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From Kim:

The image left, is a detail from Edward Hopper's Le Bistro or The Wine Shop,  painted in Paris.  I love his enigmatic paintings and recently saw several great works at the <NEW> Renzo Piano designed Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. After breakfast at the Donut Plant on 23rd, (situated next to the iconic Chelsea Hotel), we walked west to The High Line and enjoyed an elevated/ urban/arcadian stroll on a former freight line.  The views include classic westside cityscapes as well as a distant view of the Statue of Liberty. The southern terminus of this amazing park is at the Whitney, which is a work of art in itself.  The history of founder Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, an artist herself, is remarkable, her vision in creating this American Museum, an everlasting gift.  I'm enjoying reading Whitney Women and the Museum They Made.

From Kim:

The American Hotel in Sag Harbor Long Island, sits on the site of The James Howell Inn which during the revolutionary war, was housing British officers.  In 1778, a small group of American patriots seized control of the harbor (once a port of entry for New York) by capturing the officers at the inn. It's believed the original inn burnt down and was replaced by a brick building in 1824, and renamed "The American House" in 1876.  It's one of the most charming hotel/bar/restaurants I know of, complete with an award winning wine list. (In fact while enjoying breakfast on the veranda, the owner was there tasting wine presented by a French wine salesman.)  Not far away in East Hampton, enjoy one of Ina Garten's favorite Long Island restaurants (and now ours too) The 1770 House.  There is something very moving about being in buildings that have such history, and were present during the birth of our nation.  God Bless America!  

From Kim:

Pearls are often considered the "Queen of Gems" and have been prized for thousands of years; the first historical mention is from China, some 2,300 years ago. Speaking of China, I just got to see "Through the Looking Glass," a show-stopping exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The show is the culmination of a collaboration between The Costume Institute and The Department of Asian Art. Gorgeous gowns from many eras inspired by the designers' fascination and inspiration of China's artistic heritage. The clothing is beautifully displayed in the Asian Art Galleries alongside Chinese art and architecture. Shown above, a silk brocade dress by Alexander McQueen Autumn/Winter 2006-2007.

From Kim:

Padding about in my Bohemian chic sandals from Marrakech, we were on an errand downtown the other day, parking near the SB Historical Society. After completing our task we tucked in for a quick visit, so worthwhile! It's a fabulous museum dedicated to the history of Santa Barbara, chock-a-block full of  interesting shows, as well as home to a fascinating permanent collection. Founded in 1932, and housed in several locations until this dedicated site was chosen for a classic adobe building (the bricks made on site), it was inaugurated  in 1965. Make sure to stroll the grounds, which include a courtyard, library and two historic adobe buildings. By the way, remember Old Fiesta Days are coming soon, August 5-9.

From Kim:

For me, charcoal or slate, is the new black.  I love it in clothing as a softer alternative to black, as well as in jewelry, such as the rich antiqued silver and diamond feather and fern necklaces above.  It's also fabulous on homes and buildings. Shown left is the gorgeous Maison de Lucie where we recently stayed in Honfleur, on the Normandy Coast.  A number of the buildings in this fascinating and scenic seaside town are a slate color.  At first, I thought the buildings were painted, but upon closer inspection realized the facades are actually tiled in slate! It's a unique architectural treatment I've never seen before. Prior to our visit to Honfleur while still in Paris, I was trying on some shoes and chatting with the salesmen, mentioning we were off to Honfleur the next day.  His eyes lit up as he said "I was born in Honfleur!  You must have dinner at Restaurant Le Bréard, it's where my family celebrates birthdays and special occasions."  As promised, it was a divine meal and an incredible value.  Next time, I want to eat every dinner there!

From Kim:

Skyler's outfit would be the perfect ensemble for a day at Giverny. The smock is very much like those that Monet himself would wear.  His art speaks for itself, and a trip to his incredible home and gardens just outside of Paris provides a glimpse into his inspiration. After a rainy grey week in Paris it was a joy to see the billowing clouds adrift in a bright blue sky above these magnificent gardens. We managed to sneak in just as the morning crowd was leaving, and just before the noon crowd hit. The allees and arches were filled with glorious buds, the uber-famous lily pond reflected the clouds above, the wisteria was bursting in bloom on the Japanese bridge. If you are anywhere near Giverny, the trip is well worth it.  Meanwhile, back at home in Santa Barbara, a visit to the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens is always an inspiration and pleasure in our own backyard!

I had to share some of the beautiful sights I’m enjoying while shopping in France.  As we speak, my Paris purchases are on their way to Maison K. Fabulous new summer scarves, jewelry and purses will arrive soon. As always, there is an abundance of beauty and inspiration here. It’s the height of a very wet spring with trees and flowers bursting in bloom. The City of Light always delights my eye with it’s stunning architecture, lovely gardens, incredible style and luscious colors. In addition to Paris, a new favorite destination is Honfleur, situated on the northwest coast of France, about two hours west of Paris. I found incredible antique linen shirts, gorgeous handmade lace tablecloths, and a to-die-for set of garden chairs.  All will be in transit soon!

Now off to Marrakech for more wonderful treasures…

1. Pont Neuf on the way to dinner at Place Dauphine, Paris
2. Half-timbered houses in medieval village of Honfleur
3. Street view in Honfleur
4. Vieux Basin, the inner harbor of Honfleur
5. Wisteria-covered arches leading to Impressionist Museum in Giverny
6. Kugelhoph at Gerard Mulot, Paris
7. Spinning plate display at Isabel Marant, Paris
8. Gorgeous arrangement in drawing room at Maison de Lucie
9. Mermaid bas relief on home in Honfleur
10. Hotel Maison de Lucie in Honfleur
11. Stone building on Rue de Capucins in Honfleur
12. Beautiful dining room at our friends home in Paris

From Kim:

Living in Santa Barbara, we enjoy a marvelous indoor / outdoor lifestyle. We have the luxury of living and dining outside many months of the year, surrounded by the outdoor elegance of flowering trees and bushes. For those living in New York City, especially after a very cold winter with snow-covered streets, the sight of tiny green leaves and budding branches is exhilarating. That said, one can bask in the beauty of massive floral arrangements in the foyer of the Metropolitan Museum of Art year round. I always marvel at these arrangements and have taken numerous photos over the years; they are always that inspiring. There are four grand pediment niches and a central pedestal which support classic marble urns bursting with a magnificent arrangement of flowers. This enduring gift is from Lila Acheson Wallace. Who was this woman with the foresight of gifting all who behold, these beautiful flowers? Lila and her husband founded Readers Digest in 1922 and generously went on to create The Wallace Foundation and fund a number of great philanthropic causes.

From Kim:

I recently watched Mr. Turner - a fascinating film about the last 25 years of J.M.W. Turner's life.  This cinematic portrayal paints the man as a brilliant artist with an incredibly unique perspective and expression of nature. He's a complex amalgamation of opposites; he is loving and brutish, sensitive and rough, adventurous and a home body, traditional and anarchic. The Turner exhibition at The Getty Center is not to be missed. It had been years since I was last at the Getty and was duly reminded of the incredible gift it is; the art collections, the buildings, the site, the gardens! Make sure to make a luncheon reservation in the dinning room - a great treat with views to the sea. A wonderful reminder that summer is here and so are our light and airy, cotton and linen summer dresses.