News & Notes

Postcard From Burgundy – Part 2

This scene sums it up: the vineyard, the softly undulating landscape, the church steeple marking the center of a beautiful village, and the backside of a biker. Bikers were always ahead of me because, a) I am slow, and b) I stop to take pictures, which makes me, c) even slower. The good news is… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 2

Postcard From Burgundy – No. 1

One of the nice things about biking through the French countryside is that you can stop and smell the horses. And you can come in for a closer look. We visited the Abbey of Citeaux, begun in the eleventh century and one of only two Cistercian abbeys in France that allow visitors. The Cistercians were a… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – No. 1

Flew to France, Watched Dancing, Planted Roses, in That Order Backwards

Have just landed in France and driven 72 years to Dijon. Okay 3 hours to Dijon and another 3 to get to the hotel which you cannot get to because every street is one-way opposite the way you need to go and the other streets are closed for construction… So finally I am lying on… Continue reading Flew to France, Watched Dancing, Planted Roses, in That Order Backwards

Modern Farmhouse Chic in France

Do y’all know about the blog Honestly…WTF ? Don’t you love the name? My friend Liz from Santa Barbara told me about it (thank you, Liz), and it’s done by hipsters Erica Chan Coffman and Lauren Kolodny who are bi-coastal like me, style mavens and cool hunters like… I won’t push my luck. But they… Continue reading Modern Farmhouse Chic in France

My Sister the Tango Temptress, Dancing for Alzheimer’s

Did you ever wonder what would happen if you went on Dancing With the Stars? Me neither. Okay maybe a little. Well now I have a pretty good idea thanks to my baby sister who has been working her bo-hiney off in a local charity’s take-off on DWTS  called “Dancing Stars of Atlanta.” The purpose… Continue reading My Sister the Tango Temptress, Dancing for Alzheimer’s

East Hampton Memorial Day Highlights

If you’re in a small town and they have a parade, you must always go because you are guaranteed to feel good. Parades exist for the sole purpose of show, smiling and cheering. Memorial Day parades in particular honor our military and all who serve country and community. In East Hampton and small towns everywhere… Continue reading East Hampton Memorial Day Highlights

What’s Black and White and Red All Over? A Scalamandre Zebra Tote Bag

So I’m standing in the misty rain Thursday morning waiting for the bus to Long Island when I spy the distinctive silhouette of designer Steven Stolman,  currently president of the venerable textile manufacturer Scalamandré. And then I spy his tote bag. It’s a bit early in the morning for this kind of talk but I sidled… Continue reading What’s Black and White and Red All Over? A Scalamandre Zebra Tote Bag

‘Tis Iced Tea Season — Here’s the Best and Prettiest

It is always iced tea season at my house. After noon and sometimes before, there is a glass within reach. My mother was the same way. Genetic research supports this, particularly in the South. But have you been to Paris lately? Iced tea has become popular there as well. (I swear those French, always copying… Continue reading ‘Tis Iced Tea Season — Here’s the Best and Prettiest

Thoughts on High School Graduation and Growing up so Dang Fast

It was the most beautiful weekend in Atlanta, as our family watched two of my sister’s babies graduate high school. WTF? I remember like yesterday standing in her door holding John Rex in my arms and blowing on his forehead, which he seemed to like. I would not try this now if I were you.… Continue reading Thoughts on High School Graduation and Growing up so Dang Fast

The Wondrous Worldly Designs of Tom Britt – What the Magazine Won’t Show

The May/June issue of Veranda trumpeting “American Classics” is especially fab and I am tickled to have written about a house in the Hamptons designed by Tom Britt and Valentino Samsonadze because, well, Tom is an old friend and a HOOT. Britt’s work is famously infused with a fascinating array of influences from all over the… Continue reading The Wondrous Worldly Designs of Tom Britt – What the Magazine Won’t Show

(So Good You Want to) Slap Yo’ Mama

The last time I was in LA for meetings I spied this food truck parked along the street. It must be good. A hundred years ago when I was working for Style Weekly in Richmond, I laughed out loud reading a restaurant review by the brilliant and adorable George Stoddart – no longer with us,… Continue reading (So Good You Want to) Slap Yo’ Mama