I'm Into It.

I work in the land of pencil skirts, heels, suits and Gucci-bit loafers. It's a pretty bland landscape as it relates to dress, particularly for San Francisco, however I suppose typical for the industry. Many are health freaks who seem to have an endless supply of green juice, have ditched their Rolex's for UP bands and have their yoga instructors come into the office for a little afternoon namaste. As of late, several of the gents have ditched their  loafers their wives and girlfriends likely spent 5 hours selecting at Neiman's, for sneakers. I'm into it.

This seems to be a trend across the world. See more here.

A Handsome Goth

Gothic architecture often surprises me and this southern cottage is by no means an exception. When in search for a home, an antiques dealer snapped up this mid-nineteenth-century cottage in Georgia. While recognizing her true potential, he shined her up, adding a few rooms to the original structure, and dusted the interior with his collection of antique pieces. I particularly love the original Gothic elements intertwined with the romance of a carefree southern style. What a special property. See more photographs here.

Nudes & A New Year

Ah, the Pirelli Calendar. I can't think of a single soul who doesn't like looking at beautiful women, which is why the iconic calendar by the Italian tire company is perhaps so celebrated (it helps that the photographers are the best in the world and shoot only the finest female creatures to ever walk this earth, in next to nothing). 2014 marks the calendar's 50th edition which will feature photographs from 1986 that were shot by Helmut Newton (best known for his nudes), that were never released. An interesting marketing strategy for a tire company, but as they say....sex sells. And I like it.

Above: A collection of photographs from various calendars over the past few decades.

A Fairytale Hideaway in the Adirondacks...

I have a deep affinity to the Adirondacks as my family has spent a great deal of time there. It truly is a magical part of our country and one that celebrates the simple pleasures in life and landscape. I aways get excited to tour different camps and love learning about some of the iconic fixtures and figures of the Adirondacks.

This month's issue of Harpers Bazaar highlights the talented Mother-Daughter design duo Mimi McMakin and Celerie Kemble (of Kemble Interiors), and their beloved camp outside of Keene Valley, a region my family and I often frequent. The home is layered in authentic Adirondack-style wood carved furniture, taxidermy and family antiques which preside over a sea of several Turkish kilim rugs, all of course divinely designed in true McMakin-Kemble fashion. The camp is named "Treetops" which appropriately plays on the treehouse inspired designs, which includes actual live birch trees in the dining room. A "Fairytale Hideaway", indeed. See the full story here.

Another of my favorite Adirondack must-sees? Amanda Brooks' camp.

Yes, PLEASE.

I absolutely detest the main house, but how amazing is this boat house? All that varnished mahogany is making my heart pitter patter. Pack the champagne and cheese, let's take one of these beauties out for a cruise!

Worn Wear

I'm feeling quite invigorated after watching Patagonia's "Worn Wear" short film, showcasing a selection of the brand's adventuresome customers and their loyal products they've cherished for years. Just last week, my sister and I were remarking on how many tears and stains adorned my Father's down vest and promptly took advantage of Patagonia's "Anti Black Friday" campaign, sending the vest in for repairs. As the film cleverly depicts, each tear and imperfection tells a story about a meaningful adventure or memory, thus, the product becomes a part of one's fiber and essence.

Patagonia has always been environmentally conscious and has for a long time, gained the respect of many for its corporate responsibility practices, employee activism, global outreach and quality products. They stand by their products and encourage their customers to "Return, Repair and Recycle" when possible. This year's "Anti Black Friday" campaign received a bit of flack from consumer studies experts, not to mention the company's "Don't Buy This Jacket" full page ad in the NY Times two years ago, however I think it's a brilliant marketing strategy representing the true moral code of the brand. (It should be mentioned that following the NY Times ad in 2011, Patagonia saw annual revenues increase by almost 40 percent over the next two years). Fancy that!

I particularly relied on the brand's Capilene® baselayers during frigid sailing regattas and practices up and down the east coast in my college years, which are still with me to this day. I consider myself a loyal customer and will continue to look to them as a leader in the industry and global community.

I encourage you to watch the video (here).

Hold On To Your...Bunny Ears...

Playboy's 60th Anniversary Issue has arrived with Kate Moss gracing the cover exuding nothing but sultry perfection.  Below, some of my favorite vintage Playboy covers. They make fun gifts to give to your beau (or self) and excellent coffee table reading. Note some of the captions on the covers...hysterical.

Delish!

Once again, this train is late to the station. I hadn't heard of the Avocado Egg Bullseye until my friends at Coastal Kitchen posted about the power breakfast and then realized there were so many variations out there. It was just this weekend that I tried my own take on the snack (hot sauce recommended!) as a little sustenance before yoga class. How delicious! It's the perfect discovery as I start to get back into the post-Thanksgiving regimen. Be sure to see what the Ferguson girls have to say. Bon appetit!

The Cure

The day after Thanksgiving. If you're like me, you're inevitably faced with a mild hangover and promising yourself you'll go on a juicing craze for the next two weeks. I've found that one of the best cures for a mental or physical hangover is salty air and finding time with the sea. In my younger years, this usually meant stumbling into a dinghy sailboat and going sailing with my college team mates working off our fun from the night prior....These days, the 'cure' has become an experience I crave for mental and physical stimulation. There is something about watching powerful waves meet with a rocky beach while the salty air stings your face and the cold penetrates through your body. You're frozen and uncomfortable, yet at peace and in awe, never wanting to leave.

Above:  Photographs from my latest visit with the sea, no doubt, the best cure. When was the last time you met with the sea?

All That Matters

Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday. Not only is it a chance to embrace family and friends over a fanciful feast, but I personally use it as an opportunity to reflect on the people, experiences and priorities that really matter to me. Many thanks to C&C friends and followers for your support and praise since our inception.  Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Cheers!