I don’t think it would be possible to wear this dress and not feel like a fairy princess. I’d like to wear it to the supermarket, out to dinner or on my tooth-fairy rounds, with a baseball cap and a pair of Saint Laurent trainers.
Inspiration
to the lake
August 26, 2016
We’re off to the lake again, and I wanted to share this painting, Homage to Cezanne by James Bishop, because the grass and water remind me of where we’re going. It’s a lovely painting, and anything infused with a little Cezanne, will always catch my eye.
Sonia
August 25, 2016
I own two Sonia Rykiel sweaters –– one a gift from my Mum and the other a gift to myself. I bought it at Selfridges almost 20-years ago, and it’s grey with a bow on one shoulder and stars and moons in the print. I haven’t worn it for years, but when I heard about Rykiel’s passing this morning, I thought of it immediately. If it weren’t so hot I’d have worn it in homage. Instead, I’ll wear stripes or a bow, or maybe something daring — because that’s just what she was.
Ear to ear
August 24, 2016
I bought myself a tiny earring today, a diamond stud with an opal. It’s so small, you’ll need a magnifying glass to see it. I haven’t worn earrings in years, and this one is really pretty. My next purchase, when the mood strikes, will be a pair of giant earrings to wear with my tiny stud. The Goliaths to the David. These Annie Costello Brown ones will do nicely.
table Top
August 24, 2016
Tablecloths that could be skirts and skirts that could be tablecloths. I rarely use a tablecloth at home, much like I rarely bring out fabric napkins. But what a difference it makes when I do. Here’s to late summer suppers on gorgeous linens.
Queen of the Castle
August 23, 2016
I’m a huge fan of Rachel Castle’s aesthetic –– her graphic bed linens, hand-sewn wall hangings, colourful prints and playful cushions. Her fantastic embroidered art works, with charming phrases like, “Sound the trumpets” and “Do the Cha Cha” remind me of a farewell quilt that my friends Stephanie and Polly made me when I moved to Toronto. “We love you Athena,” they hand stitched with felt and love on to huge piece of heavy, cream fabric. It was such a wonderful gift. Take a look at Castle’s website. Even if you don’t buy something, her work is guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
L’Hôtel
August 22, 2016
To live in a house that looks like a cake, well, wouldn’t that be grand? Many years ago, we stayed at L’Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz and that really was grand. Our room was enormous, and decorated in the softest shades of yellow and peach and terracotta. We were there just one night, but what a treat it was. I could happily, like Coco, live in a hotel. Fresh linens and fluffy robes, concierge and room service –– oui, merci.
Drake
August 19, 2016
At a men’s clothing sale last winter, I came across the beautifully printed silk ties of English haberdasher, Drakes. As luck would have it, the brand has teamed up with JCrew on a line of stunning pajama inspired shirts and trousers, scarves and shoes that has my name all over it. Think pink and greens and rich royal blues. Think unicorns, peacocks and bengal tigers. I’m going head-to-toe printed silk, because –– well, why not?
Bridge House
August 19, 2016
In the category of landmark houses, the home of Charles and Ray Eames tops my list. Built in 1949 as a live/work space for the designers, Bridge House (or Case Study House no. #8) is stunning in its sheer simplicity and functionality. “They wanted a home that would make no demands for itself,” says the Eames official site, “and would serve as a background for, as Charles said, “life in work,” with nature as a “shock absorber.”’ Today the house is run by the couple’s daughter Lucia Eames as a not-for-profit organization that preserves and celebrates her parent’s legacy. The House can be visited by appointment, and if I’m ever in L.A., it’s the first place I’d go. Well, maybe after I pop in on Rihanna.
Luma
August 18, 2016
When Luma was born, I felt like this bright, white light burst into the world. There was no other name for her. Illuminate: to supply or brighten with light; to make lucid or clear; to decorate with lights, as in celebration; to enlighten, as with knowledge; to make resplendent or illustrious, a smile illuminated her face. My daughter’s name also means sunset in Arabic. Because the light isn’t always white. Sometimes, it’s golden.
