Sometimes, a little black and white can be just right.
Language of Color
Amidst a haircut last week, I tuned my hairdresser out for a solid 15 minutes while engrossed in this article in C Magazine. Admittedly, the portrait of the handsome hunk R. Nelson Parrish is what immediately caught my fancy. The interview that accompanied the photographs however proved that there's more that meets his soulful eyes and athletic stature. The Alaska-born artist sits in his Santa Barbara studio, surrounded by leftover fragments of wood, fiberglass and bio-resin from his work, discussing the inspiration behind his art and life's tribulations that have brought him to some colorful intersections. Aside from his signature totems (which Rob Lowe and John Legend have purchased a bounty of), he also consults on selected projects, including "Soul Poles", limited edition hand painted bamboo ski poles. The artist says he was inspired by early morning back country skiing, an inspiration that eventually garnered a feature in Vogue, Outdoor Magazine, and the like.
Be sure to read the interview above and view his portfolio here.
Tablescape & Landscape
I'll preface with the fact that you'll want (need) to look at this album in its entirety. Merely the tablescapes and landscapes from Erica Pelosini & Louis Leeman's wedding amidst the lemon trees in Capri brought me to a mental moment of lust. Tall orchids and fragrant rosemary in terra cotta pots decorated a dimly lit dinner table post nuptials, while a collection of citrus and bougainvillaea speckled a table for the rehearsal dinner the night prior. The tablscapes and landscapes were just small components, however - this wasn't just a wedding - it was truly an event. The Italian fashion maven and Dutch shoemaker certainly threw quite the fête, Instagram-ready at every glance, for even the most discerning eye. See more, here.
Weekend Words
live in
the sunshine.
swim in the sea.
drink the
wild air.
- Emerson
Sweet Dreams
My friends close to me know I'm serious about my sleep wear and I was just delighted to spot these PJs last evening at Serena & Lily's Summer Trunk Show. They would make the perfect addition to a summer PJ collection, from nodding off to evening sea breezes to scanning the morning paper with your caffeinated brew. See details here.
Sentiments
Today marks the third day in a row where I've come across geraniums - either in person or via photograph. They immediately make me think of my Father, who had a collection of geraniums in various terra cotta pots in his home office growing up. They dotted the window sill in hues of pinks and reds, next to a bookshelf chalked full of CDs, cassette tapes and stereo equipment. Along with his boat log, chappy motorcycles and pretty much any possession relating to any said water sport, his geraniums provided him with great joy - and were not to be touched. I learned this the hard way when I "borrowed" a few of his geraniums to spruce up my backyard at my summer pad in Newport. When my parents came over for a barbeque after a night out on the water, my theft was revealed. I was scolded and told to promptly return them to their rightful, nurturing proprietor. To my credit, the potted geraniums made a fabulous addition to my backyard.
Questionable Pizza in Positano
One of my favorite go-to blogs is called This is Glamorous, founded by the ever so chic London-based Roséline. Currently, she showcases photographs for travel inspiration (see here), and the one above gave me pause. I couldn't figure out why, but then quickly realized it is a restaurant I went to with an old friend in Positano. We were so tired from a day of travel along the Amalfi Coast and ventured down the hill with his family for a late dinner. We quickly ordered a plethora of pasta, pizza and wine. Among one of our choices was the "American Pizza" which our waitress was making a great case for without providing us with much detail. When it arrived, we had a good laugh as the pizza essentially consisted of marinara and cheese, with sliced hot dogs and french fries on top. Needless to say, we didn't know if we should be flattered or offended, but it was hilarious. Of course, we ate it in its entirety.
Ciao for now!
Frothy Fiction
After I finish my current read for book club, I plan on getting my hands on The Vacationers. NPR dubbed it as a "frothy beach read" and Preston Davis gave it the thumbs up, so you know it's a good pick.
St Barths or Bust! Support newportFILM
newportFILM is an organization I am continually passionate about - despite living on the other coast. When I'm home, I make a point to attend their film events and think the ladies (and lad!) behind the non-profits' execution are doing some remarkable things for our community and culture in the Ocean State. With Andrea van Beuren and Terri Conners at the helm, the organization has grown immensely over the past few years with the continued support of passionate patrons and people who simply dig a good experience. newportFILM not only celebrates documentary film makers and their audiences, but the organization has the unique ability to curate memorable experiences in our backyard, at some of the most beautiful, iconic and historical outdoor (and indoor) landscapes.
If you're passionate about the organization too, I encourage you to lend your support by making a donation of $50 at minimum. With your donation, your name will be entered into a raffle for a 7 night vacation in St. Barths with WIMCO Villas. (Think of how fabulous you'll feel in your bandeau top, sipping rosé on the beach of French St Barths, knowing you got there with the grace and goodness of your own heart)! The winner will be drawn on July 31st, so hop to it! Visit here for all the details.
Finally, be sure to buy your ticket to newportFILM's Summer Benefit, one of the best parties of the summer! The benefit is this Friday, July 18th at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Slim on Inspiration
I've been perfecting my French Press techniques the past few mornings and as a result, I have consumed more caffeine than necessary. Busy days and early rises have left little time for channeling my inspiration for posts, so today, I leave you with Slim Aarons (again). Hotel Belair, circa 1991 (as if the bikini didn't give away the 90's vibe...). That pool looks like a good time.