Christmas Valentine Dream

THERE'S  A  CRISP  IN  THE  AIR ... 

Set the mood with Gipson Girl finery -  Rich Royal Colors and Sumptuous Autumn Finery await you at our new location:  308 West Front Street  -   (903) 526-9975

If you fancy your pet, we have fancies for your pet

My Mother & Sister's Visit

My Mother & Sister's Visit

Some do it only for others, or just to entertain.  Some do not  get why they should do it at all -- and probably never will.  For those, I feel sad.  They do not know what they are missing.  What is this thing?  It is the ability to enjoy your own surroundings.  You can turn your home into your own original work of art by layering in all of your favorite things.  You can "paint it to life" with your favorite colors.  You can even showcase all of your loved collectibles and cherished heirlooms.  Now --- don't forget to enjoy it yourself!

When my own Mother and sister visit, there's one thing I can count on...

Pleasing Mom & The Little Miss Both

Pleasing Mom & The Little Miss Both

A recent job hit so close to home for me.  A  Mom hires me to help update her darling daughter's bedroom.  My first thought:  This could be deadly.  Can I possibly please a mom and a feisty pre-teen?

Gearing up for a fabulous Summer Retreat: Part 2

In our last Honest Blog article, "Gearing up for a Fabulous Summer Retreat," we mentioned perfectly lovely rooms that "Got No WOW."  In this article I will share a few tips on introducing into your space some vintage flair...

Re-think common or vintage items. 

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Gearing up for a Fabulous Summer Retreat

 

Have you ever walked into a fabulous room with a "summer personality," or seen one in a great

magazine, that makes you go WOW! Do you ask yourself, how do they achieve such a look? Would your first thought be re-sale shops, estate sales, antique stores, flea markets -- even a next door neighbor's yard sale? Hidden treasures are everywhere; you just have to discover them.

It's not hard.

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Don't let updating an existing space overwhelm you

Decorating a new home from "scratch" can be overwhelming. However, it can be just as daunting to give an existing space an update. There are many reasons for updating an existing space: We desire fresh new colors, our furniture tastes have changed, etc. In my line of work I find very often that updates are needed simply because certain beloved and cherished aspects of that room have just become worn. In some cases, worn out!


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Achieving Magnificent Color Pops

Last week we discussed using tantalizing "color pops" (aka tertiary colors) to enhance and bring new life to a tired, yet timeless, color scheme. Before we get into that, I would like to share with you some background on color use in design. A decade or so ago the decorating rage was about playing the basics off of each other all nicey-nice. Remember that time? The red-with-green, the blue-with-yellow, la-de-dah... All of the major fashion houses were doing it, from the traditional Ralph Lauren, to the breathy and floral Waverly, to the quirky and fun United Colors of Benetton. I really hate to spill their beans, but they were simply using two opposing colors on the color wheel to make a statement. (Colors located directly across from each other on the color wheel.) Colors opposite of each other on the wheel do contrast, yet they actually complement each other very nicely.   (continued....)

You do not have to change everything

Changing or updating your living space can feel like an insult to your past decorating skills; as if you are, all of a sudden, questioning the judgment of your beloved collectibles. Even if you live in a truly fabulous old Victorian home, honestly, living out "everyday life" in a Victorian Parlor can become, well, a bit of a downer. Things may have been top-to-bottom perfect ten years ago, but now it is time to consider breathing in some new life and excitement to your area. I think that this decision is healthy not only the house but also for its occupant. Are you ready to introduce some new spice and interest into your tired space? GREAT! Let me just come out and say it: CHANGE IS GOOD!

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This fabulous '50s Chevy Bar now resides in the personal home of The Gipson Girl!

There is a thin line between whimsical and silly. The best whimsy is usually found, or should I say stumbled upon, by accident. Even in the process of trial & error. You know, when you think, "Oh, I don't know if I can use that. Will it go with my decor?" Deciding to be brave, you go ahead and give it a try -- wham-bam! You have just added the perfect piece that makes your decor fabulous! It can be anything: An object, a fabric choice, something with unusual appeal or a vibrant punch of transitional color, which may take a room in a whole new direction.  
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Tablescapes

Tablescapes are really tricky, but that's what makes them, well, irresistible. For example, a beautiful table sandwiched between a pair fancy chairs, say in a formal living room, will draw your eye. Well, of course! Because it is holding a stack of antique leather books, in lovely addition to a mesmerizing collection of Oriental Foo Dogs. At first it appears to be tossed together, but is not! 
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Are you a hoarder?

 "Lydia hated baggage" From the Theatre Girls Collection
Artist Kimberly Potts www.smackingdarcy.com

Ever since the popular TV show "The Hoarders" premiered, my passion has been fueled to guide my fellow collectors. Please hear me... there should be a BIG difference between clutter and collectibles. I know that sometimes, with everyday life happening in our homes, our good intentions collide. That is understandable. Because we "live in it," we can easily overlook the "train wreck." It's worth repeating: There is a BIG difference between clutter and collectibles.(continued...)

The most original Valentine Gifts

Say "I love you" this Valentines Day with an original Gipson Girl heart pillow, a beautiful Razzle-Dazzle candy bar and an eye-candy & old-timey Valentine. Great idea for a gift basket. Just add champagne, {wink-wink}
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Don't be a bore!

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My thoughts today are still on setting up my own new residence here in the former Gipson Girl location on Vine Street. A friend stopped by to see what I had done so far. In passing, she made a suggestion about what to do with a little alcove spot. It was brilliant! Her suggestion was something that I had not thought of. Now, of course I consider myself superior to my friend in the design realm (wink-grin). Typically the shoe is on the other foot, with her asking me for my advice. But then, BAM! (continued...)

Wood!

Many times I will get a call, and it goes something like this: "My home is so cold and uninviting, Cynthia -- Help!" Honestly, their problem is usually wood.  (continued...)

KLTV's Joan Hallmark profiles The Gipson Girl

"There's a thin line between clutter and a collection, and there's a thin line between whimsical and silly -- you've just got to find it."

I'm a "budget girl."  I can tell you ways to make your money go further, the most effective ways to make an impact but also staying economical.

The Gipson Girl is filled with the old and the new, at all price ranges.  Indulge, shop, bring your favorite objects in to be updated, or just enjoy browsing.  I promise you, it will be an adventure. ~ Cynthia

 

KLTV's Joan Hallmark  profiles The Gipson Girl

The Gipson Girl has changed locations

I have always optimistically welcomed the start of the New Year. For me it is a time to thoughtfully consider what I have surrounded myself with both personally and professionally. I set aside my "emotional thinking" and coax out my "business" thinking." This usually results in something pretty darn important, and brave -- and here it is: I'm kicking of the New Year with an announcement... (continued...)

The Gipson Girl magazine features

The Gipson Girl has been featured in the following magazine publications:

Photo courtesy of Dan Mayers www.danmayers.com)

Photo courtesy of Dan Mayers www.danmayers.com)