DOORR

While I wish I could take credit for this fall outfit, a way cooler Italian blogger came up with it first. If I were to give it an American twist, I would change the black jeans to skinny black cords (maybe from Madewell) and add my friend Debbi’s beautiful Vince cableknit camel poncho instead of the Diesel one.  Add a luxurious cashmere blend scarf and you have the perfect sight-seeing ‘fit.

Sometimes I read an article about interior design, and instead of pulling away the finer points of “Island-Living Style,” I’m stuck focusing on which editor thought including the insensitive tidbits romanticizing post-colonial Caribbean life was a good idea.   In the latest edition of Lonny Magazine they cover an Englishman’s vacation home on Harbour Island.  I think what tipped me over the edge was the “cinematic nostalgia” oil painting of an old black servant hanging above the homeowner’s desk (see below).  Whether intentional or not, the author (and the owner of the home) are looking upon a time of privilege, racial tensions, sugar and tobacco plantations, and poverty in a way that is only “nostalgic” to colonists.  Even the relatively harmless line in the beginning that proudly mentions that the original builder’s great-grandsons performed the renovations to the house makes me uncomfortable.  Of course, the line could suggest that the builders’ family have an excellent reputation for construction and architecture; but it could just as easily suggest the family was never able to move past the profession of heavy manual labor.  Am I over-thinking this?  I hope so.
Source: Lonny Mag

Hence why I’m posting work appropriate things.

Feeling inspired by The Coveteur and Vogue collaboration featuring snapshots of Vogue’s favorite fashion players’ weekend travel bags, I created my own version of my summer essentials. In addition to the latest magazine, my book of the moment, and a big iced coffee in hand, I would pack…

1. Charles and Charles Rose for the host; 2.  J. Crew leather capri sandals (in black or neon); 3. Old Navy wedges (the most comfortable and inexpensive shoe ever); 4. J. Crew bikini in warm cedar (or if I had a paying job, this Tibi bikini); 5. J. Crew Timex watch (maybe with a coral strap); 6. Giles and Brother hex nut jewelry (or homemade hex nut jewelry); 7. Sunblock, Essie Geranium, and some music!

With Coachella kicking off today, I think it’s safe to say that (1) summer is officially around the corner and (2) it’s time to mark the beginning of the summer music festivals.  I’m so sad I’m not going out to LA this year, but I am thinking of booking a ticket to either Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, or Outside Lands.  I guess it just depends on whether I prefer a sick lineup or a cool city.  In light of the upcoming festivals I made a little design board about what I would wear/buy for the shows.  The tent is thrown in because that’s what I wish my sleeping quarters would actually look like at Bonnaroo.

Wool and the Gang shirt, DIY rope necklace, Nars multiple, neon Essie nails, Evian mist, Zara clutch.

It doesn’t quite look like this.

YES. PLEASE.

Happy Holiday Traveling, everyone!  To intrusive body-scanners and the season of giving!

I know I post pictures and write about Italy on this blog fairly often but the slideshow of screenshots from the movie Eat, Pray, Love posted on Elle Decor are just too good not to highlight.  As someone who’s read the book and seen the movie (yes, I’m a little ashamed to admit that) both have their highs and lows.  The book struck me as a little repetitive and immature but relatable and interesting (particularly the tidbits on meditation and the history of yoga), and the movie was slightly too long and a little slow-paced but very beautiful and well done.  Bill Groom, the production designer hits the nail on the head when he says:

Eat, Pray, Love was shot on location in four countries, with palettes inspired by earth, air, fire, and water. “We scouted Bali first,” says production designer Bill Groom. “It became clear that you’d never get away from the sense of water.” After that, the other settings came vividly to life: a bohemian New York filled with an earthy sense of style; an Italy of open windows and curtains billowing in the breeze; and an India rich in smoldering reds and orange.

The movie truly allowed the countries to play as big of a role as the characters in the film and that made it all so much more enjoyable.  Of course Bali was my favorite and now I cannot wait to take my own mandatory twenty-something backpacking trip through Southeast Asia.

Source

I would love to be in Venice now as opposed to rainy New York.  Also, taking a quick styling tip from the gondola captain on the right: love the strips and vest look.