The West Village!

Just another run in the West Village and I find myself taking photos.  The West Village is a changing more and more…while this is by far my favorite residential landing in Manhattan, one can see the disappearing historical retail jewels that give this place character.

One by one, the coolest retailers are disappearing…, hailing goodbyes to this once hub of creativity now quickly becoming just on its’ way to becoming yet another trendy collection of less avant garde retailers.  Here is one of its’ classics still here!

A Classic

Bleecker Street Records

GAIL TOMA Pillows Available At Kitty Clay Main Street Southampton

Visit Kitty Clay’s and keep in mind  the power of the pillow.

Here at the Mainstay, a Southampton Classic Bed and Breakfast well over 100 years old, I had the pleasure to stage this home and add a few pillows from my collection.

The GAIL TOMA Vanilla, Sapphire and Blueberry Martini Ltd. Edition Silk pillows added just the right splash of color to this previously all white and grey historical living room.

 

The Martini Collection Vanilla, Sapphire and Blueberry Martini's

GAIL TOMA’s Martini Pillows in The Mainstay Southampton NY

With 32 colors in each palette the Martini Pillows added just the right warmth and splash of color to pull the accenting accessories from art and books together.

This jewel of a B&B in Southampton has a long history and its’ owner Elizabeth Main has stylishly maintained this for the last 24 years.  A great place to spend a holiday.

“Elizabeth Main has owned this charming Southampton home for over twenty years. The house which goes back almost 200 years has been lovingly restored to capture the easy country elegance of the old days of Southampton.  Mainstay is the longest run private Bed and Breakfast in Southampton.  The home is on an acre of property on historic Hill Street and within walking and biking of the glorious world famous  Coopers Beach and elegant shopping on Main Street and Jobs Lane. Shinnecock, Sebonac and National Golf Courses are approximately one mile from the property which has a 20×40 in-ground SALTWATER pool and 1/2 acre perennial gardens.   Mainstay has been featured in Good Housekeeping’s June 2001 subscription issue and ON THE JITNEY magazine issue , today the country home is used as a summer house for extended families during the season as well as still inviting guest on occasion for off season with limited availability. ”

 

The Mainstay!

KITTY CLAY Southampton Home Boutique

Looking for a local source for some of my Ltd Edition Pillow Collection…you must check out Kitty Clay’s on Main Street in Southampton Village.   It is a world of international jewels collected with a discriminating eye.  Kitty Clay is a world traveler and Home Interiors Shop with a fascinating collection of home accessories, art and furniture.

I am thrilled to have my GAIL TOMA Martini Pillows and Chics Pillows in her shop this summer.

Anguilla Neutrals

Some of the most beautiful findings in Anguilla…What next….Home or Fashion….

 

It is no surprise to see knits in cable, sisal rugs and weathered furnishings pop up in collections all over the world…Some of the best natural inspiration ever.

Inspiration From Anguilla

Resort Life

Inspired by Anguilla…

From NY to St. Maarten, to Speed Boat then finally to Anguilla , it is worth the trip!  Always curious by ‘Resort’, and addicted to traveling this trip to Anguilla has provided me with some amazing inspiration that I am borrowing for my next collection.

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GAIL TOMA’s Essence of Style Perfectly Spotted in Anguilla

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Mother’s Day

 

Happy Mother's Day

Celebrating Motherhood…

Flowers, cards, phone calls, Mother’s Day is around the corner. Mother’s Day celebrations extend beyond honoring your mother and/ or being a mom. We can thank Anna Jarvis for establishing this holiday that was officially launched in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson in the U.S.

Jarvis intended this holiday to be one of ‘remembrance’ and one celebrating spiritual motherhood.  Her intent was to honor Mothers, the act of mothering, and spiritual institutions.

She became highly disappointed by the holiday’s evolution into one of commercialism that she came full circle and she became an activist to end Mother’s Day. She was actually arrested for protesting at a Mother’s Day Carnation Sale….

I however think she makes the world pause for a moment to remember amazing women and acts of empathy.  I raise my glass to Anna and thank her for making the world  a better place…

My memories of Mother’s Day shopping began like most young children.  My homemade cards were joyously received and more than my mom could ever want for. When I got a bit older, and would ride bikes around my neighborhood on the North Shore of Long Island I would find the remnants of yard sales or early spring cleaners. Two great gifts came directly from some of the nicest houses in the neighborhood. One was a large gold gilded framed mirror and the other a large wooden frame for a canvas. The mirror just needed a bow and the frame was the inspiration for a still life painting I painted for Mother’s Day. I was over the moon with these finds.  Of course my mom thought these were just amazing. Once I got a bit older, shopping trips with my Dad to New York and going out for lunch made our shopping trips really special.

For me, I have come full circle and while it is my turn to receive those so those treasured hand made cards I must admit I do not turn down the gifts.   But by far, my very favorite mother’s day gift so far is a construction paper painting of my son’s foot print turned into a key chain.

For those of you new to Etsy I have added my line to this exciting great shopping platform where you can find truly unique gifts for special occasions like this.   After searching high and low for a ‘ special and unique gift for a friend’ and coming up empty, I went online. I had never considered Etsy for my own collection (women’s accessories, apparel and home furnishing accessories) because I didn’t realize the extent of the work featured. After discovering this site myself,  I feel honored to be amongst such good company.

If you are going shopping and are wondering what to give…for Mother’s Day…

If you are shopping in my shop and wondering what might be a great mother’s day gift…my first thought is something just for her!  So any of my scarfs from ‘Classic to Glamour Collections’.  They are all about celebrating women and what they love.  The floral scarves are ideal gifts in lieu of flowers, a Martini Scarf to celebrate the occasion or Chics or Essence of Style to celebrate all the women in your life!  Check out some of the patterns below.

I invite you to visit my shop and enjoy the 20% Sale on GAIL TOMA just in time for Mother’s Day.

The GAIL TOMA Gift Box

Each GAIL TOMA product is packaged in its’ exclusive signature perfect for the holidays in a timeless Lime Green and Black. No need for Gift Wrapping this Holiday Season with GAIL TOMA Signature Packaging.

 

 

GAIL TOMA HIBISCUS EDITED THE MARTINI COLLECTION Ltd. Edition Silk Print Wal Art by GAIL TOMA THE MARTINI COLLECTION Ltd. Edition Silk Print Wal Art by GAIL TOMA GAIL TOMA Women's Collection Textile Wall Art For more on Mother’s Day…

HOLIDAYS and Shopping IN NEW YORK CITY vs. The Hamptons

While GAIL TOMA has traveled most of the best cities in the world, her native New York remains my favorite.  For the holidays, Manhattan is truly magical.  Whether you shop, window shop, Santa shop, dine, drink coffee or martinis, dance,  etc.til you drop, New York is the place to do it.

The city that never sleeps is ready for Holidays 2013.  Make a wish at ABC Home and Carpet Make a Wish Tree and visit Santa hassle free this year at ABC Home and Carpet. 

I Love New York

GAIL TOMA Glamour  Collection Perfect for that Special Occasion on the Top of the Empire State Building

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For the best boutiques in NYC, try New York Magazine’s list, then hit the subway as you will have to leave the isle of Manhattan and head to Brooklyn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brooklyn, which has become GAIL TOMA‘s all time favorite place in NYC has some great unique, boutique shopping visit http://ny.racked.com/archives/2013/05/20/new_york_citys_38_best_independent_boutiques_

Taken From the Empire State Building

GAIL TOMA Shops NYC Black Friday Macy’s at Herald Square

GAIL TOMA Glamour Kelly Flower Three in One with Black Feather Convertible Scarf Perfect for Holiday Glamour Anywhere

GAIL TOMA Glamour Kelly Flower Three in One with Black Feather Convertible Scarf Perfect for Holiday Glamour Anywhere

Perfect GAIL TOMA Holiday Glamour Ltd Edition Exclusive Three in One™ Hibiscus©

Perfect GAIL TOMA Holiday Glamour Ltd Edition Exclusive Scharfe`™ Hibiscus©1.php.

 

For those of you thinking a warm fireside hot toddy in New York, visit the iconic Old Towne Bar.  When you have had enough, head to Rte 495 East then

GAIL TOMA Holiday Glamour Perfect for Jeans or Black Tie

GAIL TOMA Holiday Glamour Perfect for Jeans or Black Tie

hit Rte 27 East and stop in the Hampton’s only luxury department store in Watermill.  At 700 Montauk Highway Prince of Scots showcases the GAIL TOMA Scarves, Apparel, Home Furniture, Pillows, Dog Coats the Collection along with Etro Home and Vegna Throws and Pull-In Bathing Suits and more or visit them online at Prince of Scots for just a peek look at the GAIL TOMA Collection.

Spend the Holidays in the Hamptons

For a memorable and relaxing holiday, spend the holidays in the Hamptons.  From great shopping for women, men and the home, to a great martini,  Southampton is a great destination.  The Christmas Parade is romantic for the child in all of us.   Of course, there is something for everyone in the many designer boutiques, but if you are looking for unique gifts that are exclusive to the Hamptons, stop in at Prince of Scots on Montauk Highway in Watermill.For the women in your life, the place(s) you call ‘home’, the pouch in your life, the GAIL TOMA collection can be found at Prince of Scots.  The Holidays are on their way….

Holidays in the Hamptons

Mecox Beach, Bridgehampton Life Guard Chair Summer is Over

The GAIL TOMA Gift Box

Each GAIL TOMA product is packaged in its’ exclusive signature perfect for the holidays in a timeless Lime Green and Black. No need for Gift Wrapping this Holiday Season with GAIL TOMA Signature Packaging.