I was sick last week which was quite the set back from work and life. Despite the less than desirable state, it dawned on me that I had not taken the time to read in AGES. Probably since my honeymoon. Sure, I’m “reading” my new book here and there, but I mean I couldn’t recall the last time I really truly devoured a good old fashioned news paper, book or magazine. Getting lost in the words and narrative and not leafing through a book or magazine...a true luxury this day in age. My world is consumed by email, conference calls and checking in on my clients on Instagram, that I somehow neglected to nurture the English major in me. Call it forced perspective, but a “healthy” reminder despite my bed ridden state.
B&W
The new year is upon us and I find myself craving simplistic elements like never before. A back to basics mindfulness, of sorts. Simple luxe. I plan to spend the winter working hard, but indulging in cooking, exercising and enjoying the snowy outdoors. I’m craving connection to the things that make my mind and heart sing, things that often get cast aside in the chaotic moments of life with work or otherwise. I love the magic that black and white imagery can exude…it feels like the perfect palate cleanser for 2019.
Merry Magnolias
Over a year ago, I was arranging magnolia leaves and cedar for a client’s holiday shoot (pictured below). The shoot then led to a House Beautiful pitch I helped facilitate, which then ultimately resulted in a feature in their December 2018 publication. Stumbling upon this photograph was also a visual reminder of how quickly time passes. This year has been one for the books with regard to my consulting work with C&C and I am forever grateful. The best part of my work is the relationships that are formed. I feel particularly lucky this year for creating and fostering so many wonderful relationships with my clients and witnessing their successes. Here’s to friendship, hard work and being authentically YOU. Merry Merry!
Christmas LUXE
Sugarplums and this shearling YSL bag danced in my head last evening. I love this tote, which would be perfect for darting around in the wintry elements. Everyone deserves a little LUXE for Christmas! (Shop here).
"Flower I"
All I want for Christmas is this stunning color lithograph by Joan Mitchell titled “Flower I” from her ‘Bedford’ series. The piece is currently part of an exhibit at the chicest new art gallery in Newport, Rhode Island, Andrea S. Keogh Art & Design on Bellevue Avenue. I love the vibrant abstract quality of this piece. Artist Joan Mitchell is known as one of the most significant women in the American Abstract Expressionist movement of the 1940s and 50s. She exhibited with the likes of Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Barnett Newman. In 2018, Joan’s painting Blueberry (1969), set an auction record for her career, when it sold at Christie’s for $16.6 million. Santa….?
A Curated Cabin
It’s been a busy few weeks and anytime I find my mind constantly orbiting without a break, I turn to my creative energy. Examining interiors, especially as my husband and I renovate our tiny A-frame cabin in Vermont, always serves as a nice break. I love the idea of a “home away from home” being an aesthetic departure from one’s otherwise “predictable” residence. It’s an opportunity to take some design liberties and create a different mood. Thus, our design influences are being drawn from the natural world, with a nod to some mid-century modern pieces. We’ll be incorporating a lot of blacks, browns, whites and brass hues into our material selections. Here, are some of our favorite interiors that match this philosophy:
A chic and simple vignette in Aerin Lauder’s Aspen home.
As showcased on 1st Dibs, this Aspen kitchen was designed with the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi in mind.
The spa at Hotel Wachtelhof, a boutique hotel in Austria. This hotel has been on my bucket list for some time.
Aerin Lauder’s Master Bedroom in Aspen. It’s amazing what a fabulous fur can do…regardless, it’s still about the view of the natural world.
Aerin Lauder’s Aspen Living room. Simple, serene, yet luxe.
This home is actually in Beverly Hills, the home of Jenni Kayne, however I love the blend of neutral colors…
Architect Brad Cloepfil designed this Sun Valley home with its perfect setting for memorable meals.
Hospitality with Style
Our honeymoon stay with Il Pellicano was all that and more. If you missed my prior posts, this Tuscan gem has been on my bucket list for a long while. Marie-Louise Scio, affectionately known as the hotels “Chef of Magic” (also the CEO & Creative Director and might I add, alum of RISD), has truly worked her magic to make this escape so enchanting and down right cool.
If I weren’t doing what I do, I would perhaps think more seriously about the hospitality industry. I find the industry fascinating - particularly high-end, privately-owned boutique establishments, like Il Pellicano. In my work, details matter, and Il Pellicano has mastered the details and then some. They have also mastered hospitality and making their guests feel at home. There is something about the level of this type of service in Europe…
I loved the repetition of the citrus yellow color around the hotel - from the chic beach towels, napkins with the most delicious seaside lunch, and striped bar where we enjoyed many aperol spritzes.
I encourage you to read on about the hotel’s legacy here.
Celebrating Cabana
One of the best parts of partnering with my clients to realize their creative goals is celebrating their company milestones. Whether or not I’m directly involved, it is a moment to reflect and take stock of all that we’ve accomplished together. That’s why I was so happy to share in the joy of seeing CABANA VINTAGE in Beach Magazine’s Labor Day Edition.
Pop the bubbly!
To read the full piece, view HERE.
Summer Whirlwind
What a summer it has been. Though most are convinced it's over with the passing of Labor Day, I'm still holding on.
It's been a particularly busy summer as I'm managing my business and also planning my wedding. The cylinders are fired, every minute of every day!
For C&C, it's been a summer of tremendous creativity and growth. My client base has grown and in turn, the scope of my work has also. There have been a vast array of projects and initiatives, however one I'm particularly proud of is the creative direction I led for fashion house ISOUDE (@isoudeofficial). With the talent and partnership of Apparition for production, we were able to help share the narrative of a truly unique brand. Video is a powerful tool and one I strongly encourage most of my client to invest in.
See for yourself:
The Edited Eye
It's been a busy week for C&C with an impending photoshoot with House Beautiful for a beloved client and in the full summer swing of other client initiatives. I'm spending a great deal of time with my clients working on projects that center around content creation. Writing blogs, creative direction for videography, sourcing photography, and strategically designing content calendars....original content is paramount to any brand serious about their growth!
Below is a montage of images I helped creatively direct for a shoot capturing a new construction project in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Even the raw elements of building can be pleasing to the eye...and it doesn't have to be uber high-end! It's all about presentation and that edited eye! It was important that this developer invest in photography to showcase the progress of this project as it marked a turning point in his development style. It was a slight departure from his usual methodology and we are so pleased with the outcome.
Thank you, Melissa Quintal Photography for sharing your talent behind the lens.
