Recently, I’ve had a hankering for some good old-fashion fun – 1920s style. Luckily, New York caters to old-souls like me. So, when it was time to choose a bar for a random Wednesday night, I chose Little Branch – the token “speakeasy” of the West Village.]]>

Photo by Carmen Lopez and AJ Wilhelm

Recently, I’ve had a hankering for some good old-fashion fun – 1920s style. Luckily, New York caters to old-souls like me. So, when it was time to choose a bar for a random Wednesday night, I chose Little Branch – the token “speakeasy” of the West Village.

Upon my arrival at the corner of 7th Avenue and Leroy Street, I made my way towards a non-descript building perched on the corner. As I began to open the door (with a discrete sign that reads “Little Branch”) a man appeared. He informed me that they have reached capacity and there would be 5 to 10 minute wait – I was flabbergasted. It’s a random Wednesday and you’re telling me I have to wait! This is NYC; with an average of 5 bars on every block, this is not the city where you wait on lines. Despite my initial shock (and annoyance) I decided to wait the 7.5 minutes and boy, I was happy I did.

Once two patrons vacated the speakeasy, I was in. As I descended into the bar I felt as though I had entered a new “retro” New York. Although I wasn’t pleased with my initial wait, once in, I was happy with the crowd control – not too empty, not too crowded… it was just right.

Everything about Little Branch whispers cool, hip and old school. From the décor to the drink menu to the “Rules of the Establishment” (posted in the restrooms), every detail mimics what I would assume an authentic 1920s speakeasy was like. In the spirit of the celebrated decade, bourbon was my poison of the evening. My favorite cocktail was the “Stone Fence” – bourbon, cider, orchard and some other magic.

The icing on the cake for me was the live music that began around 10pm. The sounds of jazz (with a Brazilian twist) filled the bar for hours. It was the perfect complement to décor and vibe Sasha Petraske created.

If it’s not clear by now, I HIGHLY recommend Little Branch. Perfect for causal drinks with friends or even a date, Little Branch will not disappoint. Just make sure to not share it with everyone – keep it to a select few cool cats.

New York Magazine’s Review – Little Branch

Photo by Carmen Lopez and AJ Wilhelm

Three years ago, in Paris, I had the pleasure of discovering a shop called Comptoir Des Cotonniers (translation: Counter of the Cotton Ones). This shop was the essence of young Parisian style. Sheer blouses, sleek trousers and sharp jackets, styled in neutral tones with a pop of color – I fell in love.]]>

Comptoir Des Cotonniers

Three years ago, in Paris, I had the pleasure of discovering a shop called Comptoir Des Cotonniers (translation: Counter of the Cotton Ones). This shop was the essence of young Parisian style. Sheer blouses, sleek trousers and sharp jackets, styled in neutral tones with a pop of color – I fell in love.

A couple months ago, while window-shopping in Soho, I came across a new addition to Spring Street. I walked in and feel in love with leather, army green newspaper bag. After about 30 minutes, browsing the racks and loving each piece more than the next, it dawned on me where I had seen this designer before… PARIS! The weeks following my Parisian discovery in Soho, I noticed Comptoir Des Cotnniers was popping up in other locations around Manhattan, including Bloomingdales.

Over the past month I have slowly converted my winter wardrobe into the Winter Collection of Comptoir Des Cotonniers. From black trousers to feminine blouses, my closet now mimics those of the Parisian women I aspire to resemble. From work to play and play to work, Comptoir Des Cotonniers has hit the mark. Not to mention the prices are great for impeccable Parisian design.

For the full collection, visit the Comptoir Des Cotonniers website.

For additional Parisian inspiration, visit their blog Bréve de Style.

Comptoir Des Cotonniers

Comptoir Des Cotonniers

This review is long overdue, as I finished this book in August and I had the pleasure of meeting the writer in October. However, regardless how much time passes, it’s never too late to share one of your favorite books of the year.]]> This review is long overdue, as I finished this book in August and I had the pleasure of meeting the writer in October. However, regardless how much time passes, it’s never too late to share one of your favorite books of the year.

"Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.," by Sam Wasson

Have you ever been on Fifth Avenue at 5am? If you haven’t, or if it’s a little fuzzy, I’m sure it was nothing like what Sam Wasson narrates in his second book, “Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman”. Had I not met the 28-year-old author at a Gilt City event in October, I would still believe it’s impossible for someone to write this book with such detail, through research alone. Wasson chronicles the tales of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” as if his was present in every scene.

For 3 days, I transported myself from the beach to the Gold Key Club to have drinks with Truman Capote, to Paris sit in Audrey Hepburn’s fitting at Givenchy’s studio and to Fifth Avenue at 5 A.M. to film the opening scene of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. The magic of Wasson’s words is his ability to bring you into the scene. Even the most private of moments, you aren’t just a fly on the wall; you are apart of the conversation.

If you judge a book by its cover, as I tend to do, you might think this is an exploration of the filming of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. I was pleasantly surprised to learn Wasson starts at square one – the childhood of Truman Capote, the birth of Holly Golightly. From there, Wasson explores each of the major players’ paths to becoming a member of the dream team that created Audrey Hepburn’s most risqué roll – a roll she wasn’t meant to have.

As much as I would love to recount all my favorite moments, I’m afraid I won’t give Wasson’s words justice. That best thing I could say is, READ IT and gift it to all of the film and fashion buffs in your life. “Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.” is a truly captivating book I cannot wait to reread.

Sam and I at the Guilt City event: First there was a showing of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Then we had cocktails where Sam answered questions and signed books. He was so nice!

Sam Wasson and I at the Gilt City Event

I am a firm believer that brilliance doesn’t have a price tag. A person’s style and panache is not reflected in their credit card bill or their debt. In fact, those who are able to find the diamond wherever they happen to be are in fact, the true arbiters of style. With that said, I do have one exception – one hiccup in my anti-label love. And, that my friends, is Hermes.]]>

Hermes Shopping Bag with Tourbillon Silk Wrap Bracelet

I am a firm believer that brilliance doesn’t have a price tag. A person’s style and panache is not reflected in their credit card bill or their debt. In fact, those who are able to find the diamond wherever they happen to be are in fact, the true arbiters of style. With that said, I do have one exception – one hiccup in my anti-label love. And, that my friends, is Hermes.

Oh Hermes, the land of glob-trotting chic and miles of vibrant scarves fit for the most exotic locations. Hermes, the go-to fashion house for a perfect blend of classic, effortless style and a splash of daring and expressive colors. Unfortunately, if you’re like me, Hermes isn’t exactly the most accessible store. Sure I can go into cloud nine on Madison Avenue and try on endless scarves and spray myself with one of their alluring scents, but the probability I will walk out with a little orange bag is slim to none.

However, on September 10th (Fashion’s Night Out), I made a fantastic discovery – the Tourbillon silk wrap bracelet. Priced at $110, the Tourbillon bracelet is Hermes’ introduction into the fashion land of “Street Fair”. From a distance, this little wrap bracelet looks like any trendy bracelet. Cute, stylish and can be worn for any causal occasion. Up close, your world is about to change. This little bracelet is actually a mini Hermes scarf. If that isn’t cute enough for you, there’s an iconic silver horse charm to finish it off.

Like their infamous scarves, this little bracelet can be worn in a variety of ways – as a bracelet, necklace, choker, anklet or as decoration for your favorite bag. To add to the fun, these wrap bracelets come in three-color options (black, purple and red) and no two bracelets are identical. This little bracelet is the perfect gift for your friend with flair or your jewelry box.

Tourbillon Silk Wrap Bracelet in Box

As a young girl, The Secret Garden was one of my favorite films. The Secret Garden inspired me to explore my backyard and the woods in my neighborhood in pursuit of a magical garden, like the one in the film. Regrettably, my childhood adventures never lead me to a place as magical as the garden depicted in the 1993 film.]]>

LongHouse Reserve

As a young girl, The Secret Garden was one of my favorite films. The Secret Garden inspired me to explore my backyard and the woods in my neighborhood in pursuit of a magical garden, like the one in the film. Regrettably, my childhood adventures never lead me to a place as magical as the garden depicted in the 1993 film.

All that changed when I entered the LongHouse Reserve this summer in East Hampton. The home of Jack Lenor Larson, internationally renowned textile designer, the LongHouse Reserve is a sprawling 16 acres of beautiful gardens, pools and Mr. Larson’s gorgeous 13,00 sqft house. Committed to art and design, Mr Larson incorporates beautiful sculptures from world renowned artists into his immaculately manicured gardens.

Total, I spent two mesmerizing hours at The LongHouse Reserve only to find myself not wanting to leave. Unfortunately, summer hours are 2-5pm, Wednesday through Sunday, so plan accordingly.

Below are some of my favorite pieces from the reserve.

The home of Jack Larsen himself.

Jack Larsen's Home

Dale Chihuly’s beautiful glass sculptures accent the natural beauty of the LongHouse Reserve gardens.

Dale Chihuly

I couldn’t resist jumping in this picture. I absolutely LOVE elephants, especially when you can tell they are happy…

"Elefandret" by Miguel Barcelo

Let’s face it; nothing beats a great spa experience. The hypnotizing smells of essential oils… The hour+ of complete and total relaxation… The cozy robes post treatment…]]> Let’s face it; nothing beats a great spa experience. The hypnotizing smells of essential oils… The hour+ of complete and total relaxation… The cozy robes post treatment…

Needless to say, it’s hard to find a better way to kill an hour.

Naturopathica Holistic Health

With that said, what better way to kick off my stay in the Hamptons than with an hour of bliss. The spa of choice for transitioning into my beach life was East Hampton’s Naturopathica Holistic Health. And let me tell you, this isn’t your mamma’s Holistic Health Center.

Located in the Red Horse Plaza, Naturopathica’s central location does not interfere with the escape one experiences upon entering this Holistic Health Mecca. One step through the front door, you are whisked away into their Be Well Boutique. And boy, does it make you want to be well. Everything from books to clothes to beauty products, the boutique is your one-stop-shop for becoming a better person from the inside out.

And now we enter the enchanting spa…

After you have perused the Be Well Boutique, mentally book marking all your future purchases, you are summoned down a spiral staircase guided by your therapist. Clean, crisp and dimly lit, the spa lair is the perfect place to unwind.

From this moment forward my mind becomes hazy as my hour of bliss begins. Bethany, my massage therapist, uses a blend of sandalwood and tea tree oil to help untangle the knots in my back and sooth my body. As I fall deeper and deeper down the hole of relaxation, Bethany moves seamlessly from knot to knot, and muscle to muscle. And, she slowly unravels my tightest areas, my shoulders and lower back, and sooths my limbs. Needless to say, my body was in great hands. I left my hour and a half stay at Naturopathica relaxed, refresh and ready to return.

Naturopathic Holistic Health, Red Horse Plaza, 74 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, NY 11937, www.naturopathica.com.