Hello, and happy Father’s Day! I have my Five Faves for you including a little story of an enduring friendship based on the love of decorating. I’m giving you an update on the Pillow Master, a fun new décor book, versatile and affordable LBD, and more. And of course, I look forward each week to what Cindy and Annie have for us.
“Arriving Home” By James T. Farmer III
After Cindy H. mentioned listening to a James T. Farmer podcast, I ordered his book.
I could see myself retiring in the house on the cover! It’s a fun book.
Outfit of The Week
I wore this easy black knit wrap dress (half price now) and sandals to lunch and a little shopping excursion downtown. It’s a versatile dress for travel, too. This is a size Petite Medium.
My client, Meredyth, was wearing this pretty chain link necklace combo. I admired it and she sent them to me (large links and initial necklace)! So sweet. Affordable… so they are good for travel. My J. Crew straw hat is packable… you just roll it up and use the elastic black band to keep it rolled. We are doing a travel wardrobe post soon so this hat will reappear 🙂 I will take it to Spain with me next month.
Chief Would Love Her!
This is Ripple, an athlete in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show agility competition. She looks so much like our dog, Chief.
“Ripple’s trainer, fell trying to direct the Boston Terrier out of the tunnel section of the agility course. Despite the mistake, Ripple and Daniel finished the run and celebrated together afterward.” Watch this…
Adding Trim To Ready-made Curtains
My client, Carol jokes that the Kravet Pathways Trim in Denim cost more than the ready-made curtains…it’s true. But, I love the statement it makes. The seagrass wallpaper is from Serena and Lily. I’m hoping to show you the whole bedroom soon. Her husband is an amazing builder and made her a pop-out window seat to take in great views.
Enduring Friendship Based On A Love Of Decorating
You’ve heard me talk about my friend, Liana “The Pillow Master” over the years. She made all my designer pillows for my clients and me with outstanding workmanship. She assists me a LOT with fabric and pattern decisions. Liana has beautiful taste and helped me with the One Room Challenge Blue And White Bedroom and One Room Challenge Neutral Bedroom.
About two years ago, at the age of only 52, she had a massive stroke that left the left side of her body paralyzed. But Li (as I call her) is a TROOPER. Last Tuesday, she came to visit me from Orange County, California for the day. Solo. Which was very brave considering the obstacles.
Li gave me the above pretty white and blue paisley pillow (she had seen my pillows on Instagram and knew it would work). She said it’s good to use a small pillow sometimes just for a “POP” like jewelry. Good advice. She also gave me a square one.
The point is…Li had to carry these bulky pillows in a bag and her purse with her on the airplane while maneuvering a wheelchair. And go through security…for the first time traveling alone! It gives me a lump in my throat. It was a wonderful day of girl talk and a few tears…I am so grateful to still have Li in my life.
And YOU are probably here based on a love of decorating, too. I appreciate you.
Talking about friendship…let’s see what my friends, Annie and Cindy have for us this week!
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN
Shop the post…
Karen says
Delightful, Mary Ann. As usual. I enjoy your posts so very much. Question for you….would you be comfortable sharing information about your Boston Terrier breeder with me? We lost our little Boston, Tinkerbelle, a little more than a year ago. We are ready to love another one, but we can’t find a reputable breeder. Thank you for any info you might be able to pass along.
-Karen
Juliet says
MA – I can’t wait to see what is sure to be an amazing bedroom reveal. The sneak peak has me on the edge of my seat. So glad I’m not your only client with a knack for selecting the most expensive fabric (trim) in the store. 😉 I treasure the pillows Liana made for our Walnut Creek house. You know that while we sold nearly everything, the pillows have come along on our journey and always find a place in our home. She’s unbelievable talented and her strength, courage and perseverance are truly an inspiration. xo
Karen B. says
Hi Mary Ann,
I love the outfit. You look so pretty with your new necklaces and the hat and dress.
My heart melted reading your story about your friend that had a stroke at such a young age. The pillows are great.
The agility race with the owner and Boston Terrier was so sweet. What a nice way to start the day (even though it’s Tuesday) : )
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Karen!!
Heidi says
Hi Mary Ann,
How lovely to have such an enduring friendship. Liana must treasure your relationship, too, in order to hit the airport for just a day long visit! The pillows are really great.
I love that little black dress on you, and the hat, too! You look like you’re ready to get out of town!
Trim always seems to be more expensive, I remember that from when I used to sew dresses for my daughters. Sometimes the lace or buttons were more pricey than the fabric!
Hope you’re enjoying the start to the week. Nice and cool down here, finally!
XO Heidi
Mary Ann Pickett says
I AM ready to get out of town!!! See you soon, Heidi!
LA CONTESSA says
CHIEF COULD DO THAT!I AM CERTAIN OF IT!
WHAT A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO GET ON AN AIRPLANE TWICE IN ONE DAY AND COME TO VISIT!!!!!!!!!
SHE SURE HAS YOUR TASTE DOWN!
Mary Ann Pickett says
You crack me up. Chief appreciates your support!
Kathy Chandler says
I love your black wrap dress! You look so cute with the hat! Your friend sounds like a very special person and a wonderful friend to have. Not many can continue to have a full and happy life after something so traumatic!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Li is a great friend, Kathy!!
cindy says
It’s so funny that you mentioned that your client commenting on the trim costing more than the curtains. I was thinking the same thing! They do have a lot of greek key trims that are very reasonable on Etsy. I have been tempted to try one in my dining room. Those curtains are great for the price! Darling black dress on you! I so admire your friend Liana. I can’t wait to feature her on Ageless!
Mary Ann Pickett says
That Kravet trim is really beautiful in person…it looks handstitched. Great idea to feature Liana, Cindy!
Liana says
You look darling in that dress. First time I’ve seen you in a hat and you’ wear it beautifuly , Tres chic😍. I still don’t know why it took me so many years to go see you in San Fran … well, at least, this time I made it 🙌. You found the very best spot for that square pillow. It looks perfectly in scale and the colors blend beautifully with your artwork . Thanks again for the hospitality.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, again Li for coming and for the pillows!
MarlenA says
What a wonderful friendship and a beautiful resilient woman. You are both blessed to know each other.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes we are!!!
Julane says
You look beautiful in the black dress and straw hat. Love the blog.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Julane!!
Meredyth Baker Anderson says
Love your outfit! You look beautiful! And your friend Li is an inspiration!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much for the necklaces, Meredyth!!
Karen H. says
Mary Ann, what a precious friend you have with Li. She sounds like an inspiration!
Love the pillows and decorating tips. Have a wonderful Father’s Day!
Mary Ann Pickett says
YOU too, Karen!
wren says
Lovely read at the start of the day.
1. Your look is beautiful, love the hat
2. Since my kids have a little Boston, I could relate to the speed at which Ripple moves. We go to the dog park and she outruns them all (she’s only 1 year old)!
3. The story of your friend, Li, was touching to read. As you said, a trooper!
Have a wonder week, Mary Ann.
wren says
or wonderFUL week 😉
Mary Ann Pickett says
Aren’t the Bostons so funny? Does yours spin around in circles? Chief does.
Kathl sanders says
I couldn’t open the link to that cute wrap dress. Where is it from
Thank you
Mary Ann Pickett says
It’s from Banana REpublic..
KAREN says
Love the dining table.
Cracked up about the tv , we share that feeling. We are hardly watching tv anymore.
Looking forward to your gardening adventure.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Opps…you meant to leave this comment on Cindy’s blog.
Janet Arden says
Cindy — Great outfit, especially the hat. I love James Farmer’s southern sensibility. Can’t wait to hear about your Spin trip. We were talking with friends yesterday about the possibility. Have a great week!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Janet!! AKA Cindy…hahaha!
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann! I love your hat and dress! You look absolutely beautiful! I can see you wearing it while out and about the city while walking Chief. You have the best style!
Your new pillows are absolutely perfect! What amazing and brave thing for Lianna to travel to SF to see you! Her first solo trip…and I can’t imagine a better friend to have waiting for her on the other end!
xoxo
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh thank you, Annie. I think I will have it together better the next time (especially the collapsible electric wheelchair system)! But all in all, Li wrote the sweetest message on her instagram…. “Yesterday, I flew to San Fran to visit with my sweet friend, Mary Ann @classiccasualhome, we had so much fun catching up, that we didn’t find time to take pictures. If you know Mary Ann from her blog, let me tell you, pictures don’t do justice of how beautiful, spunky and full of life she is, there is an aura of bright and happy light surrounding her and her designs, that can’t be captured on photos.” THAT made me cry!
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann, Li is right, you are beautiful, spunky and full of life!” I’m so happy you and Li we able to spend a day together and that she could see how her pillows look in your beautiful home!
Stacy Koehn says
Loved your LBD, hat, sandals and necklaces – and it is so good of you to share your sources. Now what I really want to know is – where do you get that marvelous glow on your smiling face – you look great!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Stacy. I’ve been using C.E.O Glow by Sunday Riley on my face before anything else…it has Vitamin C and tumeric in it.
Sheila in SF says
Love your outfit. The dress looks great on you. Spain -how marvelous!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I know, Sheila. With our group of Florida friends. And our daughter and her fiance are getting married in Madrid. 🙂