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DATE BOOK SUZANNE COPPOLA
Near the corner of Persa Street sits Suzanne Coppola’s studio, Laurier Blanc—a tasteful treasure trove for all things worldly where you’ll find curiosities such as necklaces dangling with boar tusks, acrylic and burnt wood transformed into tables, or silky cowhides that add the perfect finishing touch to any floor or wall. With an eye for the unique, Coppola has been busy recently showcasing her latest finds from The Royal Hunt Collection: an expansive and showstopping compilation of hunting trophy mounts from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries that easily conjure up a sense of history with one glance. For Coppola, it’s about both the thrill of the chase and the excitement of bringing her favorite global goods home. Whether she’s traveling to French Polynesia or perusing the markets in Marrakesh, though, Houston is never far from her thoughts. “I just love the aesthetic here and how my clients aren’t afraid to add in a dose of whimsy or large unusual statement pieces into their décor,” she muses. Indeed, the city’s aesthetic is one-of-a-kind, as demonstrated through Coppola’s Houston to-do list that boasts as much personality as her carefully curated shop. Read below for her favorite spots to frequent. laurierblanc.com
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9 a.m. Starting my day at the Laurier Blanc studio, where I’m usually cataloging finds from my recent trips. My photographer and I are currently working on our collections from my travels to Buenos Aires and the markets of Paris. 10 a.m. By this time I’m at my favorite morning spot, Picnic, which has the best coffee on the planet and a killer chocolate chip cookie to go with it. It’s right next to our new gallery space for The Royal Hunt Collection, 1926 Bissonnet Street, so I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy quite a few of their delectable pastries, too.
12 p.m. Meandering through the idyllic garden at Thompson + Hanson takes you to my favorite spot for brunch, Tiny Boxwoods. The aesthetic is divine—think sleek finished concrete floors and giant iron windows. Every time I’m here, I can’t help but dream about the imaginary home I want to design. The menu is divine and the French Picnic with rosemary ham and whipped goat cheese is hands down my favorite. Also, don’t pass on the chocolate chip cookies. They are a must. You may catch a glimpse of chef and owner Baron Doke in the back; he never seems to indulge me in my many attempts to get the recipes from my favorites out of him. 1 p.m. Sloan/Hall is a must-see in the area with such a gorgeous selection of frocks and jewelry. I love to pop in to see what’s new from my favorite jewelry designers Katie Design and Lee Ann Jones.
HEADSHOT: JULIE SOEFER. SHOP PHOTOS: LAYNE TANLEY.
11 a.m. A treasure trove of a garden nursery is Thompson + Hanson. It’s a feast for the senses and a place that seems to be straight out of the Hamptons. A gorgeous space filled with beautiful antiques, art and gifts, it offers a host of ideas to transform your garden. 2 p.m. Twenty Six Twenty is my favorite spot in Houston for antiques. Dot Dimiero and Dana Aichler’s vision for this studio is gorgeous, and they always have special one-of-a-kind pieces that draw attention. In addition to owning an antiques shop, they are also an amazing design duo who are my go-to for interior design. 3 p.m. Out and about, it’s time for an early afternoon cold-brew coffee with almond milk from Blacksmith. It has a sweet little patio that is the perfect spot to collect my thoughts and take a breather. 4 p.m. Space Montrose is a great place to check out since it features purely Texas- and U.S.-based artisans. The store has a gorgeous selection of art, jewelry and fun finds for the kids. I’ve got two young boys, and I always find something fun for them here.
5 p.m. I’m really having a love affair with the bedding collections at Biscuit. It is an impressive spot for gifts and bedding, and I can’t get enough of the faux-bois Paul bedding. 6 p.m. Doc’s Motorworks is the best possible option to enjoy a relaxed combination of cocktails and down-home Texas hospitality. Ask for Garret for extra special attention. I recommend the Houston Sipper with BAT sliders featuring applewood bacon, avocado and tomato. This is my ideal spot for a date night where my husband and I can also watch the game.
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10/9/15 9:49 AM