Tory's Topiaries & The Magic Making of Westerly

I was admittedly between meetings when I first got wind of the feature on Tory Burch's Westerly Home featured in the October issue of Architectural Digest. My mind lustfully danced with these images for hours after (and still is). Why? Perhaps because we are moving and re-decorating is inevitably on the horizon. Perhaps because I've been examining fabrics, curtain swatches, Etsy shops and plotting my impending procurement of a new batch of myrtles...and I'm mad about topiaries. Perhaps because I'm so in the weeds of business & packing that I needed a little piece of visual candy to calm my mind. Despite these facts, there is something quite effervescent and intoxicating about this Hamptons home she spent nine years decorating. The imagery below speaks for itself. Part of the interior magic is the result of Daniel Romualdez .... the house just oozes with relaxed sophistication. View for yourself below and do watch the punchy-chic video of "Tennis, Taffy, and Topiaries at Tory Burch's Hampton's Home". 

Where the Country Road Leads

A quick country drive reaffirmed one of my favorite summer luxuries - visiting farm stands. Walker's Roadside Stand in Little Compton, Rhode Island always brings me a particular sense of nostalgia. I have memories of visiting Walker's as a young child with my Mother and Sister Caroline after a beach day. I can still hear our beach chairs clinking in the back of our station wagon as we pulled into the gravel drive, and our small sandy hands devouring juicy peaches. We'd select dinner provisions for the evening and snack on snap peas on our way home. We were of course too young to appreciate these moments like I do now... 

Ashley D Studio

I work from what once was my Grandfather's cherished desk, a Queen-Anne style piece that sat in his living room in upstate New York. On it, you'll find layers of my stationary collection as I seem to always want it in arm's reach. Boxes of holiday-themed stationary from The Printery, personal cards from Crane & Co., and now, these beautiful hand-painted correspondence cards from Ashley D Studio...they all keep me company whilst working. I so admire the watercolor design and loved working with Ashley to create my new C&C logo (more on that later). More joy to add to my desk - and a reminder to pen more friends & clients!

Green Mountain Therapy

It's been close to months since our last jaunt up north and it's been so refreshing to reacquaint with the Green Mountains. Cobwebs have settled in and miraculously, the mint and rosemary on the deck have thrived without our attention. Yesterday we paid a visit to the Village Butcher in Woodstock for dinner steaks and I scoured the property for ferns and wildflowers to assemble bouquets. Small reminders of how the mountains can soothe and nourish...

Summer Savories

A few quick snaps of one of my favorite summer evenings: A casual jaunt to dinner by boat with my fiancé. The afternoon felt Autumn-like as the humidity was obsolete, but by evening, the sky bloomed with the perfect hue, the air still...a simple moment to savor. 

The Summer Slip Away

It's that time of the season.... The Summer Slip Away. August is upon us and as carefree summer may present itself to be, we tend to morph into a frantic state around this juncture, refusing to believe that we are more than half-way through our beloved season. Savor those ocean swims, candlelit al fresco dinners and juicy peaches for as long as you can...

Summer Go-To

Time in Costa Rica was sensational for many reasons (most notably, I got engaged!!!), but pure relaxation does the body & soul darn good. There is something about the type of vacation where your suitcase only requires bathing suits, caftans and sunscreen... and returns with a helping of sand and seashells.

Many have asked about where I procured my caftans and beach tunics, thus, I thought I'd share my new favorite go-to for beachwear. The brand Le Sirenuse, Positano, hails from the infamous boutique hotel on the Amalfi Coast, Le Sirenuse, a family-owned seaside oasis known for its intimate atmosphere. (Their Instagram feed alone will make you long for the emerald sea and an Aperol spritz)! They have a lovely collection of caftans - I'm loving my Acanto Long Caftan for example, and they have the dreamiest garden print this season I ordered in the form of a kimono top. Each piece and print feels like a little piece of the enchanting world in Positano, but I must mention how incredibly comfortable and practical they are. Slip on while stepping away from the sun for lunch, or for a waltz down the beach, they truly are part of the dolce vita!!

Shop the collection here, or on Matches Fashion (my other go-to for all things plotting & packing).

Daubigny's Garden

Spending considerably more time fussing about in our petite pocket garden (see today's post @citrusandcedars), has me recalling one of Van Gogh's paintings. During my visit to Amsterdam, we went to the Van Gogh Museum where I was mostly enchanted by a piece titled "Daubigny's Garden" (pictured: front) painted in 1890. The piece, is characteristically Van Gogh - with oil on canvas and lush provocative brush strokes. It brings me serenity, peace and a bit of intrigue, given that this was one of the last works produced by the Dutch painter before his death.  I find it perhaps comforting that he was able to take pleasure in such a beautiful garden in the last few years of his life.

Oh, What A Night!

Celebrating Mark D. Sikes and his Coastal Living Idea House in Newport, Rhode Island. 

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I've had a few "pinch me" moments the past few weeks. There is of course a longer, more contextual narrative to note at a later date, but it really boils down to a very special feeling that I hope will never fleet.

Feeling nurtured, inspired, challenged and respected are some of the most important things in life - all feelings everyone deserves to, and should, truly feel to their core, at least for some juncture of their life. When I was younger, I was told by a very influential mentor to "select your own board of directors in life" - both personally and professionally. As I've gotten older, I have learned how incredibly important that mentality is, and how the company you keep, truly shapes your own life perspective, approach and definition of success.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the past few weeks with some accomplished individuals - architects, designers, artists and creators - all of whom embody the feeling I described prior. They champion for each other's successes, share their varying perspectives and experiences, and brainstorm on creative solutions for each other's work. The sense of community and unity is incredibly palpable. The authenticity and passion for their respective work is rich and never wavers.

In a strange way, in a short span of time, many of these individuals feel like family. They have taught me such a simple lesson - a beautiful one that I will always cherish.

Life is short - choose your board wisely and don't forget to celebrate the milestones along the way. Champion for and nurture others, and follow your heart and intuition.

The Allures of Amsterdam

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I've just returned from a remarkable few days in Amsterdam where I visited with my Mother and Sister. Much of my Mother's family history hails from Holland, thus it made our trip all the more special. Below are just some of the highlights, and I must credit my sister, Caroline, for masterfully orchestrating all of our experiences - every meal, adventure and moment was carefully curated from her own prior travel and research.

Every time I am on the airplane en route home from any travels, I make a list of my highlights while they are still fresh and fragrant in my mind... Below are some of the highlights that stand out from the few days in the divine Dutch city:

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A building lushly covered in ivy and geraniums...so classic.

A city where there are more bicycles than people....it was particularly fascinating to see parents with their small cherubs in tow, confidently riding throughout the city running their errands - even the smallest of children did not wear helmets! It's fair to say the bicyclists rule the road.

Hollyhocks & green lacquered doors were in no shortage. Every exterior door was handsomely painted with seductive, glossy paint. Needless to say, I am now coveting Hollyhocks in a whole new way!

Climbing roses and a potted boxwood flirt with the senses of any passerby. 

Tall & lean doors painted in the infamous dark green at the Hortus Botanticus.

Lush, aromatic jasmine decorates this exterior, this time, the doors painted in a Chinese lacquered red. 

The greenhouse at Restaurant De Kas, a chic garden conservatory where all ingredients are grown on-site. A "must visit" in Amsterdam.

A plump squash growing in the greenhouse at De Kas. Restaurant patrons can tour the greenhouse before or after dining, where they can view the ingredients served in the respective courses.

Garden tools at De Kas are primed and ready to harvest vegetables, nasturtiums and herbs for the chef's dishes.

Edible flowers at the Noodermarkt...presented next to a sea of luscious berries (not pictured) we bought & promptly ate. A great deal of the dishes we enjoyed were beautifully presented with varying kinds of edible flowers...true inspiration for summer cooking!

An exquisite sampling of a collection of antique French and Italian gilded gold mirrors at Anouk Beerents. Upon their monthly acquisition by the shop's proprietor and team, they are restored and preserved, accordingly.

@cheesebycarol (my sister, Caroline), outside of Kaaskamer Van Amsterdam, where she procured fine Dutch cheeses and accoutrements for her evening cheese platter, truly a work of art!

The Pulitzer Hotel's divine salon boat, built in 1909, was the perfect vessel for touring the canals. An open bar made the exploration more fanciful!

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Until next time! Putting my passport back in its safe home and getting back to work! #CandCConsulting.

xx