Gift Guide Part III - Coolest Kitchen

This could be the coolest toaster I have ever seen. Even you minimalist people can appreciate this kind of countertop clutter. Leave it out, toast at will, toast for design. MoMA store, $225.

Brilliant glass half-pint creamer. Available for $14 (!!!) at the MoMA store online. This is an inexpensive and witty gift. Who wouldn't appreciate this?

I'm not sure if this is exactly the kind of message you want to send this festive holiday season...but I do love some humor in domestic life. Knife Guy, on sale $158 at A+R Store.

Gift Guide - Part Two - I Smell Bacon

Let us begin the Parade of Bacon. Slightly odd, mostly funny.

Well, I guess because wearing a real strip of bacon over a wound may raise a few eyebrows and cause an irritating and obvious following of flying insects and dogs. Bacon Bandages, $9.

I am not 100% sure that this bacon flavored floss will help prevent any kind of major dental issue. I think it may assist in landing someone in an asylum (do they still have asylums?).

In order to smell like bacon at all times since you cannot eat it continuously...bacon soap, $8.

To carry all of the money around to buy bacon. Bacon Wallet, $16.


Those are bacon flavored jelly beans. I suppose for snacking, craving bacon and something sweet, and also for reviving the bacon flavor in your mouth after flossing with bacon floss and also eating real cooked bacon. $5.95.

And finally (I could keep going with bacon products, scary but true) - for the person so bacon-obsessed that they have ceased making any rational decision and now must refer to the "What Would Bacon Do?" ($4.95) decision wheel. This one thing taken seriously plus any of the above will certainly land you in a bacon-free zone monitored by friends, loved ones, or men in white coats.
All kidding aside, I think these are hilarious gifts for that meat lover (or vegetarian that has a decent sense of humor) who has everything except some Bacon Accoutrements. Obviously these are not terribly kosher or approved for any kind of Hannukah celebration or hostess gift.

Gift Guide - Part One - Inexpensive Jewelry for the Girls

Grill for your wrist, $112. Far less expensive and less intrusive than getting one for your actual mouth. This plus the Brooklyn Bridge ring would be a statement and a half. More statement than possibly most average towns and people could really handle.

This Paper Plane necklace is fantastic. I'm at such a loss for words over this I should stop narrating the blog photos. $68

Eiffel Tower earrings at $13...since you cannot fly your Paper Airplane necklace over the big blue sea.

These "Critter Earrings" (above) are only $16, and you get six pairs of little studs! What a great thing to buy and divide up into sets for friends.

All jewelry available on FredFlare.com.

A Day Off Island...Providence

It is the time of year where Dockwise has made it's last pick up in Newport Harbor (this past Tuesday)...sure restaurants are offering weekday specials and there is no wait for a table any longer. All of it makes me sad for the summer we didn't really have here this year due to Mother Nature's incongruent decision to offer rain and chill and a teaser of sun and a chilly fall.

More importantly, we can run off to Providence as an escape to a "city" without dragging ourselves North on Rt 24 into Boston driving madness. Design*Sponge has aWONDERFUL Providence Guide online that features the cityby neighborhood. I say choose one and explore. This is excellent for the doldrums blowing down with the Canadian air... Pick one this weekend! I am going up there today to scout some of my favorite vintage stores and make a much needed hit on Sephora for skin survival gear.

Possible Dream Job, But For Now A Cool Show On TV...

With the recent conclusion of some borderline trashy but possibly inspiring reality shows (Rachel Zoe Project and Flipping Out), I have been seaching for something different... Alas! The Sundance Channel answers my tele-box frustration with Man Shops Globe airing new episodes Wednesdays at 10 p.m. can we talk about that Union Jack lampshade please? (above)

Here is the best part...Keith Johnson (the man shopper) is titled "Buyer At Large" for Anthropolgie. Are you joking? This could be the coolest job (and most untouchable) I have heard of in a loooong time. Hats off to you, Keith.
DVR or watch this show On-Demand immediately. Maybe it will inspire you to create a cool job like this to spread your own style influence into a growing empire like Anthropologie.

More Than A Pet Peeve

I absolutely cannot contain myself one more second about this subject. Therefore I am starting a new month of entries with a little note to all of you about my very severe and yet-still-growing distain for the phrase: "to be honest with you".

I would not hire someone who uses the phrase, and I am seriously considering de-friending people (in real life not on that faux life website) who are using this phrase. Whether you are little George Washington (below) or Honest Abe, the bottom line is that when this cliche is used I think that you are: a) about to lie to me, or b) have already told me a lie somewhere in your previous words.

I know some of you may argue that it is not your intention to make the listener feel so betrayed when you thoughtlessly blurt out the cliche: "to be honest with you". Please, argue. Use more cliches to prove your point. But I will still think you are lying or have lied in some capacity.

So do all of us a favor, including your founding fathers, and stop saying "to be honest with you" and "honestly". They are trash words taking up space where thoughtfulness and intellegence should be instead.

Tomorrow my entry will be colorful and aesthetically pleasing.

*The GW is for you Miqui...you may need to send me pictures of your "Washington Monument" to share...it is inspiring and makes that chore so entertaining.

Giddy Up

I mean, come on. Fabulous. Stirrup cufflinks. Vintage.I hesitated posting this because even though I am not a wearer of cufflinks I think it would be a good deed to have these remade to improve the Lives of Men. And the women who look at them. It's all in the details, guys, in case you didn't already get that memo.

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home...

If you want to visit Newport, here is a great guide on Design*Sponge written by a one-year resident**. **good job Andrea McHugh, whomever you are...glad you are enjoying the Fishbowl.

Just Chillin'

This is the coolest ice bucket I have ever seen. It is also handmade from sterling silver. Available on Ralph Lauren's Gift Vault site.

My Change Purse Has Whiskers

This mouse. Is brilliant.

It has whiskers*.

I love a dash of humor, especially one that involves animal shapes.

Available on the Colette website.
I have to say, bringing the superbly edited finds from Colette's brick and mortar in Paris right into my computer is possibly one of the greatest bits about this thing called the internet.

*Whiskers: a favorite word...say it out loud right now.

Cuff 'Em

I am not a huge fan of the live, roving, squawking, mating Peacock. When I lived in the Village on Longboat Key there was a throng of "wild" Peacocks. They had been driven out of every other block by annoyed neighbors into a six house radius at which my house was the center. They are endangered or might come after you in the night since they are the size of Great Danes; so my neighbors protected them. It wasn't even the tourists stopping to take pictures of them in my yard, it was the mess and the loud squawking. I can still imitate them, it is quite a party favor for anyone who has lived with Peacocks. However, I do approve of the Peacock cuff above. Designed by Pippa Small and made of 14k gold and Labradorite (!!!), it is finally a Peacock related item that I can stomach after a decade of distain. It is also 14,000 Pounds on Astley Clarke.

Next is something more affordable and less Peacock. A Carnelian cuff by Asha by ADM. It is listed as approximately $995 also on Astley Clarke. But the designer Ashley Dodgen-McCormick's current collection is on her website. She is the next collectible and elegant jewelry designer, at very affordable prices using high quality stones in timeless designs. I encourage the purchase of some of her jewelry. The cuff below is a brilliant start.

Lifesaver

Tony Duquette's new book More Is More is available now...combine this with Assouline's lifestyle book GYPSET about the designer-hippie-brocade-Ibiza-gold-tan-private jet set...and we have a recipe for getting through the next week or two with a little more inspiration than these grey New England skies can provide. Add in the Tony Duquette ring above and, well, we should call it a lifejacket.

It's no secret that I am not a fan of the cold weather (unless it involves a chic shearling, two feet of snow, and a roaring Vermont stone fireplace).

Signing off: Looking for Inspiration to Keep Me Afloat...HB

Overbite

I'm not insanely fond of the Walrus. Except that cartoon Walruses are cute. And I do like their tusks. Things with fangs and tusks are pretty adorable. It's like a helpless super-bad overbite.

That said, I am not sure I would wear this cuff. But I sure admire the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making this little guy.

David Webb...again.

Rings on Parade, Part One...

I never fully got the concept of "cocktail ring" since my Grandmother, who owned the rings and allowed me to wear them to picnic dinners (sometimes), was no longer "cocktailing". The term confused me...

...Until later when I heard stories about all of the previous cocktailing she and my Grandfather had done during the summers in the 50s and 60s. Two solid decades of cocktailing. It skips a generation; my parents did not go out and tie one on.

My love for occaision jewelry was born. To wear everyday to picnic dinners, and to wish I could have been a firefly in the yard at some of my Grandfather's Mint Julep parties.

Tony Duquette Cabochon Ring - coral, turquoise, peridot, and amethyst.
Vintage David Webb Labradorite and Diamond ring. One word: Phe-nom-i-nal.

And finally with a regal but subdued presence, another vintage David Webb ring (do you detect a theme? Yes, he was a genius). Carved onyx with rose cut Rock Crystal. So good!
Happy Monday.
p.s. These are actually all for sale right now ($$$$$$) on 1st Dibs.

If You Believe That, I Have A Bridge I'd Like To Sell You...

Brooklyn Bridge knuckle ring...need I say more?

nOir jewelry, $250

*sigh*

Peabody's Beach, aka Third Beach.

I clearly cannot just let summer go so easily. I like fall. But it also is a precursor to something more ominous. That other season that is looming down from the North. It already snowed in Vermont. That creates an awful lot of conversation about premature winter, solid precipitation, and temperature. Now is the time where I panic and begin to frantically plan mini-breaks. Where could I go by car in less than two day's drive and end up on a beach? How much is a flight to Paris (I know it's cold there, too, but it is different...)? Who said they were getting a ski house for the winter? Anything to break up anticipated monotony of the dreaded season of sleep.

It's sunny out now so I am going to try my hardest to relish in the moment and bask in the sun...

Fall is Knocking

I got slightly distracted by summer...and now there is no hesitating to say that on this sunny and chilly October morning Fall has arrived in Newport. (It is 50 degrees!)

This is my favorite door knocker in Newport. I think it's on 99 Spring Street. The house is nearly falling down, but there are lights on at night so it appears someone lives there. I don't believe they use the front door, and if someone knocked with this the door may split into shards before their eyes.

Now that the obvious beauty of summer is behind me it is time to walk slowly with a large scarf and enjoy the little details. Happy October!

"Filet Of Sole, Baby, It's My Favorite Dish..."

Delicious fish earrings! I love oddities and these are scrumptious. I don't even like to eat fish, maybe it's the Pisces in me.

But in honor of a friend's "Fish Luck" party tomorrow - a Top Chef-like cookoff where the contestants choose a meat of their choice (tomorrow the dish is fish, baby) and then the flavor and presentation is judged and something is awarded besides Pride although I am not sure what - I have chosen Fish Earrings. These would be perfect to wear to the backyard extravaganza! Instead I will dig up something else nautical and fishy.

Available at Anthropologie online for $178, they are 3 1/2" long!

*Title quote from Dead Milkmen's ballad "Filet of Sole".

P.S. I majorly heart the Dead Milkmen mascot cow logo!!! (below)

Cut. It. Out.

Brilliant! Scissor cuff made by Georgo Phillip Pecenikov. They open and close! Available on A+R online for $550.

*sigh*

Venice, Sunset...

Posted by The Sartorialist, July 1, 2009.

Go Ahead, Flash Me.

My latest concern has been the lack of fireflies on Aquidneck Island (aka: Newport). Since moving here in 2001 I have never ever seen one neon flash in the grass. Growing up in Northeastern Ohio, many summer twlights were consumed with capturing "lightening bugs" (as we called them in the Midwest) in jars with holey lids. My sisters-by-association, Melissa, Tammy, and I, would dart around the lawn capturing our fascinating friends that we were sure would continue flashing throughout the night while perched on our bedside tables. They never did, by the way. If they had it would have meant they were trying to mate with us. Better off.

An article in the Projo yesterday shared a concern that pollution and fertilizers may be the cause of dwindling firefly populations. The Museum of Science in Boston has been doing a study with participants from around the world who are keeping track of firefly activity. To participate and learn more, visit their Firefly Watch.

I urge you to do so since I cannot dart around any lawns in Newport capturing lightening bugs. Now is the time; neon is so in this year!

Third Beach Plans Foiled? Stay Tuned

Third Beach...

vs.

Mother Nature's Latest Miracle in Precipitation that is Forecast for Newport later this afternoon and evening...

It is true that the forecast for Newport this weekend, weekend = Sat-Sun, is SUN and 70s. Tonight however I do not believe that anyone will let us forget who is really in charge and may unleash some kind of downpour similar to the one experienced on Wednesday at the Newport Shipyard.

Here's to hoping for clear skies, a delicious moonrise, and fireflies. It rhymed. We don't have fireflies here and no one can seem to tell me why not. They fly, don't they? Well cross a bay once in a while. We need some lightening bugs pronto.

Happy July 3rd.

p.s. Third Beach on the 3rd was a flaming success (in case this was keeping any of you up at night). We had a great time, a fire pit, stars in the sky, the whole nine years. I hope it was a great 4th of July weekend everywhere!

Keep Calm and Carry On

This poster, shown below, has recently seen heaps of press. It has been photographed tacked to the walls of hipster dwellings on both sides of the pond. For one I am fascinated by the clean design: reverse print, sans serif Century Gothic font, normally alarming color that takes on a soothing quality induced by the text.

Beyond style, the origin of this poster is what is truly interesting. In 1939 on the cusp of an inevitable war with Germany, King George VI wanted to issue propaganda posters to reassure his people. No one knows who coined the slogan, and interestingly, the posters were not widely displayed. 50 years later a tattered copy resurfaced in a book and they are now reproduced and for sale on the UK-based site: Keep Calm and Carry On.To me this statement is an historical reminder that if you keep mucking ahead survival and success are an inevitable reward.

On this Fourth of July let us remember the Americans who mucked ahead for our independence in 1776-ish (ironically against the very country that issued the poster above...) and that their determination, tenacity, and passion created a nation unlike any other in the World.

The Glove

While searching for information on who designed and made the legendary White Glove for Michael, I found an article by John Kehe on the Christian Science Monitor's website. Kehe designed a video for the Jackson's in 1980 and says that he witnessed the epiphany that was Michael's White Glove. While on tour of the studios Michael was interested in the white cotton glove worn by the film editor used to protect his hand from the running film. MJ asked if he could have one from the box. Later the glove was covered in Swarovski Crystal "loch rosen" crystals (Michael's actual glove shown above). The Glove was infamously worn in his 1983 performance of "Billie Jean", oft declared the moment he became the King of Pop.

In a 1986 article Michael was quoted as saying that the reason he often wore stage costumes offstage (specifically the Glove while in a burn unit) he said "this way I am never offstage". An appropriate insight to someone who was clearly himself the most while entertaining the world.

Long Live Michael.

Thoughts On Our 80s Legend

My love for the 80's, enthusiastically celebrated in this blog already, should prepare all of you for a tribute to the Man Himself, Michael Jackson.
Of course he was troubled and confused, in public and private. Most Influential Artists live in an otherworldly fog that mere mortals will never know; most of us are lucky that we will never experience their struggle of mind and spirit. Instead we are allowed to be the recipients of incredible gifts beladen on us by these immensely gifted people who sacrifice their sanity and a long life in order to make our worlds inherently better, inspiring, and magical.

Michael wasn't meant to live forever; someone like him never grows old in our minds and hearts. Alternatively he has been given a gift upon his departure: a celebration of his life, work, and unparalleled talent. Since Thursday I have heard MJ songs played on nearly every genre of radio station, and out of every kind of car imaginable. MJ may never have truly known the love and admiration his friends and fans had for him while he was here, I can only hope that he is now experiencing the world-wide outpouring of music and memories in these days after his death.

Now go jam out to some P.Y.T. or a little Human Nature. 'Til tomorrow.

How To: Avoid The Cobble-Wobble

The espadrille or wedge is really the only Newport-appropriate shoe in the summer. Therefore those of us who live here and visit here (packing proper attire*) are pleased that the wedge is still in fashion and easily attained. Though we try to wear other cute sandals from seasons past and present, it is often that we turn to the wedge to provide extra height plus assistance in maneuvering the cobblestones, bricks, lawns, and docks that we often navigate on an evening out.

Stubbs and Wootton Grace Espadrille, a favorite of mine although they do not offer them in as many wonderful colors as years past. How about Mimosa, S&W? It is Color of the Year afterall!

*please note that "proper attire" in Newport requires packing several layers including foul weather gear in anticipation of the temperature and precipitation variances that occur on a normal day. Clearly I have a preoccupation with the weather combined with fact that I am usually "dressed inappropriately" for the weather, ask the friends. Maybe it's wishful thinking.

The 19th Hole

Summer things: The Tervis Tumbler.Dedicated to Miqui, someone full of brilliant ideas, insight, and wit. Cheers to you in my 19th Hole Tervis!

...still waiting for summer in Newport although this is allegedly the "first day of summer"...

Delightfully Juicy

The color of this chandelier is delicious, a color Pantone not only calls "Mimosa" but has also named it Color of the Year. Not to mention the fixture itself is really juicy and delightful. Take a closer look.Ali found this little treasure, I am not sure where it is from. It belongs in a retro bungalow oozing with citrus zebra-print, stacks of vintage Flair magazines, and laquered everything.

Back to Color of the Year. I should be on this committee. If not declaring annual celebratory colors, at least assisting in naming them. Mimosa is not just a word, it is a sensory experience for anyone who has ever enjoyed a fresh Mimosa while admiring an incredible view, the morning after a noteworthy event, or during a vibrant holiday brunch. A cocktail to commemorate and savor. Now it is officially a color. Pantone did a delicious job deciding 2009's color and naming it appropriately (although I am still available to them for consult on future colors).

Juice yourself some oranges, pop the spare bottle, and enjoy one tomorrow morning. With the way this weather is on the East Coast we need little pleasures to keep us optimistic.

How To Age Well

What: Incredible faded and frayed Boat Tote from Brickman's

Where: NYYC's summer home, Harbor Court, Newport

When: Saturday Night, Tent Party

Why: Faded, frayed, perfect in every way... When Ali spotted one of the band members from the Ravers grabbing the tote, she wanted to know everything. He said it was a decade old (or more). When asked "how did you get it to fray like this?" - sure that he would answer it had been dragged behind their boat for those ten years - his bandmate answered that it was all of the Rum & Coke on his hands that decayed the handles.

Note to self: soak Boat Totes in Rum & Coke, leave in sun to ferment, fade, and fray, continue to play Totes reggae melodies to mellow the bags even more.

A recipe for a perfect summer? I'll keep you posted.

A Thousand Words

It has been raining and/or foggy in Newport since last summer. I am barely kidding. It is still raining AND foggy here today. I think my picture below says it all. I am trying to think this scenario into existence.

A-ha! Strawberries!

I am pleased to report that Sweetberry Farm now has STRAWBERRIES. If you are anywhere near Newport, Rhode Island I strongly encourage you to dash as fast as you possibly can to the purveyor of delicious, sweet, juicy red berries that taste like the ones I used to devour back home in Ohio from the empty field next to our lake house. This berry thing is the final notch in the countdown to summer here in Newport. Some of the noted signs are:

The Pearl Patio opening and their mudslide machine in full swing

The Midway and Summer Sushi at the Cooke House

Dockwise in the Harbor

The Ravers

Break of dawn at around 4:45 am (are we near the arctic circle or something?)

My first sunny day at Gooseberry that I enjoyed thouroughly yesterday with Sarah and Vieve.

Happy Summer.

Loop and Whirl Up Some Underwater Delights

Does anyone know how to crochet out there? Do you have a little extra time? Below is a super cute crocheted coral branch that I adore from an etsy artist called jpolka.

Crochet your own Coral! I mean come on! This is terrific!

She sells her crochet patterns, lots of sea life: cuttlefish, octopus, a "Gentleman Prawn" (brilliant). She even has a set of mustaches. Do I need to state the obvious? This person, jpolka, is a genius.

Here's the problem, I am not. I need someone to make this bad boy for me. And everything else that she sells. Any takers?

She's a Hoot

My friend Genevieve loves Owls (so does Ali). Genevieve really loves them because she is a funny person, the life of the party...and she says she's "a hoot".

Who doesn't need a mascot to remind them that they are witty and fun to be around? This is a vintage owl belt, a mere $14 on Day Lab, a website that carries quirky vintage items most of them less than $30. I bought myself some sweet HB initials there over the winter, although I might look a little too O.G.* in them.

*That's "Original Gangster" for those of you born later than 1985, ref: Ice-T.

In the Sky with Diamonds

This is not a diamond studded space-ship from the new Star Wars movie. It is, in fact, a delicious cuff bracelet from London-based inspired and boundless jeweler, Solange Azagury-Partridge. While I am on the topic, though...Did you know that Neutron Stars have such dense carbon centers that they are actually (scientifically most likely) giant diamonds*?

*We are talking diamonds that are millions of carats or more. Take that Harry Winston.

A Neutron Star is formed when a Supernova in a Giant Star occurs causing an enormous (understatement) outward blast that is so large it actually then collapses on itself.

I just thought I would share that tidbit of information. Happy Friday.

Frivolity

An Alligator Flyswatter. Brilliant.

I like the word "flyswatter". It was once use to describe the odd shape of my friend's cul-de-sac: "We live at the top part of the flyswatter", she said. That summer we watched "Dirty Dancing" on VHS every day we were not at the beach.

This American Alligator flyswatter is available on a great site called Colonel Littleton out of Tennessee. It's $310 and makes a wonderful gift for your friends on the UES who have everything and definitely do not need flyswatters (it can be monogrammed). Get it for the people who don't get it. Make it awkward.

Happy Memorial Day!

Dare to Resist

The lure of this gold leopard ring has compelled me to write twice in one day.

Available on Vivre by Daphna Simon, $1750.

Remind, What Season is This?

Looking ahead to Fall may not be entirely fair since Spring has not fully arrived in New England. But we must plan ahead! Below is an incredible Bottega Veneta bag from the Fall 2009 Collection. Happy Thursday.

Strut

Just a little preview of Fall 2009 Footwear. Do you see a theme? Hermes (above). Brian Atwood (below).
Balenciaga (below).

The Lake

Happy Mother's Day...

Today is the official opening of my favorite freshwater-adjacent burger (grilled cheese) stand: Eddie's Grill at Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio.

Here's a shout out to my Midwestern homies chowin' on Eddie's burgers and frozen lemonade today. (p.s. Let me know if you get number 36.) And don't forget the Madsen's Donut! This iconic blue and white striped box may no longer be tied with white string, but it will contain the best donuts you will ever eat. That is not nostalgia that tastes that glazed donut that I swear is marinated in sugary syrup for at least a day...they have a secret recipe known only by the owner. Or maybe by at least two people, since 1938.Delicious simplicity.

Happy Listening

I'm not really someone who goes on and on about what cool, hip music I am listening to...unless it really has made an impact on my mood or productivity. In honor of our season of renewal, I thought I would share some of the music I am really jamming out to in the car and more importantly, in my office while I am creating!

*Click on the name of the artist and it will take you to their youtube video...

The Friendly Fires - (self-titled) - GREAT video and music that sounds like a hip version of good 80s i.e. New Order, Flock of Seagulls, Yaz...(photo above from their Skeleton Boy video).

Does It Offend You Yeah? - You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into - I LOVE this band right now.

Van She - Van She EP - great band with another 80s vibe going on. Only five songs in this one, but worth a listen...

Yo-Yo Ma - Bach: The Cello Suites - who doesn't need a little chill cello in their lives?

Erasure - Jacques Cousteau (the song) off of their Boy EP. It's so relaxing, you feel like a tiny little jellyfish bobbing around in the deep blue...aaahhhhhhh...

Please Do Not Stare, Unless You Cannot Help Yourself...

Aren't you tempting, sitting there taunting us on a cake plate no less?

Vintage snakeskin and possibly croc *sigh* clutch. Available at Louis Boston, maybe.

I almost feel like Barney's NY wishes they were as cool and edited as Louis Boston.

This little reptile-skinned confection (wearing a sparkly something) really nails that one-of-a-kind feel every other boutique department store is trying to capture in their corporate nets.

Bravo. And sign me up.

Ah, Texas.

Slightly less appealing than Jeff Koons' pansy covered puppy...the Peep Jeep photo is season approprirate. This is taken from the Houston, TX Art Car Parade scheduled to roll on May 9, 2009.

I have nothing else to say about this. Except maybe that I love the wagoneer so much I would still consider driving it covered in peeps. The Jeep, not me.

Peep. James Peep.

Yes, these are peeps wearing chocolate tuxedos.

I couldn't help it. I had to share this. Available at Jacques Torres, $5 for a pack of five.

They seem to be unavailable online, maybe you can check at one of their locations in NY and beyond (location information online at mrchocolate.com)

No Shucking Required

Ahhh, these necklaces are incredible.

Comme des Garcons, Fall 2009 (below)

pearls hidden in layers of tulle...(and pink hair! love!)

3.1 Phillip Lim (below)

Fantastic grosgrain folds and pleats with...pearls!

Where Did The SUN Go?

Fog formed over the sea is called "Advection Fog". This 100% humidity phenomenon occurs when warm air moves over a cooler current in the sea. It can also occur when warm air from the sea drifts and moves over cooler land masses.

It should be called "Abduction Fog" because it kidnapped the sun.

Party Like It's 1961

We should be taking it back to the 60's Cocktail Party. A moment in time when women were dressed - wearing attractive clothing, hats, jewelry, and gloves. GLOVES - indoors! My grandmother had two full drawers of all colors and lengths of gloves. I had no idea what they were for, why would she have so many gloves that weren't for making snowballs? Now I know.

2009 is the time to resurrect the stylish Cocktail Party. We still need to relax with a libation, take pride in our appearance, socialize...pure pleasure without that pesky bar tab. Let's take it back a few decades to a time when people had ragers in their homes to avoid being inappropriate and vulgar in public. I'll settle for collecting some entertaining friends, and friends of friends, and being vulgar at home (or someone else's home)...

April Fool's...ha ha ha

These people are far more cerative than I am. Please enjoy some of the past pop culture hoaxes that I think are hysterical. In 1996 Taco Bell advertised in The New York Times that they purchased the Liberty Bell as a way to reduce the national debt.

BMW once did a warning about counterfeit BMW's where the blue and white on the logos was reversed. BMW is famous for doing one prank every year regarding new technology in their cars, or even the announcement of using Mini's to investigate Mars.

Burger King ran an ad in 1998 for the Left Handed Whopper for those people who had trouble controlling the condiment drippings on the right side. Rightys even walked to the counter and ordered the old Whopper...

I Heart...

Jeff Koons!

Pansy-covered "Puppy" on permanent display Guggenheim BilbaoAnd of course Balloon Dog.

Brilliant. I love funny artists.

Marc of Seagulls, RTW Fall 2009

Marc Jacobs RTW Fall 2009 Fantastic use of pink & green for fall...also please note the wonderful wrapped scarves in place of jewelry in this look and the following Pepto pink suit.

Pink & black & texture & scarf & bag...The black piping on the cape + the navy metallic (velvet?) mini...

This Whip...

"This whip should be in one of our driveways."

- Ali Nichols, whose brother Geoffrey took this picture somewhere in or around L.A.

Adieu.

Tonight we will be saying goodbye to our friend, The Fifth Element.

I have made some life long memories in this bar, and met new friends from far away places. And we share the same birthday, just 30 years difference in our ages.

I believe this building harbors a little magic in it when combined with the kindreds that own and patronize this beloved bar. Cheers to those who have been here and shared in the fun.

Long live the Fifth Element.

Hello, Friend

Welcome back. We have missed you. You're shining yellow face reminds us that thebest is yet to come...

Dockwise returns to Newport Harbor

The Midway sheds its plastic at the Cooke House

The first day at the Pearl Patio

Followed by the first day at the Pearl Patio with the Mudslide Machine

Slowly the mooring balls are not bobbing out there alone

The Geek Knew

The Geek: This...this is a Rolls Royce Jake!
Jake: Yeah.
The Geek: I heard the grill costs $5,000 alone. Do you have $5,000? 'Cause I don't.
Jake: Well, just don't hit anything.
The Geek: Don't hit anything he says.

Fantastic timepiece that celebrates the disco era, made in the 1970s by Corum and available on 1stDibs.com for, yes, you guessed it, about $5,000.

There are so many comments I can make about this watch. The more I look at it the more I wish I had $5K in disposable income to invest, conserve, and also celebrate that era de chic. No, really, I am not losing my marbles here. Look at it. It has a black crocodile band, the grill actually lifts up to show you the face of the watch. Who had this made? This is an incredible slice in design history. Someone buy this please. And if you are in touch with Jay-Z, Lupe, or Diddy, pass it along. I want to see this on someone's wrist pronto.

Cheers to My Friend, the Denim Jacket

For today's entry I am going to show you some photos of street fashion that inspire me from my favorite blogger, The Sartorialist. I highly highly recommend reading this blog for regular inspiration. A friend (who shall remain nameless, you know who you are) recently said to me something to the effect that she was so happy that "jean jackets" were coming back. Um, no, sorry to tell you they never left. And for those of you who know me, you know that my denim jacket is like a security blanket, good or bad. It has been lovingly worn and broken in for at least ten years; it's perfection better with every wear and mistreatment. So here's to the denim jacket. Thanks to The Sartorialist for sharing these images.

Ahoy!

I love the renewal that Spring represents. This Spring in Newport we are lovingly bringing back our favorite fundraiser, Shipwrecked. Sail Newport benefits from this party by raising funds to maintain their public sailing center established in 1983 (the year the America's Cup fled Newport once and for all, sniff sniff). Some very thoughtful people got together to establish a place where the public could learn to sail and rent boats in order to maintain Newport's prominence in the U.S. as a sailing capital. Take that Annapolis.

It is a delicious coincidence that Shipwrecked this year falls on the first day of Spring; a date that to me reeks of optimism and hope. Not the kind of hope that our virgin President wants us to believe in. Hope that after the snow is gone and the grey skies have cleared, little daffodils and our friends the crocus are dying to show themselves once more. Before we know it we'll be back at the Pearl Patio sucking down frozen drinks.

So Ahoy to Spring and Shipwrecked! You can purchase tickets for the party this Saturday night, March 21st, on Sail Newport's website. Costumes are mandatory!

*Necklace available on Net-A-Porter, by Philip Crangi.

Happy Holi!

Holi is the "Fesitval of Colors" celebrated in India on the first full moon in March. It is a celebration of Spring and friendship...and color of course. Colored pigments are used in powder and water that people throw on one another in celebration.

Maybe in honor of Holi you should throw a little color in the general direction of somone you like, or dislike. It is afterall a festival of forgiveness and friendship. Make amends this Holi.

Aren't the colors delicious??? Spring cannot come quickly enough.

Ta Da!

Opening Ceremony, the international concept boutique, has gone e-commerce! Great news for those who cannot frequent the store monthly when they change out inventory (hmm, do you think Target was inspired by them in their Go! International collections?).

The real reason I am writing this blog is to celebrate the Saddle Shoe. Love it! I used to really really enjoy the men in college who rocked the brick soled buck saddle shoes. Give me a man in saddle bucks and a BD Baggies shirt. My friend Blaine Richardson from Mississippi rocked this look like I cannot even tell you. He is a men's style icon in my memory; I can still hear his gravely deep voice and southern drawl.

Opening Ceremony is sharing their slightly more cool-i-fied version of the saddle shoe; sleek and defined for the dapper man of the 21st century. I am glad it is being celebrated somewhere and somehow. And I have to say, I love the navy/latte suede combo. Now where are those vintage BD Baggies, boys?

Learning to Count

Here's a little treat. Click on the link to Sesame Street's Pinball Count fromYouTube. You'll sing it all day...

Now we need itunes to get this tune online. If anyone knows where I can download this stone groove to my ipod, please share.

Also, this blog tells the whole story of the Pinball Number Count, from the composer's notes to the animation. It's such a solid bit of our pop culture, and even now when I count to twelve I cannot help but hum a little.

1,2,3,4!5!,6, 7,8,9,10...11, 12---

Rewards for a Winter

These are just some of the trophies I should be allowed to aquire for surviving what is turning into a brutal uphill battle of bitter windchills, ice patches, and random snowshowers.

And with the dream of bulbs bursting forth from the frozen tundra...we march out some of the Spring bags. If nothing more they are a beacon on a frigid sunlit day of warmer

times to come. Tokens of Spring. First in a series of many, I am sure.

Both bags are Miu Miu and available at Net-A-Porter (who delivers in NYC within the same DAY if you time it right).

Toothless

I feel like I have no teeth and no horn shaped jewelry at all without owning this little beauty.

Circa 1970...designer unknown (nice work if you know who you are)...diamond and 18k.

Quintessential 1970s. A 70% Cocoa Brown shiny draped cocktail dress + the ring shown above = SILLY GREAT STYLE.

Available for 4,600 American Dollars at 1st Dibs.

p.s. The dealer is from OHIO. Yes, that is what I said. See, chic things can come from OHIO (even though it did not originate there I am sure).

The Weather in the Northeast

The Best Tom & Jerry episode of all time.

"Mice Follies", 1954

Watch the whole thing on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIpRpHrK9Xs

1. Jerry and the baby mouse flood and then freeze the kitchen using the freezer cables.

2. Baby mouse uses colored jello in the refridgerator as a colored spotlight for their skating.

3. I wanted to flood and freeze the kitchen, and of course wanted colored jello in the fridge at all times. My mother thought I had a weird affinity for more than one color of jello at a time; really it was the desire to have the possibility of skating under a translucent j-e-l-l-o light in the kitchen.

4. It's raining cats and mice outside, and soon someone is going to open the freezer and Newport is going to resemble Tom & Jerry's kitchen sans colored jello.

House of Cards

Today I am sad to report that Conde Nast and the powers that be over there have decided to fold Domino magazine. I cannot fully express my disappointment, but I will try.

I read Domino cover to cover. I read over 20 magazines a month, and this is the only one I read TWICE all the way through before I tear one page out of it - and even that is hard to do. (Most) everything they do in the magazine is brilliant. The book that they just published is great as well (see previous entry).

I believe that Conde Nast's foresight is a little skewed. The only thing that would make me feel better about this closure is if they a) showed me their books and really proved to me that closing is a good idea and/or b) they close one of their bridal publications, too.

Bride stuff is ONE day in your life. Domino inspires us to live a better life EVERYDAY. Everyday. Think about that Conde Nast. Don't we all want to do and share and create things that INSPIRE people anymore? I know Conde has gone through some cutbacks lately - no private cars, lavish dinners, no more four star hotels comped...maybe they should have trimmed the fat a little sooner in order to save something that inspires people. Isn't that what they are intending to do anyway? Or is publishing just a way to tell people what they want to hear in order to live an over-the-top life on corporate America?

Don't get me wrong, I love corporate America. But they have done just a few things wrong in the last few months. I digress, again, as usual.

Today I am sad. And the March 2009 issue will be the last of Domino. I hope they bring it back soon. I hope they rethink their decision. I hope a faction of stylish women and adorable gay men cluster outside of Conde Nast HQ in their Moncler weather gear demanding that the Dominoes do not fall down.

Which brings me to something else...maybe they should have given it another name. Don't dominoes always fall down? Maybe this time they should name it something a little more steadfast.

DOMINO update from FashionWeekDaily.com:

The Domino Effect
Condé Nast closes the shelter title, February issue carried only 17 ad pages
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
(NEW YORK) As reported in trade publication WWD, Condé Nast has closed Domino magazine. This news comes merely two weeks after the magazine's publishing activities were handed over to Condé Nast senior vice president Bill Wackermann. The shelter title, published with a frequency of 10 times a year, only carried 17 advertising pages in the February issue, and finished 2008 with 692 ad pages. More details are emerging, but given Condé Nast's hiring freeze, it appears unlikely that the magazine's 47 editorial staffers will be placed at other titles in the company.
UPDATE: Condé Nast CEO Chuck Townsend has weighed in. "This decision to cease publication of the magazine and its website is driven entirely by the economy," he said in a statement. "Although readership and advertising response was encouraging in the early years, we have concluded that this economic market will not support our business expectations." According to Mediaweek, the March issue will be the last one, and editor Deborah Needleman will leave the company--although some staffers are expected to be placed at other Condé titles.

Optimism and Love

Rob Ryan, papercutting artist from the UK. Read the bits I have shared here, and check out his website:

Rob Ryan - http://www.misterrob.co.uk/

(Left) - "Maybe in this very city or in a field a thousand miles away. But you must be patient and never despair for one day you shall surely find each other."

(Right)- "You were in my head but now you are in my heart. Stay there forever."

Need I say more?

Stripes Make Me Happy

Stripe - (as defined by wikipedia) - a long, straight region of a single color.

That long, stright region of a single color, when standing alone or combined with other colors in a pattern makes me happy. When don't stripes make people happy? Maybe this is why jails had to stop issuing black and white striped clothing to their guests. They didn't want to fully ruin the reputation or happy connotation of the stripe. (*Orange was recently on thin ice because of this, but has made a major comeback in fashion. I also love orange.)

Stripes are their own language. They are not symbols, they are not words; in fact they are a combination of color that conveys a message to people in a non-threatening manner. Stripes denote ranks in the military, they are found on countless flags and burgees, NATO and the UN uses them to silently communicate which branch someone is serving in (even on their watch bands), and even the stylish French and Russian Navy has used them as a part of their uniforms.

There is this great thing online for graphic designers called Stripe Generator . A little hard to use as an amateur, but only proves my point about stripes being a wonderful thing - so much so that there is an entire site dedicated to creating them!

Get out there and celebrate stripes and all that they have to offer. Below is a list of my favorite striped items.

I love:

1. Striped grosgrain ribbon belts

2. French Navy shirts (and Russian)

3. Zebras

4. Racing stripes on cars

5. Candy canes

6. Red Stripe Lager

7. "Stripes" the movie

8. The Stars & Stripes

9. Striped watch bands

10. Fruit Stripe gum

11. Rugby stripes

Labelmakers Will Change Your Life...

Yesterday I bought a labelmaker with the conviction that it will change my life. Make me more motivated, organized, efficient. Today my office is starting to resemble a Richard Scarry book.

He was a genius. I really really loved those books, the characters were my friends. I think even now I would find heaps of comfort in reading one and the silly little labels he put on everything: book, worm, apple, car. Cheers to R.S. for sharing his passion with all of us, a legacy that lives on today.

I digress...back to labeling my office and beyond.

The Best of the 80's

In no particular order, and loved equally by me. I am sure there will be someaddendums as I lament in future days.


1. Swatch. The scratch and sniff, available in three flavors sold at The Limited for $25. I wore mine until it turned yellow. This was my first of several swatches (of which I can only locate one). My brother had the Jellyfish, first men's Swatch.

2. The music. Still the only thing we are really allowed to celebrate somewhat publicly on mocking "80's Nights". But you know those people are loving the flashback.

3. ELLE magazine. Thank you to those editors during the 80's. It was my first fashion magazine and I got it religiously from age 10 until now. I especially remember the one they published backwards because they did a poll and some high percentage of women read magazines back to front. Innovative and I don't think anyone else has done it again to this day. Even Seinfeld copied them on that one.

4. Guess Jeans - the triangle logo on the pocket, zip ankles, and the ads.

5. Micheal Jackson who deserves his own number in this line up. The posters, pins, #1 songs, the dance moves, videos...all fond memories of many sleepovers in friend's basements.

6. Benetton. I love that logo.

7. The Goonies. I had a major crush on Sean Astin. Had I known he would grow up to be 5" shorter than me, I probably would have tried a little harder at age 11.

8. Friendship Pins - the legitimate beginning of my jewelry design happened in my BFF's basement (Melissa). If only I had the arsenal of tools then that I have now. We are still BFF today, and we are still designing jewelry. Funny...

9. Hello Kitty. A trend that started in 1975, Melissa and I really embraced this kitty in the 80s. It was my life's mission to have every bit of Hello Kitty gear out there. The mini colored pencils, every pad of paper, stationary, figurine, stuffed animal. The thing is, now we could not keep up. Target even has a Hello Kitty toaster.

10. My pink Sharp radio. Many many mixtapes from the radio (Open House Party) were made on this beloved treasure. It sat in a shrine to the 80's in the 80's near my inflatable palm trees. Long live FM, pop music, and this plastic radio.
Look at that thing, it's gorgeous.

I thought CK Bradley had a new catalog...

...but J Crew strikes again.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy J.Crew. I have spent many blissful hours of my youth trotting around in my beloved anorak (which I still have...vintage now). But I am a little bored with designers in similar genres blatantly ripping one another off.

J. Crew's new catalog (January) really really resembles the CK Bradley drawings that their assistant designer has been drawing for upwards of three years. This is not the first time J. Crew has gotten a little inspiration from Camilla Bradley. Camilla and her crew at CK Bradley have a way of executing design with passion and intensity. Something a corporate brand just cannot accomplish no matter what color label or collection name they are selling it under. Good for J. Crew for getting bigger; I would just hope that they would have a few more original ideas since they are (I am sure) paying designers to do just that, have original thoughts.

This concept of originality is more important now than ever if you want to sell anything in this (supposedly) challenged market.

I suppose imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...

Three cheers to CK Bradley for keeping it real - and snaps to all of the other designers out there manifesting original designs. Everyone keep your eyes peeled for the CK Bradley Spring 2009 collection, it's delicious!

Latest and Greatest Wants.

I love elephants for more than one reason. I am politically in favor of elephants, this bracelet in particular. It's Cavalli, nice work on the costume jewelry. Currently on sale for $490 on vivre.com.

Also available is this delicious, but slightly pricier Boucheron double snake ring (left, the one that looks like a snake will give it away). This is something I would want in my collection. In case anyone is reading this and has a hankering for buying me a $2400+ gift. My birthday is coming.

Sober is the new Drunk

Sober is the new Drunk.
I have several friends who are "on the wagon", although they are not alcoholics and some wine has recently been found on the wagon. They are not participating in the same kind of holiday style drinking that has been allowed since before the 4th of July. I have also been off booze for a few months, and I feel great.

Of course I will forget how great I feel compared to waking up after a long night of Dark'n'Stormies during a regatta weekend in Newport. When it gets even remotely warm, I will indulge once more. But for now, this is the slogan to live by in our neck of the woods.

All of this could be negotiated if you are on vacation in a spot that is warm enough to legitimately wear flip flops, like Key West. Race Week starts Monday. I am sad to say I am not going this year (along with many other people since boat money is not as free flowing as the Mt. Gay at the race week tent). So we remain in Newport, cold, sober and totally in style.

Domino

Love this book. I got it for Christmas (thanks Mom). It takes me about 30 minutes to digest each page, so I have only made it into "living rooms" so far.

It also comes with a free subscription to the magazine! yahoo!

That's all I have time for today...

How Did T. Edison Do It?

I wish I was a functioning insomniac with a touch of mania to keep me motivated.

There is not enough time in the day for me and my personality/habits to get everything done that I am inspired to create, engineer, and investigate. Maybe I need a staff of small elves that take direction well?

Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Marc Jacobs...all incredible innovators. Even if Marc or Albert didn't really discover anything new, their ability to take information and re-interpret it, present it, and inspire others deserves accolades. Cheers to Marc on this latest Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 collection. It was Marc, wasn't it?

Please note this necklace...

R&Y Augousti, Paris...

These bags are nothing short of delicious. Everyone needs a good clutch. It can double as a wallet. A clutch can be pulled out of your suitcase of a handbag and taken with you on many after-dark adventures. R&Y Augousti's clutches are the most incredible way to do just this.

R&Y Augousti's handbags are inspired by their furniture collection started in 1990. Every piece is handmade using top quality exotic skins from ostrich, stingray and eel accented by bronze hardware. The clutch shown above is shown in taupe ostrich skin with stingray detail. Similar pieces are available in bright pink and chocolate brown at my retail store, Luxe Newport, for $380. Also featured at Luxe Newport are clutches in navy blue ostrich and patent-looking eel skins; as well as the cream puff piece of our collection: a chocolate leather bag with green Malachite handles and cabochon detail for $440.

I strongly urge you to invest in a fun, interesting, colorful, texturized, or simply delicious clutch. For more information on the R&Y Augousti clutches available at CK Bradley in NYC, call 212-988-7999 or email heidi@shopsugar.com.

Happiness is Vintage Shopping...in Rhode Island

Last night I stopped into Savers in Warwick, RI looking for a Members Only jacket for my friend's halloween costume. I already have one...it's vintage and in perfect condition purchased last March at a boutique in Soho. I have never worn it. I am still perplexed about what occaision warrants my wearing a men's Member's Only jacket in Newport. For the record, it looks similar to the one on the right.

When I come across something truly delicious in a vintage or thrift store, or ebay (of course) it makes me want to disclose my treasure chest to everyone. So here is a guide for vintage and thrift shopping in the Ocean State.

Newport, RI

Two great stores within two blocks of each other, and a bonus thrift store...

Vintage to Vogue - 70 Broadway

Closet Revival - 30 Broadway

Salvation Army - between these two stores through a parking lot...not sure of the address.

All of these stores have the advantage of being located in a town known for it's summer resort style. They carry true vintage from the 30s to the 80s, as well as designer brands and of course, preppy gear including vintage Lilly, vintage plaid pants and blazers, and embriodered pants for men.

Warwick, RI

Savers is worth the trip. Not only is it a k-mart sized thrift store, but 100% of the profits are donated to Big Sisters. This is an advantage because they obtain large donations of clothing and accessories from families looking for a place to donate their beloved designer threads. Last night we stumbled on a vintage green Aquascutum jacket, purchased a vintage Burberrys' (as the label reads!) camel hair jacket, and of course other treasures. Most everything is $0.99 - $7.99 with some pricier exceptions.

Savers - 24 Universal Blvd (off of Bald Hill Rd. next to Best Buy)

visit http://www.savers.com/ for more locations in the US, Canada, and Australia!

Donate Shop - 90 Airport Rd.

I am not sure if this is open, but while you're up there...

Providence, RI

The home of RISD, Brown, Providence College, and many private secondary schools...Providence even has a vintage store in the mall.

Second Time Around - 294 Thayer Street & Providence Place Mall*

*the mall store has more selection and designer pieces

NAVA - 281 Thayer Street

(mixed new and vintage, well edited)

Foreign Affair Warehouse - 219 Thayer Street

(great edited selection of vintage labels 50s through 80s, evening, heaps of men's clothing, theme, etc.)

1793 - 5 Steeple Street 2nd floor

(fantastic selection of boutique vintage gear, worth the hunt...and stop at the cafe on the corner while you're down there)

Rocket to Mars - 144 Broadway p#401-274-0905

(A+++ themed in 50s and 60s - furniture, clothing, accessories, homegoods, jewelry and more. This store is perfect and deserves a lot of business to keep it going. Vintage patterns available too. Incredible. We bought dresses, jewelry, a bowling trophy, and seven handbags of various shapes and sizes.)

Act II - 802 Hope Street (E. Providence)

(this one closes early and is more of a women's consignment store. It is very big and seems to carry a wide selection of women's clothing and accessories, although it was closed when we arrived! Worth the trip as there are other cute boutiques nearby with interesting finds at good prices.)

My Sister's Attic Consignment - 342 Atwells Ave in Federal Hill p#401-351-4092

(this was also closed, mostly furniture, tchotchkes, but a good selection of jewelry from what we could tell with noses pressed against the window. Also in the Italian neighborhood where the food is amazing!)

Salvation Army - 201 Pittman St

Goodwill - 80 Manton Ave

Cranston, RI

I have never been to any of these, so I don't know if they are good or even open. But it seems like a good idea to include them for the vintage hunter extraordinaire.

Eve in Paris - 2 Gansett Ave 401-942-7747

Resale Connection - 330 Atwood Ave 401-942-5098

Adored by Us - 1458 Park Ave #3 401-942-0570