DRESSING FOR A PLAY DATE - The Children's Museum Bridgehampton

Don’t save anything, use it everyday.  Whether it is that great tablecloth or a great dress.  Whenever you need to feel particularly beautiful, pull out that piece that makes you feel great and dress up if the mood strikes you, even if you aren’t going out for to that 'special event'.

It was a steamy rainy August day so where to head for a play date with a couple of '3 somethings'.   The Children's Museum in Bridgehampton is a great choice.  


This museum captures the magic of life and childhood in a highly creative way.  My son loves racing the cars and then immediately heads for the fire trucks or the great big pirate ship.  And always a trip to the farm stand for some 'local fruit and vegetables' and a masterpiece experience in the art studio and of course a visit to the sand table and the play ground.  

On this rainy day, I was recuperating from jet lag.  I sleepily took a fast shower and put on a pair of white Levi cut offs from high school and a thin cotton printed top I brought home from Mauii and pink Converse low tops.  Grabbed whatever bag my passport was still packed in, and rushed to meet these women and their little ones at the museum.  


Upon my arrival I was greeted by an array of mules and platform heels, the latest oversized designer handbags from Herme's, Vuitton, Mulberry etc. and skirts and dresses. While the fashion designer in me says always dress for your mood and wear what you love, for a split second, I suddenly felt liked I should be on Rivington Street and they on Park Avenue. 


I realized that these women while overdressed for this occasion in some circles were actually supporting my philosophy. Every day is a day to dress and express yourself in whatever makes you feel great.  They survived the uneven mulch on the play ground and looked beautiful.  I celebrated two of my favorite labels -  Levi's www.levistrauss.com and Converse www.converse.com  and we both in the end felt great.

WHAT TO DO WITH A SMALL TABLE

On the front porch were a teak round table and a couple of chairs.  But, in a new home or someone else’s home, everything seems fresh.  The china, the view, a table and a yes a table cloth.

I see everything! It is the double edge sword of being an artist.  A blessing and at times, a curse. 

I love tablecloths, cloth napkins, napkin rings, table top everything - they add oomph and beauty.   

Any dinner can become dining with a tablecloth, some linen napkins and a flower or two.

Yeah, it sounds entirely corny but on this ordinary Tuesday with my three year old and husband, a re-invented lunch from last nights’ dinner and whatever was in the fridge in our ‘Copenhagen home’ became special.  All it took was a tablecloth and a vase full of peonies.  My son came out and said ‘cute’ followed by ‘dinner party’ and my husband smiled and immediately grabbed a great bottle of wine.  That was enough for me.

 

I love tablecloths that much that while traveling in Provence, I brought home a souvenir for the man in my life, now my husband.  He opened this beautifully wrapped package with anticipation.  A  fantastic tablecloth cloth and napkin combo (www.jean-vier.com) from a tiny store in Antibes Juan-les-Pins www.francetoday.com/articles/2010/08/10/striped-basque!  What else could a man want, well you can only imagine his reaction.  Actually he wasn’t all that surprised but good save as I also brought him a great watch. 

I can only attribute all of this talk about a tablecloth to my mother who was the quintessential hostess and a fabulous cook who loved everything about life and saw immense beauty everywhere down to a farm stand tomato.     I have mostly snickered at her and rolled my eyes.  Yikes, I am turning into her!

Tables were ‘set’ and ‘staged’ particularly for holidays.  One Easter at my Grandmothers’ home, my Dads’ cousin painted portrait eggs and decorated them in the personality style of each of the women at the table.  I have my mom’s egg to this day.   And it looks like her.  It was always an amazing gourmet meal, a visual treat, and a new adventure.  

My mom always saved her ’best’ for special occasions and had a set of ‘every day’ for everything else.  That included everything, down to  her favorite bags and clothes.

And not that the everyday cannot mean great stuff and set with style, it was that it was reserved for everyday.   So while in High School, I would spontaneously throw a mid-week dinner party for just us using the non-everyday everything.    So today, whenever I want single malt or a vodka, I take out my St. Louis Tommy double old fashion glasses and savor the taste because it does taste better in these glasses.  And most importantly it turns times into moments.  On Fourth of July when everyone else is going for the grilled fillet minion, I am going for a great hot dog.   I will go for one of my favorite pilsner glasses I dragged home from Luxembourg.  For these glasses aren't great crystal but great design and mementos of a unique time in my life.  And yes, these overly tall glasses with great type make everything so much tastier.

No doubt, it is not easy to watch that favorite cloth be reddened by a glass of Cabernet or yellowed by a salad dressing. While fabulous place mats can be great, there is nothing better than a cloth. Just go for it!

DINNER at Richards' Watermill on a Rainy Night in the Hamptons

It was a rainy Tuesday night in the Hamptons and where to go for a romantic dinner? I wanted warm and cozy.  

Richards is hidden away in a discreet old colonial on Rte 27 in Watermill.  I have never seen an advertisement but maybe they do.  And while the food is good (pricey for what it is).  For me the draw is the interior, low ceilings and lighting, a large fire place and an interesting crowd.  Off and on season I have seen the likes of older well dressed couples to Dad and Mom taking their families of all ages out for a nice dinner to large groups of yuppies and then of course to the likes of Howard Stern and his wife, Beth Ostrosky. 

PHOTO SHOOT IN THE HAMPTONS The Number One Beach in the USA – Back to Work

Cooper's Beach - Southampton

Early Saturday morning with coffee in hand and Pebbles in tow, we sleepily headed for Cooper's Beach which has by the way been rated the number one beach in America!  All to catch the best light.  

Prepping the Model

With memories of Copenhagen in the background and inspiration in the foreground a full day of shooting The Pebbles Dress kept us all busy Saturday. 

Modeling is hard work!  In the end for just a couple of good shots.  So, here is a peak at the raw un-touched-photos we shot this morning at the beach.   

Keep in mind that this model is close to 5’11” and the dress has another inch and a half hemline for lengthening….

Pebbles is both stylish and flexible yet classic. Dressy, yet casual and wearable for three seasons, this dress is a great investment.  I wear this dress with both flats and belted low for a stroll through Southampton to spiky Jimmy Choo’s for evening. 

Pebbles Maxi - Black Cotton Spandex 

Pebbles Maxi - Black Cotton Spandex 

  

Afternoon in Naples in the Maxi Pebbles White and Morning in Southampton Pebbles White

Machine washable fully lined Cotton Spandex - Black or White. Two Dresses in One...Reversible Silk Charmeuse

Black and Turquoise, Black and Ruby, Black and Lipstick Pink…You can also go Champagne Beige plus any color including Lime Green.

For traveling, the Reversible Silk Charmeuse in bolts of colors and of course classic black is the ultimate wardrobe expander.  You pick your favorite two colors and pack lightly.

To expand your wardrobe even more with this piece, add a pair of our silk pants and wear the dress as a tunic.


One last stop to the Mainstay on Hill Street www.themainstay.com, here is more of the Reversible Silk Charmeuse…

 

www.shopgailtoma.com

FLOWERS in Copenhagen

Completely inspired by the blaze of color on a rainy day in Copenhagen.


You must stop by Magasin and take home flowers!  


While gardening is the number one hobby in America. flowers are everywhere in Denmark.  It is truly romantic and a visual delight.


I have always been moved by flowers.  They were apart of our garden growing up and apart of the table and once I grew up the tradition continued.  


The Hellerup home came with two bouquets which I moved from table to table inside and outside the house.  These two bouquets truly brightened each day and definitely made me see the color in each day more brightly.

Bring some flowers to the tables in your home and add some magic to the day.

KUNST INDUSTRI MUSEET DANISH MUSEUM OF ART E DESIGN - Margit Brandt Modedesign 1965-1980

Everyone insisted that I must go to THE KUNST INDUSTRI MUSEET DANISH MUSEUM OF ART E DESIGN.  So off I went, looking forward to taking in the best of Danish furnishings, objects and architecture.  While no surprise, it was all a visual treat.  


However, I stumbled upon the Margit Brandt Modedesign 1965-1980 Exhibit (http://www.brandt-design.dk) and was inspired!  


Her seventies collection traveled the world with husband and partner Eric Brandt.  It then took a new direction, went into home furnishings, and after a long siesta, has been revived back into fashion. 

I loved that Margit grew up in Hellerup.   Born into a leather manufacturing family she loved sewing from age 7 on.. She  proceeded to study the fashion field, she modeled, worked in Paris and married into a clothing manufacturing family.  While my inclination is to provide you in full detail this inspiring designer's story, I suggest you read Walk on The Wild Side - Kunst Instri Museet Danish Museum of Art E Design, as I have.  http://www.kunstindustrimuseet.dk


If you are in town, see the exhibit, watch the film, meet the couple and  explore the Margit Brandt Collection and the company that her daughter now manages.  


My favorites are the black maxi coat on the cover of the exhibit brochure, a cut out leather bathing suit, some coat detailing, a couple of dresses and not the 'knack dress' and of course the model shots that were cutting edge for that era. 


Stop in Illums  Bolighus or  Magasin and take home a piece of her collection.  I did.  A great 2-tier navy silk tightly pleated cut out sleeveless sheath.  A great remembrance of her inspiration!  Go check it out.  

THE MOST ECO-FRIENDY CITY - Copenhagen

Rated the number one eco-friendly city, Copenhagen is green in so many directions!


Windmills, Cyclists, old world building practices and the most progressive architecture abound.  This city is so eco - friendly and is rated just that.   In addition to a top notch bus and train transportation system that takes cars off the road, cycles rule!


From executives in suits to seniors+, whether in town or the country, this city gives the right-of-way to the cyclist, followed by cars and then pedestrians.  Cycling carts make carting packages and even the littlest ones around fun and safe.  From a commute to a quick run for milk, cyclists are everywhere well into the night.  


No wonder why they are all so fit!

The bikes are beautifully designed and made to last!
Copenhagen off Stroget

  

TIVOLI GARDENS - COPENHAGEN...At least take a stroll

Dragonflies at Tivoli

At least take a stroll through Tivoli Gardens...

There is a sense that Degas might have been motivated to set easel and paint in place at Tivoli.  And I can fully understand how Walt’s’ Disney World was inspired by this magical place.

Wide-eyed child or thrill seeker or not, Tivoli Gardens is timelessly elegant and romantic.  Unless you are up for a full day of lines and rides choose the ticket per ride option.  For the time deprived or non-thrill seeker, soak up the beauty of the gardens, shop at Illums Bolighus for a tasteful Scand avian ‘souvenir’ or sit on a bench.

You must have a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants – book months in advance at Nimb (www.nimb.dk.).

While Tivoli closes at midnight, rumor has it that cruise ships love the magic of its’ lights at dusk. 

The park closes at midnight.

Check out the endless stories of Denmark….http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/en_GB

WHERE TO SHOP & Fashion Week in Copenhagen

Stroget - Copenhagen

More on Where to SHOP - Copenhagen


Fashion Week runs August 12-13-14 this summer in Copenhagen. While this is certainly not the hub of the fashion world, it is an emerging market with a vision and style all its' own.  


With great design bones in every direction, the Danes spin on fashion is clean and unique to their lifestyle and culture.  And that culture is pure and evident all around Copenhagen.  It is one of the most homogenous cultures in Europe I have been to.  The purity of the Danes not only permits one to see the past but feel the past's influences on the present and all its' richness.  Whatever the Dane's do, they do it well so while not explore Danish fashion....


And it is no surprise that some of the top Danish models who work in Paris and New York (Freja Beha, Eddie Klint and Mathias Lauridsen) choose to live in Denmark.  It is a no brainer. 


To start shopping, begin at Stroget which is not really a street but refers to 5 Streets of Pedestrian Shopping and Dining in Copenhagen.  So start here...and while a rainy day is never the best day for strolling, it is a great day to comb these pedestrian streets of Copenhagen.  No crowds!

 My Directory for Fashion Shopping and a couple of interiors mentions...and not in any order of preference...

Streets and Stores:
Pedestrian Streets around Stroget  - Trendy, hipper shopping.  
Straedet - For Indie shopping and a bite to eat.
Pilestraede - Upscale Interior Design Boutiques
Bredgade - Vintage Design Stores
Gothersgade - Lots of boutiques
Storm - Large clothing selection
Lot#29 - Cashmere
Kirk - Home Furnishings
Gronlykk - Great Oiled Fabric
Hugin & Mugin - Cute Children's Clothing


Danish Labels to be on the Look Out for:

Margit Brandt 

- oldie but goodie

Erik Mortensen  - oldie but goodie

NOIR 

Day Birger et Mikkelsen

Munthe 

Simonsen

Henrik Vibskov 

The Obvious...
Illums Department Store 
Magasin du Nord  - For a taste of Danish Bloomingdales
Illums Bolighus - one stop shopping for the Danish approval stamps and those time deprived
Bang & Olufsen - Anything Bang & Olufs...The best phones and stereos I've ever owned! 


The Not So Obvious...

Great Oiled Fabric Store

Topnotch Quality Cycles for Sale in Copenhagen

Hugin & Mugin Off Stroget Cute Children's Clothing

A MEAL AT TIVOLI...

Nimb Hotel - Restaurant

One of the many restaurants at Tivoli....

You must have a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants – book months in advance at Nimb (www.nimb.dk.). 

While Tivoli closes at midnight, rumor has it that cruise ships love the magic of its’ lights at dusk.

The park closes at midnight.  http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/en_GB

WHAT'S IN A ZIP CODE?

'Happiness 2900'  -  Hellerup Copenhagen

When they told me that I was living in Zip Code 2900 Happiness, I had no idea what they were talking about.   If you live in Manhattan, you understand the real estate value Zip Codes 10012 or 10013 hold.  If you live in Copenhagen, 2900 is about much more than real estate value, it is about quality of life.

With a five-minute drive, a 10-minute train ride, a 20-minute bus ride to city center you are in the heart of downtown Copenhagen.  This all comes with eco friendly living, courtesy, a mini Madison Avenue Shopping Venue, a few but select dining choices, great bakeries, beautiful homes with acreage, privacy, the beach, a great tennis club, the Baltic Sea and boating at the end of the block.   

In addition to this, for us runners there are great paths to run in the woods as well as a coastal run with gorgeous views.  This place is like no other city I have ever been to.

The Danes have it all - a truly civilized life with the best of urban life, design and culture, country, and the seaside!    

FASHION - Saturday in Hornbaek

FASHION - Saturday in Hornbaek 

A shopping visit in Hornbaek, Isle Jacobsen and St. Tropez are a must. But there are more sheik shops to explore.  Will be back in touch...When in Denmark, watch for the carefree ultra thin - ultra comforts cottons but watch for a quality check.  Some are Danish and then many are made in India. 

Check out Danish and Swedish shopping and labels... Day, Birger e Mikkelsen, Tiger of Sweden, Illum, Magasin, St. Tropez and Isle Jacobsen.   

While in Hoernbaeck...see St. Tropez does Denmark looks in a carefree resort style that all the Danes love.  While the palette of beige, black, grey and grey blue serve the Danes' rosy skin tone and authentic platinum hair color, they do little for most others.  So to be on the safe side select the white or go for the rare powder blue that is like the Scandinavian sky.   

The Danes are tanned to perfection, a perfect even golden brown.  Excluding a cool day where you see fitted jeans, a long cotton scarf wrapped around one's neck Danes prefer comfort over fashion.  Women of all ages wear baggy shapes and leggings, converse and Levi's are everywhere.  While these baggy shapes do little in the flattery department, I am sure that they are so comfortable that in a pinch they work well for sleepwear too.

Make a St. Tropez clothing pick and a pair of Jacobsen Wellies (Rubber Rain boots welded to perfection - these should last for a long, long time just the way I like them) for the best of these designers.   Jacobsens' botanical accessories make the shopping spree seductive but St. Tropez does a great shape and great fabric. 

Finish with a civilized lunch at the Strand Pavilion. 

While I love food, eating and cooking...eating in Denmark unless you are going for a Michelin 5 star restaurant is a challenge for a foodie. The cheese, the ice creams are safe.  I am completely so done with the plates of white fish, sauces, meats and sausage (and they pale next to the Germans and the Austrians) that a burger is satisfying and safe.  For those Herring lovers, it is the very freshest I have tasted but usually doused in cumin dressing or a bland cream sauce.  In this case a great glass of wine is the ultimate camouflage. 

HOERNBACK, The Danish Riviera

HOERNBAECK

While the streets of New York are steamy and even the ocean breeze of Southampton isn't making a dent in the heat, Copenhagen is perfect.

The bright days lead to lingering mild nights, with light in the sky well past 10:00 p.m.  

A ride from Hellerup North (better known as Happiness 2900) as far as Tisvildeleje makes for a great weekend escape or summer home commute. 

Take the coastal ride for instant vacation or the highway to see the sunset. This lifestyle is civilized.  The roads are easy, the drivers are considerate and there are but a few arrogant in between (either on cycles or cars).  I am in search for that perfect combination and while Copenhagen - Hornbeaek is a great combination for a beach commute.  Similar to NY - Hamptons taking merely a couple of hours of little pieces of heavenly landscape, Hoernback feels much like charming Nantucket. For those New England fans this is your town.  

NATIVE'S SUGGESTION - Best Way to See Copenhagen

On our first day in Copenhagen, natives advised us to get a real feel of Copenhagen. It was the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon, topped by a typical Danish Lunch.

A fantastic mix of ancient and contemporary architecture!