Drooled over this piece in The New York Times Style Magazine over the weekend that captures the life of Ian and Emilie Irving, a couple mad for art, design & one another. They met through the world of collecting and a chance encounter. The piece profiles their home in Springs, in East Hampton, a jewel box of a cottage full of Napolean III velvet chairs, 19th-century textiles from Iran, floral vintage chintz fabrics and my favorite piece - a French Directoire chair still covered in original Ikat upholstery from Matthieu Monluc in Paris. Read more about their fanciful home & romance, here.
Daytime Friends & Nighttime Lovers
Love this photograph of Sophia Loren and Cary Grant amidst filming. I just ordered Sophia Loren's autobiography, where she discusses how Cary Grant begged her on multiple occasions to be his lover - he even suggested that they pray together to find the right decision about being together. At the time, Sophia was 23, and married to film producer Carlo Ponti. That didn't stop Cary from attempting to seduce her.
Love at First Sight
Absolutely smitten by film maker James Ivory's Federalist-style home in Hudson Valley, as depicted in The NY Times. The home, which sits on 12 acres, was purchased in 1975 with Ivory's partner in tow and was the incubator for many of Ivory's films and thought making. As the article describes, Ivory is "not seduced by modernity" which is evidenced by the authentic nature of the civil war home. Within the home exists a bounty of stories, heirlooms & artful works that interplay with each other. To watch his house tour, visit here.
Purpose
I woke to sweet sentiments this morning, one included a message from a dear friend who stumbled upon a photograph of us camping two years ago. Her note reflected on our adventures and how much she valued our friendship. The note made me gush with joy and reminded me about life's purpose and how much love & friendship matter above all else. I can't think of many other feelings that trump those. Love you, M! xx
Carolyn Roehm
Love these images from Carolyn Roehm's Baccarat shoot in Paris. She shared these images and a few others on her site. The peonies are just perfection. I'm looking forward to the release of her new book "At Home in the Garden" which will be available October 27th on Amazon.
Backcountry: 'The New American Dream'
Love this article in NY Times Style Magazine that somehow captures exactly how I regard cabin life. I often dream of one day retreating to a beach shanty on the coast of West Marin, or a reclaimed wood barn in the sticks of the Adirondacks. Despite "bigger and better" being the mantra for the American Dream for decades, the article points to a shift in that ideology, suggesting that "smaller" is perhaps "purer and more inspiring" hence the "cabin porn" and "tiny living" movement. Be sure to read the article in addition to feasting your eyes on these gems in quiet places across the globe.
Above: a summer retreat in Brekkestø, Norway.
McGrath II
Love this Manhattan apartment belonging to interior designer Lauren McGrath. The apartment is housed within a Georgian mansion built in 1890 and boasts of beautiful working fireplaces, high ceilings & lots of city light. See more of the designer's home on her blog, here.
From the Top
I've just returned from the most amazing weekend in Aspen to witness two friends marry in the mountains. It was the most incredible weekend of hiking, exploring and catching up with old friends. Above, is a photo from the top of Aspen Mountain. My friend Candace & I hiked early Saturday morning only to be rewarded with some breathtaking views.
City Lights
A quick but interesting read in the WSJ about the iconic City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco and Poet/Co-Founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti's quest to open an all-paperback bookstore in the 1950's. Lawrence's adoration for poetry and literature is perhaps a correlation to his less than desirable childhood he describes. Read the piece here.
love notes
My Grandfather's desk sits in my room at home in Rhode Island. It has many secret compartments in which I keep mementos from cherished moments, including notes from my Grandparents that they each wrote to me close to their passing. They were both so sweet about writing notes to their grandchildren and I love coming back to them, longing for their presence again.