Parson Gray is the husband of fabric designer, Amy Butler, singer for the band, Black Owls, and graphic designer/photographer.  He’s now joining his wife in fabric design by introducing his new collection, Curious Nature.

Parson’s website isn’t up yet, so stay tuned to the Parson Gray Facebook page for updates on this new fabric launch!  You can see the individual fabrics in the photo section.  I love the rich manly hues!

Click here to download a free copy of Julius Morningstar by his band, Black Owls, recently featured in this month’s Classic Rock Magazine out of the UK!

Strolling among rusty, chippy, dusty stuff is good for my soul.  I can’t explain it, but there’s nothing else that stirs my creativity and inspires me more.  Traveling to Round Top twice a year is like a shot in the arm!

As my pickin’ buddy, Dana of Tattered Style, and I pulled into town, we stopped to say “howdy” to Carley and Johnny Seale, of The Gypsy Wagon, and checked out their newly renovated Airstream!  She’s a beauty!

The Gypsy Wagon is located right across the street from Round Top’s square and Royers Round Top Cafe!  They’ll be back next time, so don’t miss seeing them next Spring!

This vintage target practice poster was my first purchase from British Route Sign Designs!  I can’t wait to hang it.  I’m going to need a little help…I want to hang it high at the top of my stairwell which is going to be a little tricky…Don’t you love him?

Hands down, the best name of an antique or junk store ever!

One of the best parts of Round Top is meeting new friends.  Lynette and Gordon Harrison, from Kansas, made our day!  Lynette quickly picked up on the fact that Dana and I loved art, as we were perusing through her gorgeous space.  She led us to meet her hubby, Gordon, who is an avid art lover and fine vintage frame collector.

Gordon gave me a great deal on this beautiful lady and made me very happy!!  Isn’t she beautiful?  I’m a bit addicted to collecting vintage art…ok, a lot addicted…but there are worse addictions, right?

I picked these vintage rosaries (another collection of mine) up in the first shop I popped in at Marburger Farms.  I love them because they’re so long!  They hang below my belt and I love to pile on several at a time!  The wooden cylinder beads are my favorite!  I’ve never seen these before…

It was pretty cool when my friends from Dallas Market Center and Lisa, from Dwell With Dignity, ran into Dana and I in one of the Marburger tents.  Ideas started flying and you’ll be hearing about exciting things that originated in these conversations later…

I loved these stripey twin bed headboards!

The SHOP Antiques is always one of my favorite stops.  Mandie Murphree and her dad, Garland, collect vintage carnival, amusement park and circus items.  They were featured on the History Channel’s American Pickers on the  August 1st episode.  Their finds are amazing!

I wish these boots that I saw at Bull Chic (another great shop name!) would have fit me!  They’re perfect!

Janet Waldrop, of Skip To My Lou, is another creative genius! She produces each piece of her jewelry with her own two hands out of unique vintage bits and baubles.  She also writes a short story about each one on an old photograph where her jewelry is displayed.  Each and every piece…amazing!

We found British Route Sign Designs during our last trip in the fields of Warrington and fell in love with Dwayne, the owner, and all of his route signs.  He tackled setting up at Marburger this year and his space looked spectacular!

I little more than halfway through the first day of  Marburger Farm’s opening day, Lorriane White had already sold half of her stock.  Her repurposed furniture and ‘burlamps’ are unique and wonderful!

Are you dying over that yellow sofa?  I could go on forever….the good finds go on and on…just wish my money would go on and on…

That’s it until the Spring….

Who’s ready to go with me next time?

A few weeks ago, the invite went out…

and last Monday the lunch took place.  35 creative bloggers gathered at The Prairie, Rachel Ashwell‘s Texas home, B&B and chic couture boutique.  Good things always happen when powerful, creative women get together and this was no exception.

Prior to heading to The Prairie, I made a quick stop to to collect goodies for the swag bag from my friends Amie, Jolie and Janie Sikes, The Junk Gypsies and Jen Moore from HGTV with my junkin’ buddy, Dana of Tattered Style.

Jen,me,Amie,Jolie,Janie & Dana

The Junk Gypsies gave us some super cool corkscrews and HGTV provided tee’s for everyone.  I’m so appreciative of the time that these girls took, while juggling their busy shooting schedule, to put together goodies for us!  I can’t wait to see The Junk Gypsies in their upcoming HGTV show!  It’s sure to be a junkin’ good time!

Thanks to Tili bags, Royers Round Top Cafe, and Gloria Burson, of A Modern Glo, for providing beautiful Lafco bath and body products for the best swag bags ever!  Texas LIVE magazinedonated another goodie bag full of things from The Busy B, Buffalo Creek, Hermann Furniture, Independence Coffee, Round Top Handmade Soap, and  Mimi Bella. Dana Pugh used her ‘Tattered Style‘ to create name tags made from the pages of a sweet French book that had everyone talking!  Thanks to everyone who donated so generously!

Rachel was hostess extraordinaire, greeting and welcoming everyone as we ate a delicious meal prepared by the infamous Royers Round Top Cafe.  Delish!

After we finished a delicious lunch with Bud’s famous chocolate chip pie ala mode, it was time to be inspired…

Lisa Robison and Kim Turner shared all the great things that Dwell With Dignity is doing to make a difference in the lives of families by providing a home environment that they can be proud of.  After the event was over, Lisa, Kim and Rachel had a chance to discuss ways that Rachel can get involved, so I think we’ll be seeing a touch of Shabby Chic in some future DWD installs!

After sharing how she came to fall in love with Texas after years of coming to Round Top, Rachel showed us into her house, Liliput Lodge, though the backdoor…just as any good friend would do.  This is where she and her staff stay when they’re in town…

I loved all of the clothes lines full of linens…dancing in the wind…

Shopping at Rachel’s new store was such a treat!  We all got the chance to purchase her new book, Shabby Chic Inspirations, and then she took the time to sign each one.  You’ll love this new book, as it is full of beautiful spaces that embody the shabby chic lifestyle, full of comfort and sensibility.

(photo via keelymariescott)

It was an honor to work on such a special event with Bud and Rachel.  I couldn’t have been more pleased with the day!

Hear from my new blogging friends about our time at the Prairie…

http://www.keelymariescott.com/blog/

http://texaslivenetwork.com

http://tatteredstyle.blogspot.com

http://amodernglo.blogspot.com/

http://myhousemygarden.blogspot.com/

 http://jilliandodd.wordpress.com/

http://www.lazytbandb.blogspot.com

http://patinagreen.typepad.com/

http://www.facebook.com/dallasmarketcenter

http://laurievansdesigns.blogspot.com/

http://retreauxgirl.blogspot.com/

http://blessyourneighbor.blogspot.com/

http://junkology.wordpress.com

http://annaleeper.blogspot.com/

http://jaxonivy.blogspot.com/

http://modernoasis.blogspot.com/

http://thereelworldtx.blogspot.com/

http://gardenantqs.blogspot.com/

http://hollymathisinteriors.com/

http://Artfulwhimsies.blogspot.com/

http://emilycompany.blogspot.com/

http://www.estesfamilymoments.blogspot.com/

http://porterandabigail.blogspot.com/

http://www.sunsoulart.com/

http://mycountryfriedlife.blogspot.com/

http://www.thebrownshed.com/

http://katherinerobertsonphotography.wordpress.com/

http://planithome.net/blog/

http://www.oh-fiddlesticks.com/

http://www.myvintagetravels.com/

http://southcentral.texaslivenetwork.com/

http://www.theshadyacre.com/

http://masoncoveredwagon.com/

http://www.nancyelizabethathome.blogspot.com/

http://dwellwithdignity.org/blog/

My sweet friend, Ronda Carmen of All The Best blog, introduced me to Tammy Connor of Tammy Connor Interior Design, and after seeing her timeless, classic designs, I had to find out what was on her ‘hidden list’!

Tammy Connor has built her reputation on creating timeless classic interiors infused with a casual southern elegance. Her attention to detail along with her relaxed approach to formal spaces results in interiors that are sophisticated yet inviting. Seamlessly integrating antiques, contemporary pieces, personal collections of clients, and fabrics of varying textures with subtle yet studied color palette are the trademarks of Tammy’s interiors.

She is the principle of Tammy Connor Interior Design, which she founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 1999. Her firm has completed comprehensive residential projects throughout the eastern United States ranging from town, country, mountain, and beach houses. Her hospitality projects have also included private clubhouses.

Tammy is continually inspired by her travels both personally and professionally. While the location and style of the firm’s work is diverse, respect for the architecture and setting of a project is at the heart of Tammy’s interiors. She is consistently dedicated to enhancing the lifestyle of her clients, and she firmly believes that the best interiors are the ones that beckon you to have a seat and stay awhile.

“Between my adventure-seeking husband and traveling for work I am often on the go.  I have come to rely on a few items to keep me going and provide some creature comforts of home while I am away.”

Rani Arabella Jetsetter throw “This is the perfect travel companion! The cashmere blanket is soft, comfortable, and the case becomes the cover for the airplane pillow.  One of my favorite things to do is curl up with a good throw no matter where I happen to be.”

Tom Ford Raquel Sunglasses  ”These are my favorite sunglasses because they are lightweight and stylish.  Right now I am wearing them in the most beautiful navy/grey color and they work with everything. When my first pair got broken, after searching through many options, I ended up just replacing them with an identical pair.  I have a few clients and friends with the same pair and we all love them!”

Prada tote bag   A favorite gift from a client last year when we completed a job.  Not only is it beautiful, it is a great size that can fit all of the essentials, as well as a book, an architectural scale and trash paper!  This bag is similar in shape and size, but mine is this wonderful cloudy grey color.

Taryan Rose Kelsey wedge shoes  These are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own!  Whether I am shopping for clients all day, visiting a job site or playing tourist, I am probably wearing these shoes.  And they are light enough to throw into a bag if I want to dress up a little more for dinner.

Black Pearls  “My black pearls were an anniversary gift from my husband several years ago and I love them. They are so classic, and instantly add elegance to any outfit. They also remind me of home.”

OPI Barefoot in Barcelona  ” This polish is a great neutral color that goes with almost everything.  It’s a subtle deep rose color that is feminine and pretty!”

Tammy just launched a beautiful website that showcases her gorgeous designs!  tammyconnorid.com   Be sure to ‘like’ her Facebook page follow her travels and projects!

Thank you, Tammy, for sharing your list!  XO!

My friend, Kelley Edler, and I have a lot in common.  To start wtih, she’s one of the only people I know that spell Kelley with an “ey”!  She also loves music that makes you “move”,  knowing all of the lyrics, eating blackberry cobbler – even if it means staining our tongues – and laughing hard

Kelley recently moved to Austin and I’m going to miss her like crazy!  I’m so glad that she’s still thinking of me when she sees things that are “blog-worthy” like these ideas for new uses for old things that she recently spotted on the Real Simple site.  Thanks, Kel!

Here’s a few of my favorites…

Cast iron board as recipe holder:

Rolodex as gift card holder -

Zippered Bed-linen bag as art supply carrier:

Baking sheet as a bulletin board:

Find more creative uses for old things at Real Simple.  What do you use around your house in an unconventional way?

Some of my favorite rooms from Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry’s Pulp Design Studio… I could move right in to any of these spaces!

Follow their blog here and also check out Beth’s personal blog, Hello, Splendor.  It’s one of my favorites!

Kiera Rathbone bought an old typewriter at a flea market in university intending to write something with it.  Instead it turned into a drawing tool!

Truly fascinating!

via likecool

Hello Lovelies!  Bags are packed, house sitter is set, and I’ll soon be on my way to the airport to make my way to Paris.  This is such a special trip!  I’ll be spending a week in the “City of Lights” with 4 of my best friends from college.  Years ago we graduated from Texas A&M together and though, at times, we may have gone a year or so without talking to each other, our friendship has remained and even grown stronger.

Sharon, Julie, Catherine, Mary Charles and me

We decided during this Aggie football weekend that we needed to take a special trip this year.  We’re all having one of those “big” birthdays this year, so we determined it was time to celebrate a new season in life!

We’ll also be joined by Mary Cameron, Mary Charles daughter, who recently graduated from A&M and will be attending Cordon Bleu all summer.  How dreamy is that?  She’ll be starting classes next week and starting to build her skills so that she can treat her “Aunt Kelley” (that would be me) to years of delicious pastries!

Me and Mary Cameron

I’ve written several short post that you’ll see during my trip and I really have high hopes to post, tweet and update The Hidden List Facebook page while I’m gone…but I’m not sure what my wifi situation will be or how much time I will have;  so if there’s a small break in my communication, rest assured, I’ll be back very soon and share Paris with you!  Please make sure that you’ve “liked” my new Facebook fan page, as that will be easiest to update if my time is short!

Double cheek kisses to you all!

Something tells me that we are in for years of amazing style influences from Kate, the Duchess of Cambrige! Diana would be so proud!

Very elegant in cream and taupe at the Epsom Derby.  (via)

The Duchess of Cambridge in Reiss with Michelle Obama (via)

I absolutely love this steel grey Issa gown she wore to the Art of Starlight Party.

Practical fashion in a white denim skirt and boots at the Badminton Horse Trials in 2007.

So fashionably British!

What’s your favorite look for Kate?

I loved Kimberly the minute I found out that she wrote Dog Parties: Entertaining Your Party Animal.  You have to be super sweet and tons of fun to dedicate a book to celebrating our precious pets, right?  I admire her entrepreneurial spirit and her love of celebrating life.   She’s one of Dallas’ most admired Southern sweethearts and everyone’s go-to gal for entertaining with style and grace!  Her fifth book will be out in August from Gibbs Smith and will be an event planning workbook titled “The Party Planner”.  All of her books are “must haves” and offer useful information for everyone’s budget.  I’ll keep you informed about book signingopportunities as the release date approaches!

With a talent for making the ordinary extraordinary Kimberly Schlegel Whitman has taken her original and clever take on parties and created an entrepreneurial empire. While planning her own Idlewild Debutante Ball in Dallas, Texas, Kimberly found an undiscovered opportunity—a lack of quality goods for party rentals. In 1998, a quick thinking Kimberly launched her own event company, RSVP Soiree Luxury Event Rentals, and, after building up a wonderful business, she sold it in 2006. She also took the century old RSVP Social Calendar online in 1999 and continues to maintain this comprehensive list of Dallas’ finest charitable events at www.RSVPcalendar.com. Her success in this field led to the publication of four books on entertaining, countless television appearances and a daily radio segment on Dallas’ number one morning show.  She was recently named editor-at-large for Southern Living and will release her fifth book, The Party Planner, in August.

Kimberly and her flourishing business have been featured in national publications such as Vanity Fair, Elle, Vogue, Town & Country, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Businessweek, Traditional Home, Canadian House and Home, Animal Fair, Southern Lady, Modern Bride, Elegant Bride, Martha Stewart’s Blueprint, Doggie Aficionado, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and many more. She has been featured in the books, “Texas Women” and “Texans and Their Pets.” Kimberly has been coroneted and “Entertaining Expert,” a “Style Expert,” an “Etiquette Expert,” and an “Arbiter of Taste and Style” on the following television programs: The Early Show, The Tyra Banks Show, Fine Living and HGTV, WB in the Morning, Designing American, Designing Texas, Good Morning Texas, Good Day Dallas, NBC’s iVillage Live and was a featured event planner on the Style Network’s hit show “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?”

Kimberly is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with an Honors degree in Art History. Her community involvements are numerous and include: Christie’s Education Program in New York City, Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutante, Idlewild Debutante and The National Debutante Cotillion. Kimberly donates her time to many charitable organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, The Salvation Army, The Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross, The President’s Council of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, The Advisory Board of the Brinker International Forum, Best Buddies, and was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the American Heart Association. Kimberly resides in Dallas, Texas with her real estate developer husband, Justin, their son, JR, and their Chihuahua, Lola.

Tobacco Leaf China from Mottehedah

“I am obsessed with anything “Tabletop” but Tobacco Leaf China is my absolute favorite.”

Kimberly McDonald Jewelry

“I love jewelry and I am completely obsessed with Kimberly McDonald’s pieces right now.  I got to meet her when she was visiting Forty Five Ten and she  is so charming that it makes me like her work even more! She is a chihuahua lover just like me!”

Natura Bisse Hand Silk

“You can’t understand how perfect it is until you try it.”

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera

“We originally bought this to take photos for my books and blog entries but I treasure it because we have captured the most treasured photos of our son with it.  It is impossible to take a bad photograph with this camera!”

Leontine Linens

“Sometimes I just want to re-paint a bedroom so that I can place a new order from Leontine.  The monograms are fantastic and the look is so classically southern.  I am a bit obsessed!”

Another inspiring list!  Find all of Kimberly’s books here. Each one is beautiful and full of inspiration that will help you plan your next event with ease and create magnificent memories for your friends and family…including the pets!  Be sure to visit kimberlywhitman.com to follow her blog and her RSVP calendar.

Thank you, sweet Kim!  I knew your list would be amazing and it did not disappoint!  We will all look forward to celebrating your new book in August!  Keep us posted!  Thanks for all of your inspiration!  You make Dallas proud!  XO!