Out of Africa

Apart from being one of my all time favorite films, the costuming in Out of Africa is just so chic. The soft neutral colors, and Meryl's ability to look gorgeous in beautifully tailored, menswear-inspired threads, makes me long to 'have a farm in Africa'... if you know what I mean.

Objects... Found

This ring is cast from a real octopus tentacle. Love it

From OctopusMe

Penhaligon's

Head Notes:Geranium and Lavender, Heart Notes: Clover, Base Notes: Patchouli, Sandalwood and Oakmoss; English fern was created in 1910

Penahaligon's, an English perfumerie was founded in the late 1860's by Willam Henry Penhaligon. Penhaligon was a barber from Cornwall who later became the 'court barber' and Perfumer to Queen Victoria. The original Penhaligon's was destroyed during the Blitz bombings of World War II and later reestablished by designer Shelia Pickles and filmaker Franco Zeffirelli. My sister, Cecily, has worn Penhaligon's fragrances as long as I can remember. I think the packaging (William's original design) is almost as gorgeous as the perfumes themselves.

Head Notes: Citrus, Heart Notes:Hyacinth, Lily of the Valley, Cyclamen, Jasmine and Rose,Base Notes:Galbanum, Clove and Cinnamon

Probably Penhaligon's most well known and well loved fragrance, Bluebell was created in 1978, and is said to have "the pure and unadulterated distillation of the scent of bluebell woods."

Head Notes:Lemon, Lime and Lavender, Heart Notes:Blenheim Bouquet has no heart notes,Base Notes:Pine, Musk and Black Pepper

Blenheim bouquet was created in 1902 for the Duke of Marlborough. It was also loved by another member of the family, Winston Churchill. The fragrance was named after Blenheim Palace where the Duke resided and Churchill was born.

Objects... Found

I really enjoy these mushroom shelves from Mark St. Clair They are actual funghi that has been kiln-baked and turned into chic shelving. I think they'd look particularly well above a bar displaying a few (lightweight of course) glasses and such ....or maybe along the walls of a long hallway.

available from John Derian

dead or alive

Levi van Veluw 'Landscapes III'

On the 27th the Museum of Art & Design will be presenting a new, amazing exhibit... dead or alive. Artists from all over the world have taken materials that were once parts of a living organism and transformed them into art! These are some of my favorites.


Christy Rupp 'Dodo'

Julia Lohmann 'Kelp Constructs'

'Keith Bentley 'Cauda Equina '

See the exhibit at M.A.D. from April 27th through October 24th.

a vida portuguesa!

During a recent visit to the Cooper Hewitt (one of my favorite places in the city hands down), I popped into the gift shop. The museum and the shop are always as major source of inspiration for me and I have found some of my favorite items there. Anywho, on this recent visit I began to notice all of the gorgeous products from Portugal. and became a little obsessed. While doing further research into all things Portuguese I came across A Vida Portuguesa. The store, owned by Caterina Portas, is based in Lisbon and sells a beautifully curated collection of Portuguese Brands; most of which were chosen do to their enduring quality(she tries to carry products that have been around for at least 40 years) and their beautiful packaging. Here are some of my favorites...

My sister and I were in Lisbon a few years ago and I bought a bar of this shaving soap. It is to die for... as is Lisbon.

Scrubbing the floor never looked so good

All items available online at http://www.avidaportuguesa.com/

Objects... Found

I found(and clearly HAD to buy) these amazing shoes the other day(they're made by a company called Zalo) I think they are tres chic and am now obsessed all things needlepoint... especially shoes... check some of these out!

monogrammed... yes please! (from invite cottage)

amazing nautical kicks from a&l home