, and its 3,150-square-foot space is brimming with oil paintings that feature hunting dogs and painted decoys ideal for the the living room mantel. 5550 W. Lovers Ln. 214-521-7880.
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| photography by Vanessa Gavalya |
Vintage Living. >>
Lisa Luby Ryan’s newly expanded boutique is awash in a sea of whites, creams, pale blues, and weathered woods. She combines the clean lines of Swedish antiques with a decidedly coastal-living flavor. Bring the sea to your living room with a nautical-themed mirror or paintings of ships. 6701 Snider Plaza. 214-360-4211. www.lisalubyryan.com.
Burberry.
If you’re often clad in your tartan raincoat, you might want to avoid being too T.D.C. (According to the The Official Preppy Handbook: “Total Design Concept. A house or wardrobe that is thoroughly coordinated. Used sarcastically.”) Go easy on the pattern in your house; get the checked, sterling-silver picture frame instead. 526 NorthPark Center. 214-369-1100. www.burberry.com.
Richard Mulligan at George Cameron Nash.
Designers with clients who summer on the Cape go to the Richard Mulligan collection at George Cameron Nash. Here’s why: Everything it carries looks like it’s been collected for generations. It might cost three times as much, but it’s worth it. To the trade. 150 Dallas Design Center. 214-744-1544. www.georgecameronnash.com.
E. C. Dicken Inc.
E.C. Dicken is one of the oldest showrooms in Dallas and an expert at seamlessly blending English antiques and reproductions from Minton-Spidell and Burton-Ching. Designers buy furnishings here for their traditionalist client whose ancestors likely did not come over on the Mayflower. To the trade. 1025 N. Stemmons Fwy., Ste. 260. 214-742-4801. www.ecdicken.com.
Weir’s Furniture Village.
Weir’s has been furnishing the family “camp” for decades. Plaid couches and brown wood abound. Almost everyone from the Park Cities has a piece from Weir’s—even if it’s only their Stearns & Foster mattress. It’s been that way since the store opened downtown in the 1920s, and we suspect it always will be. 3219 Knox St. 214-528-0321. www.weirsfurniture.com.
Mecox.
Based in the Hamptons, Mecox brings Dallas one-of-a-kind, nautically inspired furnishings in bleached driftwood, sisal, and other natural materials. But it doesn’t stop at the beach—a collection of antique floating lifeguard buoys mixes with a nickle-plated tripod lamp and snakeskin boxes. 4532 Cole Ave. 214-580-3800. www.mecoxgardens.com.
The Copper Lamp.
Just walking into this old-school tabletop store makes you stand up a little straighter. In part it’s due to the beautiful array of place settings, antique wine buckets, tea services, and candelabras. Brides-to-be swoop in to check out classic Herend china. If you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth, there’s no place better to find the proper Francis I waiter. 208 Preston Royal Shopping Ctr. 214-369-5166. www.copperlamp.com.
