'Exquisite Pleasures'

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