Another Gorgeous Garden

As most long time readers know, I'm obsessed with gardens.  Kind of funny considering how much I hate bugs and even more so spiders.  But as a city dweller, I long to be able to see greenery outside my window and to take a walk in nature whenever I desire.  I do try to take advantage of Central Park but I have to share that with about 18 million other people.  Probably why I fell in love with Bella Pollen's English country garden when I first spied it in Vogue.  You can read the entire article here.  Bella and her husband fell in love with it too when they first saw it but it took many years of work to restore it and the neglected house to an inhabitable state.  I'm sure the final result more than makes up for all the hard work.  Just another reminder to get out and smell the roses this weekend!

Photos by François Halard

Dream Vacation Destination

I just realized that it's June and I don't have a vacation planned yet!  I do have some work trips on the agenda but that's different.  I long for a week where I can really relax and recharge my batteries.  I saw grand hotel Villa Feltrinelli on Luxury Culture yesterday and felt relaxed just looking at the photos.  As their website states, Villa Feltrinelli has been painted by Winston Churchill, written about by D.H. Lawrence, and even visited by James Bond.  The hotel is located on Lake Garda in Italy and apparently there isn't much to do but swim, play tennis and explore the surrounding towns.  Sounds perfect to me! 

Parisian Dream

I'm swamped with work so until I can take a breath and write a post, I encourage you to head over to The New York Times. I loved the story of a designer who bought a little house in Paris.  It's also a great reminder that it's never to late to make your dreams come true. 

Chic in Barcelona

I always think it's sweet when my readers send me links to something they think I would like.  They are usually correct and I have to thank Pablo for alerting me to this great apartment.  It was designed by Ana Ros and although it looks French, is actually located in Barcelona. If you speak Spanish, you can read more details about it online at Nuevo Estilo.  I absolutely love the turquoise commodes that flank the fireplace but would probably switch out the contemporary sofa if it were my home.  But I wouldn't change a thing about that terrace.  Enjoy!

Photos from Nuevo Estilo

Renee on the Riviera

I wish the holiday weekend wasn't over so this is my way of extended it.  I love these photos of model and muse Renee Perle by the famous photographer Jacques Henri Lartigue.  So many fashion designers and other photographers were inspired by them and it's easy to see why.  Those wide leg pants are perfection as is the lifestyle of lounging on the Riviera.  Those were the days.

Jacques Henri Lartigue and Renee Perle

Photos by Jacques Henri Lartigue

Magical Maine: Part Deux

The other Maine cottage that I wish would be featured again belongs to Marina Rust Conner.  It was built in 1899 by her great-great grandmother, Mrs. George Bird. When it appeared in Vogue, it looked a little more fussy and Victorian inside than Gwen McCaw's renovated house.  It would be interesting to see if any changes have been made over the years.  I've been to Maine many times and nothing beats that idyllic all-American feeling and slower pace.  These two homes make me want to book another trip but only if I can find an equally appealing summer "cottage" in which to stay!

Photos by François Halard