Summertime Splendor...

I set my coffee down this morning by the stack of straw hats that adorn a console in our upstairs hall. It had me desperately yearn for that simple summer splendor. I am craving the elegant ease that ensues, especially here in Newport… afternoon swims in the sea, bare feet in the garden, salty hair, white ensembles all day and evening… why is summer just so SENSATIONAL? Thank you, Marella Agnelli for inspiring me with this photograph taken of her (and Princess Pignatelli) in the port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the Cote d’Azur. Black & white photography often evokes more of a “mood” for me than any colors of the rainbow could…Now, let’s press fast-forward to summer…

(Photograph by Henry Clarke via Condé Nast via Getty Images).

Settling In...

I’m loving our new petite office digs in Newport. There are still odds and ends that need addressing, but I’m taking my time hanging art and perfecting little details while growing into the space. Tomorrow, I’m headed to the Floral Reserve for a celebratory flower shop. I’ll be sharing much more in the coming weeks…

Dream Home

This home just went on the market in my parent’s neighborhood. The community draws a great deal of summer residents and having just spent a night in Chatham on the Cape, also a very summer-driven town, I was reminded of what really makes my heart sing in terms of real estate. I’m not attracted to new construction and truly prefer the old bones of a structure that has a story to tell. Salt-sprayed shingles, tall hedges, the creak of an old porch floor, views of the sea from your bed or bath…I love the soul of this summer cottage, granted, it needs a bit of attention, I love imagining the possibilities…

To view the listing, see here.

Lee

I will always recall this New York Times T Magazine feature of Lee Radziwill from 2013. She was the epitome of grace, style & substance. Her life was fascinating - from her early childhood, to the complicated sisterhood with Jackie O, the European princess truly lived life to the beat of her own (chic) drum. I’ve had the book “The Bouvier Sisters” on my nightstand and it has me reflecting on my own sisterhood. Seeing the casket at her funeral adorned in flowers made me smile. It is said she helped design this component and it doesn’t surprise me in the least bit. She left us with the same light she brought into our lives & culture (See more here).

Below, glimpses of her iconic apartment in Paris that went up for sale several years ago, as featured in T Magazine.

Long live the spirit of Lee.

Office Goals

C&C is moving office spaces next month and I’m truly looking forward to the transition! Naturally, it’s an opportunity to press the reset button, clear some unwanted clutter and reinvigorate my surroundings. I am the type of person that is incredibly shaped and influenced by the spaces that surround me. Though it won’t be a drastic departure from my current landcape, I am enjoying pulling some inspiration for the decor (view my Pinterest board for more).

I’m especially drawn to the clean lines, neutral palettes and subtle nods to the modern in Alyssa Kapito’s studio, in addition to Aerin’s play on the traditional aesthetic. Below, some of my influences:

Alyssa Kapito’s studio

Alyssa Kapito’s studio

Alyssa Kapito’s studio

Alyssa Kapito’s studio

Aerin Lauder’s office

Aerin Lauder’s office

It's a Shear-thing

My husband and I were in line for coffee at the Woodstock Farmer’s Market this weekend and we immediately locked eyes after swift examination of a women’s furry boots. In a sea of Patagonia puffers, ski pants and wool sweaters, these surely made a statement. It turns out they were a decadent pair of Saint Laurent goat skin boots. Just a day prior, I perked up examining a photo of some fabulous shearling & wool Moon Boots (see here & below ) on Instagram. Winter may be fleeting but I’m dreaming of furry footwear…

Forced Perspective

I was sick last week which was quite the set back from work and life. Despite the less than desirable state, it dawned on me that I had not taken the time to read in AGES. Probably since my honeymoon. Sure, I’m “reading” my new book here and there, but I mean I couldn’t recall the last time I really truly devoured a good old fashioned news paper, book or magazine. Getting lost in the words and narrative and not leafing through a book or magazine...a true luxury this day in age. My world is consumed by email, conference calls and checking in on my clients on Instagram, that I somehow neglected to nurture the English major in me. Call it forced perspective, but a “healthy” reminder despite my bed ridden state.

B&W

The new year is upon us and I find myself craving simplistic elements like never before. A back to basics mindfulness, of sorts. Simple luxe. I plan to spend the winter working hard, but indulging in cooking, exercising and enjoying the snowy outdoors. I’m craving connection to the things that make my mind and heart sing, things that often get cast aside in the chaotic moments of life with work or otherwise. I love the magic that black and white imagery can exude…it feels like the perfect palate cleanser for 2019.

Merry Magnolias

Over a year ago, I was arranging magnolia leaves and cedar for a client’s holiday shoot (pictured below). The shoot then led to a House Beautiful pitch I helped facilitate, which then ultimately resulted in a feature in their December 2018 publication. Stumbling upon this photograph was also a visual reminder of how quickly time passes. This year has been one for the books with regard to my consulting work with C&C and I am forever grateful. The best part of my work is the relationships that are formed. I feel particularly lucky this year for creating and fostering so many wonderful relationships with my clients and witnessing their successes. Here’s to friendship, hard work and being authentically YOU. Merry Merry!

Christmas LUXE

Sugarplums and this shearling YSL bag danced in my head last evening. I love this tote, which would be perfect for darting around in the wintry elements. Everyone deserves a little LUXE for Christmas! (Shop here).