House of Mirth

My Personal Photos

“Summertime is a good time to reexamine New York and to receive again the gift of privacy, the jewel of loneliness. In summer the city contains (except for tourists) only die-hards and authentic characters. No casual, spotty dwellers are around, only the real article. And the town has a somewhat relaxed air…”

- E.B. White from Here is New York

For those of you who celebrated the fourth, I hope you had a safe and relaxing holiday. My favorite days are the holidays where everyone heads out of the city. An empty city affords the luxury of being able to steal a few peaceful moments alone.

Being alone with ones thoughts is the ultimate small luxury. There’s something inherently elegant in taking pleasure in your own company. I find nothing more peaceful than a beautiful gilded age garden (straight out of the likes of Henry James or Edith Wharton.)

This secret garden, with its shaded nooks is perfect for those quiet moments of respite that are essential for recharging, reading a book, or a picnic for two. Rarely do I feel that spark when I visit a space, but this space, along with the Frick and Alder Manor* make me feel that little stroke of genius.  How beautiful would an editorial featuring Fall 2012 couture here be?

Do you have any spaces that inspire you or small luxuries?

* Who could forget that wonderful Grace Coddington line in The September Issue? Pure brilliance.