Lone Cypress
With a couple of very busy weeks ahead, we’re taking Jeanne’s (from the blog I Dream Of) advice and spending some time in one of our happy places… That is, after we see Jeanne for lunch on Thursday! Can you guess where we’re going?
Photo: tree
Marni Dress for Peggy
As the curtain dropped on Mad Men Sunday night, we couldn’t help but feel a bit sad… But we’re also very grateful we had the chance to watch a show that will go down in history as being one of the most fashionable. From the swanky offices of SC&P to Don’s luxuriously hip New York pad, the interiors have never disappointed, nor have the fab fashions. We’ve been watching for seven years though it feels like a lot less and think parting gifts are in order for some of the show’s leading characters. [Spoiler alert!] And while Don would like to “buy the world a Coke” while meditating at a retreat, we’ll be buying these… A Marni dress for Peggy – while we applaud the advent of pant suits, we so love a fun frock.
Nine Iron Studios Decanter
A decanter for Don in hopes that he’ll cut down on the heavy stuff and turn to fine wines now that he’s found Nirvana…
Hermes Scarf
A silk scarf for Joan – Hermes, of course. Have you ever noticed that in times of crisis, the women of Mad Men wear scarves (read all about it in this post!)
Nouvel Studios Glass
A twisted shot glass for Roger – need we say more?
Valentino Rockstud Sandals
A pair of “Zou Bisou Bisou” sandals for Megan to go with her insanely short skirts…
David Yurman Petrvs Lion Ring
and a signet ring for Peter to remind him of his Upper East Side roots while settling down in Wichita.
Farewell Mad Men, and thanks for the memories!
P.S. If you’re a fan, what did you think of the series finale?
For the Worker Bee
This Sunday, we’d like to honor the Queen Bee in our family, our mother Diane, and shower her with some virtual gifts… This bee-guiling selection will have all types of bees a-buzz!
For the Beauty Bee
For the Fashionista Bee
For the Gourmet Bee
For the Hostess Bee
For the Baker Bee
Happy Friday and Happy Mother’s Day to all you Queen Bees!
Photos: diary, shadow, bracelet, honey, bowl, and cake decorations
Dear Carolina
While many were celebrating yesterday’s date with magaritas and Mexican fare, we were celebrating the launch of Dear Carolina, the first novel by North Carolina native and beautiful blogger, Kristy Woodson Harvey. Having had a regatta-free weekend (woohoo!), we spent two days reveling in the Southern charm of this story – two strong but very real women who come together for the sake of a baby girl. Kristy’s writing career began at UNC where she studied journalism and mass communications and was perfected through her blog, Design Chic, a family affair with her mother, Beth.
Kristy Woodson Harvey
Dear Carolina‘s richly developed characters (à la Steel Magnolias) live in a world where family comes first and colorful Southern idioms are as abundant as crepe myrtle. You can’t help but be transported by the two female narrators and the tale they weave for baby Carolina. So grab a copy, hop on a porch swing with a glass of sweet tea sangria, and prepare to be enchanted…
Porch Swing
Should you wish to join the celebration and add a little Southern style and comfort to your home and kitchen, Kristy is offering a $1,000 Shop Design Chic Shopping Spree to one lucky winner. The Design Chic shop is chock full of divine home accessories and furniture, curated with a designer’s expert eye.
Halie Pillow
Shopping Spree
To enter the shopping spree, send proof of purchase of Dear Carolina (photos are fine!) to readdearcarolina@gmail.com. And just for entering, you’ll also receive a free e-copy of the Dear Carolina Companion Cookbook, full of Southern recipes from renowned bloggers and family members, and Dear Carolina printable quotes. Everyone’s a winner in this giveaway!
Watermelon Agua Fresca
It’s Friday, the first of May and you know what that means? You’ll either be celebrating the Kentucky Derby or an early Cinco de Mayo over the weekend. While we love the glamour surrounding the “Run for the Roses”, we’re more likely to choose margaritas over mint juleps. And with a regatta-free weekend about to start and our birthdays to celebrate, we think a little fiesta is in order. We’ll begin our evening with mouthwatering watermelon agua fresca paired with a savory/sweet salsa…
Smoky Mango Avocado Salsa
and move on to a make-your-own taco spread. How about a roasted cauliflower and chick peas filling as a vegetarian option? Grilled shrimp would be a delicious addition!
Roasted Cauliflower and Chick Pea Tacos
Dessert is non-negotiable our age so we’ll indulge in margarita cupcakes while cheering on a favorite horse – our money is on a local 2 year Ridgling named Upstart, who was bred at Sunnyfield Farm in Bedford, NY.
Margarita Cupcakes
Festive Flowers
Finally, a hat is a must on Derby Day so we’re replacing the traditional sombrero with a crown of paper flowers!
Paper Flower Crown
Happy fiesta Friday and let us know what you’re celebrating this weekend.
Mara Hoffman
if we were going! We had you fooled, didn’t we. Doubtful anyone our age attends this music and arts festival in the Colorado Desert (unless they’re Hollywood or rock stars) but if they did, they’d need to fit in. Kaftkan… Check!
Dolce & Gabbana
Boho chic necklace… Check!
Musa
Sandals with sparkle… Check!
Charlotte Olympia
Something with a fringe… Check!
Markus Lupfer
Psychedelic sunnies… Check!
Sensi Studio
And a big, broad hat… Check!
Do you think we could pull off this look? What would you wear to capture your inner hippie flower child?
Photos: kaftan / necklace / sandals / clutch / sunglasses / hat
Butterfly Clip
“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore
Unlike the butterfly, we don’t have time enough to spend with our boys on spring break and write for this little blog… So we’re enjoying the moments this week and will be back next Monday!
P.S. For more natural beauty from Van Cleef & Arpels, click here for a delightful video and Happy Easter to all.
Porcelain Plates
Just in time for spring entertaining on the terrace (that is, whenever spring decides to actually get here!), Target is launching its latest designer collaboration with the iconic Lilly Pulitzer no less. While we can’t imagine mobs of preppy girls camping out at their local Target store ready to shop when the doors open on April 19th, we know this collection will hit the bulls’ eye so to speak.
Coffee Cups
Glass Votives
Sporting 15 brand new and exclusive prints designed in-house at Lilly, the line will feature 250 items including jewelry, clothing, shoes, accessories, and home decor. Best of all, prices will range from $2 to $150 with almost 200 designs under $30.
Patio Umbrella
Chaise
Lilly’s boldly bright and playful style has been a favorite for jet setters the world over (from Jackie O. to J. Lo) and now it will have a much broader audience with Target’s reach. Picnics and BBQ’s across the country will be a bit more fun and festive with these stylish finds!
Basket
P.S. Would you invite Lilly to your next party? Have a fabulous weekend!
Photos: Lilly Pulitzer for Target
Shades of Green
Six years ago tomorrow we launched this little blog of ours and never in our wildest imagination did we think it would bring us so much pleasure and so many readers from around the world. And never did we think we’d be blogging for so long… but we’re still at it 920 posts later!
Lettuce Ware Plate
Watering Can Clutch
Our first post was inspired by a room we saw at Manhattan House designed by the king of color, Jamie Drake, so we thought we’d revisit one of our favorite hues: green. Whether it’s the bright yellow green of new spring leaves or the bluer green of Paris’ park benches, we can’t help but love this color. We know we’re a day late for St. Patrick’s Day, but contrary to what Kermit the Frog said, it’s so easy being green.
Palms Drinkware
Green and Gorgeous Bouquet
Wood Wallpaper
P.S. Did you celebrate yesterday and in what green fashion?
P.P.S. Speaking of greens – don’t forget to enter our Substantial Salads book giveaway! Details can be found here.
Photos: room / plate / clutch / drinkware / flowers / wallpaper
Sally Wheat
With spring playing hide and seek with us (sorry – couldn’t resist!), we’re not about to give up our shearling coats and boots. And the faux fur throws are staying put, as well. We thought by now we’d be sprucing our homes up for spring but Mother Nature is definitely not cooperating with more snow on the way tomorrow. On the bright side, we can push off spring cleaning for a while and spend our weekends cozying up to the fireplace after we shovel the walk and driveway. After all, isn’t that what winter weekends are for? As the saying goes, if March comes in like a lion and it will go out like a lamb!
Amie Weitzman
NG Collective
Rumi Neely
Carey Karlan
Apartment 34
P.S. If you’re looking to add a touch of fur to your home, one of our favorite sources for natural fiber is our NY NOW neighbor, Auskin, and you can now buy their luxurious goodies online!
Photos: living room, bedroom, office, dining room, sitting room and chair