Germany may have won the World Cup, but Deutschland also scored a goal with Vogue Germany's August cover story. As a nod to the old-school erotic romantic drama 9 1/2 Weeks, model Anja Rubik channels Kim Basinger's intensely seductive yet naive character. I'm loving it. If you haven't seen the 1986 film, get familiar. The most infamous scene? The bizarrely erotic food seduction scene staring Kim Basinger and her domineering lover Mickey Rourke - watch here. I'll forewarn you, you might think differently about your next trip to the refrigerator...
F is For....
...Fall, of course. It's hard to even skip ahead and mentally prepare, but these images just took me there in a big way. Granted, I'm counting down the days to my next east coast jaunt this summer, but this editorial with Giedre Dukauskaite for Vogue Mexico made my mind fast forward for a millisecond. Remember this post?
On the Coast: Rugged Beauty
I've been captivated by the Oregon Coast for quite some time and it remains on my bucket list of domestic travel destinations. This home in Cloverdale, Oregon will be up for auction in two short weeks. Although there are several things I would do differently with the property, you can't ignore her rugged beauty & bliss - all 25 acres! See more here.
Just What I Needed.
I woke up feeling uninspired this morning, until I went through my archives and found this photograph. Pure spunk! This woman is fierce and fabulous in Prada, captured on the street in Paris via The Sartorialist.
"I'll Take You There": Muscle Shoals Sound
I didn't know what "Muscle Shoals" meant until watching this documentary, only to discover it is indeed a town along the Tennessee River in Alabama, and most notably, the breeding ground for some serious soul (anyone that has ever boogie-ed along to "Brown Sugar", "Mustang Sally", and "I'll Take You There", this is where you can relate). More specifically, the film centers around Rick Hall, the self-made founder of FAME Studios, responsible for bringing black and white people together among extreme poverty and tragedies, to create a new genre of music that has lasted for countless generations. Perhaps my favorite component of the film were the musings from Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, Etta James and the like, on the power of this "Singing River" music genre. For anyone that appreciates a little or a whole lotta SOUL like moi, this one is a must-see. View the trailer, here.
Bet Your Bottom Dollar - At Bonhams
One of my favorite components of my new job is the research I conduct on auction sales. Whether it may be confirming what a particular piece of our client's sold for, or a comparative analysis on a prospective bid, I find the auction world a liberal arts education all over again. Above, are some Lot items I find intriguing from recent auction sales with Bonhams. (Click on the image in enlarge).
Born In The U.S.A.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend full of festivities with friends & loved ones! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad envious of my friends back east...my favorite Independence Day memory remains to be a rainy raft-up in Mackerel Cove about 6 years ago, complete with a saucy dance party in our bikinis and foul weather gear, belting out the lyrics to "Born in the U.S.A". We then sailed back to the harbor, anchoring outside of Ida Lewis Yacht Club where The Ravers were playing at the club for an "adult party". I don't know if our parents were proud or horrified to see us rocking along to the reggae 50 yards away from them on the water, but it was one for the books. Life is grand. Celebrate well!
Lady Luck
I'm loving the July issue of the Hamptons Cottages & Gardens publication. The cover features the work of artist Billy Sullivan, titled "jane max & emerson" (oil on linen). The painting turned cover is a perfect nod to summer and had me thumbing through the magazine thoroughly. See more of the artist's work here. While you're at it, be sure to check out the San Francisco edition of the publication.
From the Boardroom to the Bar...
Meet Chance & Manton, Steve McQueen's modern-day muses. I've known this devilishly daring duo for a few years now and if you know them too, you won't be surprised to hear that they are up to something (again). This time, these captains of mischief are up to something particularly exciting: Heath Paine. The company was formed when Chance and Manton, who both share a penchant "for panache," heavy recreating and serious athleticism on and off the water, discovered there was a gap in the market for some bold socks that truly performed.
Like these two fanciful fellas, Heath Paine socks are well decorated. American Made and engineered with the utmost thought, Heath Paine socks are antimicrobial, meaning, they inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, eliminating any chance of odor, from the boardroom to the bar. Interestingly, they are made by weaving a silver ion thread (akin to the kind you'll find in Lululemon products), into the socks, to guarantee quality and a long shelf-life. Trust me, life will treat you well in these socks.
Monday marked Heath Paine's "Initial SOCK Offering" which was the brand's long anticipated debut. With initial designs, manufacturing and prototyping behind them, Heath Paine needs the support of you fabulous people. Please visit Heath Paine's Kickstarter page to help see this brand continue to sock-seed. In the meantime, contact the fellas for any inquires you might have on their products, or, if you're simply looking for a good time on Nantucket this summer, a handsome date at your evening fête, or in need of some good old fashioned story telling at The Gazebo, you're in good hands (or feet?).
Godspeed to you, Heath Paine!
I'll Have What She's Having...
Paris Vogue's June/July editorial features Natasha Poly and her "perfect summer" which is just about the equivalent to my perfect dream. Sea breezes in the Maldives, fresh seafood platters, the scent of pine trees and paralyzing coastal views in the Mediterranean...Natasha knows a thing or two about summer. Not only did she steal the spotlight in the editorial, but she also stole the cover, clad in a red bikini, just months after having a baby, mind you. See the full feature here.