Snapshots - Salina, Sicily
It took me forever to get to Salina.I took a car (at 5:00 a.m.) to the airport to fly to Palermo, a taxi from the Palermo airport to the central train station, the train from Palermo to Milazzo, a ferry from Milazzo to Lipari, a ferry from Lipari to Salina.Once I arrived, I understood why so many of my Italian friends schlep from Rome, Milan, etc. to visit the Aeolian islands. Stunning.Salina is surprisingly green for a volcanic island, tiny (population 2,000), and there was a constant breeze. The food was delicious and folks knew how to make a very good cocktail.It was my first trip to any island in Italy. That's bananas. I'm an island person. I was born on the island of Manhattan and my parents are from St. Martin.I cannot wait to return.
Work In Progress - Trastevere - Rome, Italy
Great news here at AGD.The house in Tuscany is almost done and I've signed two new clients.For one project, I'm helping my client redo his terrace.The other project also includes working on a terrace and collaborating with my client to furnish her new apartment.Both apartments are in Trastevere.One thing I love about this type of work is that each project is unique. My other Rome project is understated glamour.The apartment I'm working on in Trastevere is contemporary with a very streamlined palette, white, black, gray, and some pops of red. A few pieces came with the apartment and most of the additional furniture will be custom-made.My client would like a home that is minimal, light, and yet cozy. Minimal decors can be cold so I'm all about texture and natural materials.I have an inspiration board for the apartment on PInterest.For the terrace project, we are going to redo the plants, buy new furniture, and make the space flow better. My client entertains often and it's important that his guests feel comfortable.My landscaper is amazing and I cannot wait to see how the terrace will look once the plants grow in a little.I real enjoy working with my clients. I know this something not every decorator can say!
Weekend Inspiration - Get Lucky
No one really knows what makes a song THE song of the summer.Is it the timing, the melody, the lyrics, sheer luck, or a combination of all these things?One thing we know for sure is you cannot create "the song of the summer." It just happens.Pop culture, especially music, is so fragmented. The song of the summer cuts across genre lines.This year's song of the summer, is Daft Punk's "Get Lucky."The first time I heard this track it made me feel all the feelings.It's contemporary mixed with a disco-vibe. It sounded a little like a classic from the band CHIC. I was not surprised to read that the very talented Nile Rogers was one of the producers.Pharell is also a producer on the song. What a summer he's having. Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" (with a Marvin Gaye sample) is also a monster summer hit.I've just arrived in Salina and have heard this song all over the island. When I hear it in the future it will always remind me of Summer 2013 on a beautiful Italian island.Here is the male model version from the CFDA's. Unfortunately, it's not a walk off. I would like to see a gentleman wear an outfit from Thom Browne's Amish/Hasidic collection off the runway, including the hat.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-22tSs8BP0&w=560&h=315]Someone did a '70s Soul Train line mash up. The dude at 0:31 is too cool for school. Love it. The fashion is amazing. Some of these dresses you could wear now.If this doesn't make you move, call your doctor, you might be dead.Buon weekend a tutti![youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeEQDtk63H4&w=420&h=315]
Weekend Inspiration - Strawberries At Ciampini
Okay, I know I've said on Twitter and what not that I would stop complaining about the weather. I do realize how fortunate I am not to be dealing with hurricanes, monsoons, or tornadoes.That said, this spring has been bizarre. All over Europe it's cold and raining.The sun poked out for a few minutes the other day. It was still cold. The locals were wearing jackets and many tourists were in shorts.My friend Annie finally had a few free minutes in her schedule and happened to be downtown/in the Historic Center. I was in between meetings. We went to Ciampini for a long overdue catch up session.This little dessert was perfect. 
As I bit into the tart, gale force winds whipped around the piazza. Clearly, spring is wrap, but summer is (hopefully) right around the corner.Buon Weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - Tiziano
Another super hectic week.I had all these great ideas for blog posts and how many did I end up writing? None. This is an issue. I cannot turn this blog into "The Weekend Inspiration Blog."I feel the need to go to a quiet place and think for a minute. I know just the spot.
I saw quite a bit of Tiziano when I went to Venice a few years ago and the Scuderie is one of my favorite exhibitions spaces in Rome.This show runs until June 16th. For information about times and tickets, HERE is the website.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 - Fountain - Villa Borghese Park, Rome
It's a Ponte Weekend in Italy.While most of my friends are out of town, I'm using this weekend to catch up on work and to get organized for next month.I would love to spend some time in the country this weekend. Instead, I will go to the park.
One of my favorite parks is Villa Borghese. If you are visiting Rome, it's a great place to go for some peace and quiet.Buon weekend a tutti!
Thinking About Walk-In Closets During Cambio Di Stagione.
Me: "What are you doing this weekend?"Friend: "Cambio di Stagione."Yes, it's that time of year... we have to swap out our Winter clothes for our Spring/Summer clothes.My friends in Italy who are fortunate to have enough closet space to avoid under-the-bed boxes, still do Cambio di Stagione. Clothes that need to be dry-cleaned are dropped off. Boots and other other Winter shoes are taken to the cobbler.My closet is tiny. I guess one benefit is even if I could afford to buy the clothes I want, I would have no place to put them.As I get ready to Cambio di Stagione, I dream about more closet space.
Photo: ELLE DECOR
Photo: Architectural Digest
Photo: Jodi Foster
Go Ahead And Waste Some Time
I was reading one of my favorite interior design/lifestyle blogs, FROM THE RIGHT BANK, and Ally's post about making time for your passions really struck a chord with me.It's important to recharge and to be inspired, especially if you work in a creative field.I know in our culture (American) we have this thing about "not wasting time." We live to work and don't take vacations. For some, they feel pressured not to use their few measly vacation days because they don't want to be seen as slackers. When you have a CEO barely taking maternity leave, it sends a very clear message, "You have no life outside this office/job. Don't even think about taking a vacation."I know many people who work for themselves and they brag constantly about NEVER taking day off.I used to do that. I felt guilty if I wasn't always working or doing something "productive." I was going to out work everyone and move up that ladder.I don't know if it's getting older, moving overseas, or getting completely screwed over at a former job, but I don't think it's great to never take a day off.If I go to a museum one afternoon how is that wasting time? Maybe a color in a Caravaggio would be perfect for a client's dining room. Maybe that painting will inspire me in a way that won't be clear for years.For my mental and physical health, my creativity, and my soul I must waste more time.I love the Bertrand Russell quote in Ally's post. "The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."I agree.
Weekend Inspiration - Helmut Newton Exhibit At Palazzo delle Esposizioni
Last week my friend Courtney and I went to see the new Helmut Newton exhibit at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni.There are two hundred photos covering three legendary books by Newton. This blockbuster show runs until July 21st.Newton forever changed fashion photography and is considered one of the most influential photographers of the modern era. Many copy his style, but few have his talent.It was incredible to see all these iconic photographs in person. This one was shot for VOGUE in 1975.
Photo: Vogue.com
My friend and I left the show very inspired. Newton was passionate about life and his work. He was shooting until the day he died at age 84.His first book of photography wasn't published until he was 56 years old. By Hollywood standards that's close to 100.I've worked for years in culture that was/is obsessed with age and making it. I had friends in L.A. who started getting Botox in their 20's and I'm not talking only about actresses.It's hard to be in that world and not lose your sanity. Once I moved to Rome, it was a little easier. However, there were times I still woke up in the middle of the night in a panic because I haven't "made it" yet and time is running out. I thought, "I'm done. It's a wrap."Last week I walked out of that exhibit thinking,"later for that nonsense, I'm just getting started."Buon weekend!
Thinking About Orange.
I'm seeing a lot of orange for Spring.I do like the color but I don't have any of it in my home and very little of it my wardrobe. I went to Syracuse University. Trust me, I have worn my share of orange in the past.
Photo: Syracuse.com
Every time I jog past the Hermès store on Via Condotti, I sigh. One day.It's time to bring some orange back into my life. For my home, I'm thinking pillows with a pop of orange. Like this Moroccan style one from D.L. Rhein.
Photo: D.L. Rhein
I like how subtle the orange is in this room. I will buy some fresh orange flowers to help brighten up these rainy, cloudy, March days.
For my closet, a pair of Repetto Ballerinas would be perfect. I'm trying to add more color to my wardrobe.
Photo: Repetto
I did see an orange wrap dress in a store window the other day. Hmmmm, that might be too big of an orange commitment for me!
Weekend Inspiration - Let There Be Light - A Family Room Designed by Peter Dunham
A new Pope was elected this week. We still don't have a Prime Minister. It's kind of nuts but I digress.The determined sun fought its way through today's stubborn clouds and after a week of horrendous weather, we finally had a few hours of sunshine. The angels sang.Perhaps it's a little early for Spring cleaning (the horrible weather is scheduled to return on Sunday afternoon) but I would like to get started on some projects this weekend.Thoughts of Spring brought me to the photo below.How lovely is this space designed by L.A. based, British born, Peter Dunham?
Photo: Architectural Digest
We had a chance to visit Peter's showroom during Kathryn M. Ireland's Design Bootcamp. His showroom was filled with beautiful things and Peter was very charming.I think those chairs need to be in my home.Buon Weekend!
Stylish Simplicity - Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour - Ballerina
We had some sunny and warm weather here in Rome on Saturday (only to get slammed with more rain yesterday, today, and apparently for the next three days).On Saturday all the outdoor cafes were packed. Everyone was rocking their sunnies and most of the heavy winter coats were packed away. Of course, some Signore insisted in wearing their furs as it's only mid-March.During the Winter I give my nails a break. With the change in weather, it's time for a professional mani/pedi.
Photo: Chanel
My favorite neutral is Chanel's Ballerina.This color looks great on almost any skin tone. That's one reason why so many manicurists and beauty editors rave about it. Another reason is the quality. Yes, it's more expensive than the drugstore brands, but the polish doesn't streak, lasts a long time, and is formaldehyde-free, toluene-free, and DBP-free.One coat is very sheer. Two coats gives you a little more pink, but not too pink. It's a sophisticated, yet fun color.I know many people like to wear outrageous colors on their hands. For me, it's not practical. On my hands, I like to keep it simple and stylish. Ballerina is everything.
Weekend Inspiration - A View From Positano.
Seven years ago I traveled to Rome for the second time.The first time was a revelation and I fell hard for this crazy city. It didn't make sense. Nobody in my family is Italian and I was not an Italophile by any stretch.I loved London, Paris, and Amsterdam. When I was in junior high and high school I just KNEW I would live in Paris or London one day. I wasn't thinking about Rome or Italy despite living in a town called Verona .I thought maybe I had responded to Rome that way because of what was, or wasn't, going on in my life at that moment. I had to find out why that one trip had unsettled me so much.I returned the following year and took a short trip to Florence and Positano.
It was a pain in the butt to get from Rome to Positano. First the train to Naples (not bad), then the train to Sorrento (an hour on a local train with many stops), and then finally a bus to Positano.
I walked down the steep hill, followed by a million steps, to reach my hotel. Once I stepped into the room and opened the large French doors, I saw that view. My heart skipped a beat. It was so beautiful it felt unreal, like a movie set.
There is a great hiking trail/path way up in the mountains, Sentiero degli Dei/Path of the Gods. Early one morning, I went up the mountain.
It was quiet. I saw two German tourists hiking and that was it. For the first time in years, my mind wasn't racing a mile a minute, overwhelmed by the things I had not accomplished.
That walk changed everything.
I realized I had to make some serious changes in my life for my mental and physical health. I wasn't sure how at that time.
Eventually, I figured it out and moved to Italy two years later.
Buon weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - Shower - Monteverdi, Tuscany
What a week.Just when you think Italian politics couldn't be more confusing or bizarre, they are. I have no idea what is going to happen now. Maybe we'll have new elections.The Pope said good-bye yesterday. The city is packed with tourists who came to see him for the last time. Cardinals are flying in for the conclave and there are journalists in town from all over the world.Work-wise, things were hectic. I'm not sure how it's Friday already.Yesterday, Domenico and I drove up to Tuscany to visit the job site and to meet with our client who flew in from Germany. Normally, we would stay overnight but we decided to make it a day trip and left Rome at 6:30 a.m.It was a very long day. At one point my brain said, "BASTA!" and refused to cooperate. It was around the time I was asking the contractor questions in Italian and then translating his answers into English.On the drive back home, all I could think about was taking a long shower, getting in my PJs, and then watching Law and Order SVU reruns on Fox Crime (I have a thing for Detective Stabler).I wish I had a shower like this:
Unfortunately, I do not.The shower in the photo was designed by Ilaria Miani for Monteverdi. Monteverdi is a group of rental villas and a hotel in the small village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro in Tuscany.Stunning. I hope to check it out sometime later this year.In the meantime, Stabler and I will be relaxing this weekend.Buon 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]
Stylish Simplicity - Bee Still, My Beating Heart - La Rochere Tumbler
I've been a fan of these glasses for ages. I saw them in Kathryn Ireland's kitchen last year and thought to myself, "I need to buy some when I move to a bigger apartment."I had to find a new kettle. I decided to go ahead and spend money on a solid one, as the cheap one I bought fell apart way too soon. Off I went to C.U.C.I.N.A. I try my best to avoid this store as every single time I stop in to buy one specific item, I get sucked into picking up a few things.It happened again. I walked past the glasses section and somehow two glasses ended up in my basket.
It's okay. It makes me happy when I open up my kitchen cabinet and see these two little glasses. Once I move, I'm getting a set.In the States you can find them at Sur La Table.As for the kettle, I bought a Le Creuset that was double the price of my old one. However, this one is built to last and very pretty.
Weekend Inspiration - A Little Bit Of France In Brooklyn
Design, fashion, and lifestyle bloggers have gone crazy over Miranda Brooks' Brooklyn home which was featured in the January issue of American Vogue.I completely understand why. Brooks, a landscape architect/contributing editor at Vogue and her French husband, architect Bastien Halard, have created a beautiful home. It's stylish but not stuffy.How much do I adore this bathroom?
I would spend a lot of time in this space... all those books! The fresh flowers are a nice touch.
What are your plans for the weekend? I will be staring at Farrow & Ball paints trying to figure out which shade of gray is perfect for a client's upstairs hallway.I'm also going to do some major cleaning and organizing. I might treat myself to some flowers at the overpriced flower stands in Campo dei Fiori. Cranking up some good music and having pretty flowers to look at will make my chores less boring.It won't be all work this weekend. I'm also meeting friends for aperitivi.Buon weekend a tutti! Click HERE to see more pictures of this amazing home.
Work In Progress - Country House - Tuscany, Italy
I was recently hired by the very talented architect Domenico Minchilli to work on the interiors for a home in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy.Words cannot adequately express how excited I am about this project.
We have a mid/late Spring deadline.
Early on, I started to pull images for an inspiration board on Pinterest. Some of the images came from books in my library, photos from my travels, or from my favorite websites. Originally, I had over sixty-five images. It was a great visual tool and helped me see the big picture. I kept that version of the board private so I could show Domenico what I was thinking.Once I had a clearer idea of what the client wanted/needed for their home, I put together a mood board in Photoshop for each room. There has to be a separate post about Photoshop... DRAMA.
I had written a much longer post but deleted it. It was way too sappy.However, I will say I'm thrilled to be working with such an incredible group of people and that 2013 is off to a great start.
What Is The Purpose Of A Blog Now?
I was at a Rome Bloggers meet up a few months ago and one of my fellow bloggers told me she missed my old blog.My former blog was more personal and a bit all over the place. One day I would write about politics , or my friend's big Italian wedding, and the next day about some silly pop-culture thing like the horrific "Kwanzaa Cake" made by Sandra Lee.The blogging world has changed a great deal since 2005. It's become a big business and very niche.When I first started this blog I felt a lot of pressure to keep it extremely focused. I understood the advice from my social media savvy friends. They would ask me questions like,"What's the point of your blog? What are your goals for the blog? What IS your blog, personal, design, lifestyle, expat?"Something clicked when I read my friend Felicia's recent post.I should worry less about labeling my blog or trying to shoe-horn it into a very narrow space.Design blogs are more than pretty pictures. The popular ones have a POV or narrative that's engaging. They have to be, thanks in part to the explosive success of Pinterest.Interior design is influenced by many things... art, fashion, music, film, travel, the list goes on. I like to write about those subjects as well and I will.It's a new year and time to loosen the strings a little.