Encyclopedia of the Exquisite

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The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite is a book after my own heart.  I love the title and I love the premise.  Author Jessica Kerwin Jenkins was an editor at W magazine and while covering stories around the world, kept a folder full of interesting clippings, photos and "other ephemera."  She said recently, "every time I came across something that was just breathtakingly lovely, something that made me sigh with wonder, into the file it went." Sounds like every blogger I know.  Her files have now been compiled into a book that Michael Kors declared, "a wonderful melange of chic and amusing tidbits" that made him smile.  I love learning new things and I have a feeling I will also be smiling with delight at this exquisite little book.  Also looks like a perfect gift for the holidays! 

On Vogue

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One of the highlights of every month is sitting down to read the new Vogue.  Anne Hathawway is the November issue cover girl and she looks amazing.  But then again, who doesn't amazing when shot by Mario Testino?!  There is also something about it that reminds me of the Aman & Carson room that I just posted so I thought it made a perfect follow up.  Too bad I can't camp out in their room to read it!  Bon Weekend!

A Rocker's Retreat

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I forgot that Deborah Needleman's first Wall Street Journal Magazine was published yesterday.  Luckily for me and eveyone else who neglected to pick up the paper, you can read the articles online. One of my favorites is a look inside the London home of gentleman rocker Bryan Ferry.  He's always had an interest in interior design and has furnished his home himself with art and objects that he's collected.  I definitely recommend reading the entire story online as well as Charlotte Moss's article about Le Prieuré d’Orsan.  The issue is so good that I might have to go see if my newsstand has an extra copy lying around. 

Photos by Alexia S

Polo: The Sport of Kings and Nomads

> Tomorrow is the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governor's Island which will I'm sure attract throngs of girls trying to catch a glimpse of Nacho Figueras (above) and Prince Harry. If you can't attend this fabulous event, then I suggest you pick up Polo: The Nomadic Tribe, the stunning book by photographer Aline Coquelle. Usually when you think of Polo, you think of England but the book also chronicles polo played in India on Elephants and in Switzerland on snow in addition to Palm Beach, Pakistan and Argentina. It's an amazing book full of gorgeous horse and beautiful men. What could be better than that?! Oh, that it's on sale for $30 at Barneys! Bon Weekend!

Photos by Aline Coquelle

Joyeux Noël!

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Photo from Marie Claire Maison

Astor Courts: The Wedding Venue

>I think we have all had enough of hearing about Chelsea Clinton's wedding today. Let the poor girl enjoy her day already. But I have to admit that Astor Courts is a pretty chic wedding venue. It's actually a private home that belongs to Clinton friends Kathleen Hammer and her husband Arthur Seelbinder who offered it up for the nuptials. I don't think this was a completely selfless gesture as it is currently on the market for $12 million.

Astor Courts was built in 1902 by Stanford White for John Jacob Astor IV in Rhinebeck, New York as a weekend retreat. It was also inspired by the Grand Trianon on the grounds of Versailles which accounts for the long lean lines of the one story building. The building was in pretty bad shape when the current owners purchased it in 2005 and they spent many more millions renovating it with the help of Standford White's great-grandson, Sam White. There is a great article in The New York Times about the renovation here. Hopefully the 50-acres of grounds will prevent pesky paparazzi from ruining the ceremony and the happy couple will enjoy their special day!

Photos by Bruce Buck and from Luxist