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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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Style

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Fashion

Fashion Week Spring 2012 – CHADO Ralph Rucci

CHADO Ralph Rucci’s Spring 2012 collection was nothing short of breathtaking. It is in a league of its own.  The… Read More

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Fashion, Interior design

Fashion Week Spring 2012 – J. Mendel

I’m always interested in the synergy between different design venues, so I was very curious when Gilles Mendel cited Dorothy… Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Michael Kors

Although we’re anticipating fall soon, this week in NYC was all about spring. Yesterday I attended some of the Spring… Read More

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Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry

Brimfield Bounty 2

As a neophyte Brimfield attendee, I must admit the enormity of the event was a tad overwhelming. Luckily, after checking… Read More

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Fashion

Happy Labor Day

While we all enjoy what most of us consider the last weekend of summer, let us remember why we have… Read More

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Garden, Style, Travel

Country Charm in the Garden

On our way to visit Dominique Browning for our BEHIND THE Q weekend, Dr. Pat and I first stopped in… Read More

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Architecture, Entertainment, Fashion

Fantastical Friday!

Please stop back tomorrow for At the Movies. We’ve had a lot of comings and goings at the quintessential home… Read More

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Fashion, Jewelry

Marcella’s Magic

Last spring I wrote about Camilla Dietz Bergeron, that elegant bastion of antique gems upstairs on Madison Avenue. While they are… Read More

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Fashion, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Behind the Q – Both Sides Now

As many of you now know, after BEHIND THE Q, I run an additional post from my side of our… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques, Fashion

À la Turc

Sometimes size just doesn’t matter. The exquisite small exhibit Turkish Taste at the Court of Marie-Antoinette currently at the Frick, organized… Read More

inside milly
Fashion, Jewelry

NYC Shopping Spree with Liz – My Picks

Although today is normally Wednesday Wines, Terry was having technical difficulties. Luckily I remembered I had never shared with you… Read More

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Fashion, Travel

Summer Travel Tips

As many people are getting ready for summer travel, I thought I would offer a few of my favorite packing… Read More

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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!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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