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From Kim:

The joys of Capri and Amalfi are innumerable, but here are a couple of my favorites. On a hot day there is nothing more refreshing and delicious than a lemon gelato, and the one pictured here is my favorite because of the extraordinary presentation, a couple scoops of a perfect mingling of sweet and sour nestled in a frozen lemon shell. This comes from a tiny stand on a narrow path bordered with a stone wall and trellis festooned with blooming vines on the way to Giardini di Augusto in Capri.This region is well known for their bountiful lemons which are made into scrumptious concoctions from Lemoncello to lemon gelato and pastries. Another favorite stop on the way to the panoramic gardens is the laboratory and boutique of Carthusia Pefumes of Capri. In 1948 a prior from the local Certosa, a Carthusian Monastery, re-discovered the formula of a 14th century perfume. With a license from the Pope, the laboratory has been in this location since 1953 where they have created magical fragrances and products ever since.

From Kim:

Being the textile junkie that I am, I was beside myself in Uzbekistan, home of the most extraordinary hand embroidered textiles called "Suzani". Traditionally, these large textiles decorated the interior walls of yurts which many nomadic people in Central Asia made their homes. There are regional distinctions in both style and color, an incredible the array of variety. You can see regional differences between the textiles shown above, bold and more solid embroidery and the piece pictured here, smaller motifs with a more visible ground incorporated into the design. The antique pieces are very valuable and extremly rare. The new ones, like the one I'm admiring here, are just as fine and beautiful as the old ones yet entirely different. These textiles are very versatile and can be used on beds, walls, tables or made into clothing, pillows and upholstered furniture. The most incredible thing to me is that each piece is unique and one of a kind. Yes, there are recurring motifs and designs, but each artisan expresses them in many different ways in many different color combinations. They are endlessly fascinating and beautiful!

From Kim:

I'd wanted to travel to Andalusia for years. Growing up in Santa Barbara, I was surrounded by “Spanish Revival” architecture and longed to see the source. The revival genre is inspired by the architecture of southern Spain with its ancient and interwoven Roman, European, Arab, Muslim, Jewish and Christian heritage. This spring I took a holiday with Santa Barbara Museum of Art titled “Southern & Central Spain: Moorish Palaces of Andalusia & Museums of Madrid” where we saw many of the long dreamt of wonders including the Alcazar, Alhambra and Mosque of Cordoba. The photo at tip top is an image taken at sunset in the gardens of the Alcazar in Seville. Our small group had the palace and garden to ourselves, it was an extraordinarily rare moment with the voice of a peacock contributing to the spell. In addition we saw other incredible palaces and places that one doesn’t hear about until you are on the ground and introduced. The photo here is the interior courtyard of Casa de Pilatos, and another beauty is Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija.

From Kim:

What treasures we enjoy here in Santa Barbara  - between the architectural gems, cultural history and events, the incredible landscapes and vistas, we are blessed beyond compare. Growing up here, I appreciated this lovely environ because I was taught to notice and appreciate it by my mother, a teacher who loves art, nature, fashion and the textile arts, and my father, an architect and music lover who settled our family here. My roots in retail started long ago when Wendy Foster hired me for a summer job in High School. After working there for many years and getting my degree in Art History at UCSB, I moved to Washington DC and then to San Francisco where I lived for years before returning home to found MAISON K 17 years ago. Given this background, is it any wonder I do what I do?! Now I marvel all the more at our sweet city; the year round flowering bushes and trees all over town, the gorgeous sandstone walls, bridges and pavers, the tile roofs and whitewashed walls, the sunsets over the sea. Pictured here is Arroyo Burro Beach, the terminus of Arroyo Burro Creek, also known as Hendry's Beach where in my youth I spent many happy days in the surf and sand. Thanks to my grand daughters, and the hours we've spent in the waves each summer, I've reconnected with my love of the beach and the sound of the sea - it's timeless, ageless motion restores me!

From Kim:

In 2011 we visited Istanbul for the first time where I discovered exquisite jewelry, textiles and clothing for the store. I had been buying things from importers in Europe for some years, but to go straight to the source was a dream come true. After several days in Istanbul, we visited friends who have a seaside home in Alacati and stayed in the charming inn pictured above. Turkey has a fascinating and complex history (like every country) and exploring a few of it's cities and experiencing the culture and history was very moving. At the crossroads of East and West, Turkey has been home to a number of diverse peoples and religions. The Temple of Hadrian, shown here, is located in Ephesus, a Greek colony founded in the 10th century BC eventually becoming the second most important city in the region after Constantinople. From pre Christian times when Cleopatra visited, through biblical times and today, the region is full of fascinating sites. The apostles Paul and John as well as the Virgin Mary lived here and made their mark. Centuries later in the 14th century the tides turned when the Ottoman Empire gained control over the region and further into central Europe. I recently learned that coffee culture was introduced into Vienna after the Ottomans were defeated in the 17th century; in retreat they left coffee beans behind. Coffee was an important beverage to middle eastern cultures, believed to have been  discovered  by a 15th century Sufi mystic in Ethiopia.

From Kim:

I started collecting Astier de Villatte ceramics when I lived in San Francisco many years ago. I still adore the first piece I ever bought, a small serving dish that is still cherished. At the time I was a buyer and product designer for a large retailer and we would go to Maison & Objet, (a stellar trade show in Paris) twice a year.  Our team would walk by the beautiful Astier booth and I would swoon and swear out loud "someday I will sell this in my own store!"  And so it came to be. Each piece is made by hand in their Parisian atelier. The clay is dyed a rich cocoa brown and put into molds. Once out of the molds, each piece begins to morph into it's unique identity. Once dry, every piece is hand dipped into a white glaze and then fired; each a masterpiece! In addition to the ceramics we sell their wonderful candles, created by a famous french perfumer, and traditional Japanese incense, which is a huge hit.  Ma Vie a Paris is the perfect book for those who appreciate unique Parisian businesses. We recently received a large shipment, come discover your favorite pieces!

From Kim:

The two vintage photos above evoke the mood and style of the stars and jet set of the sixties and bring to mind many great films of the era. I think of La Piscine with Jane Birkin, Last Year at Marienbad with Delphine Seyrig and Ieri, Oggi Domani with Sophia Loren. These sensational films, shot on location in France, Czechoslovakia and Italy, respectively, are filled with beautiful people in beautiful places getting into a fair amount of trouble! I love anything that reminds me of this bygone era of European elegance, chic and nonchalance. The photo of the seaside pool and umbrella-studded terrace overlooking the mediterranean sea was taken at the grand belle époque Hotel Imperial in Santa Margharita, Italy, not far from Positano. One half expects to see Marcelo Mastroianni, Alain Delon or Rock Hudson saunter up to the poolside bar for a cocktail. Not far from there, another favorite movie of mine, Come September, was filmed. I can't go back in time, but I can sport some of the timeless fashions that made this era so endearing and beautiful!

From Kim:

I love the pepper trees, agave and California oaks that grace our community. No better place to enjoy a beautiful landscape and stunning vistas with stellar sea views (pictured) is a walk from Butterfly Beach up the bluff winding around to the Music Academy of the West. Along the way you'll see brilliant hummingbirds and butterflies enjoying the nectar of the blooming plants. A perfect evening would be a sunset cocktail at Four Seasons Biltmore, a walk to Coast Village Road for dinner at Tre Lune, then circling back to an event at the Music Academy. This institution hosts students of incredible musical talent from all over the world. Another wonderful evening is a stroll around the Santa Barbara Mission followed by dinner on the terrace at Belmond El Encanto Hotel  which overlooks all of Santa Barbara with views of the Channel Islands. Afterwards, head across the street to the wonderful SBIFF Riviera Theatre. They always have marvelous films, shown in a newly renovated theatre, located in an historic building. And they serve the best popcorn in town!

From Kim:

Introducing our new collection of luscious cashmere wraps and woven leather bags, the majority of them made in small workshops in Tuscany. Wear them and you'll radiate the timeless chic of Italy. Versatile and elegant; casual or dressed, these pieces go everywhere with ease and style, whether home or away. If in Florence, enjoy a stroll through the Boboli Gardens and a light lunch on Via de'Tornabuoni. One of my favorite spots, pictured here, is Procacci, a jewel box of a bar where prosecco and truffles rule. From my little bar stool, I savor a delectable salad topped with finely shaved truffled cheese and croutons, enjoying the site of impeccably groomed locals popping in for petite truffle sandwiches and some bubbly. Other favorites on this shopper's dream street are Loretta Caponi for extraordinary lingerie, Parenti for exquisite tableware, and Richard Ginori for hand painted china, among the jaw dropping flagship stores of legendary Italian luxury brands. Don't forget the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum as well!