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).