Tuesday, October 30

Profile: Lily Maddock

Clothing Designer Lily Maddock

I just love the home of Lily Maddock's featured in the October 2007 issue of Domino Magazine. It's hard to go wrong when you have the talented interior designer Celerie Kemble as a cousin-in-law and decorator. Of course the adorable Lily is quite talented herself as a clothing designer. Lily's company liDi was founded in 2000 with a focus separates using upholstery fabrics.

In February 2004, Lily approached Anthony Castro, a much-experienced graduate of Parsons, to join forces and take liDi to the next level. Today the company's image is downtown eccentric meets uptown aristocrat.

After 2 years of designing an entire collection together Lily and Anthony decided to focus on knits and liDi is now a complete knitwear line. The collection includes: sweaters, tops, mini dresses, mini skirts, shorts and drawstring pants.


How did you get your start in fashion design?
Honestly by accident! I studied public relations in college. After I graduated I worked briefly at the Ralph Lauren store in Highland Park in Dallas. While there I learned so much about clothing, retail and different designers. I thought I wanted to open my own boutique. My father told me that I needed to research all aspects of the fashion business.

I started researching how clothes were actually made. I then took a Ralph Lauren skirt that I owned and copied the pattern and found a really cute fabric with monkeys on it for my design. I took it to a shop in Miami and they ordered 18 skirts! A week later they called and said they wanted more and pants too.

What inspires your designs?
Traveling mostly, and tearing photos from magazines.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Classic with a bit of an edge.

Who are your style icons?
Present—Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. Past—Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend your day?
Anna Wintour, I actually met her at a party last week. I think she is fascinating. I would love to spend the day seeing everything she does for Vogue.

What is your favorite book?
The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia

Photo Domino Magazine

Your home featured in the October issue of Domino is beautiful. Do you see yourself ever moving into home fashions
?
No way!! I might be able to put an outfit together but arranging a room of furniture is completely beyond me.

What is the one thing in life you can't live without?
My husband Locke and my bulldog Max.

profile by Ronda Carman

Eltham Vine by Sanderson Interiors

Eltham Vine by Sanderson Interiors is one of the company's best selling patterns. It is one of my personal favorites and I was thrilled to see it prominently featured in the home of clothing designer Lily Maddock (Domino/October 2007). Sanderson's popular design has been re-colored in seven fantastic colorways, both their fabric and wallpaper.

Beige, burgundy and aqua on brown Eltham Vine printed linen fabric

Aqua and brown Eltham Vine wallpaper

Lily Maddock's home designed by Celerie Kemble.

Monday, October 29

Isle of Skye


For the 2007 holiday catalogue J. Crew went on location to the Isle of Skye. Skye is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, as well as its abundant wildlife. Skye is a popular summer destination, but the winter months on the Isle of Skye are quiet and beautiful with mild temperature and little snow.

If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in this remote area of Scotland, Three Chimneys, a tiny restaurant tucked into Skye's northwestern corner, is a must visit location.

What started as a modest eatery almost twenty years ago has evolved into a top culinary destination. Many celebrities have made the trek to sit in the secluded candlelit cottage and indulge in locally caught wild salmon, Skye oysters, and hot marmalade pudding. The cottage windows offer beautiful and dramatic sea views. On cold evenings a hot stove warms the tiny bar, perfect for cosy pre-dinner drinks or a wee dram.




All photos from the J.Crew 2007 Holiday Collection

Saturday, October 27

Shopping on Saturday: Drop Dead Gorgeous

Roberto Cavalli Ring from Vivre. Snake scales shine with a polish of black enamel on two gold serpents and wind across an emerald cut hematite stone.

El Muerto Grande Skull Sterling Silver Belt Buckle from Pianki.

100% recycled cashmere scarf with skull and cross bone and sparkly appliqués from Deborah Lindquist.

Friday, October 26

La Esquina

La Esquina restaurant in New York

Unfortunately I did not make it to one of the places on my “to visit” list while in New York. For the past few months I have been completely fascinated by La Esquina, a “secret” SoHo restaurant that is hidden behind an anonymous grey door marked employees only.

From the street it appears to be nothing more than a small, no-frills Mexican diner, but appearances can be misleading. Of course counter-style service dispenses tacos and tortas, but the “real” restaurant is behind and below the diner front.

To get to the hidden La Esquina you must pass through an unmarked door that leads to a quintessentially chic downtown restaurant. I’ve heard this place described as Studio 54 with chipotle instead of cocaine. The desire to be in a place from which others are excluded is age-old, but enticing nonetheless.

Michelle and Derek Sanders. Photo ELLE Decoration/September 2007

Last month the UK magazine ELLE Decoration featured Michelle and Derek Sanders. Derek is an architect and co-owner of La Esquina and his beautiful wife Michelle heads up Donna Karan’s accessories collection. Derek and Michelle live above La Esqunia with their adorable young son. The space they call home is a former factory that has been transformed into a stunning open-plan loft.

I do hope to have dinner at La Esqunia the next time I’m in New York. Of course the trick is the telephone number is unpublished. I have recently been given a number, but have not actually called to see if it is a working one. I’ll keep you posted.

Derek Sanders co-owner of La Esquina. Photo Men's Vogue

Thursday, October 25

Profile: Miles Redd

The extraordinary Miles Redd in his infamous mirrored bathroom


Fun, sophisticated, glamorous, distinctive, chic...all fitting adjectives to describe to the work of Miles Redd.

Raised in Atlanta, Miles moved to New York to study film at New York University. More interested in set design, he began working for antiques dealer John Rosselli after graduation and was later hired by decorator Bunny Williams. Early on his tiny East Village apartment became a laboratory for his particular brand of cozy glamour. In 1998 Miles opened his own office in Noho and in 2003 was named creative director of Oscar de la Renta Home.

What I love most about Miles’ style is there’s nothing remotely generic about it and each room he designs is brimming with personality. I would expect no less from a man that had Christmas Eve dinner in his fantastic bathroom. What a fun place for an intimate little party, certainly it’s on my wish list (along with the bedroom pictured below).



How would you describe your own personal style
?
I have an eclectic sensibility and love many objects over a wide range of tastes. In the city I love glass lacquer, plaster and satin, and at the beach I love straw, stone, cypress and linen. Mostly I like interiors to be either rich and glittering or fresh and sparkling.

Who are your style icons?
Mr. and Mrs. Oscar de la Renta, Albert Hadley, David Adler and Francis Elkins, Stephane Boudin, Richard Avedon, Rene Gruau, Christian Dior, Elsie de Wolfe, Christian Berard, Cecil Beaton, Jean Cocteau, Jean-Michel Frank, and Nick Olsen ... to name a few.

What is the one thing in life you can't live without
?
A positive attitude.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day
?
I would have loved to meet Nancy Mitford and Somerset Maugham for a long, drink-filled lunch at La Grenouille.

Who or what inspires your work
?
Fashion and other designers past and present.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
That I don't drink coffee.

What is your greatest accomplishment
?
I haven't had it yet!

profile by Ronda Carman

Tuesday, October 23

Profile: Holly Dunlap


Holly Dunlap, began her career in fashion at the young age of 17 as an intern for New York socialite designer Carolyne Roehm. Although Holly was not paid a salary during her time with Carolyne, she was paid in the next best thing: Manolo Blahnik Shoes. From her first pair of Manolos, Holly realized that there were shoes and there were shoes.

From New York, Holly attended design school in Paris and landed her dream job working for Christian Lacroix upon graduation. Next, Holly moved to London to work for her long-time fashion idol, Vivienne Westwood. Although Holly loved working for Vivienne, she missed the beaches of sunny Los Angeles and headed back to the states to work as a celebrity stylist.

After a year in LA, Holly was ready to move back to the design side of fashion and took the position of Head Designer at Lilly Pulitzer. Having grown up in head-to-toe Lilly, Holly jumped at the chance to revitalize the line, which had been defunct for almost 15 years. She revamped the entire line of Lilly silhouettes and the classic Lilly prints. Her modern, preppy designs made Lilly Pulitzer a household name once again and, after a few years at Lilly, Holly felt she was ready to start her own line.

Though Holly’s experience was in print and apparel design, her love for shoes made them the obvious choice for her own label. She named her brand “HOLLYWOULD” because she knew her main source of inspiration would come from the glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood, CA. Holly’s first collection of all-American, sexy HOLLYWOULD shoes hit Bergdorf Goodman in Spring of 2000, and is now sold in over 60 better boutiques and department stores worldwide, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Harrods and Le Bon Marche.

I am in love with this plum ostrich bow waist belt from Holly's fall 2007 line. It would look great in my wardrobe...hmmmmm....

How would you describe your own personal style
?
Palm Beach meets South Beach - it's a sexed up version of classic preppy, always with loads of print and color. I tend to gather my wardrobe from vintage stores and markets all over the globe, and I don't like to wear any identifiable branded items. You will never see me with the season's "it" bag, shoes or dress as I think it's more interesting to make people wonder about what you're wearing.

What are your wardrobe staples?
In summer, long printed halter dresses with jeweled flats, big earrings, and a gold arm band. In winter, mini dresses with boots, tights, and a fur vest & hat.

Who are your style icons?
Talitha Getty, Sharon Tate, Bianca Jagger, Bond Girls, and my mother.

What or who inspires your designs?
I live in Italy and am inspired by Italian style, quality and manufacturing, as well as all of my travel. I'm also constantly inspired by interiors, and am fascinated by architectural details, furniture design, wallpaper, and interior textiles. This summer while in Capri I designed a print based on the pattern of an old terrazzo floor.


What are the must haves for this fall?
Riding boots are a must-have classic that last a lifetime, and I like them in a flat version or heeled with tights and a knit mini dress. I've stopped buying things that won't be in fashion next season, and I think real must-have items should be classic or interesting enough to stand the test of time.
What are the greatest challenges or rewards to being an entrepreneur?
It's very challenging being a small independent fashion brand amongst the larger fashion groups. However, there is a great reward in being able to create something totally new without having to stick to someone else's set formula.

What is the one thing in life you can't live without?
My family, 8 hours of sleep, lemonade, and chocolate chip cookies. I know that is four but all are necessary for survival.

profile by Ronda Carman

Friday, October 19

Autographed Copy of Hip Tastes: A Fresh Guide to Wine



One lucky All the Best reader will receive an autographed copy of Courtney's new book Hip Tastes. To qualify simply subscribe to All the Best on the right side of the blog. All current subscribes will be included. One lucky reader will be notified by email on October 25, 2007.

Monday, October 15

Amanda Jaron Goes Green



Today is Blog Action Day and the theme this year is the environment. As such, I thought I would showcase this amazing bracelet designed by Amanda Jaron. Unique and sophisticated are just a few of the words that have been used to describe the custom creations of jewelry designer Amanda Jaron. Now you can add ‘recycled’ to the list of adjectives. Amanda’s green cola bottle bracelet is not only beautiful and fresh it’s eco-chic!

As a Florida native Amanda draws on the vivid colors of her childhood landscape to create designs that are distinctive, fun and stylish. A few A-listers charmed by her collections include Reese Witherspoon, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Ripa, Sela Ward and Angela Basset. The Amanda Jaron line will be in select Saks Fifth Ave stores Fall 2007.

Sunday, October 14

Betsy Speert



photos by Michael Partenio (click to view larger)


I spent the better part of the day engaging in one of my favorite past times, looking through back issues of my magazine collection. I found a November 2004 Traditional Homes at the bottom of a large stack. I saved this particular issue because it featured the home of a girlfriend's mother. The Vermont house, designed by Betsy Speert, is the family home six months of the year. The top photo reminds me just how beautiful New England is this time of year. I especially like the design of the gazebo, it juts out over the water like a boat dock.

Staying true to character, the home features American antiques, rather than French or English. Most of the antiques were found while combing the back roads of Vermont and New Hampshire. The look is causal and homey with just the right amount of sophistication and flair. The perfect country home for a large family.

Saturday, October 13

Shopping on Saturday



A few months back I did a post on b.chyll, a new luxury knitwear collection. Since that time I have become the proud owner of the cashmere shawl pictured above and it's pure luxury! It is so soft and beautiful, I'm certain that it will become one of my wardrobe staples.

The new 2007 holiday look book is now available online and it is gorgeous! If you feel like doing a little shopping on Saturday for yourself (or someone on your gift list) b.chyll has kindly offered a 20% discount to All the Best readers and the best news is that it can be used more than once! Just quote 'best20' when placing an order. Happy shopping!

Friday, October 12

Profile: Wendy Goodman


What a wonderful and fascinating life Wendy Goodman must lead. As one of the authors of the upcoming Tony Duquette book Wendy had access to thousands of photos, letters, and documents from Tony Duquette's personal archives. What a fun and most certainly overwhelming privilege!

In addition to working on the book Wendy serves as Design Director for House & Garden. Prior to her post with House & Garden she was the Interior Design Editor of New York magazine for 10 years, Contributing Style Editor of Departures magazine, and a Contributing Editor at Elle Decor.

How did you get your start in design journalism?
I have always loved to write and I started my career in fashion as a stylist and editor. I studied acting earning my BFA in theatre arts at New York University School of the Arts. I am so fascinated by how people live and how they express themselves that I changed, or sort of evolved my interests to end up producing and writing about people's lives rather than what they are wearing in that life.

Who would you most like to meet?
Who would I like most to meet? That is a tough one! So many people…I always wished I could have met Alberto Giacometti and spent time in his studio. Also I would love to have met Gerald and Sara Murphy.

What are your most prized possessions?
A ring from Tony Duquette, my father and mother's paintings, a sculpture of a fan by Christopher Hewat and all my books.

Who is your style icon?
Jacqueline Kennedy is my style icon, for her grace as much as her mystical beauty.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Doing what I love as my job.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Lately, finishing the Tony Duquette book!

Mid 1960's drawing room at the Ducommon residence designed by Tony Duquette around the owners' collection of modern masters. Over the fireplace is a painting by Braque and on the hearth stands a miniature Calder.

Thursday, October 11

Book Profile: Tony Duquette

Tony Duquette from the Duquette archives

Drawing by Elizabeth "Beegle" Duquette

Tony Duquette was a true design Renaissance man and had a knack for turning the ordinary into extraordinary. In a soon to be released book, Tony Duquette, Wendy Goodman (House & Garden's Design Director) and Hutton Wilkinson have created an apt homage to the 20th century design luminary who was known for his over-the-top style in interiors, jewelry, costumes, and set design. Tony Duquette is a lavishly illustrated book with many never before published photographers from the vast Duquette archives.

I’ve long been fascinated by the legendary Tony Duquette and his wife Elizabeth who he affectionately called “Beegle” (a nickname derived from the industry of the bee and the soaring poetry of the eagle). The exuberant couple, whose talents perfectly complimented one another, collaborated on many design commissions and were sought out as an entertaining and attractive addition to the Hollywood social scene.

Like many, I am anxiously awaiting the release of the Danquette book and have it marked at the top of my Christmas list. The luxury edition of book will launch November 14th at Bergdorf Goodman then available in bookstores in December. Tomorrow I will profile the distinguished author and journalist Wendy Goodman.


Q&A with Wendy Goodman:

Where did the idea and inspiration come from for the Tony Duquette book? How long did it take to complete?
The Tony Duquette book has taken ten years to complete, with trips out to L.A to do research in between my magazine deadlines. I had access to the incredible trove of material in the archives through my co-author, Hutton Wilkinson, who was Tony’s business partner for thirty years.
The inspiration to do a book started the minute I met Tony and saw a design sensibility unrivaled anywhere in this country!

The book is to feature many lost and never-before published photographs from the Duquette archives. How difficult was it to narrow it down to those included in the book?
Editing the photographs from the archives was a torturous affair as we could have done three books for the treasures we found! Nothing was labeled or organized, so we had to go through each and every box, pouring through photos, letters, and documents. It was the ultimate great treasure hunt.

I love the quote from Hutton Wilkinson, “Tony was the only man who could spend $999 in a 99-cent store.” Exotic excess was the signature of the Tony Duquette style. Do you have any favorite or specific examples of his excesses?
What some people might consider Tony’s excesses, were to me simply examples of his relentless energy and passion. He was at the mercy of his muses every hour of every day.

What did you enjoy most about working on this project?
Working on this book means more to me than I can say as it is my first book, and it was challenging from many viewpoints. To edit the massive amount of material was a journey and learning how and when to let go, a good lesson. I love history and doing research, so to discover the letters of Elise de Wolfe to Tony was especially exciting.

What would people be most surprised to learn about Tony Duquette?
People will be surprised by just about everything about Tony, as his originality, his passion and brilliance were completely unique. He was also one of the kindest and most loyal friends. He was a creative soul through and through.

profile by Ronda Carman

Wednesday, October 10

The Winter Antiques Show


The Winter Antiques Show is America's most prestigious venue for fine and decorative arts, benefiting East Side House Settlement. East Side House is a community resource in the South Bronx with a focus on children and critical developmental periods, namely early childhood and adolescence. East Side House works to enhance the public school system and place college within reach of motivated students. All revenues from the Show's general admissions and the net proceeds from the preview parties go to East Side House and contribute substantially to its private philanthropic budget.

The 2008 Antiques Show will be held from January 18th to 27th in New York City, with the celebrated Opening Night Party on Thursday, January 17th. Young Collectors' Night will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2008.

The 2008 show will comprise 75 exhibitors, including 28 specialists in American antiques and works of art showing the finest in Shaker, Folk Art, Native American, Colonial, Federal, Arts & Crafts, and Aesthetic Movement pieces. A dozen exhibitors feature both American and European antiques including silver, paintings, prints, and rare books and autographs.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Chilton, Jr. serve as Honorary Chairmen for 2008. Alan Rappaport, Bank of America, and Pamela Fiori, editor in chief of Town & Country serve as Co-Chairmen of the Opening Night Party.

Tuesday, October 9

Profile: Mesi Jilly



Last week I did a post on self-taught jewelry designer Mesi Jilly. From all the comments received it seems as though I am not alone in my admirations for the beautiful rings designed by Marie Therese “Mesi” Jilly.

Originally from Austria, Mesi Jilly, 29, was raised in France, Italy and Chile. Prior to launching her jewelry company, she worked for six years in public relations for luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren and Jil Sander. After moving to New York, she decided to follow her real passion and create her own jewelry line in 2005.


How did you get your start in jewelry design?
I am fascinated by seashells and making jewelry was always my dream. I was walking along the beach on holiday a few years ago and came across a stunning shell. I picked it up and it really reminded me of a ring. The idea hit me there and then - I wanted to make jewelery, but something very spirited and unique – a beautiful reminder of warm and fun-filled summer nights.

What do you love most about your work?
What I love about my rings is that they dress up an outfit on their own and that they are very versatile. They look great with just a t-shirt and jeans but can also look fantastic with and elegant evening gown.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I think nothing has ever surprised anyone I am such an open book, I always say what I think.

Where is your favorite place to vacation
?
That’s tough because I adore so many beach places but I would say Mykonos. We go there every summer and have the best time!

What is your favorite luxury in life
?
Exploring new places and traveling around the world with my husband.

Who are you style icons
?
Grace Kelly. I am always amazed by her beauty and elegance.

What is your favorite book?
I just recently read a book called Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It's a wonderful, wonderful book that I really enjoyed.

Monday, October 8

Andrew Gn



If statement jewelery is on your list of “must haves” then be certain to look at Andrew Gn’s gorgeous jewels on Vivre. Originally from Singapore, the Paris-based Gn was an assistant at Emanuel Ungaro for eight months after his graduation. In 1997, he was chosen to be Artistic Director of the House of Balmain's ready-to-wear and accessories collections but his debut collection was met with criticism, ending relationship with the company. Fortunately for Gn (and for the rest of us) his collections have been extremely well-received since going solo.

David Hicks


Last week The Peak of Chic did post on porcelain prints that featured the above photo of David Hicks' glazed chintz depicting porcelain, tables, and umbrellas. I knew that I had once seen a photo of Eleni Gianopulos' kitchen featuring this same print, but could not remember where I spotted the article. But alas, it came back to me - New York Magazine! I have copied the article below (written by Wendy Goodman) for you to enjoy.

Photo by David Allee

Moving from a crisp white loft to a rambling prewar apartment near Sutton Place unleashed Eleni Gianopulos’s desire for more color in her life. “I wanted pattern,” says the founder and owner of Eleni’s New York cookies. “I wanted every room to be fun and unique.” But since she’s a food professional, and her husband, Randall, is an accomplished amateur cook, they also had some very definite ideas about the kitchen, which they enlarged by taking out a wall and connecting a maid’s room. “We like to entertain, and that is why the plates and everything are out in the open,” she says.

To satisfy both, designer Steven Sclaroff, working with architect Carmen Tagle of ARCT, created a kitchen that has two of everything: two ovens (Gianopulos uses a Dacor electric one for baking because “electric bakes much more evenly”), sinks, and countertops (marble, for rolling out dough, and stainless).

Touches like a glass-front bookcase for cookbooks, a Wayne Thiebaud–esque photograph of pies and cakes by Sharon Core, and especially the bold-but-classic David Hicks wallpaper contribute to the mod-meets-English-country homeyness of the room. “I think a lot of people would be afraid to use it,” says Sclaroff of the wallpaper, which normally appears in entryways and libraries. “They totally were not afraid.”

Sunday, October 7

A Beautiful Scotland Day

Today was one of those rare, perfect days in Scotland. Mild temperatures, leaves on the ground, not a cloud in the sky - perfect. We took a nice long walk around the neighborhood.

Beautiful fall leaves cover the streets and sidewalks. Piles of leaves always remind me of the Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin.

It's days like these I realize just how lucky I am to be experiencing life in a different country.

We stopped at the local cafe for coffee (yes decaf for our son) and cinnamon apple scones.

Heidi Swanson


photos © Heidi Swanson

This morning I feel as if I have hit the jackpot! While searching for a pumpkin soup recipe for dinner I came across 101 Cookbooks written by Heidi Swanson. I instantly fell for her breezy writing style and the premise of her website. Heidi best sums up Cookbooks 101, “When you own over 100 cookbooks, it is time to stop buying, and start cooking. This site chronicles a cookbook collection, one recipe at a time.”

Oh how I relate—the number of times that I have promised myself to actually start using my cookbooks and stop buying more is just too numerous to count! It turns out that Heidi is a remarkably talented woman. In addition to her fabulous website, she is also an author and brilliant photographer.

Below is the recipe for Thai-spiced Pumpkin Soup Recipe. Enjoy.

Note: Keep in mind that different Thai curry pastes have differing strengths. Start with a teaspoon to start and then build from there until the soup has a level of spiciness and flavor that works for your palate. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds.

2 acorn squash, pumpkins, or other smallish winter squash
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 14-ounce can coconut milk
1 teaspoon (or more) red Thai curry paste
water
2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt (or to taste)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place the oven racks in the middle.

Carefully cut each squash/pumpkin into halves (or quarters). Slather each piece of squash with butter, sprinkle generously with salt, place on a baking sheet skin sides down, and place in the oven. Roast for about an hour or until the squash is tender throughout.

When the pumpkins/squash are cool enough to handle scoop it into a large pot over medium high heat. Add the coconut milk and curry paste and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and puree with a hand blender, you should have a very thick base at this point. Now add water a cup at a time pureeing between additions until the soup is the consistency you prefer - a light vegetable stock would work here as well. Bring up to a simmer again and add the salt (and more curry paste if you like, I used just shy of 6 teaspoons but the curry paste I use is not over-the-top spicy).

Serves six.

Saturday, October 6

Shopping on Saturday - Savon de Marseille



Big blocks of Savon de Marseille olive oil based soap have been crafted for one thousand years in the South of France. Since 1688 French law has declared that only soaps that are produced by following certain ancient methods, and containing only the purest ingredients, shall bear the famous mark “Savon de Marseille.”

It takes the Maitre de Savon (soapmaster) two weeks to make Marseille Soap. The delicate mixture of olive and vegetable oils, alkaline ash from sea plants and Mediterranean Sea salted water are heated for ten days in antique cauldrons.

Only a few savonneries near Marseille still make this legendary soap in the traditional manner. But Savon de Marseille is once again being rediscovered for its extraordinary purity and gentle skin care, and its popularity is again on the rise worldwide.

I especially love the pure olive oil, palm oil soap (great for sensitive skin) and the local crushed flower soap.

Friday, October 5

Gien - Joli Paris



I love a touch of whimsy when it comes to setting the table or hosting a party, and these plates by Gien certainly hit the mark. Gien is one of the top producers of high quality earthenware in France. Its product lines are highly unique and distinguish themselves from other pottery with rich, refined and varied shapes and styles.The Joli Paris line features scenes of Paris cafés, monuments and boutiques. Choose your path through Paris with fun plates.