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

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. 

Spring Awakening

Courtesy of VeePost

Hope you all had lovely weekends. This time of year always leaves me anxiously awaiting signs of spring. We haven't had a true New York City winter and I'm certainly not complaining, but I'm looking forward to everything being in bloom, fresh fruits and vegetables being in season (what more could a vegetarian ask for?) and warm evenings spent eating outdoors.

During the winter, I'm most likely to be lost in a museum, if I have any free time. The glimmers of light in the Greek and Roman galleries and the fifteen newly opened Islamic galleries to explore, pull you into a world of antiquities at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's stolen hours spent at MOMA, Neue Gallery, The Cooper Hewitt, The Frick and far too many museums to name. A chilly overcast day is perfect for cozying up at John McWhinnie at Glenn Horowitz Bookseller (one of my favorite rare book shops) with a limited-edition art, photography or fashion book.

This weekend was a little different. Saturday was a glorious, sunny, sixty-five degrees. I'm keen on spending as much time outdoors as possible when the weather is nice. It felt good to pull on my Repettos and feel the sunshine on my feet. It was a nice reminder that spring is just around the corner.

Spring invokes the feeling of reawakening, throwing open the windows and pulling out familiar loved pieces. A special order for the always polished and elegant Virginie Dhello, this blouse from the legendary Charvet epitomizes my version of transitional spring dressing. This blouse is 100% cotton voile that’s similar to chambray fabric, but a touch more formal and features the sweet collar that I keep coming back to. It also has a secret monogram tucked away, which is so charming.

I’ve mentioned it before, but the made to measure cotton shirts at Charvet are perfection. Each shirt is made by a single employee.  Upon walking into the shop, a couple of years ago, the talented staff immediately realized exactly why I was having such difficulty finding shirts. It never hurts to flatter a girl with “you should consider tailoring and belting an oversized button down into a shirtdress.” Who knew?

We all know Sophia Coppola considers her Charvet shirts to be essentials and I have to agree. As my style grows and develops, the more appreciation I have for a few wonderful pieces that are my essentials. What are your wardrobe essentials for spring?

Happy Spring

Via Starrshine

Last week was glorious. It FINALLY feels like Spring. A few days even felt like Summer. 

One of my favorite things about Spring is reaching for a lightweight trench coat. Whether paired with a sheath dress for work or a cocktail dress for evening outings, this is one item I wear constantly throughout the Spring. A trench coat always makes me feel poised and stylish. This week was finally warm enough to run out the door in a  trench coat. A trench is a quick way to look at once effortless, but pulled together. Being able to ditch the heavy coat and throw on a trench is always a joyous moment. My only requisite is that the waist must be cinched.

My Always Stylish Former Colleague Via L' Effort Moderne

Now that the days are warmer, I have turned my attention to my Spring wardrobe. I'm inspired to bring color into my wardrobe. Dove grey along with dusty blue, neutral shades of cream, blush and beige are colors that I will incorporate into my wardrobe. Although, I could live in my white and ivory silk shirts. There's something sculptural and clean about white paired with black that I gravitate toward. My silk shirts are quickly becoming a signature look. 

In spite of my busy schedule, I make it a point to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. The sun is mood improving. Last week I enjoyed catching up with friends and former colleagues over lunch al fresco. We all shared a good laugh over how stressful and intense the weeks leading up to my trip were. I'm a firm believer that laughter is contagious and a genuine smile the best accessory. Spring is made for meeting up with friends in Bryant Park; watching, cheering and maybe even squeezing in a Petanque game. 

Via Garance Dore

Spring is being able to sleep with the windows open. Don't you just sleep better with fresh air? Although, something tells me that I won't be able to sleep tonight. Met Season kicks off tomorrow with Met Ball and the opening of the Met Costume Institutes's exhibition "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty." After months of anticipation it's finally here. Something tells me this is going to be another good week. Demain. 

My Personal Photo

The Crossroads of Fashion

Paris truly is the crossroads of fashion. Fashion is still the national sport of France. In New York, when the shows are going on, you're never going to hear a cab driver say, "Oh, Michael Kors' show just let out. They're all going to Proenza." In Paris, everyone knows everything. You can get into a dissertation with a waiter, who will say, "The Rykiel anniversary was fabulous." It's just part of life here. - Michael Kors WWD March 9, 2010

I couldn't have said it better myself. There is something so refreshing about a city where people authentically love fashion so very much. Fashion and style are ingrained in Paris' heritage, culture and her people. There is no escaping it. In Paris, everyone has a nuanced view on the collections, regardless of their occupation. There's an energy and excitement in the air.  While sitting outside a cafe, you are likely to hear all of the pros and cons on who should helm Dior or how much the Spring collections were so clearly influenced by the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Petit Palais. Where else can you have a spirited discussion on the state of couture? Above all else, there's an understanding of craftsmanship and luxury. It never ceases to amaze me.

Admittedly, the culture in New York is quite different. Although I do find myself pleasantly surprised more and more. On my way to Lincoln Center, I did in fact have a lovely conversation with my cab driver about the implications of moving fashion week to one of the world's leading performing arts centers. I almost wanted to give him a hug. That being said, times are changing. Although, it's  still not Paris. 

In honor of Paris being the crossroads of Fashion and it officially SPRING- 

Shaka Maidoh and Sam Lambert in Bespoke

I never get tired of entrance ways or rooftops

That Light!

Or fresh flowers

Credits-
Image 1- Courtesy of John-Paul Pietrus for Arise (I LOVE this magazine in the same way that I love The Gentlewoman)
Image 2- Courtesy of STREETFSN
Image 7- Courtesy of Liz Ruzby
All other images are my personal photos