How DO you manage to make your denim look so effortlessly chic? Was this ensemble a happy accident, just thrown on in a hurry? I think not. Everything is oh so perfect yet all at once casual and disarming. This kind of styling talent is years of practice in the making.
Then again, maybe not. Maybe after growing up in such an absurdly stylish environment, you DO just throw this on in a huff and bolt out the door. Oh those Italians, they never cease to amaze.
Yours Truly,
Kd’A
This stylish Florentine was found on my morning peruse of The Sartorialist.
Ahh January. As we head into February and burrow in for the chill of winter, I am loving the neutral palette with a hint of sparkle and a waft of chimney smoke (in a pre-packaged candle- if only I had my own chimney).
Cocktailian Eric Alperin’s Southside Royale is a refreshing champagne cocktail that’s just the ticket for the winter doldrums. If you have read this blog, you know I am always in the mood for anything bubbly and especially in January. Gin, simple syrup, a splash of fresh lime juice, champagne and a sprig of mint make this cocktail a zippy delight.
I just picked up some of these pehr tea towels for a recent dinner party. I love the print and the neutral palette- good with any season and every table.
How much do you love this print? It’s all I can do not to buy it. Budgeting is a… well, you know. Thomas Hammer M10 print at One Kings Lane through Friday.
I pretty much wear these everyday. They are pretty with an edge, I feel kind of tough wearing them- which I love- and they go with everything. Loren Hope Isis studs.
“Bent-backed tulips, smoldering chimney smoke, dried vines and brick walls”- with a description like that, I had to buy this. In the high priced world of luxury candles, this one’s a steal at $14.95. I am a fan. Tatine’s Tisane candles come in a few different scents and the thick votive is reusable. And they burn clean- a must now that I’ve got these littles crawling around. I found them at my favorite shop here in Alexandria, Red Barn Mercantile. I can’t walk in there without buying something. I love to support local business, what can I say.
Always a fan of Heather Moore’s textile designs at skinnylaminx, I love her Mini laMinx line as well. The Orla dress pays homage to Orla Kiely’s lovely stem pattern. Not that your Mini can wear this now but spring is not far off… I hope.
And lastly, how much do you love this room! It’s the perfect spot for a private dinner party. A group of us are throwing my friend Katy, of Katystyle, her baby shower here in this lovely room at ISA in Brooklyn, scouted by my stylist pal Erin. Very much looking forward to it- it will be dreamy and candlelight for her chic shower.
How does January inspire you? What are you eating, drinking, wearing? What are some of your favorite things during these wintery days?
{Image Credit: Southside Royale photo by Dave Lauridsen}
My friend Teri posted this photo of the rosé aisle at her local wine shop in St. Barts. She and her hubby spend 4 months a year in paradise, lucky girl. On this bitter cold and snow-covered January morning, I’m taking a lovely little couch trip to this magical place where there lives an overabundance of rosé and a seemingly endless amount of joie de vivre. Nothing cheers up the winter blues like a splash of the pretty pink juice and visions of white sand, stylish people and a clear blue sky and sea. A girl can dream.
My pretend suitcase contains: (well- all except for the Tempier rosé, which I will later imbibe on my couch while visions of seashells dance in my head).
1. Kevyn’s Aucoin’s Forever Matte Lipstick- this stuff is brilliant, I love the bold and vibrant matte finish. 2. I’d pack Hemingway’s Islands in the Stream both because I’ve never read this posthumously printed novel set in the Caribbean and because I love the title. Who doesn’t love Dolly and Kenny’s version, especially on a good karaoke night. 3. This little Tibi jacquard dress is a splurge but this is a couch trip so whatevs. 4. Movie star worthy Elizabeth and James shades. 5. It’s a good thing this is a couch trip because my post-bebes body is not ready for a bikini. But if it were, it’s got to be: pink fringe- because it’s St. Barts, not Vero Beach. Calypso St. Barth. 6. Kate Spade’s Harrison Street passport case- it’s just so snazzy. 7. Calypso’s chiffon tie bracelet. 8. The Bardot sandal by Rebecca Minkoff. 9. J.Crew’s Farmer’s Market Tote- affordable and classically cute. 10. Oh just the best damn rosé I have ever had. In my top 10 wines. Not cheap for a rosé but unbelievably complex with chocolate, spices and red fruit, a real beaut. Domaine Tempier Bandol rosé. 11. An ombre scarf that goes with everything. A little pricey but I’m quite sure I’ll wear this everyday on this pretend getaway, not to mention all spring and summer long. 12. Don’t you love this cover art redesign! Dr. No is Caribbean appropriate seeing that much of the action takes place in Jamaica. I loved Casino Royale and look forward to reading this one, everyone could use a dose of vintage Bond in their life- especially on pretend vacation. 13. La Sardinia Lomography camera- just because it’s pretty and old school. I used to carry around my Holga, but I like this one better. Bon Voyage!
{Image Credit: Miles and Aisles of Rosé photo by Teresa Reyes}
Some favorite quotes from today’s inspiring speech:
“My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so long as we seize it together.”
“We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still…”
“Our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts,” he said to an eruption of cheers and applause.
“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law — for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”
“We cannot… substitute spectacle for politics.”
“We must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect.”
“Let each of us now embrace, with solemn duty and awesome joy, what is our lasting birthright. With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history, and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom.”
Have a fabulous weekend. I’ll be busy with the bebes, try to get some winter cleaning done (exciting, right!) and post-bebes bedtime, try out some of the new wines I picked up at Planet Wine- really looking forward to trying the Graham Beck Rosé Brut Sparkler from South Africa- I am in a bubbly mood these days but then again, what day isn’t a great day for a sparkler?
I am tempted to trek into DC and take the kids to the National Portrait Gallery as I have not yet been (I know, a crime after being here for 2 years) but am thinking twice due to the inaugural preparations. DC gets crazy town with major events and this one is a biggie. I think I’ll stick to my side of the river.
Loving this YSL multicolored mani. Wish I had the skill and/or patience to pull this off.
Michel Chapoutier and Anne-Sophie Pic’s Saint-Peray.
This is an awesome crisp, chalky white for under $20. My tasting notes below, a go-to for me- any night of the week.
Nudo Olive Oil
We adopted an olive tree from a grove and Abruzzo a couple of years ago through Nudo and received these beautiful little tins of olive oil throughout the year. A great idea and a delicious olive oil to boot. I really wanted to go visit our little tree- maybe next time.
My Dutch Bike imports bikes from the Dutch company, Workcycles. These babies are beautiful and the real deal. A bit pricey at around $1900, hey- a girl can dream…
Butter’s Royal Navy is a rich and beautiful navy, I just love a navy nail. Butter is always formaldehyde, toluene and DBP free.
Ok, so they are a bit hipster-ish, but I have to admit- I love these Warby Parkers. I just got mine and really dig them. These are the Zaggs in Tennessee Whiskey.
Jeff Koons designed the ’10 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild label. The most expensive artist on the planet is fitting for this Bordeaux 1st growth.
I’m not a big tat girl, but this is really pretty kickass. Matthew Kaner, beverage director at Bar Covell in LA, sports a northern Rhone-shaped bottle on his arm. Specifically, a Thierry Allemand “Reynard” Cornas Syrah-shaped bottle. Here is a great post on Whitney Adams’ blog, Brunellos Have More Fun, for more info on Matt and his tat.
D.S.& Durga Brooklyn-based scents- Cowboy Grass (my favorite) – a beautiful blend of American sagebrush, white thyme and prairie switchgrass. Irresistible.
AFAR- simply the greatest travel mag out there. A subscription is that gift that keeps on giving.
A colorpop locket for pics of your love or your minis from Anthropologie. You can pick your chain separately.
Butter Yummy Mummy nail paint- no icky toxins, beautiful colors, this one is a particularly flattering neutral.
Une Bobine iphone tripod- great for recipe reading while cooking.
Crosley Songbird Radio- I love the orange, they come in a few other great colors too. Just cute.
1. Egly-Ouriet Brut 1er Cru NV Les Vignes de Vrigny, $59. You seriously cannot go wrong with a bottle of this. Anyone in their right mind will adore it. 100% Pinot Meunier, unusual for a champagne. All of Egly-Ouriet’s wines are special. I’ve been holding on to their 2008 Ambonnay Rouge for years now. I’m thinking I’ll give it 6 or 7 more years, if I can stand it.
3. A giant gold wishbone from Jayson Home, $48. Because it looks great-would be a cool addition to a centerpiece.
4. John Robshaw bone tray, $198. Beautiful and sparkly. Great for the holidays or anydays.
5. Dwell Studio petrified wood cheese plate, $105. Stinky cheese + petrified wood- ok, I buy it- something about those two together really kind of works.
6. Mini martini glasses, $2.50- for that mini negroni she’ll serve as an aperitif. Because really who needs a huge cocktail before dinner. Ok, maybe some do… but I love the idea of a mini before that first glass of wine.
7. I am jonesing for one of these vintage champagne buckets, $65. No one is alike. Jayson Home will email you photos of available buckets when you order.
8. I just love these little chalkboard napkin rings, $15. A great way to personalize your table without too much effort, and reusable to boot.
9. Marble salt + pepper bowls with gold spoons, $108. These are just pretty & cool. Great looking on a snazzy table.
10. I am loving the Verve flute from Crate & Barrel, $12.95. Champagne glasses are always so delicate, which I like, but it’s nice to switch it up and give some heft to those bubbles.
11. Tear-off gold-flecked confetti placemats for the no-fuss hostess, $25 for a set of 50.
1. A classic leather luggage tag for your bags. No more flimsy paper tags that tear off mid-flight.
2. The Analogue Guide Books for London and NYC. More are in the works. Disclaimer: 1/2 of the writing team is a good friend. These books truly guide you to an authentic experience. Sorted by neighborhood as opposed to category (food, drink, etc.), this guide allows you to wander and explore neighborhoods like a local. Find yourself patronizing quaint bookstores (yes, there are still a few), coffee houses, yoga studios, etc., not to mention the biggies (museums, historical sites and the like) but on a local’s level. As a New Yorker for 15 years, I dig everything in this book.
3. A die-cut globe made from chipboard. Fun for a physical mood board.
4. Gorgeous David Klein TWA Africa poster. Who wouldn’t love this? My brother gave me Klein’s TWA New York poster as a gift a few years ago. Wow, what a cool gift.
5. Vintage Air France tin. A fun little resting spot for mail or keys.
6. St. Christopher -patron saint of travel- medallion. I’m not Catholic but I have a thing for saints.
7. Scratch Map. What a fun idea. This would be great hanging above a kitchen table or in the kids’ playroom. Just as fun for adults as it is for kids.
8. Oversized Square Scarf . I’m always looking for the perfect sweater or hoodie to bring on the plane. With that, any iota of style ends up out the window. Stay awesome and bring the style- this little number is perfect.
9. Crumpled City Maps. How cool- just crumple up this piece of fabric into a ball and cram it in your pocket. Super thin, rip-resistant and waterproof. Of course you could just use your smartphone, but this is so much more fun.
A few swanky snapshots circa 1973 of my friend, Toni Wellhausen, at the Braniff Hostess College. LOVE the Pucci fight attendant uniforms. Seriously amazing. She had a Halston uniform too but alas, no photos. How fun to saddle up to the baby grand with a dirty martini surrounded by Pucci-clad stewardesses at 35,000 feet. Those were the days- not that I was around for them- but one can wax nostalgic anyway.
Former showgirl, forever travel junkie, sometime sommelier, and mom to twin bebes. This little blog is a mixed bag of tasting notes, travels, tales of motherhood, and current musings. Thank you for stopping by. Cin Cin! (photo by Amy Dickerson for Anthology Magazine)
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