My Secret Garden

The woman who has planted a garden feels that she has done something for the good of the world.
Vita Sackville-West

My Grandchildren

I realize that I'm entirely non-objective, but I have to say that my grandchildren are truly beautiful.  My daughter, Chantal, as well as Hector and Ines, the grandchildren, will be visiting from England very soon.  We are renting a large vacation beach house in Duck, North Carolina.  My son, Jamie, will also be visiting.  I am so looking forward to seeing all of them.

Ines is very much like I was at her age.  As you can see, we closely resemble each other  She is strong-willing, artistic, and loves to dress up and play act.  She has the temper that goes right along with strong-willed children.  Her brother Hector, is a quiet, calm, and instrospective boy.  An old soul, you might say. 

My family is the most beautiful thing in my life,

Elaine

My Dog, the Telly Star

A few years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity of having our home featured on the HGTV program, “What You Get for the Money.” You can actually see the video sequence on our shop’s website by clicking here .

Dudley, our beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel appeared in the show, as well. Dudley is a truly charismatic dog, an old soul, who attracts admirers all over our Olde Towne neighborhood. As you know, these shows do rebroadcast over the years. Dudley is now receiving email from out-of-state admirers!

Lynn, a very talented artist from Colorado, emailed me after watching a rebroadcast of “What You Get for the Money.” She fell in love with Dudley and wants to paint him! Lynn sent along some examples of her art. I’ve featured two of these paintings here. She has a special talent for capturing the soul of an animal.

The Internet has brought some amazing opportunities to all of us as we research, do business, and keep in touch with friends by on-line chatting, Facebook, Skype, and e-mail. Just think of how some of our immigrant ancestors left home and dear family members behind, often to never see them again! I can connect with my children in London in an instant, and can even see and hear them in a free Skype conversation. So while the Internet can certainly be used for wrong purposes, it also serves to put me in touch with a lovely woman like Lynn, whom I would never have known otherwise.

I’ll keep you posted and share Dudley’s portrait once it is painted. While we wait, I think it is time to organize Dudley’s fan club.  I'm eager to see my Dudley in a painting, because Dudely makes my life beautiful,

Elaine

Fabulous Over Forty

When women reach a certain age, we walk a tightrope between being dowdy and frumpy and dressing too youthfully and looking ridiculous. Our mothers seemed to settle happily into Alfred Dunner togs and sensible shoes, but I believe that those of us who were wild children of the sixties are going less gently into that dark night of fashion abyss.

My mother’s fifty wasn’t my fifty. Actually, fifty is the new thirty. Being a grandmother used to mean abandoning fashion and looking like the late Queen mother, carrying a large black purse which closes with a loud snap and wearing hats in pastels which land on one’s head like a fluffy bird.

I want to look chic and au courante, not like a Sesame Street character. Think more Helen Mirren and less Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles’ wife.

My grandchildren call me, “GiGi” for “Glamorous Granny. For those of us who work in visual media, such as interior design, looking chic is imperative. WE are our best advertisement. As highly competitive as business has become, it is more important than ever before not to look dowdy.

Finding clothes isn’t as easy as it was in the days when I was running around London dance clubs, wearing white lipstick; perfectly willing to smash my feet into too-small high heels because they looked so smart.

Look how wonderful Helen Mirren looks in this pic.  Her make up is muted and understated.  Her hair is classic, but also young and chic.  The neckline of her dress and the jewelry choice are both working well for her.  No horsey frumpiness here...just fabulous!

Here are some of my best tips for living life beautifully through your wardrobe, gleaned from years of working towards chic and away from Grandma Moses:

Monitor and enjoy trends, but do not allow trends to own you. Your wardrobe should be filled with classic clothing which fits impeccably; basic long pants, cropped pants, skirts, dresses, and jeans that suit your figure. Keep a fresh young look with surprising accessories...this year’s trendy animal print, a fun cocktail ring or a wonderful scarf in seasonal colors.

Shop in several locations. Do not overlook stores which cater to a younger demographic, such as Banana Republic. You can find some cute things there.  The Banana Republic dress above would look wonderful on an older woman, perhaps with a little t-shirt or camisole underneath.  This is where your instinct for mixing classic pieces with a few of this year’s newest looks can blossom

Think outside the box and take advantage of shops which provide alterations. Last year I tried on a dress in Nordstrom’s with a wonderful 1960’s inspired print, trimmed in black. The dress was on sale. It looked wonderful from the hips up and terrible from there down. I had a brainstorm and had it altered into a very chic tunic that I wear all the time with classic black pants. In fact, I am wearing it in the pictures here on this blog entry, scrolling down a bit, where I'm showing you the grey purse.

Locate a good department store ally in either a professional shopper or a very knowledgeable sales person. Their advice will be invaluable and make your shopping experience more enjoyable.

If you’re wondering if you can get away with…you can’t.

Watch the décolletage, it isn’t so alluring with age spots on your chest. You needn’t be a nun, but adding nicely-fitted camisoles to your wardrobe can fill in that spot and freshen the look of a tunic or dress with a bit of a plunging neckline.  Even young women do this, it is fashion forward.

Good foundations are huge. Go to the trouble and expense to have a very good bra fitted by a professional. Don’t worry about what size you are measured. Whatever it is, you will look younger, prettier, and feel better in a properly-fitted bra. It makes all the difference.

One sentence: Spanx are your friend. If you don’t know what they are find out here: www.spanx.com.

Pay attention to hem lengths. Knees are cute on a coltish 17 year old, less so on a woman over forty. Knees tend to go all wobbly by then.

Don’t allow the fashion industry to push you to the side and settle for less of a smashing look than you would have worn in your twenties. We Baby Boomers now make up a huge demographic with buying power.  To paraphrase Johnny from Dirty Dancing, "Nobody puts Baby (Boomers) in the corner.

We have a wonderful woman’s magazine all our own, “More…for women of style and substance.” (www.more.com) If you haven’t seen it, check it out on line! More has wonderful fashion shoots for mature women using models our age. 

I had lunch with a dear friend recently.  We stopped in at Charming Charlies in MacArthur Center, Norfolk, VA.  I bought this spectacular bag with grey tulle roses all over it.  The cost was minimal, but picking up a lovely seasonal accent accessory updates my wardrobe for the warmer months  I am not in Charming Charlie's main demographic, but who cares?

Keeping my look fresh and updated is one way that I live life beautifully,

Elaine

Spring has returned.The Earth is like a child that knows poems. Rainer Rilke

Our home is in a densely populated part of our city called Olde Towne.  And yet, still I am surrounded by the palate of nature by the Elizabeth River on at the end of our block, as well as the trees, parks, and spring flowers of Olde Towne.

This is the time of the year when I begin to get our garden area in order. Our garden is secluded in the back, as the front of our hundred-year-old Victorian home sits directly on the street. The garden shivers a little today, a bit forlorn in our sunny, but cold again weather. It is quiet still; the grey brown shriveled leaves make whispery sounds in the breeze. The only signs of life are subtle buds on some plants.

Oh, but I have plans for my garden that I’ll share with you soon! My beautiful garden is my refuge as spring fully emerges, my sanctuary there among the blooms and the chirping birds. I pray and dream out there, think and plan, relax and wonder, and often entertain.

When I get into the shop on early spring days, I feel drawn to beautiful fabrics which echo the images I see around me in nature. I feel my heart beat just a little faster when I see the flowering trees in pink, green, and white against the blue skies

These beautiful floral fabrics are from one of my favorite companies, Colefax and Fowler, a British textile firm.

I also adore this exquisite white fabric from S. Harris called "Polaris."  This fabric has a silk background with cotton embrodery.  Despite the sort of "Northern Lights" name, the embroidered figures are actually small leaves contained in a rain drop shape.  Although this fabric is more quietly beautifull than the florals, the inspiration of spring still shines through. 

Joseph's Amazing Accomplishment

I am so proud of my husband!   Joseph has been involved in the martial arts since his days in England.  About ten years ago, he took up Tae Kwon Do.  Recently, he was awarded his third-degree black belt in a very moving ceremony at the Tae Kwon Do Center in Virginia Beach.  Afterwards, we celebrated as with his son Justin and family and some dear friends at Nara Sushi.  The food was superb and our moods filled with joy and laughter. 


Pictured above are the following:

Joseph after the award
Joseph with his instructor, Master Bae
Joseph and the entire club, with the youngest member on his lap
Joseph and his granddaughter at Nara Sushi

A reporter from the Virginian Pilot wrote a wonderful article about Joseph.  Now he is famous, with people commenting to both of us about this exciting news!

This is how Joseph lives life beautifully,

Elaine

True Colors by Kristin Hannah

I've read the most marvelous book lately; True Colors by Kristin Hannah.  Now it is a cliche to say of a book, "I couldn't put it down,' but in this particular case, it was the truth.  The book was riveting, marvelously written, the characters were engaging, and I was so engrossed in reading it that I was oblivious to everything around me.

True colors is the story of three sisters.  The characters are nuanced and drawn by the author with finesse.  I found myself really caring about what happened to each of them.

Kristin Hannah also has the most wonderful blog, which I will link you to here:

http://kristinhannah.com/blog/index.php

I strongly recommend this book.  It is a good read.  Keeping up with good books is one of the ways I live life beautifully.

                                                               Elaine

Snowy Tidewater Virginia

It rarely snows in the Tidewater area of Virginia. yet is has snowed now for two weekends in a row.  As unwelcome as snow can be to a region unused to it, the velvet cloak of white turns ordinary things, such as the leafless tree branches, into a wonder of sculptural beauty.

Joseph, Dudley, and I are snuggled in our home in Olde Towne, as the flakes fall outside.  Think of Dudley and me sharing a McVitie's Digestive Biscuit, as I drink my tea and he sits on my lap.

Enjoy the pictures below from my neighborhood.  Keep warm wherever you are and remember that sparkling snow falling to the ground helps us live life beautifully.

Elaine

Everything Old is New Again

It is difficult for me to articulate how I become inspired to decorate a room or a home. A good portion of this creative process is my knowledge of the client, which colors they prefer, and their lifestyle. I think about their ages and how they dress. The rest is rather indefinable, but there is a restlessness I feel until I have the concept complete in my mind. When I’ve got it right, I feel wonderful, elated, and fulfilled.

I’m decorating a penthouse for a gorgeous young Greek-American couple. The space has amazing views of Norfolk’s working port, with container ships, tug boats, and barges busy at all hours. The quality of light in the home is spectacular. This couple enjoys a sense of simplicity and peacefulness in their home.

I am working with the client’s coffee table and console, which has a sand-colored travertine top and dark wooden legs. There are large velvet sofas in a graphite color and a fabulous modern wing chair covered in the Dominique Keiffer fabric. The kitchen is quite open. The color scheme for the entire space is in slate, gray, off white, and a lot of browns. My client loves touches of lavender, which I’ve included in some pillow fabric.

I’d been considering the carpet and finally decided on a custom pattern with a “wrapped look” which one our suppliers is creating for us. Soon after placing the order, I read a “trend alert” in Elle Décor about wrapping as a concept in textiles and fashion. I suppose it is a trend, but some design concepts are also timeless.

The avant garde artist Christo was innovating with wrapping as artistic expression a generation ago, as he wrapped the coast of Rhode Island, the German Reichstag, and the Grand Canyon, among other locations. http://www.christojeanneclaude.net/. All things are made new again.

So I listen to my inner voice, keep current with trends, know my classic influences and this is how I help clients live life beautifully.

Elaine

Burlesque - The Movie

When I was in LA back in September, I visited with my dear friends, Martin and Mary Samuel. I’ve known Martin since I was a young girl in London. Martin and I grew up together; we danced at the same clubs. Mary and I are kindred spirits, like sisters in our hearts. Martin and Mary have been happily married for forty years

Martin is a hair stylist for television and the movies. He won the BAFTA, the British “Academy Award” for the hair design, wigs, and extensions for Pirates of Caribbean. That's Martin pictured there with Johnny Depp. 

Martin also does the hair design for Tracey Ullman’s program on Showtime. Tracey embodies the many quirky personalities she creates and Martin designs all the wigs to bring these various characters to life.

Martin rang me up last week to talk about his most recent adventure, working with Cher and Christina Aguilara on the upcoming movie, Burlesque. He’s bound by a confidentiality agreement, but was able to me that Cher is a joy to work with and that the choreography is truly amazing. I can’t wait to enjoy his hair designs and to see the 63- year-old, yet ageless Cher, dancing in the upcoming film.  You can see Cher and Christina walking along in front of the movie posters in the top pic.  (thanks to Celebrity-mania.com)

With Martin’s help, they’ll be living life beautifully up on the big screen,

Elaine

The Young Victoria

I wonder if you've seen The Young Victoria yet?  If not, you must!  This was a truly wonderful movie.  The costuming was marvelous and the cinematogrophy luminous.   Most of us hold that iconic vision of the stout old Queen, aging and beloved monarch, in our minds.

You will see a different Victoria in this movie.  This film shows Victoria and Albert as the passionate lovers that they were.  Despite the common understanding that Victoria was a prude, she was passionately in love with her husband until the day that he died.

Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, produced this film.  Sarah has long been interested in Queen Victoria, the direct ancestor of her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie.  She also wrote a book about Victoria and Albert's life at Osborne.

Don't miss her splendid Cavalier King Charles, Dash!

Seeing this movie is another way to live life beautifully,

Elaine

Beauty is Eternity Gazing at Itself in a Mirror - Kahlil Gibran

My mother was very particular about clothes and makeup.  "Put on your makeup, even if  you're just taking out the trash," was something she often said to me.

One of my treasured possessions is my mother's Art Deco style triple mirror.  Back in November, we had a terrible storm which damaged a good portion of my bedroom and dressing room.  The process of recovering insurance costs has been time-consuming and frustrating.  Fortunately, my mother's mirror and my dressing table that you see pictured here in this blog entry were not damaged.

Every woman should have a well-lit and beautiful location to check her hair and apply her makeup.  This is a touch of glamour which can be affordable for everyone.    A dressing table hearkens back to a former era when women took time with what was called their "toilette."

Think about where  you apply your make up.  It is easy to make this area neat, pretty, and imbued with glamour.  And that's part of living life beautifully.

Elaine

The Party

Last night, Joseph and I had an Open House for neighbors and dear friends to mark the end of the holiday season. I find that the holidays can be such a frenetic time to entertain. Sometimes there are so many obligations that one doesn't always enjoy oneself. Many have office parties and family commitments before the New Year. Our post-New Year gathering was relaxed and casual, with wine, appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, and some glorious desserts. There was football on the telly, lots of laughter, with friends chatting everywhere; perched on the arms of chairs, in our kitchen, the living room, and even sitting on the staircase! Enjoy the pictures!

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