In Vino Veritas

A friend recently organized a wine tasting trip along Long Islands North Fork, so, early one saturday morning, we went on a jaunt (I use the term loosely as we dubbed our driver Tommy-tailgate) out along the rich-soiled feilds where the island parts ways with itself. I came away with two bottles of white to thank Mum for watching Toby for the weekend, and a few pictures of the seasons last moments of rich greens before the stark and friendly contrast with the sky turns to a battle of fiery reds.

I stand firm that Chris channeled Tom Ripley today.

Gardener Gone Glam

I have always found such a lovely, quiet playfulness in literal translations.  I believe it stems from my Kindergarten summer reading books of Amelia Bedelia.  I just seem to adore things that have an inherent sense of humor, which is probably why I am entirely smitten with Carolina Hererra’s take on a garden dress, from her Spring 2011 collection, inspired by botanical drawings collected in the eighteenth century. The front panels reminiscence of an old French flower seed packet is such a fantastic way to bring to attention how lovely these packets can often be, and makes me wonder if my grandmother might have any she may have forgotten about.  The taupe skirt offers a lovely ruffled compliment to both the colors of the front panels art and the flatness of the panel, while the cranberry bodice adds the perfect amount of color to remind you that this is a gown, not just a reference to spring activities, while the bow adds a femininity and whimsy that entirely completes the look. The only negative to this dress is that it’s a very specific occasion that you can wear a day-gown with a whimsical nod to gardening, as it’s too formal for a garden party, and too referential to gardening to wear to anything else.  Nonetheless, it is -- contrary to Style.com’s reviews -- my very favorite Spring 2011 piece.