I know that fall is supposed to be about the turning of seasons, the grandeur of the foliage, the bounty of the harvest. But the cornocopia of my mailbox brings me another type of plenty: CATALOGS!
I love looking at the stuff I'll never purchase. I follow the trends of what's for sale on the open market. What styles start out as exclusive high-end opportunities and what ends up Lillian Vernon fodder before the true Holiday Season rush.
Andy and I have a ritual every year with the catalog from the Art Institute of Chicago. They have some amazing Christmas Cards and every year we debate which one is the perfect selection for this year's greeting. We always love the black and white photos, but the printed sentiments are too simple. The dancing cats: too cute. The religious: too religious. And there are plenty that are just too artsy. It also doesn't matter; we bought our cards for the upcoming season on sale at the end of last season anyway. The point is we're shopping. It's differnt than buying.
Which brings me back to the catalogs. It shows me which companies are setting the trends and who is trying so hard to maintain their brand image that they've lost touch on what the public actually wants. I'm fascinated by the William Sonoma company. Did you know that they are not only William Sonoma but also Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma Furniture, Pottery Barn Teen and Kids, and West Elm? All the same parent company. Cool, huh? They're the Beatrice of home decor.
Anyway, I'm a little concerned about the latest Pottery Barn catalog. The cover says "Decorating with Baskets". Really? That's it? The company that translated to "Shabby-Chic" phenomenon to the masses is touting the thrill of baskets? All those McMansions have so much empty space in them that they have to buy empty things to fill up the rooms? No function, just texture. It's just another sign that the retail leader is slipping.
The woods no longer have the same depth and texture in their finishes. It doesn't seem to be just veneer work, but now toned applied grain as well. I'm just not sure if applied distressing and and instant acquired history is the way to go right now. I don't really want something that looks like it's been re-purposed (however Green that idea might be) when I'm already using second hand pieces that I found after the students next door moved out. I know that your house is in danger of being re-possessed, but how about a new dresser that's been made to look like it was just slightly damaged as it came over from a plantation in Java?
Hell, no! I want something new! And I think most people do, too. There's a rumor that the Newbury Street Pottery Barn store is being closed. Just like the Boyleston St. Restoration Hardware was last year. These guys need to re-define who they are or there will need to be additional closures.
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