A number of exciting books are being released this fall, just in time for cool reading weather and Christmas shopping (too early?) The first book I'll mention, '
Habitually Chic, Creativity at Work' is written AND photographed by my dear friend Heather Clawson, author of the blog
Habitually Chic. Heather has shared a number of projects from the book with me and I think everyone will learn something about how to bring a little more chic into their own workplace. We all read the blog, now read the book!
'Mighty Maharajas, Forts & Palaces of India' by Amita Baig and Joginder Singh is an astonishing look at Indian high style through the ages. A large picture book filled with lush photographs, the thing that surprised me most was how Western many of the more recent palaces are. I was most enamored with the older fortresses found early in the book and their exotic detailing. Read an in depth look on pattern within the book featuring many pictures at one of my favorite blogs
StyleCourt.
I first read the definitive biography of
Sister Parish by Apple Bartlett and Susan Crater a number of years ago and this fall it is being reprinted with forewords by her protege Bunny Williams and, of course, Albert Hadley. This book is a MUST HAVE for any design library of substance or design student. This edition makes it affordable as well!
Lastly, the tome
'At Home in Italy, under the summer sun' by Nicoletta del Buono and Massimo Listri is a beautiful and informative look at
REAL Italian living today and not a stylized glossy copy. There is something for everyone from Italian farmhouses to stylish villas. You may want to plan your next vacation (or remodel!).
I'm sure everyone can make room on their bookshelf for at least one of these fantastic new design books this fall!
I've shared with you the highlights of Asbury Park, the convention center and the casino, but there is still more to see!
Despite a lot of new building and restoration, much still lies vacant down along the water but has a certain picturesque charm.
Other than the Atlantic, the big draw to Asbury Park is the nearby Ocean Grove Auditorium and village -a religious retreat. This is a quaint area near downtown which contains a number of restored Victorian houses.
Right across the street from the Convention Center along the boardwalk is the iconic Howard Johnsons, now home to another cafe. I love quirky mid century modern buildings like this.
No small town is complete without a proper post office, a white marble beaux-arts beauty at that.
Terra cotta decoration is found off the boardwalk as well.
The Romanesque styled Methodist church in town is covered in gorgeous, colorful tiles.
Immacutely kept, the church must be much loved by its' congregants.
Just a detail of the tiles.
Even this house was covered in terra cotta!
The town has seen a rebirth and many of the houses have been restored.
Most are charming Victorians such as this with wide front porches; quintessential American homes.
There are many variations though, this classically - inspired bungalow was all original. Talk about unique!
I loved this white elephant of a Mediterranean, how I would love to restore it!
Downtown holds no end of great restaurants and antique shops. This building in particular appealed to me.
Even smaller cities have some early skyscrapers, like this Richardsonian Romanesque stone beauty, now condos above a restaurant.
But it is primarily known for the strip along the boardwalk where many musicians have famously gotten their start such as Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi , at the Stone Pony club.
I even made a few friends down on the boardwalk! I hope you enjoyed this tour of New Jersey's great small town, Asbury Park.
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