Chic of the Week

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Previous Weeks

• November 01, 2010

  Bar Pleiades

  

  Thanks to a chic friend, I recently discovered New York’s Bar Pleiades at The Surrey hotel.

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• November 08, 2010

  Christian Louboutin's Evening Bag

  

  I love dressing up, and for evening I’m always looking for the perfect bag that will complement my outfit but not detract from it–something that works with the whole ensemble. This little gem by Christian Louboutin definitely caught my eye.

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• November 15, 2010

  The Savoy

  

  While in London last week for the IHT Luxury Conference and various meetings, I had some downtime for a little shopping and exploring. Seeking new discoveries, I went to the recently-renovated Savoy hotel.

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• November 22, 2010

  Mario Buccellati gold cuff

  

  After a recent business trip to London, I went to Milan for the weekend–a chance to have fun, do some shopping and visit one of my favorite jewelers in the world, Buccellati.

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• November 29, 2010

  Le Mathis

  

  One of my favorite spots in Paris is Le Mathis, a last bastion of insider cool. It’s more than just a restaurant or bar, and more of a private club where you have to know the owner, Gerald, to gain access to its A-list scene.

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• December 06, 2010

  Copacabana Palace

  

  Are you looking for a tropical get-away–a spot where the weather is hot and steamy–with great restaurants, fabulous beaches and exciting nightlife? Then Rio de Janeiro is the place, and specifically the chic and comfortable Copacabana Palace.

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• December 13, 2010

  Janet Sartin

  

  One of my secret weapons is Janet Sartin. The space may not look very chic, but no matter–more important is what goes on behind closed doors of its treatment rooms. Janet Sartin has been my skin care specialist for 30 years.

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• December 20, 2010

  Chanel No° 5

  

  The word “Chanel”, in and of itself, connotes chic. So it’s ironic that this Chic of the Week is Chanel No° 5, particularly since I’m not a perfume-wearing sort of girl (I have practically no sense of smell).

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• January 03, 2011

  Grace Bay suite at Curtain Bluff, Antigua

  

  For the past 10 years, I’ve spent my New Year’s holiday at Curtain Bluff, Antigua. The hotel itself is, paradoxically, rather unchic , but my vacation home–the Grace Bay Suite –is one of the most spectacular rooms I’ve seen at a beach resort.

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• January 10, 2011

  Robert Marc Sunglasses

  

  Sunglasses can make almost anyone look chic: they hide your eyes, suggesting mystery behind them. They’re such versatile, quick-change accessories (and, for me at least, complete impulse purchases). But you can’t wear just any sunglasses. My favorites are by Robert Marc, whose eyewear I’ve been buying for years.

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• January 17, 2011

  Hôtel de Crillon

  

  Yes, I’m a die-hard Francophile in the midst of an ongoing love affair with Paris. But there’s no denying the fact that the Hôtel de Crillon occupies an extraordinary spot–probably the finest piece of real estate in Paris, if not the whole world. I’ve stayed at the Crillon several times: its Old World elegance is what France is all about.

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• January 24, 2011

  Tradewind Aviation

  

  I have been going to Nantucket all my life. It’s a beautiful place, but not easy to get to–until I discovered Tradewind Aviation, a private air charter service. I’ve been using Tradewind for the past 5 years and it’s made traveling a different, hassle-free experience.

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• January 31, 2011

  Riedel Happy O Tumblers

  

  During my recent stay in Paris, I was sitting in the lobby of the Hôtel de Crillon discussing the men’s fashion show schedule with editorial director, Mark Grischke. While we worked, I asked for some water–and when the waiter served us, I had the impression he was pouring colored water into our glasses. Turns out, the tints came from the tumblers themselves: Riedel, the famous wineglass company, makes a set of glasses called Happy O, with red, blue, green and yellow bases.

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• February 07, 2011

  La Société

  

  La Société, a restaurant I frequent often in Paris, is part of the Costes brothers conglomerate. They have a certain formula down pat–simple food and great ambiance–that’s just my style. La Société has a great location, right in the heart of Saint-Germain (next to the Café de Flore and Le Montana), but it’s the restaurant’s charming staff and interesting clientele that make dining there a special experience.

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• February 14, 2011

  Lydia Courteille Heart-and-Dagger Ring

  

  I don’t hide my secret addresses–in fact, I give them all away, because I love to share my passions with others. For example, there’s a special jewelry boutique (you might say it’s my favorite), Lydia Courteille, on the rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. If you blink, you’ll miss it–there’s no fancy facade–but it’s what’s inside that counts.

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• February 21, 2011

  La Mer Radiant Serum

  

  Baby Boomers are determined to fight the aging process–and yours truly will never throw in the towel. I’m fanatical about taking care of my skin (some might say I’m obsessed) and I follow a regime I’ve used for years. Having said that, my editorial team recently discovered a new product about to be launched by the same company that makes Crème de la Mer, called Radiant Serum. It surprised me, and it may well change your life.

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• February 28, 2011

  Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli

  

  It takes a lot to wow me, but as my car made its way up the long driveway to the Villa Feltrinelli, I was more than impressed–I was speechless. And when the manager, Markus Odermatt, greeted me at the door (with staff members bearing flowers and goodies), all I could think was, “This is the beginning of heaven.”

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• March 07, 2011

  Dolce & Gabbana/Spiga 2

  

  After twenty-five years spent at the top of their profession, über designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are using considerable fashion clout to give up-and-coming brands some much-needed exposure. Their new retail space in Milan, Spiga 2, showcases an international mix of younger designers, interspersed with well-chosen accessories from Dolce & Gabbana’s own line.

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• March 14, 2011

  MAL-AIMÉE Knit Jacket

  

  Fashion is my passion: I simply never tire of it. Even during this season’s particularly crazy Prêt-à-Porter schedule–with all of Paris gossiping about the fate of John Galliano, journalists asking for sound bites and a general feeling of discontent–I still got excited when I caught glimpses of blue sky–which, in my case, means new discoveries. Last year, I attended a small debut showing by MAL-AIMÉE at the Hôtel de Crillon, and saw

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• March 21, 2011

  Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan

  

  Paris will always be my first love and favorite shopping destination–no question. However, Milan is right up there, not just for the shopping but for the Hotel Principe di Savoia. I’ve been staying there for years (even before French architect Thierry Despont’s fabulous renovation),

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• March 28, 2011

  C London

  

  For the average person, food is the main consideration when it comes to restaurants, but for me it’s all about a scene–ambiance is key. That’s why, when I’m in London, I make a beeline for C London, which is still hot after all these years.

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• April 04, 2011

  RONALDO MAIA FLOWERS

  

  April showers bring beautiful May flowers: all I have to do is go next door to find them. That’s because Ronaldo Maia – one of the most talented floral designers out there – is both my neighbor and my florist. His shop is literally just steps away.

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• April 11, 2011

  One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos

  

  Hotels with service: that’s my big thing. And while I’ve raved in the past about other properties that have made me feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven, the One & Only Palmilla, in Los Cabos, Mexico, always stands out. This getaway on the Baja peninsula is an extraordinary spot.

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• April 18, 2011

  Theo Fennell Secret Garden Crux Pendant

  

  Last week I was in London, which, of course, meant shopping at Harrods: it’s a destination I never miss. (Believe me, this place has anything you could ever want!) Becky Smith, Senior Fashion Press Officer for the entire store, gave me a tour of some recently-renovated areas, from Shoes to Designer Collections to the hip new Men’s Designwear department. But in the midst of it all, what really caught my eye was jewelry by Theo Fennell.

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• April 25, 2011

  The Beverly Hills Hotel

  

  There are always hot new hotels popping up in LA, and plenty of friends have urged me to try them. While planning a recent trip to the West Coast, I briefly considered one or two of their recommendations–but, in the end, the idea of something new and trendy just didn’t sit right with me. I’m happy to explore hip restaurants or nightspots: when it comes to hotels, however, substance and service take precedence. That’s why I ultimately chose The Beverly Hills Hotel. I’ve stayed there before and loved it.

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• May 02, 2011

  Aston Martin Rapide Luxe

  

  Can a car be chic? You bet. And the Aston Martin Rapide Luxe 4-door sports car is about as chic as it gets. I wouldn’t dare use this beauty in the city, but I can easily imagine racing it down the autostrada, from Portofino to Cap Ferrat.

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• May 09, 2011

  La Posta Vecchia

  

  Italy has been on my mind lately, perhaps because I’ve been hanging out with Italian friends and have a bee in my bonnet about learning the language–which brings back fond memories of La Posta Vecchia. In the past, I’ve mentioned some other unique Italian getaways, but La Posta Vecchia is a very special place.

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• May 16, 2011

  Miss Lily's

  

  Recently, some “in-the-know” friends took me to Miss Lily’s, a diner-style Jamaican restaurant owned by Serge Becker of La Esquina fame. I trust these guys–they always know about the hot new places to go in New York City–but I was a little wary, since I’m not a big fan of the Caribbean, nor do I like Caribbean food. But it didn’t matter.

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• May 23, 2011

  The King Cole Bar

  

  I’m an uptown girl with a downtown heart–the most exciting nightlife in Manhattan is always downtown. But there have been several times in the past few weeks I’ve found myself heading to midtown, to meet up with a friend or colleague at The King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel (truly one of the finest establishments in New York City).

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• May 30, 2011

  WeDESIGN INTERIORS

  

  I met Andreas Elsenhans, the owner of WeDESIGN, while on holiday in Buenos Aires a few years ago. Our initial encounter (poolside at the Faena Hotel) was purely casual: he struck me as an open, upbeat person and I liked him immediately. It wasn’t until much later that I discovered his métier is interior design.

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• June 06, 2011

  Eddie Borgo Laced Cuff

  

  There’s a buzz surrounding jewelry designer Eddie Borgo, and for good reason: his work is truly unique. Spring 2009 was his first season, but in a surprisingly short time his collections have garnered rave reviews, major retail accounts and back-to-back nominations for the CFDA’s Swarovski Award for Accessory Design.

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• June 13, 2011

  La Fidélité

  

  Several years ago, some in-the-know Parisian friends introduced me to the restaurant, La Fidélité. “It’s fun and relaxed,” they said, “and there’s always a cool crowd.” No wonder: turns out, La Fidélité is co-owned by nightlife impresario André Saraiva, who’s also a partner

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• June 20, 2011

  Louis Vuitton Cabin Case

  

  I travel constantly, so by trial and error I’ve arrived at a system that feels easy and gets me where I need to go. About 10 years ago, while in Paris with my daughters, I stopped into the Louis Vuitton store in St. Germain (the brand’s big flagship on the Champs–Élysées hadn’t opened yet).

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• June 27, 2011

  La Cuisine, Le Royal Monceau

  

  There’s been a lot of press lately about the Royal Monceau, reopened last October after a 3-year renovation. I had no time to visit during recent trips to Paris, but this season I made a point of passing by the hotel. I’m here with Mark Grischke, my editorial director, for the Paris men’s shows; and we were curious about the restaurant, La Cuisine, designed by Phillippe Starck.

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• July 04, 2011

  Bar Hemingway, Hôtel Ritz

  

  There are always new hotels and restaurants opening in Paris, but I still prefer places with the charm of the Old World–that’s what visiting this city is all about. And the Bar Hemingway, at the Hôtel Ritz on the Place Vendôme, is one of my favorite watering holes: small, cozy and clubby, with great ambiance.

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• July 11, 2011

  Charvet Custom-Made Shirt

  

  So famous it’s become something of a Paris landmark, Charvet is actually the quintessential boutique for men on the place Vendôme. These past few weeks, I’ve been juggling men’s shows, the launch of my new fragrance, Sortir le Soir, and presentations of the Haute Couture

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• July 18, 2011

  Vintage Bar, Paris

  

  On my last day in Paris, before packing, I wanted to check out parfumeries selling my new fragrance, Sortir le Soir. First stop: Sens Unique, at 13, rue du Roi-de-Sicile. It’s a charming shop that’s just opened–and it was such a thrill to see my perfume displayed there. Since I was already in the Marais, I thought about dropping by Azzedine Alaïa; but, as it happens, a different sort of boutique caught my eye–the Vintage Bar. I stood in front for several minutes

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• July 25, 2011

  BAR ITALIA

  

  The uptown girl in me does, occasionally, like to frequent the Upper East Side–especially when there’s a hot new spot in the neighborhood. And I sometimes dine at Orsay, a lovely, authentic-feeling French brasserie on Lexington Avenue at 75th Street. Its general manager, Hassan El Garrahy (who I’ve known for years), recently told me about his new restaurant on Madison Avenue, Bar Italia

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• August 01, 2011

  Sortir le Soir Eau de Parfum

  

  This Chic of the Week is personal. It’s not a fab destination or the latest hot spot (much as I love such things)–this time, it’s my new fragrance, Sortir le Soir, and the launch of my e-commerce feature, See It, Want It, Buy It. Shoppers will find a range of special items (some only available here), but the main attraction is Sortir le Soir, which made its debut in Paris on the 4th of July.

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• August 08, 2011

  Château de la Messadière

  

  Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time in Saint-Tropez–especially during the summer months following the Paris Haute Couture. Prime time is the third week in July, when all the most fabulous parties take place. And the place to stay is the Château de la Messadière, where incredible

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• August 15, 2011

  Opera House Cup Regatta

  

  Every third weekend in August, for the past 39 years, Nantucket has seen the running of the Opera House Cup Regatta, also known as the 2nd leg of the North American Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. When it comes to big boats, a motor yacht can be fun for a grand soirée (like a few I’ve attended in St Tropez), especially when the boat is docked; however, a sailboat is something else–and a big sailing yacht, under full canvas, is a sight to behold.

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• August 22, 2011

  VERSAILLES LIMOUSINES

  

  If you’ve ever been to Paris, you know it’s often impossible to find a taxi when you need one. It’s not like New York City, where all you have to do is step to the curb, raise your arm and voilà, a taxi appears. Over the years, I’ve gotten used to it, since I visit Paris frequently; having said that, during a typical fashion week it’s absolutely out of the question to rely on taxis for my schedule of back-to-back shows, held in venues at opposite ends of town. Versailles Limousines (run by an intrepid man named Boris) keeps me organized

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• August 29, 2011

  Dorothy's Day Spa

  

  Even when I was 8½ months pregnant with my third child, I still went to the gym as often as possible. One day, while working out, I noticed the nails of the woman next to me. That’s a great manicure, I said. Where do you go for it? She told me about a little place, the Nail Spa (which has since been renamed), insisting it was the best in the world. Turns out, she was right: not once, in all of my travels, have I found a manicure that compares with the treatment I get at Dorothy’s Day Spa. It’s not a fancy place

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• September 05, 2011

  La Grenouille

  

  Midtown Manhattan’s La Grenouille is one of the last bastions of a certain type of Old World elegance still thriving in New York. My husband and I have been dining there since we first met–and while I often hit the trendier downtown scene, there’s something special about tradition.

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• September 12, 2011

  Baccarat

  

  Baccarat is a brand that says über luxury, from the stunning chandeliers at the Musée Baccarat to my own collection of stemware. I’ve always felt that beautiful crystal goes beyond luxury: it truly has the power to transform one’s surroundings.

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• September 19, 2011

  Searching For Beauty

  

  Fashion is fleeting, but its clothes, shoes and associated ephemera often endure, and can be examined in photo albums, museums and vintage shops around the world. An individual’s personal style, on the other hand (her aura, essentially), is less tangible–and all the more potent because of it. With Searching For Beauty: The Life of Millicent Rogers, biographer Cherie Burns paints a remarkable portrait of one of the 20th century’s most unusual (and mercurial) fashionistas.

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• September 26, 2011

  The Help Company

  

  It’s hard to find good help these days, but The Help Company can make it easier by offering only exceptional candidates for most of your staffing needs.

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• October 03, 2011

  The Dior Suite at the St. Regis

  

  An odd string of events brings you this Chic of the Week, starting with a profile I wrote a few years back about Bil Donovan, fashion illustrator extraordinaire and all-around major talent. Bil loved the piece, but apart from bumping into each other at fashion events or runway shows, we never managed to get together again until very recently. Finally, Bil said, “Susan, I want to draw your portrait–it would be such fun.” Of course, I was flattered–and, of course, I accepted! My editorial director, Mark Grischke, and I went to Bil’s studio where, with a few dashes of pen and ink, he produced wonderful illustrations of me (dressed in a favorite Alexander McQueen pantsuit and Christian Louboutin boots). The finished drawings are amazing–even if I do say so myself! Fast forward to last week, when I received an email about the new Dior Suite opening this month in New York’s St. Regis hotel.

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• October 10, 2011

  CHEZ CASTEL

  

  During the rush of Paris Fashion Week, each day is packed with runway shows, presentations and showroom visits. But that’s only half the story: there’s also a full schedule of evening events, put on to celebrate a designer’s latest collection, launch a new product or just to have some fun. This time, the Club Sandwich team–Marc Zaffuto and Emmanuel d’Orazio–hosted a weekend party at the former private club, Chez Castel.

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• October 17, 2011

  Crown

  

  Every once in a great while, a new hot spot opens in my relatively quiet neighborhood–Manhattan’s Upper East Side. So the other night, after attending a fabulous party for the Museum of the City of New York at The Four Seasons, I headed uptown instead of down. My destination was a townhouse on East 81st Street, formerly occupied by Bruno Jamais, which now holds a chic restaurant called Crown.

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• October 24, 2011

  LINDA HORN ANTIQUES

  

  Last weekend, while en route to an appointment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, I stopped into Linda Horn, a fabulous antique store recently relocated

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• October 31, 2011

  CHANEL NAIL POLISH

  

  When it comes to clothes, I like to be adventurous and tend to push things to the edge; but, for my nails, I stick with a tried-and-true French manicure, which is neat and clean and goes with everything. (A pedicure, of course, makes experimentation easier.) That said, I recently picked up a gorgeous bottle of Chanel nail polish,

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• November 07, 2011

  Capri Palace Hotel

  

  After racing through Europe’s intense fashion weeks, I usually try to sneak in a few days of relaxation–and, recently, I decided to take a short break on the isle of Capri. I’d been there before, years ago, but had never stayed at the famous Capri Palace.

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• November 14, 2011

  LARA BOHINC BAG

  

  Life is full of surprises and chance encounters. About five years ago, I met Lena Thomas in Saint-Tropez: she worked for Nina Ricci at the time and we quickly became friends. But as is so often the case, life moved fast and we lost touch–until we bumped into each other again at a fashion event in Paris, during the most recent prêt-à-porter shows, and simply picked up our friendship where we’d left off. Lately, Lena’s new responsibilities as the advertising director for Purple magazine brought her to New York, so we were finally able to sit down together the other night and catch up over dinner. Best of all, it felt as if no time had passed. As usual, Lena looked very chic, and one of the very first things I noticed was her metal-trimmed leather clutch by Lara Bohinc.

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• November 21, 2011

  Hotel Montefiore, Tel Aviv

  

  I was in Tel Aviv last week to address 9ROOMS, a women’s networking community founded just three years ago by the well-known marketing and branding expert, Iris Zohar. Iris had asked me to speak to this organization about my long experience covering the fields of fashion and luxury goods, and I leapt at the chance to meet her interesting clients and to visit the city of Tel Aviv as, quite literally, a guest of honor. Iris and her team arranged all the details of my visit and did an amazing job: without knowing much about my tastes, they chose to put me up at Hotel Montefiore

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• November 28, 2011

  GAYA

  

  While in Paris this month (an odd period for me to be there, since it wasn’t Fashion Week), I had some very welcome free time in which to explore different parts of my favorite city. That included trying one or two new restaurants, which is something I almost never have time to do during the prêt-à–porter or haute couture presentations. Last Monday evening, for example, I had dinner at Gaya

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• December 05, 2011

  Hôtel Costes

  

  Most trendy places come and go–which is fine, because it’s always fun to try the latest bar, restaurant or hotel. But the Hôtel Costes (a place I never expected to last) has not only endured, it’s turned into a real place to be in Paris.

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• December 12, 2011

  The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond

  

  On the evening of Tuesday, December 13, at Christie’s auction house in New York, many of the most famous–and the most beautiful–of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels will be up for sale, including La Peregrina (a centuries-old natural pearl), Jean Schlumberger’s Dolphin brooch and, listed as Lot 80, a gorgeous 33.19-carat, D color, essentially-flawless stone named The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. This extraordinary jewel

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• December 19, 2011

  Gary Cooper: An Enduring Style

  

  The camera utterly adored Gary Cooper, and why wouldn’t it? He had all the makings of a contemporary supermodel: striking bone structure, clear blue eyes ringed with thick black lashes, and a slim, 6’3" frame that wore clothes easily. He was comfortable in his own skin, nonchalant about his looks and rugged enough to interest men (he could hunt, fish, ride horses, swim), yet sensitive enough to speak to women. He was, in fact, that very rare commodity–a chic-but-masculine guy–with a natural ease millions of moviegoers found appealing. Gary Cooper: An Enduring Style, by noted style writer, G. Bruce Boyer, with Cooper’s daughter, Maria Cooper Janis,

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• January 03, 2012

  Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium Camera

  

  The holiday season brings one photo op after another–but since hindsight alone is 20/20, it wasn’t until the festivities ended that we found ourselves wishing we’d had a Leica D-Lux 5 digital camera

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• January 09, 2012

  Lanvin at Bergdorf Goodman Men

  

  Ever since it first opened, in 1990, we’ve enjoyed shopping at Bergdorf Goodman Men. The selection ranges widely

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• January 16, 2012

  DEDON OUTDOOR DAYBED

  

  In these cold, dark weeks of January, we often find ourselves yearning for summer’s warmth and longer days. But whether you choose to relax near the seashore, in the mountains or even in town, no accoutrement could be more charming–or more chic–than the Dedon City Camp outdoor daybed by Austrian designer, Annette Hinterwirth.

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• January 23, 2012

  MOYNAT LEATHER GOODS

  

  If you’ve never before heard of the super-deluxe French leather goods company, Moynat, you’re not alone. Despite its origins in the mid-19th century

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• January 30, 2012

  N15

  

  Natalia Tooke is the owner of a new boutique, n15 (named for its address on the place du Marché Saint-Honoré). It opened last week in Paris,

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• February 06, 2012

  Mark Cross Grace Bag

  

  There are several reasons why fashion events are usually fun. In the first place, I almost always run into someone I know, and it’s often someone I haven’t seen in quite a while. Second, fashion parties are great resources for discovering what’s new behind the scenes of the industry. At the end of last summer, for example, I attended an F.I.T.-sponsored kick-off event for the Couture Council’s Valentino luncheon (held as a cocktail party at the Central Park Boathouse). While there, I bumped into a good friend, Martha Kramer, and learned she’s now Senior Vice President of the relaunched Mark Cross brand.

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• February 13, 2012

  Restaurant Lapérouse

  

  One of the oldest restaurants in Paris, Lapérouse represents a veritable history lesson on the subject of French mores.

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• February 20, 2012

  Harrods

  

  Harrods is practically the Eighth Wonder of the World–it’s not just a department store, it’s more like a full-on lifestyle experience.

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• February 27, 2012

  Hotel Cipriani, Venice

  

  The Hotel Cipriani, in Venice, is certainly one of my all-time favorite chic destinations. Of course, Venice itself is a magical city, full of romance and Old World charm–just being there plunges you into a glorious theatrical experience touching all the senses.

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• March 05, 2012

  Bistro Volnay

  

  A few years ago, my good friend, Marcel Marongiu, invited me to join him for dinner at a place I’d never heard of before–the Bistro Volnay.

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• March 12, 2012

  Jeff Leatham Flowers at the George V

  

  During Paris Fashion Weeks, I often find myself at the George V hotel for various appointments–a collection preview in one of the suites, perhaps, or a meeting in the Salon du Thé. Many Americans adore staying at this hotel because the service is impeccable, and–since it’s a Four Seasons property–it’s comfortably familiar. But I’m a true Francophile, and for me the George V feels a touch too American. That said, there is something I look forward to whenever I visit the hotel–not the décor or the staff’s very charming welcome (both of which are lovely, of course), but the amazing floral designs created by the George V’s Artistic Director, Jeff Leatham.

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• March 19, 2012

  Hotel Amour

  

  For the past few seasons of both the Haute Couture and the Pret-à-Porter, I’ve been meaning to visit Hotel Amour, but it never worked out.

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• March 26, 2012

  Ermenegildo Zegna, Rome

  

  Men’s fashion has recently become more and more interesting, both as an industry and in terms of its creative output–quite suddenly, the world of men’s design seems to have hit the “fast forward” button, and now moves as rapidly as any other fashion category. So I was especially thrilled when the Ermenegildo Zegna company (menswear specialists indeed) invited me to attend last week’s ZegnArt event in Rome, as their guest.

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• April 02, 2012

  Sant Ambroeus

  

  Having just returned from Rome, Italy is on my mind, so I was pleased to join a friend for dinner at a delightful outpost of the Milanese pasticceria, ristorante and espresso bar, Sant Ambroeus

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• April 09, 2012

  God Save My Shoes

  

  If you consider yourself a fan of high-heeled shoes (beginner, occasional user or self-described addict), you’ll probably enjoy French director Julie Benasra’s sole-baring documentary, God Save My Shoes, as much as we did.

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• April 16, 2012

  Il Solferino, Milan

  

  Last week I was in Milan for the Easter weekend–lately, work has taken me back and forth to Italy rather often, and I had some business there during the recent holiday. However, Milan is never all work–I have good friends there, and I love going out with them to a few favorite Milanese restaurants. But this time, my friend Gabriele Cabras (who lives in Milan) took charge, and introduced me to a fabulous spot called Il Solferino.

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• April 23, 2012

  PANERAI TUTTONERO LUMINOR 1950

  

  It’s a big watch, with a big name–the Panerai Tuttonero Luminor 1950. (Its full name, in fact, is the Tuttonero Luminor 1950 GMT Automatic Ceramica from the Contemporary Collection by Officine Panerai, but that’s almost bigger than the timepiece itself.)

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