Peek of Perfection

Object of Desire: Theyskens' Theory Pants

2012-01-31T14:31:00.000-08:00

Really loving these wide leg pleated trousers from Theyskens' Theory. The Padam Wide Leg Pant would work dressed up and dressed down, but definitely either way with heels. Plus, they're now half off! Shop Shopbop here.

Make This: Double Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

2012-01-31T14:26:00.000-08:00

I really love shortbread cookies, and who doesn't love chocolate? So when I saw this recipe over at The View From Great Island, I knew I had to make them. Recipe below!

Double Dark Chocolate Shortbread

(makes about 12-14 cookies)

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup dark cocoa powder

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

- Put the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine well

- Drop in the butter and vanilla and pulse until the mixture just comes together

- Stir in the chocolate chips and turn the dough out onto a board and form into an 8" log

- Wrap it in waxed or parchment paper and twist both ends to secure. Refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight. You can also freeze the dough for later use

- Slice the log into 1/2" slices with a sharp knife

- Put on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven at 325 for 12 - 15 minutes. They will feel slightly soft, don't over bake them

- Cool for a few minutes on the pan and then transfer to a rack

*images via the view from the great island

Watch This: Moonrise Kingdom

2012-01-31T14:09:00.000-08:00

I'm really looking forward to Wes Anderson's upcoming film, Moonrise Kingdom, due out on May 25, 2012. Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, it's the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together. With actors like Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman, it's got to be good! Watch it below, or click here.

Object of Desire: RED Valentino Bow Sandals

2012-01-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

I'm completely smitten by these RED Valentino Bow Sandals for Spring 2012. Introduced in 2004, RED Valentino is the brand's more casual and contemporary line. But back to these sandals- the color, the bow, the ankle strap- they all come together to make, quite possibly, the prettiest sandal of the season. I cannot wait to wear these! Shop Neiman Marcus here.

*image via neiman marcus

Object of Desire: Kate Spade Newspaper Clutch

2012-01-30T12:19:00.000-08:00

Trying to find this clutch in stores anymore is near impossible, but that doesn't mean I love it any less. Such a chic way to carry your stuff. And how much do you love that cover article?! I fully intend on abiding.

*images via the sartorialist + kate spade

Quote Unquote

2012-01-30T12:12:00.001-08:00

*image via discoveries of glory

Field Report: The Tom Cary Collection

2012-01-29T22:48:00.000-08:00

It all started in the Summer of 2011 in one of my favorite shops in the world, The Seven Seas, on the very special island of Nantucket. I was visiting for a full two weeks, a luxury that I was only able to take full advantage of last year for the first time.

Since I now live in California, far from old friends and family, I had waves of guests coming out to visit and stay with me, and as each of them passed through the island, I took them to my favorite spot. After more than a few weekly visits, I got to know Mike Thom, Vanessa Noel's Executive Assistant, who was taking care of her shop for the summer. We kept in touch and met for a drink in Connecticut over the holidays when I was home for Christmas. It was there that the story of Tom Cary and his famous collection of rare books and collectibles came to life. After hearing about his collection, I realized it was his love of quality, rare and vintage finds that I loved so much about The Seven Seas. I just had to meet him.

I was in New York for work earlier this month, and Mike was gracious enough to set up a meeting. But not just any meeting- a private tour of his Upper East Side apartment-turned-gallery! I brought my friend Anne with me and we embarked on what became a peek into the fabulous, rare and vintage world of Thomas Cary.

The first thing you notice when you walk into his shop is the breadth of collectibles he has- I felt like a kid in a candy shop! Once you explore a little more, you notice that it's not just a collection of 'stuff' either, the quality and detail of each object cannot be overlooked.

Tom has a background in fashion at Brooks Brothers and Paul Stuart, which helps to explain the preppy aesthetic that runs through the space. What I really loved about the tour was the colorful commentary he provided as we walked through- there is a story about how he personally found each piece and the history of it- what makes it special, rare, who owned it before he did- he knows it all. It's not hard to see why the likes of Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren all shop here to decorate their retail stores.

Surprisingly, Tom doesn't have a emotional attachment to too many of his pieces (I found this hard to understand considering I was only a passerby and felt a sense of separation anxiety when it was time to leave). But before we ended our day, we went to a lovely lunch a Swifty's, an Upper East Side restaurant at its best, and checked out some of his pieces for sale at William-Wayne & Co around the corner. It was a truly special afternoon that I'll not soon forget. Although we didn't buy anything that day, we didn't walk away empty handed- not with 'Uncle Tom' as our new friend! Looking forward to another visit on my next trip to New York- it's simply a stop that cannot be missed.

Be sure to check out some of what Tom sells here, take a look at his fab new Tumblr site here, and email him here!

Tom and me

A full set of Bond books!

Books

Embroidered loafers and matching socks, of course!

More books...

And some more...

Just trying some things on for size

Tom giving us the tour

Loved that jacket!

Adorable to have on your bar cart..

An original painting of the now famous Scalamadre print!

Original paintings of vintage Lanvin advertisements. Amazing!

Hermes box collection

Another original painting of a vintage Lanvin advertisement

Cheese souffle at Swifty's

*images via myself and anne oburgh

Agenda: Surfing Cowboy in Venice, CA

2011-12-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to check this place out when I get back to LA next week. Located on Abbot Kinney in Venice, it's just around the corner from where I work. What is a Surfing Cowboy you ask? Here's how they describe it:

'Think of surfers riding the waves, scooters riding the streets, cowboys riding the range. All these things evoke a sense of freedom and spirit for living. Surfing Cowboys evolved out of a similar spirit. The collection has always been eclectic and soulful. In the early days it ranged from authentic Navajo rugs and Catalina pottery to Hawaiian collectibles and original vintage long boards. Over the years the range has ebbed and flowed with all kinds of amazing pieces passing through the door.'

Jack Spade Across Manhattan

2011-12-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

Jack Spade recently (about 2 months ago) launched their Tumblr account, and it's chock-full of goodies. Images of New York, found objects, cool videos. All, of course, with a masculine feel, but you name it and they've got it covered.

A couple of weeks ago they did a post on 'readymades', which in this case, are a collection of unique shops that already exist simply redefined as 'readymade' sculptures operating under the signature Jack Spade.

Andy Spade had no interest in operating the business, hiring the staff, or changing the look and feel of these businesses. The project took only a short period of time and then the business went back to operating under their former names. Fun to see these West Village mainstays have refreshed identities.

Florent Restaurant

The Gagosian

Lafayette Smoke Shop

The Mercer Hotel

OK Hardware

Pearl Paint

The Milano's

The Village Chess Shop

*all images via jack spade tumblr

Object of Desire: Bob Dylan Tee

2011-12-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Who knew that Restoration Hardware now sells t-shirts? Anyway, I kind of like this one. The graphic is printed on the inside adding to its worn-in look. Shop RH here.

Style Guide: Marina Larroude

2011-12-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Sartorialist is the mecca of fabulous street style sites, but only every so often does one person stand out in my mind. I came across one of those people today- Marina Larroude of NYC. Scott Schuman diggs a little bit deeper with her, below.

First job?
My first job was at Daslu in Sao Paulo. I went on to work as a contributing editor for Vogue Brazil, then moved to New York to work for Style.com.

How has New York influenced your style?
I don’t think I wore high heels before I moved to New York, now I wear them about five or six days a week!

Which designer would you hire to design your wardrobe?
Miuccia Prada. I would wear Prada and Miu Miu every day of my life! I love bold prints– she masters them while designing equally strong basics and accessories.

Who else designs great prints?
I wish I had more pieces by Peter Pilotto and Mary Katrantzou.

What have you worn recently that felt very bold?
I’ve been obsessively wearing this Versace H&M dress, the one Anna Dello Russo wore. It’s black leather with gold studs, and incredible. I hardly have any black dresses because everything is prints.

Most recent “must have” purchase?
A Carven black cashmere coat and Uniqlo merino sweaters! I guess I am bringing some basics into my wardrobe…

Do you cherish any pieces of jewelry?
My Wilfredo Rosado cameo ring is probably one of my most unique and special pieces.

What do you build your daily look around?
I build my look around the day ahead of me. It’s important to dress appropriately for meetings, shows, or anything else; so I’ll wear heels. If a designer is presenting a collection, it is respectful to present yourself as well. If I’m at the office for the entire day I’ll wear my favorite Ralph Lauren purple velvet loafers, or the leopard print…I have several pairs of them!

How do you keep your hair looking so polished?
I go to Rita Hazan here in the city. Adrian Wallace does the best highlights and Andre Rodman is my favorite hair stylist.

Which shops outside of New York are you excited by?
NK Store is the best store in Brazil. Their line is excellent, as is the buy of Celine and Balmain. Even though I’m rarely shopping for these things when I’m there, it’s cool to see high fashion brought to Sao Paulo in this way. I also love Corso Como and Excelsior in Milan. When I’m short on time between shows, it’s fun to pop into Excelsior and see so many beautiful things in one (surprisingly huge) place…it has a different energy.

Where’s the most stylish place you’ve been in the past year?
Capri, I can’t wait to go back. La Fontelina is a low-key place, but everyone dresses up for dinner and the food is amazing. It’s a nice balance: I don’t feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere, but I do feel relaxed and in touch with nature.

What demands do you face now as opposed to when you were starting out?
More responsibility. When you’re starting out you do whatever you’re told, and then you go home. Now my stories are my responsibility. I’m pitching ideas, producing features, coming up with trends, meeting with designers, and so on. The entire industry is working more than 5 or 10 years ago; designers are producing more collections, PR people are producing more events, editors are producing more stories.

The best style advice you’ve received?
Always wear good shoes!

Read more about Marina on The Sartorialist here.

At Home With: Wolfgang Behnken

2011-12-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

Young & Rubican's lead Creative Director allowed the lenses of Elle Decor Italia to peek into his Hamburg, Germany home. It's not the coziest of quarters, but it certainly feeds my love for a white, palate-cleansing house.

What's to love? Well, the herringbone wood floors, layered and leaning artwork, the sprawling back porch, European-height ceilings, and the piles of books and magazines (almost all of which also happen to be the same things I loved in Kate and Andy Spade's New York City apartment- see it again here). Although the Spade's apartment looks completely different, it goes to show you that classic design elements work for every aesthetic.

*images via elle decor italia

Object of Desire: United Nations Stamps

2011-11-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love snail mail? An old fashioned, hand-written letter is one my favorite things in the world. They feel so personal and are inherently a considered notion. I have a collection of stationary I've kept over the years (along with wax seals!), so I think a new book of stamps might be next. I love these stamps artists created for the United Nations over the years. The stamps below are vintage, but the UN Postal Administration began issuing souvenir books last month. Buy them here.

Watch This: National Geographic Augmented Reality

2011-11-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS! This is such fantastic marketing by National Geographic for people to interact with their brand. They hooked up with a company called Appshaker, and using the principles of augmented reality, people in Hungary were able to immerse themselves in surreal situations. Such a cool idea. Watch it below, or here.

Style Guide: Cinza Araia

2011-11-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

New (to me) designer. I love, and think I may need, these boots. Too bad she currently only has shops in Tokyo and Milan. Below is her mission for her 2012 collection. Keep an eye on this one and view more here.

"Continues the research on shapes, volumes and designs

through the overlapping of different and outdated materials.

Innovative techniques liven up elaborate and suggestive creations,

even when street-styles and male looks inspired.

The color palette rarely moves away from the rigor of black,

although it embrace deep shades ranging from brown to grey.

The collection spirit remains the expression of the fantastic game of decomposition and composition,

aimed to the representation of a dreamy woman, almost an alien one."

Read This: When The Words Don't Fit

2011-11-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this New York Times article on modern love while drinking my French-pressed Stumptown coffee before my kettlebell class this morning. I highly recommend. Read it here.

*image via bippity boppity boo

Object of Desire: adidas by Stella McCartney

2011-11-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

Whether it's a walk through Saks Fifth Avenue or adidas, there's not much Stella McCartney can design that I wouldn't wear. I've always been a Lulu Lemon snob when it comes to my workout wear, but I definitely need some of these pieces. My favorites? Those bright blue running tights with loop detail at the calf, and that super comfy looking white tank (hello, Christmas list!). The super chic asymmetrical zip jackets are pretty awesome, too. Shop here.

Watch This: Eames, The Architect & The Painter

2011-11-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Today I took a field trip with my company to the Eames House in the Pacific Palisades, California. Nestled in the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean was the famous design couple's home and studio they built and designed in the 1940's. Not usually open to the public, we were given a private tour of the interior of the home!

It was pretty special to be able to see it, and perfect timing for the new Eames film that's coming out November 18. I can't wait to see this! Watch the trailer below, or here, and read more about the Eames House here.

Object of Desire: Alexander Wang Cardigan

2011-11-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for the perfect versions of a couple of fall staples and I can now check one off the list! This Alexander Wang chunky cardigan will look super chic with tailored black ankle pants and flats. I love Alexander Wang's neutral palette. Shop The Outnet here.

*image via the outnet

Watch This: Murmuration

2011-11-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! I've never seen anything quite like this. Two canoers were able to capture one of natures greatest and most fleeting phenomena. Kudos to the girl behind the camera, Liberty Smith, for such controlled camera work. Take a look below, or for my RSS feed viewers, watch it here.

Object of Desire: Baggu Does Leather

2011-11-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Just in from Baggu, the classic ripstop nylon reusable shopping bags have gone leather! While the concept isn’t new (there have been Japanese variations floating around), love the direction Baggu keeps evolving beyond what you can stash everything from groceries to random shopping in. In addition to the new leather small and regular sized Baggus, they've also launched leather pouches in two sizes. Shop here!

Edition01: The Next Best Thing To Happen To Your Closet

2011-11-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite weekly reads is Wall Street Journal's "Off Duty" section. This past Sunday they did a feature on a new shopping website for women called Edition01. It's not open to the public yet, but luckily, I was able to take a sneak peek at what they have to offer. Here's the deal:

"Edition01 is curated style. We collaborate with the most talented fashion designers to create limited edition collections of their quintessential pieces. We commission every item with the idea of creating a perfectly edited wardrobe, just what you need, and exactly what you want. We admire quality, workmanship, new world global influences and old world attention to detail. And just like a limited edition work of art, each item is hand-numbered and made exclusively for Edition01. We’re putting luxury back on its pedestal, but just high enough so you can reach it." - Edition01

And who am I to stop them? I'm all for companies that value craftsmanship and have an eye for good style. My first finds were these beautiful fox fur vests. But let's be honest, I'll be buying the cheaper version in downtown Manhattan when I'm back home in New York for Christmas. Get on their waiting list here.

Object of Desire: "Little America" Backpack

2011-10-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Herschel Supply Company pulled their inspiration from classic mountaineering to create this timeless "Little America" backpack. A little too masculine for me to wear, but if I were one of my guy readers (Walt) I'd totally buy this. Shop here.

Make This: Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Bread

2011-10-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

I have a work halloween party tomorrow for which I made these delectable mini pumpkin pecan cupcakes. Since I've been learning how to cook, I went a little crazy at Williams-Sonoma a couple of weeks ago and in the midst of my shopping spree, picked up this amazing bread mix. I don't actually love baking, mostly because I'd much rather eat something savory, but these muffin/cupcakes/bread bites are too good not to try. They're. So. Good.

The mini cupcake trays are perfect for these since I topped them with a very sweet (homemade!) cream cheese frosting. I actually prefer them without the frosting, so I'll be sure to make this as a bread next time for a warm fall breakfast, or as a treat after Thanksgiving dinner. Recipe below, and buy the mix here.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Line cupcake well with papers

In a large bowl, combine mix, 8 tbs (1 stick) melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of water and 2 eggs

Mix until smooth

Divide batter among cupcake sheets and baked for about 20-25 minutes

Let cool for about 30 minutes before frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat together 3 tbs unsalted butter and 8 oz of cream cheese, both at room temperature

Then beat in 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

*images by peek of perfection

Travel Season Has Arrived

2011-10-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe I haven't stopped traveling all that much. A big reason I moved to LA in the first place (other than taking a shiny new job) was to live and explore somewhere new. Since I arrived in California last summer I've made it my mission to see everything I can. So far this year I've been to some amazing places- Palm Springs, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, San Francisco, Portland (Oregon- not Maine), Mammoth Lakes for some California-style powder skiing, and of course, back home to New York and Nantucket. But there's still so much to see! From now until March, I have one trip planned per month all around the West Coast. That's right, one a month. The most exciting of them are probably the two ski trips to Vail, Colorado and Park City, Utah. I'm so looking forward to seeing the good friends that will be there with me. Travel season has arrived!

*image via kate spade new york