Artist Spotlight: Niege Borges

I just stumbled across the site The Dancing Plague of 1518 recently. Super cute illustrations of famous dance moves by Niege Borges! So cute. Pulp Fiction is definitely my favorite. View more here.

Watch This: Tory Burch's Love Letter to New York

Such a cute video. Tory Burch shares her connection and love for New York City in this video short. And we share two favorite things about The Big Apple: The Frick Collection, where I would walk to on the weekends and read by the indoor fountain, and JG Melon, the famous burger joint that my friend Marisa and I would frequent and meet the true Upper East Side locals. Watch below!

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.

 

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

Quote Unquote

*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.

A full set of Bond books! 

 Books

 Embroidered loafers and matching socks, of course!

More books...

And some more...

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

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.'

Read more about them here. 

*all images via surfing cowboy

Jack Spade Across Manhattan

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

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

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

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