this week on unexpected guests i’m delighted to share the philadelphian home of Trish DeMasi, Co-owner and exclusive designer for Fabulous Stationery (and one of my lovely sponsors). Trish’s home is filled with vintage treasures and has a really eclectic, stylish vibe and that kind of effortless elegance i’m often striving for. i think you’re going to love it – just look at her amazing lighting fixtures, and mid-century modern collections. stunning!

Where do you live, and what are a few of your favorite things to do in your neighborhood?

I’m a native Philadelphian and live in the Center City area near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You can usually find me walking my Boston Terrier, Larry behind the museum on the newly renovated Schuylkill River Banks. The historical Water Works buildings in Fairmount Park are a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors in the city. There are miles of paths and great views of Boat House Row and the art museum. I’m also happy to sit at any outdoor cafe with a cocktail, whether it be on Rittenhouse Square or the new Piazza in Northern Liberties.

What are your top three online shops?

I always check in with YOOX for slightly discounted designer fashions and contemporary Italian housewares and furnishings. It’s easy to get sucked in to the huge inventory. 1st dibs is another favorite for vintage and mid-century finds. They’re a great resource for finding antiques anywhere in the world. And I love Etsy for vintage tchotchkes that I buy and use for design inspiration.

What’s your favorite flea market, or secondhand find?

My friend Harry is an antiques dealer and is a great resource for estate sales and unique treasures. I’ve scored lots of amazing vintage jewelry through him. I also try to find special objects when I travel. I was in Palm Springs recently and found a fabulous huge white ceramic bird to add to my collection. In Philly, I bought an amazing vintage oversized straw bag from Scarlett’s on Pine Street. She has a nice collection of high-end vintage clothes and accessories from every period.

What’s your favorite possession?

My collection of old family photo albums. I’ve spent years putting them together and always enjoy looking at them. I’m a sucker for nostalgia.

What five things can’t you live without?

My three beautiful dogs, Larry, Sidney and Camille; A cup of coffee first thing in the morning; A sketchbook and black fine tip felt pen; Black liquid eyeliner; A great meal.

What bores you to death?

Closed-minded people.

If you could go shopping with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Aside from Larry (my Boston Terrier) the only person I’d shop with might be Keith Johnson, the antiques buyer for Anthropologie. He seems like an adventurous choice. He travels the world and has endless resources.

Guests are coming over – what’s on your soundtrack?

Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto. I enjoy all kinds of music but when I have guests I like something that isn’t overwhelming or distracting. It’s feel good sounds and I love the nostalgia. My father always played them when I was a kid.

What’s your “go-to” specialty – a cocktail, a recipe, a certain flower arrangement?

Whenever I have pop-ins I seem to always have the ingredients for a bolognese sauce and a fruit crumble of some kind.

If you were a fly on the wall, where would you be and who would be be listening in on?

I’d be in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast in Italy listening to the waves.