Above: One of my most favorite photographs of famed photographer François Halard's parents, French decorators Michelle and Yves Halard, at their home in Provence. I love how this photograph truly depicts such joy and ease - two people that clearly have lived their lives to the fullest (with each other!). Their inner souls are outpouring into their external selves, joyful, passionate and pure.
"When the going gets tough...
...The tough get going". That was a phrase my Father would always tell me growing up. It was one of many that he would recite. My sister and I would laugh it off, but as cliche as it is, it is true. In equally characteristic fashion, my parents sent me a letter with this news clipping accompanied by a note encouraging me to press on, despite a few stressful weeks of balancing life. The origin of the phrase has been attributed to John P. Kennedy (JFK's Father), among others. Their letter made me smile, as it reminded me the power of family and friendship in trying times. There are so many beautiful things in life, but every now and then, we get bogged down by less than ideal circumstances. To all my friends facing uncertainties or stressors, press on! You will prevail! (Love you, M&D).
Blue
Love the mystical hue of blue in this shot of Candice Swanepoel in her new campaign for Biotherm.
Watermelon Punch
Watermelon & Liquor. A past time for as long as we can all remember, including this party in 1948. I have distinct memories of throwing a "watermelon football" in summer sailing camp - our instructors would fill the watermelon with Crisco which would make it float in the salt water. Later, they'd spike another one with vodka with the understanding that no one would tell their parents about all the fun we had...
A Glimpse
A vignette from the home of Carolina Herrera, Jr., in Madrid, Spain.
The Rocks
On my summer reading radar is Peter Nichols' novel about a former couple who live in Mallorca - Gerald, is a former helmsman-turned-writer; Lulu manages "The Rocks" a resort in town. The book takes us back and forth from 1948 to present day, painting a picture of their former romance and the circumstances for their tumultuous fall out. The novel is said to be a twist and turn of events, some ominous and others perhaps indicative of the book's cover - glamorous, glittery and emotional. Purchase here. A review from the New York Times, below:
“Irresistibly sunny… Set in the brightly lit Mediterranean amid old olive trees and sexual intrigue, music and wine and beautiful women... Propulsive.” –The New York Times Book Review
Happy
A moment from the weekend. There is nothing that makes me happier than salty hair and the slight sting of the cold ocean. They say that one of the most important things in life is to be content with spending time alone and I find that I often crave it. Saturday was spent well with a good book, a blue bird beach day and a bottle of rosé, all by my lonesome!
Summer Scents
Net-A-Porter features three fragrances for summer evenings, with one of them being my favorite. Tom Ford's White Patchouli is my current scent. Not to mention, I fancy the white and gold bottle. With the lovely scents of peony, rose, jasmine and the like, I'm glad to know it's Net-A-Porter approved.
Birkin Babe
Jane Birkin looking iconically like Jane Birkin.
Striped for Summer
Helmut Newton. Summer. I love the one-pieces, they remind me of Solid & Striped's suits. I just ordered their Anne-Marie suit. See their lookbook video campaign, here. I can see the puffy clouds and bouganvillea in my dreams already...