Summer Homes

photos Coastal Living & Elle Decor


Summer Hot Spots
Maines Mount Desert
From generations of Rockefellers to Martha Stewart, Maine's Mount Desert Island has served as a getaway for the vacationing elite.

Nantucket Massachusetts
Only 50 square miles in size, Nantucket Island, off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, is one of the most popular second-home destinations for vacationing clam-baking New Englanders.

The Hamptons New York
Proximity to Manhattan and a long history of extravagant vacationing makes the Eastern coast of Long Island popular destination.

Newport, Rhode Island
A place where summering is a sport. After all, this Rhode Island seaside enclave is where tobacco heiress Doris Duke once kept a pair of Arabian camels in her antiques-filled home. One favorite pastime for locals is repairing to the polo field for a sip of bubbly and a peek at a match.

Cap d'Antibes The French Riviera
The French Riviera has long been headquarters for opulent vacations, as everyone from Grace Kelley and Kylie Minogue to the Duke of Windsor and King Farouk of Egypt.

Swimming Pools

There is something wonderfully romantic about swimming pools. For me they conjure up images of summertime bliss, innocents, old Hollywood, Slim Aarons and the idyllic resorts of St. Tropez.

Slim Aarons wonder photos:




Hotel pools to visit:

Palazzo Sasso Italy's Amalfi coast
The pool has underwater windows offering views of the Mediterranean.

Las Brisas Acapulco, Mexico
Most people know of this famous 'pink and white paradise' for its secluded casitas and 250 swimming pools. Las Brisas is situated high on a hillside offering dramatic views of the city, bay and Pacific Ocean.

Of course no list would be complete without mentioning the famous Beverly Hills Hotel pool.

Any personal favourites to share?

Summer Reading

Is there any greater pleasure than sitting outside on a warm afternoon with a page-turner? Perhaps the only thing better (in my opinion) is lying on the beach with a fantastic read. And, seeing as how I plan to be on the beaches of Mallorca in a matter of weeks, I decide to head to Borders over the weekend in search for the perfect book. As always there was an overabundant supply of engrossing titles concealed behind brightly colored covers. After several hours I’ve narrowed it down to 3 that seem to have potential:


Kiss & Tango: Looking for Love in Buenos Aires
by Marina Palmer
A former Manhattan ad exec abandons the Upper East Side for the tango halls of Buenos Aires.

Our Love Affairs with Food and Travel
by Brenda C. Hill and Maralyn D. Hill

Two authors share travel tales and 200 delectable recipes from chefs worldwide. Famous chefs are featured along with new emerging chefs from rustic Tuscan farmhouses, the Fijian Islands, and well-known culinary schools including Cordon Bleu. The authors have travelled the world to break bread, sip wine, and learn the stories and secrets of nearly 100 chefs.

Extremely Pale Rose: A Very French Adventure
by Jamie Ivey

A chance conversation with a Provencal vigneron leads to the most unlikely of quests - a hunt to find France's palest rosé.

Extremely Pale Rose is a richly entertaining and informative account of the travels of Jamie, his wife Tanya, and their ebullient friend Peter Tate. Giving up their lives in London, they quickly discover an unfortunate truth - the French won't treat rosé or their quest seriously. Rosé is seen as a poor cousin to red and white wine, drunk largely as an apertif or to wash away the taste of spicy food. And although for many Brits pale rose has come to epitomise the south of France, French wine connoisseurs view it as flavourless water fit only for tourists.

Visit the blog: Extremely Pale Rose

So, what’s in your beach bag?

The Mandarina Trading Company

While travelling back home on the train yesterday I had the chance to catch up on essential reading (namely home and fashion magazines). I read an article in Homes & Interiors of Scotland about Caroline Townsend, Co-founder of the Mandarina Trading Company—a quirky and original collection of shoes headquartered in Scotland.

If you haven’t guessed by now, I have a real weakness for shoes, handbags and accessories! Not only are the design fabulous (can’t wait to buy a pair!) the Mandarina Trading Company works with small, ethical manufacturers in India and South-East Asia, and all the products are hand-made using a unique choice of fabrics, prints, and brocades.

Thanks to everyone who posted while I was away. It was really fun to read were everyone is from and dream about all the fanatic places to travel.

all photos The Mandarina Trading Company

Away...

I will be away for 2 days (business—not pleasure) and will post again over the weekend. In the meantime, I’d love to know where in the world All the Best readers hail from (North America, South America, Europe, Australia…)? I’d also love to hear some of your favourite places to travel.

Sheila Bridges

Sheila Bridges' beautiful apartment in Harlem.
All photos New York Social Diary

Profile: All the Best

Moi (Ronda of All the Best)

I had not intended to profile myself, and was quite happy to stay in hiding! However, I’ve had so many nice emails asking if I planned to profile my own blog I decided that I would. What’s the old adage? Don’t ask others to do something you wouldn’t do yourself!
All best,
Ronda

Which interior designer would I most like to meet?
This is such a hard question for me to answer! There are so many designers whose work I admire! I’ll just have to name a few: Muriel Brandolini, Eric Prokesh, Ruthie Sommers, Katie Ridder, Markham Roberts, Schuyler Samperton, Lynn Von Kersting...

If I could vacation anywhere in the world where would it be?
Spain, Spain, Spain or a secluded villa in the south of France (with a pool—of course). I’d love to spend the week with my husband and son, relaxing and exploring the countryside. Each day we would go into the village to buy fresh foods for lunch and dinner, fill a jug with local wine and dine alfresco every night.

What is my favorite luxury in life?
When I’m in Texas visiting family each summer I love to spend each day at the pool ordering wine and club sandwiches. At home I love lying in bed each morning with a cup of coffee, a laptop and our puppy snuggled at my feet.

What is my favorite place to shop?
It’s hard to beat Neiman Marcus

From whom would I most like to receive a dinner invitation?
Texas socialite Becca Cason Thrash

What is my idea of a fantastic dinner party?
Beautiful surroundings, classic cocktails, diverse guests, delicious food, great music and a host who can put their guests at ease. I would have loved to have attended one of Nan Kempner’s Sunday night Spaghetti dinners.


Villa in the south of France

Elliot Rhodes

If you love well-made distinctive belts, then you must look at Elliot Rhodes. What’s so great about Elliot Rhodes you ask? Well, for starters, you get to personalize and design a belt to your own specifications. First you choose a belt and then you choose a buckle. All the buckles attach and detach using a unique popper system.

The store has a gallery like feel, where both men and women can come and fashion their own unique creation. Handmade in Italy and Spain by traditional craftsmen, belts are available in the finest leather, suede, snakeskin, crocodile and ostrich. And the best part, there are more than 300 belts and 1000 buckles to choose from—oh decisions, decisions!

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in London you can visit the shop in the Covent Garden area or visit the Elliot Rhodes website.

all photos Elliot Rhodes

Jay Jeffers

I am in the process of trying to convince my darling husband that yes, in fact, we DO need to wallpaper our hallway! It’s a large, long hallway (large enough for two armoires) that just cries out for a bold and fun design. When I found these photos of Jay Jeffers work, I fell in love!

Just look at the large foyer he transformed into a swank cocktail lounge, enveloped in a bold David Hicks chinoiserie print. His trademark approach to design is Sophisticated Fun—interiors that are luxurious but liveable, well-grounded, but never stuffy.

All photos Jay Jeffers

Profile: Design DNA

Amy of Design DNA

One of my favorite bloggers is Amy at Design DNA. Everyday I wait with anticipation to see what beautiful finds and photos Amy will post for the day (and most days there are several). If you’ve not seen this delightful blog you must visit Design DNA. It’s a wonderful collection of uniquely gorgeous and unusual objects.

Which interior designer would you most like to meet?
Andree Putman
How would you spend the day?
On a rocky beach, under an umbrella, with pen and paper, excitedly talking and drawing.
What is your favorite CD at the moment?
This is a hard one....I guess I will stick with a constant favorite, one of which is the small faces, a nod is as good as a wink.....to a blind horse. Takes me right back to wild but simpler times.
What personal characteristics do you most dislike in a person?
Intolerance
If you could vacation anywhere in the world where would it be?
This is an impossible question! I guess either Paris or Ouro Preto, Brazil on Easter week. The entire week is filled with celebrations and re-enactments, but the night before Easter each family decorates a section of road with flowers and murals made from colored sawdust. All of the murals connect into a seamless, multi-colored carpet completely covering the one lane streets from one side of town to the other. Easter morning the children put on their fanciest clothes and a pair of angel wings, some of which are large and elaborate, some home made, and walk in procession over the multi-colored sawdust carpet from one side of town to the other, ending up at the cathedral for Easter service. I’m pretty sure the beauty of it would make me tip over and cry.
What is your favorite luxury in life?
The ocean
What is your favorite place to shop?
Goosebay lumber, Takishimaya, Louis Boston
What is your most prized possession?
The artwork and Christmas decorations we have made ourselves over the years and my husband's accolades.
Who is your favorite style icon?
I guess I do not have a favorite style icon. I do love French girl everyday chic. A little quirky, not over the top.


prized artwork

Breakfasts in Paris

Leave it to the lovely Rita Konig at Domino Magazine’s Daily Dose to introduce me to the beautiful blog Paris Breakfasts. Artist and blogger Carol Gillott spent three weeks in Paris photographing glorious Parisian patisseries and then painting the food around her. The result is a beautiful collection of watercolors like the two above. Paris Breakfasts is truly a delightful feast for the eyes! Just beautiful.

Paper Stories

For better or for worse (probably for better) sometimes we just can’t say what we’re really thinking! On those rare occasions you can always let these witty little note cards from Paper Stories do it for you. Of course it will take the right recipient to appreciate the irony of these beautiful letter pressed cards juxtaposed with bittersweet sentiments.
All note cards are printed on Crane paper and comes with coordinating envelope.

Profile: My Marrakesh

Maryam of My Marrakesh

Fascinating was the first word to came to mind when I read the blog My Marrakesh. So, what is the first thing to do when you find a new blog? You click the ‘About Me’ link of course!

Maryam - Democracy and governance specialist (if anyone knows what that means, please let her know so she can finally explain it to her mother). Loves kickboxing, interior design, watching foreign films, making altered art, and musing about life in general.

Yes, fascinating was definitely the right word to describe Maryam! And did I mention that she is an excellent writer with great taste, just read her comments on my blog—she loves all the same things I do!

If you are not familiar with My Marrakesh, you MUST go to Maryam’s blog. And for the big news—My Marrakesh is a finalist in the 2007 Annual Weblog Awards in the category Best African or Middleastern Blog. If you are so inclined (and I know you are) go to The Weblog Awards site before Feb 2 and vote for My Marrakesh!

Which interior designer would you most like to meet?
Alberto Pinto. Stunning use of color and I love his modern interpretations of Moorish style.

What would be your favorite way to spend a day?
My most favorite day in the world would be shopping the Paris flea markets with my best friend and muse, Anna, who lives in the South of France.

What is your favorite CD at the moment?
Anything by Norah Jones or Bosso Nova.

What personal characteristics do you most dislike in a person?
Miserliness and close minded-ness

If you could vacation anywhere in the world where would it be?
An incredible spa on an island somewhere in Indonesia. Ideally spending the morning in outdoor yoga and innovative cardio classes and all afternoon getting spa treatments. Sigh. One day, one day....

What is your favorite luxury in life?
I have a personal trainer who comes to my house two to three times a week. A former kick boxing champion, he pushes me to my absolute limits. We start every workout running through the fruit orchards. I also have an unfortunate penchant for Armani makeup:-)

What is your favorite place to shop?
The Marrakesh souks, esp the old hole-in-the-wall antique shops.

What is your most prized possession?
My wedding album. Our photos are all black and white and photo journalist style. That day was pure magic for me.

Who is your favorite style icon?
Christy Turlington. She is beautiful, graceful and strong. She also seems so balanced and mindful, traits I aspire to.


Maryam's wedding album

Zia-Priven Design

Zia-Priven Design was born out of passion for dramatic lighting and a love of the 40s era sleek, sophisticated style.

photo one: Private Residence Thompson Table Lamp Ivory Silk Pongee Shade
photo two: Private Residence Fioretti Cylinder Table Lamp ZP Studio Collection Cole and Son Pale Blue Fioretti Wallpaper Shade on Lucite Base

Chan Luu

It’s always so exciting when I find a new designer (new to me anyway). Just by chance I discover Luu Chan’s amazing jewellery while surfing the web (a bad and expensive habit!)

Using hand cut semi-precious stones and beads, Luu combines unusual forms with beautiful colors to create truly striking pieces.

Luu left Vietnam, where she was born and raised, to further her education at Boston University in Massachusetts majoring in Business Administration. Following her dream of becoming a designer, she later moved to Los Angeles and enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising earning a degree in Fashion Design in 1975.

She has taken her business globally with major retail stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman in the U.S., Harvey Nichols in London, Isetan and Mitsukoshi in Japan and many other specialty stores. Chan’s pieces have been featured in Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle.

Despite being worn by wealthy celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Mischa Barton and Sandra Bullock, some of Luu's jewellery is really quite affordable.

photos: Chan Luu

Eric Prokesh

I love Dallas decorator Eric Prokesh. His fantastic home has been featured in Southern Accents magazine and books. His use of color is just incredible!

"I wanted the colors [in my home] to be clear and confident," says Prokesh. "Rather than buy period paintings, I decided to let the walls add color." The effect manages to be simultaneously classic and bracingly fresh.

I will try to find more information on the talanted Eric Prokesh, as I am enamoured with his refined yet flamboyant style.

Source:
Interior design by Eric Prokesh, 214/520-0946
Southern Accents

Profile: The Peak of Chic

Jennifer of The Peak of Chic

When I received the comment, “I too admired Babe Paley's style, and I loved her taxicab yellow living room designed by Parish Hadley,” I knew I had met my match. So of course the first thing I did was go to The Peak of Chic blog site.

And, just as I had suspected, it was fabulous! I didn’t know there was anyone else under 4o that loved out-of-print design and lifestyle books, C.Z. Guest, Dorothy Rodger’s My Favorite Things and scoured vintage issues of House and Garden (I don’t have any as far back as 1936!).

Jennifer, the mastermind behind The Peak of Chic, like me, is new to the blogging world. Let’s find out more about her:

Which interior designer would you most like to meet?
It's a tie- Albert Hadley and Miles Redd

How would you spend the day?
We (meaning Albert, Miles, and me) would spend the morning at the D&D Building (in NYC) going through showrooms and looking at fabrics and wallcoverings. Then, in the afternoon, we would go to their favorite shops. By early evening, we would have drinks and Triscuits in Albert's chic apartment (I read somewhere that he serves Triscuits to his guests!), and then we would proceed to Miles' glorious apartment and have dinner in his David Adler marble bathroom!

What is your favorite CD at the moment?
Bobby Short- "Late Night at the Cafe Carlyle" (and no, I'm not 75 years old but my husband sometimes wonders with my taste in music)

What personal characteristics do you most dislike in a person?
Insincerity and insecurity.

If you could vacation anywhere in the world where would it be?
Venice or St. Petersburg.

What favorite luxury in life?
Curling up in bed with a good design book!

What is your favorite place to shop?
Bergdorf Goodman

What is your most prized possession?
A sterling silver revere bowl that my sister gave me before my wedding. On it is an engraved inscription of a saying that my sister and I used to have when we were little girls.

Who is your favorite style icon?
I have two- in terms of fashion and all-around style, it would be Diana Vreeland. In terms of design, it would be a man (!)- Van Day Truex, the late design director of Tiffany's back in the 1960's (he had truly great taste).

Tagged!

I've been tagged by too cute Jessica at I Do Declare (Southern Fried Fashion for the Rebellious Debutante)—love that tag line!

So, what are the top six weird things about me? This should be easy, but I’m struggling. If my husband were awake I’m sure he could rattle several off very quickly.

1. In the winter I have a cup of soup everyday around 10 am and I LOVE leftovers for breakfast (especially cold stir-fry).

2. I pay an outrageous amount of money to have my hair professional straightened (nothing beats Japanese Thermal Reconditioning). It’s changed my life!

3. I have 10 years worth of binders that I have filled with magazine clippings of houses, gardens, recipes and clothing. I refuse to part with any of them. I even moved them to the UK from the States.

4. I probably own 50 tubes of lipstick (30 of which I bought when I was pregnant) but only wear 2 of the shades (Bobbi Brown Raspberry Shimmer and Cherry Cognac).

5. We lived in our previous house 5 years and each room was painted at least 4 times (by yours truly). I even had my own account at the local hardware store.

6. I start listening to Christmas music in September.

There it is…I’m sure the list could go on. I am now tagging (if they have not been tagged before) The Peak of Chic, Design DNA and Style Court. And Jessica, send me an email. I want to profile your blog!

Profile: Absolutely Beautiful Things

Anna of Absolutely Beautiful Things


When I started my blog at the beginning of 2007, it was purely a personal style file. I had NO idea anyone else would come to "visit" so to speak! I also had no idea that I would find so many fantastic blogs.

The first fantastic blog I stumbled across was Absolutely Beautiful Things. The name alone was enough to hook me, and then I fell for the talented Anna. Anna is the creative genius behind the blog and owner of Black & Spiro.


Which interior designer would you most like to meet?
Kelly Wearstler
How would you spend the day?
Shopping at all her favourite haunts.
What is your favorite CD at the moment?
All of Katie Melua’s c.d.’s
What personal characteristics do you most dislike?
I don’t like it when people are rude and ungrateful.
If you could vacation anywhere in the world where would it be?
I can’t just choose 1 place so I have to choose 3– Paris, Hawaii and Venice oh and the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Sorry that’s a hard question.
What is your favorite luxury in life?
Shopping at Chanel, oh and having my nanny/housekeeper – I don’t know what I would do without her.
What is your favorite place to shop?
Alamoana Shopping Centre in Hawaii and my favourite junk shop in Sydney—which I can’t name because it is my little secret!!
What is your most prized possession?
My David Bromley painting which is called “Poh”
Who is your favorite style icon?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

David Bromley painting

Lynn Von Kersting

[Images removed at the request of Darra Baker]

One designer I like and see work from time to time is California based designer Lynn Von Kersting. Her home has been featured in a couple of Chris Madden’s books, but there is little information about her on the web. At one time she owned (and perhaps still does) Indigo Seas in Los Angeles. I believe she and her husband also own The Ivy in L.A. If you have more information about her work or other photos, I’d love to hear from you.