Rue Debuts and Delivers

There has been quite a buzz about the new online magazine Rue.  It premiered just last month with a fabulous party in NYC which I unfortunately missed. Rue is a result of a collaboration between the talented duo Anne Sage of The City Sage and Crystal Gentillo of Plush Palate, two well known bloggers who co-founded Rue along with a group of behind-the-scenes talent.

A few of The Loaded Trunk's treasures were included in this issue's shoot.  It was so exciting to see some of my things borrowed and put to use with Rue's creative styling.

Crystal's living room with a Herki rug from The Loaded Trunk

I love the light in her bedroom with the Mexican bedspread from The Loaded Trunk. Notice the fabulous leopard print jacket in the mirror.

They so creatively used the dreamy silk ikat from Thailand as a floor cover.
(All photography Rue Magazine)

The photography, styling and writing in this first issue put this team of dynamic women in a group of exclusive magazine editors already. I can't wait to see what they have in store for the next issue due out in early November. Look for it at http://ruemag.com/. Thanks to Anne, Crystal, and their great design team for supporting small businesses!

Unmasked & Adorned

The Loaded Trunk is gearing up for our first real holiday season. Last year was the dress rehearsal. Here are some of my favorite new things, from Mexico, Turkey, Argentina and Thailand.

There is still time to sign up for our $100 worth of jewelry so please TAKE ADVANTAGE of us!

The Collectors

I have a serious addiction. I am a collector by nature. It started from growing up abroad and picking up bits and pieces in other countries. This quickly turned into a textile/platters/artwork sort of obsession. Soon I was surrounded by too many things so I decided to start the Loaded Trunk to share some of the treasures (and to allow me to continue collecting). I am, however, not alone in my quest to collect.

My daughter Ryan has collected dolls since she was little. Here is a peek into one of her many doll-filled chests:

My son Michael has collected masks for years. Here are some of the fantastic masks on his wall:

My brother Stuart somehow began collecting Hellman's Mayonnaise jars which he hoards in overflowing kitchen cabinets. (No picture needed!)

My good friend Kelly has been an avid collector of American folk art for many years now and has an impressive collection. Here are some of her pieces recently exhibited at an Outsider Art show.

Kelly also has a terrific blog chronicling her journeys

As I am constantly collecting, buying, selling, and trading, I wonder what you collect? I would love to hear from all of you to try to incorporate your passions into my work as well.

The Perfect Little Boy+The Loaded Trunk=Global Kids

When you are the ruler of your domain, owner of your own business, wearer of many hats one always must be prepared to change them, and fast! Last week during a planned photo shoot, at my home, which is also my warehouse, studio and office, I got a call early the morning of the shoot from my son saying he needed to bring my grandson, over for the day. They had forgotten there was no school that day. Oops...Rather then changing gears and re-scheduling the photographer I just went with the flow and figured it would work itself out.  Tina the photographer and I would have a 4 year old helper.  Oh, and we did.

sorry, this woolly snake is not longer available, a fair days wage for the perfect little boy.

He was amazing! It was such fun... Look for these shots in the new Global Kids category up on The Loaded Trunk soon.

Sunday morning at the Country Plaza Art Fair

Big weekend in Kansas City. The 19th annual UnPlaza Art Fair at the KC Art Institute, the 79th Country Club Plaza Art Fair, a Chiefs game (I think? everyone is wearing red) to name only a few. Camera in hand and market boots on, I headed out early to beat the crowds at the Country Club Plaza Art Fair.

roni's market boots

The Plaza Art Fair is considered one of the best in the country. I usually love markets and fairs for the fantastic people watching. I have determined after years of living in KC, the people watching is NOT so exciting at these events, lots of sweatsuits and eating. Not much is left of the old guard anymore on the Plaza. The independent owners of retail stores and restaurants have been slowly replaced by big box stores and restaurants like in much of the USA. But the Plaza is a beautiful place and the Spanish influenced architecture never disappoints.

early morning set up

Favorite art booths 

I am in the process of creating a new category on the loaded trunk for kids, clearly my favorite spots today reflect this focus!

Favorite people

Favorite store windows

It is a beautiful crisp fall like day in KC and this was a perfect way to spend part of it.


roni

Motivation

I have been off the grid.  Back from Mexico for almost 2 weeks now cataloging, photographing, describing and doing all of the behind-the-scenes stuff which, while not so exciting and glamorous,  is essential for all these things that help get me planning my next journey. Today I stopped for a moment to read a link to a blog that I love but have been too busy to read: coco+kelley.  I love that she has several new guest bloggers that have infused a new perspective. Yesterday's guest blogger, who hosts her own fantastic fashion blog Fuji Files, chose the Hmong tribe (of the Golden Triangle which forms Northern Laos, Burma, and Thailand) and their amazing traditional weavings and textiles.  

Hmong women in traditional costumes. Photo courtesy of coco+kelley

It is only September but in January I am going to S.E. Asia for a month or so.  I have been on the internet and phone all morning looking for the best fare I can find. I was annoyed and needed a break so I opened a few emails and photos of these amazing Hmong women popped up and I got goose bumps.  I love S.E. Asia. My roots run deep there. I have a brother in Thailand, went to high school in Hong Kong, lived in Taiwan and Japan and have traveled all over. If I ever have to choose a place that I am most drawn it is Southeast Asia: the food, crafts and cultural traditions always call me. As a buyer I don't feel like I have to begin carving the silk road, there are so many talented artisans who are already on it and are thrilled to work with someone as small as the loaded trunk.

Seeing coco+kelley's blog post got me over my annoyance and reminded me why I do this in the first place: to continue my travels and experiences all over the world.

To bring some Hmong traditions into your home, please check out The Loaded Trunk where I have stocked some intricately beautiful Hmong blankets and rare Yao Ceremonial Masks.

Photo's from The Loaded Trunk.

Off to finalize my next travel plans...

Me encanta México

I just returned from a trip to Mexico.  The people, crafts, colorful history, diversity and preparation for the Bicentennial were evident in every town I visited.

I was there for a buying trip for The Loaded Trunk, so my museum time was limited.  As an art lover the "Museo de Arte Popular" in Mexico City is a highlight and one I never miss.  It always inspires me.

This is one of the newer museums, opening on 2006 and is my favorite museum in Mexico City. It is the showcase for Mexican roots, traditions and artisan skills. The museum is housed in a beautiful contemporary space, an art deco fire station that has been refurbished and is full of folk art from different regions of Mexico. The works include outstanding examples of textiles, pottery, woodcarvings, papier mache, paper cuttings, metal work, glass work and more, all displayed over several floors.  The building has a central "glassed-in" atrium that is airy and light allowing many of the galleries to be open and bright. It is the leader of venues for Mexican Folk Art and a must see...

The Atrium filled with kites during a visit a couple of years ago

This visit was on Sunday so all but the 1st floor gallery were closed. Art from all regions depicting historical scenes leading to both the Independence of Mexico in 1810 and scenes leading to the Revolution in 1910 were displayed, each with an historical story and time period of the event. If you do not read Spanish, I suggest you bring along a friend who does, as I did!

Photos by Roni at the Museo Arte de Popular

I only wish I had more time to be there for what I am sure will prove to be a fantastic celebration!

Photo by Roni in Morelia of some Bicentennial decorations