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

Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris

There is nothing I love more than wandering around a book store searching for a story that is as compelling as its cover and Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris is one of my new favorite finds. Some of the Parisians are famous such as Marie Antoinette and Charles de Gaulle while others could be better described as infamous but all the stories center around the most important character, the city itself. The architecture and monuments and newly created Haussmann streets have a profound effect on all the Parisians profiled including Proust and Zola. Definitely pick it up! C'est magnifique!

I want to go to there.

I was lucky enough to find a copy of the new July/August issue of Elle Decor at my local newsstand this weekend and boy is it a good one. As soon as I saw the home of John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross, all I could think of were the immortal words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there!" Actually, I want to go there, kick them out and move in but that's a different story. The home is absolutely perfect but I don't know why I expected anything less from the duo behind Dransfield & Ross. These photos are from just one of their fabulous rooms and the story of how they came to own the home is even better! Check the rest of it out online or pick up the new issue. Just remember, I called first dibs on it!

Photos by Simon Upton

Hot Town

We dream all winter for summer weather to arrive and then we complain about it when it does. But in our defense, it really has been hot and steamy in New York this week. I don't want to wish summer away but really I am looking forward to fall when I can wear chic outfits like these seen in Vogue recently. Of course, I probably like them even more since they were shot in Paris. Doesn't everything look better in Paris? Wonder what their weather is like this week.

Photos by Mario Testino

Eat Pray Love

In keeping with the Italian theme I seem to have going on, I thought I would remind everyone that Eat Pray Love will be released on August 13th. For the two people who don't know about Eat Pray Love, the movie which stars Julia Roberts, is based on the best selling book of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert. In it, she goes on a journey of self discovery after a divorce and breakup. It was one of my all time favorites and I'm excited to see how it translates on film. Eat refers to the time the author spent in Italy and since I am trying to plan my own trip, I am posting pics of Julia in Italy. Pray refers to the time she spent in India and Love to Bali, Indonesia. For those photos, you can check out the Eat Pray Love movie website. Ciao!

The Italian Touch

I always joke that the Italian tourists are always the best dressed and the book Italian Touch definitely backs up my assertions. Tod's commissioned the book that includes over 100 Italian families and their homes but you don't even notice the product placement. Everyone is elegant and chic yet completely casual and relaxed. What's amazing is that most of the women aren't even wearing make up and yet they are amazingly beautiful. I don't think you'd ever find an American woman to pose without professional hair and make up so that's quite refreshing. The book is like a love letter to Italy and definitely makes me want to move there! Enjoy!

Photos by Paolo Leone

I Am Love: Villa Necchi Campiglio

I saw the Italian film I Am Love this past weekend and it was as gorgeous as I thought it would be. I'm not sure the actual story will appeal to everyone but it's worth seeing for the beautiful interiors. The Recchi family live in Milan in a fabulous villa that is actually the Villa Necchi Campiglio. As you can see by some of the photos, the producers took out some of the furnishings for a sleeker look befitting an "haute bourgeoisie" family. The Villa Necchi Campiglio was constructed from 1932-1935 by Milanese architect Piero Portaluppi in a style that is referred to as rationalism but also continues on with many luxurious details of the Art Deco period. I really loved all the woodwork, sliding doors and built-ins in the film and especially the lower level kitchen area. There seemed to be a bit of an upstairs/downstairs theme going on in the movie which was interesting as well. In the film, there was also a gate house that guests had to enter before walking up to the main house which creates a courtyard for the pool and garden in the front of the house. Definitely not what we're used to in the US but absolutely gorgeous! Villa Necchi Campiglio is open to the public and I definitely suggest that you put it on your list of places to see when visiting Milano! Ciao!