Marcello Mastroianni Exhibit at the Museo dell'Ara Pacis
Happy New(ish) Year!
I’ve read it’s okay to say this until the end of the month. I made it just under the wire. I cannot believe February 1st is next week.
I’ve been meaning to check out the new exhibit at the Ara Pacis since the day it opened. It closes February 17th. If you live in Rome or are planning to visit, I recommend seeing it.
I loved learning more about Mastroianni’s childhood and family. I knew he was a stage actor for years before becoming a film star but had not seen many photos from that era. I didn’t know producer Dino de Laurentiis (grandfather of Giada) wanted Paul Newman for the lead in “La Dolce Vita”. Fellini said no. I’m trying to picture how different the film would’ve been.
Mastroianni was very handsome and had charisma for days but didn’t want to be seen as the cliché “Latin Lover”. In many films he upended the stereotype, playing anti-heroes who didn’t know how to deal with shifting gender roles, political/economic instability, and changing social mores.
Along with set photographs, one sheets, and short clips from several films, there were also a few costumes from his movies, including an iconic dress worn by Sophia Loren.
The exhibit is well organized, translated (English), and curated. If you love movies, the arts, Italian history, it’s a must.
Photos:Museo dell'Ara Pacis
Museo dell'Ara Pacis
Lungotevere in Augusta - 00186 Roma
Opening hours
Open daily, from 9.30 to 19.30
Last admission 1 hour before closing time
The Design Files - Something's Gotta Give, Fifteen Years Later
I follow writer/director Nancy Meyers on Instagram. She recently published a post regarding the upcoming fifteenth anniversary of her film. I cannot believe it's been that long since the release of one of the best interior design films ever produced. Yes, I know the movie isn't about interior design but the production design was so exquisite that years later the interiors, by Production Designer, Jon Hutman and Set Decorator, Beth Rubino, look as lovely as ever.I was speaking with a Kitchen & Bath interior designer and she said that her clients are still referencing the kitchen. Creating interiors that are timeless, yet fresh, isn't easy.The interiors help us get a sense of who Erica Barry is. She's a very successful woman of a certain age (56), who has completely shut down in the romance department. This was one of Diane Keaton's best roles. Jack Nicholson was fantastic as well. These type of sharp comedic roles are not easy and Jack's Harry Sanborn character, in particular, was complicated. We were rooting for Erica from the get go. Harry, if played by a lesser actor, may have come across as a complete cad, a boring cliché of a man in his mid 60s chasing after women more than half his age. Jack and Diane had great chemistry. You can't manufacture magic.This movie had it all. I wish Hollywood would make more romantic comedies about and for adults. I keep hearing and reading this genre is dead, at least for feature films. This is unfortunate. The world needs more romance!For now, let us enjoy this beautiful home. The exterior was from a real home in Southhampton. The interiors were built on a sound stage.For more information regarding sourcing and how the interiors were created, check out Interior Designer Linda Merrill's post.
Photos: Modern Country Style except where noted.
My Ten Year Anniversary.
I'm not sure why I started blogging ten years ago today.
The blogging world has changed a great deal since my first post POST. Back then nobody was making money from blogging. It was way to communicate, connect, and create.I rarely read old posts. Some make me cringe (and not just because of all the typos), others make me thankful I got the heck out Los Angeles, and then there are the posts with the hilarious comments. The randomness of the posts is bizarre. One post would be about some serious foreign policy debate and the very next day I would write about an annoying Black Eye Peas song.At first I used a pseudonym and didn't tell anyone, outside of close friends, in Hollywood that I had a blog. Like many other long-time bloggers, I don't delete old posts...even the embarrassing ones. These posts are a snapshot of what was going on in the world and/or my life at the time.There's much debate about the future of blogs and blogging. Who knows what will happen. I do know that readers are turned off by constant shilling.I'm glad I started a blog a decade ago. Through it I found my voice again and met some great people (several who are close friends to this day). I wouldn't have moved to Italy without that blog. My life would be completely different.
Design Inspiration - Bar Luce - Prada Fondazione, Milan
Hold up, how is it October already? One of my friends in the States was complaining about seeing Thanksgiving decorations already. I guess we should be grateful they weren't for Valentine's Day 2016.I have started my apartment search. It's, well, a trip. I don't know what some of these landlords are thinking. The bathroom situation is not good.I'm having a hard time finding smaller apartments that are unfurnished. Most of the apartments in the neighborhoods I'm focusing on were built for families. I don't need a huge apartment and as a small business owner, it wouldn't be financially smart to take on that kind of monthly expense.I hope to find something this month. We'll see.I took a quick business trip to Milan last month. I got completely lost searching for a to-the-trade vintage furniture store. Once i realized I was very close to the new Prada Fondazione, I had to check out Bar Luce.Bar Luce was designed by film director Wes Anderson. Anderson has directed several short films for the fashion house.It's 1950/1960's Milanese style with a touch of Anderson's quirkiness. Opened everyday from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Bar Luce is the prefect spot to have coffee or aperitivi.There are so many wonderful design details in this space. I really need to return and spend a afternoon there, reading and writing.ADORE these lights. If I find an apartment with an ingresso/foyer that has overhead lighting, I'd love a fixture like this.
The dark wood helps anchor all the pastels. Without it, perhaps the décor would be too twee. Pink and green are fabulous together. Back in college I used to have a rugby shirt with those colors. One day while walking across the quad, an upperclassman asked me if I were an AKA. She said, "you do wear a lot of pink and green."I did. Not because I belonged to that sorority but because I wore a lot of preppy clothes in the 80s.
I didn't have a chance to see what tunes were on the jukebox.
One of my favorite Wes Anderson films. I must buy the soundtrack.
I wonder what flavor the pink cake is. So pretty.
I Went Back to Cali - La Cienega Design Quarter - Legends 2015
Finally, my jet lag is over. It was much worse in Los Angeles and ended shortly before my return flight to Rome. How wonderful!The LCDQ Legends interior designer conference is one of the most popular events in the industry. I've heard designers call it the Coachaella or the Oscars of interior design. There were more than ten thousand RSVPs for the three-day event, with designers from over twenty-four states, and one hundred and fifty designers traveling to Los Angeles from overseas.This was my first year attending. It was fantastic. There were Interesting and informative panel discussions, fun parties, and over sixty-seven inspiring window displays.Not only did I enjoy visiting some of my favorite (and new) showrooms, I appreciated the style of my fellow decorators. Folks were not playing. It does make sense that many interior designers/decorators have a great sense of style. I forgot how super casual Los Angeles is until I saw someone walk into Urth Cafe in Beverly Hills wearing pajamas bottoms. I'm talking about the sloppy, comfortable ones you sleep in, not the dressy ones you would wear to a party.I also had Hollywood film/TV meetings but since this is not a screenwriting blog, all I will say is that everyone is talking about EMPIRE. We'll see how this hit show changes the landscape.There were many highlights and I left feeling very energized (and determined to move to a new neighborhood).Opening night gala. My friend Corrina (an interior design junkie) came with me. It was packed. The food was delicious. I felt drunk despite not drinking at all. The jet lag struggle was real that night.
The official kick off. The Bloggers Breakfast. I met Erinn Valencich from American Dream Builders. So nice. Perhaps my experience is not the norm, but I'm constantly surprised by how friendly and helpful people are in this industry. At the conference I met some serious A-listers and they couldn't be more down to earth. It's shocking!There were many famous design bloggers attending the breakfast but the room was so crowed it was impossible to move around. I found out who was at the event after seeing their Instagram feeds.Yes, I took a photo of this Italian shower head. I love that other people were also taking photos of faucets and shower heads. I could spend hours discussing such things.
I've written about Peter Dunham before. His showroom, Hollywood at Home, has moved to a new location. Beautiful. I ordered some fabric samples for my Anguilla beach house project.
You know how I feel about Peonies.
Peter's famous Fig Leaf print.
How gorgeous is this dark blue club chair at Mecox?
This table? Perfect for a bedroom, entryway, or a small office.
Everyone was so cheerful. It really unnerved me. Ha!This photo was taken at the ELLE DECOR Power Luncheon. Very pretty and again, great food.
Lulu Powers making Aperol Spritz before the "Entertaining - The Home As A Social Stage" panel, with Susan McFadden, Kathryn M. Ireland, Russ Diamond, and Lulu.The take away? Dining rooms are not obsolete, despite what developers of McMansions say. They're being used differently, less formal. I agree and wish I had one.
I read Windsor Smith's new book once I returned to Rome. I highly recommend adding it to your library. It was great to meet Windsor and to spend time in the Arteriors' showroom.
I love that Arteriors was serving cocktails at 2:30 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, I was driving non-stop in Los Angeles. Still, I enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
One of the most popular events is the Moore and Giles cocktail party, co-chaired by Harbinger LA and the Hearst shelter magazines (Veranda, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful) in the Harbinger backyard.More Aperol Spritz. The Italian inspired menu was catered by Lulu Powers and was delicious.
My incredible experience ended with an intimate party at Kathryn M. Ireland's beautiful home. I forgot my phone (the HORROR!).Paloma Contreras of La Dolce Vita blog wrote a post about it.Ireland has moved her West Hollywood showroom next door to her textile printing shop on Washington street. Outside, it looks like any other nondescript industrial space. Inside, is a completely different story.I cannot believe it's been almost three years since I attended her Interior Design Boot Camp. It was one of the best investments I've made in my career. It was also a lot of fun.
Work in progress. Hand printed textiles.
Photos: My and my iPhone.
Weekend Inspiration - Freedom of Expression
The one-two punch of the SONY hack from a few weeks ago and the terrorist attack in Paris on Wednesday, is a clear reminder that the right to express oneself is very important in a modern society. This is a bigger issue than a comedy or a cartoon.Without freedom of expression, democracy cannot exist.Last night, on my way home, I walked through Piazza Farnese where the French Embassy is located in Rome. I have been in this building several times, mostly to vote. I saw many employees, neighbors, and French expatriates gathered in the square holding candles. The entire square was packed. It was somber but moving.
Buon weekend a tutti.
Philip Seymour Hoffman - RIP
I know this has nothing to do with design, decorating, or Rome/Italy, but Hoffman's death has hit me like a ton of bricks.PSH was truly one of the most talented actors of our generation. Even in big blockbuster tent pole movies, like MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, he brought something unique to the screen.It's his roles in smaller/indie films that I loved. I could watch him all day as Freddie Miles in THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY. Some of the my other favorite roles were in: 25th HOUR, BOOGIE NIGHTS, DOUBT, THE MASTER, THE BIG LEBOWSKI, HAPPINESS, HARD EIGHT, MAGNOLIA, CAPOTE, and ALMOST FAMOUS.I'm pissed. This guy was like Daniel Day Lewis. That level of talent is so rare. Stupid heroin.
Io Adoro - Michelle Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o
We are smack in the middle of the Hollywood awards season. For fans of film, and/or fashion, these are glorious times.Every season, a few people really stand out. Some, unfortunately, stand out for all the wrong reasons and then there are stars like Michelle Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o.These two actresses have been killing it on the red carpet.I wasn't surprised to find out that they share a stylist, Micaela Erlanger. This has been a break out season for her as well.I love that both woman wear clothes that fit their personalities. Sometimes on the red carpet it looks like the clothes are wearing the star.While it's true most of the clothes are borrowed, there's still no excuse for ill fitting garments. One thing I've noticed with both Michelle and Lupita is the fit of their clothes. Perfection.How beautiful is this Oscar de la Renta dress? On someone else it could've seemed too old fashioned but Michelle's make-up and accessories keep it fresh.
Photo: OscarPRGirl
The detailing at the neckline and the color of this Gucci dress is stunning. It's a great color for Lupita's complexion.
Photo: E! online
I'm very curious to see what they will wear for the Oscars.
Weekend Inspiration - Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine
I recently saw Blue Jasmine. Cate Blanchett is so outstanding, you forget the plot holes in the movie.I haven't seen all the other Best Actress nominees' performances yet but if Cate wins the Oscar I wouldn't be surprised.The wardrobe was amazing as well. I read that the costume designer, Suzy Benzinger, had a budget of only $35,000. Most of the clothes were borrowed and every time Cate dropped the Birkin (which belonged to Benzinger and cost more than the entire budget) on the ground, people on set gasped.Beautiful Chanel jacket. Poor Jasmine. She was bananas.
Photo: Collider.com
How stunning is this red Carolina Herrera dress? Love, love, love, it!
Photo: indiewire.com
Stylish simplicity in a linen dress by Façonnable.
Photo: NY Daily News
I have a completely different build from Ms. Blanchett. I'm not sure how any of these clothes would look on my short self, but I can dream about the accessories.
Buon weekend!
Life In Rome - Gordon Parks Exhibition
Last week a fantastic Gordon Park's exhibit opened in Rome. Titled, Una Storia Americana (an American History), this is one of the largest retrospectives of his work.Gordon Parks was a true renaissance man. He was a self-taught photographer, musician, writer, film director, and poet.Parks was also quite popular with the ladies. When he was sixty he met a young aspiring writer named Candace Bushell, who had recently moved to New York City. She moved in. She was eighteen.He became the first African-American to direct a major Hollywood movie and was the first African-American photographer hired by LIFE and VOGUE magazines. His range of subjects, along his talent, made Parks one of the most important American photographers of the 20th century. Many of his images are iconic and will be for years.
Weekend Inspiration - Kenton Nelson
I first became familiar with Nelson's work when I saw his piece "Swin Party" in the movie "Something's Gotta Give."
Photo: Kenton Nelson
Incredible painting. The colors are so saturated. When I look at it, I think Southern California in the late 30's.I know this painting will be on a future mood board. Look at that red!Buon weekend.
Il Tennis
It's time to hit the courts.There are a lot of things I enjoy about playing tennis. It's fun, it's outdoors, it's a sport you can play for life, and the clothes.I'm dead serious. From a very young age, I've LOVED tennis outfits. I like to keep my clothes simple, no lace or crazy patterns. I'm there to play a sport not to go clubbing.Below are some of my favorite old school photos. It's interesting, you could wear any of these clothes now (perhaps not the headbands) and they would look contemporary even though they are from the 70's and the 80's. Classic.
Photo: Guardian UK
Photo: World In Sport.com
Other photos: Google
Weekend Inspiration - Audrey Hepburn In Rome
Audrey Hepburn's son, Luca Dotti, has edited a book about his famous mother."Audrey In Rome" has over two hundred photographs, many of them never published before, taken during the time Ms. Hepburn lived in the Eternal City.Ms. Hepburn was a resident in Rome for over twenty years after marrying, Dr. Andrea Dotti, an Italian psychiatrist.I cannot wait to buy this book filled with photos of Rome and of fashion from the '50s to the '70s. The release date is April 16th.Hope you have a stylish and fantastic weekend.
Weekend Inspiration - Kate Spade + Bicycles + Shutters On The Beach = Stylish Fun
It's a cloudy, rainy day in Rome.To be honest, I'm so over the rainy season it's not funny. Perhaps living in sunny Los Angeles for ten years has ruined my ability to cope with normal winter weather.I went to college in Upstate New York. I'm from the East Coast. Now all of a sudden I'm a big wimp when it comes to the weather? I really need to stop complaining about the cold because in a few months it will be too hot.It's Oscar weekend. One of the most fun events is the Independent Spirit Awards, which were held under a big tent in Santa Monica with the after party at Shutters On The Beach Hotel.The last time I went to the party, a friend and I kept following bumping into Daniel Craig. It was a glorious day.Unfortunately, the upcoming forecast is not so glorious... rain for the next five days. Clearly, there will be no stylish bike riding for me this weekend.Buon weekend a tutti![youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XNfVoVhc7M&w=560&h=315]
THE DOOR by Ava DuVernay - Film, Dècor, and Fashion.
In 2011 the Italian fashion label Miu Miu started Women's Tales, a series of short films about women directed by female directors from all over the world.Their most recent short was directed by Ava DuVernay. Ava won the best director award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.Here is more information about Ava's short from Miu Miu:The Door, by Ava DuVernay, the fifth Miu Miu Women's Tale, is a celebration of the transformative power of feminine bonds, and a symbolic story of life change. The symbolic centre of The Door is the front entrance of the protagonist's home. As she opens it to greet a friend in the powerfully framed opening scenes, she is shrouded in an oblique sadness. "In the film, characters arrive at the door of a friend in need, bringing something of themselves," explains director DuVernay. "Eventually, we witness our heroine ready to walk through the door on her own. The door in the film represents a pathway to who we are." Clothing is also a symbol of renewal, each change of costume charting our heroine's emergence from a chrysalis of sadness. In the final scenes, she takes off her ring, pulls on long, black leather gloves, and walks, transformed by the emotive power of the clothing, through the door. Not a word was spoken, but Ava told a beautiful story. For some reason, I didn't recognize Gabrielle Union at first!The Door combines three things I'm passionate about, dècor, film, and fashion. Several of the pieces in the short need to be in my closet and hello, that house!I've seen many films with "a glass house in L.A." set design but this one really captured that L.A. loneliness vibe. I loved it.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNM0ha87eU0&w=560&h=315]
Stylish Simplicity - Earrings - Me&Ro Jewelry
Years ago when I was in the middle of hell a Hollywood film development executive, I worked 24/7. I also made no money, but on my birthday I would buy either a bag, shoes, or jewelry.For a few years (until the production company I worked for shut down) I alternated between which item to get, went go to Barneys, and put down my Barneys credit card. I would pay it off immediately with birthday money I received from my family.I didn't go crazy. I would buy, say a pair of Prada shoes (back then the prices were at least $200 lower) instead of Louboutins. That said, I think Marc Jacobs bags were/are completely over priced. Can someone please explain their price points to me?One particularly heinous year, I doubled down and bought a bag AND earrings.That year I walked pass the jewelry section on the first floor and a pair of earrings, similar to below, caught my eye.
I put them on and said, "I'll take them."For a while I only wore the earrings on special occasions. Then I thought that didn't make sense. Beautiful things should be worn.I wear them all the time now.These earrings are the only Me&Ro pieces I own. I love them and look forward to buying more pieces in the future.The designer and CEO, Robin Renzi, used to be a dancer and started her company in the back of her Elizabeth Street apartment in the early '90s. Me&Ro works with recycled materials and their designs are simple and stylish. The company has really grown since the mid 00s but the quality is as high as ever.Also, I like that they still make and produce all their jewelry in Tribeca, New York City. I'm sure they could increase their profit margins if they shipped those jobs overseas. That they've been in downtown NYC all this time says a lot about the company's values.
It's Important To Treat. Yo. Self.
For those who don't watch NBC's "Parks and Recreation", here are two clips explaining what the heck the title of this post is referring to.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsABTmT1_M0&w=640&h=360]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBcRjha8VBc&w=640&h=360]
Not having a steady paycheck is of course one of the major downsides of starting your own company and/or being a writer. Your landlord doesn't care if your latest script is hilarious. If it doesn't sell, you can't pay your rent.
Another downside is the lack of structure. I work from home. My laptop is always around. I don't take the weekends off. I feel guilty if I'm not working on novel number two, tweaking the AGD business plan, finishing a rewrite on a spec, working on my TV idea pitches, etc.
The thing is, I'm producing diminishing returns. I'm fried.
I finally hit the wall last week. While I do have a slew of pitches coming up, (which I have no control over), I have to get some kind of schedule in place.
I also need to treat myself once in a while. I have been so severe with my budget, it's insane. I can account for every single euro I spend.
I have no desire to have credit card debt or to be irresponsible. But I cannot continue to live the way I'm living. Something has to change.
So, I'm going to loosen the reins a little.
Treat. Yo. Self. 2012 has begun.
RIP Nora Ephron
I'm in shock. Nobody outside her immediate family knew she was even ill. Here's a link to the ABC News breaking report about her death.While she may be better known for her films, Nora was also a very witty journalist/novelist. Her book "I Feel Bad About My Neck" is hilarious.Nora and her words will be truly missed.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMo36SfyQhw&w=480&h=360][youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-8_zS2m-n4&w=480&h=360]
Buon Viaggio - Cannes and St. Tropez
My first trip to southern France was incredible. My friend's boss invited me to join them on his yacht. At first I wasn't sure about going since I didn't have a film at the festival and I had nothing to wear.
I like to have a plan. What exactly would I do in Cannes? My friend told me to get a grip as the trip was completely paid for. She had a point.
I'm very glad I said yes. Our host was lovely. Being a good host (and a good guest) is not something everyone knows how to do. I'm not sure why this is as there are a billion magazine articles and books on etiquette.
The attention to detail was impressive. The crew went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. The chef was OUTSTANDING. I ate well and drank some great wines.
On the first day, the water was extremely choppy. It calmed down by the evening and I had no problems sleeping. it was so quiet (unlike my darn neighborhood). The décor of my en suite cabin (and the yacht in general) was fantastic, very classic and understated. It felt like a home.
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It was nice, and surreal, to catch up with some Hollywood friends. There were multiple celebrity sightings. I did slip into a little funk after one exec said something bitchy to me. My friend and her husband cheered me up and reminded me why I left L.A. in the first place. Also, a good friend back in Rome told me to remember where I was staying and to forget about that miserable snobby person. Which is what I did as I drank some rosé.
On Friday we drove to St. Tropez. The traffic was bananas but it was worth it. We had a delicious lunch at Le Club 55. It was great people watching. Later, I read that during July and August the whole beach becomes quite the scene. When we were there the restaurant was packed with local families looking like the wealthy French version of J. Crew.
The sun came out during lunch and we drove back with the top down. It wasn't a bad way to spend a Friday afternoon.
The village of St. Tropez is charming. I would love to go back and spend more time there.
There were many highlights during my short trip (French bread, excellent bath products, jogging through Cannes early in the morning) but the best thing about it was spending time with my friends.
Flashback: Françoise Hardy - Le Temps De L'Amour
I went to Cannes last week for the film festival as a guest of my friend's boss. I cannot get this song out of my head. It plays during the trailer of the new Wes Anderson movie, "Moonrise Kingdom", which was the opening film of the festival.The first time I saw the trailer I was worried the movie would be too "twee". There's a reason Anderson is one of the most polarizing film directors working in Hollywood today. I bumped into a film critic last week who told me the movie really moved him (after the first half hour) and I've heard the performances are great.My parents had several Hardy records when I was growing up, but I was trying to fit into suburban America and wasn't checking for a singer from France. Now, like many other things my Caribbean parents liked, I get it.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHkm-ELeDsk&w=480&h=360]Here's the "Moonrise Kingdom" trailer.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7LBojkMo8M&w=640&h=360]