We were lucky enough to discover GAA whilst they were celebrating their anniversary, I believe. We were regaled with the best of food, drink and fresh flowers. We thought this was astonishing, in itself, until we walked into the store.
All I could keep saying (in the manner of my ABFAB heroines Edina and Patsy) was "My God! Such gorgeous, gorgeous things!"
Every vignette was designed beautifully. Every one drew my attention to pieces I might have missed had they just been "displayed ". Everywhere I looked I was overwhelmed with breathtaking pieces of art, from the furniture to accessories, leathers and porcelain. It was worse than visiting the Met or the Guggenheim: Because every piece of this art in GAA WAS for sale!
Rarely do I find a place that speaks to every one of my eclectic tastes. I mix Art Deco and Nouveau, Victorian, Egyptian Revival, French, Chinoiserie and anything else in which I fall head over heels. Because if you buy what you absolutely love, it will all work together.
Allow me to put a caveat on that last statement: The majority of the time, with 99% of people, this takes the service of an interior decorator. Fortunately, GAA offers this service, as well. And if you are one of the ones who shook your head and said "I don't need the help of an interior decorator!", trust me when I say you need it more than most. I have terrific "taste" in furniture and accessories. But placement and the creation of spaces in the home is everything. Otherwise, you look like you're running a junk shop. I'm lucky my mother is a brilliant ID, or my home might be a bit...ahem...TOO interesting. My good taste, notwithstanding. (*snort*)
I left the proverbial "best for last". The staff were so lovely! Everyone was given personal attention and they were so warm and personable. They never hovered but seemed to have a sense if a customer had a question. One of the owners was there (in a marvelous white suit with a flower in hi!) and, though we didn't personally meet, he brought such an air of joie de vivre that we couldn't help but feel we were quests in his own home.
It may come as a surprise that I'm considered to be a little on the "wordy" side (hmmph). So, I'll sum all this up in the words of the young man who spent the day handing beautiful flower arrangements to unsuspecting customers (some who simply could not understand they did NOT have to pay or leave a gratuity). He said he owned a flower shop in the area. But when invited by the owners to give away thousands of dollars in premium flowers to customers, said this:
"I was lucky they thought I was good enough to ask! They are the best people I've known and I'm honored to be a part of this."
There. If you don't believe me, believe the guy who GAVE AWAY thousands of dollars of his inventory in an afternoon...and called it an "honor".
High praise, and warranted, at that. read more
