The xx

Intro - The xx

The Barefoot Contessa

Its a beautiful and sad story. How can you stop staring at Ava Gardner? And as always, my man Humphrey Bogart captivates.

Mimi mittens makes me feel like Snow White

Whenever I sing around the house, Mimi (my rescue cat) gets this loving look in her eyes, starts purring, and comes over with a very gentle paw to touch me....

When I dance, Callie (my rescue pup) joins in with her own choreography.

And just remember different people have peculiar tastes

Polo Lounge for hours today

I have a client/friend who likes to meet at the Polo Lounge. I can't complain. Its so traditional and old fashioned and reminds me of an old Virginia country club. Lionel Ritchie strolled in this evening. There were other "famous" people about, but something about Lionel always makes me smile. Maybe its just his name...Lionel.... I don't know....that or the memory of seeing him in concert with Missy Miles and my mom and Martin so many years ago :)

More than this

More than this

Had the best weekend... but I'm not going to share it all ;)

You just had to be in the experience, but suffice to say it was a terrific Friday, Saturday, Sunday.... and now rain. I am thrilled for the rain and embrace it full-force!

Love Is a Mix Tape

Life and love, one song at a time. Its amazing what song can do to us. Hearing a particular tune can take us right back into some particular moment like a time machine.


Love is a Mix Tape is written by Rob Sheffield, writer for Rolling Stone and a friend of my friend Ed. The book tells the story of Rob & Renee as chronicled in part through the tapes they made for one another. It takes me back to going through the record bins at Plan 9 in Richmond and Charlottesville.

The music and cultural references are a great time capsule of an amazing era in music and pop culture. Remember putting scotch tape over those holes on the cassette to record over it? Were you alive then? ;)

Ed, who sent me the book before Christmas, also got a little group of us back into making mix tapes for one another--though they are on CD now. Its the best feeling to get that little treat in the mail, rip open the envelope, and take it all in. Much cooler and more intimate than downloading.

LA--Awards Season

There are a couple of months in this town where you hear non-stop talk of "awards season." Its basically like deb balls and parties every night. Stylists are on high-pressure to create some of the most critiqued looks of the year for their clients.

I was actually doing some work on a Sunday night so I was a wee bit late getting to one of my most favorite LA hotels, The Sunset Tower (love the Tower Bar and having brunch poolside on a Sunday), for the Audi pre-Golden Globes party last night hosted by Vampire-loving Anna Paquin and designer vintage king Cameron Silver. Events at the Sunset Tower are always so lovely as the space lends itself to just the right number of people. There were some very sculptural Gianfranco Ferre gowns on display which we admired while sipping Moet. Love Dita's hair up and dress to the floor. Its nice to see a lady in blue instead of black.

Karl knows no age

Press release from Chanel. Amazing that Vanessa Paradis has worked with the brand for so long. I always loved her whistling commercial. Also interesting that one of the most important launches for Chanel this year isn't a handbag or shoe. Its a $30 lipstick. Beauty in numbers.

"Rouge Coco is one of the most important launches from the House of Chanel in 2010," John Galantic, Chanel's U.S. president said to WWD.