dapper van

The Beach Bash

2011-10-05T11:10:00.001-04:00

This week, I received my save the date for the 2011 Red Cross Beach Bash, a fixture on any young Palm Beacher's social calendar and a great way to celebrate the end of one year and the start of the next. Sponsored by Lilly Pulitzer, the fete draws about 400 guests clad in company's bold prints. Last year, I used the opportunity to break out one of my favorite vintage Lilly pieces, a pristine 1960s Lilly Men's Stuff blazer which featured a vibrant zoo scene. Check out the blazer and more pics from last year's Bash below.

Red Cross Beach Bash, December 29, 2011, tickets ($125) available here.

Ice Gold

2011-07-26T19:37:00.004-04:00

Excellent five song E.P. to keep cool through the dog days of August. Check it out.

A Weekend In... Watch Hill, R.I.

2011-05-27T07:24:00.000-04:00

WATCH HILL, R.I.: Newport's quieter sister, Watch Hill abounds with rambling manses and old-school charm. Pick up sandwiches on the way in at The Cooked Goose in Westerly (try the "C.M.R." or the "Aphrodite") before hanging your hat at the Ocean House, a beautiful seaside resort that was recently restored to its former grandeur. (Bring dress whites for the regulation croquet court!) Après beach, take a spin on the Flying Horse Carousel and check out the gorgeous yachts docked at the Watch Hill Yacht Club. After washing the sand off, grab dinner and drinks alfresco at the Olympia Tea Room. When you're ready to go, head out by way of rail, air, or sea.

Clockwise from top left: Canvas coal bag by ACL & Co., $68, here; J.Crew plaid shirt, $68, in stores; Cartier Tank Solo watch, $2,300, in stores; Asprey propeller keyring, $270, here; Sperry Top-Sider boat shoe, $75, here; Hermès "Yachting" beach towel in horizon blue, $180, here; Wölffer Estate 2010 Rose, $16, here.

The Afternoon Tea

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday afternoon, I threw an afternoon party for about forty guests, which it seems is now becoming an annual event. It was a nice way to celebrate the end of my second year of law school (and a good excuse to polish my silver collection). For beverages, there were Pimm's cups with strawberry and cucumber slices as well as "Logan Circle Iced Tea," which was sweet tea vodka and mint lemonade (the only actual "tea" in sight). As seen above, the table featured pink peonies, bright green tennis balls, and pink & green penny candy. For food, I served smoked salmon tea sandwiches ...

Ina's roasted chicken salad on crackers ... (probably the biggest hit of the party -- and remarkably simple to make!)

Palmiers (store bought) and homemade lemon bars ...

Crudité and green herb dip ...

More peonies ...

And simple pink roses. All in all, it was a smashing party, and I had just as much fun planning as I did celebrating.

Thrift Find | Pink Blazer

2011-05-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

Found this today at a vintage store in Bridgehampton. Raw silk summer blazer from Ralph Lauren. Probably at least twenty (or thirty?) years old, judging by the tag and the fact that it was made in the USA. Looks very similar to the wide-lapelled Garrison style that RL has been hawking of late. Fit like a glove -- and considering it's in mint condition, pretty fairly priced at $85.

Simply Van

2011-05-04T07:54:00.000-04:00

An American Wedding

2011-05-01T14:21:00.002-04:00

Call me crazy, but I prefer the way America does royal weddings.

A Weekend In... Montauk, N.Y.

2011-04-29T07:00:00.007-04:00

The first in a new series of posts taking a look at the basics for a weekend away.

MONTAUK, N.Y.: Sunny brights and lifeguard style typify the once-sleepy (and now trendy) beach town at the easternmost point of Long Island. While you're there, g
rab a sandwich from Ditch Witch and watch the surfers at Ditch Plains Beach. P
op into Tauk, a chic clothing and home design boutique. Have a cocktail at Navy Beach before family-style dinner at Harvest; then take in a Sunday night concert on the deck at The Surf Lodge. Hop on the LIRR or the Jitney and head back to the City.

...'til next weekend.

Clockwise from top left: Persol 649S sunglasses (custom blue lenses), $389, here; Saturdays Surf for J.Crew flag tee, $40, here; Jack Spade nylon canvas gym bag, $275, here; Ocean Potion SPF 15 sunscreen, $9.89, here; Miansai hook bracelet, $55, here, Vilebrequin Moorea "Tribal" swim trunk, $230, here.

Spring Switch | Fragrance: Part II

2011-04-27T20:55:00.004-04:00

...and when it gets REALLY hot (hello, DC summers), I don't wear any cologne at all. That's where a good body wash or deodorant comes in--an easy way to smell nice and not have that heavy fragrance feeling. I've been using this Energising Seamoss Bath & Shower Gel from Molton Brown all spring -- definitely helps wake me up on a bleary-eyed morning.

Molton Brown Energising Seamoss Bath & Shower Gel, $28 for 10 oz., available here

Friends of mine recently turned me on to this Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, and I absolutely love it. Alcohol and aluminum free, this stuff uses nature to keep you smelling fab all summer long, with no dyes or chemicals.

Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, $18, available here

Spring Switch | Fragrance: Part I

2011-04-18T01:00:00.001-04:00

When the mercury rises, my desire to smell like Tom Ford's chest hair drops significantly. With that visual in mind, here are my picks for switching it up with a lighter spring/summer scent.

Erolfa is a nautical scent created by Olivier Creed to evoke family memories of Mediterranean sailing excursions. Fresh and citrusy, with one spritz you can almost smell the salty air catching your sails off Capri.

Creed Erolfa, $225 for 2.5 oz, available here

Another perennial summer fave is Hermès' Eau d'Orange, a unisex scent that has the aroma of a fresh orange peel. I don't usually wear cologne during the day in the summer, but when I do, this is the one.

Hermès Eau d'Orange Verte, $75 for 1.6 oz, available here

Cheaper than a vacay in the Tuscan countryside, Acqua di Parma's Cipresso di Toscana is my favorite fragrance from their summery "Blu Mediterraneo" unisex series. An herbaceous blend of sage, lavender, and basil, the cologne evokes Italian cypress trees.

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo: Cipresso di Toscana, $73 for 2 oz, available here

Chasing the Night

2011-04-16T16:10:00.000-04:00

A night out on the town in the U Street corridor, Washington, D.C.

The Upgrade | Grown-Up Ketchup

2011-04-12T11:15:00.004-04:00

I'll say it. I'm not a ketchup fan. Probably because the watery, high fructose corn syrup-infused crap that comes out of a Heinz bottle just isn't doing it for me. When your "hamburger" is grass-fed beef on a toasted brioche bun, you need a condiment worthy of your organic ingredients. I have thus been converted after tasting the gourmet "scooping" variety from mustachioed ketchup mascot Sir Kensington. The ingredients are delicious--real brown sugar! pear tomatoes! chipotle peppers!--and it has less sodium and sugar than Heinz. With grilling season right around the corner, pick up some for your next backyard BBQ and impress the madras pants off your guests.

Sir Kensington's Gourmet Scooping Ketchup, $9 a jar, $25 for a four-pack, available here and at Williams-Sonoma, Dean & Deluca, and Whole Foods

Loafing Around

2011-04-11T17:57:00.002-04:00

First 80+ degree day in DC called for brown linen pants from Polo by Ralph Lauren and Hermès slip-ons. Photographed in McPherson Square.

Wardrobe Staple | The Khaki Trench

2011-04-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

Tried this Black Fleece mac on at Brooks, and it's easily my favorite piece I've seen this spring. Fabric is spot on, the color is gorgeous (more of a British khaki than the photo suggests). Yes, it's a little pricey, but it's a steal considering a similar Burberry number would run you at least twice that. What's best is it's got that perfect fit without the extra helping of Thom Browne ... weird.

Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers Military Trench, $700, available here

Lord Lillypants

2011-04-07T10:00:00.002-04:00

Picked these bad boys up a while ago at my favorite Palm Beach thrift store. Circa 1970s Lilly Pulitzer "Men's Stuff," they needed a few trips to the tailor before they fit correctly (bye bye, bellbottoms), but it was well worth it for the print. Toned down (a bit) with navy velvet Stubbs and a white Lacoste.

Photo Op | Palm Beach Punch

2011-04-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

Stubbs and a rum punch, poolside, at the Breakers in Palm Beach.

FTP

2011-04-05T09:40:00.002-04:00

Put this in your ears and enjoy.

Strong Island

2011-04-04T17:20:00.001-04:00

With the mercury today reaching near-tropical heights (compared to the past few weeks), it's become clear that summer is around the corner. That means it's time to make sure you've got all the essentials for a beach trip, whether it be to the Eastern Shore or East Hampton. This (obviously) includes swimwear. If you're still sporting some baggy, cargo pocket-ed trunk, ditch 'em for a suit from Strong Boalt, by Palm Beach native (and Ralph Lauren alum) Amanda Boalt. Now in her second season, the suits are well cut and sport some gorgeous prints inspired by South Florida and the Bahamas. (And they look adorable on girls, too!) Throw on a white linen shirt and you're set for an après-beach cocktail.

Flying Fish Swim Trunks (Papaya), $145, Strong Boalt

Spectator Chic

2011-03-30T09:15:00.006-04:00

Can't get over this inimitably chic photo of Jorie Butler Kent (of Abercrombie & Kent fame) and her son, shot by legendary society photographer Slim Aarons. You've probably seen it before. It's notable/beautiful/inspiring for any number of reasons, and has spawned a few similar shots.

Oddly enough, it got me thinking specifically about the director's chair as a spectator seat. I kind of despise those plastic and nylon camp chairs, and I think a folding director's chair provides a stylish solution for a spring/summer/fall outdoor sporting event. Sure, they might take a little more work, but I can't see Slim snapping a pic of anyone in one of these contraptions.

Instead, I'm picking up a pair of these to throw in the back of the car.

Screening Room | The Windmill Movie

2011-03-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

The Windmill Movie, a beautiful and haunting autobiography of the late documentary filmmaker Richard P. Rogers was not put together by Rogers himself, but was assembled by his former film student (and tiemaker) Alexander Olch from 25 years of footage Rogers had never released. Though shown in select theaters starting in 2008, the film was only released on DVD yesterday.
The film explores Rogers' life through self-reflexive footage of his plum upbringing on the East End of Long Island, his difficulties with his family and intimate relationships, and his ongoing struggle with his self-worth and desire to document his life. Toward the end of his battle with brain cancer, when footage becomes more sparse, Rogers' close friend, actor Wallace Shawn steps in as Olch narrates.

The Windmill Movie, $20.99, available here

Spring Awakening

2011-03-21T21:32:00.010-04:00

Because even after hibernating all winter, I'm still a little sleepy. The fix, clockwise from left:

Clarins Men Undereye Serum

This gel goes on quickly and works fast to soothe puffiness. About $20, Amazon.com

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer

The simplest in the bunch to apply, the roll-on stick contains cooling hibiscus extract. $18.50, Kiehl's

Lab Series Age Rescue Eye Therapy

The little tube packs a serious punch. Hypoallergenic and fragrance free for sensitive skin. $26, Lab Series

Nickel Silicon Valley Dark Circles Corrector

Has a slight green tint to visibly brighten your undereye area and neutralize dark circles. $50, Nickel stores (N.B. pronounced nick-ELLE, not like the coin)

The Cure for Cracked Hands

2010-12-14T00:42:00.003-05:00

The dry winter air really does a number on my skin. It ain't cute. I've sung the praises of Kiehl's products before, and with good reason--I haven't been able to find a better hand moisturizer for the winter months than Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. It's thick, absorbs quickly, and isn't the least bit greasy.

Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, $20 for 5 oz., kiehls.com

Photo Op | Pennsylvania Drive

2010-12-12T14:21:00.003-05:00

A particularly picturesque driveway, abutted by two pieces of farmland, near Saucon Valley, Pennsylvania.

Faux Bois

2010-12-11T13:49:00.004-05:00

On a crisp winter night, there's nothing quite like the smell of a wood-burning fire drifting through the cobblestone sidestreets of Georgetown. Since I don't have the real thing, I approximate with Diptyque's Feu de Bois candle. I love the gorgeous gray wax and the smoky smell of burning wood. Makes a fabulous holiday host/hostess gift, too.

Diptyque Feu de Bois candle, $60, diptyqueparis.com

What I'm Wearing Tonight

2010-11-12T15:56:00.003-05:00

I have the privilege of meeting Ms. Lisa Birnbach this evening at a book signing at the City Tavern Club in Georgetown, and I'm breaking out my finest for the prep doyenne. Polo by Ralph Lauren cashmere blazer; blue/white striped shirt and hunt scene tie, both Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Worn with navy wide wale cords, red wool pocket square, and cordovan tassel loafers.

Wardrobe Staple | The Engine-Turned Buckle

2010-11-11T12:02:00.004-05:00

the thrifting find

the Tiffany splurge

Buckles like these are an enduring prep staple for a number of reasons. First, since the buckle can be used with a variety of different belt straps, it's practical! And thrifty. (The fact that the straps, usually gator, run upwards of $200... is disregarded.) Second, it allows the prep to showcase the only designer initials that should ever be worn: one's own. Third, the heirloom quality of the sterling means that with good care, it will last forever.

A truly resourceful prep will either pilfer one from his father or find one secondhand. The top buckle, 14K gold-plated sterling, has an inscription inside which reads: "From your friends in 29." Neat. The fact that the initials are "B.S." lends it a little irreverent charm. I think I paid something like $20 for it.

For those who'd prefer new, it's worth investing a little more to get the best. Mine's from Tiffany, where they run $215, not including engraving. Might as well splurge for the hand engraving for this piece ($30). Straps can be had at Brooks, Ralph, Paul Stuart, etc. in a variety of leathers: calf, suede, lizard, and gator.

And in case you're wondering, the initials don't stand for "Dapper Van Blog." A nice coincidence, perhaps.

Back With a Bang

2010-11-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

A Polo by Ralph Lauren unlined wool/angora jacket, 1980s Ray Ban shooting glasses, and 12-gauge Beretta shotgun make for a classic hunting look. Clay pigeons only, natch.

Making the Case for the Navy Tux

2010-05-04T19:30:00.002-04:00

I've always been a fan of the navy tuxedo. It's something of a rarity in the black tie wild, so it makes spotting the same one on two dapper gents (NPH and Cap't. Kirk himself) in one week all the more noteworthy. Midnight blue, as you may know, actually looks more like black under indoor light (black takes on a greener tinge). While this tux from Polo Ralph Lauren is a somewhat brighter blue than the traditional midnight, these two men carry off the look with aplomb. My only issue with this tuxedo is the notch lapels - call me a traditionalist, but I think the notch lapel has no place in this arena. Peak or shawl next time, Ralph.

Image credit: top, Esquire, bottom, Ralph Lauren. Tuxedo, $1,550, available at Ralph Lauren stores

Dapper Dan

2010-04-13T09:29:00.003-04:00

Put this in your ears and enjoy.

21st Century Prep

2010-04-07T14:12:00.009-04:00

Lisa Birnbach, author of prep tome The Official Preppy Handbook, will release a sequel to her 1980 classic in September along with author Chip Kidd. In the 25 years since the original, "preppy" (as a fashion trend, not the prep lifestyle) has cycled in and out of fashion and right now seems to be riding a crest of popularity - one need only look as far as the recent resurgence of J.Crew. The irony of this, of course, is that the class of people the book lampooned never seems to care whether frayed oxfords, Barbour jackets, and deck shoes are in, they (we?) simply wear them because it's what's practical, what's traditional, what's always been done. The best part about Birnbach's satire is that everyone's in on the laugh --non-preps and preps alike-- mostly because of how painfully accurate her social commentary is. (I swear there's a sketch of an older gentleman toward the back that was based on my father.) Enjoy the video sneak peek here - looks like the OPH 2.0 is going to be just as fun as the first version.

Saturday Cocktailing | The Tea Party

2010-03-31T23:29:00.005-04:00

The phrase "tea party" carries with it a lot of ... shall we say, interesting connotations. Last weekend I cast those aside and threw together a daytime party for some friends on a sunny (but still chilly) Saturday afternoon. It was a great way to entertain - I had all morning to prepare, and the guests were out the door by five p.m., just in time for a nice nap. I could see moving the whole shabang outside once the weather gets nicer. Here are a few shots of the table --

Lots of spring things - hydrangea, Pimm's Cup, cucumber spears...

The homemade fruit tart was tricky to put together, but well worth it.

Cucumber watercress sandwiches, egg salad on endive, smoked salmon and herb butter...

The only tea at the party was Firefly sweet tea and fresh mint lemonade...

The Brilliant Mister Bastian

2010-03-17T00:54:00.004-04:00

The weather is finally getting nicer and already this guy's got me longing for fall. Check out some of my favorite looks from two Michael Bastian-designed collections for fall: his eponymous line,

and from his much-talked-about collaboration with Gant.

This guy's unstoppable. Fall 2010, here we come.

The Lilly P. Jungle

2010-02-12T17:16:00.003-05:00

Each trip I take to Palm Beach, I stock up on secondhand preppy essentials at Fiore Menswear, a store near Sunset Avenue in a section of the island devoted to thrifting and designer consignment shops. It's chock full of finds, including Loro Piana cashmere outerwear, vintage Hermès ties, shirts from Turnbull, and the like (all at quite reasonable prices). My favorite, though, is the extensive selection of vintage Lilly - they've literally plastered the walls with it. This trip I returned with two pairs of "go-to-hell" pants (a la Tom Wolfe): a blue and white cotton batik-esque print (left), and the very loud ostrich print ones on the right in, gasp, polyester. Some alterations were needed to take these pants into this century - removing the flared leg and taking in the waist and seat - but the finished product will be 100% unique, pants not likely to be seen on anyone else from Bar Harbor to Winter Park (not in this print, anyway). Pictures of the final product to come once the tailor is done with them.
N.B. - There is not a "go-to-hell" shirt. Save the Hawaiian short sleeve numbers for the fanny pack toting tourist masses.

Life, Post-Snowpocalypse

2010-02-11T15:04:00.003-05:00

This past week has been something of a wash for those in the DC area, where a record breaking snow total pretty much shut everything down. Now it seems we're out of the woods for a while. While digging ourselves out of the snow may seem annoying, I'm just thinking of how sweet spring will feel this year when it finally arrives. Cherry blossoms, anyone?
(N.B. - this photo was taken last Friday - before the brunt of the storm hit us - when all the white weather still seemed so unusual and pretty. Most of those cars are deep under snowdrifts by now.)

Wardrobe Staple | The Cashmere V-Neck

2010-02-08T10:16:00.003-05:00

We're currently in that sartorial in-between season, the purgatory between the tweeds and tartans of fall/winter and the linen and madras of spring/summer. It's still damned cold, but wide wale cords and blaze orange cableknits don't seem quite right either. So for right now, it's best to pick a neutral color palette and stick with it. I find J.Crew makes a terrific cashmere v-neck that is a good layering piece all year round. The fit is spot on, it comes in basic colors (gray, navy, black) as well as seasonal ones (purple, olive, seafoam), and the construction has improved significantly since they first partnered with Loro Piana for the yarn several years back. At $188, it may not be cheap, but it's on par quality-wise with sweaters twice its price (and with luck, you can even nab it on sale).
J.Crew Cashmere V-neck, $188, at J. Crew

Ebay Find | Purple PL Silk Blazer

2010-01-23T23:22:00.000-05:00

Yeah, it screams "I am Chuck Bass," and you can probably only wear it once a year, but... I do love this blazer. Purple silk shawl DB Purple Label. Buy it Now for $488.

Spring/Summer Swatches

2010-01-22T23:05:00.005-05:00

The lovely folks over at Pierrepont Hicks give us a peek at some of their fabrics for the coming season. For those of you not familiar with the Minnesota-based neckwear company, all their ties are handmade in NYC's Garment District (including my favorite reversible bowtie from this fall). Really interested to see what they do with that gingham and the Nantucket red...

Climb Every Mountain

2010-01-22T16:33:00.002-05:00

A good scent always tells a story. That's not to say the story is always a good one. One whiff of Polo Sport and all the awkward memories of middle school come rushing back. (Fortunately, Ralph has all but discontinued it.) Yet most of the olfactory recollections brought on by Creed's complex and subtle fragrances are fabulously vivid - Green Irish Tweed reminds me of fitting a tuxedo shirt with studs for a black tie event in New York; Erolfa instantly brings to mind the Lilly pants and G&Ts that pervade the balmy evenings in Palm Beach. With this cologne, Himalaya, I hope to add to that repertoire. Bergamot, sandalwood, ambergris, and musk combine to create a cool, crisp winter breeze. (Even cooler if you keep it in the fridge - it actually extends the usable life of the cologne.) Fresh and masculine, and just the thing to keep the January doldrums at bay.
Himalaya by Creed, $122 for one ounce, $250 for four, at Creed

Hot Pants

2010-01-14T15:25:00.004-05:00

Happy new year, everybody! Hope everybody got what they asked for from Santa. And while the weather outside is still pretty damn frightful, the warming trend coming to the Northeast this weekend (40s!) has my heart aflutter over spring clothes. While it's best not to get too excited yet (it's still winter), now is always a good time to start thinking about what the wardrobe is going to look like come March. Here's something I'm looking to add to mine: Polo came out with some linen pants in six great colors - they've got the mainstays of white, navy, and khaki, but my favorite is this coral red color - perfect for that classic WASP look of linen pants (in a go-to-hell color, natch), a blue or white shirt, blue blazer, and cordovan tassels. Simple, elegant, easy. Done.
Preston Fine Linen Pant, $125, at Ralph Lauren stores and online

All I Want For Christmas | The Holiday Candle

2009-12-11T15:47:00.002-05:00

Say what you will about schmaltzy scented candles, but nothing makes my house smell more like Christmas than Ralph Lauren's take on the holiday candle. The evergreen/juniper scent is not too overbearing, and the red tartan box makes it an easy gift for your neighbor, your boss, or even yourself. Light up one of these and you'll feel like you're stoking the fire and having a scotch with Ralph in Bedford (even if you're sitting in a studio in Bayonne).
Ralph Lauren Holiday Collection Candle, $42 (on sale from $60) at Ralph Lauren

Screening Room | Hotel Gramercy Park

2009-12-06T13:45:00.000-05:00

If you missed it at the Tribeca Film Festival, be sure to catch Hotel Gramercy Park when it makes its television debut on the Sundance Channel Monday night. The film profiles the Gramercy Park Hotel at the time of its renovation from rundown boho chic to Hollywood glitz by hotelier Ian Schrager, and gives plenty of screen time to the previous owners, the Weissberg family, who chronicle the legendary New York hotel's storied past.
Hotel Gramercy Park, airs Monday, Dec. 7 at 9pm on the Sundance Channel

All I Want For Christmas | Rub a Dub Dub

2009-12-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

Exactly what a gift should be: tongue-in-cheek fun with a dash of luxury (and under $25!). Have the man in your life ditch the Axe (ick) in favor of this indulgent upgrade. The delicious masculine scent is a no-nonsense way to introduce fragrance into his daily routine without getting overly fussy.
Tom Ford for Men Cleansing Bar, $18, saks.com

All I Want For Christmas | The Weekender

2009-11-25T09:30:00.001-05:00

J.Crew continues its winning streak with another fab designer collaboration, this time from Canadian leathergoods brand Want Les Essentiels de Vie. They've swapped their traditional leather for organic cotton, making the bag lighter on your shoulder as well as your wallet. This one looks like a winner for the trip over the (Hudson) river and through the (Dutchess County) woods, as it's designed to hold all the plaid and selvege denim you'd need for a long weekend (hence the name - 72 hours).
Want Organic for J.Crew Da Vinci 72-hour bag, $695, jcrew.com (available soon)

Nice Specs

2009-11-11T16:08:00.002-05:00

The chilly fall weather may be upon us, but that doesn't mean designers aren't already looking ahead. Getting a slick upgrade for spring are Riley frames from Oliver Peoples, a classic horn-rimmed style I've sported since I was old enough to say "designer eyewear" (by my estimation, age 8). The clip-on addition is retro-chic and surprisingly useful. Check out Elijah Wood modeling them for the Resort/Spring 2010 on oliverpeoples.com. (Via Selectism)

The Magic Flute

2009-10-16T06:45:00.002-04:00

There's very little joy in waking up on a Friday morning at 6:45 am to the not-so-pleasant racket of your iPhone going off. Even worse if you're staring at some blinking red numbers oppressively beeping out of some cheap plastic radio. Enter the BeoTime, made by Danish a/v outfit Bang & Olufsen. B&O is like the Hermès of home audio - they both create stunningly beautiful, unapologetically expensive objets of the utmost quality. This piece is no exception. Made to resemble a flute, this combo alarm/remote can act as a sleep timer for all your other B&O products, that is, assuming you have an arsenal of $11,000 CD changers. It also has a clock! Though perhaps at its current price, I'll be sticking to the iPhone for now. (Marimba, anyone?) Oh, and by the way... TGIF.
Bang & Olufsen BeoTime, $375, bang-olufsen.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 7

2009-10-06T11:47:00.003-04:00

The Sneak Peek

Preppy fave Vampire Weekend has made waves since their self-titled debut in 2008, laying Cape Cod-inspired lyrics over African drum beats to create an upbeat sound all their own. Though their new album, Contra, isn't due to be released until this January, they've uploaded their first single "Horchata" for free download on their website. (N.B. - horchata is a milky drink made from the tiger nut, actually the root of a Middle Eastern plant.) If this is a taste of things to come, I'll be drinking horchata all winter.
"Horchata," free download, vampireweekend.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 6

2009-10-05T16:15:00.003-04:00

The Custom Slipper

I'm a sucker for a good slipper. Not the fuzzy kind, mind you, but the velvet variety with a leather sole and grosgrain trim. (You can even wear them out of the house!) It's a great way to express one's personality in a subtle, or not so subtle, way. Stubbs and Wootton, a brand once favored by crusty Locust Valley types, has become something of a crossover hit with a younger generation. They've supplemented the traditional family crests and floral motifs that adorned their shoes for designs a bit more subversive - NYC manhole covers, for instance, and ones that read "Screw You" in clip art (aptly named "College"). Of course, the old styles are still there; we wouldn't want to offend the Upper East Side too much, would we? My favorite new feature, though, is their new virtual bespoke service, where you can pick out your own colors and designs and preview them online. Here are a few of my own designs:

These are probably what Tom Wolfe would refer to as "go to hell shoes" - perfect for Palm Beach:

Stubbs and Wootton Bespoke, $550, stubbsandwootton.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 5

2009-10-04T12:01:00.002-04:00

The Gin

Plenty of people I know, who aren't ordinarily selective about their hooch, take strong objection to gin. (I won't name names.) (Judy.) And I understand why - the vast majority of it is basically Christmas tree-flavored vodka. But then there's Aviation, which has little in common with your run of the mill gin. Batch distilled in the Pacific Northwest, this is the kind of gin you'd actually want to drink with a splash of club soda - it's clean, light, and aromatic. It's also perfect in martinis, with a dry tonic like Q tonic, or simply on the rocks with a lime wedge. Save the Christmas trees for Christmas.
Aviation Gin, around $30, better liquor stores and bevmo.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 4

2009-10-03T11:07:00.003-04:00

The Puffer Vest

A staple on college campuses everywhere, these versatile layering pieces are perfect for the brisk fall air. Countless designers have shown their take on the puffer vest, ranging from Elizabeth and James' navajo-inspired number (Mary Kate and Ashley's debut menswear collection, might I add) to Brunello Cucinelli's classic gray cashmere version. But if you're not looking to drop two grand on this piece (and who is?), I give you Lands' End, a steal at just $29.50. Hell, you can pick up a few different colors at that price. Layer it over a shirt and sweater or under a blazer and you'll be ready for whatever weather October happens to throw at you.
Men's Down Vest, $29.50, landsend.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 3

2009-10-02T12:01:00.004-04:00

The Pumpkin Peel

While the socialites and celebs prefer summering in the Hamptons, for my taste, early fall is the best time to be out there. When the obnoxious hordes head back to the city after Labor Day, the leaves turn gorgeous golden colors, it's a cinch to get a res at Nick & Toni's, and the farmstands bring out the best squash, apples, and pumpkins. And not all of those pumpkins get turned into pumpkin pie and jack-o-lanterns - natural beauty products company Naturopathica harvests them into a face mask. It smells good enough to eat (but don't) and it gives your skin a warm glow that you haven't had since that August tan faded away. Deelish.
Naturopathica Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, $56 for 1.7 oz, naturopathica.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 2

2009-10-01T14:44:00.005-04:00

The Bean Boot + The Ragg Sock

With all the buzz about Red Wing boots the past couple seasons, people seem to have forgotten about my personal favorite foul weather friend, the Bean Boot from L.L. Bean. Handsewn in Maine with a chain-tread sole, this low-cut moc is the same one Lisa Birnbach featured in The Official Preppy Handbook. While it's also available in a high-lacing model, why not throw on a snuggly ragg sock to keep your ankles warm? J.Crew's got a pair from Vermont that should do the trick. With cuffed selvedge denim, you walk the (thin) line between Brooklyn yuppie and New England boarding school alum.
Bean Boots, $59, llbean.com; J.Crew Camp Sock, $16.50, jcrew.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 1

2009-09-30T18:20:00.006-04:00

Considering October's right around the corner and the weather is just starting to change, fall seems to finally be here (even in oft-humid D.C.). Time to break out the tweeds and cableknits! With that in mind, here are the seven things I can't live without this fall.

The Cashmere Flannel

Once-stodgy New Haven shirtmaker Gant has been revitalizing itself over the past few years, reviving classics from their archives and hawking their Americana in upscale stores like Barneys. This year, they're celebrating 60 years with six shirts representing the six decades they've been in business. They're all pretty great, but this cashmere/cotton blend flannel stands out in my book. Pair it with a navy blue puffer vest and you won't even need a jacket.
Gant Cashmere Flannel, $235, available soon at gant.com

Steven Alan S/S '10

2009-09-19T16:49:00.003-04:00

A peek at Steven Alan's spring collection - this adorable short showcases the designer's looks for next spring in the guise of a young couple's weekend retreat in the country. (Via Men.Style.com)

5 Medicine Cabinet Essentials

2009-09-03T18:11:00.007-04:00

Deodorant, check. Toothbrush, check. Perhaps even a bar of Dove soap. But beyond that, I feel somewhat limited by the product array at my local CVS. Yes, it's cheap and easy, but when it comes to your beautiful face, I think a little more effort goes a long way. Here are my five favorite personal care products that I think warrant the extra buck.
Medicine cabinet, Restoration Hardware

La Roche Posay Effaclar AI
While I'm no longer a four-eyed, retainer wearing teenager, I still get the errant pimple from time to time. Regardless of what anyone says, I think adult acne is most often caused by stress, which then results in even more stress over the breakout, which leads to more pimples...it's a vicious cycle. I've tried almost every spot treatment out there, and I think this one is by far the best. It's effective without causing much skin irritation. I bought the first one in France a few years ago, and while the line is now available in the US (at CVS, of all places), no one seems to carry this particular product. Fortunately, I found it online at Dermstore. $29, at dermstore.com

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser
Dr. Brandt is a somewhat kooky New York/Miami dermatologist whom I've had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions. He's quite good with what he does in the office, particularly with his pioneering use of Botox. (Not that I've had any. Yet.) He's perhaps better known for his extensive line of skincare products. This one's pretty great - not too drying with a nice fresh scent. $35, at Sephora

Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom
I absolutely abhor styling products that make your hair look too crunchy and Staten Island-y, and yet on the flipside, I don't want to cultivate that greasy, unshowered look. (Some do, it's just not for me.) This product, a longtime Kiehl's favorite, strikes that careful balance. And because it's Kiehl's, it's actually good for your hair. Nice. $17.50, at Kiehl's

The Art of Shaving After-Shave Mask
Found this terrific mask thanks to the good people at Valet. I'm a big fan of the The Art of Shaving's mens shaving products, and yet I think they could have a crossover hit on their hands here. (Girls! pay attention.) This mask is quick and easy, and it makes my skin oh-so-soft. Just 3 minutes of the rose clay and redness is reduced, pores shrunk, skin tightened... yeah, it's that good. And it comes in those cute little vials (n.b., each one is good for at least 2 uses). $50 for 8 vials, at The Art of Shaving

DML Moisturizing Lotion
Okay, so DML doesn't look fancy, or smell fancy, (or thankfully, cost very much), but for me, this moisturizer is as close as you can come to ideal. It's light and oil free, absorbs quickly, and is unscented - great for sensitive skin. Works for your face as well as your body, especially if you're prone to breakouts on your back, etc. (Hey, it happens.) $16.29, at Drugstore.com

Cooking with Coconut

2009-09-02T16:43:00.006-04:00

Well, hello there.

It's been a while. I hope you've enjoyed August as much as I did. Alas, fall is just around the corner, bringing with it new opportunities for entertaining... though in this case, of the indoor sort. I attended a dinner party recently, and as always, the question of what to bring the host crossed my mind. A fabulous bottle of wine is always great, if not somewhat expected. (While we're on the topic of expectations, if you do bring wine, don't expect it to be served that night...the host probably has a wine pairing in mind already, or will want to save your special gift for another time.) Flowers, while thoughtful, actually require a fair amount of work - trimming the stems, finding the right vase - things the host doesn't really have time for while he or she is trying to throw together dinner. (Sending flowers the day after or the day before is a better bet.) It's always nice to bring something homemade. This dessert of chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons is dangerously easy to make and a sure crowd pleaser. I adapted it from the now-defunct Domino magazine. Recipe as follows:

Serves 12

2 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups finely shredded coconut (unsweetened works best)
2 1/2 oz. bittersweet dark chocolate

Preheat oven to 350 deg. F. To a medium bowl, add egg whites and a pinch salt; beat with an electric mixer until stiff. Fold in sugar and vanilla (gently, please), then stir in coconut. Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, form cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden, then let cool for 30 minutes. For the chocolate topping: Using a metal or glass bowl, set up a double boiler. (Meaning, fill a small saucepan halfway with water, let it start to boil, and place the heatproof bowl directly on the saucepan. The boiling water shouldn't be touching the bowl, though. It allows the steam to heat the bowl and keeps the chocolate from burning.) Melt the chocolate in the double boiler. Now the choice is yours - either dip the macaroons into the chocolate, making a sort of coconut black-and-white cookie, or simply drizzle the chocolate over the macaroons on the sheet pan in an artful way. Either way, it will taste delicious.

Sunday Cocktailing | The Georgica Grapefruit Fizz

2009-07-26T22:02:00.007-04:00

Feeling inspired after a trip to Georgica Beach in East Hampton this past Saturday, I came up with this drink after finding several ripe grapefruits in our kitchen. It's delicious and refreshing... just the thing for a lazy afternoon. You can use store bought grapefruit juice to save time, but be sure to use fresh juice and not Tropicana - it really does make a difference.

2 oz vodka
1 oz Alizé Wild Passion
Juice of 1/2 grapefruit (about 3/4 cup)
Sparkling lemonade (preferably San Pellegrino Limonata)

Pour ingredients over ice, top with sparkling lemonade. Garnish with lime. Enjoy.

BTW - the cups are Tervis Tumblers, great for poolside - they won't break and they keep your cold stuff cold. Get a set at my sister Dina's store, Monograms on Main. Tell her I sent you and you'll get 15% off.

The Lonely Islands

2009-07-24T00:05:00.011-04:00

"WILLIAM MCNEIL:

First settler Chippewa Bay
emigrated to this area
from Vermont prior to 1812
His home was a cave and
he lived off the land."

My dad often reminds us of the proverbial "simpler times" as we pass this sign on our yearly trip to the Thousand Islands region in upstate New York. Indeed, things have changed a bit since Bill and his rocky domicile. Chippewa Bay now boasts a U.S. Post Office, a general store, and not much else. And that's exactly how we like it.

While it was settled way earlier (according to the helpful sign), the region became popular at the turn of the 20th century. In the days before air conditioning, wealthy vacationers fled Manhattan in droves and headed north to cooler climes. Daily train service brought illustrious families like the Pullmans and the Astors up to the St. Lawrence, the waterway that runs between New York from Canada and defines the region. In those glorious pre-income tax times, no expense was spared in the creation of castles for George Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria, and Frederick Bourne, of Singer Sewing Machine fame, replete with boathouses and ballrooms; secret passageways, seaplane hangars and squash courts. And speaking of secrets...Yale's Skull and Bones maintains a retreat on Deer Island.

Once the Golden Age ended, the area returned to its sleepier summer roots, the sort of quiet atmosphere that it cultivates today. (No one would confuse it with the Hamptons, that's for sure.) There's no real estate market to speak of; instead, houses just pass from generation to generation. Nor has there been much change to those homes--the remoteness makes construction difficult and expensive--so they stay the same from summer to summer, living time capsules filled with yellowing copies of Popular Mechanics and National Geographic and 1960s-era cooktops and fridges (from when power was brought over from the mainland).

The fresh water makes it a haven for antique boats and Jet-Skis alike (no salt, no corrosion, no problem), but the rocks and shoals make it a foe for both (we've got a first-gen Jet-Ski from '91 currently making a nice home for some fish on the bottom...).

Every once in a while, some attention is brought to the area--be it a Singer Castle cameo The Skulls (the horrible Paul Walker movie), or a nod as a preppy summer retreat by The Official Preppy Handbook--but for the most part, it's a well-kept secret.

Let's keep it that way.

The Discovery Channel

2009-07-10T10:13:00.003-04:00

If you haven't already, make sure you download Discovery's LP, guaranteed to get you through the last few hours of work before the weekend begins. A collab between Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot's Wes Miles, the upbeat electronic sound is a definite crowd pleaser for your next fiesta or as a pump up album for the long car trip to the beach.

TGIF.

Nose Candy

2009-07-08T23:46:00.006-04:00

With summer finally in full swing, I can finally focus on something other than the clouds and rain: three delicious scents, for the home and for you.

This classic fragrance, coveted by men and women alike, is perfect for a breezy summer night. Sicilian citrus fruits mellow out the stronger sandalwood and vetiver notes, making for a deliciously harmonious blend. The bottle alone is a studied minimalist masterpiece. One spritz of this and suddenly you're zooming up the autostrada through Tuscany in a vintage Benz.
Acqua di Parma Colonia, $73 for 50ml, available at Barneys

I'm a sucker for a good shaved fennel and arugula salad in the summer, made with fresh ingredients from the Amagansett Farmer's Market or Jim Pike's stand in Wainscott. Somehow this candle from Diptyque captures that essence. I know what you're thinking - I didn't think my house should smell like root vegetables, either. Until I lit this thing. It works, I promise. With notes of fennel, dill, and anise, it's great for a kitchen or a bathroom.
Diptyque Fenouil Sauvage Candle, $55, available at Barneys

This one, as my friend Julio says, is a "no-brainer." New this spring from Hermès, the fresh, bright essence of grapefruit and rose petals is bottled by perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena for the luxury goods house and is selling out everywhere. (I would know - I bought the last bottle.) It smells just as nice as men as on women, and is a good daytime scent for a season that usually doesn't need one.
Hermès Eau de Pamplemousse Rose, $165 for 6.5 fl oz, available (for now) at Hermès.com

Cruel Summer

2009-06-22T23:35:00.014-04:00

So those of us in the Northeast have yet to see any semblance of summer weather, and already June's nearly over. Damn the weather forecast - with the solstice behind us, I'm declaring it summer regardless. With the fireworks and festivities of July 4 just around the corner, I'm in a beachy mood. Here are my picks to help inspire the same feeling in you:

Nothing says summer like a bunch of photos of tanned, hunky, shirtless lifeguards. This nicely done book will do just the trick. Added bonus: you can pass it off as "art" instead of something decidedly more illicit.

Lifeguard on Duty, $45, available at amazon.com

When just lying around in the park gets old, break out this pétanque set, the sparkly French cousin to bocce. This gorgeous set is the perfect antidote for a gloomy day (like the ones we've been having), and the solid teak construction will ensure this piece lives to see another summer.

Teak Pétanque Set, $160, available at Design Within Reach

And should you need a refreshment during the game, reach for this. Only recently available in the States, this relative of Campari has a delicious orange flavor. Try an Aperol Spritz - 2 parts prosecco to 1 part Aperol with a splash of club soda. Garnish with an orange wedge. It's quite refreshing, and it's low alcohol content (11%) will keep you from getting sloshed.

Aperol aperitivo, $25.99, available at better liquor stores and BevMo!

And if your travels take you to the beach, make sure you're not bumming around in a baggy pair of board shorts. By no means does this give you license to attempt a "Daniel Craig in Casino Royale" maneuver, but your shorts should FIT. Not too tight, though. If you've got skinny legs (guilty) then wearing big shorts is only going to accentuate the issue. One classic option lies in Birdwell Beach Britches, which come in a variety of lengths (nothing beyond the knee, please) and colors to suit your frame. And the price is right, too.

Birdwell Beach Britches, $50, available at Kona Sports (photo, New York Times)

Cheers to summer.

Saturday Cocktailing | The Southside

2009-06-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you need something a little sweeter than a martini. More summery than a Manhattan. Less trendy than a mojito. Fancier than a G&T. And for those times, there's the Southside. Apparently the Devon Yacht Club in Amagansett, New York makes a mean one. Never been there to sample their rendition, but this a drink that's simple enough to make on your own. The key is the fresh mint sprigs and the fresh lime juice (Rose's just doesn't cut it). Here's the recipe:

2 ounces gin (or vodka, if you must)
3/4 oz simple syrup
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
3 large mint leaves
3 drops cocktail bitters (Angostura is fine)

Frost a cocktail glass by putting ice cubes and cold water in the glass, and letting it sit while you make the drink. Place the mint leaves in the cocktail shaker and press them with the back of a spoon to release the essential oils. (You don't have to pulverize them; a few presses will do.) Fill the shaker with ice and add the gin, simple syrup, lime juice, and bitters. Shake until the outside of the shaker gets all frosty. Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an extra mint sprig or a lime wedge. Enjoy, preferably by the pool, with good friends and good music.

Cordovan Shoes: A Primer

2009-06-11T21:02:00.005-04:00

There's no doubt in my mind that the phrase "Shoes make the man" absolutely holds true, even today. Jeans and a white tee can go from boring to chic with the right pair of distressed wingtips. Conversely, even the most pricey bespoke suit can be completely spoiled with a pair of cheaply made dress shoes. A classic pair of leather-soled lace-ups, wingtips, or loafers, when cared for properly, can often last as long as 10 years. One particular type of leather has been known to outlive even its wearer: shell cordovan. (Not to be confused with the color cordovan - the burgundy hue that shell cordovan shoes are often dyed.) It's tough as nails, and especially water resistant - and for a good reason. It's made from the shell, or hind quarters, of a horse. While it takes time to break these suckers in, once they mold to your foot, they can be as comfortable as wearing nothing at all. Yes, they are quite expensive, but honestly - by using cedar shoe trees, polishing them by hand, and getting them resoled every few years, you're bound to see some return on that investment. Here are a few of my favorites:

Darlton Tassel Loafer (pictured above), $795, ralphlauren.com

In the chukka boot format, cordovan makes particular sense, as it will keep the rain from getting your socks too wet this fall. Alden Cordovan Chukka Boot, $568, aldenshop.com

Who can resist a classic penny? P.S., if you're not feeling the burgundy color, these also come in black. Please, don't put pennies in them. It isn't 1958. Brooks Brothers Cordovan Loafer, $598, brooksbrothers.com

One Dangerous Drink

2009-06-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Forget what you know about needlepoint. Far from being busy work for your grandma in Naples, the stylish accessories from Bethesda-based Smathers and Branson are sure to change your opinion of the once-staid stitch. Their men's needlepoint belts have been an underground preppy fave since 2004, but they've recently expanded to women's accessories (headbands! belts! coin purses!), wallets, dog collars, and my personal favorite: flasks (see above). What started as a homegrown business from their Bowdoin dorm room seems to have taken off quite well for the pair - their fab wares have popped up everywhere from the local country club to Bergdy's. As far as the pirate number you see here, all I have to say is this - scoff if you must about the whole skull and bones thing being so over, but one thing's undeniable: there's nothing as badass as taking a swig from one of these flasks. Make mine a Tanqueray, boys.

Jolly Roger flask, $65, smathersandbranson.com

The Playlist | Dinner Party

2009-06-03T23:34:00.004-04:00

Creating a great party playlist is no simple task. A carefully chosen playlist, like good lighting and elegant decor, can create the perfect atmosphere for any event....just as easily as a poor choice can totally spoil the mood. Especially tough is finding the right combination of tunes for a dinner party. (Chromeo and Hot Chip are great, but it's the last thing I want to hear while I'm trying to hold a conversation across the table.) You want something light, unassuming, and unobtrusive, but at the same time, you don't want to put people to sleep. This one I threw together is perfect for an alfresco dinner with friends. Grab a couple of good bottles of rosé, set this playlist to random, and see where the evening takes you. And remember - you can't ever go wrong with Sinatra.

"Volare" - Dean Martin
"Coffee and Cigarettes" - Augustana
"The Way You Look Tonight" - Frank Sinatra
"Say Yes" - Floetry
"Stormy Weather" - Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole
"All at Sea" - Jamie Cullum
"Life is a Song" - Patrick Park
"Desafinado" - Getz/Gilberto
"Moondance" - Van Morrison
"Everything" - Michael Bublé
"The Space Between" - Dave Matthews Band
"The Dress Looks Nice on You" - Sufjan Stevens
"I'll Take Manhattan" - Blossom Dearie
"Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" - John Mayer
"S'Wonderful" - Diana Krall

New Hamptons Subway Route Map

2009-05-26T23:38:00.007-04:00

....no, not really. But a company called Transit Authority Figures has come up with an idea of what exactly efficient underground mass transit would look like on the East End. Probably the best way to get from Westhampton to Montauk on a weekend, when 27 looks more like a parking lot than our main thoroughfare. There's even a Plum Island stop! Looks like this tube is still a pipe dream, though.

Hamptons Subway Map Poster, $20 (pre-order), transitauthorityfigures.com

Saturday Cocktailing | Wölffer Rosé

2009-05-23T09:15:00.002-04:00

Well, it's Memorial Day weekend, kids. This kicks off the unofficial summer season in beach towns and backyards everywhere. The pools are open, the grills are fired up, and the summer share folks are leaving the city in droves for greener pastures. This is one of the best times of the year to have a drink alfresco - and what could be better than a chilled bottle of rosé. While rosé had previously gotten a pretty bad rap, in the past few years it's come back in vogue. Just be sure to get a dry variety - too sweet and it tastes like melted candy. One of my favorite rosés comes from Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack, New York. They've just released their 2008 vintage, and it's about to start flying off the shelves for a few reasons - it's mighty tasty, and at $16 a pop, you won't mind if your guests throw some ice in it (hey, it's summer...relax). If you're not in the New York area, you can always order online (link below). Might want to get a bottle (or a case) sooner rather than later - these have been known to sell out pretty quick.

Wölffer Estate 2008 Rosé, $16, wolffer.com

The Perfect Picnic

2009-05-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

There's something about coolers that just...irks me. The hard plastic ones are sort of retro-chic but bulky and not so easy to carry, and their softer-sided alternatives are functional but pretty damn ugly. So I was pleased to find this cooler today at an LL Bean shop in Pennsylvania, which deftly combines the best of both (cooler) worlds. Looks just like a classic Boat & Tote, except that it's fully insulated and has a zip top. Sneaky, huh? Comes in a lunch size and a "picnic" size, perfect for a trip to the beach with some sandwiches and perhaps a bottle of rosé.

LL Bean Picnic Tote, $49.50, llbean.com

Come on Baby, Light My Fire

2009-05-12T17:22:00.003-04:00

Nothing says "fancy fête" quite like custom-printed matchbooks. They're a great finishing touch for the well-kept home. Keep 'em in the bathroom by your Jo Malone candles or place them on the patio in ashtrays for the smoking set. These also make a fabulously unexpected host or hostess gift. Get them printed with your monogram, your address, or your favorite Sartre quote (disclaimer: "Hell is other people" would not be apropos for giving to a hostess...).

Set of 50, $44, foryourparty.com

Dapper Max

2009-05-04T10:29:00.003-04:00

Photo: Stephanie Leondis

Hitting newsstands today: New York Magazine's Spring Design Issue, featuring the fabulous Drew University dorm room of my dear friend Max. Check out the article here.

I remember his first dorm decorating job as a senior at Choate. The walls were wallpapered with nautical charts (from Papa), there was an antique trunk at the foot of the bed full of cashmere cableknits, and part of our hallway was commandeered for use as a dressing room. Max could often be found on the fire escape, starching and ironing his white Frette hotel sheets.

One of our first design collaborations? A set of pink and green china for the dorm, $10 from a local thrift store. Takeout from Wallingford Pizza never looked so good.

Summer Shirts from J.Crew

2009-04-30T01:41:00.007-04:00

It seems that, at the moment, everybody loves J.Crew. Even the Obamas. A few years back, I had the privilege of meeting the man responsible for the company's turnaround from plain vanilla mall store to destination of chic, Mickey Drexler. Fascinating guy. I was working at their store in the Hamptons, and he popped in for a visit. He's quite hands on, and was very interested in hearing opinions from salespeople and customers alike about the product and what could be done differently.

Anyway. They have some great mens's shirts right now, which, paired with some great white jeans, give you that casual Hamptons summer vibe. The first, pictured below, is their linen-cotton camp shirt, $98, in cool dusk. Even the color sounds perfect for dinner alfresco at Sunset Beach. The epaulets remind me of that cobalt blue Ralph Lauren number that twink icon Zac Efron was wearing in GQ this month, but this one seems much more wearable.

Next up is this chambray specimen, also $98. Say what you will about the whole workwear trend, but I feel like blue chambray has a certain classicism about it that's got definite staying power. Just please, don't wear it with blue jeans. Every few years someone comes out with a horrible proclamation that says it's okay to wear denim with denim as long as the colors don't match (ie dark jeans with a light denim shirt). I don't approve of this practice; I still think it makes you look like a farmer. I love the way this color looks with stonewashed khakis or white denim.
Then we've got this blue irish linen shirt, $79.50. I really think linen might be the perfect summer textile. The more you wash it, the softer it gets, and I love the way it wrinkles just so. Looks great with a tan. This particular shirt reminds me of a version Brunello Cucinelli did this spring, but J.Crew did it for about $400 less. Simple, classic, elegant, and not breaking the bank.
Grab a shirt in the city, hop on the LIRR's Cannonball, and you're ready for Hamptons cocktail hour.

Posh Platters

2009-04-23T10:32:00.007-04:00

One tricky thing about entertaining? Finding an attractive place to corral all those cocktails and canapés. Fortunately the retailer iomoi has a solution. Their lucite trays are practical (wipe clean!) as well as customizable with a monogram or name. And their choices of backdrop are perfect - colorful elephants, monkeys, florals, and bold graphic designs - lending a sense of vintage Palm Beach glam to the pieces. The "Mustique," pictured above, is one of my faves - looks like a groovy Goyard trunk. Also cool? "Horse Knocker:"

The "Pagoda:"

They also have glass coasters, perfect for a hostess gift when you're crashing a pool house in the Hamptons this summer (Molly, take note). The "Graph" pattern:

The "Sandy Cay:"

And while their prices aren't exactly recession friendly, these personalized entertaining pieces are built to last until the next recession.

iomoi.com, trays, $100-650; coasters, $95/set of 4

Guilt Groupe

2009-04-21T16:33:00.002-04:00

For as much as I love members only discount shopping sensation Gilt Groupe, it seems to have a few inherent flaws. Sales start daily at 12 noon (EST) and last for about a day, with blue chip designers like Ralph Lauren, Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, and their ilk well represented. Unfortunately, because it has become so popular, it is nearly impossible to grab your size in the item you want. This frustration makes the item all the more desirable, and buyers frantically click away, hoping that the customer who currently has the size will relinquish it after the 10 minute hold limit is imposed. Then, the sense of pride in winning the item takes over, and one immediately buys it. And yet, you usually end up with an item which, at 11:58 am, you had no need for. I've seen this happen to both myself and my friends, this frenzy of winning an item (like on eBay) that eventually subsides and turns into guilt. Or buyer's remorse. Or, plain old debt.

Phew. If this still sounds interesting, click here to snag an invite. Just be warned.

And perhaps you might also be interested in a pair of size 9.5 lace-ups that I "accidentally" bought the other day...?

Clear as Crystal

2009-04-17T10:20:00.002-04:00

With spring in full swing here in DC, the April showers seem to have brought with them the first bloom of tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, and their ilk. Why not bring a little bit of that inside to add a pop of color at home? Fresh cut flowers are an easy way to liven up any tired table - just grab a bunch at your local grocer, farmers' market, or snatch a few from outside. While the vessel that you display them in needn't be extravagant, one of my pet peeves is vases that look left over from an FTD bouquet. Target to the rescue! One of their lesser known designer lines comes from Riedel, purveyors of pricey stemware and crystal. But not at Tar-zhay. I recently found a few gorgeous deco-style vases on sale, including the large "Balloon" vase pictured above. These sturdy crystal pieces are pretty without being too fussy, and they're cheap to boot. And with Mother's Day just around the corner, one of these vases, filled with her favorite type of flowers, would make a perfect gift for mom.

Riedel Vivant vases, $10 - 20, target.com

A Palm Beach Institution

2009-04-14T10:21:00.006-04:00

Photo: Palm Beach Grill

 The Palm Beach Grill is one of the few things on this tiny toothpick of an island that everybody can agree on - the old guard stalwarts and the young transplants; the Jews and the WASPs; the moldy old money and the parvenu arrivistes - mostly because the food is simple and delicious. The restaurant is actually a somewhat tweaked Houston’s, but the PBG is known as such because of the restriction on chain restaurants in Palm Beach proper. Had the restaurant been named Houston’s, I can’t believe it would have been nearly as popular with the moneyed locals. And popular it is. In season (that would be late November until late April) the place is booked solid a month in advance. A friend said her parents have a standing reservation for every other night at the place, which probably isn’t an exaggeration. Even the bar area, which is really just an extension of the dining room, usually has it’s own waiting list stretching to an hour or more.

The energetic dining room, open kitchen, and great menu are a welcome respite from the other culinary options on the island: upscale Italian, with varying degrees of success (Bice, Renato’s, Amici, Trevini, the list goes on) and bland country club food that one would expect in a country club town. Once you get a reservation or score a seat at the bar, dig in to a grilled artichoke with house-made remoulade ($12) or a chicken Waldorf salad with bacon and egg ($15) before your main dish, which could be anything from a silver-service hot dog ($12), the delicious and moist rotisserie chicken ($18) or a center cut filet ($35). Dessert offers the usual options, but ask for the tres leches cake. It’s an off menu item, but when they have it, the sweet milky concoction usually sells out fast. Service is delightfully free of the usual PB ‘tude; the servers, clad in Ralph Lauren oxfords, are affable and eager to please. Next time you’re heading this way, it’s probably a safe bet to book a res at “the Grill” before you book your plane ticket. Just don’t call it a Houston’s.

Palm Beach Grill, 336 Royal Poinciana Way, (561) 835-1077

Bakon Egg and Cheese

2009-04-12T20:02:00.004-04:00

Ever since hearing that Bar Pilar in Logan Circle carried a Bacon Bloody Mary with their brunch menu, I've been meaning to make some bacon-infused vodka of my own. It's not exactly an easy affair, so I was pleased to hear that soon it won't be necessary. Enter Bakon Vodka, an aptly named savory vodka with the (dubious) distinction of being the first bacon flavored hooch. Right now, it seems it's only available in the Pacific Northwest, but there are plans to bring it nationwide in the near future. While I haven't been able to sample the stuff, I can only imagine that it will be quite good in a bloody...

Bakon Vodka, available this summer, bakonvodka.com

Hoppy Easter

2009-04-12T14:33:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter Sunday to all...it was another gorgeous day in Florida. I decided to dig out the customary bunny tie for Sunday brunch at the Breakers. Linen jacket, Ralph Lauren; tie, Hermès; shirt, A. Sulka & Co.; pocket square, Brooks Brothers. Paired with white linen pants and brown slip on shoes. Now, off to the beach to work on my tan.

Saturday Cocktailing | St Germain and Champagne

2009-04-11T10:30:00.001-04:00

I served this delicious cocktail at my last New Year’s Eve party, and it was quite a hit. This bubbly concoction is perfect for special celebrations of any type, be it a birthday, anniversary, or just a regular hump day (that would be Wednesday...keep your mind out of the gutter). St. Germain is one of my favorite new spirits and can really be added to anything, giving even the most mundane G&T that extra kick. Recipe as follows:

1 shot gin
1/2 shot St. Germain elderflower liqueur
Champagne
Sliced strawberry

Fill a champagne flute with the gin and St. Germain. Top off with champagne and garnish with a strawberry slice.

A word to the wise: these drinks are delicious and go down easy, so be sure not to over serve yourself (or your guests). Unless, of course, that’s the goal. For those seeking a lighter refreshment, you can leave out the gin and add 1 full shot St. Germain.

Bermuda Breeze

2009-04-10T13:51:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite old-school fragrances with a distinctly Palm Beach feel is Royall Bay Rhum (yep, it's actually spelled like that). Imported from Bermuda, the label describes the tonic as a "secretly proportioned mixture" containing "oil of Bayleaf and the purest menthol crystals," whatever that means. Also available in Lyme and Mandarin (that'd be lime and orange, in case you're not getting the Royall spelling), it's exactly the kind of scent you want to splash on after a long day in the sun. While Brooks Brothers has carried it for years, you might also find it, as I did, at a vintage drug store, its trademark wax-sealed paper packaging nestled between the shaving soap and Mason-Pearson hairbrushes. Dab some on, throw on a linen shirt, and get that island spirit going (even if you're landlocked).

Royall Bay Rhum, $39.50, available at Brooks Brothers.

Entering Grey Gardens

2009-04-09T09:15:00.001-04:00

And speaking of the crazy rich (or perhaps the merely crazy), much buzz is being generated about the upcoming debut of Grey Gardens, a movie based on the lives of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter Little Edie, the recluse aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy. The Beales of Grey Gardens have been in the news in the past few years, notably for Christine Ebersole's star turn in the 2006 Broadway musical version, Grey Gardens, an adaptation of the Maysles' brothers 1975 cult classic of the same name. The film follows the transformation of Little Edie (Drew Barrymore) from Maidstone debutante to fallen heiress under the auspices of her controlling mother (played by Jessica Lange). In the crumbling Grey Gardens of the 70s, cat food is called paté and the resident raccoons are seen as welcome playmates for the hordes of stray felines. Check out the preview below - seems like the ladies live up to all the hype. (And if you think Barrymore's overdoing it - check out a video of the real Edie to compare.)

Grey Gardens premieres Saturday, April 18 at 8pm on HBO

Under the Royal Palms

2009-04-08T23:29:00.004-04:00

I'll be on vacation for the holiday weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, which has the distinction of having the most Rolls-Royces per capita of anywhere else in the world. More to come from the land of G&Ts and go-to-hell Lilly pants...

Saturday Cocktailing | The Negroni

2009-04-04T10:30:00.006-04:00

Since my last visit to Rome, I've been a big fan of Campari, the ruby red Italian aperitif. When sipping a Campari and soda with an orange, it just feels like you're living la dolce vita, whether you're on a veranda in Southampton or a sweaty studio apartment. So I was pleased to discover the Negroni, a bitter cocktail that perfectly whets the palate before a night of rigatoni bolognese and several glasses of Super Tuscan. Warning - this drink is sort of an acquired taste, so don't come after me if you're not smitten from the first sip. Recipe as follows:

1 shot Campari
1 shot gin
1 shot sweet vermouth (the red one)

Pour ingredients over ice. Stir until very cold (this is key, otherwise it tastes like warm cough syrup). Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a thick lemon zest. Enjoy.

Accessories from J.Press

2009-04-03T09:30:00.007-04:00

I love J.Press. Outside of certain Boston-New Haven-D.C. circles, they fly under the radar, which is totally fine by me. I usually skip their sack suits and pleated trousers (a favorite of U.S. Congressmen, but too bulky for my taste) and head right for their accessories. They have a great selection of repp ties and bowties in a variety of school colors, fabulous blazer badges for various Northeast colleges, cotton gingham pocket squares, braces, and colorful watch bands. Notably, they are the official purveyor of the "Chuck Bass Scarf," a crazy silk dot patchwork number. If you don't happen to live in one of the four cities where they have retail locations, there's always the online option. Pictured: a cotton madras bowtie ($49.50). Pair it with a seersucker suit, white cotton oxford, and bucks and you've got the perfect outfit for the Virginia Gold Cup or the Foxfield Races.

J.Press, stores in NYC, New Haven, Washington, and Cambridge, and online.

Vintage Varsity at Georgetown

2009-04-02T12:06:00.000-04:00

I found a bunch of these historic photos of athletics at Georgetown, my (soon to be) alma mater, and thought I'd share. There's somtething about these spiffy sports uniforms that's so distinctly American... This one's an 1890 team photo of the crew team, which was the first Georgetown team to adopt the blue and gray colors of the now unified Union and Confederacy. The rest of the school followed suit shortly thereafter.

Here's one of an early Georgetown mascot, a Boston bull terrier that preceded our current English bulldog, "Jack," facing off with UVA's mascot, who seems to be cowering in the shadows. I can see why - 1911 Jack looks pretty fierce.
This is our first basketball team, in 1907. We look pretty scrawny...not to mention pasty. The coach in the middle with the pompadour proves that the questionable fashion associated with sports professionals has a long, storied history.
Gotta love the combo of the classic varsity sweatshirt with Adidas running shoes. The guy on the left went on to be All-American in track 3 times, and President Reagan's first judicial appointee.

Hoya Saxa.

Photos collected from Georgetown University: The College History Series by Paul R. O'Neill and Paul K. Williams.

Slick Silver Swizzle Sticks

2009-04-01T00:07:00.001-04:00

(Try to say that 10 times fast.) Unless you're Daniel Craig, “Shaken, not stirred” isn’t always the best way to order a cocktail. When the elements are entirely alcohol, or with fizzy drinks like a Ketel One and soda (my personal favorite), a brisk stir over ice will do just fine. So I was delighted to happen upon these cocktail spoons last weekend at one of my favorite consignment stores, the Christ Child Opportunity Shop in Georgetown. Christ Child is a high end consignment and thrift store on Wisconsin Avenue that specializes in antique silver, art, jewelry, and crystal, but the store carries myriad interesting objet in a variety of price ranges, like Revere silver bowls for $20 and ladies' mink coats for $150. The spoons' hollow silver bamboo stalks double as straws and have the added bonus of a little charm (baby buddha, pagoda, fan, etc.), helping to identify your drink after you've had a few too many. I once absconded with a similar cocktail spoon from Little Branch (please, don't tell...it's hard enough to get into that place).

Christ Child Opportunity Shop, 1427 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, (202) 333-6635

Spring Flowers

2009-03-31T18:44:00.001-04:00

Looks like the first buds of spring have come out in D.C. The Cherry Blossom Festival runs through April 12. Though the peak bloom isn't until this weekend, they look beautiful already. I had a chance to snap a few pics of the blooms down at the Tidal Basin as well as some beautiful magnolia trees on Georgetown's campus. Here's hoping the weather will stay this gorgeous throughout April.

Point, Click, Collect.

2009-03-30T15:35:00.000-04:00

Mike Monteiro's cheeky Untitled (my therapist)

As an art history major, I’m always on the lookout for an easy way to start collecting with unique pieces by young artists. Unfortunately, most galleries can be intimidating for a young collector, due to the typically haughty attitude of the gallerist and the just out-of-reach price points. So I was pleased to happen upon the website The Beholder a few months back, where pieces start at just under $50 and top out around $3,000, with most pieces in the $200-900 range. Browsing the site is a cinch, with helpful categories to view the pieces by price, size, or medium. There’s even an option for a 7-day trial, where you can return the work within a week for a full refund. Favorites include Mike Monteiro’s “Words” series, which consist of simple white Helvetica lettering on a black backdrop spelling out tongue-in-cheek phrases like “I hope my ex isn’t here” and “OK, but no gay stuff,” as well as Katie Baum’s gridlike photographs of flowering trees; the triptych Cherry Blossom would be the perfect choice for a D.C. resident to liven up those tired white walls. Whatever piece you choose, The Beholder makes it easy to ditch the stale Monet posters from your college dorm room and hang up something that’s really worth looking at.

Come Hell or High Water (Pants)

2009-03-30T11:49:00.001-04:00

A recent article in the New York Post tells of CFDA award-winning menswear designer Thom Browne's financial woes:

"He's in a real squeeze," said one source close to the situation. "If he can't wriggle out of it in the next couple of weeks, he's facing a potential bankruptcy."

The designer, who (like me) grew up in Allentown, PA, is famous for tight, cropped suit jackets and ankle-flashing "flood" trousers that carry pretty high price tags (suits are around $5K). With the economy failing, so is the market for products that are viewed as too fashion-forward for the mainstream consumer. It's a shame, for while his company is small, his impact on the entire menswear industry has been substantial. As the suit has become cool again, designers at every price point have adopted a watered-down version of his look, with slim lapels and shorter jackets. Here's hoping that he makes it out of this slump.

Cloak-and-dagger Cocktails at PX

2009-03-29T18:17:00.003-04:00

follow the blue light to PX

Friday night’s drinking adventure took me over to Old Town, Alexandria, a quaint spot on the Potomac in Northern Virginia. Our destination was PX, a modern speakeasy with no number and no sign out front. Before we get into the specifics of PX, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the current trend that has everyone looking backward to the roaring twenties and the era of national Prohibition. Bars are springing up everywhere that pride themselves equally on both the clandestine nature of their entrances and the quality of the ingredients that go into the cocktails - house made bitters and tonics, freshly squeezed juices, and hand-cut blocks of ice. These old-school establishments are the polar opposite of the slick lounges and scene-y spots of the early 2000’s. Whether this genre of bar has staying power or is just another fad has yet to be seen, but with places like PDT (short for Please Don’t Tell...oops, just did) and Little Branch in Manhattan leading the charge, the speakeasy seems to have carved out its own niche for now.

No address is listed for PX, just a vague “Follow the blue light” on their website. A quick Google search, however, turned up 728 King Street as the address, simultaneously demystifying their directions and ruining any romantic notion of a search through the rainy night for a blue lamppost. A knock on the door led to the opening of a metal peephole. “Name, please?” said the voice on the other side of the door. Though their criteria for admission is unclear, apparently we passed muster, because we were escorted inside to a small table with water carafes, white croc-embossed menus, and homemade potato chips (a welcome touch). We settled in to the white leather chairs and took in the scene.

 As my friend Kyle said (somewhat ironically) a few years ago, “staying in is the new going out,” and the atmosphere of PX seems to have taken that mantra to heart. The vibe was more akin to a friend’s living room than a bar. Quiet and relaxed, the dark paneled walls were mirrored and lined with shelves of empty crystal containers and vintage silver cocktail shakers. A mysterious girl in a tight red dress sat idly at the bar, lending a sense of noir mystique to the whole joint.

The cocktail list is small but concentrated, and there was nary a disappointed palate in my group. For the amount of labor that goes into creating each drink, the prices are quite reasonable ($11-14 each). Equally cool is watching the bartender create each drink; for some, including the Sherlock Holmes, the fruit is set aflame to give a fragrant aroma to the cocktail. Standouts include the Bittersweet, a combination of gin, bitters, and sweet vermouth ($12) and the Cure All, a complicated and delicious mix of tequila, gin, turmeric, and basil coconut water ($12). Even the seemingly simple gin and tonic ($12.50), crafted with house-made tonic, was heads and shoulders above any other G&T I’ve ever tasted; the tonic was at once sweet and tangy, and the Citadelle gin may soon find itself a permanent place in my home bar. Another must try - if only for the song and dance that comes along with it - is the absinthe. Ice water is diffused out of a large carafe over sugar cubes resting on a spoon with a skull and crossbones carved out of it into the absinthe in the bottom of the glass. Spooky, I know, but the lovely licorice aroma of the drink is well worth the $16 price tag.

If I could find any fault with the establishment, it would be the lack of a real energy. It could have just been an off night, or perhaps the room we sat in, but the atmosphere was lacking a certain intangible feeling. (There appeared to be more seats to the place behind a white curtain, but I dared not peek inside, too worried we might be ever so politely asked to leave.) For sure, the place is more suited for a hushed conversation among friends than a raucous tête-à-tête, but there was still something left to be desired.

All in all, I would definitely recommend a visit to this place. It’s only 20 minutes by cab from DC proper, and well worth the trip. Throw on your velvet dinner jacket or vintage dress and prepare to enter a world of hush-hush cocktailing, roaring 20’s style. That is, if you can get past the door...

PX, 728 King Street, Alexandria, VA (no phone)