Thursday, January 27, 2011

Glorious Palm Beach and Shopping the Dixie Highway

I have been following fellow blogger, Jane Schott of Empress of the Eye, since she had her Fortuny pillow giveaway. I'm still sulking, since I was not the winner, but I've gained a bird's eye view into, literally, some of the best shopping in America. Jane is The Dixie Highway Chick, no question. Like High Point, it is a great jumble of shops and junk with some serious steals, but... you need to know where you are going. Jane knows.


Great Stuff,  at 901-B George Bush Blvd. in Delray Beach was, without a doubt, the highlight of our tour. It is a well curated and beautifully merchandised  collection of haute Palm Beach decor. I found a fantastic Jane Wendel chest for a friend here. Jane Wendel was my inspiration for life. She was the Kennedy era queen of interior design of Palm Beach. As a great lady, who began her brilliant career in her late forties, Jane gave me hope. She has inspired generations, as her daughter Brooke Huttig, partner Mimi McMakin, along with Mimi's daughter Celerie Kemble have created stunning, whimsical rooms that grace the pages of literally every shelter magazine.



I immediately recognized the provenance of this Italian painted chest. Jane brought containers of  painted chests, bars, chairs and headboards, long before they became the rage, not to mention poorly imitated. Imagine my smug expression, when browsing the Kemble Interiors website,  I found its expensive twin.


The carved turtle feet, perfect scale and excellently executed painting makes this chest a shopping coup. Thank you Jane!!


Honestly, you would think Lucite was gold when you see the prices at High Point (wholesale) for the few examples throughout market. Palm Beach is brimming with this chic look, specifically, this exact table. It is all over town and can be found for triple the price (Mecox Gardens) and half the price elsewhere. You've got to shop!!


Painted furniture is a Palm Beach signature, that works well in any climate. It breaks up the monotony of brown and gray scale finishes dominating the furniture scene. Like all trends, poor imitations abound, yet palm beach has excellent vintage pieces predating the China explosion.  Color is back, and the soaring 60's is resurrecting.  The Dixie Highway, and a personal tour from Jane, is worth the plane ticket. This secretary cabinet is $2,600.00, which I consider a bit steep, however it could make a room.



 This luminous pair of Murano glass eggs have an opening on the bottom for lighting. For the asking price of $450.00, they make an artistic and colorful addition to any room. 


Jane posted this fantastic limited edition Picasso textile several months ago. I called the shop to find out how much it cost--$650.00. I decided not to buy it, but I still think it is a wonderfully decorative, nicely framed piece.  It has been around for awhile, so hopefully....


This vintage rattan recliner was at A. Abbott antiques at 6501 So. Dixie Highway. The $750.00 asking price seems a bit steep, but it is in excellent condition and would work in a multitude of settings.  Jane says some of these treasures can be plucked from the uber junky  Faith Farms ministries.  


 My foodie daughter recommended this antipasto platter at Tramonti Ristorant in Delray Beach. It was a delicious break.  

More Later!!
Best, 
Liz













23 comments:

  1. Wow! Great post. Thank you for the introduction!
    The antipasto looks wonderful too.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  2. That was so much fun. I used to live in Fort Lauderdale and frequented the Dixie Highway.
    Mary Ann

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  3. I would love to shop the Dixie Highway. What a wonderfully informative post! The chest is too, too pretty. What's on the agenda for tomorrow?
    ~Ricki Jill

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  4. I saw some of your trip on Jane's blog and was jealous. That lucite set is fantastic.

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  5. Liz, I was a little envious of you getting to spend time with The Empress!! Do tell did you get to see her fabric collection?

    She has sounded so fun and such a kick since our giveaway!!

    can't wait for more details!

    Don't forget I gave you an award!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  6. You're back!...with a flourish.....That Picasso textile (I feel like I've seen it...in a Palm Beach dress shop perhaps?) is to die for...$650=steal...I can't wait to see more pics...k

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  7. Oh I LOVE virtual shopping trips! Florida seems so close yet so far from SoCal. I always wanted a "lucite something" maybe a coffee table. Love to see what your trained eye picks out of the mass of merch.

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  8. The anti pasta platter looks delicious!!!
    Don't forget to stop by my blog! We will be announcing the winner of the $100 Lowe's gift card tomorrow!
    Xo,
    E&J

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  9. You are having waaay to much fun! I am glad somebody is warm and happy :) I know that highway, as we have family that lives in West Palm. There is sunning and stunning! XO, Kelly

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  10. I am so enamored of the Italian painted chest of drawers...just gorgeous...
    maureen

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  11. What a fun day - I was already envious when I saw the post over at Jane's but now I'm really beginning to see what I missed. Liz it doesn't surprise me that you found such fabulous pieces - you have a great eye and a solid sense of the market place. Looks like lunch was a hit as well!

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  12. That store alone is a reason to fly down to PB for the weekend - alas, will be stuck on Pier 94 doing the NY Gift Show (in the snow!) Those lucite chairs are so gorgeous and chic... Happy weekend and welcome back!
    xxoo

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  13. Great Post. I, too, love the painted furniture and the bringing of garden furnishings into the house. Have a wonderful trip.

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  14. I love stores like this, and I'm thrilled to find the her blog to read as well. So many blogs...so little time! I have a real "thing" for painted furniture, and you may find me painting some interesting pieces myself before long! Have fun in PB!

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  15. I love those lucite chairs and I am drooling over the antipasto. Ciao.

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  16. Hi Liz. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment. I love your blog and I'm following you now so I'll come back often. I'll check out your store. Have a great weekend.
    Silvia @ Casa Bella Decor.

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  17. What a perfect time for this trip...escaping the NC cold and combining a little work with a little fun!! The Italian painted chest is fabulous - happy shopping!!

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  18. Great post, that antipasto looks amazing. Love the furniture!

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  19. Thank you for stopping by my blog. And since seeing the beautiful goodies you've discovered, you can be sure I will stop by again. :)

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  20. Wow what a fun post! It sounds like you had a great time.The pictures are so good and makes us feel like we were on the trip with you. So many pretty things.Glad I found your blog!

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  21. Hi there! Sorry but I didn't find an email address on your site, that is why I answer you on your question about Belgian bricks! Here in Belgium we love to work with reclaimed bricks, bricks from old houses.
    The white washed look on the bricks you talked about, is because of the trace of old paint.
    I give you here a few links where you can buy reclaimed bricks in Belgium.
    http://www.ludwigdeblaere.be/
    http://www.kempischebouwmaterialen.be/
    http://www.vanhuele.be/

    Wish you a wonderful rest of the week!
    Greet

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  22. Me again! I was forgotten to tell you that the white washed look appears also because of the skillful pointing of the bricks and the color of the specie that is used to point!
    Here in Belgium we have very skillful people to do that!
    xx
    Greet

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  23. This comment has been removed by the author.

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