I've been dying to see a movie in the theater and it just seems like nothing worthy of mention has been out recently. Vogue Online ran a piece on vintage "tearjerkers" to watch and a few peeked my interest, including Le Boucher and Splendor in the Grass (above). Time to get vintage, I suppose.
"Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing" - MJ
Leaving you all with this Warhol Screenprint of Mick Jagger as a weekend commencement piece. The signed print is via Puccio Gallery in New York. If you're a fan of Mick and the gang, be sure to watch Crossfire Hurricane, the Rolling Stones documentary on HBO.
Office Inspiration: Grégoire's Gem
One of the perks of now working at an interior design firm is the sheer joy of being surrounded by tangible inspiration all day long. I am deeply affected by the landscapes in which I live and work in, and my new work environment makes me truly happy. Instead of the interior rigidness of a financial institution, I am now surrounded by a flood of rich fabrics and textiles, architects drafting elaborate blueprints, a sea of French antiques, and, a library full of auction and design catalogues. Thus, I bring you my latest obsession. If I could jump in to this landscape, I would. The images come from the French design publication Côté Sud and depict the most idyllic residence on the French Riviera. The vacation home belongs to Grégoire Gardette, legendary photographer, designer, publisher and graphic designer. Now all I need is a new white bikini, my Bain de Soleil and a tall glass of Pellegrino - dreamy!
In addition to salivating over the serene scenes above, be sure to view Grégoire's portfolio, here: http://gregoiregardette.com/fr-en/
On View: Slim at the Staley Wise Gallery
All knowing of my obsession, I was tipped off by the Mother of the Bride at an engagement party Saturday evening, that the Staley Wise Gallery is showcasing photos of my beloved Slim's work. Until June 28th, the gallery presents a collection of rare signed Slim Aarons photographs, many of them never seen before. New York friends, I do hope you will go!
Find details here: http://www.staleywise.com/current_exhibition.html
In the Dunes of the Cape: Saving Modernity
"For nearly four decades, the area was a haven where two different sets of designers—European modernists and local nonconformists—found common ground, working hard during the daytime, then repairing to each other's houses for cocktails and bonfires at night." - Carol Kino reports from the WSJ
I really enjoyed reading this article in the WSJ about the quest to save Cape Cod's vast array of avant-garde homes. Having gone to high school in Massachusetts, I spent over half my teenage years on the Cape and consider the landscape to have had a deep imprint on those indelible years. What I didn't know, is that the Cape plays host to hundreds of modernist homes (like the "Hatch House" above). The article chronicles the efforts of architect Peter McMahon who is championing to save Cape Cod's endangered midcentury modern houses through his nonprofit Cape Code Modernist House Trust. The homes, as McMahon explains, were built on the cheap, using materials such as plywood, salvaged lumber and plate glass. Think: design on a dime with Frank Lloyd Wright, subtracting any formal study of architecture. Many of the builders lacked formal schooling and experimenting was often a key ingredient to the designs.
As part of a shift in policy dating back many years ago, several of the modernist houses had been condemned and derelict. When the Cape Cod National Seashore absorbed a vast array of land containing some of these houses, budget constraints led many of the houses to demolition. Quickly, these houses were disappearing. Luckily, McMahon swooped in at the right time, taking on many restoration projects and registering many of the houses with the National Register of Historic Places. The houses are apparently tucked away in the woody dunes of the cape, little gems that tell a story of life, design and romance after WWII.
Read the article here: http://online.wsj.com/articles/saving-modernism-in-cape-cod-1399492974?tesla=y
From The Archives
Dreaming of a sea of these Louis chairs upholstered in a rainbow of colors. I tore this page out of a magazine two years ago and discovered it when I was sorting through my bedroom last evening. A nice splash of vitality for this Monday morning - the weekend seemed to have ended abruptly!
The Nectar of Summer
Music to my very ears. As the weekend kicks off, I encourage you to read the article (link below) about one of the most important treasures in my life: Rosé, of course. Vogue online argues why the "#summerwater" is indeed "Summer's Most Popular (and soon-to-be Most Instagrammed) Drink".
Above, a glass of my prized libation from Grill Night last Saturday. #Roséallday
http://www.vogue.com/culture/article/best-rose-wines-for-the-summer/#1
Don't Mind if I Do
I have never been to the Design House in Washington, D.C. despite spending considerable time in the city, however I loved seeing this particular room from this year's 7th annual event. Nadia Subaran, of Aidan Design, the genius behind the above revamped butler's pantry, may just be my new best friend. Although there are a few details I would consciously edit, I am loving the vintage navy cabinetry, Calcutta marble floors and brass hardware. Think of all the champagne you could store, just looking at those wine columns! I personally would have taken it one step further in sex appeal and drama, by painting the ceiling in a dark high gloss and adding long velvet drapes for window treatments. Alas, it will do.
Images via Veranda.
The Desk
When my Grandfather passed away two years ago, I inherited among a few pieces, this Queen Anne-style desk. My Grandparents had the desk for as long as I could remember and us Grandchildren would always find the hidden compartments and rummage through old photographs and keepsakes when no one was looking.
I desperately wanted to bring the desk westward with me (it would make a wonderful workstation for C&C), but instead, left it with my parents. For the majority of the time with them, it lived in their garage, which made me quite frustrated. My parents just moved into a new home and finally, the desk is in my bedroom. It gives me a great deal of pleasure admiring it before I fall asleep, thinking about my Grandparents and how happy they would be that I now get to cherish it. It's the little things, as they say...
Summer in Bloom
It sure does feel like summer has officially commenced on the east coast. The harbor filled up considerably this weekend, neighborhood children are playing in their yards until sundown, and the Sky Bar in Newport was in full force Saturday evening.
I'm loving these blue delphiniums in my Mother's kitchen bouquet. Nothing makes me happier than fresh flowers and I just love a fresh summer bloom!