Fashion Confidential featured us today along with the likes of designer Alice Temperly and blogger Kristin Knox. Click here to see it. Thanks Fashion Confidential!
Kate's faves on FashionConfidential.com.uk: Paul + Joe stripy cardigan and leopard/ikat bikini, Henrik Vibskov pareo, Philippe Audibert cuff, Antik Batik bag, Stella McCartney sandals.
“50 Best Travel Destinations” I asked great friends to share their favorite travel spots around the globe, both close to home and far, far off the beaten path. Herein are their responses.
NAME: Chris Schumacher
OCCUPATION: Director of Investment Research, Papamarkou Wellner Asset Management, Inc.
TRAVEL DESTINATION: Middleburg, VA. Where serious, understated luxury is nestled in the seat of beautiful horse country.
HOTEL: Private residence; otherwise The Welbourne Inn, www.welbourneinn.com. This B&B (pronounced with a drawl as Wel-buhn) is the residence of Nat and Sherry Morison, eighth-generation owners. The original house was built in 1770 with over 500 acres of land and it will submerse you into another era of old-world Virginia.
RESTAURANT: Hunter’s Head Tavern, Upperville, VA (few miles west of Middleburg on Rt. 50) www.huntersheadtavern.com
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: Anytime during hunt season. Fall and Spring for steeplechase races.
SADDLE UP: Catch one of the fall fox hunts – you don’t have to be a rider, you can follow the hunt on foot for a nice hike.
SHOPPING: Middleburg Tack Exchange for the best finds on saddles, tack, and to learn more about hunt appointments. English Country Classics for amazing men’s clothing at Virginia prices.
The Welbourne Inn
The Snickersville Hunt. Photo Sean Schumacher.
Middleburg is seated in lush horse country. Photo Robert Merhaut.
Two of my favorite stores in NYC are having sample sales at the same time!
John Robshaw Sample Sale
245 West 29th Street
11th Floor
Wednesday, Nov 18th through Friday, Nov 20th: 10 am – 8:30 pm
Steven Alan Sample Sale
87 Franklin Street (btwn Broadway / Church)
Thursday, Nov 19th: 8:30 am – 8 pm
Friday, Nov 20th: 8:30 am – 8 pm
Saturday, Nov 21st: 12 pm – 7 pm
Sunday, Nov 22st: 12 pm – 5 pm
Décor It Girl and Haus Interior owner Nina Freudenberger offers some great tips.
Best way to figure out a color scheme for a space?
Start with the walls. The easiest way to chose a paint color is to find the one object in the room you obsess over. Within that piece, choose the color which draws your eye. Take the actual object to any paint store and have it color matched (most paint stores will mix the exact color if you bring in an item, fabric, etc.) If you are worried its too dark, have them add white to lighten it up, or go as far as to have just a hint/glow of that color in the majority of white.
What are the best items you find for the cheapest when decorating?
Amazing finds at flea markets such as Brimfield, Mass; Twice a week, the Bekman Gallery debuts a limited edition of an artists work, starting at $20. The artist list is incredible.
Where do you go for inspiration when you’re all “New Yorked City-ed out”?
I go upstate to the Hudson Valley. Not only is it an amazing place to visit but it’s also home to some of my favorite antique stores. Make sure to stroll down Warren Street in Hudson, and to drive all the way north on Route 9, through Springfield and Rhinebeck for great vintage furniture shopping along the way.
What is your favorite New York building/architecture?
The Four Seasons Restaurant by Philip Johnson. Being enveloped inside the genius of Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram building and the moving wire mesh curtains (due to the air-conditioning, which reportedly was a “happy mistake” found out only after the installation) is enough for me to be sure that this is an absolute masterpiece of architecture and interior design.
If you were a restaurant which one would you be?
A cross between Marlow & Sons, and Charles.
If you were a book which one would you be?
I would hope to be A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers… at least, one day, hopefully….
Can you share some “Haus” tips with us?
Trophies – whether using just one or a few, these look great on a bookshelf or end table in your library. Think about having them engraved with your favorite funny quotes.
Rope Knot – perfect as a door stop or place on the lower shelf of an entry console for a nautical accent.
Fouta Towels – these are 100% organic cotton and a great alternative to standard terry cloth. Wash them twice, they become extremely absorbent and are less abrasive on the skin than a typical bath towel.
Haus Interior, 250 Elizabeth Street, NYC, Tel 212 741 0455
The Caravan shades by Ray Ban might just be the perfect fall sunglasses. Why? Because they’re not overplayed and they go perfectly with a denim jacket a nice scarf thrown just so around one’s neck. Can’t you just see how perfect they are for a Saturday stroll in the city (windy, sunny, crisp) or for a walk in the country (big Aran sweater, jeans). Chris recently bought them as slightly less common alternative to the Persols, and Rayban aviators and wayfarers we see so often on the street. They work for girls and guys alike. I think certain sunglasses go with certain seasons and places. Most importantly one must find the right frame to fit one’s face, and after that: as the ad says below, “you need more than one kind of sunglass” for different places and purposes.
Palacio Duhao, Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, An historic French style mansion restored to perfection with modern touches. Breakfast on the patio, Malbec at midnight. Good night, sleep tight while spoiling yourself here. Get a room in the modern tower (6th floor) that faces the historic palace.
Avenida Alvear 1661
Tel: +54 11 5171 1234
My favorite hotel in the world!
Confiteria Ideal, Tango the night away with the authentic Argentineans in this Belle Epoch dance hall. A perfect, crumbling-grandeur romantic fairytale.
Tel 52650 8069 or 4328 7750
Cafe Tortoni, Since 1858, it’s the most FAMOUS cafe in South America to drink coffee and watch tango.
Ave de Mayo 825
Tel 54-11- 43424328
Milion, Dine alfresco or indoors–or pop in for a drink–in this impeccably renovated French-style mansion, with several floors, moody lighting, vines and greenery spilling from the sides, with a grand marble staircase and rambling table seating that’s charming, warm and elegant in the most understated way.
Parana 1048
Tel 4815-9925
Bar Ueriate, Modern, fresh cuisine. Sit in the back garden.
1572 Uriarte
Tel 54 11 4834 6004
Belushi-Martini Bar
Honduras 5333
1444 Palermo
Tel (5411) 4831 8665
La Martina, Men’s + women’s patchy, pique, polo-gear.
Costa Rica Street
Castillo, Men’s quirky, preppy, stylish duds… very cool.
Gurrachaga 1683
Tel (54 11) 4833 9191
Comme il Faut, Tango Shoes in every color and style!
Arenales 1239 Puerta 3 Dpto. M (1061)
Tel 4815 5690
Santos Bazar, Elegant silver and horn home goods, champagne buckets, salad tongs, trays.
Thames 1759
Tel (54 11) 4833 3770
Gil Antiguedaded, My favorite antique and vintage clothing in Sunday’s San Telmo market.
Humberto 1
Tel 4361 5019
San Telmo Market, Top antique stores and outdoor market on Sundays since 1897.
961 Defensa or Bolívar 998
Gaucho bridals and stirrups at San Telmo
Arandu, Argentinean handcrafts and leather saddles, polo boots, belts and all things stylish and equestrian.
Ayacucho 1924
Tel 54-11-4800-1575
Fortin, Traditional style boots, shoes, handcrafted leather, custom orders.
Santa Fe 1245
Tel (54 11) 4812 2731
Polo Lessons with Edgar Pelado. Edgar is a polo master and former international champion. His estancia, an hour south of BA, raises the most sought-after polo ponies in Argentina. His incredibly laid back nature, and his true dedication to the sport (and not just the pretense and pomp of polo) make him an incredibly agile, patient and acutely skilled teacher. Novices and experts alike would enjoy a sunny day on his farm and fields. Email Edgar or his son, Santiago, and tell them I sent you. peladortelli@hotmail.com
You'll be cantering and knocking the white ball around in no time.
Afterward, enjoy some Quilmes (Argentinean beer), cheese, and charcuterie.
This was first published on The Huffington Post on 5 December 2008.
When I was little, I slept in my dad’s tattered (retired) Brooks Brothers shirts, sometimes wearing them backwards as a smock in art class. He said they were The Best. The American Gold Standard for businessmen. He once proclaimed every male should have a blue blazer in a FedEx box to be sent in case of a fashion emergency at a moment’s notice. I could not see the fashion relevance. I didn’t get it.
Twenty years later, (a week ago in New York,) I found myself Getting It. I had loved the Fall 2008 ad campaign shot by Nathaniel Goldberg, featuring Bridget Hall in Central Park.
It was my first time inside in the store, the flagship on upper 5th Avenue. I went in and all the sudden, I eyed and became mesmerized by a classic double-breasted navy blue blazer ($388.00), a women’s version of my Dad’s staple.
I’ve known petite women who shop in the boys’ dept of stores like this one, but this was different. I tossed it on over my threadbare t-shirt, leggings and boots. Love! Then another: a camel cashmere blazer. ($498.00)
Then an extra thick belt (think: Alaia 3-buckle corset goes riding in the country), then a fur hat, then a grey cable knit sweater. I was in Preppy Handbook heaven! Soon I had a heap of clothes and a sales associate named Eva with a thick Russian accent grabbing me sizes. “You know, right now we have sale: buy 2, third is free.” My eyes lit up. We are not talking a sale in the grocery store on week-old watermelons! These are cashmere Loro Piano blazers made in Italy with shiny gold buttons. Yet even the retail price without the discount seemed cheap (compared with, say, a $1,695 Stella McCartney jacket.) I was smitten with the effortless feeling of Uber Prep-ster yet Classic Modern Chic of the blazers. Very “boyfriend blazer” and very now.
I know — I was shocked too. Once I got past the fuddy duddy styling of these pictures above (catalog; not Bridget Hall), I saw that the garments themselves were hardly the tartan, granny, prudish BB I’d remembered. They were very stylish indeed. Having never purchased there in my life, I left with 3 blazers for the price of 2 (plus they offer an additional 15% off with a BB credit card, which I actually declined since too many cards decreases your credit rating.) I am someone who is loving (or seeing the silver lining of) this economic downturn if only because the sales make the astronomical prices of luxury goods somewhat affordable. And it seemed to make sense to buy a classic staple in this economy that will last forever.
This was first published on The Huffington Post 19 August 2008.
Reported by Kate Schelter
Edited by Lesley M. M. Blume
Editor’s note:
The era of the ostentatious ‘it’ bag is over. Blaring logos are dead.
But this fall, statement shoes are bigger, taller, and more opinionated than ever.
Below, Huffington Post Style section contributor and fashion-world insider Kate Schelter details six major shoe trends for this upcoming season. Love them or hate them, these designs will dominate the market from Manolo Blahnik to Nine West this autumn.
This list contains guilty pleasures for every woman, from the golfer to the dominatrix. We are particularly fond of the nostalgic Karen Blixen-esque spectators and the safari print pumps (“Mrs. Robinson – are you trying to seduce me?”). And as a bonus, Schelter generously offers notes on how to wear each style, including the most menacing patent booties.
A warning: don’t mix cocktails with the platforms … you won’t come out alive.
1. Return of the Spectator
Boy by Band of Outsiders collaboration with Manolo Blahnik.
Schelter’s note: Unfortunately these were never produced beyond a sample. But you get the picture, literally! I would have purchased these myself. They are so clean and modern, just white + navy canvas, with a hint of Croquet.
For more: boy.bandofoutsiders.com
Alexander McQueen peep-toe version
Schelter’s note: These shoes are great with wide-legged trousers (they’d only show when you crossed your legs in a chair), or with a miniskirt and opaque tights.
For more: www.net-a-porter.com
2. Black Patent T-strap heels with Platform
Jimmy Choo T-strap heels
Schelter’s note: The least platform of the three shoes shown here, and probably the most conservative. But I like the “low-fi” version of this sexy trend.
For more: www.net-a-porter.com
Burberry Studded T-bar sandals
Schelter’s note: You pack two trends with these with the added studs. Great with a delicate party dress to really show some fashion cred.
For more: www.net-a-porter.com
Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal – Black Patent
Schelter’s note: Last season’s bestseller and fashionista fave is back with new colors and in new heights, which quite literally makes them great for more petite women who want to add some height. Tall girls beware: these get a little close to looking like stripper shoes if you are already 5′ 7″ or above. Men will feel totally intimidated by you and you will be a head taller than everyone else at the party. These are also great under wide legged pants if you just see a hint of the toe coming through.
For More: www.barneys.com
3. Classic Stiletto Pump – sans Platform
Sergio Rossi Veronica Black Patent Leather Pump
Schelter’s note: I bought these myself! If you can only buy one shoe this season, this is it. You can wear it day, night, office, dinner, drinks, date – it goes with everything. Try wearing them with Fogal black sheer stockings (with a black seam up the back of the leg) and it will have a touch of Guy Bourdin quality without looking retro.
For more: www.sergiorossi.com
Sergio Rossi Angelica Patent Leather Round-toe Stiletto Pump – Indigo
Schelter’s note: These pack a punch and have a slightly higher heel and rounded toe shape than the one above. I LOVE this Yves Klein blue, which as a mate totally updates this season’s all-the-rage return of the Little Black Dress.
For more: www.sergiorossi.com
Kate Spade pump
Schelter’s note: I bought these, too. Vogue loved “this season’s must-have watercolor trend.” But please don’t pair these beautiful shoes with a matching poufy pink prom dress; pick something watercolor-UNrelated, and the shoes will be their own statement. They have that slight Marni or Dries van Noten feel with the print and palette for half the price; Kate Spade is a very reasonably priced line.
For more: zeta.zappos.com
4. Winter Safari
Normally I would pass on the animal print shoes or belts as I feel they’re a little matronly or cliché chic. However, I recently saw Vogue-contributor Lauren Santo Domingo wearing a pair of YSL Snow Leopard print heels with a beautiful neutral look (a beige Yigal Azrouel Spring ‘08 skirt with a grey t-shirt). The whole look inspired me: it seemed like a completely modern and unfussy way to wear animal prints.
From style.com
Lanvin Patent Cone Heel Pump – Little bit of leopard
Schelter’s note: I’m not that crazy about this cone heel as it’s a little too trendy for my taste, but it will look very “right now” if you’re into that sort of thing.
For more: www.kirnazabete.com
Sergio Rossi Angelica Giraffe Print Pump
Schelter’s note: These are my faves… totally gorgeous. The heel, the last, the unusual print.
For more: www.sergiorossi.com
Silver Fox Python Round-toe Pump
Schelter’s note: I found these shoes positively arresting. Ladies, men and traffic alike will stop you when they see you in these.
5. Bootie Call!
Manolo Blahnik Lacy lace-up bootie
Schelter’s note: I have these in black leather, and when I wear them I get more compliments than ever. I love the lacy quality, which is very now: a modern variation of the spectator, but with the open toe detail. And the lace alludes to Alaia. Again, these are a great rocker juxtaposition (think leather and lace) to a pretty party dress. I paired mine with an ethereal Erin Fetherston floating white cloud of a dress for the CFDA awards.
For more: www.bergdorfgoodman.com
Kate Schelter at CFDA Awards; photo from Style.com
Givenchy Gladiator Bootie
Schelter’s note: Here a gladiator, there a gladiator, everywhere a gladiator! The trend continues. These are great to juxtapose with a floral “watercolor” print cocktail dress for evening; or with a black mini, white t-shirt and bare (tan) legs. Update this summer trend for fall by wearing these with tights. They just make women look strong, sexy and, well, strappy.
For more: www.barneys.com
Valentino Suede Peep-Toe Booties
Schelter’s note: I LOVE these. Buy them.
6. Monster platform wood soles
Stella McCartney Patent Platform Pump
Schelter’s note: Warning: any platform should be worn by women 5′6″ and BELOW. Tall women, please skip the extra height and opt for the gorgeous classic stiletto pumps – it looks a lot more elegant, and you don’t need the height, I promise. I am 5′ 10″ and I have almost fallen over in these. No kidding. Lost my balance. But this is this season’s editorial uber-trend, so prepare to wear these for one season only.
Marni peep-toe ankle boots
Schelter’s note: Same as above, just with covered ankle.
For more: www.net-a-porter.com
1. TOMS Shoes Comfier than Vans, lighter than a flip flop, and way more charitable than any other fashion company, TOMS are my favorite summer shoe for everyday wear. An instant classic up there with Haviannas, Reefs and your gladiator sandals. Every pair you buy for your cute little feet, guarantees a FREE pair to child in need. www.tomsshoes.com
Toms Shoes
2. Essie Nail Polish in Short Shorts When you’re not covering your toes with Toms, paint them neon pink, to go perfectly peeking out from your black Alaia strappy heels.
Who wears short shorts? We wear short shorts!
3. Bumble + Bumble Surf Spray Who you callin’ Surfer Girl? Whether you live at the beach and actually know how to surf, or never leave your Tribecca loft, this product will give your hair the just-swam-in-the sea-and-air-dried-on-the-beach texture and feel.
4. Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 80 Do what your mother says: cover up and protect your baby soft skin from the sun. This UVA + UVB blocker is so light that you don’t feel it at all, and it doesn’t let in any harmful rays. Editors choice of Allure magazine, it is also endorsed by the American Cancer Society. Another tip: squeeze some zinc oxide onto the bridge of your nose, and across your cheekbones, life guard style, to really create an opaque shield.
5. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Now that you’re covered in sunscreen doesn’t mean you must forgo your tan. Quite the opposite. Layer on this self tanner and watch your inner bronze blossom. Try mixing half and half with a basic body lotion and the effects are a little more subtle and elegant.
Work your inner Brazilian
6. Rope Bracelets Need we say more? A classic that will surely say “I’ve been at the beach all summer” even if you haven’t been at all.
Naughty Yachty!
7. Ice Cream Memorial Day through Labor day, the best ice cream one can experience is served up at Four Seas in Centerville on Cape Cod. Bordering the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, this is where Caroline Kennedy’s ice cream was from that was served at her wedding. Try Mint Chip, Coconut, Mocha Chip, Fresh Peach and Peppermint Stick. The lobster roll is the best one I’ve ever had.
Best Cape Cod lobster roll and ice cream
8. Alex Katz Beach Towel By Works on Whatever. Soft, plush and stylish. Wide enough to sunbathe a deux. Available at The Standard Hotel in Miami or Shop Works on Whatever.
Works on Whatever towels
9. Hugo Guiness canvas tote from John Derian.
10. Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte Refreshing, lite, and lemony. You can’t over-do this when it’s hot out.
Fragrance as refreshing as a Hendricks gin gimlet
