Travel Diary: Hudson, New York
1.27.2014
A few week ago some friends and I took a little trip upstate. Just a two hour drive to a little town called Hudson, New York. After a month of watching Hallmark Holiday movies, now I felt like I was on the set of one. Too cute, and possibly too much perfection, but I am okay with that! I don’t mind if life feels like I am on a movie set all the time. It was antique store after antique store and every little restaurant or diner was filled with vintage finds. So much inspiration, my artist eyes were in heaven. Where to Stay: we stayed at this little bed and breakfast Union Street Guest House. In a historic neighborhood surrounded by beautiful architecture, and just a short walk to Main Street. Our apartment was as charming as ever and filled with a sunlit porch, perfect for sketching while drinking morning coffee. Where to Eat: while I didn’t have time to explore everywhere. There were a lot of options, we ended up having a quiet italian dinner(I don’t remember the name, but guessing the only italian place in town?) and then brunch at Le Gamin the next day. A french little bistro filled with antiques, what a surprise right! Clearly the theme of Hudson. Where to Drink: a few blocks from Main Street is The Half Moon. To me was the perfect mixture of a small town bar feeling, with a bit of Brooklyn to the mix. My kind of place : )
The Half Moon
Outfit: Topshop knit top, Nanette Lepore Skirt, HUE white tights, vintage belt, lace socks from London, Clark Shoes
Union Street Guest House
Travel Diary: Washington DC the French Edition
8.3.2012
“I am 30, but there are things about me that are still 15.” –Brigitte Bardot
So I’m, er, 30 (or so). But I definitely resonate with Bardot’s sentiment. There are things that can transport me back to a more simple, easier going time full of whimsy. I did not think that Washington, DC was one of those places. Boy was I wrong.
In an irony of all irony, my trip to DC had many elements of an American in Paris. French inspired hotel full of beauty, class and style? Check. Cute (French!) Maitre’D to check me in (and check me out)? Check. Exhibit to Brigitte Bardot herself? Check.
DC is not just politics, banking, and business. While Detroit had a “rise from the ashes charm”, DC had a “been here the whole time” vibe. During my trip there, I got the sense that there has been an undercurrent of artists and tastemakers making their way in a city known more for politics than Picassos.
Take where I stayed for instance: while the Sofitel Lafayette Square would easily and comfortably house any diplomat, the artist in me could easily see that the place values beauty and inspiration over business. As each Sofitel Hotel is designed differently, the early-20th building was accented with decor draped reds and bronze from more than a century of redesigns. It had escape-mode written all over it. My hotel room was very clean with a giant bed, flat screen and most importantly an oversized bathtub. Yes please.
While it was tempting to stay in all day, I’m a downtown girl. I pried myself away from the warm grip of the tub to hit the DC streets. They were wide and home to a myriad of historical buildings. If you’re ever there looking for a fabulous lunch, head over to the The Hamilton, a one-time department store turned into a fancy for the fancy restaurant.
I didn’t plan this, and couldn’t make it up, but the Franco-centric activities continued into the night. The evening kicked off with a Brigitte Bardot exhibition called, “BB Forever-Brigitte Bardot-The Legend” specifically showcasing at the Sofitel DC (runs until September 15th). Of course, my outfit that night to be Brigitte Bardot inspired. As a girl who tends to lean on quirky fashions as a favorite, I have always admired Bardot’s ability to take simple basic detailing and making it exotic. My best attempt: little white blouses, shorts, pleated skirts and of course, a few scarves in case a handsome Frenchman picked me up in a classic red sports car. At the Bardot exhibit, I was lucky enough to meet the curator Henry-Jean Servat who was special friends with Bardot and knew her close (she’s now 77 and living in Saint Tropez with her animals). One of the most beautiful aspects of the exhibit is that Bardot so greatly cares for animals that cannot defend themselves. While she’s not without controversy, Bardot is a fashion and beauty legend.
As my time at the exhibit wound down, I was delighted to stumble upon Champagne and Macaroons. Really, what Bardot party is complete without the two?
While in DC, I also checked out the National Museum of Women in the Arts. What really struck me was to see the art of the wives of famous artists (such as Lee Krasner of Jackson Pollack,). So interesting it was to see the art and the stories behind them. You could really see the reflection of the lives they lived together and the influences as a couple.
Then came the shopping. DC has some sneaky cool shopping. My first stop was Georgetown, a retail and luxury destination. There are some hidden gems such as Annie Cream Cheese, a deceptively named home to a great vintage selection including unique items such as floral swim caps made into sweet little purses. In the popular U Street area I got a chance to get to the lovely Ginger Root Boutique. The terminally cute shop had a tailor above, where owners Erin Derge and Kristen Swenson craft their own line of repurposed clothing, especially adorable lady ascot ties. The duo definitely has an eye for talent and their shop below was filled with precious indie designer jewelry, illustrations and accessories. A few other great store finds were the very awesomely named, Legendary Beast with their gigantic treasures of jewels, and Good Wood, which had (what else) fun vintage furniture.
A girl can dream, right? In DC, and unexpectedly, this hipster girl did dream. The Nation’s Capital definitely gets a big “A” from me.
Getting ready for the BB Forever opening! The Sofitel DC Lobby!
Dinner at the ICI Urban Bistro in Sofitel DC Lafayette Square……….and then dessert!!
Macaroons and Champagne cocktails at the BB forever opening! …..love this photo of Brigitte!!
P.S. I contribute to The Blush.com…..check out more of my articles here!!!
Travel Diary: Detroit
6.14.2012
Detroit has always been a mystery to me. Watch the news, and you hear the one-time marvel is now crumbling. The word on the street is it’s about to make a comeback. When asked to visit, I jumped at the chance.
I’m spoiled living in the Big Apple. You can’t walk two blocks without bumping into creative inspiration, and the energy is infectious. So I came at Detroit judging it on that basis. For any city, creative inspiration is the driving force of a renewal. Ask any city planner, and they will tell you that if the artists come, the industry will follow. I looked past any crumbling buildings, and kept an eye open for its true energy.
I got off the plane, and began exploring. Fashion girl takes Detroit.
After checking into the fanciful Westin Book Cadillac, I started my adventure in Downtown Detroit. Beholding the most striking collections of Art Deco architecture, I was especially drawn to The Guardian Building which is now utilized as a retail center with a Bank of America and retail shops. In the center of this feast for the eyes, is Rowland Café. I could easily see myself coming here for business meetings, afternoon work on my blog, or a quick cappuccino before a movie date. Or, even better, late night cocktail parties. I would host one here for sure. Roaring 20s energy meets Brooklyn party girl? Yes please. If any Guardian building event organizers are reading…just saying.
After seeing a twist of the old and the new, it was time for shopping, of course. I do know a good designer or two when I see one. City Bird was a match for almost any boutique in New York with its handcrafted gems. They were loaded with lots of fun Detroit and Michigan items, including Michigan-shaped wooden earrings–not your regular tourist gifts. The owners are a brother-and-sister duo, and Detroit natives, Andy and Emily Lynn. Right next door, they recently opened a home goods store calledThe Nest. And it’s just as darling as it’s sister store!
On my way to the DIA, I stopped by the recently opened The Peacock Room. Located in a historic venue, owner Rachel Lutz has put together a musing of old and new accessories and clothing, all with a vintage vibe. She definitely has an eye for classic pieces, and I am regretting not picking up this vintage sequin jacket for only $40.
After arriving at The Detroit Institute of Arts, I realized I could have easily spent a full day there. Typically I breeze through museums, but the DIA has a little of something for everyone, including an extensive collection of African, European, and American art. I was most captivated by the Contemporary section of the DIA. My other art related highlight was meeting Michelle Tanguay, one of two founders of Pop Up Detroit. Along with Nina Marcus-Kurlonko, the duo began Pop Up Detroit to showcase their own work more. As well as promote other local artists and repurposing vacant buildings in the city. Even one location was an abandoned Cadillac dealership, which sounds incredible. They have also recently brought on designers, having had their first Fashion Show back in August. I’m curious to where they will be popping up next!
Between the new to the old in Detroit, I took a step back into time at the glamorous home of Edsel Ford (only child of Henry) with his wife Eleanor located in Indian Village of Detroit. Built in 1926 during a time when Detroit was on the rise, it was full of pre-Depression decadence. Eleanor had added a few installations to the house during the 50’s but did so in a way that preserved its original grace. I can just imagine all of the glamorous parties that were once held there! Oh, how a girl can dream.
My Saturday treat was the Eastern Market. If I lived here, I would be stocking up on fresh veggies and local meats for my dinner party that night, peonies for the table center, and boxes of flowers to plant the next day. This would definitely be a weekly stop for me with its amazing artisans and farmers. The little home betty that I am, I love to surround myself with local fare, and this place rivaled Brooklyn Flea. It had everything from pickled goods to caramelized popcorn. And it supports local artists. That’s a huge plus.
After making my rounds through the city and hopping a flight back to New York, I can say that Detroit is a mix of old luxury with new creative energy. It is in perfect poise for a comeback, It knows where it’s been, and surprisingly, seems like it knows where it wants to go.
Detroit River Cruise with Infinity and Ovation
Rowland Cafe
The Nest/Peacock Room
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