Classic
February Snow NYC
I grew up in Ireland and never saw snow until I moved to the US. This picture is of me with our dogs at Prospect Park last Wednesday during the storm. I went back Saturday evening with my husband, snow was still plentiful on the ground and it was so ethereal to see it glowing in the moonlight while we walked through the horse trails in silence.
Cars for boys, and girls
One thing I find sad is the demise of great design when it comes to cars. When did this happen? When did we start settling for the generic versus great style? Do only the rich have access to beauty? Why is mass production synonymous with boring?
Mercedes 230SL Pagoda from1967
Tatra T87 Sedan Czechoslovakia 1940
Three amazing cars, the Mercedes and Aston Martin both over 40 years old and still seem fresh today. I guess that is what makes a classic.
The merc Pagoda was at auction for 23-27K and did not move, a shame for a beach garage somewhere.
The Prius recalls makes one wonder, when did we start worrying so much about safety ?
For boys ? a screaming eagle on the hood of the Trans Am marked a peak in western civilization that had nothing to do with fuel economy laws…
Valentines Soundtrack idea
A classic love song.
Swan Lake
Tired of the annual overpriced Valentines Day dinner date? I know I am. Instead how about a date to see the New York City Balletat Lincoln Center. Its incredibly romantic and you might be surprised and really enjoy it.
Fashion meets Architecture
Fashion designers are influenced by many things such as current events, travel and the world around them. I thought it might be fun to match fashion with iconic buildings. So here goes.
Balenciaga and Gehry’s IAC building
Givenchy and Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall
Victor and Rolf and The Pierre
What do you think?
Happy New Year
In late December we decided to take a much needed break to spend time with our families and to recover from the crazy year that was 2009. My family came from Ireland and Sheena went home to Dubai to be with hers. It is always cool to see New York as a tourist, especially during the Holidays. We saw the classics; The Tree at Rockefeller Center, The Nutcracker, and of course my weird nieces loved the Tim Burton exhibit at MOMA.
The Nutcracker has been performed ever Christmas for the last fifty years and was choreographed by the incredible George Balanchine, Mr. B.
Classic Gift: Customized Silhouette
Another great gift suggestion from “WITH LOVE” is this paper cutout silhouette made by an artist on Etsy.com. Send a snapshot to the artist and he can customize your cutout with anything you’d like for $40.00. Etsy is one of the best sites to find gifts from all over the world!
Classic Chanukah Gifts
It is the season for family and giving. Judging from the lack of crowds in the shops this past week, it seems most of us are focused on family this year and not on material things. Still over the next week we will feature some gift ideas. I asked my friend Rachel for the classic chanukah gift; gelt of course. So this year step it up a notch and give the Chanukah Gelt Treasure chest , or in Rachel’s words, get fancy while playing dradel and bring godiva chanukah gelt.
Much love,
Amanda
Audrey Hepburn auction
On December 8th Kerry Taylor will hold the Passion for Fashion auction in London. Amongst many fine vintage and antique pieces will be two racks of clothes previously worn by the eternally elegant Audrey Hepburn. I love this picture of her walking her dog, ‘Famous,’ back in 1956, while wearing a coat featured in the sale. She looks so young and timeless and the photo could have been taken yesterday.
This photograph is more Audrey the icon. It was taken by Cecil Beaton and appeared in American Vogue in 1964. The amazing hat is from her favorite designer and friend, Hubert de Givenchy.
A Givenchy black dress; worn while promoting her movie, ‘Paris when it sizzles’ in 1962. Another great photograph of her and ‘Famous’.
So smart and chic.
Givenchy again. Worn to promote yet another movie, ‘Two for the road’ in 1966.
The collection belongs to one of Hepburn’s oldest friends, Tanja Star-Busmann, now in her seventies. They exchanged letters while Tanja was still in boarding school and Audrey was beginning her career as an actress. In 1951 before leaving England to star in Gigi on Broaway, she streamlined her wardrobe and sent several dresses to Busmann. This was the beginning of an annual ritual. Later when she ordered clothes from Givenchy she would ask for extra fabric at the seams so her friend could alter them to fit. A touching story of lasting friendship.
54 Bond Street
New York is a city that is constantly in flux. When someone talks about the good old days, they usually mean the 1980’s. So if you don’t like change then this City is not for you. A case in point is 54 Bond, a collection of loft apartments in a building formally known as the Bouwerie Lane Theatre. This building is a rare example of French Second Empire style and originally housed the Bond Street Savings Bank from 1879 to 1964.
All I can say is wow! As a real estate agent it takes a lot to impress me but this building is spectacular. It is all about this corner with the high ceilings and over sized windows. Bright, elegant and airy.
The finishes speak for themselves.
The triplex penthouse is to die for and is offered at $15,450,000. If that is too rich for your blood then one of the single floors in the upper 4mill range might work for you. Check out more incredible images at 54Bond.com
