Decorating with Black and White?

Everyone is excited about our black & white dramatic entrance. Sometimes the best thing you can do is rearrange! Whether it is your furniture at home or at the store--or even your life in general. You never know exactly what is going to happen when you start moving stuff around! Joanne

WEASEL BOY

Big John, also known as "WEASEL BOY", loves his new T-shirt that I had made for him. John walked into the store one day many years ago and hasn't given us a moment of peace since! We love him--and 55 simply wouldn't be the same without him!--Stefanie

Sneak Peek - New Floral Design Workshop!!!

Posted by Jamie

Though it isn't quite finished yet, I just had to give a sneak peek at the new floral design workshop that Pat was working on today. It's actually more of an artist's retreat than a workshop, and I'm sure you can see why from the photos. The workspace is ideal, the flowers and the walls bursting with color, and the painted window on the wall just says it all. I hope you all have a creative space to escape to, but if not, then you've got to visit us soon for some free inspiration!!!

Favorite Photos

Posted by Jamie

I was looking through some of the photos I've taken of 55 WEST over the last year, and I just wanted to share two of my favorites. The top photo is absolutely my favorite. The colors and the energy of that little vignette are what 55 WEST is all about. The teal bedroom set was so sad looking when it came here to 55, and once we'd given it a bold new coat of color and a shabby chic finish, it really commanded attention and just lit up this corner of the store.

The second photo shows just how much floor space this beautiful building has... and this is only the first floor! (* The man at the bottom of the stairs is our buddy John. He stops in each day to say hello and to take Stef's dog Otis for a walk. He's a real hoot, especially when he and Stef get to teasing each other. She just got him a T-shirt for his birthday that boldly proclaims his nickname - WEASEL BOY. He calls her THE WEIRD ONE, so their love and respect for one another is mutual!)

Burt's Bees

Posted by Jamie

I never imagined I'd find a Burt's Bees product that I liked more than the Lavendar Complexion Mist, but it's finally happened. Last week, I took home some of the Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream, and I LOVE IT! I have really sensitive skin, and the product that I was using before was more drying than I realized. This new Burt's Bees facial cleansing cream feels really velvety on the skin, and it washes off well too. I love what it says on the back of the bottle... "This natural, rich cream cleanser is all bark and no bite." It's true!!!

Hall of Pillows

Posted by Jamie

If you've been hunting for just the perfect pillow to compliment your bedroom or living room decor, then you definitely need to see our hall of pillows. When you walk upstairs, you're first greeted with our comfy fitting room and then the cozy kitchen setting with all of the colorful cups and dishes. Just past that, you enter a long path lined on both sides by tall wood shelves. And every inch of those shelves is stuffed with pillows in all shapes, sizes and colors. You'll find everything from country florals to Asian prints, but my personal favorites are the patchwork pillows. Made from the most beautiful designer fabrics, these pillows are really works of art.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Posted by Jamie

There are times when I am convinced that Stefanie has no fear. She will climb to the tops of ladders and stretch her body as far as it will go to hang a piece of art near the top of 55's 20-foot high walls. I've seen her lift huge antiques by herself, while grown men watch and decide whether or not to offer their assistance when she's doing just fine by herself.

This week, she decided it was time to add some fresh paint to the outside of her two-story shop. Without a moment's hesitation, she bravely rode a boom lift 26 feet into the air and got right to it. In about 24 hours time, she had added a rich golden color to the large wood window frames and bold magenta to the enormous back doors.

This building is gorgeous, and Stef continually finds ways to reinvent and reinvigorate all of its decorative details.