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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Fashion

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Fashion

Reem Acra at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Reem Acra, in her show notes, cited Aaron Young’s famous motorcycle art as inspiration for her collection. His reductionist, raw, minimalistic… Read More

Lela-Rose-ink-blue-etched-dress-for-spring-2013
Art & Antiques, Fashion

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 | Lela Rose

At Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Lela Rose frequently cites an artist or, in the case of last season, an architect, as… Read More

Christian Siriano Spring 2013 final look
Beauty, Fashion

Christian Siriano | New York Fashion Week Spring 2013

Christian Siriano, with his pretty Spring 2013 collection, seems to have officially left Project Runway behind and moved on to… Read More

Thomasville-Reinventions-and-Cottage-collections
Design, Fashion, Interior design

High Point Happenings

Although I still can’t believe today is the first of September, this month will surely fly by. While there are… Read More

Blue-collage
Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Cheers to the Red, White & Blue – Happy 4th of July!

Whether you’re staying home or going out, dressing up or keeping it casual, there’s a little something here for everyone!… Read More

Deborah Needleman
Beauty, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Gifts, Travel

Ten Picks for a Simply Splendid Summer

As some of you know, I also moonlight over at the worthy non-profit Women’s Voices for Change. “Celebrating the potential,… Read More

Lalique Ardente combs
Design, Gifts, Interior design, Jewelry

The Luxurious Legacy of Lalique

The question being bantered about lately is whether luxury brands need a history to indeed have a future. The concept… Read More

Pauline de Rothschild by Louise Dahl-Wolfe
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design

Style Knows No Age: Iris Apfel at Sotheby’s

If ever there was an example of the value of staying true to one’s vision, Iris Apfel is certainly it!… Read More

Holland-&-Sherry-Bespoke-fireplace-mantel-with-Deyrolle-lobsters
Architecture, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

Holland & Sherry Bespoke

On a popular street in NYC’s hip Nolita neighborhood, in the most beautiful building on the block, the chicest new… Read More

Oscar de la Renta fall 2012 fur collection
Fashion

My Day at Oscar – the Furs

It all began with the furs. The new collection at Richards was the ultimate temptation. In fabulous spring colors and… Read More

Oscar de la Renta shoes fall 2012
Fashion, Jewelry

My Day at Oscar – the Accessories

You may not have realized how many coordinated collections there are under the Oscar umbrella. It makes adding to the… Read More

Oscar-de-la-Renta-Sable-tweed-dress-with-quilted-coat
Fashion

My Day at Oscar – the Collection

Who doesn’t love Oscar? Oscar de la Renta is one of only a few designers who consistently delivers timeless elegant… 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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