-
Heavens to Etsy
I’m not lacking for addictions – chocolate, shopping, horror movies, etc. But
why not add another hang-up to my repertoire. Etsy has been a Huntley & Co.
resource for a few years now, but lately I’ve become a little more obsessed. This
online bazaar is like ebay in that it’s an emporium for clothing, furniture and knick
knacks. The difference is that Etsy contributors are legitimate artists, craftsmen
and shopkeepers – not some creepy dude in New Jersey trying to sell his
collection of vintage Liberace records. So if you’re in the market for something
hip, funky, unique or exquisite, Etsy will have what you’re looking for … and
probably a few things you weren’t, but now can’t live without. Heaven!
Drawing on Panel
“SarahGiannobile”
If you want to start collecting art, Etsy should be your first stop.
Young, fresh talent in every medium imaginable.
Vampire Glass
“Whitewash Sundries”
Sipping cocktails from this glass would definitely incite mischief.
Twiggy Leather Boots
“mykashoes”
Fall is coming – time for some new chic but comfy
boots for running around town.
Love Coat
“ElfedUp”
… And some new sweaters. Laid back luxury at its best.
Vintage Ted Lapidus Sunglasses
“Vintage50sEyewear”
Glasses are a tricky thing to purchase online. But this glamorous pair may be worth the risk!
Vintage Malachite Brooch
“BayTreeGifts”
I’m going to buy this stunning brooch.
I love malachite especially against a backdrop of gold.
Handmade Walnut Table
“blackelm”
There are a bevy of talented furniture makers on Etsy. This one specializes in hand-
crafted solid wood furniture and is based in my hometown of Minneapolis.
Bubble Chandelier
“jeanpelle”
Simple, clever and a steal compared to similar bubble-style
pendant fixtures popular on the market right now.
.
Midcentury Espresso Set
“Abundancy”
I love warm metals – gold, brass, etc.
So how fabulous would this coffee set look in my kitchen?
Hanging Tillandsia Terrariums
“VivaFlora”
Terrariums are so cool. Hang them from the ceiling, add a spindly
plant and suddenly you have a living sculpture in your home.
LesSoeurs Vintage Cameo Earrings
“LaBoehemBijoux”
These earrings are gorgeous!!!
Vintage Lucite cabochons in a gold tone brass frame.
Vintage Red Faux Fur Hat
“june22”
I wish Americans still wore hats on a regular basis.
… and traveled with a sense of panache.
Vintage Crimson Skyway Luggage
“cheekyvintagecloset”
Large Leather Bin
“Gildem”
For those of us who love to organize with style. What a great tote for newspapers or kindling.
Custom Pet Portrait
“Mandawife”
I want to have my beloved Nina immortalized in a painting. But I would like it
to be slightly unconventional and I don’t want to spend a fortune. Amanda
Wolfe creates 8×10 gouaches based on a photo you supply for only $100.
Five Color Letterpress Card
“breadandbuttershop”
I love a good card. This one is graphic, witty and sentimental.
The perfect send-off for that special someone.
Signing off and checking out [my Etsy shopping cart].
Tricia xo
-
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
I wish. It’s 1AM and going to bed soon just isn’t an option.
It's been a rollercoaster ride of a week and I'm simply exhausted. Nothing too new for me
really. I work a lot and by Friday all I want to do is crash. So while I dream of catching up on
my sleep this weekend, I might as well imagine myself in one of the blissful bedrooms below.
Sweet dreams!
A fresh, fun bedroom by Elizabeth Dinkel Designs. The curvilinear headboard and sexy
lamp with pink shade really pop against the green and blue traditional floral wallpaper.
A subtle, romantic southern bedroom by Phoebe Howard.
It’s no secret that I think Jeffrey Bilhuber is a true genius. He can do modern, traditional, urban,
country, understated or ornate. Regardless of the genre, he imbues all his interiors with inventive wit.
Sills Huniford rooms were always dramatic and original. Each space was a collection of
unique, curated pieces against a backdrop of unexpected color or one-of-a-kind finishes.
Case in point – this chartreuse lacquered bedroom in Bedford, NY.
Before I launched Huntley & Co., I worked for the über talented José Solìs and
Paul Sherrill at Solìs Betancourt. We always had a diverse range of projects, the
one above being a softer version of modern for a hip, young professional couple.
I adore Elizabeth Bailey's 2009 Hamptons Showhouse bedroom. It's that perfect kind of feminine.
Sophisticated, not cutesy. And the color palette is gorgeous; the wall paint, bedhangings, linens,
furniture and rug all play off of each other beautifully. But most of all, it's in a basement but you would
never know. The designer incorporated several designer tricks and created a soft, warm environment
that doesn't feel dark or oppressed. Nicely done Ms. Bailey! Photos c/o Habitually Chic.
I’ve always been a big fan of Kelly Wearstler’s over-the-top, confident designs. But lately they’ve
become a bit kooky. I miss Doheny Estate! However, I do think her beach house in Malibu is
absolutely brilliant. The sculptural furniture and geometric prints are totally Wearstler, but the
neutral palette – an atypical choice for the designer – gives the dynamic design room to breathe.
Steven Gambrel’s website is one of those I have been frequenting lately. His
rooms have a rich and dramatic authenticity about them. And I love this
bedroom with the desk at the end of the bed. It almost looks like a footboard.
There are bedrooms and then there are bedrooms. This sumptuous master bedroom and
guest room belong to Gela Nash-Taylor (Juicy Couture) and John Taylor (Duran Duran)
and can be found on their spectacular estate in Wiltshire, England. Photos c/o vogue.com.
If I could pick a bedroom to sleep in tonight, this would be it. Stylish and warm with just enough
color and a little bit of magic (pendant, mirror). West Hollywood’s EDDA is a new H&C bookmark.
Tricia … zzzzzzzzzzzz
-
Summer Vacation
… mine has officially started.
I'm spending the week in my hometown of Minneapolis with family and friends.
There is no place I would rather be this time of year than the land of ten thousand lakes.
It's the perfect destination for the three essentials of a summer vacation – sun, fun and
relaxation. I lounge at my parents', soak in the sun, catch up with the girls and breathe.
Not much to it really, but it's always nice to have a plan – if a somewhat loose one – in place.
Below are some of the activities I've scheduled for my week in the beautiful "mini apple".
Lake Minnetonka
This vast and intricate chain of bays is a summer must for tourists and
natives alike. You can tie up at Big Island, stop for drinks at Lord Fletcher's
or simply cruise along while enjoying 100+ miles of beautiful shoreline.
A typical summer day at Lord Fletcher's.
Chez Huntley is on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka in Crystal Bay.
Pool Time
My sun-worshipping days are long gone. I haven't spent committed time
in the sun in nearly twenty years. But the rents have a pool with a view
of the lake. So really, I'm going to pass up a day of lounging poolside with
my ipod, a tall drink and a couple of fashion mags? Puhleeez!
I picked up two delicious magazines before my flight. Check out the August issues of
Elle and Vogue featuring Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow respectively.
Great features and fall fashion previews!
Walker Art Center
I haven't been in years, so I plan to spend a day at this world-class museum and
adjacent sculpture garden with dinner after at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant 20*21.
Claes Oldenburg’s famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture at the Walker.
The view from 20*21 includes Loring Park and the Basilica.
Neighborhood Driving Tour
Before I was an adult and a professional interior designer, I was a design voyeur.
As a teenager, I loved driving through Minneapolis and its western suburbs soaking
in the architecture and atmosphere of the neighborhoods. I haven't done that in years
and am looking forward to visiting some of my favorites haunts like Edina, Kenwood
and Linwood Hills. I see a blog post developing out of this.
Classics in Kenwood (above) and adjacent to Lake Harriet (below).
Lake Calhoun & Lake Harriet
During my high school years many a day, night and weekend were spent at these two
lakes. Smaller in size and in the heart of Minneapolis, they're great for all kinds of activities:
running, biking, canoeing, windsurfing. Plus, the Lake Harriet Bandshell features concerts
all summer long, so you can bring a date or the whole family for a picnic under the stars.
Windsurfers on Lake Calhoun.
Moored sailboats and the bandshell at Lake Harriet.
Weisman Art Museum
Designed by Frank Gehry and erected in 1993, this iconic steel structure on
the University of Minnesota campus is a precursor to the famous Guggenheim in
Bilbao, Spain. The only Gehry-designed museum in the United States, it is
currently undergoing a major expansion scheduled for completion in 2011.
Girls' Night
My Midwest "besties" and I don't get quality time together but once a year.
So when we do, we make it count. There's nothing better than hanging out,
sipping cocktails and laughing our a—s off for hours on end.
Five of “the nine” at our 20th reunion last summer at the Minneapolis W Hotel.
Hoping you all get the chance to get away, recharge and reconnect with the ones you love!
Tricia xo
-
District Design
New York, LA, Paris – Sure, everyone knows these cities are the “it” destinations for design
and fashion. But there are fabulous finds in any city if you’re a chic and savvy girl (or guy) who knows
how and where to look. “DISTRICT DESIGN” is a recurring feature from Luxe & Lucid that highlights
great shopping in the US and beyond sourced by my most stylish friends and colleagues in-the-know.
District Design vol. 2
BARCELONA & MADRID
On the heels of its World Cup win over The Netherlands this past weekend, who better to
feature in District Design than Spain? You couldn't help falling in love with this country upon
viewing the spirit and excitement of its players and fans throughout the finals. Sarah, my oldest
friend from childhood – we started our education together in preschool – has had a lifelong love affair
with Europa Latina. She has lived there since college and married a Spaniard. She is probably more
Spanish than American at this point, but as someone who was raised in the U.S., she never loses her
enthusiasm for her adopted home. In Luxe & Lucid's second installment of District Design, Sarah
will share her favorite sources for fashion and home as a stylish ex-pat in the know. Viva España!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FURNISHINGS RESOURCE?
Two great, high-end resources for the home are ArteEspaña and Becara.
Both have retail locations in Madrid and Barcelona.
Table from ArteEspana and accessories from Becara.
WHAT WAS YOUR LAST STELLAR FIND?
Gold leaf mirrors for our dining room and a gold-flecked frame that instantly jazzed up a lackluster print.
Artwork at Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona c/o La Dolce Vita.
IS THERE A PREFERRED LINEN SHOP IN MADRID?
Yes! The best buy for your money is at Sandra Marquez. It’s a Portuguese chain and
Portuguese textiles are lovely. You can find quality linens – for bath, bed, tabletop – at
great prices. Her sheets have lovely detailing like scalloped edges and hand-embroidery.
They’re soft, don’t need much ironing and last. What more can you ask for?!
HOW DO YOU WORK YOUR FASHION LOOK INTO YOUR HOME?
I like gold accessories and my living room has quite a few little gold accents.
Interior by Estefanía Carrero featured in Spanish AD Nov ’09.
Check out this mag. Every issue blows my mind!
WHAT FASHION DESTINATION CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
That would have to be Zara. They are completely in touch with the pulse of current fashion
and churn out new looks every two weeks, so their store is new every time you walk in. Zara is
known for taking hot looks off the street/runway and getting them into stores in record time. They
mix up their styles and feature limited edition dresses and outfits that are really gorgeous. You can
find your standard work uniform or weekend outfits in a snap. Everything is well-priced, and while it’s
only good for a season or two, it’s great to get up-to-date pieces without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s
one-stop shopping for women (including shoes), men and kids. A great resource for moms on-the-go.
Styles from the Zara Lookbook.
WHAT’S THE BEST KEPT SHOPPING SECRET IN SPAIN?
Boutiques like Hazel for shoes and Bimba & Lola for ready-to-wear clothes and accessories.
Perhaps best of all? Zara’s new upscale shop called Uterque. Check it out – it’s gorgeous!
Shoes from Hazel.
Spirited and coloful clothes and accessories from Bimba & Lola.
Handbags from Uterqüe.
* LUXE & LUCID PICKS FOR BARCELONA & MADRID *
Sarah and I are part of a group of longtime girlfriends in Minnesota (a.k.a. “the nine”).
Our friendships span 30+ years and we get together annually so that we stay on top of the
many changes we all go through and to keep our relationships au courant. We pick a new
spot each year, and with our fortieth birthdays looming on the horizon (yikes!), we’ve decided
to do it up with a trip to Spain. Sarah will, of course, provide us with many to-do’s and must-
sees for our little adventure. But in true Tricia-style, I’ve started compiling a list of Luxe &
Lucid worthy pit-stops. See some of my recent finds below. And feel free to send me your
own recommendations. I would love to hear from you!
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
– The Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona –
Designed by the incredibly talented Lázaro Rosa-Violán.
Patrons have included Joan Miró, Salman Rushdie and François Mitterand … must be good!
– Bar Marsella –
Some of my artistic heroes – Dalí, Hemingway, Gaudí and Picasso – used to frequent this
Barcelona bar. And they serve absinthe. A sexy, mysterious spirit I’ve been enjoying lately.
– The Hotel Ritz Madrid –
Dining on the Terrace with views across the garden of the Prado Museum.
MUSEUMS
- Museo del Prado –
Glorious garden, magnificent architecture and a stellar collection of works.
– The Museu Picasso, Barcelona –
The Wait (Margot), 1901.
- Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid –
Hombre con Pipa, 1925
Joan Miró
Guernica, 1937
Pablo Picasso's masterpiece
More to come as I troll blogs and poll my friends for the best resources España.
… and check out District Design vol. 1 from November 09.
Tricia xo
-
Designer DNA
At Huntley & Co. when a new project begins, the first thing I do is develop a concept.
I pour over books, magazines, websites and my own archives to find inspiring and
expressive images. Ones that will represent the client’s sense of style and capture the
spirit of the proposed interior. Sometimes I file them in the client's binder. Often I
make an actual storyboard, so everyone (including me) can refer to the "design snapshot"
again and again for guidance and clarity during an often lengthy process. It's a rewarding
exercise that I eagerly tackle. So what's the problem? Ugh – trying to do it for myself!
I'm planning some future redecoration at chez Huntley (hopefully a new chez Huntley)
and I've been "scheming" for months. Designers are like doctors, we're our own worst
patients – we struggle to apply our professional objectivity and discipline to our personal
lives. So what's a frustrated decorator to do? Pretend I'm a client! I've pulled together a
collection of photos that speak to me for style, mood, color and content. So which story-
board represents the real me? Maybe they’re all me. Whew, I better find a bigger house!
Tricia xo
-
Tip deLuxe
LOOK TO NATURE
In an era when so much design is bold and over-the-top, it can be challenging
for the average person to step outside his/her comfort zone and make unique decorating
decisions. One way to overcome this obstacle is to look to nature. Chances are if it – color,
pattern, texture – works in the natural environment, it will work in your home. Look
at the examples below and you’ll see – even Mother Nature has a glamorous side.
As seen in last week’s Luxe & Lucid post, my shelling excursion
on Chappaquiddick yielded a wealth of design inspiration.
Cool, distressed planks and endcuts for wood floors in a beach house or country home.
This shell’s pattern would make a colorful, yet delicate faux finish for a table, cabinet or mirror.
I gathered these acorns while on a walk in Battery Kemble Park last fall.
The warm tone and subtle striae would make for a beautiful wood finish.
Think outside the box and the ubiquitous animal print and the animal world
can add a unique and unexpected layer of interest to your interior.
Who knew? Chartreuse is a natural color! I would love to develop a living room
color scheme based on the Silvereye’s feathers – chartreuse, beige and grey … done!
And just such a room exists – the cool, sophisticated 2007 Kips Bay living room by Eve Robinson.
To quote Ms. Robinson, “The living room is about the color of life. It is fresh, confident and colorful.”
James Rixner’s take on the same combination of hues.
Snakeskin was the textile this past year. Inspired by fashion and the fabulous
footwear of Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, I designed a custom console table for
a client’s downtown bachelorette pad and had it wrapped in a faux snakeskin leather.
This incredible photo taken by Shannon Plummer illustrates the complex texture of an elephant’s skin.
SJW Studios has a wallcovering that when installed on the reverse, mimics just such a texture. Or
you could enlist the talents of a decorative finisher like Colorfaux Designs who created the look below.
Tortoiseshell is both classic and modern – a finish that will never go out of style.
I mean, really … could the shell above be any more beautiful?!
Huntley & Co. is fabricating a mirror similar to this Mitchell Yanosky
version to hang above the vanity in a client’s master bath. So chic!
And finally, the haut monde of animal skins. Shagreen. The pebbled skin of rays and
sharks can be found in its natural form – for a price – in accessories and furniture.
But it’s also being replicated these days in finishes and textiles to great effect.
I will never, ever tire of this naturally glamorous material.
clockwise from top left: Clement Rousseau chair c. 1921, the Toulon Mirror in a Huntley & Co.
powder room, Jacques Adnet antique secretaire and bronze/shagreen/agate vases R&Y Augousti.
… and faux shagreen paper covering walls and hidden doors in an H&C bedroom.
You don’t need to look far. Rustic, subtle or glamorous – nature can inspire any interior.
Tricia xo
* POSTSCRIPT *
Huntley & Co. is featured this week in the Before & After section of lushclick.com – a modern
girl’s online design and lifestyle resource founded by Elizabeth Manresa. Check it out!
-
(C)happy
I spent this past weekend on Martha’s Vineyard.
Apart from several trips to Newport for hotel work a decade ago, I haven't spent any
time in New England. I tend to migrate west for family get-togethers and downtime.
And being the contrarian-enthusiast that I am, I was tentative about a preppy endemic.
I.e., an island saturated with bobbed hair, lockjaws and Lily Pulitzer ad nauseam. Oh
ye of little faith (and so much paranoia)! I didn't know what I was missing. Pristine
architecture, majestic beaches and charming shops abound. Add world-class
seafood to the mix and you have the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
* FRIDAY *
Since our destination – Chappaquiddick – was east of Martha’s Vineyard,
we decided to take a driving tour of the island’s west side upon arrival.
First stop – The views of Gay Head.
To know me is to understand that I am a HUGE Jaws fan. It’s one of my favorite
movies of all time (see the October Luxe & Lucid post “Mad About Macabre”). Several
key scenes were shot in Menemsha (above) as well as on other parts of the island.
Aprés dinner and before hopping on the Chappy ferry, we stopped for a nightcap at Atlantic.
The Mike Benjamin Band was headlining – they’ve played for Mary Steenburgen and
President Bill Clinton – and absolutely rocked the house. We danced until we were soaked
through and closed down the bar. Haven’t done that in a few years and loved every minute of it.
* SATURDAY *
I woke up at 6AM ready to tackle the day’s itinerary and
enjoy the small window of sunshine forecasted for the weekend.
To make the most of it, we started the day with a little exploration and a walk on the beach.
Followed by shopping for groceries at the famous (and newly renovated) Morning
Glory farmer’s market. I brought their blackberry/strawberry jam home to DC. Yum!
But the real highlight of the day (well, for me) was a visit to Island Alpaca.
I fell in love with these animals when Sandra Jordan made a visit to Huntley & Co. this
spring. Sandra’s eponymous company manufactures and imports incredibly beautiful
textiles from Peru. She has a true passion for her fabrics and the Alpaca breed itself.
How could she not? Just look at those faces!
Two babies and several “colorways” from Island Alpaca’s herd.
This little fella’ had a passion for grooming. So cute!
After all that excitement, we continued onto Vineyard Haven to do a little
sightseeing and shopping. Below are a few of our stops.
RILEY'S READS
A charming children’s book store owned by the very knowledgeable Zoë
Pechter. Check out her blog for new releases and recommendations.
BRAMHALL & DUNN
Great linens and tabletop items with [you guessed it] a slightly preppy
theme. I did, in fact, find several sheet sets and coverlets from
Pamela Kline and Le Jacquard Français that were quite lovely.
RAINY DAY
A vast assortment of gifts, paper goods and tableware
that range from sweet to sophisticated to amusing.
MIX
An eclectic mix of modern and vintage accessories. I left with a darling
pair of sunglasses. You can also find classic Golden books, antique
typeface letters and colorful dinnerware. And the staff couldn’t be friendlier.
A. E. KIRKPATRICK
A slightly kooky jewelry store tucked away off of Main Street. I found
a chic, bendable gold-plated snake bracelet/necklace for a song.
I'm using it as a sculpture on my living room coffee table.
A great accessory that will change up my tablescape in a snap.
Our long and active day required a nap and a nice dinner in Edgartown.
We dined at Restaurant Détente, an unassuming spot in Nevin Square.
Casual décor, excellent wine list, award-winning fare.
* SUNDAY *
It’s hard to believe we had already packed all the activities above into 30 hours.
We didn’t slow our pace much on Sunday.
Morning is a great time to view Chappaquiddick’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Besides
the incredible sea creatures (horseshoe crabs are freaks!), the bird-watching on
the island is pretty incredible. We saw all of the species below during our visit.
clockwise from top left: Osprey, Oyster Catcher, Snowy Egret and Cormorant.
Later we headed to East beach across infamous Dike Bridge.
I’ve never been the beachy-type, but I found all sorts of design inspiration
in the sand – a collection of shells and other organic materials that will
make great samples for custom furniture finishes. I know …
Could I be any more entrenched in my profession?!
On our way back to the house we stopped for a stroll through Mytoi Gardens.
A Japanese-style garden and cultural treasure protected by the The Trustees of Reservations.
Still beautiful in the rain, I would like to go back when the gardens are lit by sunshine.
Despite the inclement weather, we went for a sail on Cape Poge.
The increasing winds turned a casual cruise into an exhilarating 2 hours.
Can you say “exhausted”?! Only 3 things left to do …
Eat, cocktail, and relax.
And that’s how you do a fabulous weekend.
LUXE & LUCID RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR VISIT TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD
– The Vineyard’s official site is www.mvol.com and has a lot of useful info.
– Design Sponge’s December post featuring MV is Grace Bonney’s extensive, personal guide.
– I also like the New York Times Travel Guide because it includes reader recommendations.
– The island has an excellent radio station. Tune into mvyradio and you’ll be set for the weekend.
– If you’re an architecture and/or design buff, bring your camera and do a walking tour of Edgartown.
– Pack layers for travel before July. The weather can turn on a dime and become quite chilly when the winds pick up.
– With that said, a first time visit before the crush of July 4 is a great idea. You can enjoy the island sans mob.
– Most important? Make sure you travel with the right partner in crime!
Tricia xo
P.S. Final cool moment of the weekend? Bill Murray on our flight from MVA to LGA.
-
Genius at Work – Darrell Dean
Washington is a strong city for design.
Incredible architecture, international influences and award winning talent.
But to the larger audience, we're seen as conservative and predictable.
Sure we don't have the inventory of New York or the edginess of LA, but take a
closer look and you'll find innovators, risk-takers and geniuses in their fields.
One of those virtuosos is Darrell Dean of the eponymous antique store on
Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown. His finds are always fresh and striking and
completely original. The man is brilliant. His shop is a constant source of
product and inspiration. If I could, I would buy the entire cache. Where is that
generous benefactor?! Thank God for trusting clients and interesting projects. I
stopped in Darrell Dean this weekend and was blown away as usual. I shot 40+
photos while browsing the two levels. Interior designers far-and-wide, take note!
The store front on Wisconsin Avenue at P Street.
Perfectly situated between Cherry and Café Bonaparte.
A pair of brightly upholstered mid-century swivel chairs.
These would be sick if recovered in a buttery beige kidskin.
This glass-topped, faux parchment table is a show-stopper.
How did I describe Darrell’s inventory … “striking and completely original”?
Case in point. A nautically inspired, zoomorphic chair
I have been eyeing these crystal encrusted lamps for a looong time.
… As well as this 1970s faux tortoise, multi-faceted table.
I think I’m going to place it in the Huntley & Co. Lake Geneva project in Switzerland.
One reason I love Darrell’s pieces is that they are often graphic and sculptural.
Like this table – both the top and the base are interesting
These lamps are actually quite large, and with the stripes, very striking in person.
It’s hard to find a good planter these days. This one is the right
size and glamorous without being over the top. Tempting.
Speaking of glamour. A pair of white leather and brass armchairs from the 50s.
And don’t they look comfortable?!
A pair of patchwork, salvaged wood obelisks. Love!
Darrell Dean epitomized. Dramatic and unique, but not too perfect.
One last shot before I leave and then across the street to Puro Café for lunch.
Another relaxing, fun-filled weekend while Nina is at boot camp. Two more weeks!
* * *
1524 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-6330
-
Road Trippin’
On Friday I delivered my sweet but stressed Norwegian Elkhound, Nina, to a trainer in
Virginia for a much-needed behavioral boot camp. To make the most of my time sans-dog,
I inaugurated my three weeks of freedom with a series of excursions to Warrenton, The Plains
and Maryland's western shore. Road trips are a great way for a curious, visual or adventurous
soul to satisfy his or her inner explorer. And better yet, you avoid the airport … which is like
sticking hot needles in ones eye these days. With a little planning and the right companion,
2 days and 3 nights plus a few hundred miles can be just the escape you've needed.
Summer weekends are here, DC urbanites. Get packed and get going!
I stayed at The Black Horse Inn on Friday. The perfect setting for
a Virginia bed-and-breakfast with rolling hills and grazing horses.
A view of the property's north side.
The stables are a short walk from the main house.
Like everything on the property, the stalls are nicely detailed and well maintained.
We had dinner at The Rail Stop on Friday night in The Plains.
A casual spot once owned by local Robert Duvall.
After dinner we walked across the street to Forlano’s Market and had a glass of wine on the front porch.
This market/restaurant is the perfect addition to Main Street – charming, unpretentious and filled with
locals and visitors alike. Dinner here will be on my itinerary the next time I visit hunt country.
I planned on a quiet afternoon in old town Warrenton, but as it turned out, Saturday was the town’s
annual spring festival replete with bands, booths and lots of interesting characters. Classic people-watching!
Looking down S. 3rd Street to E. Lee Street.
I love the architecture, history and intimacy of southern towns.
We had lunch at The Iron Bridge Wine Co. on Main Street. Delicious food and
great wine in a handsome setting with excellent service to boot. Worth a trip.
On the way out of town, the clever signage for Tri County Feeds caught my eye.
So much so that we pulled over to take a look inside. In fact, the company
is a retailer specializing in riding gear and services for the equine set.
I’m no great equestrian, but if I were, I would definitely buy this saddle and outfit. So chic!
Sunday required a change in gears with a drive to Maryland and a cruise up the Potomac back to
DC via boat. I commented at one point that the shoreline reminded me of Lake Minnetonka.
That is until I saw a little estate called Mount Vernon perched on a hill on the Virginia side.
Once up the river in DC, we stopped for awhile to enjoy the views. Where else can you drift on a
boat on a beautiful day with little water traffic and gaze at the Lincoln and Washington Memorials?!?!
Wrapping up the perfect easy-breezy weekend.
Looking forward to more local adventures while my canine kid is at camp!
Tricia (and Nina) xo
-
Scents & Sensibility
One of the best things about spring and early summer is the smells.
Honeysuckle, lavender, gardenia … mmm. Besides encouraging my obsession for flowers,
the scents of the season have kick-started a bit of a love affair with women's fragrances for me.
In the past, I was always a one-bottle-babe. I thought of perfume as part of my identity, like skin
tone or eye color. As in "I'm fair, brown-eyed and I wear L'Air du Temps". But these days I'm not so
conventional. Or better yet, not so boring. A woman has more than one point of view, more than one
mood. Mademoiselle cannot live on Chanel No. 5 alone! Fortunately, there are a bevy of talented
perfumers available to muse our muzzles. Fresh, floral, earthy or exotic – whatever your essence –
there's a scent to describe your internal allure and intoxicate your senses. Bottle-up and be amazing.
The fabrication of fragrances dates back to ancient Egypt.
This Etruscan vessel is a perfume vase. Designers take note.
In addition to my standard Coco by Chanel, I acquired three new fragrances this year.
Calypso Figue by Christiane Celle, Brigitte by Tocca and Sole 149 by Pucci – a birthday
gift from a girlfriend. Beyond the scents themselves, I like that I can change them up
and layer them according to my mood and my adventures for the day.
Four classics from the first half of the twentieth century that are still popular, still chic.
Chanel No. 5 (1921), Arpège (1927), Acqua di Parma (1930) & Fracas (1948).
I’m intrigued by the ad for Balenciaga’s new fragrance. It speaks to a cultivated and
sophisticated aesthetic that appreciates the contrast of textures, eras and styles.
It’s described as a muted scent of soft violet with a woodsy-musky base.
Speaking of advertising, how does one sell a smell? Clearly, it’s all about the power of the
image. If I wear perfume ABC by company XYZ, I will be beautiful/sexy/desirable, etc.
Below are some memorable ads from recent years and the impressions they left upon me.
L’EAU AMBRÉE by Prada
– warm, sensual and modern –
ETERNITY MOMENT by Calvin Klein
– men will fall in love with you –
FLOWER BOMB by Viktor & Rolf
– feminine but powerful –
JUICY COUTURE PERFUME by Juicy Couture
– for the social deb with a wild side –
CB I Hate Perfume is the brainchild of Christopher Brosius. He creates fragrances based on moments
and experiences. I’m dying to try In the Library, Russian Caravan Tea and Fire From Heaven. His
concept “scent is life” is brilliantly simple. You have to love a guy who studied the arts at Carnegie
Mellon, Columbia and Parsons, drove a taxi in New York, went on to work for Kiehl’s and says things
like “People who smell like everyone else disgust me.” Cool, irreverent and scary-talented. Love him!
Fragrances for the home have become as popular as fragrances for the body. They’re another
way for us to express who we are and share what inspires us. I love Antica Farmacista's
products. I discovered their Vanilla, Bourbon & Mandarin room diffuser a few years ago.
It’s absolutely delicious and is my home’s secret weapon. Shhhh.
Aedes de Venustas is another favorite source of mine (I can’t believe I’m giving away
all my secrets!). I find amazing fragrances for myself and for friends and family.
Boule d’Ambre by L’Artisan Perfumer. Amber crystals encased in a terracotta sphere.
I have the Odalisque candle by Cire Trudon in my bedroom. Its notes of citrus, wood bark and
orange blossom are sexy and comforting and not overwhelming next to my bed. The company
was founded in 1643 and developed scents for the Court of Versailles and Napoleon.
A simple but amazing gift for that special someone? Primavera room spray from Santa Maria Novella.
It is said to capture the scents of a Tuscan garden in spring – cherry blossoms, gardenia and dogwood.
Heavenly! Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world and was
established in 1221 by Dominican Fathers. I would also love to buy their Caprifoglio eau de cologne –
a unisex fragrance with the essence of honeysuckle. Those monks knew what they were doing!
And not exactly old compared to the scents above, but nonetheless “vintage”.
These oldies-but-goodies were favorites in their respective eras.
OBSESSION by Calvin Klein
– you’re an elusive and enigmatic muse –
This commercial looked like the celluloid love child of John Pawson and M.C. Escher.
But I did love the tagline – "Ahhh, the smell of it."
ENJOLI by Charles of the Ritz/Revlon
– for the wife/corporate go-getter/sexpot who’s kickin’ ass and takin’ names –
I loved this ad when I was a little girl. I know, not surprising ; )
It’s incredible, isn’t it, that we can wear so much history and inspiration on our skin?!
Fragrance is a magical part of nature … of life. Just remember, use it in moderation.
You want to beguile and entice, not overwhelm or offend!
Tricia xo
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
