Current Inspiration

 

Goodbye to All That

“From the ruins, lonely and inexplicable as the sphinx, rose the Empire State Building. 

And just as it had been tradition of mine to climb to the Plaza roof to take leave of the beautiful city extending as far as the eyes could see, so now I went to the roof of that last and most magnificent of towers.

Then I understood. Everything was explained. I had discovered the crowning error of the city. Its Pandora's box.

Full of vaunting pride, the New Yorker had climbed here, and seen with dismay what he had never suspected. That the city was not the endless sucession of canyons that he had supposed, but that it had limits, fading out into the country on all sides into an expanse of green and blue. That alone was limitless. 

And with the awful realization that New York was a city after all and not a universe, the whole shining ediface that he had reared in his mind came crashing down.

That was the gift of Alfred Smith to the citizens of New York.” 

― F. Scott Fitzgerald, My Lost City: Personal Essays 1920-40

California Bungalow Vibes

Aerin Lauder's Office

I was lucky enough to be able to intern for the wonderful and impossibly chic Aerin Lauder earlier this year after meeting her in Hong Kong last summer. Walking into her gorgeous office on 57th and Madison for the first time was reason enough for me to want to work there. There is something about AERIN that exudes effortless elegance with a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary touches.

{The flowers at the entry were changed frequently according to the season}

{AERIN offices set up for a trunk show}

{The office was decorated festively at Christmas time}

{AERIN and me and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong}

Light Wash Jeans

A couple years ago I couldn't have imagined straying from skinny dark wash jeans. Now, that couldn't be farther from what I'm looking for when it comes to denim. Light wash jeans are my new thing - I love them tight and cropped with frayed edges, or baggy, slightly ripped, and cuffed at the ankle. Whether they're paired with heels or Birkenstocks, it's a look that is effortless and comfortable.

Dutch Doors

I'm having a moment where I'm very into dutch doors, particularly with glass paned tops. Invented in the Netherlands in the 17th century, dutch doors keep visitors out while inviting cool air and sunlight in. They look great as front doors or side doors leading to the kitchen. 

{Via Melanie Turner Interiors}

{Via Jones Pierce Architects}

{Via Luxe Magazine}

{Via Hollywood at Home} 

{Via Gardenista}

Pack a Picnic

The weather in New York is finally  warming up. I spent all day Sunday lounging in Sheep's Meadow in Central Park and enjoying the sunshine. Whether it's in New York or LA, I love the idea of packing an old fashioned picnic, complete with a picnic basket and blanket.  Eating outside is such a pleasant thing to do when the weather is nice, and even better when you can do it with jeans rolled up and barefoot, in good company.