Carlos Mota effortlessly captured a scene on the Nile River amidst his recent travels in Egypt. I just love wicker seating and the curvatures on these beauties are so fun. Be certain to order Carlos' new book A Touch of Style. Follow Carlos on Instagram: @casamota
Newport Lamp & Shade
A slightly hidden hideaway among the cobblestones of Franklin Street is Newport Lamp & Shade Company. Their name is perhaps a rather apparent nod to their expert lamp repair service in their workshop - a space flooded with lampshades of all fashions that will surely make you swoon. The remaining square footage is a sea of carefully curated gifts and home goods - from an antique sign (I immediately had my eyes fixated on the "Punch" sign hanging from the doorway only to learn that it had sadly sold), to dish ware that would make a splash at any outdoor summer soirée.
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Sherbet
Love Tom Samet's capture of this living room upon a stay in Florida. The sherbet hues are enviable and elegant, lending to a cocktail ready room. Makes me want to meet the individual responsible for creating such a splashy space.
Les Bonbons & Hollyhocks
Paper Hollyhock | Shop here.
C Magazine profiled Rebecca De Ravenel as it seems her Les Bonbons have quickly become all the rage. There is also an inexplicable, effervescent quality about her personal style. I love this portrait of her - not to mention the handmade paper hollyhock plant that rests beside her.
Warren's Point
A few days prior, my sister and I ventured down to Warren's Point in Little Compton, Rhode Island for an afternoon picnic. Though visited on a gusty April afternoon, Warren's Point is rather the epitome of a serene summer oasis, a tiny gem of our precious coastline with classic New England architecture, sweeping views of the Atlantic and for the most part, rather underdeveloped thanks to the 1938 hurricane. Provisions were procured at Provender Fine Foods followed by a visit to The Cottage at Four Corners where to my delight, discovered AERIN's new lighting collection on display. (Obsessed with this sexy antique brass and black Clemente Table Lamp). In the summer, we would have most certainly secured an ice cream cone across the street at Gray's Ice Cream....
Concrete Thoughts
I love the look of this loo at Manka's Inverness Lodge where rustic and luxury are perfectly married. The shower, floor and sink are constructed out of concrete whilst the rest of the space is layered in decadent Frette bath linens and Kiehl's products. Manka's always succeeds in finding yourself plotting your next visit even while you're still enjoying one.
"Musts" in Yountville
A capture from one of my favorite stops in wine country - in Yountville, more precisely. Ma(i)sonry is an art, design and wine gallery that satisfies an array of curiosities in a historic setting. The chic garden landscape plays host to a variety of sculptures begging for your lustful attention, while Ma(i)sonry's wine list includes beautiful offerings from several local vintner partners. Below is a sketch of my perfect day in Yountville:
1). Enjoy a few flights at Ma(i)sonry amidst their lush garden. This is a setting you want to soak up for as long as you can. (Ask for Mikael upon arrival).
2). Stroll down the street to meander through Thomas Keller's infamous French Laundry Gardens.
3). Assume your position at the bar of Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bistro for iced coffee and dessert. (The lemon tart is a must).
4.) If the line is not too, too long, gather a box of goodies at pistachio-painted building that is Bouchon Bakery to share with your friends.
5). Fasting will likely be a necessity following the gluttony that occurs. xx
'Skinny, Slow and Obstreperous'
One of the first case studies I read for business school was on the strategic repositioning of Ducati, the Italian maker of high-end sport motorcycles. Surprisingly, I found the industry, culture and company's growth strategy, fascinating. As such, it seems I've developed a radar for motorbikes and scooters. Growing up, my Father had a few Yamaha Chappy scooters from the 80s, clad in a vintage hue of canary yellow. I used to ride them around our back yard between the blueberry bushes, waiting for the day I could have my own. Sadly, my Father sold them and I have not let him forget this unfortunate reality.
The WSJ recently published an article titled "The Vintage-Moped Resurgence" that highlights the recent allure around the "skinny, slow and obstreperous" machines. Despite their less than favorable environmental impact, they seem to be in vogue, once again. Read on, here.
In Bed With Patti Hansen
The incessant rain in San Francisco has forced me to slow down and revisit books I've neglected over the years in the comfort of my own bed. I am always struck by this image of Patti Hansen "looking like a young Brigitte Bardot" captured by Michael Reinhardt in 1979. The image lives in VOGUE's The Editor's Eye, published in 2012.
A-line
Love this striped A-line number from Gucci. Shop here.