I am traveling to New York soon for a great friend's 40th birthday celebration, so I thought it would be fun to put together a virtual packing list for inspiration. This fantasy suitcase is filled with all things practical and fabulous. Not possible, you say? Read on. When isn't black cashmere appropriate? Dark, undistressed skinnies … Continue reading Packing for New York
Author: Wendy Franzen
Soul Food
I probably should have ordered a pizza, thrown on pajamas and crawled into bed (and not necessarily in that order), but I needed some sort of happy ending to my crummy day and knew this easy fall dinner would do the trick. Set oven at 425. Divide and gut two acorn squash. But please watch … Continue reading Soul Food
Manic Monday
On a crazy Monday morning, who has time to stand in front of the closet contemplating what to wear? Wrap yourself in polished comfort with a slim sweater and riding boots pulled on over colored denim. Next, top it off with a favorite cuff and a soft patterned scarf that pulls it all together. With … Continue reading Manic Monday
Friday Night in the Kitchen
Cooking with a partner is seriously fun. My son learned how to make gnocchi in his home arts class recently, so he took the lead in the kitchen last night, showing me how easy (and messy!) it is to make these soft little Italian dumplings. We loosely followed this Mario Batali recipe: Ingredients 3 pounds … Continue reading Friday Night in the Kitchen
A Weekend in Autumn
Things have been too busy for my comfort level as of late, so I am really looking forward to the weekend. I plan on taking the mutt for long walks, swapping cotton for cashmere and wool in closets and on sofas, trying this lighter version of cassoulet: taking these maple pumpkin cupcakes to a get … Continue reading A Weekend in Autumn
Autumn’s Arrival
Truth be told, I am not sad to see summer go. Glorious autumn has arrived, towing a heavy low light that dances through trees and bathes the world in gold. It presents us with an exquisite study in contrast: the sun's warmth with the shadow's chill, jewel-toned leaves clinging to branches while their grey and … Continue reading Autumn’s Arrival
Break This Rule
White denim is an absolute wardrobe essential, so I plan to keep it in heavy rotation even after the calendar turns over this Labor Day weekend. Who made up this ridiculous rule anyway? While everyone agrees that white is the epitome of summer chic, it is too often neglected throughout the cooler months. Pair your … Continue reading Break This Rule
fall cravings
Cream cable knit sweater tedbaker-london.com Isabel Marant smock top net-a-porter.com Zero Maria Cornejo slouchy top barneys.com Todd Lynn leather leggings net-a-porter.com Madewell suede ankle booties madewell.com Valentino studded sandals net-a-porter.com Yves Saint Laurent handbag net-a-porter.com Hermes enamel cuff hermes.com Ellen Arthur choker collar necklace calypsostbarth.com Isabel Marant earrings monnierfreres.co.uk Silk shawl lindex.com Estée Lauder nail … Continue reading fall cravings
The Casual Kennedys
I couldn't help dreaming thinking about my girlhood crush while vacationing on Martha's Vineyard last week. Growing up, most girls were crazy over actors and rock stars, but it was John Kennedy Jr. who did it for me. President Kennedy was equally swoon worthy, and his manner of casual, timeless dress is still pure perfection. … Continue reading The Casual Kennedys
A Fishing Story
As we walked to the end of the creaky dock on Menemsha Harbor where Captain Tom Langman moors his no-frills Boston Whaler, I knew in my gut he was the man to take our family fishing. Weathered by years in the sun and covered with markings of boat grease and struggles with fish, I could … Continue reading A Fishing Story
the aesthete and the dilettante 