Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for Shoe Shopping

Shoe shopping At Market? You bet your sweet pedicure it's true.  Eager shoe shoppers will delight in the surprisingly good selection of DVF, Tory Burch, Jack Rodgers, Kate Spade and Michael Kors options available at Monkees of Irving Park. Heels, boots, flats, party shoes... they have it all.

But what's a great shoe shopping experience without a new dress and a few new accessories? Expect to find terrific labels like White and Warren, Yoana Baraschi, Shoshanna and Cynthia Steffe tucked along the pretty racks along the walls.

We like the chic factor at this great little Greensboro boutique. You'll appreciate the fashion savvy staff and carefully chosen selection of goods. Be sure to tell owner Michael that Jennifer from Pearson sent you!

Where to find it: Located at 1951 Battleground Avenue, Suite F, Greensboro, NC 27408. Phone: 336.540.1951

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Catch the Game

Unfortunately this might be a must for your group so you might as well enjoy it in style. We suggest catching the game at The Bar at the Green Valley Grill in the O.Henry Hotel in Greensboro. This gorgeous restaurant features a dark masculine interior, comfortable over-sized booths and a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Expect great food, perfect drinks, and a huge tv hung above the bar that will most certainly be broadcasting a football, baseball or soccer game at all times.

Not a fan of sports? Doesn't matter, you'll have a tremendous time people watching and enjoying the terrific food at this busy hotel bar. Start with the Fennel Crusted Mahi Mahi served with blistered tomato ragoût and preserved lemon basil oil over mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetable.If you still have room, ask for the Apple Crostata, rustic tart filled with Granny Smith and Gala apples, served with buttermilk ice cream and warm caramel sauce.

While there, take note of their extensive wine list. Each item on the menu (including dessert) comes complete with wine pairing suggestions. They also offer a guilt-free section of the menu for those seeking lighter fare.

Green Valley Grill is located at 622 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC 27408. For reservations, call 336.854.2015.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place Grab a Quick Lunch

The clock has struck noon (or maybe even later) and you still haven't stopped for lunch. As regulars know, a "fast bite" at High Point is hard to come by. Typically you can forget it if you want an "experience" as much as you need a real meal. This year, that's about to change...

The Dog House (which has traditionally closed at Market) is going to be open this year! A High Point Tradition, The Dog House is located on Main Street a block behind the Baker showroom. The nearby campus calls it the city's best kept secret.

This 80 year old establishment is nothing fancy, it's like stepping back in time to simpler days. The diner sells hot dogs, hamburgers and the best French fries you have ever eaten. This is perfect comfort food and ideal for cooler fall weather. (Watching your girlish figure? There are a few salads and sandwiches on the menu too.)

Be forewarned: There are only two seating options at the Dog House: the counter, which has 11 stools, or one of the seven booths dedicated to the seven original ACC teams. This means there is always a line , but the waitresses really know how to keep it moving.

Insider tips:

• Sit at the old fashioned soda counter on the barstools for a real "experience" while you eat. You'll be able to chat with the waitresses and see all the action up close.
• It takes about five minutes to get food from the minute it is ordered.
• You need to eat fast to accommodate the growing line.
• $4 is about the most you'll spend on any item on the menu.
• Bring cash. The Dog House doesn't accept credit cards.

668 N Main St High Point, NC 27260
phone: 336.886.4953

Focus On Shagreen

I have a new obsession: shagreen. I'm in the process of redesigning my living room and this incredible option keeps taunting me with its uniquely textured surface. Although Pearson tends to use faux shagreen, true shagreen is an amazingly durable exotic surface. Its unique appearance and ability to repel water make this a designer favorite for table surfaces.

You might be wondering why this creamy textile is called "shagreen." Historically, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the trend was to dye the skins green then polish them with black lacquer. It was then used as a veneer for the furnishings of the wealthy. It's verdant appearance caused the resulting finish to be known as shagreen.

Try adding a little sting to your next project to lend a slightly exotic edge to a space.

Featured: Bunching table, Cocktail Table, Butler's Tray Table.

Stargazing @ MBFW

Finally! We have some beautiful shots of the gorgeous Star Lounge at MBFW. It was fantastic having Wesley Cadle use some of our favorite pieces, along with several from our sister brand, Hickory Chair. We love his rich use of lavenders and plums mixed with ivory and shameless use of shimmery, touchable velvets. The stars were shining brightly in this room even when it was empty - which wasn't often.

Quintessence took note of the dramatic illustrated works of Gladys Perint Palmer that were hung throughout the space. In addition to how well these highlighted to shades of purple peppering the suite, these anchored in the idea of retro glamour and luxury fashion.

What a fantastic spot to unwind and get away from it all during the hectic pace of the events of MBFW. Wesley's design created a an environment of relaxed glamour set and set right tone for busy fashionistas hoping to sip cocktails and rest their feet while chatting with friends.

(our 9651 bunching tables, although the shagreen tops appear to have been wrapped in an animal print fabric)


Our beautifully tufted 220 Chair covered in one of my favorite velvets, 6515.

Our petite 9667 Table, perfect for this cosmopolitan space and ideal for holding drinks or (in this case) a gift bag.

Fête Photos from the Showroom @ 200 Lex

Hope you are in the building somewhere @ 200 Lexington during the NYDC's What's New What's Next. We have Lonny Mag & Tilton Fenwick in the Hickory Chair + Pearson showroom on the main floor of the NYDC. We'll be rounding up the trends and forecasts for fall and for 2012 in subsequent posts. Stay tuned!

What's New What's Next: Pearson

 

More sneak peeks of October Market launch products. Pix are hot off the showroom floor @ 200 Lex. First up, Pearson's bossy new 2408-20 Sofa. Next, the shockingly versatile 2378 sofa has inspired a few spin-off products. First up, a chic sofa/chaise combo.

Next... this impossibly gorgeous bench. I must have the bench. Totally gorgeous!I'd love this floating in front of a fireplace or even as a pair facing one another as a little interesting conversation area. Stunning.

{Photos from the Hickory Chair/Pearson Showroom @ NYDC @ 200 Lexington shot today pre-event #whatsnewwhatsnext}

What's New What's Next: Hickory Chair

The What's New, What's Next @ 200 Lex event is happening right now. Before we settle in to Lonny & Tilton Fenwick, here's a sneak peek at some new pieces from Hickory Chair, launching this fall... the Hannah Bedside Table, available in a variety of finishes and COH (Customer's Own Hardware). The sleek 88.5" Sonny Sofa with slope arms and two goose down pillows. Both: gorgeous!

{Photos from the Hickory Chair/Pearson Showroom @ NYDC @ 200 Lexington shot today pre-event #whatsnewwhatsnext}

What's New What's Next: Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the big day! The NYDC What's New What's Next @ 200 Lex event is happening at 200 Lexington Avenue (between 32nd & 33rd streets). It's happening from 3:00 - 9:00. I'll be covering the Pearson Hickory Chair showroom event. It kicks off at 5:45pm tomorrow. Lonny Mag & Tilton Fenwick will be in the house.

Tune in to see what's trending and what will be trending soon. Stay tuned!

Sneak Peek of Market Showroom

We're busy putting the finishing touches on the showroom floor for Market. In the process, we snagged a really nice photo of our new (to be launched at October Market) 2408 sofa. He's swanky, isn't he? We think so.

Also seen in this great photo, the 9842 tall cabinet and the always gorgeous 9664 tiered side table. Be sure to come see the showroom. We have lots of new product and fabric launches. This handsome devil is just the tip of the iceberg!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Score a Party Dress

It happened. You received your invite to the Arch Digest party at Market. Hoooray! As anyone knows, the place to be is wherever Margaret Russell is. End of story. So all that may be good news, but what on earth are you going to wear? After all you're likely to be rubbing elbows with Suzanne Kasler, Mary McDonald and Thomas O'Brien. You need to show your incredible sense of style yet still be able to say "Oh, this old thing?" when someone comments on your new frock. In a word: it must look effortless.

Fortunately, two surefire options await you. Rebecca & Co offers runway fresh looks from some of my absolute favorite brands: Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, Milly and others. Trust me, you'll be able to pull together a look very easily in this fabulous little Greensboro boutique. Located at: 1721 Huntington Road, Greensboro, NC 27408-7223. Call ahead at 336.574.3626 for specific hours and more details.

If you're a little more avant-garde, you may be interested in perusing lesser known labels like MK2K, Tocca and Dolan. If this is you, trot your hipster self over the Rebecca & Co's sister store, Perch. This newer boutique is located in the Shops at Friendly Center and will not disappoint. Perch can be found at 3326 W Friendly Avenue, Suite 114 in Greenboro, NC. Phone them at 336.292.2455.

At each of these shops you will find everything you need to play your own Rachel Zoe. Bracelets, necklaces, clutches, scarves... you name it, they offer a stylish version of the everything you need. Just remember to cut the tags off before you leave the hotel. Wouldn't want to kill the effect of that fab new ensemble.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot for An Elegant Dinner

In search of a sophisticated location for an upscale client dinner? We suggest Undercurrent in Greensboro. Nothing compares to this elegant establishment for it's great food served in a classic setting.

Open for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30-2:00. Dinner, Monday through Wednesday 5:30-9:00, Thursday through Saturday 5:30-9:30. Normally they are closed on Sundays, but during Market they open their doors seven days a week to accommodate demand.

Reservations are suggested but not required.(Although if you're trying to impress a client, we highly suggest you place the call and have the table secured ahead of time.) Feel free to gaze at the menu ahead of time to see what delicious options await you.

Located at 327 Battleground Avenue in Downtown Greensboro, NC 27401. 336.370.1266

And... good luck with that client dinner!

 

 

Insider's Guide to Market: Pest Place to Enjoy a Glass of Wine

Looking to escape for a few hours and enjoy a glass of red? Slip into a cushy seat at 1618 Wine Lounge. This quiet little spot in Greensboro just opened, but has already won Irving Park residents over with their extensive wine list and cool, hip décor.

1618 is tucked into a sophisticated urban setting and offers comfortable seating for intimate discussions over a bottle of wine. Not an oenophile? Fear not, their bartenders are happy to create the cocktail of your choice or offer you a glimpse of their diverse beer selection.

The best part? No one from Market will be there. You and your friends can get away from it all, spend an evening in a plush environment and forget all about tomorrow's jammed itinerary.

Located at 1742-105 battleground ave, Greensboro, NC 27408. Open until midnight.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for Morning Coffee

Ahhh, coffee. Can't live without it. Especially at High Point Market. After a few days, those late nights begin catch up with you. That's after you've recovered from jet lag. Who am I kidding... High Point Market runs on quality coffee and adrenaline. So where will you get your morning cuppa?

While we do looooove our Starbucks, we have to admit that it's a mad house in the mornings at Market. Everyone heads there in their zombie state. And no one reading this guide wants to follow the crowds. our insider's tip? Get yourslef to the southeast corner of Lexington and Westchester to local favorite DeBeen Espresso.

This cozy little cafe is celebrating 14 years of steaming hot caffeinated goodness. And did we mention free Wifi? Yes, you'll be able to blog and Pinterest your little heart out while you sip your morning triple skinny cappuccino.

While you're there, check out the local art on display and pay homage to their framed award for being "High Point's Most Established Coffee House". Star-who?

Located:709 W. Lexington Avenue, High Point, NC 27262

Hours:
Mon: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun: 7:30 am - 7:00 pm

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Eat Sushi

That's right. Sushi. If you're like me, I'm a bit of a sushi snob. I actually prefer sashimi, which is less forgiving that sushi rolls. Ingredients must be fresh, fresh, fresh. Amazingly, Greensboro has an incredible sushi restaurant tucked right by the UNCG campus on Tate Street. Sushi Republic.

Our European fabric vendors say it is in their top 5 favorite restaurants in the world, and they have circumnavigated the globe many times. Expect funky minimalist décor and a relaxed vibe (no doubt, thanks to the proximity to the university). Their sushi and sake will knock your socks off.

Favor a sweet tooth? Lucky you. They even have dessert. {Insider's Tip: Word is, their Cherry tempura bomb ice cream dish is not be missed!}

So leave your inhibitions at the door, pick up your chopsticks and dig in to Greensboro's absolute best sushi. But maybe go easy on the sakei. You're not in college anymore, remember?

{Images of Shrimp tempura roll & Cherry Bomb via Sweet Eats.}

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Way to Get Around Market

For all my worldly knowledge, I still managed to take a pair of shoes (fabulous shoes, mind you) that might as well have been torture devices wrapped around my feet. I was in the Hamilton Wrenn district having a grand time, chatting it up, popping into chic little showrooms and enjoying the sunny, cool weather when suddenly my feet had just had it. Thinking I might just die of self-induced pain in the name of fashion, I stopped for just a moment on the sidewalk. As if a gift from God, suddenly a man commanding a little bike rickshaw appeared asking if I'd like a ride. Gee..... don't mind if I do!

One moment I'm wincing in pain, pondering my commitment to heels, the next I'm being whisked along in style. Yes... the pedicab is THE WAY TO GET AROUND at High Point. I can't stress this enough. The drivers (peddlers?) are all fun, engaging and filled with information. It's not just a way to get from point A to point B. It's an experience. Trust me, people you pass trudging up the sidewalks will look at you in wonder and awe. It's a very attention getting sight.

The trick is... where do you find them? Lucky you... I"m about to tell you. Surya. That's right. Surya. Maker of those gorgeous rugs you need to go see anyway. These fabulous little man-powered cabs are sponsored by Surya Rugs.

The pedicabs (basically giant tricycles that a driver pedals while you recline in the comfortable back seat like royalty) are parked outside of Showplace and will take you to all the High Point showrooms. Yes, you read that right. All of them!

If you can’t find one there – stop in at the Surya Rug showroom at Showplace, Showroom 3233, shop for some amazing rugs, and have the kind people at Surya walkie talkie one to come meet you.

By the time I arrived wherever I was going I was happy, renewed and incredibly grateful. So be sure to keep your eyes out for these terrific little pedicabs or (if you're smart) head right to Surya and let them handle it for you. You and your feet will be glad you did!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Fix a Broken Heel

Hopefully you know better than to try to "break in" your new Alexander McQueen armadillo 10" heels while trolling the streets of High Point. If not (or if you're just determined that fashion has a place and that place is anywhere your pretty little self decides to go) file this info in your Blackberry or iPhone for safe keeping:

Economy Shoe Shop, High Point
512 W English Rd
High Point, NC 27262
(336) 882-6015

Whether you snapped your heel elbowing your way to Margaret Russell's side (ahem) at the Architectural Digest soiree or simply need to replace your laces... this is the place. And while fashion does indeed matter, from experience I can tell you that new shoes are not the way to go during High Point Market. Bring your favorite (read: broken-in) heels or shoes, as you'll be walking... and walking... and walking... and... you get my point. Hobbling around and asking for bandages? Not chic.

Although... I do have a secret resource to pass along soon for those (like me) who just can't leave the towering stilts at home. Stay tuned for more tips.

Featured: Versace Pin-heeled nappa leather ankle boots (fab!) and Lanvin Oxford Leather Brogues

Meet Me Halfway

There are few pieces I adore as much as a demilune. It is delicate, versatile and enlivens an entry or room like no other piece. Storage with style. Here are a few pearson pieces I have fallen madly in love with. You and both know that the bottom chest isn't reeeeallly  a demilune. But it's one of my favorite pieces and she does feature a bowed front... so I let her join the trio.Hope you don't mind.

I particularly love these in foyers with a glorious mirror or striking artwork hung above. Top with a lamp, a few design books or potted exotic flower and it greets visitors (and you) with grace and style every time.

Featured: Demilune Console 9832, Demilune 9831, Bow Front Chest 8836

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Go Antiquing

 
It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of the new and "never seen before" at High Point market. But regular buyers and designers know that this little area is packed with some of Carolina's best antique shops. You simply have to know where to look. Most of the great deals and unique pieces of antiquity or historic note won't be found on the main thoroughfare. You'll have to dig a bit deeper and maybe even get a little dusty. But that's half the fun, right?

Jennifer generously shared her secret spots to source for pedigreed goods and objects of interest so that I could pass them on to you. Put on your walking shoes and follow me...

"There are quite a few places to go antiquing while at Market. Here are 3 of my favorites:

Antiques and Interiors on West Green Drive in high Point. (just a block up from the Century Showroom and Market Square) 2 huge showrooms, but I think the best treasures are to be found outside. Giant Clam shells, yew wood carved into garden objects, giant foo dogs and other one of a kind pieces run amuck through their parking lot.

Downtown Elm Street in Greensboro: There are quite a few small antique stores on Elm Street (Greensboro’s Main Street) that are worth visiting. A few of my favorites are Jules Antiques, Marys Antiques (amazing architectural salvage and period hardware), and my favorite... Shop Design Archives. This boutique has fun vintage clothing and accessories including one of the best selections of vintage furs! {Editor's note: don't pass this resource on to Rachel Zoe!}

While you are downtown be sure to stop in at Bin 33 for a refreshing cocktail, our newly opened café with a decidedly French Art Deco feel.

My absolute favorite however has to be Pearson: We work with a nationally known antique importer who supplies us with English and Continental Antiques, mixed with a few oriental pieces, which are only on sale at our High Point Showroom during market. These are available first come, first serve, and are very popular so come early on Friday! Previous markets pieces included giant pairs of antique foo dogs (see attached photos), Painted French desks, and one of a kind inlayed trunks."

As a girl who is stalking one of her antique writing desks, I have to second her suggestion to pop into Pearson for one-of-a-king pieces that really make a room. She has the most amazing eye for style and I assure you anything she has in the showroom will knock your socks off.

Happy treasure hunting in October!

"Gilty" Pleasures From Pearson

 
Just a few of the chairs on sale at our "Have a Seat" event on Gilt today. Have a looksie!