Romantic Wanderings

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" Style is how you see the world and how the world sees you. It isn’t today and it isn’t tomorrow; it isn’t a dress or a car or a shoe or a comment—it’s the cut of your sail as you cross this crazy, uncharted sea. Far ahead, legions of boats have already made the crossing—some grander, some more sleek—and still newer boats are always coming up behind you. Style is the manner in which you navigate your one remarkable voyage." - Carol Edgarian

We’ve had more than a few glorious days this winter. On a mild winter afternoon reminiscent of springtime the gentleman and I set off wandering. 

My Personal Photo

My Personal Photo

There is no better respite from a frenetic start to the New Year. It’s an incredible privilege to have careers and causes that keep us stimulated; however we all need time to recharge. Sometimes, I have to remind myself of this.

My Personal Photo

And so, we set off for our quiet swath of city. When it comes to quiet places, Sutton Place tops our list. I adore that feeling of calm- those secluded little streets, well maintained parks and river views. The sheer joy of privacy… That bridge.

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In my mind, this is the perfect backdrop to a conversation on style. Not style in the sartorial sense, but in those meaningful questions of how we want to live our lives. 

Merry Christmas

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At last, after six months that seemed to breeze by in an instant, the holidays are here. Career has left little no spare time as of late. And so, I haven’t been able to properly update this little space that I love and which gives me such joy. The holiday season is one of my favorites and I’m looking forward to savoring the small joys of the season. 

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In many ways, my Christmas wishes have already been answered in….

• A lovely holiday note of gratitude from a student I mentored a few years ago.
• Countless acts of generosity that led to a successful December benefit for a favorite cause.
• The kind compliments of a colleague who unbeknownst to me had been secretly admiring my leadership style. 
•  Family, good friends and a well-deserved break.

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I wish you all a Merry Christmas! As always, thank you for your unending support. I am forever grateful. Enjoy the celebrations. 

As She Was…

Courtesy of This is Glamorous

"I love New York, even though it isn't mine, the way something has to be, a tree or a street or a house, something, anyway, that belongs to me because I belong to it." —Breakfast at Tiffany's

Thank you to each and every one of you who reached out to make sure my family, friends, and I were well in Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath. Thankfully, all of my family, friends and loved ones are safe and sound. Your thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit is a reminder of how fortunate I am to have such wonderful readers. It feels like I’ve built a little community- albeit a very chic and elegant one. I’m forever grateful. 

Despite having no power, heat, or dependable cell phone service and a beautiful event venue with water damage the week before a big event, what I faced was an inconvenience that pales in comparison to what so many are dealing with. 

By now, you know my love for this city runs deep. The last two weeks have been heartbreaking. The damage and loss of life is inconceivable. Yet in spite of it all, there has been such resilience and good will. I couldn’t bring myself to post a photo of the city in upheaval. So I’ve included an image of the city as she was and as she will be once again.

I celebrated my birthday the weekend of the hurricane with very indulgent family and friends (more on this later) and I’ve never felt more content.  

There are still too many people who are suffering and in dangerous situations. You can donate to the Red Cross here. If you’re in the New York area, I strongly encourage you to volunteer. There’s so much to do in many areas. There’s a great list of volunteer opportunities here.

Hope you are all safe and that your week is off to a good start.

House of Mirth

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“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.

Respite

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“I love big cities, but for me it would be rather difficult to live in a big city full time. Cities absorb a lot of energy. Antwerp provides a healthy step back—I can look at the world from a distance.” 

- Dries Van Noten at FIAF on living in Antwerp versus New York or Paris.

Taking a step back from the energetic pace of the cities I love was just one of many things that I left the Dries Van Noten talk pondering. I always feel most productive in large cities, but regardless of where I find myself, it’s important to find places that offer a respite from the everyday. Stealing a few quiet moments to linger over fine art is one of my favorite ways to recharge from a busy week. 

My Personal Photo

My Personal Photo

A week ago we did just that. A glorious eighty-degree Saturday called for strolling about (ducking into Hermes and Celine), ultimately making our way to The Frick Collection. The Frick is one of my favorite tranquil places in New York City. One of the last remaining Gilded Age mansions in New York City, the Frick collection is certainty one of the most prominent. There’s just something about viewing art in a domestic setting (despite the fact that Henry Clay Frick only lived in the home for five years) that I find enchanting every time I visit. To see masterpieces by Bellini, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya and Whistler (to name a few) in such an intimate space is never lost on an art lover like me. It’s comforting to know that Henry Clay Frick intended for the house to become a museum. 

The Garden Court Courtesy of The Frick Collection

The Fragonard Room and Garden Court are serene places that I enjoy visiting, however the purpose of this visit was to see Renoir, Impressionism and Full-Length Painting- a nine painting exhibition of Renoir’s large figurative compositions. The Frick consistently presents exhibitions along with lectures and symposia that explore a subject in depth. Renoir, Impressionism and Full-Length Painting questions Renoir’s relationship with fashion and the intricate ways in which he captured it as the son of a dressmaker and tailor. An amazing exhibit that I highly recommend seeing. 

So I have to ask- where do you go to recharge after a long week? Do tell. 

En Plein Air

My Personal Photos

Happy Spring! Here are a few pictures of spring blossoming all around New York City. Despite an incredibly mild winter, there’s a renewed sense of energy that comes with spring.  Overnight, the entire city is in bloom. The days are longer. The streets are crowded with a palpable energy.  

I find myself leaving a few minutes early to every appointment on my calendar, just to linger in the warmth and sunshine. The Cherry Blossoms and Dogwood trees on my street are at their peak- weeks ahead of schedule. I have a newfound joy for hydrangeas. I’ve always found hydrangeas a bit too fragrant, but the freshly planted blooms in Bryant Park smell divine when the wind blows. My windows are open wide to let in a refreshing breeze, and I couldn’t be happier. 

Admittedly, we’ve had a few days that felt more like summer than spring. I’ve come to realize that I have a deep appreciation for my collection of beige and navy trench coats (worn with scarves). I’m looking forward to the weather cooperating. 

In honor of spring, we’re overdue to announce the winner of the Dior Couture book giveaway. I wish I had more books to give away.  I still grin when I think about this lucky lady. 

CamisaBlanca, congratulations and please forward me your contact information.  

A warm thank you to all who entered the giveaway. 

Christmastime In The City

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Just popping in to say a quick hello and happy holidays. I hope you're all enjoying the season. I love this time of year and make it a point to savor every moment. If I may toot my horn for just a second; I must admit that I have a talent for being able to find that thoughtful and luxurious gift for just about anyone. It takes careful planning and precision to come up with the perfect gift for everyone on my list. By the time  Christmas rolls around I can barely contain my excitement. 

In recent years, it's really the little things that make Christmastime so special. A handwritten note of gratitude. Staying up until 3 AM baking cookies. Immaculately wrapped presents. Decorating doorways, mantles and trees. All of the traditions. Spending time with family over leisurely long dinners and talking into the wee hours of the night. 

I'm officially on holiday, but checking work email compulsively. I'm not the best at relaxing, but these last few days have been lovely...

PS- How charming is Charles St?