Stackables

I gave in!!!! These Mali bracelets have been among our best selling items all summer, and I have watched tons of fabulous, stylish women walk out with their perfectly customized stack of colorful rubber bangles. Yesterday I gave in to the lure of these recycled accessories and took home a stack of my own. I had dinner with a couple friends in Prospect Park last night, and they were the first thing that we talked about.

At only $2/bracelet, they are a steal. And you can keep them on at the beach or wear them straight into the deep end of the pool. I don't plan on taking mine off until the weather necessitates long sleeves, and at 97 degrees today, it's hard to imagine that will ever happen!

Summer days

Two weekends ago I had the pleasure of visiting with a friend in a very tiny town in Pennsylvania, where I spent most of the Fourth of July lying in a hammock with my book... Then, this last Thursday, I went to the first of the outdoor movies in Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is my favorite summertime thing to do. You see a beautiful view of the river and of Manhattan while you wait for it to get dark enough for them to show the movie:

Hans and I biked to the park last week, which is great because they have a bike valet so there's no need to carry a heavy lock. Tomorrow's movie is Ghostbusters, and I can't wait! I would love to wear this airy Hartford top with my shorts, bring the Matta Dupatta for when it gets chilly (which is impossible to imagine before the sun goes down, but then it happens), and of course those Coup d'Etat espadrilles that I couldn't resist:

Vintage photo

I submitted this "vintage" photo of my mother to The Sartorialist a couple of weeks ago, but I'm too impatient to wait to see if he will post it so I am beating him to the punch. This was taken at her first job in publishing. Doesn't she look so glamorous?

Prints I Have Loved

Anyone who knows me knows that I love taking pictures of food. What you might not know, however, is I also love taking pictures of beautiful prints and fabrics. I have taken home many a blouse or dress simply because I am in love with the print.

Here are some pictures I took of beautiful prints at the V&A Museum during my last trip to London:





There are many pieces in the store right now that use beautiful prints on beautiful fabrics, but the Firefly Shirtdress by Only Hearts really takes the cake. I saw it and immediately fell in love with the print:




The dress is pretty cute as well:


This dress is perfection for many summer occasions, but would be especially noteworthy (and timely) at a Fourth of July party this weekend.

Did I mention that the Firefly Shirtdress pattern is the background on my phone? I think it really complements the picture of french macarons I have as my screen saver.

Summer treats

Last week, Susannah brought me a homemade mini rhubarb tart. I still had hot coffee left in my thermos and it made the best afternoon snack of all time. I have learned that Susannah is a consummate chef, and this little delight was perfect proof of her culinary skill.

Then today, a gentleman stopped in to leave postcards advertising the new service, Feast Upon: "We’ve chosen top local chefs who have recommended unique seasonal entrées and sides perfect for cooking at home. We then source the best organic ingredients from sustainable regional farms and deliver everything, including detailed cooking instructions, right to your door."

How tempting is that?? It makes me hope that I might someday produce a meal that would live up to the impeccable standards of Anna Klinger.

Due to Susannah's capacity in the kitchen, the discovery of Feast Upon and the proximity of Al Di La, I am most glad to have the Three Stripe Sundress by Only Hearts in the store at the moment. The pattern is universally slimming, the material hugs you comfortably, and with the natural waist, you can have as many gourmet treats as you like and still look like a 1950s movie star.

(And please don't take my pictures as evidence—my Evo and I try our best, but we've hardly done this dress justice. Come in and see for yourself!)

Espadrilles!

I have been waiting for the arrival of Coup D'Etat Espadrilles since we were in the depths of winter, so imagine my JOY at seeing them in this basket when I got to the store today! I may have to take a ruby red pair home with me right now.

Cloudy beach day

Hans and I went to the beach last weekend. We had a great time, despite getting lost and driving two hours out of our way, and despite the fact that it was freezing. I took off my clothes for about three minutes, but I was still very happy to be wearing my new Lisa Curran lace print swimsuit! (Lace print bikinis are in the store now).

There was also a whale sighting, which would have been more exciting had we been the ones to see it. The lifeguard kept pointing and shouting "There it is! There! Again!" Cruel joke?