Veronica Beard

Lonny Magazine, one of my favorite publications, gives us a snapshot into the lives of sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard. In the fall of 2010, the bold duo launched their fashion brand Veronica Beard and from that point in time, everything's coming up roses. (They just presented their Spring '15 collection at NYFW and continually receive press and praise from industry leaders). Their collection is designed with themselves in mind, the fierce female consumer who juggles children, the workplace, a partner, the home and then some. Watch this video for a glance into their lives and their creation that is Veronica Beard.

Jakobs of Gotland

I think I've met my match. My trip back east allowed me to relish in many simple pleasures I missed. As I return to my routine, I find myself day dreaming of another escape. This restored farm house on the Swedish island of Gotland is nestled among 2 acres of green gardens, a bike ride away from the sea and thoughtfully dusted with beautiful interior pieces in true Scandinavian style.  Known as Jakobs of Gotland, this property is available for rent by the long weekend in winter, or week in summer.

Naturally, my stay at Jakobs has already been sorted out in my head. I have visions of reading on the terrace in a white chemise, only glancing away to watch the branches on the trees sway in the morning breeze. In the late afternoon, I'll bike ride to the sea for a long swim before supper, returning to visit the sauna in the barn. Then, I'll retreat to the garden to pick herbs, flowers and produce for supper outside and dine with acquaintances I've met in the nearby town of Visby. When the laughter and dim candlelight subsides, I'll retreat indoors for a glass of scotch or port, my eyes fixated on the glow of a hearty fire...It seems every day at Jakobs is a verse out of a pastoral poem.

Learn more about Jakobs of Gotland here and be sure to see Net-A-Porter's feature as well! Owners Anna and Andi are lovely as ever and available via email to address your inquires.

(Photography credit: Ken Kochey and Katarina Grip-Höök’)

Thoughts on Youth

I was walking to a coffee shop yesterday morning and smiled as a gaggle of young girls clad in their perfectly pressed school uniforms crossed Fillmore Street. It was in many ways a scene that depicted the commencement of Fall in San Francisco, but also had me thinking about youth. As they scurried down the street, They squawked on about some juicy tale involving a young lad and an embarrassing encounter, as if the world was ending in front of their very eyes. Their voices were heightened with drama, yet they projected an innocent dose of naivety. When I'm feeling challenged by some of the realities of adulthood, I often find myself thinking about my youth and how little I had to worry about. This past weekend, I watched a tiny handsome tot crawl across the manicured sand of the beach club to a nearby lounge chair with the greatest gusto. He was so determined and enlightened to have embarked on this small journey across the sand and knew all eyes were on this endeavor of his. As the adults stood around in a circle fixated on this young one, I felt so joyful to see him overcome such a proud feat and it reminded me that in every stage of life, we face challenges. Perhaps most important, is our perspective as we face these challenges. It can be difficult to keep it at times, but if we manage to approach some of our trials and tribulations with the same gusto, strength and grace as that little baby, life might seem a little more manageable.

Photo via.

In Gear

Time to retire the carefree ease of all things summer. Mentally, that is. Facing reality after an amazing vacation is painful but must be done. Above: Sean Connery and Ursula Andress on the set of Dr. No in 1962. Watching this scene doesn't exactly aid in productivity...