COTE DE TEXAS: New Car Blues (and white):

New Car Blues (and white):

 

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Last week, when I pointed out my car parked outside the window at the Austin Shabby Slips,  I got a few comments about it.    Mrs. Blandings said she had always taken me for a Lexus girl.  Nah, not moi!   Another  email comment was not quite as kind.

 

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But, in all honesty – I love my Jeep Commander.    I happen to think it’s one of the cutest cars on the road (Oh, ok - after the Range Rover or the Mercedes G-class truck,  of course.)   To me, a car’s worth is it’s “cuteness,” as opposed to its abilities or good gas mileage – two things the Commander is surely lacking.   I had wanted a Jeep for ages and ages, but my husband always “surprised” me with some other car, like a Ford (twice) and a Chevrolet another time  - both, really sexy cars.    So, I waited a long time for my Jeep, in fact I’ve been waiting since this:

 

 

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This is the Jeep I really wanted – the old, great Grand Wagoneer with the faux wood side panels.  Isn’t this gorgeous?  I honestly don’t know why they don’t make these anymore especially since there is a large market for these old beauties.   This particular car is for sale for around $26,000.  Pretty expensive for a car that probably didn’t even cost near that when it was first built back in 1987.    Few American cars hold their value like this.    For some reason I like square cars – in fact I don’t think I’ve ever even owned an aerodynamically designed auto.   I just don’t care for those sleek lines -  I LIKE to block the wind with a big mass of iron and steel.    

 

 

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Truth be told, I would have been thrilled with the Jeep Wrangler.   In fact, I wanted it, but Ben didn’t think it was sturdy enough for in town freeway driving.  I’m sure Jeep USA would disagree.    But the Wrangler sure is cute, isn’t it?   At any rate, I was ecstatic and very grateful when I got my Jeep, vintage or not.   It’s my favorite car I’ve ever owned – until today that is. 

 

 

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This one really used to be my “dream” car – a Range Rover.   You know, for driving in the Sahara to carpool.

 

 

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I’d even settle for the cheaper version – the Land Rover (but even the cheaper version is out of my price range!)    It’s great for all that mountain driving we do in Houston.  But over the years, these cars lost their luster for me.  Their sharp, square look became less severe, more mainstream.   Besides, another car came along to take its place.

 

 

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Lately, my absolute dream of dreams, lottery-type dreams, is this car – the Mercedes G series.  Ahhhhhh.   It doesn’t get much squarer than this – or more expensive, unfortunately.   This one will always be a dream – it’s not going to happen in my lifetime.   Although, it has happened for my teenaged daughter, sort of.  Her boyfriend drives this car.  The brat!   ha-ha!!   Well, in his defense, it is a used, hand-me-down from his father, but still.    My daughter is high-faluting it around town in MY dream car!    Doesn’t seem fair!

 

 

But all is not lost for me.  Today, when I least expected it, I finally found MY car – the one that was MADE just for me.   It’s amazing, to tell you truth.  It’s like they had me in mind when they conjured up this beauty.    I don’t really care what it costs, it’s going to be mine!   I’m placing the order for it today.  Shhh – don’t tell my husband though!  It’s a surprise for him!   He’s going to love it just as much!  hee-hee!!

 

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Yes!   A TOILE car!  And it’s even French - how fabulous is that?!!!!   It’s a Peugeot.  And check out the Louis XVI seats.    I mean, why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?   I am SO buying this car!!   Don’t even BOTHER telling me how much it is.  I DON’T CARE!!!!!!  

 

 

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Check out the rear.  I even love the toile pattern that Peugeot used.  And thank God, they picked blue and white toile!   I might not have wanted to buy the car if it was a red and white toile, or a green and white pattern.   Brown and white toile would have been just as good, though.   I love how you can see the rounded seat backs of the French chairs in the rear window.

 

 

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Now, that’s some paint job.  Notice how perfectly the pattern is matched where the hood opens.   That takes ability and talent.   Whoever fauxed this car deserves the big bucks, not that faux painters are starving or anything.

 

 

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And it’s a  mini-van!   So convenient for the carpool kids!!!   And finally – no seatbelts.  God, I hate seatbelts so much.   One thing though, I think I would have slipcovered the chairs.  Easier to keep clean, of course.   Plus, I would have put seagrass matting inside the car instead of carpet – it would blend much better and be more stylish.    And I might replace the back chairs for a French settee – I could get more people in the car with the settee.   And curtains?  I probably would add tortoise shell blinds to the back window – keep the sun out…….And, let’s see, what else????? 

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Leave it to the French to come up with this beauty.   No one, I mean no one, does it better than the French.  Viva la France!   OK, I’m off to transfer the funds to Paris.  Au revoir!

 

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Thank you to Beadboard UpCountry in Brenham, Texas for the tip!    Be sure to visit their web site here AND if you go to Round Top or you just happen to be anywhere near Chappell Hill or Brenham, stop by and visit.  Beadboard UpCountry is the best decor store in the Brenham  area – by far!

112 comments :

  1. Now that's hysterical! Meanwhile, I'm a Jeep gal as well. Jeep Liberty - which replaced my Cherokee last year. I like the boxiness as well - although the Liberty is a little rounder. But, there is ALWAYS something wrong with them! My only complaint! Little things - windows not going up and down on cue, windshield washer not working all the time, speakers not working correctly. I do wish those things would improve!

    Meanwhile - toile car wrap would be a pretty fun idea. And your car is white - you could easily do it! (Mine is dark blue, I'd need to do a reverse toile)

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  2. A few years ago I had a vintage Grand Wagoneer and adored it, worshipped it, built my identity around it. It seemed to perfect for the country house, just to go here and there, to the grocer, the dump, that kind of thing. Then I realized it got about 10 miles per gallon. Horrors! So I sold it. And have regretted doing that ever since.

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  3. First of all, I love your Jeep, it screams Joni! and I am sure it has a better drink holder than other more expensive brands (that is how I choose my cars) I hate car snobs - I'd much rather buy a beautiful antique or fabulous painting than put my cash into something that sits out in the rain and is the target of bird poop air strikes.

    Second - I cannot believe the toile car. You may have to fist fight me for it. That is so awesomely fantastic. Now a days when you stroll down the Champs Alyse in Paris it's now lined with car dealerships and they have fabulous displays like this one. Great Find! You Rock (even though you drive a Jeep)

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  4. This is hilarious, Joni! I think it would be so fun to challenge a bunch of designers to design their own cars.

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  5. omg!....HEAVEN ON WHEELS! I can see myself driving this, my families going to get a huge kick out of this when they see it....

    This car would make Marie Antoinette so proud....

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  6. FUNNY! I love square cars, too. I've driven volvos since i was 16! Even in England. My current is another volvo wagon. it's not as boxy as some and doesn't have the same cubic footage as some of my other ones. But it does hold tons!

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  7. Oh my word...THAT car!Where are the seatbelts?! I can hear ya now...who needs silly seatbelts when you have toile chairs!

    We have a few "art cars" around here that are all dolled up...Fun!

    We have the new Land Rover (needed the 7 seats for our brood) I have never loved a car as much!

    Also have a Jeep wrangler...hard top (when it is on)you would be surpised how well it does on the highway! Next will be an electric or bio/fuel...when we unload a kid or three!

    Gotta say, those little mini coopers look fun to me!

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  8. Oh Joni, we have the same taste in cars. I am trading in my horrible Mercedes sedan for a Jeep Wrangler next month. The Range Rover is my favorite but it is out of my price range. Love your Jeep!

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  9. You've made my day! My love affair with Louis chairs has gotten out of hand. I just installed a Louis daybed in my study along with a Lee Jofa toile with chinoiserie designed window treatment. Just can't get enough of those fluted legs with the medallion. Almost fell off my ergonomic chair when I got a load of those Louis chairs in the front of that vehicle! Personally I have always felt that "cute" vehicles are for under the Christmas tree considering the dangers involved in driving. Thanks so much for your delightful blog.
    Marion from Kentucky

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  10. Haven't finished reading but had to comment - hooray for the Grand Wagoneer! Brings back a lot of memories from my childhood and I love them. If the do start producing them I might just let go of my beloved MDX, and that's saying something. I love your Jeep, fyi. Okay, back to reading, lol!

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  11. Joni you crack me up. That toile vehicle is wonderful!

    I hate Jeeps and think they are cheaply built - as one poster pointed out something is always broken. I'm a sedan kinda person in a car, but always prefer the seat 12 feet off the ground looking down on all of you - even the SUV's.

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  12. LOL! That is absolutely the car for you.

    Our car in the Azores is a Peugeot sedan, it has lasted forever and a day - great cars.

    This post made me smile.

    (I'm guessin' the not so nice e-mail was about driving an SUV.)

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  13. Joni! LOL! I wasn't expecting that last car! What a scream!

    I think I need to buy one of those for "Annie." She'd look sporting in a car like that. The seats are what crack me up, but the toile -- how on earth did they do that???

    Thanks for this great laugh on a Monday. I should be decorating my tree, but a friend who's a designer came by and sprung me to go to lunch. Then it was the computer... you know the drill. ;-)

    Thanks for the fun!

    Sheila... and I like your jeep. I think it's cute!

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  14. Poo Jee Oh! (French for shi-shi poo poo or the correct phonetic of Peugeot)

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  15. Joni, that is too hilarious. I take one with red toile, please. Surely it's decoupaged, don't you think? LOL

    I love the Jeeps, too. I wanted a Liberty, but my 6'6" hubby didn't fit in it too well. Went with the Kia Sorento, which looks a lot like the Lexus RX300. You're making me want to go car shopping, though.

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  16. I laughed so hard snot came out of my nose. TMI!!
    I have the big Lexus for everyday driving and the MB SL500 for summer driving but would trade both in to drive a blue and white toile car. If it wasn't a mini van I would be hunting it down right now. It reminds me of my bedroom in my last house. Wouldn't it be lovely if you could trick out your car with special touches like that? I bet there would be less road rage if you were sitting on beautiful sofa or had lovely art to look at when you are in bumper to bumper traffic. PS: If you don't like SUV's don't drive them but don't tell me what I can or can't drive. It's America people, freedom of choice and all that stuff!! xoxo, MB

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  17. Joni, my sentiments, exactly!.. I have an older Jeep Grand Cherokee that I adore. I also have loved the old woodies for years, but my children forbade my getting one. Ironically, I told them that I could inset toile into the wood panel... they would have no part of it.

    Maryanne from Beadboard UpCountry sent me the photo of the toile car. My comments to her were that they should have used an arm chair instead of the side because it is more comfortable ...but then again, the French never really concern themselves with comfort over style.

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  18. Oh, oh my ... . the toile car is simply divine!
    Let's hear it for all the girls who love Big White Square Cars ....
    c'est moi - Judith

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  19. Ha Ha Ha! Joni, you crack me up. First, I love the toile car! Awesome. Second, I am a Jeep girl myself - Grand Cherokee Ltd. Love it, and my hubby hates it. I, too, happen to think the Grand Wagoneer "woody" is the greatest car ever made. They usually have a great selection on e-bay. I would prefer the white or navy. Can we say Christmas list? :)
    xoxo

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  20. I've never been a fan of really big cars or SUVs -but for shopping I just love a nice station wagon like the suburu outback. I've rented these a few times and just LOVE them. I prefer cute little cars - vintage mercedes convertibles (or a new one!) or the mini cooper. SO CUTE!

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  21. Ps -I realize I'm obviously not from Texas, bigger isn't always better for me!

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  22. Mrs. B cracks me up!! I would agree with her comment about a Lexis lady --- but Jeeps are sooo fun!

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  23. Oh that is too funny. My eyes. As much as I thought I love toile. I would love to just sit in it and maybe have tea.

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  24. The Toile exterior Peugeot is too funny! I love it.

    We've been a Jeep family since 1992 which was the first one we purchased together. It was the Cherokee. We always have to have SUV or 4 wheel drive as a second vehicle for our quarterly commute to Lake Tahoe to visit the parents. We enjoyed it so much that we later upgraded to the 1995 Grand Cherokee with all the amenities. In 2005,we purchased yet another Grand Cherokee fully loaded with the V8 Hemi engine,GPS navigation and all the luxury amenities available for the flagship model. It was definitely our most luxurious and quiet SUV. Do we still love it? NO!!!!!LOL with only 16 miles to a gallon and the rapid increase of gas prices shortly after purchasing the new Jeep, we had huge regrets. In addition, we've had problems with many of the newly added feature, such as self diagnostic system which periodically would alert us to a problem that doesn't even exist. Or, even a problem does exist, it neglected to alert us.LOL. Otherwise, we still consider it a visually beautiful fun to rid machine. Let's not forget, Jeep is THEE original SUV. Everything else are just wannabes. We've always loved that fact. The Range Rover is a higher end vehicle but with even more mechanical flaws as well as being fuel challenged. Not worth the price IMHO. Now, the Mercedes G-series? I'd probably spend more time in that then my own home. Thanks for the post Joni.

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  25. Oh Joni, that's hiliarious!
    Needs a tiny crystal chandelier for the dome light, don't you think?
    If we don't stop in again before, have a Merry Christmas!
    Karla & Karrie

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  26. we always had grand wagoneers growing up- dad's was always black, and mom's was white. they loved them! The Peugeot cracks me up! I want a kitchen update!!!

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  27. I am laughing so hard!!!! It is you Joni! Maybe Santa is listening. Seagrass, of course...seagrass and bamboo shades!!!! LOL

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  28. The Peugeot made me smile! It would be one of a kind that is for sure.
    I love your jeep! I'm still an American Motors (now Chrysler etc...) gal at heart. Probably because my dad worked at AM... the memories...

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  29. Joni, You and I have the same taste in cars. One day I will have a Wagoneer and I'll love her so very much. The boxier, the better.

    And the last car had me in complete hysterics! You're such fun!

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  30. I have a commander too...it's black and I do love it....I love it even more now that the gas prices went down...it was a killer for awhile there. Perfect for storing taller pieces of furniture and might I add the back window is perfect for adding business logo or information because it's completely vertical & flat! I also love the range rover and mercedes g series but EVEN if it was in my budget...I just don't know if I could spend THAT much on a car. Good Luck with the Commander!

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  31. We gotta have a vehicle to haul our finds in, right? I'm a Honda Pilot girl myself. Honda through and through. My husband drives a MB but not for me, thanks. Give me my Pilot - good mileage, fold down seats for that "find", keeps its value - just looks good too!

    Stick to the classics and you'll never go wrong - in decorating AND in automobiles.

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  32. That Mercedes truck is my #1 favorite! And second is the Land Rover. Afraid I'll have to settle for the White Pepper Mini-Cooper convertible (my 3rd choice), although it hasn't shown up yet. Any day now ...

    -Lana

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  33. Oh that mini van is the best! Hysterical Joni!
    I had a mini van for 6 months. Oh, it was the worst. I ran it into every pole and wall that I was next to. too many blind spots. Thank goodness I leased it. It cost me $500 to return it early, but I didn't care.

    I love the old Jeep Wagoneer, but my all time favorite is the old version of the Toyota Landcruiser.

    xo
    Brooke

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  34. The toile car is fabulous....I am ready to order one for myself!!!
    What a fun post Joni!!!

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  35. Cute? Uh, no. That would be the same thing as calling you cute and I don't believe the HONEST people would call you cute. Tacky? Perhaps.

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  36. Anonymous 6:44 ... Good, Lord ... it's amusing ... get with the program ...

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  37. Oh my...I was having the absolute worst day, and this post is just what I needed. It actually made me smile! That car is hilarious. But are you sure it's painted? I think they probably just used a bolt of fabric and a few gallons of Mod Podge! ;)

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  38. Your car is perfect! I LOVE Jeeps but for some reason my dh "sees" me in others; but one day...OMG, I have roared at this post. Dribbling Merlot from laughing so hard!

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  39. Oh Joni I love your style. We had a '90 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Woody. I loved it. dogs in the back and off we went. I too love square cars. I can't wait to tell the hub about the $26,000 he finally sold the jeep for $1,000 with me saying please don't sell it, fix it up for me. 10mpg just choked him i guess. TEXAS FRANCOPHILE

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  40. Oh Joni, I can't tell you how much I used to dream about owning a Grand Wagoneer, when I was a kid. My heart was broken when they were discontinued, and couldn't even drive yet!
    As for the toile car, I don't mind it as long as its not covered in chintz;)

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  41. Well, I think you're cute as hell.

    And this post just made me laugh out loud. A toile car?! I would prefer the brown toile. Ha.

    I had a Jeep Gr. Cherokee and got such lousy gas mileage and felt so guilty driving it back and forth to the beach (100 mi. each way) that I bought a Prius (*cough*45mpg*cough*). I was saving the Jeep for my daughter and she said, "I don't want that humongous thing." So, she has a tiny Honda Fit (with many airbags!) but it still fits her drum set.

    My all-time favorite is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer!! (it's the closest you can get to a Woody) and I looked for years for one and never found the right one. Second favorite is the Range Rover (so lush!) but I can never justify spending that kind of coin on something that loses 10% of its value when you drive off the lot.

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  42. I'm going to get you for making me spray my monitor. I smiled when I saw the car. I SPEWED when I saw the seats! Yes, that is so you. Did you know you can actually get this done (albeit not in fabric) and most any big sign shop. Have you seent he busses covered in photo murals? Delivery V-Dubs covered in same? It's all a window film type process. It's about 2-3 grand, I think.
    Joni, I too thought you would be a Lexi or a Mercedes SUV. I knew you would need something to haul things in, but I never thought Jeep. I like your Jeep though! And I love the Grand Wagoneers. I had an ex boss who had one with rich camel leather interior. I drove it once or twice. I'd buy that one you showed if it got better gas mileage.
    Those chairs! Toilé, Ya'll. ®

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  43. I'm from Detroit. That's what I keep telling those exec.'s. We need brand recognition. Now that car has brand recognition. Thanks for validating my suggestion. Hilarious!

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  44. OMG, Joni, I can't believe it! For YEARS I lusted after a Jeep Grand Wagoneer - a white woody just like the pic you show - that I would see from time to time in my neighborhood. I would squeal and point it out to my husband every time we saw it and he thought I was absolutely nuts! I wanted one sooo badly but knew that it would be impractical - hard to get parts and service, no comfy modern amenities, terrible gas mileage, etc. So when it came time to get new wheels, I opted for an Isuzu Rodeo. Great price, nice options package and 0% financing. And it's pretty cute and comfy and easy to drive. I've had it for seven years now and LOVE it to death! It's not too big and not too small either because EVERYTHING I've ever tried to put in it has fit: a vintage 50's metal patio setee from the flea market, an upholstered armchair and its ottoman from the furniture close-out store, a 6 ft ladder and all the other tools I needed for a client's window treatment installation plus all the usual soccer/volleyball/dog/luggage stuff that families haul around on a regular basis. It might not be stylish, but it works hard and suits me perfectly. Fun post!And I do love your Jeep!

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  45. Joni - this is the PERFECT car for you - although I do like your customization. Maybe I'll buy the Jeep from you!

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  46. I am on my second Jeep Grand Cherokeee! One black and one red, so I would like the toile Peugot in either of those colors, thank you Santa!

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  47. Joni you are so funny!! I would much rather be driving that Mercedes than my Toyota minivan.

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  49. Joni, I love that you are a Jeep gal! For years when I was a young single mother I dreamed of that very same Jeep Wagoneer. I could haul the kids and also the harp that I played back then. Alas, my parents talked me out of it. Like they did the Volvo I wanted at one time too. I still drool over the Wagoneer. It just oozes that Ralph Lauren quintessential Americana thing about it. After my younger years with Malibus, Mustangs and GTOs, I've driven a lot of Japanese models. They've all taken a lickin' and kept on tickin'. But I'd still give my eye teeth for that Wagoneer. Think of all the antiques the Shabby Slip sofas it could haul! But hey, I'm also a sucker for anything French and toile!

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  50. Congrats on the new car...the toile is hilarious. I've always thought they could do more with a car interior!

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  51. That car is so you Joni!!! What a stitch. And my first car was a Jeep Cherokee, so Jeeps hold a special place in my heart.

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  52. Oh I am just screaming with laughter! I too would totally buy this baby!
    PS. I like the jeep. I am thinking about how much it must HOLD. So jealous.

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  53. OMG, Joni, you are hysterical!!! I never comment, but I just have to on this one -- and it looks like everybody else had to, too. I agree. I'm a square-car girl myself and Love, Love, Love the Wagoneer with the faux wood side panels. Or bring back the Volvo 240 -- my favorite car. Now I'm going to go searching for that blue toile. I love it! Does it exist as fabric?
    You're truly the best Joni!
    Kerry

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  54. Who knew all of the design geeks are so car crazy! I mean Jeep crazy!!!
    LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!
    My designer friend Michael Pelkey has a Jeep that he tricked out the interior with designer fabirc, throw pillows with ball fringe, etc.
    Now get busy and trick yours out too!
    xo xo xo

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  55. Me also....I had to comment this time. Even when you do not write about interior design issues, it is funny and hilarious. Hence the number of comments! You just happen to like to block the wind in a big square car...priceless!!!
    That Toile covered car is a great gimmick. Maybe I will do something like that to my vintage LINCOLN (MARK V, Bill Blass edition.)

    Ron

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  56. That's too funny Joni. I can just hear them at Starbuck's saying: Here she comes in her Toile-a-Van!

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  57. Hilarious posting! LOVE the toile-covered car -- and yes! -- that idea (to have designers "do up" cars for a fun exhibit) would be amazing! Hmmmmm -- I wonder what amazing fun fabrics would work on cars? Well -- I drive around in an old 93 BMW wagon -- and she is about to cross the 145,000-mile marker! But she's so good at hauling stuff -- and I can cruise along at 80 mph and she just flies! My parents always drove Volvo wagons -- so I do love boxy cars too! My dream car would be a Range Rover too (complete with handsome dog LOL!) LOVE the old Jeep "woodie" wagon -- but how about one of the real old classic "woodie" wagons (like the ones that the surfers would use?)

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  58. Joni,

    How funny!!!! I am currently lusting after the 4 door Jeep Wrangler myself. My husband has lusts after the "woody" Jeeps for years.

    I am with you on the ultimate vehicle. I melt when I see the Mercedes G-wagons, so fine.

    Please tell me some green goodie-goodies didn't take you to task via email for driving a gas guzzler?!? People that live in West U drive about a radius of 6 miles total, get over it.

    One of my friends whose an attorney moved to Portland OR with her Lexus SUV and people regularly berate her in public for her car. She's the most politically incorrect person I know (despite being Jewish & a lesbian), she tells them to go ride their bike somewhere to make up for her emissions, she's from Texas and she loves her big truck!!! She finishes with...guess what I work for those EVIL OIL COMPANIES!!! I told her she's going to get egged one day, she just laughs.

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  59. Just when I thought you could'nt get any more fabulous, you come along with this post! OMG! What's next for you girly? Surely this isn't all you have up your sleeve!

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  60. Joni,
    You may find some comfort in knowing that several years ago, my baby son (32 years old, but still my baby) was pulling his boat with his beloved Jeep Grand Cherokee. He hit an oily, slick spot on I45, the boat jack-knifed, his Jeep spun around and came to rest straddling the concrete divider....facing oncoming traffic in the rain. The troopers said that Jeep performed just as it should have and likely saved his life. I will be forever grateful to that vehicle.

    Me? My Rottweiler and I cruise around Houston in my teeny, specially-ordered 1991 Mazda Miata convertible. A classic, to be sure. The top must be down because he is so tall...his head is higher than the windshield, and he wears goggles, a doggie harness, and sometimes a scarf. Life is what you make it, and my dog and I choose to have fun!

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  61. all that I've ever wanted was a jeep wagoneer with the wood paneling (in navy please). Aesthetes Lament, my new car gets 12 miles to a gallon, maybe I'll reconsider getting that old Wagoneer!

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  62. Sharon Stanley Ruggerio - I am going to look for you and your dog with goggles - that is so cute!!!!

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  63. omg!!! the toile car is hilarious and delightful all at once! if it makes you feel better, i've heard nothing but bad things about the mercedes... lots of problems that are $$$ to fix! but that hasn't stopped me from coveting one myself, of course.

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  64. TEACATS - I loved your comment!!! I used to drive a BMW wagon too - it originally was my dad's - I kept it for years and then gave it to my husband who then drove it for years, then our nephew drove it for a few years. It is probably still going strong somewhere. I loved that car!

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  65. I suppose I am a green goodie-goodie, as Andria refers to us, because I am struggling to balance my desire for big stuff (car, diamonds, house, etc.) with an awareness that our world cannot continue to sustain the pollution and hardships we create. There is coming a time when we have to make sacrifices. (I mean those of us who do not have children in the military; those people are sacrificing now.) So, although I can see how wonderful it would be to have an enormous vehicle to haul around stuff, I worry about the impact. Surely some of you do too?

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  66. hi!! OK - EVERYBODY LOVES THE WOODIE - and I thought I was the only one, haha!!! no seriously - everyone loves it - so why don't they bring it back???? AND a lot of people love Volvo too - I do too, actually. I didn't realize how many design minded people love square cars. hmmmm why? is it because they look like a room? Any ideas?

    Thanks everyone for your participation!!!! This was really fun.

    Joni

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  67. Love, love, love the toile Peugeot. When I was a teenager in the late 1960s my dad had a small, boxy Peugeot. It was butt-ugly, but we felt sophisticated because it was a "European" car. I'd love to find one of those and put toile all over it. Other things I'd add to the toile car you featured, to make it even more French: an ashtray for sure, champagne flute holders, French antique ammunition baskets in the back for baguettes, and indentations in the floor in front of the driver's seat, to accommodate 4-inch spike heels. Ooh la la!!!

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  68. Now why don't they make more like this toile one??? I must confess, I do love Peugeots. And, I've always like the old Woodys, like in the days of the Beach Boys. But really, I'm a small car girl. I like to be zipping along down close to the road! Vivaldi up loud and Edward in the back seat counting cows by the side of the road!

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  69. I can sooo see you in that, funnily enough!

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  70. Another Jeep fanatic! I always wanted one that was still in the crate too! LOL
    Let's see, we have a 1981 bright red CJ, a 2001 Jeep Grande Cherokee, and my newest baby, the Wrangler, four door...top down! Love it!
    Have fun and have a great holiday! Don't forget to do a rain dance when you have some time too! Us Texans need it bad!

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  71. Oh, I do want a toile car now! What a wonderful idea! I'm afraid, after seeing this, I'll never be satisfied with anything less than a toile vehicle! laurie

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  72. I love your car post, the toile car is amazing. Perfect for an interior designer who can't get enough toile. Carla

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  73. Hi Joni:
    Love your new jeep! Like you I like the boxy type! My CRV was just totaled a few weeks ago & I got a green Element & love it!

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  74. Joni, I bet Charles Faudree "The King of Toile" would LOVE that car! Don't you??

    Great, great post, girl!

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  75. This was a great post, Joni. It shows off two of your best qualities, a keen eye for style and a sterling sense of humor. That vehicle is amazing -- only the French....
    I also love Jeeps, too. They have a classic American cool-ness to them, esp. the woodies.

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  76. This french car with the Louis XVI chairs as car seats ifinitely my type !

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  77. This french car with the Louis XVI chairs as car seats ifinitely my type !

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  78. This french car with the Louis XVI chairs as car seats ifinitely my type !

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  79. This french car with the Louis XVI chairs as car seats ifinitely my type !

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  80. Maybe this is a new niche market! Using all sorts of fabrics and patterns and textures. Yesterday in Miami I saw a convertible in mirror mosaic!

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  81. When I was in high school my mother had a Peugeot. (This was quite a while ago...) It was the most comfortable car for long car trips. Also allowed a lot of light inside and the seats were low so you didn't feel boxed in. But the car was very fussy. It didn't like to go up mountains and got tired easily on winding roads. The ignition key was on the left (which I loved as a lefty) and you needed to turn it once for the yellow light to go on and wait a minute or two for it to go off letting you know the car felt ready to be turned on and driven. So forget about a quick get-away. A diesel too and very noisy. My mother called it "purring". When I was an unruly teenager and tried to sneak the car out at night after my parents had gone to bed, I had to put it in neutral and push it down a small hill of a driveway then halfway down the street before I could turn it on.

    I love the toile -- I think toile patterned car paint would look fab on a dresser or something.

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  82. Hahahaha!Joni this is hilarious! And so "YOU"! I love this post. I am reading thinking......a car post....OK....I love your Jeep alot(I've got the Volvo SUV, and we did get a Prius to be eco-friendly)....but let's move on. Then I get to the Peugot and started giggling so loud, the other gals in the office came to look at your post. Too funny! I love it. :D

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  83. I have that exact Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Joni, and I LOVE it! It's older than my son is. My son absolutely hates it when I drive him to school in it. He doesn't get how cool it really is. Teenagers!

    Isa

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  84. My boss drives a Land Rover and it is biggest hunk of crap. She has had it for 4 years and has already had to replace damn near every part under the hood. I'd stick with the toilemobile!

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  85. When I was in High School and College I (actually until I bought my first house) I had a Jeep Wrangler Sport.

    It was awesome and now I want to get another! My mother has a Benz and it's never in great shape ( maybe the owners fault ;) I like the new rovers but you never hear good things about them.

    I have to admit, I thought of you as a Lexus owner also. The Jeep is the cutest!!!!!!!!!

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  86. Hahaha- I was laughing aloud at this one! That car is probably the funniest thing I've ever seen! So you! You need this car! Maybe I will get one in a houndstooth print and we can start a new trend!

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  87. OMG, I've never met anyone else that loved themselves a vintage faux wood paneled Jeep Wagoneer! This is a dream car for me! So classicly preppy in my view. Love.

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  88. Joni, what a fun post! Love that toile car, but I'd never trade in my Toyota LandCruiser. nope. it doesn't even have a good cupholder, it's old, but I adore it. It goes where I want to, and I can throw an old piece of furniture in the back (or two, or more!) so it's my favorite.
    I like your car, too.:)
    Lidy

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  89. that is HI-STERICAL! makes me want to go outside and start decoupaging my toyota pick-up (how's that for un-decorator-like car?).

    i agree whole heartedly on the good looks of the wood-paneled grand wagoneer- i've always had a soft spot for them. i was quite jealous of a friend who bought one identical to your photo, until while i was driving with him in it one day not long after he bought it, we heard a mysterious loud thunk, followed by a cloud of white smoke as we rolled to a stop in heavy traffic. after that, not so jealous anymore...

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  90. Well I am an Acura RDX gal myself, painted pearl white with taupe leather interior.

    If I could afford it, it would have been a Range Rover.

    I love the one with the toile it's so french.

    Ciao

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  91. Oh! I always wanted a Jeep! Of course i prefer the Old School Style... REALLY enjoyed this Post, you are so creative. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade!

    Cathleen :-)

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  92. OMG--you are cracking me up. I cannot believe that toile car!

    Congratulations on your new wheels :-) Though I suppose the Land Rover would have come in hand for those "Texas exits" off the freeways--haha!

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  93. OMG- Where, oh where, do you find this stuff??? I have tears from laughing...and a side stitch.

    I had a Volvo, and moved into a Ford mini-van in the 80's, which sported all the cool factors for a carpooling family of 5. Since those days of the early minivans, I have maneuvered in and out of various vehicles, with different user-friendly features, slowly shifting away from carpool days, and gearing more towards my work. Do you think that 'boxy shape appeal' to so many interior designers, could possibly be in our subconscious? Since we all have that innate spacial thing, I think our subconscious possibly knows the practicality of the shape- so our conscience likes the looks!!

    I had my Son in Law's adorable Jeep Wrangler for a week last year, while my daughter took mine on a road trip. The stick shift Jeep was a blast, but I found myself in quite a predicament, in more than one parking lot!! A pair of Pelmets I was picking up wouldn't fit, and the drapery installation was in 2 hours! Fortunately, my drapery installer came to my rescue and picked them up at the supplier on his way to the job site. Heart Palpations. Later that week, I was rug shopping one morning for a client, and it wasn't until viewing about 50 rugs--- when I realized- I wouldn't be able to take the rug out on approval with me, for the afternoon appointment! ... and I can't remember what else- but there where several more frantic “now, what do I do?!” moments. I remember being really bummed by the adorable little Wrangler's stubborn inabilities to accommodate me that week!!

    Things have to get from point A to point B everyday. It is much more efficient for me to take items with me, rather than schedule a delivery company to retrace my steps and drive there, pick something up and then drive to the clients.....Wow, now that would be a HUGE waste of fuel! Gosh, my delivery guy only gets about 4 miles to the gallon. So, I reserve him for heavy, large 2 people things....and I appreciate all of the other like minded designers. By driving those larger vehicles, we surely help conserve fuel in the long run, while accomplishing our daily tasks.

    That snazzy little 1950s 2 door Studebaker I covet, will just have to wait for retirement! And because the “hauler” will always have to have a space in my garage, there will finally be room for both, since all the samples and work related stuff will be gone!

    Love, love, love the toile car! Thanks Joni, as always, for some humor in this serious world of ours.

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  94. LOL -- how fantastic is this? Definitely agree with the seagrass and settee, although it's pretty great already :)

    Thanks for the tip about the kale getting smelly -- very good to know :)

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  95. Whoa!!! That is my old Wagoneer...no kidding - same color. Such a classic, like a pair of Pennyloafers. I finally sold it when I left Oregon. Now I'm an Outback guy, but my heart still belongs to that Grand Wagoneer. Sigh.

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  96. The French minivan is tres precious...perfect for TOILE-ING around town! Mimsy

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  97. This post was hilarious- that toile Peugeot!

    My husband drives a Wrangler, and it is such a fun car, although I must say far from practical :) And, oh what I wouldn't give for a old Wagoneer! They send my heart aflutter.

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  98. wow...its wonderful post dude. very beatuful cars. I like them very much.

    Thanks
    Website Designing Company Hyderabad

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  99. Hey there
    I am just thinking of buying a new car and I need help picking in between an Audi or a Mercedes?
    I am seeking to pick among and Audi A4 and C class
    I currently own an A4 and I'm really pleased with it
    but I would you like to listen to those of you who own a Mercedes or have owned both
    which one should I decide on
    Thanks for your help

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  100. How do I post a picture of my 1987 Jeep Cherokee CHIEF(so rare)? I had it for 18 joyful years, then stupidly sold it, which I regret deeply to this day. I offered the buyer DOUBLE to buy it back (but he is blissed in love with it and understandably declined to sell it back to me).

    I can post a picture of my beloved Chief because I LOVED IT SO MUCH THAT I CARRY A PICTURE OF IT!

    Those people who don't "get it", never will. Those people like "An Aesthete's Lament will TOTALLY understand...and sadly lament along with me.

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  101. Great choices you have here. Choosing the perfect car for you depends on your preferences, of course. There are women who like big cars like those first choices you have in mind; perhaps, because of the spacious features and macho exteriors. It's good to have a balance too, you know. Looking at your options, I'm guessing you have an adventurous spirit. ;)

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  102. Nice collection of variety of cars, I enjoyed a lot.

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  103. Your Pictures are amazing. I am looking forward to get back to the great State of Texas.

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