Timeless Style
Whenever I think the bar can't possibly go any higher in the world of luxurious hotels, I come across yet another out of this world establishment. I attended a private event at the recently opened trés elegant Baccarat Hotel on West 53rd Street, across from the Museum of Modern Art. The hotel was designed with exquisite execution by the Paris-based design team, Gilles & Boissier, in what appears to be a no-expense-spared endeavor.
Read MoreSeemingly out of nowhere I've become a woman who now likes, no loves frocks. It's always been about separates for me, but this summer I wore dresses more often than not and really enjoyed it. So, I guess it was time for me to change it up - love having fewer pieces to coordinate to achieve that pulled together look. Erica M Blumenthal's article in the Times highlights several eye-catching styles for Fall; just add a statement shoe, boot or bag and you're done!
Read MoreWhen exploring the fashion looks of each season I always find it helpful knowing what's new or trending. No need for an entirely new wardrobe of course, but perking up what you already own with an on-trend piece or two keeps your look current with minimum effort.
Read MoreLately I've been talking either about hotels or restaurants in hotels. Yet another of my favorite new restaurants happens to be in a hotel. This time it's Narcissa, located in the Standard Hotel East Village. Owned by André Balazs and Michelin-starred Chef Peter Fraser, who has created a deceptively simple farm to table menu using seasonal organic ingredients from the Farm at Locusts-on Hudson, also owned by Balazs. Narcissa follows in the footsteps of Blue Hill at Stone Barns who own Blue Hill Farm in Barrington, Massachusetts. Narcissa's preparation styles include roasting, rotisserie and slow-cooking techniques.
Read MoreWhen friends are visiting London they often ask me where they should stay. London's grand hotels with more than 10 to choose from is an enticing option. The grand hotel is a style the Brits excel at and staying in one of these very posh establishments overnight or longer is part and parcel of enjoying a particular type of London experience.
Read MoreBrowsing through the fashion websites, magazines and stores, the Fall Trends to me seem to comprise of the following: Rich textured fabrics of paisley, brocade, jacquard and tweed; scarf-tie at the neck blouses (haven't worn one of those in forever!) and lots of black, especially sheer lace - Valentino Couture in particular feels Noir Victorian/Game of Thrones inspired.
Read MoreManhattan is jumping with various new restaurants popping up all over town. One of my current favorites, The Clock Tower is a beautifully appointed restaurant at the New York Edition Hotel, which my friend and fellow foodie Carol Papper invited me to for lunch - great choice! World renowned boutique hotel entrepreneur, Ian Schrager has reimagined the iconic Metropolitan Life building, situated on Madison Park in the FlatIron district into a sleek, contemporary light-filled environment of bleached oak wood finishes, floor to ceiling sheer window treatments, clear crystal chandeliers and artistically placed glass accessories. Interior designer Christian Liaigre's furniture and lighting are used throughout the lobby, bar areas and guest-rooms, emphasizing a cool, sophisticated, international vibe. You can refer to my June 10th post "What I'm Reading Right Now" for more details on the Christian Liaigre interior design aesthetic.
Read MoreIt's mid-August and high time for me to start thinking about Fall/Winter clothing as most collections are now in stores. After taking a quick whip through Style.com to see whose collections I'm interested in, my first port-of-call is Bergdorf's. It's my favorite store in New York because it carries just about all the designers I'm interested in and although edited from what's shown on the runway, there's always a broad enough selection for me to understand the collection and choose from. In recent seasons I've been focusing on finding a special piece or two that adds to my closet and keeps my look current.
Read MoreKAFTAN OR TUNIC?
As the temperature climbs during the summer months, thoughts turn to looks that are breezy, loose and relaxed. Kaftans, thanks to the current '70s bohemia trend are back. Whenever I think of a kaftan I see Elizabeth Taylor, Queen of the Kaftan, who seemed to me at least, to be wearing them constantly for all occasions, formal and otherwise. Because they're full length and often billowy, there's scale and proportion to consider, as none of us want to look overwhelmed by yards of fabric and beading.
Read MoreMenswear - Italian Style!
One of my favorite blogs, Habitually Chic has a wonderful post from the recent Pitti Uomo Menswear tradeshow in Florence. Italian men have a particularly innate sense of style and it's on full display here. Some are Italian while others have adopted Italian style...enjoy!
Read MoreLONDON FAVORITES - Part ll
With the unusually cooperative weather continuing in London we dined @ Scott's in Mayfair, which goes immediately into rotation, along with River Cafe as one of our London favorites. First of all we loved the decor, which has a comfortable clubby feel. There's leather banquette seating throughout the restaurant and as it's quite celebrity driven there are also dining tables in the elegantly appointed champagne and oyster bar for those who want to see and be seen. Talking of celebrities, you may be familiar with Nigella Lawson the Domestic Goddess of British TV, who was dining at Scott's on the outdoor terrace last year when she was seen being choked by her then-husband, Charles Saatchi. Back to the food - the menu specializes in market-fresh fish, seafood, caviar and I had the dover sole, which I also ordered in a couple of other restaurants and Scott's was by far the best!
Read MoreLONDON FAVORITES - Part l
Just back from a short vacation in London, Philippe and I visited our favorite restaurants and also discovered some new ones. A perennial favorite is The River Cafe, in Thames Wharf and we go without fail whenever we're in town. River Cafe was inspired by Chefs Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray who died in 2010. It's justly famous for well executed rustic-style Italian dishes, made from locally sourced in-season ingredients. The main dining room is bright, airy, convivial and during warm summer evenings the wall of glass doors are flung open to the lovely garden with the Thames flowing alongside. Chefs that began their careers at River Cafe and went onto great success elsewhere include Ed Baines of Randall & Aubin (London), April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig (New York) and celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver.
Read MoreThe White Summer Dress
I'm very much a separates type and happy switching between jeans, tops and sweaters most days for much of the year. However, by June I'm looking high and low for dresses, as New York becomes hot and humid and Fort Lauderdale & Miami, where I also spend a lot of time, is even more hot and humid. During those balmy months, the white summer dress comes into its own and saves me from dissolving into a daily sweaty heap.
Read MoreSpring has finally sprung and blooming spring florals are everywhere! Minimalism for now is seen in the distance of our rearview mirror. Typically I'm not one to wear big floral prints however, I've seen such delightful styles this season that I'm willing to at least try some things on. Dolce & Gabbana caught my eye because they have such a romantic point of view and their clothes are exquisitely made. The combination of red and black along with richly intricate embroideries and hair ornamentations, enhance their definition of Italy's la dolce vita.
Read MoreThe NYT style section showed a selection of "crazy" patterned pants that really caught my eye. A welcome change from skinny jean and an item I'll be adding to my summer wardrobe. Love the mules too - easy to wear adding a breezing elegance to the pants. Roll on Summer...
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