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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Month: February 2011

Singerie Chic
Art & Antiques, Books, Gifts, Jewelry

Singerie Chic

There is something about monkeys that people find irresistible. Have you ever noticed how often they appear in art, both… Read More

wardrobe
Fashion, Interior design, Style

British Sweep

The Oscars are always fodder for fashion critics. There will be many reviews with favorites and pans. I thought several… Read More

At the Movies: Auntie Mame
Uncategorized

At the Movies: Auntie Mame

Since all of my posts last week were devoted to Fashion Week, we missed our usual At the Movies day…. Read More

le toiny  – see copy
Entertaining, Food and drink, Style, Travel

Wednesday Wine

At this point I think it is safe to say that we are all craving spring. So try not to… Read More

shutters
Architecture, Garden, Interior design

Hopelands

As I was reading many blogging friends’ pieces the past week or two, I was continually reminded of one of… Read More

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Art & Antiques

Rembrandt Remembered

There are many museum exhibits in New York that I’m dying to see. One that just opened last week is… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques

Miniature Mania

photo of Oregon State Beavers by Greg Keene Have you ever seen a photograph like this – where it looks… Read More

Elizabeth Hasselbeck Introduces Grace To Fashion Week!
Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Milly

You always know you’re going to have a good time at the Milly show. The enthusiasm and upbeat energy was… Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Nanette Lepore

Nanette Lepore, with her daughter Violet, looks happy for a reason.  With a renewed spirit, her fall collection reflected a… Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Michael Kors

Michael Kors pulled out all the stops today for his 30th anniversary show in the mobbed Theatre at Lincoln Center…. Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Tory Burch

Tory Burch didn’t do a runway show but rather a presentation that circled around the catwalk with pauses for people… Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Lela Rose

Lela Rose chose as her inspiration for this collection contemporary German artist Gerhard Richter. I thought this a very interesting… Read More

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Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
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