1/21/15 1/21/15

A Tub and Shower With a View

And what a view it is.One of my friends just returned to Rome from visiting the States and she kindly picked up a copy of VERANDA magazine for me. It's not an easy magazine to find in Rome (in Milan, yes).Brooke Giannetti's Velvet & Linen blog is fantastic. She has a very large following and has posted a few photos in the past of the home she is building in Ojai, California with her architect husband Steve.It's so interesting to me that this a new build, yet their home has the warmth and vibe of a house that has been in a family for generations. You can read more about Brooke and Steve's Patina Farm journey, here.One day I would love to have a tub/shower like this. Love it. Of course it's only possible if there are no neighbors close by. A friend here has an outdoor shower on his terrace. He lives in Trastevere and the upper floors of a church and another palazzo are right across the narrow street. The man has no screens. Yeah, no.To see more photos, go to VERANDA's website.

1/15/15 1/15/15

Life in Rome - The Flaminio Flea Market

Borghetto Flaminio is not as well known as the famous Porto Portese market. The latter has more furniture but Flaminio is the market to check out for authentic vintage/used designer clothes and interesting tableware.As with any flea market there could be some fakes, but this market has a good reputation. Many of the vendors are regulars. If they were selling fake Prada, Gucci, Hermès, etc. the word would get out pretty quickly.Borghetto Flaminio is tiny. I suggest getting there early. It's packed with fantastic finds. I hadn't been there in years so when my friend, artist and florist Marta, suggested we check it out, I was ready.A cool tea set from the 40s. Lovely monogrammed vintage linen. A taste of Hermès. This was the most popular vendor in the market. They also had some drop dead gorgeous vintage Gucci, Valentino, Prada, and Fendi bags. Love this Murano glass set from the 60s. Marta was VERY excited about this patent leather Prada bag.Sundays (except holidays)Piazza della Marina, 32Sundays, 10AM – 7PM€1.60 entrance feeFrom mid-September to mid-July

1/9/15 1/9/15

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.

1/2/15 1/2/15

Hello 2015!

One of my friends asked me what my word is for 2015. Another asked about my resolutions. I've given both a great deal of thought.What I really need to do in 2015 is stop being a control freak. I'm driving myself (and my friends) crazy. While it's a good thing (especially in a detail orientated profession) to be very organized, I need to take it down a notch, okay, several.I'm not sure how I will achieve this goal but at least I have acknowledged this critical situation.So far 2015 is off to a great start. Yes, I do realize we're only two days in.Happy New Year!

Fireworks outside my window.

Pienza, Tuscany. La Bandita Townhouse.

12/25/14 12/25/14

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

I cannot believe it's Christmas 2014 already. Where did this year go?In a sea filled with awful news (I really need to ease up on how much I watch and read everyday), it's good to be reminded of joyous things.Last Friday my friend, Gina, invited me to meet her, Rachel, and Elizabeth at their friend Alice's holiday pop-up bakery. Alice Is a food stylist and cook. Her gingerbread cookies were delicious. I wonder if it's possible to order some during the off season. I must investigate.I loved the simple decorations, the Prosecco, and most importantly, sharing them with friends old and new.It's not easy to be far away from my family during the holidays, but I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible group of friends.Merry Christmas!!

12/17/14 12/17/14

Life in Rome - A Tour of Bulgari's Heritage Collection

Recently AWAR (The American Women's Association of Rome) had the privilege of taking a small (only twenty members) private tour of Bulgari's Heritage Collection.I RSVPed the minute I read the invitation.I haven't been inside the store since the Peter Marino renovation. One morning, when I was jogging up Via Condotti on my way to Villa Borghese Park, I'm positive I saw the architect walking out of the store. Who else would be wearing that outfit at 8:30 in the morning, in Rome?Bulgari was founded by Sotirios Bulgaris in Rome one hundred and thirty years ago. The Heritage Collection is a celebration of this history. There are over six hundred unique pieces. The jewelery, watches, accessories, and drawings were curated during years of research and archival work. Bulgari has been buying back importance pieces from auctions and private collections.While Bulgari is part of the French high-end global powerhouse LVMH, the DNA of the company is Roman.DOMUS means home in Latin and that space (located on the second floor) is where you will find pieces from the Heritage Collection.The store is gorgeous. Marino, inspired by the Pantheon and other Roman masterpieces, modernized the flagship store without stripping it of its history and charm.The foyer on the first floor. Nods to the Pantheon in this circular space. The back stairs that lead to Domus. That pattern. This floor and that table. No words. Here's a picture I took of the floor so you can see the intricate tiling. Stunning. I gasped when I saw it. Caterina Riccardi, Bulgari Brand Heritage Special Projects, explains the connection between the Heritage Collection and the Eternal City. Ms. Riccardi was the Via Condotti store manager for over thirty years. Her tour was excellent, informative and entertaining. This sapphire necklace was bought from a private collector in the States. Be still, my beating heart. Richard Burton once said, "The only Italian word Elizabeth knows is Bulgari." Burton gave Taylor this sapphire and diamond necklace and ring for her fortieth birthday. Actress Jessica Chastin wore the iconic necklace at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. She was the first person to wear it since Taylor. From 1960, a gold watch bracelet with diamonds and rubies. I do not like snakes but I'd make an exception for this one.This is just a little taste of the incredible pieces in this collection. I was inspired by the colors, the designs, and the craftsmanship.By appointment only. To reserve a visit, contact: DOMVScondotti.visits@bulgari.com or +39 06 688101 First three photos: Bulgari.Other photos: Me and my iPhone.

12/11/14 12/11/14

Pantone's Color For 2015 - Marsala

Design blogs blew up this week when the news hit that Patone's color for 2015 was Marsala.I enjoy cooking with Marsala wine. I really do but I must agree with majority and say, "what is this madness?!"This color reminds me of Dusty Rose from the '80s. Not a good look.Could someone please explain to me what is going on in the picture below. What is Pantone trying to say?The gentleman in the apron looks salty. Why? Perhaps he's not feeling the color either.I'm very curious to see how this color choice plays out in fashion and home décor trends next year. I don't think it's an easy color to wear. For the home, I love the color of Marsala wine which is a deeper burgundy than this color. That rich color would be fantastic.

11/28/14 11/28/14

Weekend Inspiration - All of the Lights - Campo de' Fiori

For me the day after Thanksgiving has nothing to do with shopping. It means I can start playing Christmas carols.This probably comes as a shock to people who don't know me well, as I appear to be a person who loves to shop. It's even part of my job.However, the whole Black Friday thing always left a bad taste in my mouth. While Short Hills Mall is one of my favorite places in America, I'd rather listen to Izzy Azalea on a continuous loop than go there on the day after Thanksgiving.We don't have such a thing in Italy and I don't see it happening anytime soon. The concept of standing/waiting in line is completely foreign, even in places (like the post office) where we're supposed to.One thing that is also popular here, are street lights. This week crews were putting them up all over town.In my neighborhood, Campo de Fiori, we have these:I adore the simplicity of them.Now, I'm off to play some of my favorite holiday jams.Buon weekend!

11/25/14 11/25/14

A Few Dinner Plates For A Thanksgiving Table

Many people back in the States have asked me what I'm doing on Thursday.I'm working. Thanksgiving is an American holiday.If I had an oven/kitchen/apartment bigger than a shoebox, I would host a Thanksgiving dinner but on Saturday (which is what the majority of expats do here).My future apartment will have more space and I will entertain more.In the meantime, I can admire these lovely plates that would be perfect for my Thanksgiving dinners.For an informal table:The Marbury Dinnerware Collection from Crate and Barrel. You can put a charger underneath with more color or a pattern.The Charlotte Street Collection from Kate Spade. I had to have at least one white plate with blue trim. The Eclectique Dinner plate from Williams-Sonoma. It's a pretty dish made in France. For a more formal table:The Renaissance Collection by Wedgewood. A classic.Anmut Platinum by Villeroy & Boch. One word... elegant. The American Dinner plate by Hermès. The blues are gorgeous.Hmmm, not seeing a lot of variety here.I do appreciate china with flowers but for my table I tend to keep it simple because my floral arrangements are colorful. Also, I like to mix and match my dinnerware. Having plates in a similar color palette makes the table more cohesive.For those who are celebrating, I hope you have a fantastic and Happy Thanksgiving.

11/17/14 11/17/14

Design vs. Function - American Dream Builders

Perhaps I'm naive but I believe good design incorporates a space that functions well.This is why I completely disagree with the finale (SPOILERS ahead) of the NBC show "American Dream Builders". Looking at their Facebook page, I'm not the only one.Earlier, I wrote about why I enjoyed the show.They should change the name of the show because there was nothing about Lukas's beach house that worked for the clients.The job of a decorator/interior designer is to address the needs of the client. He did not do that. All Lukas talked about was his vision. He is talented but Jay should have won.On what planet is it a good idea to paint a beach house in SOUTHERN California black? It's not edgy. A black shingled house in Maine, or Martha's Vineyard, that could be cool. Does Lukas know that that the light is different in New England compared to the Southern Californian Coast? One of the judges said the house looked like it had been in a fire.Also, Lukas did not deal with any of the design flaws of his house. That kitchen was awkward.This a beach house for a multigenerational family. Their reaction at the reveal was priceless. I adore mid-century design and would use it in a beach house but would mix it up.Nate kept saying Lukas was forward-thinking. Has Nate ever been to IKEA? I know he has traveled to Europe. This beach house would work for a single person with no kids who never entertains.Nate raved about Lukas's $30 chandelier. Again, this is in a beach house. I go to a beach house to relax. Who's going to clean it and replace the light bulbs? It's not functional.This room. Where are the young children going to hang out? Nice to look at. Wouldn't want to sit there for a long meal. What is that statue about in the corner? Not relaxing. These chairs would be fab in a loft apartment, not at the beach.if the Neighborhood Council voted for the finale winner, Jay would've won hands down. Elaine was eliminated for her red family room because it didn't fit the décor of the rest of the house, but Lukas can win the whole competition for this house? Please.If they didn't want a home builder to win, don't put them in the competition.I don't know if the series has been renewed for a second season. It's a shame that the finale was such a disappointment but I enjoyed the earlier episodes.

11/10/14 11/10/14

Stylish Simplicity - The Tiffany T Bracelet

There has been great deal of press about the new Design Director of Tiffany & Co., Francesca Amfitheatrof. She is the first woman to have this position at the storied American jewelry company. The job had been vacant for five years. Ms. Amfitheatrof had some big shoes to fill.Ms. Amfitheatrof, who trained with a master silversmith in Padua after college, has created pieces for Chanel, Alessi, and Fendi. She was born in Japan to an Italian mother and a Russian-American father, who was a TIME bureau chief, and grew up in New York, Rome, London, and Moscow.I love her new collection for Tiffany. This bracelet is so simple and so chic.

18 karat rose gold bracelet

Narrow Wire 18 karat white gold bracelet

18 Karat gold braclet

I have read some comments claiming that this collection is not all that. It's TOO simple, "Hello it's just a T. My kid could do that." I cringe when I hear people make those kind of statements about any kind of creative endeavor.The simpler something is, the easier it is to mess it up. Look at Cacio e Pepe, not many ingredients but a difficult dish to execute well. There are no bells and whistles to hide imperfections. Every single ingredient has to be of excellent quality.It's is the same thing with these bracelets (yes, I just compared high-end jewelry to a simple Roman pasta dish).You can wear these bracelet with many different styles of clothing. I think they are destined to become classics like some of Elsa Peretti's pieces. The Tiffany T bracelet is the very definition of Stylish Simplicity.Photos: Tiffany

11/5/14 11/5/14

Progetti da Sogno (aka, American Dream Builders)

The American series AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS started airing this week in Italy on the channel LEI.Hosted by Nate Berkus, it's a mash up between EXTREME MAKEOVERS and TOP DESIGN. I have always wondered about the reality of the former. They do a lot of structural changes. How well was the construction, plumbing, and electrical work executed when they have only a week to demolish and rebuild? Could the owners afford the increase in property taxes? So many questions.One thing I really like about this show is that two teams work on two houses from a similar era and/or style. It's compelling to see how the teams agree (or not) on an overall aesthetic for their house and then how the individual designers design their rooms.There is a mix of designers, contractors, and landscape architects. Of course, there are some strong personalities. Reality TV would be boring without them.We are three episodes in and so far it's fantastic. The show is entertaining and educational. Décor is very subjective but it's interesting to hear the judges explain why they believe a room doesn't work. Sometimes it's a design issue. For example, the team did not address the layout issues. Other times, it's about the décor. Those debates get heated.I cannot wait to see who wins. There are some very talented designers on this show.https://dailymotion.com/video/x1htfrm

10/31/14 10/31/14

Weekend Inspiration - Halloween

Halloween is a big deal in the States. Here in Italy, we are starting to see more and more decorations but it's a three day holiday weekend, All Saints Day and All Souls Day.I have carved my share of pumpkins and ate my share of Halloween candy. I don't care what anyone says, candy corn should not be classified as a candy!Perhaps I could ask one my friends who works at the American Embassy if the commissary sells Charleston Chews. All of a sudden I have a craving for one today. In the meantime, I will buy a few mini-pumpkins to decorate my table.Leave it to Ms. Martha Stewart to take it to the next level with her squash version.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Buon weekend a tutti!

10/24/14 10/24/14

Weekend Inspiration - Foliage - Hudson River Valley

Suddenly, Fall has arrived in Rome.On Sunday my friends were swimming at the beach. Monday was a Bermuda shorts day. Tuesday? The temperature dropped by 20 degrees (F).This morning the air was very clear and crisp. I think I need to bake an apple crumble.The leaves are started to drop along the Tiber River. The chestnut vendors are actually selling chestnuts now. They started weeks ago but nobody wanted to buy hot chestnuts when it was 85 degrees out.One thing I loved about growing up on the East Coast, was the change in seasons. Our town had a LOT of trees and many of them were in our backyard. It wasn't so fun to rake them but we did enjoy jumping into the piles.The last two weeks of October is best time to drive up to the Hudson River Valley to check out the leaves.The reds and oranges in this photo are gorgeous.

Photo: Eric/Flickr Commons

Buon weekend a tutti!

10/21/14 10/21/14

Oscar de la Renta - RIP

I woke up today to the news that one of the most important fashion designers of our time had passed away.Despite his five decades in the industry, de la Renta was not one to live in the past. He made classic, yet contemporary clothes. It is rare to see a designer dress society ladies, Fortune 500 ladies, movie stars of all ages, and women who are not famous nor rich but love beautiful things.Born in the Dominican Republic, he apprenticed at Balenciaga, under Cristóbal himself (unreal), and at Lanvin under Antonio Castillo. I know a lot of people dismiss fashion as silly. Perhaps some people in fashion are over the top but to me fashion is very interesting because it's a combination of art, craft, and commerce.There are so many celebrities out here on these streets calling themselves designers. Please.De la Renta was truly a designer. He made clothes. Beautifully. Mr. de la Renta will be missed.

10/15/14 10/15/14

Io Adoro - Anguilla, British West Indies

Anguilla is quite the A-list celebrity/VIP destination these days. However, the small island has managed to retain it's relaxed, quiet charm.My most recent piece for FATHOM Magazine went live today. ANGUILLA – I wish I could say I have always appreciated this beautiful island. That would be untrue.When my family moved from New York City to the leafy suburbs of Verona, New Jersey, I knew I had to become a true American teenager. I was hampered by my parents' insistence on raising their children as if we were a family living in the Caribbean.My parents are from St. Martin (totally different from the Dutch side, St. Maarten) and both my grandmothers were Anguillian. Whenever we went to St. Martin to stay with my paternal grandparents, we ferried over to Anguilla to visit family and friends. When I was a child it, was fun to hang out with my cousins, go the beaches, and stuff ourselves on Johnnycakes, rice and peas, and salt fish cakes. But as for the stunning white beaches of the island, they were lost on me when I was older. I mean, I was a teenager. Visiting relative after relative while sitting on their verandas for hours drinking Ting was boring.The final anti-island straw happened one night when I was walking back to my aunt's house and a mongoose ran across my foot. I was done. I thought, "I could be chilling at the Short Hills Mall with my friends instead of being stuck on this tiny island."It wasn't until my parents moved to back to St. Martin after retirement and I moved to Rome that I began to understand why those trips back home were so important.To read the rest and see more pictures, click HERE.

The beach at Cap Juluca with the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten in the background.

Photo: Me and my iPHone

9/27/14 9/27/14

Weekend Inspiration - Spain via Sicily by Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana have been knocking it out of the park.I did read one review from a UK fashion critic who complained that D&G were tapping the Sicilian well too often. She was RELIEVED to see that their S/S 2015 was influenced by Spain.Hello, Spain ruled Sicily from 1516-1713. This is still a Sicilian inspired collection.There were a lot of bold red dresses and fitted black ones, but this black and white dress is one of my favorites. Of course, I could never wear it as I'm too short and my breasts are too big. But I love it.The trim is beautiful. I could see using something like it in home décor as well.

Photo: Dolce & Gabbana

Buon weekend a tutti!

9/17/14 9/17/14

A Woman Who Lives in Rome Actually Loves Milan?

Yes, it's true.Even my Milanese friends who live here think it's odd. I don't care. If loving Milan is wrong, I don't want to be right.Just in time for Milan Fashion Week, here is a short piece I wrote for FATHOM.

9/12/14 9/12/14

Weekend Inspiration - Mosaics - Carolina Herrera

As always, one of my favorite shows from this week's NYFW Spring 2015 was Carolina Herrera's.She somehow makes classic clothes that are fresh, not dated or matronly.To see photos from her collection, check out Tom and Lorenzo.I've been looking at mosaics tiles for a client's potential bathroom renovation.I'm curious to know the influence for this dress. How is it constructed? Where would one wear a dress like this? On the red carpet? Or perhaps it would be prefect for a fashion-forward bride at her high-end outdoor wedding in a French or Italian villa.Buon weekend a tutti!

9/8/14 9/8/14

Seven Days of Sicily - Day 7 - Art + Design

Why do I miss Sicily? There are Sicilian restaurants in Rome.Perhaps this is only an infatuation. My first trip to Sicily was just last year, which I wrote about in FATHOM. Maybe the island will lose its hold on me after a few more trips, or years. We'll see.Like the cuisine, the art and architecture of Sicily has been influenced by the diverse cultures of its various rulers.Every day I stopped by to see the Burial of Santa Lucia, painted by Caravaggio in 1608, located in the Santa Lucia alla Badia church. There is something very special about seeing art in the context that it was created for.In the early 2000's many architects and interior designers started to buy and renovate houses in the area. I kept getting lost in little courtyards and side streets. There was inspiration all around me and design elements that gave me some ideas for my Caribbean beach house project.Below are a few of my favorite things:How pretty is this packaging? I received a gift from this store on my birthday. Erica's daughter picked it out. That five year-old has excellent taste.

Photo: ortigiasicily.com

As someone who was raised Methodist, I'm still thrown by some of the more intense art in Catholic churches. My childhood church had stained glass with images of things like Jesus chilling with some shepherds.

Here is the patron saint of Siracusa, Santa Lucia.

Clever use of a satellite dish.

Spiderman on the side of the Municipal Building representing the heroic spirit of the people. I'm trying to find out who the artist is and when the work was installed.