Peek of Perfection: 1/1/12

January 31, 2012

Object of Desire: Theyskens' Theory Pants

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

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

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.

January 30, 2012

Object of Desire: RED Valentino Bow Sandals

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

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

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*image via discoveries of glory

Field Report: The Tom Cary Collection

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 appreciation for 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 embarked on what became a peek into the fabulous, rare and vintage world of Thomas Cary.

The first thing one notices upon walking into his shop is the breadth of collectibles he has. Once you explore a little more, you notice that it's not just a collection of 'stuff', and 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. During the tour, Tom offered his colorful commentary about the history of how he personally found each piece. 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. 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 Tom's shop here, and his new Tumblr site here.