.
not to flog the dead horse-which is an absolutely horrible expression & what exactly does it mean, anyway?
Perhaps its first usage is found in 17th century slang- "His land 'twas sold to pay his debts; All went that way, for a dead horse, as one would say "- meaning something is owed before it is earned. From the halls of Parliament in 1867 British politician and orator, John Bright- in referring to the Reform Bill of 1867, said trying to persuade them would be like trying to 'flog a dead horse to make it pull a load.' And finally from The Globe in 1872-quoted someone saying -to have "rehearsed that [...] lively operation known as flogging a dead horse." (The Oxford English Dictionary)
but-
I would be remiss if I didn't catch up my checks and share this recent photograph from the social columns in New York of the beautiful Carolina Herrera at a charity event in the city. Wearing one of her own designs- of course- and it's made from the check I was so carried away with at the Met Gala a few weeks ago. Not to mention the absolute confident chic of not shying away from repeating that oh so memorable check! Of course this is the Lady that manages to pull off the elegant sweep of a ball gown & fitted shirt-impeccably tailored, both.
Checks can do wonders for a room- take a look at this Lars Bolanger room. The check draws you right in, along with some equally bold accenting elements: the swirling Renaissance columns, the hide rug -all anchor an airy French sofa & chairs.
One of my great and gracious readers sent this Michael Smith House Beautiful image to me after I had waxed so about checks. What a gorgeous room and again, we find many strong elements of note. A seemingly formal room, perhaps brought down to earth a bit by the check curtains- but certainly their presences pleases and wakes up what might otherwise be a too formal room. Noted pieces in the room are the striking Chinese ancestral portraits and an exuberant French gilt settee. Another special touch -the meandering Indiennes print used on a number of pieces throughout the room.
The John Stefanidis room with formally designed window dressing - a swag & jabot over full flowing curtains- helps create a less serious air to an otherwise formal interior. Imagine-if you will- the same design in a red silk damask, maybe edged in pretty passementerie- Pretty yes, but not as inviting. A check manages to maintain its dignity in any setting-think of Jane Austen when you think checks- always trust it and it will never disappoint you. You know it will always lighten up the atmosphere & no matter how many times you see it or employ it-
it will always come up to the mark.
A parting shot-
Suzanne Rheinstein seems to have captured the check to its imperfect perfection. Placed pleasantly on a pretty settee- curving gently around the sides-bending ever so slightly off course-in all its charm. Fiddle on those who disavow a check -for its never quite lining up on curves- or for that matter, the naysayers who remind you -
Oh No- Never a check on a tufted chair!
It works-
It always works & still manages to inspire.
.
not to flog the dead horse-which is an absolutely horrible expression & what exactly does it mean, anyway?
Perhaps its first usage is found in 17th century slang- "His land 'twas sold to pay his debts; All went that way, for a dead horse, as one would say "- meaning something is owed before it is earned. From the halls of Parliament in 1867 British politician and orator, John Bright- in referring to the Reform Bill of 1867, said trying to persuade them would be like trying to 'flog a dead horse to make it pull a load.' And finally from The Globe in 1872-quoted someone saying -to have "rehearsed that [...] lively operation known as flogging a dead horse." (The Oxford English Dictionary)
Carolina Herrera 1970
but-
I would be remiss if I didn't catch up my checks and share this recent photograph from the social columns in New York of the beautiful Carolina Herrera at a charity event in the city. Wearing one of her own designs- of course- and it's made from the check I was so carried away with at the Met Gala a few weeks ago. Not to mention the absolute confident chic of not shying away from repeating that oh so memorable check! Of course this is the Lady that manages to pull off the elegant sweep of a ball gown & fitted shirt-impeccably tailored, both.
images above from Vogue.com
the designer at home
Checks can do wonders for a room- take a look at this Lars Bolanger room. The check draws you right in, along with some equally bold accenting elements: the swirling Renaissance columns, the hide rug -all anchor an airy French sofa & chairs.
One of my great and gracious readers sent this Michael Smith House Beautiful image to me after I had waxed so about checks. What a gorgeous room and again, we find many strong elements of note. A seemingly formal room, perhaps brought down to earth a bit by the check curtains- but certainly their presences pleases and wakes up what might otherwise be a too formal room. Noted pieces in the room are the striking Chinese ancestral portraits and an exuberant French gilt settee. Another special touch -the meandering Indiennes print used on a number of pieces throughout the room.
Michael Smith (from House Beautiful)
This room-profuse with the scent of summer-it has to be the pale lovingly washed check slipcovers cooling off a sofa and a pair of wing chairs. This picture has been in my design files so long it doesn't carry room credits-sorry. I especially, need I mention, love the checks, but also that the designer or design savvy owner has selected the check to make up the slipcovers &then simply- let It be. No fussing or too much pressing on slipcovers, the cords and checks waver a bit off course-the skirts sag and rise a little, but what's the point of slipcovers without the actual ease and devil my care attitude they bring to mind. Slipcovers are not for the You-of the rigid mind.
Stay away from slipcovers if you have any idea of imposing perfection on your rooms.
You will be sadly disappointed in this casual & easy elegance.
Stay away from slipcovers if you have any idea of imposing perfection on your rooms.
You will be sadly disappointed in this casual & easy elegance.
The John Stefanidis room with formally designed window dressing - a swag & jabot over full flowing curtains- helps create a less serious air to an otherwise formal interior. Imagine-if you will- the same design in a red silk damask, maybe edged in pretty passementerie- Pretty yes, but not as inviting. A check manages to maintain its dignity in any setting-think of Jane Austen when you think checks- always trust it and it will never disappoint you. You know it will always lighten up the atmosphere & no matter how many times you see it or employ it-
it will always come up to the mark.
A parting shot-
Suzanne Rheinstein seems to have captured the check to its imperfect perfection. Placed pleasantly on a pretty settee- curving gently around the sides-bending ever so slightly off course-in all its charm. Fiddle on those who disavow a check -for its never quite lining up on curves- or for that matter, the naysayers who remind you -
Oh No- Never a check on a tufted chair!
It works-
It always works & still manages to inspire.
I can't promise that check won't make an encore. I'd be very surprised if they didn't inspire us both again & again.
.
