Pretty interesting piece in T Magazine's Winter Travel issue. I'm still not certain what I make of Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic SpaceshipTwo, however I suppose you only live once....
The Talk of the Town....
Newport, Rhode Island is indeed a small town. Many of us share the same interests which are typically the topics we/I get really jazzed up about: Sailing and Real Estate. Not only is the 'Seaward' listing the highest priced listing we've seen since the lovely Dodo Hamilton unloaded her 'Wildacre' estate this fall, or since Larry Ellison picked up a little beach house for a cool $10.5M (formally the Astor family estate) three years ago, but it just so happens the seller of Seaward is a prominent figure in our sailing community.
Now, in the Real Estate world, we're taught to work in the best interests of our clients, and most often, that means not discussing their affairs, so I'll let you do the digging....
The ravishing ladies Kate Greenman and Michelle Kirby have the listing. They are both female powerhouses in the luxury waterfront real estate market and there's no doubt, this home will be off the market in no time. Click here to learn more. MLS#: 1055725
I Want to Rock Your Gypsy Soul...
I am a firm believer that every happy home should be filled with music. Any variety will do, so long as it floods your heart and livens your soul. Growing up, our home was filled with all the classics: The Doobie Brothers, Stevie Nicks, Neil Young, Van Morrison, The Beatles, the list goes on...
(Above: Lovers and musicians Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac)
Do the Toggle!
I'm headed home this evening and cannot wait to embrace fall, friends and family amidst a blanket of crisp New England weather for the next week. I loved this piece NET-A-PORTER did on Holiday style. After two years of living in San Francisco, I still have not even come close to mastering the dress here. Layering and anything 'Patagucci' is usually a safe bet, but alas, I am perpetually left feeling like I'm too hot, too chilly, or too windswept. I'm looking forward to bundling up at home and dare I say, embracing the consistent cold.
I realized after gushing over the wool toggle coat worn by the model in the Holiday style feature, I've seen several toggle coats this season. My Mother then reminded me I have a toggle coat of my own back home in my closet I have not worn in ages. Something tells me that baby is about to hit the town. The toggle is without question a classic staple.
The coat shown above is actually a YSL men's coat I'm loving, however the women's version you can find here. Do the toggle!
She's Bacccckkkkkk
My ears are still humming with the delightful news that the one and only CKB will be re-launching CK Bradley in the form of "Camilla Bradley". It was just yesterday that I walked all the way to the local cobbler in the pouring rain for a last-resort effort in hope that they could fix the zipper on my CKB ditty bag (see here). The cosmetic bag I've had for years has accompanied me on countless travel adventures, regatta road trips and weekend escapades. I can't picture life without it. And the CKB cocktail dresses, belts, totes and skirts...well, that's a whole other list of mischievous memories.
My first summer in college I "interned" for Camilla, which was one of the most colorful times in my life (literally and figuratively). Although I did learn a great deal about "da business", I learned a few life lessons from CKB:
- How to whip up the most delicious yet lethal cocktail party punch
- How to master the game of strip twister, as puppies are barking and pet birds are flocking about in the living room while belting out the lyrics to "Call On Me"
- How to start a blender with a.....chainsaw.
- How to create a photo shoot anywhere, at any time, with anyone. Creative incentives for eager participants always help.
- A retro onesie ski suit never goes out of fashion.
- It is possible to "one-up" any guy with your athletic equipment, cars and toys.
- Don't taunt CKB with parsely....or do.
- When in doubt, don't be doubtful.
Congratulations to my friend, mentor and inspiration, Camilla, for carrying on your vision. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us!
Easy On The Eyes...
Holiday Classics
One of my favorite aspects of the holiday season is the decorating. Decorating for the holidays can be so fun and easy; I often find that the small things can make a big impact. My go-to's include fresh garland and paper whites, perhaps a nod to my Mother's own holiday favorites. My all-time favorite holiday dining room is the above, designed by Mary McDonald and equipped with gorgeous garland and potted paperwhites amidst a traditional design scheme. Coincidentally, it looks like a carbon copy of the dining room in my childhood home - right down to the layout, moldings, chandelier and antique buffet.
Paperwhites not only make a beautiful (and fragrant) centerpiece, but a lovely holiday gift. They are typically grown from bulbs in a bed of soil or rocks and are fun to nurture and watch grow. Visit here to buy your own!
Side Note: As soon as I finished this post, I was greeted by a package from my Mother. Inside: a Ziploc bag full of dirt, two clay pots and amaryllis bulbs for holiday planting. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...
The Power of Penmanship
Hand written notes and letters are some of my most prized possessions. There is something about a cherished friend, family member or lover taking the time to put a pen to paper to convey their thoughts to you - it is so wonderfully romantic, respectful and tender. Over the years, I've collected all of the heartfelt letters I've received and will often re-read and reflect on them. They remind me of certain events in life, whether sad times, moments of accomplishment, or simply someone reminding you why you're special to them. The collection is kept in an old wooden box of my Mother's that once housed sea shells from her honeymoon in Greece, and a letter from my Grandfather congratulating her on her engagement to my Father.
Every Christmas, my parents would gift my sister and I with a new box of personalized stationery. We usually groaned because we knew it was only a nudge to get started on our post-Christmas thank you notes. In retrospect, it was one of the best lessons my parents have instilled in us. Now, I truly believe stationary is one of the best investments one can make.
I think we can all take more time in life to write to those we care about. When was the last time you did?
Carrots, Cottontails & Creativity....
Out this month is a book by American landscape designer Marta McDowell, who lends a snapshot into Beatrix Potter's inspiration for her imaginative children's books. An interview with the New York Times reveals that McDowell's trip to Hill Top Farm (Beatrix Potter's home in England) was a moment of a creative awakening for the book, as she meandered through an overgrown yet fragrant sea of summer roses, sunshine and gooseberries. You can buy Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children's Tales here. How lovely!
Explore Beatrix Potter's 17th-century Hill Top Farm, here.
WSJ House of the Day
It takes a lot for me to get excited about a house, and when I do, there is no turning back. Part of my morning routine includes scouring the WSJ House of the Day section and I was pleasantly pleased to see the Ocean State get some love. The home above, is currently on the market in the lovely town of Little Compton, Rhode Island. I've spent a great deal of time in this particular neighborhood, having grown up just a town over. The ease, stillness and beauty of the area is inexplicable to articulate, it's simply a very special part of our country. The home would make a wonderful summer home, I hope someone scoops her up soon!
Mott & Chace of Sotheby's International Realty has the listing.