Return to the Bel-Air

Return to the Bel-Air

While in Los Angeles recently, Joseph and I went back to our beloved Bel-Air Hotel for brunch. It is still as beautiful as ever, with attentive service and wonderful food. We were both suffused with memories, evoked as we watched a bride having her pictures taken and the staff worked to create the special day that she will never forget. Sixteen years later, he is still the kind, loving, thoughtful, intelligent man I married.
Joseph and I made our choices from a truly amazing brunch menu:
Kir royale, bellinis, Greyhounds, Bloody Marys
foie gras, truffle and blue prawn macaroni gratin,
prosciutto-gruyere quiche, herb-crusted Chilean bass,
French lentil salad with walnut-sherry dressing
Atlantic salmon pizza on Indian Naan bread
Kobe beef burger with fried egg and truffles with gruyere cheese
Maple-Bourbon crème brulee French toast
Strawberry shortcake with Chantilly cream
Hot chocolate souffle

My usual low-carb eating plan went out the window for this brunch. Brunch at the Bel-Air is equivalent to at least three sessions on the exercise bicycle while watching Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network. But - you only live once.

We were just in time, too! On October 1, the Bel-Air closed for renovation, with plans to refurbish the 91 rooms and its famous champagne bar. The staff promised us that they wouldn’t take away the Bel-Air’s distinctive charm, but are planning to add larger facilities for special events and six more suites. I’m so glad that we were there to say good-bye to our old friend and look forward to seeing its new look in 2011. http://www.hotelbelair.com/

My marriage to Joseph was the happiest day of my life. You can see my joy in my face and eyes. Joseph arranged for such a lovely wedding for me. He wanted me to have it. We had a long-distance courtship, with Joseph living in Los Angeles and I in London.

I picked out my clothing and accessories in London, with the help of dear friends, Josephine and Peter, who owned a clothing store in Knightsbridge, London called A la Mode. http://london.unchainedguide.com/shop/a-la-mode/

My dress was made by Antony Price, a dress designer, who currently designs for Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles’ wife. (http://www.antonyprice.com) He had some exquisite lace which I fell in love with. He took all my measurements and fitted a linen pattern for my dress. Antony gave me a sample of this beautiful lace for my headdress which was made by Philip Treacy. When I went to Philip’s beautiful studio in Belgravia, his Jack Russell called Piggy because of his pinkish skin and black spots kept a watchful eye on the planning. Phillip still designs fantastic hats in London. http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk/

I went to Jimmy Choo for my shoes, which were custom made. We chose an off-white grosgrain with pointed toes, a curved back, and kitten heels. I still have these beautiful shoes. Jimmy has also become very famous. His designs were often featured in the Sex and the City television show and movies and are worn by actresses and socialites all over the world. http://www.jimmychoo.com

There is nothing like the couture experience Everything was made especially for me, to my specific measurements, and fabric choices. It was so wonderful. All three designers have gone on to be very famous. Many years later, my daughter, Chantel, wore my head dress for her wedding. All she had to do was add a new veil

My son Jamie walked me down the aisle. He wanted to race, I wanted to walk slowly to take everything in, to observe everyone, and keep these visions in my memory forever. I didn’t want to miss even a moment of that day. I was myself, the bride, and yet there was also a part of me that was an observer. As I walked down the aisle, I heard Dusty Fleming, a flamboyant friend of mine, say “Oh my goodness, she’s poured herself into that dress.”

The dress was close-fitted, as you can see, but not in a vulgar way. The funny thing was that three days before the wedding, I tried the dress on and couldn’t zip it up! Panic! Horror! I lived on Saltines and bouillon until the wedding and it zipped up. Halleluiah!

A quartet played lovely music. The Bel-Air is the most romantic hotel ever; the grounds are simply spectacular. We loved the lake and the symbolism of the swans, which mate for life. As you can see from the pictures, there were masses of white roses surrounding us. I am so happy now that I was determined to remember every aspect of my wedding. It was an idyllic, beautiful day which I shall remember forever.

The Wedding

Joseph and I went to LA for my friend Frankie Leigh’s son’s wedding. Frankie and I have been friends since we were 14 in London . She is an entrepreneur in the music business. Justin, the groom, is her son.

The wedding took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel http://www.thebeverlyhillshotel.com/. It is owned by the same group which also owns the Bel-Air Hotel, where Joseph and I were married.

The wedding was quite spectacular with the most incredible décor. The scent from the hundreds and hundreds of white roses everywhere was divine. There was an initial first reception, before the wedding, featured sushi, tempura, vodka, caviar… the most incredible food.

The wedding ceremony took place at 9 p.m. Lighting was by candlelight, which evoked a magical atmosphere. Justin and his bride were married under a chuppah in the Jewish tradition. This chuppah was crafted from a translucent organza which was then covered in little white lights and the same white roses.

Justin wore a white dinner jacket with a red rose. His mother and father walked him down the aisle. Karina, his new bride,is originally from Russia. She looked breathtaking. The “bridal march” was “All You Need is Love.” The rabbi had the most wonderful voice. Justin and Karina’s love for each other was palpable and joy filled the entire area.

After the wedding, dinner was served in the ballroom…absolutely spectacular. Salmon, halibut, chicken steak; you could choose whatever you liked. The band was comprised of Russians and Israelis; guitarists, trumpet, violinists, keyboards and singers. Everybody danced.

Each table had ten people. We sat with the mother of the groom. At the table next to us sat Sharon (who knows Joseph from her younger days) and Ozzie Osborne and Trevor Horn, the record producer.

Justin’s first cousin, Alain Johannes, sat at a table nearby. I’ve known him since he was four. Alain is in a newly-formed rock group called “Them Crooked Vultures,” with band members formed from musicians from Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, and Nirvana. Mark my words; he will be the next big thing. http://www.themcrookedvultures.com/

The evening was amazing. Joseph and I left by 2 a.m. but people stayed until it went 4. I’ve known Justin since before he was born. What a wonderful man he has become and such a gorgeous girl; he is so happy.

Eight Over Eight

My daughter Chantel and I enjoyed a truly memorable “Girl’s Night Out” at the fabulous Eight Over Eight Restaurant, on King’s Road in the Chelsea neighborhood of London. I can’t remember the last time that she and I had dinner, just the two of us. It was time.

Our Eight Over Eight meal was divine, superb. EOE serves fusion cuisine with a distinct Asian influence; dim sum, curries, sushi, amazing salads (watermelon, duck, and cashew, for example) and the most delicious sauces EVER. The presentation of each dish was exquisite, creating an experience for all the senses. EOE’s website can be found here: http://www.rickerrestaurants.com/eightovereight/menu.php?menu=4371

My visit was so special for so many reasons, not the least of which was spending time with Chantel. She bought me a lovely ring at a boutique which reminds me of our time together every time I wear it.

Live life beautifully,

Elaine

Peter Pan

During my trip to London, my daughter and I took my grandchildren, Hector and Ines, to a production of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. There are not enough superlative words to describe this incredible production. It was a wonder never seen before with holograms creating Neverland projected across a planetarium-like space. All four of us were absolutely amazed by it. It was sparkly, magical…stunning.

Of course, this brought back memories of when I was one of the lost children in the production of Peter Pan at the Old Scala Theater. The Scala existed as a theater from 1772 to 1969. It is now an office building, but was once featured in the Beatles’ Hard Day’s Night film.

I was 7 or 8 at the time and the late Sarah Churchill, Sir Winston’s daughter, played Peter Pan. She was hoisted in on a wire and pulley device. Sarah was once so drunk that she hit her head on the mantel and knocked herself out. The child actors were terrified of her, because we were never sure where she’d land or what she’d do.

Happily, in this luminous production of Peter Pan, there was no fear, only delight and wonder.

Live life beautifully,

Elaine

King Charles Cavaliers

I fell in love with the King Charles Cavalier, a spaniel breed, years ago when I was taking my daughter, Chantel, back to boarding school. Another parent who arrived at the train station with her daughter was accompanied by a beautiful King Charles on a leash. For me, it was love at first sight.

Harrods in London sells everything. I went round and checked and there was a litter of King Charles puppies which were just a bit too young to be separated from their mother. My son, Jamie and Chantel, came along with me. We were led into a room where we could interact with the puppies who proceeded to crawl all over us. We played with them for hours. They were all so adorable that it was nearly impossible to choose.

Finally, Chantel chose my beloved Poppy. She was so wonderful that even the burley Harrod’s doormen in their green livery with gold trim could hardly bear to part with her as I picked her up to go home with us in the car. Later we picked out Daisy to join Poppy. I called them my “flower children.”

Poppy thought she was the Queen of Spain. When we brought Daisy home she gave a disdainful sniff and would have nothing to do with her. Later they became inseparable and would lie down together. Bookends they were.

My current King Charles companion is Dudley. Dudley is famous in my neighborhood of Olde Towne, well known for his friendly and calm demeanor, as well as his self-possessed dignity.
Dudley comes to the shop every day with me. He greets customers and visitors. He, like all of his breed, is intelligent and very loving. He’s also a very good dog.

If I become preoccupied with work and Dudley needs to go out, he will calmly, even discretely, pull on my skirt to remind me that it is time. Dudley is a bright spot in my day, adding immeasurably to my quality of life.

Live life beautifully,

Elaine

Trip to England

By the time you read this, I will be in London visiting with family. There are always things that you look forward to with great nostalgia, no matter how long you may have been gone from the place that was your original home. As you think about it, certain sights, sounds, and smells come to mind that together evoke the feeling that means home.

I look forward to seeing my children and grandchildren above all else, of course. But I also eagerly await visiting some of my favorite shops, like A La Mode, a clothing store in Knightsbridge and Whistles (http://www.whistles.co.uk/). Another favorite I’ll visit is Harvey Nichols, whose website and fall collection is found at this link http://www.harveynichols.com/output/Page1.asp

I’ll have dinner with my friend and prayer partner, Liza. I haven’t seen seen her for four years. My daughter will be cooking roast beef and Yorkshire pudding for a family lunch, that quintessentially British dish that I cannot wait to taste again. There’s a wonderful Jewish Deli that serves salt beef sandwiches. Salt beef is something like corned beef, only more delicious.

Another favorite place in England is the Borough Market in London, an amazing farmer’s market, which is run as a non-profit. A picture of the Borough Market is listed above, but it cannot do justice to the sight of jewel-toned fruits and vegetables displayed in every direction. Great wheels of cheese, created on dairy farms all other England abound, along with fresh fish and other specialties from my home country.

I also hope to visit the gorgeous Art-Deco Michelin building for a croissant, coffee, and a visit with an old friend. I’ll be sure to take a lot of pictures and share them when I return.

Live life beautifully,

Elaine

Howards End

The other night I watched Howard's End again. Everything that Merchant/Ivory did together was genius, of course. The cinematography was luminous and made me glad that I will be back in England on July 31.

It starred Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, and Helena Bonham Carter. Emma Thompson won the Academy Award for her performance.

For those of you who have not seen this, one of my favorite movies, please enjoy this You Tube link below, the original movie trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbKBrY7uBhE

The Castle

I’ve started working with a new family who live in the very posh neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia known as Ghent. They refer to their 110 year old house as, “the Castle,” an apt name in keeping with its formidable gray stone exterior.

I will be decorating the dining, living, music room, and bedrooms. These clients are a particular joy because of their love for each other and how attractive they both are. I adore working with the two of them.

My vision for this house is glamour. I want it to be sexy. It will be calm, but never boring. Really, a home should be an oasis of calm to nourish a family. This home will be beautiful to behold when it is finished; classically modern, in primarily gold, silver, wheat tones, and creams.

The pictures above show two of the fabrics which I’ll use in The Castle. The material in the first and second pictures is an embroidered silk from a supplier I use in India. This will be made in one of our workshops into draperies for the music room.

Some really exquisite fabrics are made in India, continuing a tradition going back centuries ago, when India was a Crown colony and England imported many fabrics. The green, retro-sixties material with the circles on it in the third picture is another silk from India from a personal supplier. I came across this company when attending trade shows in New York. This material will be used in the master bedroom. As you can see, I've set all the accompanying swatches for bedding and the head board on a chair in my shop. I was staging them all together to see the effect, which I thought was breathtaking.

I’ll blog more about the Castle and its royal family with more pictures as the project progresses.

White Tablecloths

White Tablecloths


I adore white tablecloths and like to set a lovely table to enhance our meals. One of my pet peeves is the use of paper plates in situations that don’t warrant them. Paper plates and plastic cutlery are just fine for picnics, but detract from the atmosphere of a gracious home.

This time of year, we eat out on our screeened in porch overlooking an enclosed garden area. Our table is glass, which I contrast with black placements and my white china on top. I add a side plate, water glasses, and a glass for wine. This is one of the small grace notes that frame my life and help me to leave my work day behind me to nurture my husband and myself in the privacy of our home.

I love white china and serving dishes. I believe that white plates make food look more attractive on the plate than when it must compete with a pattern. Fruits, vegetables, and salads all look more vibrant against a white background. I don’t like to see food crowded upon a plate. It is more aesthetically pleasing, as well as far more healthy, to avoid enormous portions. Place a smaller amount of food beautifully on a plate.

During these times, when we are all tightening our belts, what better way to save money than to mimic the niceties of a fine restaurant by cooking well-prepared, wholesome food served at table as it would be in an elegant restaurant? It isn’t difficult. Most of us already have everything we need to do so. The art of living graciously is to turn ordinary events into small celebrations.

I was fortunate to be raised in a family where beauty and color were cherished. I grew up with a nicely-set table at home in London. Unlike today, we ate together as a family always. This practice is eroding now among families and we are all the poorer for it.

It is said that our characters and personalities are formed during early childhood. All families have iconic stories which are often shared, illustrating some humorous moment or an incident which demonstrates the idiosyncrasies of a particular loved one.

My mother often shared the story of the time when I was 2 ½, when she attempted to take me to tea at the ABC Cafeteria, a modest establishment in England. As I looked into the glass front, I began crying and was nearly inconsolable. My anxious mother asked me repeatedly what the matter was. I replied, “No white tablecloths” and refused to go in. I was a decorator from birth, apparently.

Let’s all refuse to make our lives with our families inconsequential by eating at a counter, a bare table, on top of a pile of newspapers or in front of the television. Take a few minutes to lay down some placements, iron a crisp, white tablecloth or put some Queen Anne’s lace in a crystal vase. Your life will be enriched.

Live life beautifully,

Elaine

pic courtesy of Williams-Sonoma, supplier of my favorite white plates

Inspiration for the Gray Times

I feel that when things are a bit gray in life, we need to brighten them up. We don’t necessarily have the funds to go out and spend, spend, spend. But we CAN put some flowers out in colors that make us happy. Choose your favorite colors, whether you arrange sunflowers, pink roses, hyacinths, friendly daisies, or stunning cobalt blue hydrangeas.

Listen to beautiful music. I enjoy Andrea Boccelli or listening to the psalms sung in Hebrew. Read an uplifting book, go to an art gallery and look at beautiful things. This will all bring joy into your life, perhaps temporal joy, but it really helps.

I spent some time recently at the Chrysler Museum of Art in the neighboring city of Norfolk http://www.chrysler.org/.

Julia Cameron, author of The Artists’ Way, (http://www.theartistsway.com/) refers to encounters like mine as artists’ dates. Julia also believes that artistic expression is a form of spirituality, which is true for me as well. I draw my inspiration for decorating from many different media and esthetics, but art is a constant inspiration. Pictured above is a painting by Franz Kline, entitled “Zinc Yellow." I saw this during my artist's date and it filled my heart with inspiration.

When I feel down or blue, I read cook books. I plan a nice meal and shop for it. This is creative for me. I go into my garden, even in winter and just look at whatever is growing out there at the moment. I realize then that there is a point to winter, there’s a point to autumn, a point to all seasons. I know that there is a time for every purpose under heaven. After the dark periods, there is always springtime. When you look at a garden you know this…that new life will come.

Make sure that you don’t dress in black or gray all the time. Put on some lovely colors to lift your spirits. Even if I am not feeling at my best, I always wash my hair, put make up on and get dressed in something that I feel good in. It is not being vain.

Here’s a quote from my mother: "Darling, remember this. Even when you go to put the trash out, have your makeup on and have your hair done. It really does make a difference."

Live life beautifully,

Elaine

Beauty Energizes Me

I am energized by creating something beautiful. Style makes make me very excited. I like a challenge.

Color and style are in my DNA. I grew up surrounded by beautiful textiles and vibrant colors. My father and grandfather had a textile import business in London. They imported lace and other exquisite fabrics from all over Europe. My father, Arnold, branched out from textiles to clothing. He knew how to style women. He was so successful that his shop could be full of clothes one day and nearly empty the next. That’s how intuitive he was about understanding how women wanted to look. My mother, Diana, worked as a colorist for L’Oreal, traveling to Paris, Spain, and Portugal.

I grew up in London in the sixties. It was an amazing time to be alive. It was the Pop-Art era when everyone was experimenting with the use of images and color in new ways. I have also been influenced by the artists I love; David Hockney, Jackson Pollack, Mark Rothco, Picasso, and Andrew Wyeth. I adore Tiffany lamps and Aubusson carpets. Pictured above is a Mark Rothco painting I particularly enjoy because of the way he has used color in his composition. Tapestry is another passion, as are Lalique glass, Cartier, and antique jewelry.

All these disparate influences have combined to create my “Ma Maison” style. I create homes that are liveable, comfortable, but which also have a touch of glamour and panache, while highlighting the personality of the owner. No one wants to live in a museum. My joy is in creating spaces that allow people to live, love, and entertain surrounded by beautiful furnishings that enhance their lives.

Live life beautifully,

Elaine