Greetings all, the last week of my life has been absolutely crazy!  I’ve been busy putting together several holiday projects in anticipation of another magazine photo shoot later this week, and let me tell ya, it’s such a challenge to style ornaments and twinkle lights when it’s 90 degrees in July.  I’ve got flocking in my hair and glitter in places where it shouldn’t be, and it’s too darn hot outside. 

I have such respect for those who work in the magazine business and are accustomed to this kind of life, whether it’s Christmas in July, pumpkins in April or Easter eggs in October. I’ll have more deets on the photo shoot and be sure to share next week!

Speaking of the talents who work for magazines, today I have the pleasure of bringing you a Q & A with one of my favorite stylists and designers, Mr. Eddie Ross.  I’ve been a fan of Eddie for a long time and even had the pleasure of meeting him a while back at the Alameda Antique Fair.  He is such a source of inspiration to me, and I’m sure to many of you!

I sent some questions to Eddie and he gave me the inside scoop! 

CG: Congratulations on your recent column in Southern Living.  You’ve also been appearing regularly in Woman’s Day.  What inspires your contributions that continue to wow us every month? 

Flea markets, old books or magazines, great finds at the Goodwill…I take it all in and filter it through my experience as an editor and stylist, then present it in a new way.  

Pedestal table makeover for Southern Living, images Jaithan Kochar and Miki Duisterhof (after)

CG: Share a glimpse of a day in the life of styling and shooting for the magazines recently featuring your work.  Who are the people behind Team Eddie? 

Wow, a day in the life, let’s see…so much goes into each story beyond just styling and shooting which makes each project fun and unique.  Also since a lot of what we do is actually shot in our house not a studio we really live with what we are creating.  It gives me a chance to live with the project, then style and prop it in a real way.

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The very best place to shop for antiques in the Bay Area is the monthly Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Fair at the former Naval Station in Alameda, California.  This place is a zoo!  Hundreds of vendors and thousands of customers frequent this event and for good reason:  the selections are incredible.  Regulations are strict – there are no reproductions allowed and everything sold must be at least twenty years old.  It almost ended with a dispute between the partners several months ago, but fortunately the Antique Fair lives on. 

My lucky stars aligned again on Sunday, for who should I happen to run into ?  None other than the amazingly talented Eddie Ross and his partner Jaithan.  Eddie was giving a tour that morning to a sold out crowd.  How fortuitous to run into one of my greatest inspirations in such an incredibly crowded venue !

Eddie is very charming in person, and was so gracious to take the time to talk to me.  Jaithan is equally delightful in person.  Doesn’t Eddie have the best smile ?  I told him how excited I was for his special on HGTV – did you catch it ?  He decorated Kathy Lee Gifford’s home for the holidays with his exceptional Eddie touch.

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