lifeinaventicup

Do They Make Pink Vespas?

2009-07-17T12:59:46-05:00

Having thought about it, I don't actually want a pink one (although it's adorable!). I'm ~~just curious~~ was just curious as to what that might look like. In fact...I know what color I'd choose: white. Alpine white. And Mr. Venti can have the black one. What about you? What color would you choose?

**much thanks to Avian for pointing me in the direction of the myriad shots of pink Vespas on Flickr**

Yadda, yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah

2009-07-15T11:32:43-05:00

First, let me apologize for this post. It is part of my campaign to entice (coerce?) unblab into inviting me to be a beta tester for their (presumably) awesome email application. You see, I'm a visual girl. But even within that personal categorization, I'm an images girl. Look around this blog. Look up, right, left. You get the gist. I like bits of copy broken up by informative and (hopefully) attractive graphics.

And yet, email applications by their very nature are anathema to this need for "visual" order. Text upon text, folder upon folder, yadda, yadda yadda.... Why can't someone revolutionize the way we communicate? Especially when so many of us are in the creative fields where imagery dominates?
Well....unblab just may be the solution I've been looking for all my email-ridden life. Like your desktop (and your home) you can arrange it as you see fit. You can color code items. You can sort them without feeling like you're hiding them. You can flag things and even resize them to make them visually dominate your vision so you don't forget to follow up, or make the post, or respond.

You see, traditional email is my organizational downfall. No application - until now - has solved this dilemma. So please, unblab...I'm knockin'. Won't you let me in as a beta tester? Pretty please?

Flip Flop, Hooray, Ho!

2009-07-14T08:57:42-05:00

I for one am partial to my FitFlops for my summer fitness activities, and the incomparable (and bizarrely cheap) Slim Havaianas for chilling in the summer heat. But, hey, who knew Hermès was in the flip flop game? And rather than being made of rubber and foam, these bad boys are calfskin. But you'll have to buck up $330 for these golden beauties.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

2009-07-13T13:45:00-05:00

Is it just me, or do these rooms remind you of some of the resorts in Arizona? It's got that spartan appeal of a Scottsdale day spa. I can almost imagine the cacti outside and the blazing sun over the crystal blue waters of the pool. It's as though I've just had my Hot Rock Body Massage and my vichy shower and have been told to step into the spa area until they call my name for my next treatment.

Quick, bring me my cucumber eye mask! I'll be in this tub for a little while between while I await my Tahitian Body Wrap. Time for some shut eye ;)

The Sincerest Form of Flattery?

2009-07-12T06:06:00-05:00

There's "inspired" design and then there are blatant knock-offs. Seems to e that Steve is encroaching on Jimmy's designer toes with his boldfaced imitation of the beloved Jimmy Choo Prize sandals. Unbelievable.

I've seen enough impostors of the YSL Tribute platforms...and the other day I could have sworn I saw a fake "Prize" sandal as I walked past a Bakers shoe store. My eye caught what looked to be a surefire knock-off. I was in a hurry, so I didn't investigate. And yet.... I discovered this little phony today via an email.

If imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery, Steve likes Jimmy very, very, very much. And so do these other brands. I'm holding out for the real prize, thankyouverymuch. Accept no substitute.

Shake It Up

2009-07-11T11:41:00-05:00

For those of you who watch Project Runway or (God help you) The Fashion Show and find yourself atop your chaise saying, "I could do that!"...now you can. Born of the idea that fashion can indeed to be created to your specifications without requiring a trip to Savile Row, we now have Style Shake.

Ladies (and gents, if you prefer) you can design your own dress using this very easy to master online tool. Click here, there, choose a fabric there, a silhouette there, select a collar, the perfect color, the ideal length, the waist, the details. It's a dress - your way.

Psst....Venti Cup readers: I'll let you in on a little secret... enter code "blog10" to receive 10% off if you order by July 20th. Now go forth and design!

Get it Together, Honey

2009-07-11T05:28:00-05:00

Dig deep enough into the background of any Nancy Neatnick and she'll ultimately confess a harrowing tale of her formerly disorganized self. A dirty bedroom, disorganized closets, chaotic schedules. But after missing one birthday, one office visit, one deadline she was likely cured for good. If for not other reason that sheer embarrassment and the desire to never feel that way again. In one single moment, Nancy transformed into the modern day do-it-all woman. As a business owner, I prize organization above many other noble qualities. It allows me to live in a clean home, juggle what seem to be dozens of tasks, complete projects on time, keep appointments, and generally live in an orderly and happy world. I thrive when there is structure so that my creative mind can run free with ideas.

It is a learned behavior, no matter what "experts" tell you. Yes...you can be organized. You just need to do one thing: DECIDE to be an organized person. Once you raise your standards and declare that quality as a "must" in your life you'll be cured. It certainly was true for me. If the appeal of never missing a deadline again can't sway you to join "our team" then maybe the cool journals, stickers, notebooks and pretty paper accessories we use will convince you. After all, a Disorganized Debbie just wouldn't look right carrying around such a fetching little journal or brandishing such a pretty little dayplanner. And she might... (can I say this aloud?) lose it. Tsk Tsk. You see, the Nancys of the world feel a certain tension with the Debbies. Because as much as Debbie might complain about her missing to-do lists and missed appointments, she could easily fix these thngs. She could absolutely pull it together and turn her life around as Nancy did.

Anyone can make a decision that forever changes the trajectory of their life like once-disorganized-Nancy. She can now tell her husband she'd like him to grab the the third white shirt from the back of the closet. She can tell you that the kitchen shears are in the utensil drawer and the paper scissors reside in the utility drawer. She's a civilized version of her former self, surrounded by colorful notebooks, attractive wastebaskets and fabulous journals that have become a part of her very essence.
She's a changed person. Has been for as long as she can remember. And you can be too. So....if you're a Debbie I'm asking you to join our team. Make a decision and get it together. Your life will be far easier. You'll accomplish so much more. You'll find order in your chaos. Besides...It's a whole lot prettier over here thanks to all of our cool office accessories.

{images courtesy of See Jane Work...catch the 20% off offer by using code '20lifeorg' at checkout}

Form+Function=Perfection

2009-07-10T11:59:11-05:00

Do yourselves a favor....pop over to Edward Ferrell / Lewis Mittman to see some incredibly chic furnishings. I'm partial to this lovely chair from the Pure collection.

Better yet? The company founders are proud to be members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Good looking and good for you. Perfection.

J.Cruel Intentions

2009-07-10T07:15:04-05:00

Just got the email....the fall collection has arrived. Gird your loins!

Oh, Cut it Out!

2009-07-10T07:07:28-05:00

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in your InBox - blammo! Yet another platform sandal for fall. The Miu Miu cut-outs are the latest incarnation (get yourself to Barney's if these are calling to you). They are a bit too heavy-handed for me. I like a bit less "shoe" and a bit more "me" in my footwear. Me no lika deeza so mucha.

As for me, I'm laser focused on only one fall shoe...the Tory Burch Luke. I need it. I want it. I must have it. It will be mine Fairy shoe mother, if you're reading my blog (and I like to think that you are) I still wear the same size. This is one pair of "3.75" covered Brazilian-made heels with screw-head stud detail and multiple straps, with double buckled ankle straps and zipper closure at back" that I'm not willing to miss. So let's see those pre-fall sales start up soon enough for my size to still be available. Okay? *sigh*

Yes...this shall be my chosen pair of shoes for fall. It is perfection.

Restraining Order

2009-07-08T10:20:24-05:00

There's got to be some great irony that on the morning after watching Confessions of a Shopaholic I find myself staring down the stacked heel of a Louboutin platform bootie from the upcoming fall '09 collection. (Please tell me you a re dying as I am over these bizarrely gorgeous, yet slightly s & m wonders! Yowza!)Wasn't the point of that movie that (spoiler alert) Isla Fisher turned her life around by letting go of her material possessions and discovering the difference between cost and worth? I'm fairly certain that this was the message behind this cautionary tale. But I personally found it hard to concentrate on anything but her astonishing wardrobe. Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Gucci and Lanvin....it was almost too much to handle, people! Can I get an amen? Pair that with her incredible hair, gorgeous face and undeniable cuteness. This movie veritable feast for the eyes.
But back to reality (slap! slap!). The point of my post is that I really related to her penchant for doing whatever it takes to partake in a sale. We (or at least I) certainly do covet things. Shiny things. Pretty things. But (at least in my case) a select number of quality things. I don't tend to buy "disposable" clothing. I invest in the best I can afford. And if you adhere to the "two for one" edict I employ you won't find yourself in in this situation.

Two for one is this: for every item you buy, you must get rid of two things you already own. Buy a new cashmere sweater? What two items that you already own can you part with? Trust me...you start whittling your wardrobe down to the quality items fairly quickly. It will show you what you truly love and what you simply wanted to possess. Focus on fit, quality and "cost per wear" and you'll keep yourself on track. And this is only a small part of my approach to investing in fashion and intelligent wardrobe building. And yes, you did just read the words "investing" and "intelligent" in the same sentence with shopping. Let me explain...

Remember Coco's sage advice that you should remove an accessory before leaving the house. The same rule should be applied to those things you own and the things you covet. It's about paring down. It's about avoiding waste. It's about selection. Wise selection. You see... you really CAN have quality items if you'll stop wasting your cash on cheap things.

I see it all of the time. Girlfriends with closets filled with sub-par items who say "how can you afford those jeans?" Simple...I didn't waste my money buying seven cheap pairs of low-quality denim that don't fit nearly as well. They bought seven pair. I bought a pair of 7 for all Mankind. See the difference? I invested while they spent. True, they've got a closet packed with clothing. But mine is a well edited collection of pieces I adore. Ones that fit. Ones that will last. And the last thing I want is to be faced with a closet full of cheap clothing that isn't flattering or durable. Quality over quantity.

But don't take my word for it. You should immediately read Grechen's article which sums up her (and my) approach to wardrobe investments. I couldn't possibly say it better than she does in this post. Read it. Absorb it. Live it.

Bits of Beauty

2009-07-05T10:34:22-05:00

Ms. Jenn turned me on to these stunning designs by Christina Drejenstam. And lest you think the artist's creations are all about glitz and glam, think again. She's got quite a bit of range in her collection, even managing to make asparagus seem quite chic. But I think I can comfortably speak for Jenn and I both when I say, we adore her the most for these decidedly more feminine. I've tucked a few more or her illustrations below the fold...

Poolside Party

2009-07-03T13:30:24-05:00

Still trying to determine what to wear tomorrow? Much of it will depend upon your plans. If you're headed to your family's estate for croquet and cucumber sandwiches, I'd recommend this lovely Milly dress I've been lusting after for quite some time. If your weekend is a bit less country club chic and a bit more relaxed, I like this Ella Moss halter dress. Personally, I'd wear this over a black bikini with gold sandals and a big hat (J. Crew stores have some fantastic ones right now). And because I can personally never have enough white in my wardrobe (it's a weakness I'm not ashamed to admit) I would wear something along the lines of this delicious Milly maxi dress. I'd top it with a colorful sweater to pick up the beading (turquoise would be perfection but I might just opt for a white-on-white situation), simple gold hoop earrings and these Tory Burch flats.

By the way....all of these are an additional 30% off at ChickDowntown.com (just through tomorrow). be sure to add "JULY4" promo code during checkout to get the discount. Now that's a cause for celebration.

Happy holiday, everyone! Catch you here next week!

Nap time, Anyone?

2009-07-02T16:50:09-05:00

For some reason I can still clearly recall that first day of kindergarten. At some point we were all supposed to magically fall asleep at designated "nap time." Naps? I didn't take naps at home. Why would I sleep here?

And so a battle ensued every day at "nap time" between myself and our forceful teacher. I found myself in trouble with Mrs. King (aka "meanest kindergarten teacher ever") constantly for talking with my girlfriends and fidgeting while most of the other (incredibly boring) children slept. "Who were these lazy kids? There's so much to DO. How can you possibly want to sleep?" I thought.

Fast forward years later...the modern me adores the idea of a midday siesta. Brilliant idea! I try to take one as often as life allows. I'm convinced it is the secret to higher brain function and increased beauty. I'm not kidding. Some of the greatest minds in history were proponents of the mid-afternoon nap. (If it's good enough for Albert Einstein, it's good enough for me.)

Even if you're just powering down for a few moments, it helps you gain perspective and recharge. Especially on these long lazy summer afternoons. Admittedly, I like to tell myself I am emulating my stylish Italian brothers and sisters, not those lazy bums from Mrs. King's class years ago. (Something tells me those docile creatures never amounted to much.) At the very least I need to catch up on those naps I missed at the ripe old age fo five. Mrs. King, if you're reading this: I don't talk any less these days, but I'm always ready for nap time.

Balustrade & Bitters

2009-07-01T10:01:55-05:00

If you're a Peter Dunham fan, pop on over and check out this interview with the master of interiors. Think you don't know anything about B&B? Well our very own Megan Arquette is one of the forces behind the site, which is described as "an online symposium featuring details of forgotten gems, new finds, and in depth profiles of interesting people and spaces." Enough said. Go forth and investigate.

Le Collezione

2009-06-30T14:15:31-05:00

Although I know many people hold on to things, and boast generous collections, I am now a "keeper" of things. Shoes and clothing flow in and out of my closet making way for new items over time. Furnishings evolve. With the exception of handbags and jewelry, I have a catch and release approach to my possessions. Enjoying a brief love affair with them before letting them go lead a new life without me. In short, I prefer to own my things rather than allowing them to own me.

Having said that, I do have one, and only one, collection: a handsome assortment of delicate, porcelain demitasse cups & saucers acquired when I worked with Waterford-Wedgewood as a merchandiser. There was something irresistible about these precious little sets. One day I purchased one. Weeks later I selected a new cup and saucer to come home. Over time I gathered, oh, six or seven of them. No two are alike. Each cup/saucer pairing holds its own look, its own meaning, its own story. It was my first, and presumably only, collection.
"Demitasse" translated literally means "half cup" - these are essentially espresso cups much like you see in cafes across Europe and occasionally here in the States. Oddly, I don't have these on display. Nor have I ever found a suitable way to present them. They are kept in their original Wedgewood boxes, wrapped in tissue and completely unused. Although I never take them out to look at them, I cherish this little collection of priceless pieces, as much for their emotional value as any financial worth.

They remind me of a time in my life when I was just beginning to figure out who I was as a person. I was developing my sense of style, my sense of "being" and my sense of accomplishment. I had suddenly discovered that I had a specific "taste" and on some level I suppose I thought that these glamorous little porcelain creations were proof of that notion. Isn't it funny to look back and figure out why you did the things you did?

Although I was unable to find any photos of them online (they seem to be discontinued), these Hermès mugs are styled in the exact same shape and proportion as the tiny espresso cups I have in my possession.

All of this led me to wonder...what do you collect? Anything? What does the collection mean to you? What do you do with it?

You Will Be Taught To Fly

2009-06-29T07:09:28-05:00

"When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop of into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”

Talk about a powerful quote. I think it ties in nicely to the message of this post. For over a year I've been quietly working on building my own online boutique. It began as an idea when I was expecting the arrival of my daughter. It was just a loosely formed thought, but I could not shake it from my mind. Instantly I knew the name of the shop, the vibe, the essential look it should have. I knew I would have to build this store and make it happen.

But until you put the hours in, an idea is really just that: a thought. How on earth was this going to happen? How could I fit this into my already packed schedule? And more importantly, what exactly was I going to have in the store? I've had many ideas on this and many attempts to see it come to fruition. In the end, I actually designed and built the boutique before my daughter was born.

The challenge: I hadn't quite nailed down what I would carry or how to handle the logistics of selling other people's creations. I spoke to many vendors, many talented people and danced with many (many, many) iterations of the original idea. And while I found many amazing products I could display in the shop, it seemed I was reinventing the wheel, as they were already for sale elsewhere. Why was I reinventing the wheel? It just wasn't adding up.

Many months later that initial seed of an idea has now bloomed into something much more meaningful and far more personal. In an odd way I'm happy it took so long to complete the project. It gave me time to distill the idea to a clear, elegant concept.
So...what's the skinny? It's simple, actually. Occasionally, in lieu of buying art for our home or office I end up creating pieces of my own. Sometimes it is the only way to get the desired result. Some of the designs offer bits of wisdom, some remind you to get out and explore the most fabulous destinations this planet boasts, and others are simply meant to be beautiful. (Hey, there's nothing wrong with just sitting there looking pretty.) Each design is colorful, happy and intended to inspire.After assembling a collection of work, it seemed only logical to share them with you. In short, I'm presenting to you a collection of modern prints I have personally designed. That's right, hipsters. I'm offering you some Venti Cup-style design for your own bad selves. After much delay, many long nights and much fussing over details, I proudly present to you...the Venti Cafe, my own little boutique! And here's the best part: 10% of the proceeds from the Venti Cafe are going to a charity very near and dear to my heart. This has become the driving motivator for this project and I hope you feel the same compassion I do for this cause. It truly made an impact on my life and I feel a deep need to give back.

So I hope you'll pop over to the cafe just to see what the fuss is all about. I'm sure you'll love what you see!

{P.S...In the near future I'll be adding new collections, including several designs for nurseries. Stay tuned!}

That Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi

2009-06-28T16:13:09-05:00

Today I'm working on a personal project and feeling a certain Parisienne vibe. It seemed unfair to keep it to myself. Here's hoping your Sunday is as fabulous as mine.

{gorgeous image found on Garance Dore}

bienvenido a miami!

2009-06-26T14:22:00-05:00

One of my best girlfriends went to medical school near Miami. It become a bit of habit to visit her once the weather in my state turned cold. Snow storm? Perfect. Just hop on a jet and escape for a few days like the other snowbirds.

There's nothing quite like visiting a Floridian mid-winter. The weather is absolutely perfect, poolside grilling is a regular affair, restaurant patios are brimming with people. It's Florida at its best. But locals think it's intolerably cold. I am no stranger to hot climates. (50s? 60s? It can seem chilly depending on how the sun hits. But mid-to-upper 70s is just not cold. Sorry.)

To my Miami friends it was the middle of winter. I saw people on the beach in parkas (I'm not kidding), couples bundled in sweaters and long pants, children in coats. Had I entered another world? An alternate universe? It was perfect outside. I made a mental note to myself one morning as I jogged along the beach: always fly south for the winter. Regardless of how offensive my open toed shoes seem to those in their fur coats.
In the process of my trips, I developed a bit of a fascination with Miami. The beach culture, the nightlife, the Art Deco design, South Beach. And sadly I never made it down there as much as I should have. Funny how you long for something you never quite had. Miami certainly had that affect on me. I always wondered what it would have been like to live there and really dive into the culture that is South Beach. It's an entirely different world. Would I eventually pull out my fur jacket come January? Given enough time in the tropical heat, probably.

These days I wouldn't dream of moving to Miami, but it's been too long since I vacationed there. As I did a bit of digging I stumbled upon a marvelous find: The Shore Club. Smack dab in the heart of Miami's pulsing nightlife district, it's a luxury hotel that doubles as the center of the strip come nightfall.

70 suites, 307 stunning rooms, a cluster of bungalows, villas, extravagant penthouses, famed NOBU restaurant, the iconic Skybar and standard 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets... Aye! It's no wonder this is often described as one of the best hotels in Miami. I'm tempted to pack my bags as I write this, but I realize this would be quite the treat come winter.
But really, it's not the club scene pulling me this morning. It's the lure of the completely luxe spa. Get a load of this:

"The Shore Club invites you to visit the beautiful rooftop retreat - a 8,000 sq. foot full-featured spa facility within the serene Zen-like atmosphere of teak and warm-toned materials includes wet and dry treatment rooms, outdoor terraces and massage decks, and exclusive products. Indulge in magnificent ocean views as you rejuvenate Yin Yang energies and replenish natural body rhythms."

Bienvenido a Miami! I should tell you that rooftop pools are one of my longtime guilty pleasures. And Florida boasts some of the best rooftop swimming pools I've crashed. (Yes...I've been known to invite myself to a swanky pool or two with or without an invite. What? Who's going to tell a girl in a bikini no? The answer to that is simple: no one.)

Now that my longtime BFF is a full fledged doc, she's no longer living a quick drive from South Beach. My winter escape is now a thing of the past. This December, I suspect I'll feel that annual snowbird craving that can only be quenched by the beach. And when I do, you can bet the Shore Club (and that coveted rooftop pool) will hear me come knocking - even if the locals are all huddled inside by the fire in their UGGS and chinchillas.

The 80's Called. They Want Their Pants Back.

2009-06-25T06:53:00-05:00

Really? Is this where we are? Denim cutoffs? According to Nordstom and those Real Housewives of NJ, I'd say we're in the midst of a full-on denim cutoff explosion.

Honestly, I don't remember these ever being in style. I do recall people wearing them. But I have no memory of them ever being posh, cool, hip or desired. Do you? The bright side? If you're a slave to fashion and just can't wait to rock this look, at least you'll have something to do with those stovepipe jeans in the back of your closet.

But maybe...just maybe...let's don't and say we did.