Red-y to Ring in the New Year

The holidays are a perfect time to try something unexpected and nothing is more festive, flirty and fun than red lips. First, use a nude lip liner. Then try a cool/orangey shade if you are fair, or a warm/brick shade if you have olive or dark skin. Remember to go light on the eye make-up.

Sienna Miller always does it well...  

Feeling Festive

Festive by Shippan Point Style featuring hoop earrings jewelry

All Plaid Out

Currently seeking out a plaid scarf as a gift for my sister-in-law...now realizing that a good plaid scarf is not so easy to find.  Sure there is the classic Burberry, but I don't think that is quite what she desires.  (Not to mention that the $350 exceeds our secret santa gift exchange budget.) How in the world is this so difficult?!  Would love any suggestions...

PS. I would actually be quite delighted to receive the aforementioned luxury neck warmer. If anyone out there is listening.

Currently Craving Country

When life gets busy I always have a craving to be out in the countryside of either New England or Ireland. There is nothing more comforting than being surrounded by nature, rustic old stone walls, and just being able to breathe deep.


Courtesy of Vogue. Pictures of designer Stella McCartney's English country home. (Her daughter, Bailey, pictured here.)

Champagne Cocktail

Another excuse to drink the bubbly (and reason to include my beloved bitters)...

Put 1 sugar cube in a Champagne glass.
Lightly sprinkle the sugar cube with Angostura bitters
and pour enough sparkling wine to fill the glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist before serving.

Courtesy of Food and Wine Magazine.

Fur-enzy

 ATTENTION: Holiday parties are approaching fast! The furry finds below can be used to dress up jeans to arrive in style to Thanksgiving dinner, add some glam for New Years, or top your LBD for those office holiday parties (so that no one recognizes it is the same LBD from last year!).

Ladies, a dressy jacket, coat or vest is a necessity that many overlook. There is nothing worse than the woman in the fabulous dress at coat check picking up her...fleece. Nowadays there are great faux fur coats, jackets and boleros that are made well and affordable. Start looking now so you aren't searching in a fur-enzy later.


$415 - Neiman Marcus



$272 - Nordstrom


$89.95 - American Eagle


$130 - Michael Kors

Real Simple...Real Snazzy

Real Simple November 2010 features gold apples, pears and walnuts along with pumpkins, figs and gords on the cover. What a beautiful way spice up the average Autumn centerpiece! Not only is it inexpensive, but a fun/easy project to dress up your dining table, entry way table, etc.

1 can of gold spray paint + assorted Fall produce + 30 minutes = gorgeous, impressive decor

W New York

Feeling spoiled....


W Hotel on Lexington Ave., NY, NY

Reasons Why I Love Fall: #1

Redheads are back in style...


Typically red model Coco Rocha. Courtesey of http://www.vogue.com/.

Rebecca Siemering

I am not sure how I stumbled upon this artist. Perhaps it was her presence in New England. Whatever it was, something captured my attention--the colors and familiarly covetted items; shoes, gloves, hats, china...ahh "the good life" as she refers to it. Ms. Siemering focuses on items that Americans are persuaded to desire. The sculptures below are created out of scratch tickets. She also creates china and furniture from sugar. I LOVE the irony of her gorgeous creations. 





Going Grey

If someone told me this day would come, I don't think I would ever believe them. Just like if someone told you ten years ago that everyone, even your mother would wear black nail polish (and not for Halloween). Gray, grey, silver...or whatever you want to call it is the new look. And once Kate Moss does it you know it's going to trickle down. The last time grey hair was cool was the mid 18th century. This will be interesting to follow.

Vogue, September 2010- 46 yr old model Kristen McMenamy is a natural grey. She has a huge fashion spread in the year's biggest issue.

Vanity Fair, September 2010- Lady Gaga goes grey!

Kate Moss with grey streaks at a benefit in January 2010.

Style Point: Hippie Chick

Ocean House

Last weekend while visiting my parents on vacation in Watch Hill, RI, we took the opportunity to visit the Ocean House. We were guests of a wedding there in 2004 before the hotel went through a $140 Million renovation...yes, that is $140 MILLION. Due to its historical value to the community, the owners were only allowed to restore it to its original beauty. We could not believe what an amazing job they did. Pictures (especially mine) do not do this hotel justice. It is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. The lobby, restaurants and deck are gorgeous. No detail too small, the designers and decorators spared no expense to recreate the gem of Watch Hill. Oh yes, and they have a fabulous cocktail menu that includes lovely old favorites such as a Pink Gin. The Verandah is the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and do some serious people watching. I actually saw an older couple wearing coordinated safari outfits...isn't that dandy.

Prepsters take note- that is a croquet field in the second and third photos.

Edge of Relaxation

Leaving for Cape Cod to attend a wedding at a fabulous location....Ocean Edge in Brewster, MA. Enjoy your weekend wherever you are!

Plum Crazy for blue

While taking the requisite weekend beach walk along Plum Island in Newburyport, there was a collective "WHAT is that place?". We notice the Miami style spread of this inviting inn every time we walk by. It is very rare in New England to find modern, comfortable, waterfront beach accommodations that cater to visitors as a hotel rather than weekly rental. After figuring out that it is the blue Inn, I can say that I will be making reservations for my parents here the next time they visit. I am so excited about this find...how can you NOT want to stay here?!

Pink Gin

I am a devoted Gin drinker and at one time had the nickname of "Gin Jen". Gin is such a lovely, clean spirit distilled from juniper berries, lemon, lime, and grapefruit peels, anise and other spices. I have never understood why it is not more loved than its clear counterpart, vodka, which is made from flavorless, starchy potatoes. Poor gin has a bad reputation due to its history in both the United States and England. However, it is a sophisticated flavor and do not let anyone tell you otherwise!

Pink Gin is traditionally a English cocktail that incorporates one of my favorite bar staples- bitters. Bitters is a spirit derived from aromatic herbs and soda water and historically used to remedy nausea or stomach ailments (similarly to ginger ale). It is refreshing and delicious simply ordered with soda water. Pink Gin is a perfect drink for a hot summer day, from its beautiful pink coloring to its sparkling, herbaceous flavor.

Pink Gin
Serve over ice or straight (make sure all ingredients are chilled if serving straight)
2 ounces gin
3 dashes bitters (or more to your own liking)
Top off with soda water and twist of lemon peel

Can be enjoyed on a hammock, boat, or sunny patio.

Discussion Point: Bullfight Ban

Postcard from Spain

Beautiful tradition or barbaric cruelty?

Today Catalonia's legislature voted to ban bullfighting in the region starting January 1, 2012. I find this subject is a difficult one. It can't be denied that this sport is beautiful and captivating. If you have ever seen a bullfight, it feels almost like a religious experience...you can't help but feel the sacrifice of the bull (even if it is only for entertainment). Then there is the swift, precise, and graceful movements of El matador, dancing dangerously between life and death. The colors of his costume, the arch of his back, the red of his cape and the intensity of his concentration. It is almost as if you can see the communication between him and the bull. There is an understanding, a respect. The agreement that the end of the fight will bring a dignified death to one of them in the ring. It is beautiful to be able to watch something that has been virtually unchanged for hundreds of years.

There is also the ugly reality that it is the unnecessary taunting of an animal who otherwise might meet death in a more humane manor. It is by definition a blood sport.

I have contradictory feelings towards bullfighting. While I find it disgusting to have people pay to watch any living thing brought to a slow death (I cannot even throw lobsters into boiling water), I could not resist going to a bullfight in Spain. I will never forget the beauty and it made me respect the bull more than I ever imagined I could.

Is the beauty of tradition enough of a reason to continue this sport?

Vogue Fantasy

I find the idea of being in a bright room surrounded by all those lovely books so dreamy and joyful.

So we all either love, hate or love to hate Gwyneth. Why does she evoke such strong feelings? I guess it is because she has upheld such an irritatingly perfect facade for her entire career, is best friends with Madonna, and makes dating Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck seem so paltry.

Anyways, I am in the category of love to hate. Which I will admit is purely because I am jealous of her wardrobe, the fact that she is about nine inches taller than me, and now, after seeing this Vogue article, of her pristine white, marble kitchen....

I think these photos are fantastic. (Unfortunately, the article is slightly weird and disappointing.) I love the navy piping on the shirts. Remember that brief phase of Dolce & Gabbana silk pajamas worn as cocktail attire? In my opinion, this is a more realistic way to make pajamas accepted as daytime attire and satisfies our deepest preppy desires.

Photos of her kitchen are below. The black and white shot reminds me of my sister (I guess that explains some of my jealousy issues, but we won't open that can of worms.)

Cold Soup

Sounds unappealing, doesn't it? But one of the things I LOVE about summertime is chilled, summer soups. The favorite and most popular being Andalusian Gazpacho.....nothing can beat a good, authentic gazpacho. But Kathryn introduced me to Summer Squash Soup. This tangy, sweet, creamy, and positively delicious soup is the perfect entree to satisfy you on a hazy, hot day. You can serve warm or chilled and substitute cream for the buttermilk if that is what you have on hand. I used Spanish Onions rather than leeks although I think the milder flavor of leeks or shallots would better complement the delicate squash flavor. This recipe calls for kousa squash, but any green or summer squash will do.

Summer Squash Soup

2 leeks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
3 lbs kousa squash, cut into 1 inch cubes
3/4 cup torn basil
2 cups water
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp white pepper

In large sauce pan, saute garlic and leeks with 1/2 tsp salt until leeks are tender (about 5 minutes) on medium heat. Add squash and 1/4 cup of torn basil and saute until squash is tender. Add 2 cups water and 1tsp salt and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally for 10 minutes. Take off heat and puree in blender with pine nuts, remaining basil, and buttermilk. Return to sauce pan and season to taste with white pepper and sea salt.

Style Point: Boat Ride

 

This look is composed of ALL affordable pieces, although the Micheal Kors watch and Kate Spade sunglasses are the splurge items...they are also investment pieces. The shirt and shorts are both Top Shop. The shorts are from Kate Moss' line and are a satin crepe material. Upon further inspection, they look really well made and very expensive- a lovely, dressy pair of shorts like this can be worn to showers, cocktail parties, etc. The shirt is actually a cotton T-shirt with a great back zipper detail. The retro/mod pattern is super unexpected. I love the rope detail on the Forever 21 sandals. And those wooden anchor stud earrings are such a cute detail that can be worn all summer long. I love the idea of "dressing the part" and this look is certainly yacht worthy!

Chuck Close

Lucas (1987) by Chuck Close

"It's just colored dirt on some cloth wrapped around wood strips....paintings can make you cry, [but] it's just colored dirt." Chuck Close on the emotional impact a painting can bring its viewer with the ironic reminder of what it is in its simplest form.

It is interesting to hear this artist break down his work in such a way, but really that is his method for creating his pieces...to break down his subject's face and rebuild it pixel by pixel until it is recognizable at a distance. Close has a rare learning disability, prosopagnosia or facial blindness, and cannot recognize faces. His brain literally cannot remember any person's face in life, however, by putting them in 2-dimensions and flattening them out somehow he can commit them to memory. His artistry has focused on faces for the past 30 years and is self serving in that it is therapeutic by helping him memorize faces and allowing him to connect with human faces in a way that he cannot otherwise. Close is a quadriplegic after suffering a spinal artery collapse in 1988 at 48 years old.

His disabilities have not stopped him from continuing to create portraits of some of the most influential artists, politicians, and actors of our time. His portraits will make you stop in your tracks if you see them in person...due to both their size (most of his work is very large around 9 ft tall)  and photorealism. Once you step closer you begin to see the painstaking detail taken to achieve such life-like images. The piece below is composed by his thumbprints...

Phil/Fingerprint (2009) by Chuck Close

Kate (2005) by Chuck Close

Summer Products

From a gal who searches high and low for good stuff, here are the summer product "must-haves" to make your summer easier:

 

Essie Nailpolish - Mod Squad ($8) This really is the perfect summer pink. I have never received so many compliments as when I wear this color.

 

Lubriderm Daily Moisturizing Lotion - SPF 15 (UVA/UVB) ($8) A light lotion with UVA and UVB protection!  

Jergens Natural Glow ($8) The gradual color on this self tanner is completely fool proof. 

Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss - Healthy Blush ($8) Super moisturizing lipgloss that is good for day or over lipstick at night.

Pixi Illuminating Tint & Conceal - SPF 20 ($30) I cannot rave enough about this product. It is an oil-free, tinted moisterizer with SPF all one. The concealer in the cap is perfect for quick cover-ups. This product is packed with great ingredients for your skin and it is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

    

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess ($52) This perfume is each and every warm scent of summer wrapped in a bottle. (Coconut Oil, Orange Flower, Gardenia, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Caramel, Amber, Mandarine, Sicilian Bergamont....YUM)

Pedro Almodovar

The infamous Spanish film Director whose current muse is Penelope Cruz always delivers campy, silly, and provocative stories through film. His popular film, Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios (translates to Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown), follows women whose paths cross due to a lover in common, a young Antonio Banderas. This cult classic is worth skipping a beach day to sip sangria and sit in air conditioning.

Style Point: Sunday Brunch

Something to look forward to all week is Sunday brunch with friends. It can either be a reward for the good girl who stayed in on Saturday night and woke up early for yoga....or it can be a necessary fix of caffeine and hair of the dog after a long night out. The look below is fresh and comfortable enough for a stroll down Newbury street post brunch yet cute enough to be seen at the latest popular brunch spot. The dress is blue seersucker and the cardigan is a necessity to prevent a chill from AC or to prevent sunburn. The shoes are Dolce & Gabbana, but you could easily pair this with something affordable and just as cute. I am now appropriately leaving for Sunday brunch on the water. Hope yours is somewhere out of the heat!

Style Point: Date Night