Little Happy List #4

My Personal Photo

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. I think we’re long overdue for a Little Happy List. They’re always a joy to write and I hope you enjoy reading them as well. Here’s to happiness!

Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

I’m fortunate to live in such close proximity to so many well-maintained outdoor spaces. There’s nothing like the solace of a quick walk through a gorgeous garden- even better now that everything is in bloom. 

My Personal Photo

Peonies 

Peonies might be my favorite flower of all time, second only to my love of Gardenias. Early spring when Peonies first appear brings great joy. Spring means visiting the flower district to fill my home with beautiful blooms at a fraction of the cost of visiting a florist.  

My Personal Photo

L’Occitane Honey Hand Cream 

L’Occitane’s Honey Hand Cream is one of my small luxuries at the moment. Keeping my skin hydrated is my greatest skincare concern. In addition to keeping my hands well moisturized- this cream smells delightful and makes me feel instantly relaxed at work. 

Courtesy of VeePost

Bespoke Shirts 

My tailor is coming to New York later in the month. I was delighted when a handwritten note in a vintage airmail envelope arrived. I’m dreaming of cotton voile, peter pan collars and short puff sleeves. 

Courtesy of This is Glamorous

Acknowledgements 

Outside of academia, acknowledgements are an afterthought. I will receive an acknowledgement in a book that I’m extremely excited about. It’s a book that will make a lovely giveaway. Now we just have to wait until October… I’m truly humbled. 

What’s making you happy?

PS- I couldn't resist the pink Schiaparelli boxes on Met Ball Monday

Previous Little Happy Lists here

Little Happy List #3

Via This is Glamorous

Hope you all had a lovely weekend and the work week begins. I had the perfect autumn weekend. The weekend was filled with crisp early morning walks, a trip to the Daphne Guinness exhibit, putting the finishing touches on two upcoming benefits and a luxurious brunch. This fall has been a flurry of activity, so it's always nice to spend a little time unwinding. In honor of all things autumn, it's time for another happy list. Here's to happiness. 

1) Hermès orange

Via This is Glamorous

The leaves have yet to fully change, but I'm loving the little pops of Hermès orange turning up everywhere. I can't be the only person who finds those orange boxes worth displaying.

2) Champagne toasts

Via From Me to You

The perfect evening toasting a friend's recent and very chic wedding. There's nothing like a nice evening with friends. This boîte is sure to become one of my favorite after work spots.

3) Bow Tie Tutorial

Via Mr. Porter

A November filled with black tie events means it's time to brush up on my bow tying skills for the gentleman. This step by step guide is excellent. 

4) Grey Cashmere Knits

Courtesy of The Coveteur

I've been living in my favorite gray O neck lightweight cashmere sweater. It's been a bit warm for knits, but I'm looking forward to wearing them this fall. 

5)Macaroons

Via The September Issue

My birthday is this week and I'm thinking birthday macaroons from Ladurée in lieu of  cupcakes. Macaroons are always the perfect amount of sweet.

What's making you terribly happy?

Little Happy List #2

My Personal Photo

It has been a while since I posted a Little Happy List. We're overdue for a dose of happy, aren't we? Here's to happiness.

1) The High Line

My Personal Photo

My Personal Photo

My Personal Photo

I enjoy walking the High Line. Rarely does an idea come to fruition and end up being better than you ever imagined. The High Line is exactly that. A New York City park built on an elevated freight rail structure. It's the perfect place for practicing my photography, reading, enjoying amazing horticulture and people watching.  Oh the people watching. I love the balance between the industrial settling and the sophisticated landscape filled with flowers and trees. I hope this summer provides many opportunities to enjoy this great outdoor space.

2) Silk Shirts 

Via Quiet is the New Loud 

A couple of cool days presented the perfect opportunity for wearing the silk shirts I had made in Hong Kong. Such a wonderful addition to my wardrobe. I'm considering ordering another shirt in a blush color. Blush is quickly becoming on of my favorite summer colors.

3) Wimbledon



Via Matchbook



Via This is Glamorous

There is nothing like tennis whites at the most prestigious of tennis tournaments. Thirteen days of tennis is heaven.

4) Ladurée 

Via Classy in the City

I'm anxiously awaiting the opening of Ladurée in New York. Macaroons are always too sweet and dense here. Ladurée won't replace a trip to Paris, but I'm sure it will become a tea spot for my mom and I after a museum day.

5) Dashing Men's Accessories



My Personal Photo

I had the opportunity to attend the Cole Haan & Les Toiles du Soleil Limited Edition Collaboration launch party How apropos on the eve of Pitti Uomo and Milan Men's Fashion Week. I was smitten by this colorful bow tie. I have a weakness for dapper men's accessories. Tell me this bow tie doesn't make you smile.



 The month of June flew by. What's making you terribly happy these days?





Little Happy List #1

"Frivolity is the key to eternal youth" Ines de la Fressange 

One of the main reasons I started this blog was because I wanted to share my passion for style, fashion and elegance. Aesthetics are extremely important to me. I relish a beautifully written book, fine art, architecture, dance and fashion. To me these things are significant elements that contribute to the world. Our individual tastes and preferences shape who we become. What would the world be without beauty? 

Some would call taking pleasure in such things frivolity. For a long time I believed this. In some ways my studies conflicted with my passion for fashion. Fashion was something I found great joy in but loved in isolation. 

I believe that the little things in life bring the greatest joy. The key is balance. For me that comes from appreciating all of the little things that make life enjoyable. A few years ago I started making happy lists. A happy list is a little list of simple things throughout the week that make me smile. They are frivolous, but it's my little way of being thankful for the little things. 

So here's to happiness!

1)

Lovely days spent by the sea on the Southside of Hong Kong and at Shek O. The Southside of Hong Kong has gorgeous ocean views that rival Hawaii. The drive out to Shek O resembles the Mediterranean with houses perched on the sides of cliffs and yachts and sailboats dotting the green water.I wish I could bottle the faint scent of Fragipani that scattered the islands. Fresh squeezed juice, a few treasured books (re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird and Lolita) and a Breton tee make for a refreshing day by the sea. 

2)

Pretty little things from Lane Crawford.

3)

The Hong Kong skyline all lit up for the Symphony of Lights. I must say Hong Kong's skyline is impressive. The evening breeze feels wonderful after a long day. 

4)

A painting from the "Home-made Colours" exhibit at The University of Hong Kong's Museum and Art Gallery. The University of Hong Kong's Museum and Art Gallery is a gem. The contemporary Asian art market is currently booming and Hong Kong is full of international galleries featuring established and emerging names. For an art lover this was heaven. 

5)

My Personal Photos

Traditional Chinese brocade from Western Market. I find textiles beautiful and have started a tradition of collecting textiles from countries that I visit and framing them as mementos from my trips. I picked up two exquisite textiles (one for my parents and the other for me) that I will have framed. 

What makes you terribly happy?