My visit to the Wisteria outlet in Dallas!

While on business in Dallas, I got to experience a little bit of design junkie heaven: the Wisteria outlet.  It was in transition for the end of the winter season, but even though it wasn't styled perfectly, it was still a gorgeous and inspiring site to see.

Behold!

I was loving all of the table-setting inspiration.  

Aren't the walls covered in book pages cool?  And the intricately carved arches reminded me of my adventures in Morocco!

Soft-goods and upholstered items donned pretty pastels like lavender and periwinkle.

Look yonder! The Wisteria "flea-market" corner, full of treasures you never knew you wanted needed!!

A Texas-sized thanks to my friend Susan, who was an awesome host during my stay in Dallas, and for taking me to Wisteria-wonderland!

If you aren't lucky enough to live near Wisteria in Dallas, you'll have to do with beholding Wisteria online like the rest of us. *sigh*

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The talented Maryam of My Marrakesh reveals Peacock Pavillions to Lonny Mag

When my boyfriend and I visited Morocco in 2009, Maryam, of My Marrakesh and her husband were a tremendous help planning our trip. I had been a huge fan of My Marrakesh since before I even started Decorology. Her blog is so spectacular, that it's no surprise that her guest accommodations in Marrakesh are equally stunning. If you haven't heard of it already, "Peacock Pavilions" is a splendor of Moroccan art and craft work, and Maryam's amazing attention to detail sets it apart.

The amazing work on the steps is all stenciling..that door is amazing, too

The Sufi Scribe is my favorite suite...I LOVE the sconces!

I adore the drawing on the wall - so beautiful..

The "peacock" wallpaper on the wall is pretty cool too...

Blue wards off the evil eye.

Checkout the floor, and the lanterns in this suite.

Read and see more about Peacock Pavilions in the newest Lonny Mag.

 Check out my travels to Marrakesh, Fes, and Essaouira in Morroco.

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Morocco Series: A tour of my favorite Moroccan guest house

In between hostel stays, Chris and I treated ourselves to a night in the Riad Lalla Mogador, in the city Essaouira. It's actually priced really reasonably and just feels like a treat!

*please be patient during photo upload - I've specially uploaded higher-res images so you guys get extra detail! :)



Our room was very authentic and the furnishings reflected the craft/artisan trade that flourishes in Essaouira












Outside our room


Traditional Moroccan homes have no roof in the center, and an open courtyard area in the middle.









The second floor halls


Looking up from the second floor




Plenty of nooks to relax


You take your brunch on the roof, which has some great views - see the beach in the back?

See lots more gorgeous photos at their site, http://www.riadlalla-essaouira.com/

*All photos taken by my boyfriend, Chris

** I am by no means an expert and after 7 days of running around Morocco please feel free to correct me if any information I give in the Morocco Series is incorrect!

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Morocco Series: Peaceful, coastal Essaouira

Chris and I took a much needed, 2 day trip to Essaouira (about 3 hours by bus from Marrakesh. Essaouira offers a little rest from the non-stop pace of the medinas in Fes and Marrakesh. The medina in Essaouira is much smaller, and the beach and dunes offer beautiful views.

The city still looks like a fortress, and you'll see many remnants (such as the forts and cannons), from the days when it was one. "During the 16th century, various powers including Spain, England, the Netherlands and France tried in vain to conquer the locality. Essaouira remained a haven for the export of sugar, molasses and the anchoring of pirates." - via Wikipedia

*please be patient during photo upload - I've specially uploaded higher-res images so you guys get extra detail! :)



Looking into an artist co-op from the street. There are many artisans and a big craft community in Essaouira.


A door to the co-op from the street

A typical residential street





Fish monger's counters in a square of the Medina.


The beach is a very popular place for windsurfers (the water is very rough), also dune buggies and camels. The island you see across the waves used to house a prison, but now it is a protected nesting ground for some type of falcon. (Correct me if I'm wrong about the bird)


Me on Cappuccino and Chris on Chocolat.




You never forget the blue boats in Essaouira's port.







Another view of the marina




I believe these are ruins from a lookout or fort






This cannon said "Barcelona" on it, and I believe a date of "18??" something...




What do you think of Essaouira?


*All photos taken by my boyfriend, Chris

** I am by no means an expert and after 7 days of running around Morocco please feel free to correct me if any information I give in the Morocco Series is incorrect!

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