Stromae - The Greatest News Out Of Belgium Since Jean-Claude Van Damme, Waffles, and Fries
Please forgive my geek out over Stromae (aka Paul Van Haver).Last week I was in St. Martin to see my family and in Anguilla for work. All week my sister, brother-in-law, and I, kept hearing this killer French song... in the car, at beach bars, etc. The first time I heard it I was hooked. It was so different from anything else out there in pop.This morning I woke up to an email from my sister saying she Shazamed it but the clip didn't show up until she returned to DC.I went to iTunes because I had to buy the single. While I was there I noticed there was another single that was number one. I clicked on it and "discovered" it was a song I've been hearing a lot in Italy lately. I've been trying for weeks to track down it down.Stromae was born in Belgium to a Belgium mother and a Rwandan father. You can hear the influences of Euro dance music, African music, Caribbean music, and American hip hop in his work.I am OBSESSED with his album Racine Carrée. Obsessed. It has been a monster hit in Europe, including the non French speaking countries. I wonder if he will have a hit in the States. I cannot remember the last French song to do so. It also reached the top ten in Canada.I will always associate this song with being in Caribbean. It's only March but it's in the running to be my summer of 2014 jam. The drums are giving me life. Seriously.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEucb8qtBmA&w=560&h=315] Stromae studied music and film in school. This video moved me. His father was killed during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiKj0Z_Xnjc&w=560&h=315] And the song that is currently a huge hit in Italy. Stromae showing both sides of a relationship.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAMWdvo71ls&w=560&h=315]Despite studying French for seven years in school, I speak at most ten words. I looked up the translations to Stromae music. His lyrics address a variety of issues, most of them pretty heavy. There is substance to go with the beats. I get why he has received both critical and commercial success.I haven't been this excited about a new (to me) artist since the first time I heard Amy Winehouse.
The Tuscany Project
Last year I wrote about the vacation home in Tuscany I'm working on with architect Domenico Minchili.Our clients had some photos taken and below are a few of them.First, a before shot of the living room.
After.The room is so much lighter. The new "old" floors make a huge difference as does the paint color. I was consumed for days regarding which shade of Farrow & Ball white was the best white for the walls. We decided to use Skimming Stone.The chairs were custom made by Tondini & Radicchi. So were all the draperies in the house.
One of the bedrooms mid-renovation.
After.
A bathroom before.
After.
Wider shot of the living room. The sofas, coffee table, and sconces are custom.
The studio.This room receives little natural light. Many people assume that a small dark room must be painted a very light color in order to make it look bigger. Not true. It seems counter-intuitive but going darker gives a small room more depth.
One of my Italian friends called this décor, "Relaxed Chic." Another friend said it was "Casual Luxury." Both work for me.Every bedroom, and its bathroom is unique, yet the entire home is cohesive.The paint is from Farrow & Ball.Most of the new furniture was custom made. We also sourced pieces from Flamant, Barthel, and small shops in Rome and Tuscany.Our fabric sources were, Dedar, Ralph Lauren Home, Kathryn M. Ireland, and Pierre Frey.If you would like to know the specific colors or more information about the fabric or furniture, please feel free to ask me in the comments section.This property is available for vacation rental. It's in the heart of the Chianti region surrounded by vineyards. The views are stupendous.For more information (and some exterior photos), please visit the luxury rental Abercrombie & Kent website.Photos by: Mario Flores
Weekend Inspiration - Francesco Clemente - A History Of The Heart In Three Rainbows (II)
I saw recently saw a photo of Clemente's piece and thought it was very appropriate for today.Buona festa di San Valentino e buon weekend!
Photo: Deitch.com
Weekend Inspiration - Driven to Tears - Robert Downey, Jr and Sting
In the States we tend to define ourselves by what we do for a living. Therefore, working in any creative field is not easy. There's the whole art vs business debate, the struggle to actually make a living, and the fact that most people have no idea what it is you do day-to-day.I sometimes buy into this, feeling unanchored because I cannot be put into a specific category. The last time I was in Los Angeles, I was speaking with a friend who's an agent at CAA. He told me that I was over-thinking everything. I could decorate and write. I didn't have to choose one over the other.My brain couldn't process this. How could I BE two things at the same time?!Thankfully, several of my very talented friends reminded me that creative people are creative. Basta. If you're a truly creative person, you will not be fulfilled unless you are able to do the work that inspires you. It doesn't matter what the medium is. They also told me to stop confusing what we do with who we are.Robert Downey Jr acts. He also sings... well. This confuses some people. I don't know why. This is not a Paris Hilton "Stars Are Blind" situation.Here he is singing one of my favorite Police songs. I love his little dance move at the end. I do that too but in the privacy of my own home.Buon weekend![youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1crxmBTxRlM&w=560&h=315]
My Word For 2014 - Crescere
Happy New Year!Last year my word was, "si."I took some risks (professionally and personally). I learned a lot and I'd like to keep this momentum going. The Italian word for "to grow" is perfect.Other words I considered:Chevron - I don't care what anyone says. This print is a classic and will never be out of style.
Idris Elba - Okay, that's two words.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLFwuCs8IwY&w=420&h=315] Jon Hamm - Two more words. The interview starts at 3:41[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOP9OMmAiRU&w=560&h=315] Do you have a word for 2014?
Merry Christmas - Buon Natale!
It's not easy to be thousands of miles away from my family on this day. While we did celebrate Thanksgiving, it's not a Caribbean holiday or tradition. Christmas on the other hand, is celebrated big time on the islands and my parents brought their traditions with them to America.It wasn't really about the presents. However, I did flip out the year when one of my gifts was an Easy Bake Oven from "Santa" ( those cakes were gross but my family pretended to like them). It was the decorating, the food, the music, and having our entertaining extended family over that made Christmas so fun and memorable.Every year we went to midnight service. Every year after church we would plead with our parents to start the tradition of opening one gift before bed. Every year they said, "no." They were very consistent.I won't be in the Caribbean today saying, "compliments of the season" but I will be there in spirit. Here are few of my favorite Christmas songs.As a kid I watched this special on CBS every Christmas. One of the best Christmas (and jazz) albums ever.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4qe7oLlizs&w=420&h=315] It wasn't Christmas in our home until my dad busted out his Nat King Cole album.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRfLl5OEDy8&w=420&h=315] Love this rendition of Mariah's song, with the Roots and jimmy Kimmel. The kids are too cute![youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWEfszb9h8Q&w=560&h=315] Does anyone else remember the group The Waitresses? This came out in 1981.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARq6uYSsUq0&w=420&h=315] Kirland and Baryhnikov, another yearly staple back in the day, on PBS. So weird that he's better known now for being the uptight Russian dude Carrie dated during the last season of SATC.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6NCE9GlU7s&w=420&h=315] A Motown classic from my first crush.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCEZEOYdfwo&w=420&h=315] Donny Hathaway. That voice. He died way too soon.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkqjjYP53vQ&w=560&h=315] This falls under melancholy Christmas songs. Perhaps I shouldn't have listened to it this year.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo&w=420&h=315]
"Ornament, ornament, ornament!"
My sister, Daniella, is ten years younger than me and six years younger than our brother, Gerry. We were old enough to remember the day our parents walked into the house with a new baby. She had a fine pair of lungs.Later that night, my ten year-old self was annoyed. Sure Daniella was an adorable baby and everything but hello, I had school in the morning. I couldn't sleep with all that noise. I may have said something to my mom who gave me the classic Caribbean mother "you better stop with your nonsense" face. I stopped.I was in high school when Daniella started kindergarten. Laning Avenue Elementary School had a Santa's Workshop where kids could buy Christmas gifts for their family and friends.Gerry and I would take our gifts from under the tree, unwrap them and say loudly, "ornament, ornament, ornament!" as every year from kindergarten to fifth grade that is what Daniella gave us. My parents still have those ornaments.I think it started with Gerry, who said, "oh look, it's another ornament. Ornament, ornament, ornament!" I have no idea why we found this hysterically funny.Years later during the first Christmas day we spent with my future sister-in-law and brother-in-law, I busted out with the ornament thing (it really was an ornament) and my siblings and I lost it. My in-laws to be glanced at each other, "what's wrong with these folks?"I don't have room in my apartment for even a Charlie Brown tree, but I could buy an ornament or two.Here are a few that caught my eye:Reindeer! Love the scarves. Very snazzy.
A classic bullicante glass ball ornament from Tiffany & Co for those with more champagne tastes.
I don't like mice at all but how charming are these ballerinas at Dédé Maison, one of my favorite stores in Rome.
DéDé Maison: Photos by me
Great matte finish on this silver ornament.
Here are more mice with exceptional artistic abilities.
Stylish Simplicity - Ziti Rigati Con Pomodori/Ziti Rigati With Tomatoes
This Thanksgiving I went to Sicily. It was my first trip to the main island and I stayed at the incredible Monaci delle Terre Nere.On my last day, I had this for lunch.
When you have a dish with so few ingredients, they better be of the freshest and highest quality ingredients. There are no sauces or foam to mask bad food.While this dish was simple, the flavors were not. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and the tomatoes had that killer combo of acidity and sweetness that you cannot find in out of season tomatoes at a mega supermarket.We eat with our eyes as well. I really appreciated the presentation. It's Stylish Simplicity.
Stylish Simplicity - Williams Sonoma - Rustic Italian Platter
The holiday season is upon us. Lights have just started to go up in my neighborhood and I saw a few festive window displays this morning on Via Condotti and Via Babuino.I haven't seen any panettone movie commercials. Several friends have assured me they are coming. Excellent.One of my goals for 2014 is to entertain more. Yes, I know it's a little early to think about these things. I can't help it.My apartment is small but I had a friend, Susan, in New York City who lived in a studio that was smaller than my place and yet she had dinner parties, Oscar parties, cocktail parties, let me introduce you to my new spinning teacher parties, etc.Her space had a different layout. However, I can still be inspired by many of her fantastic ideas.My mom, like Susan, has a great selection of serving trays and platters. Some she received as wedding gifts fifty years ago.I actually enjoyed setting the dining room table when my parents had dinner parties. My mom was occupied with cooking, my dad was the bartender, and us kids were "in charge" of the table.Okay, so my mom really had the last word about what was going on the table. When I was old enough, it was my job to iron the tablecloth and the napkins. While I STRONGLY dislike ironing my sheets (it takes forever), this party prep was fine with me.The last time I was in St. Martin, one of my friends (and former boss) was on the island and stopped by for a visit. I looked through my parents' collection to find the right tray for aperitivi and thought about all the fun holiday dinners and parties. I also realized that I need to step up my platter game.This one is gorgeous. It's from Williams-Sonoma and made in Umbria.This shade of blue is one of my favorites.
This platter is stylish simplicity.
Life In Rome - Interview And Photo Shoot with Gina Gomez
I do not like having my photo taken. Correction, I'm game when I'm in a group shot.It's not just because the camera adds ten to fifteen pounds. It's because I feel like a big dork standing there while the photographer snaps.Thanks to social media, I had to get over my discomfort. That said, I still get salty when unflattering photos are tagged on Facebook. What the what? Does the tagger need new glasses? Good friends don't let folks tag bad photos.Gina wanted to take a few head shots during our terrace photo shoot. I was sweaty and wiped out. So even though Gina is a talented photographer I thought, "no good can come of this."She convinced me to at least try a few. I did and this is what happened:
I did a brief interview with Gina and she has posted more photos from the shoot on her blog.To see more of Gina's gorgeous work, please visit her website here.
My Fall/Winter 2013 Wish List
I know there is a huge difference between want and need. Many times I catch myself making statements such as, "that skirt needs to be in my closet."Hello, no it doesn't. I would like it to be there. That is a want.I have written before about my lack of clothes for cold weather. Now that I no longer spend the majority of my working hours in my house writing scripts, I really need to step up my fall/winter wardrobe. I cannot meet with clients or vendors looking bananas.Thank god I live in a city that is not as casual as Los Angeles. If I wear a dress or a skirt to a meeting in Rome, nobody asks me why am I so dressed up. Sometimes, wait for it, I even wear thigh-high stockings!There are many things I would like to purchase this year but have narrowed down the list to five.Long leather gloves. I'm thinking black or chocolate brown. Why does Olivia Pope look so sad here?
Photo: ABC/Danny Feld
Ankle boots with heels that can handle cobblestone streets.
I have a pair of ankle boots with a narrow heel. They have been destroyed. RIP.
A LBD.
Love the cut of this dress from J. Crew.
A camel hair coat.
i do need a new winter cloth coat but I think I can get another season out of my current one. This will go in the want column. Max Mara's coats are classic.
Photo: People
Last but not least, I do need a short winter sports jacket. I look like the Michelin Tire Man in puffy jackets. I like the lines of this one.
What's on your list?
Weekend Inspiration - Dolce & Gabbana - S/S 2014
Dolce & Gabbana had one of the outstanding collections during Milan Fashion Week. Folks are still talking about the last look.It's funny, Dolce & Gabbana is a house I've appreciated for it's tailoring, marketing, and red carpet looks, yet for some reason I never paid much attention to their RTW.Unlike most houses that are expanding like crazy, especially into the cash-cow lower priced lines, Dolce & Gabbana closed down their very profitable D&G line in 2011. They said one reason was the desire to get back to basics.In getting back to basics, they've also returned to Sicily. The island has had a strong influence on the designer's work (Dolce is Sicilian and the two have a house in Stromboli).When I finally made it to Sicily, I understood how and why the island drives their creativity. I cannot wait to explore more of it.This collection has convinced me to at least think about adding some florals to my spring/summer wardrobe.I never wear florals. I like to keep things simple and clean. I'm short and don't want to look like Great Auntie Gertrude's sofa.This dress is so not my style. I cannot stop looking at it. Is it the color, the cut? I don't know but I'm loving this Sicilian almond blossoms dress.
Photo: Style.com
Buon weekend!
Buon Weekend - The Last Weekend Of Summer
Autumn starts on Sunday. You can feel it. The air is crisp in the morning and the days are getting shorter.I did not make it to Sperlonga or Santa Marinella once this summer. I need to get my Spaghetti Con Vongole on at the beach this weekend before it's too late.Buon weekend!
Gaeta, Italy
Stylish Simplicity - Haribo Gummi Bears
I'm dead serious.During my trip to Munich, I saw Haribo candies everywhere. Haribo is a Germany company founded in 1920 and the birthplace of Gummi Bears.I know there are fancier gummy candies in the world.They are not for me. I like my candy the same way I like my dècor, timeless. Let others jump on the latest sweets fads.I'll stick to the original. I except no substitutes.
Photo: Yatego.com
Weekend Inspiration - Dead Macbooks and Cy Twombly
What a crazy week this has been.My sister, who lives in Washington DC, was in Hamburg for an international public policy conference and we decided to meet in Munich.One of the highlights of our very quick trip was the Brandhorst Museum. This modern art space has some really impressive pieces, including works by Cy Twombly.When I returned to Rome, I hit the ground running. Suddenly, everything came to a halt because my laptop (granted, it was very old) died.Now I'm typing on an Italian keyboard. I'm glad that the € symbol is right there along with é and è but the darn ' and @ are in completely different places.It's a good thing I'm getting better about rolling with the punches (thanks dysfunctional Italy!) If this large and unexpected expense had happened last year, I would've worked myself into a giant knot of stress while freaking out about my credit card bill.Instead, I'm thankful that I have a business that's growing and I know that this purchase was an investment in that business.That said, I must admit that a tiny part of me was thinking, "damn, I could've bought a scarf and the bracelet I love at Hermès for that amount."As one of my close friends would say, "It's only money." Of course this statement is usually uttered by people who have money. She went on to say that experiences are more important.I do appreciate nice things and I would love to have some of them in my life but I agree with what my friend said about experiences.Yes, I took a big hit this week but what I will remember is standing in a large room in Munich surrounded by Twombly with my sister talking about art, politics, and how despite a ten year age difference we have the exact taste in men.Several of these pieces are in the Broadhorst. Inspiring. Buon Weekend![youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XO4_A1orV4&w=560&h=315]
Life In Rome - Il Rientro
I’m still not used to the rientro effect, even after five summers here. It’s as if a giant light switch was turned on and BAM, the locals have returned.
There is traffic again on Lungotevere and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The woman who owns my local newsstand is very tan, relaxed, and tells us all about her vacation.
I’m excited that my butcher and my favorite baker at the Trionfale farmers’ market are back. I’ve missed them.
There’s an electric energy in the air despite the fact that our government could collapse (again) at any moment.
Suddenly, my phone is ringing off the hook with vendors letting me know when furniture will be delivered, appointments to see clients, and friends wanting to meet up for post-rientro aperitivi.
I'm glad the rientro has begun.
Weekend Inspiration - Rosé Wine
When I was growing up in the States, rosé had a reputation for being a second rate wine. I don't know why that is.However, in St. Martin (the half French, half Dutch island) I noticed it everywhere, restaurants (including upscale ones), beach bars, house parties, etc.Once my parents moved back to the island, my siblings and I started to spend more time there. My sister, Daniella, LOVES rosé and would insist on stopping by a wine shop to stock up for our stay.Now, thanks to Daniella, I am a big fan of getting my rosé on the minute the warm weather arrives.Certain words and images come to mind when I drink rosé: summer, family, friends, good food, beaches, the Caribbean, outdoor seating in my favorite piazza, France, Sicily, parties, pink.
Here's a write up about rosé from The Kitchn.Buon weekend a tutti!
August In Rome
All over my neighborhood are signs like this:
Before I was on Hollywood's schedule, so August was a busy time for me. While all my friends and neighbors fled the August heat and tourists, I stayed behind in Rome writing and pitching TV projects.Now I'm on a local schedule and it's a trip. Last week I was running around town making sure to touch base with my vendors before they closed up shop for the month.There will be NO furniture deliveries in August.September will be out of control. Everything is being pushed to that month.In the meantime, I'm going to use this period to catch up on office paperwork. I also need to find more space in my tiny apartment for all the new books I have. I'm literally running out of room.One friend (who just left town for the rest of the month) suggested I see a few movies. Then we started laughing because most of the movie theaters are closed too.
Weekend Inspiration - La Farmacia
I know people love to talk smack about Gwyneth Paltrow's webiste, GOOP. I don't understand why someone would subscribe to a website they hated. It's not as if anyone is forcing them to read Ms. Paltrow's musings.Yes, some of her suggestions are bananas. However, posts like The French Pharmacy are fantastic.One great about living in Europe are the pharmacies. Finally, some of the skin care products can be found in the States but usually at much higher prices.Klorane is one of my favorite brands. I will be working this weekend, including a very early Saturday meeting with one of my clients. I ran into my local farmacia to pick up one thing and ended up also buying the Energia shower gel and some conditioner.
Photo: Allure.com
I wish I could go to a spa this weekend. Instead, I will do a janky home version. Now, I need to run out to the market to get some cucumbers and limes.Buon weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - Tuscan Wrapping Paper
I really enjoy choosing gifts for family and friends.To me, the wrapping paper is for said gift is just as important.
Love this print and the color.Buon weekend!!