This May, I experienced deja vu when I picked up my youngest daughter, Laura, at the airport. She had just returned from a semester abroad in Paris, where she studied French, art and business while living with a older single Parisian woman.

The similarities between our experiences were uncanny right down to feeling devastated the day we had to return home. She even went through my same program called the International Education of Students.

However, the biggest points of difference from our trips is that I didn’t have the opportunity to maintain a steady flow of conversation with my family as she did. Before Skype, Facebook, texting and even emailing, my best option to contact my parents, besides a handwritten letter, was a phone call, which I would make every 10 days or so from a post office or phone booth (remember those?) on a street corner.

Laura, on the other hand, always had the opportunity to reach out to us every day. If I didn’t hear from her, I would always find some excuse to write her an email. She was particularly great about taking me on excursions with her. She would often write to tell me in vivid detail about a new shop in the historic neighborhood of Marais or a bistro she discovered while exploring a quaint cobblestone street. Or she would bring me with her to my favorite museums—the Musee Rodin and the Musee d’Orsay—where I spent many, many days writing papers.

Had we signed up for Gowalla or Foursquare—popular online social networks that allow you to literally track participating friends and family on a world map (both offer rewards, like coupons, for visiting certain places)—I would have been able to literally follow her everywhere.

While French lifestyle, traditions, and museums have remained nearly the same since my academic visit, many of the restaurants and stores that she found were new to me. I was able to create fresh memories with her from across the Atlantic without dropping a dime—well, maybe a little money here and there since she found way too many cute boutiques. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to fall in love with Paris all over again through my daughter.

xox,
M

P.S. This week we’ve dedicated our all our posts to Paris and the highlights—historic neighborhoods, unique shops and special exhibitions—of my daughter’s recent trip, as told by her. Check back tomorrow to learn more about what this great city has to offer!

Sounds simple, right? Still, I often read in the news about the importance of sitting down to dinner with your family. Have we become so busy, independent and disconnected that we need to be told to do this? Has the modern family—two working parents and technology-obsessed kids—made sharing meals together a thing of the past?

If you need another reminder to uphold (or reclaim) this great tradition, let me tell you why I love it. Cooking for my daughters has slowly evolved into cooking with my daughters—one of my favorite things to do. As early as age seven, my youngest, Laura, started whipping up her own dishes. Whenever we had guests over, she would always volunteer to make this special fruit salad. My husband, oldest daughter and I would look at each other and say, “Yummm, Laura, that’s great. Go ahead!” And she would proceed to cut up fresh fruit, douse it with apple sauce, and mix it up (pictured above). It was disgusting, but we all ate it with a smile and plenty of praise for the little chef.

Encouraging Laura to explore her passion has paid off: she is now an incredible cook. Just the other day, I came home late from work to the most enticing aroma. I had the urge to yell, “Honey, I’m home, what’s for dinner?” I knew my husband wasn’t cooking, so it was a nice surprise when I discovered Laura, who was home from college, in the kitchen standing before a stunning spread, including the Barefoot Contessa‘s eggplant hors d’oeuvre and Mario Batali’s short ribs. I was very proud to see that she, too, has a deep appreciation for taking care of her family through food.

Though dinner at home has changed with the times (I’ll admit an iPhone occasionally vibrates at our table), the sentiment of togetherness is still strong and shouldn’t be taken for granted. What may have started out as an essential maternal task has turned into this irreplaceable bonding experience that continues to grow with every home-cooked meal. Don’t miss out on this precious time that’s both satiating for the body and soul.

xox,
M

P.S. Continuing our chat about food, catch our conversation with Micheal McCarty, owner of the famous Michael’s restaurant in Manhattan and Santa Monica, as part of our column MY HEIRLOOM later this week. We’ll also post a delicious excerpt from the fabulous book Mastering Cheese (new from Clarkson Potter) in SEE IT THEIR WAY.

Walking through the rooms that chronicle six defining styles—the Heiress, Gibson Girl, Bohemian, Patriots and Suffragists, Flappers and Screen Sirens—between the 1890s and 1940s, you realize how much women and designers were influenced by their surroundings, such as art, paintings, politics, architecture, and more. Fashion is really a direct reflection of the times.

The first room, the Heiress, showcased beautiful ball gowns reminiscent of a party scene from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. The next room was dedicated to the Gibson Girl. This sporty woman, first depicted by artist Charles Dana Gibson at the turn of the 20th century, had an S-curve figure, tiny waist, and long-flowing hair swept up in a high loose bun. Though she didn’t actually exist, her presence and influence were felt everywhere, at the time, from fashion to home accessories to art.

While visiting London earlier this year, before the Met show opened in May, I found a fabulous vintage cigarette case engraved with a Gibson Girl’s famous face and voluptuous upper body. Though the antique dealer couldn’t tell me much about the piece’s history, I would guess it might have been custom-made for a particular woman during that era. Something about it struck me as very personal, which is why I brought it home with me to add to my collection.

Speaking of collectibles, there weren’t more than one or two items per room, but I noticed them all including the lamps in the Bohemian room, which were part of this antique Tiffany’s decor. The next themes were the Patriots and Suffragists followed by the Flappers. All I could think about in this room were how my long necklaces would look so good on these dresses. I just wanted to layer them on the mannequins!

The final room belonged to Screen Sirens, which was my favorite. The clothing and makeup worn by the actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age—including Mae West (picture left), Joan Crawford (pictured above), Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich—were so glamorous. Having seen all these classic old movies several times (TCM is a popular channel in my house), it was a treat to see these exquisite dresses in person.

All in all, the entire exhibition reinforced something I already knew: The most classic looks continue to come back over and over again. The Heiress’ choker necklace, the Gibson Girl’s cinched waist, and the Flapper’s long layers are all still great looks today.

We have so many talented designers creating such beautiful collections today that I can already imagine what trends from the 2000s will endure the test of time in 50 years.

xox,

M

P.S. To celebrate the Met exhibition, which runs through August 15th, our My eBay Today column, which features daily vintage finds on eBay, will correspond to each of the six styles mentioned above. Starting with the “Heiress” this week, all five of our picks will be either from or inspired by that era. Check back often for the next six weeks to be the first to nab the timeless look!

[Photography courtesy of Wikimedia]

While I generally prefer to wear more timeless and versatile pieces, there’s something about costume jewelry that can be so iconic. It can add just a bit of fun to any look. I almost always get compliments when I pair this beautiful, long vintage black, plastic necklace that I bought in London with my gold layered necklaces. On other occasions, I love to mix these very cool 1960s Lucite bangles that I found in Paris with my charm bracelet.

Since costume jewelry uses faux materials, designers have more freedom to get creative in a big, bold, and beautiful way. The sky’s the limit. Which is why I think it’s easy find really imaginative and fun pieces—bold beaded necklaces with bows to candy-colored gem-stones to sculptural plastic bangles—in this genre without having to worry about the price tag accompanying real diamonds or gold. It’s an affordable way to make a fashion statement. J. Crew, for example, has done a nice job of creating a sophisticated costume jewelry line that appeals to women of all ages.

The trick with costume jewelry is timing. There is a time and place to wear these bold accessories. Right now, it’s very much in style anywhere and everywhere. However, there will come a moment when you will have to put it away in your drawer for a little bit before bringing it out again sometime in the future. Today, my vintage pieces—a carved Bakelite bangle and black plastic necklace—are very cool and hip, but had I taken them out 15 years ago, I don’t know what the reaction might have been.

Mixing costume jewelry with your classic pieces is a good way to keep things interesting. Every so often, dig deep in your drawers, ladies, and be daring, be bold and have fun!

xox,
M

P.S. For costume jewelry shopping suggestions, catch Good Buy on Your Budget later this week. The column will feature several collectible vintages pieces in this genre (at various price points) for the next several months. First up, red glass necklaces.

My family knows that every Tuesday evening is my “American Idol” time. I’m not embarrassed to admit, I’ve been a fan since day one. I love it! I even vote.

It’s hard not to get attached to these talented strangers, who quickly become household names. But as Simon reminds us regularly in his British accent, “this is a singing competition.” While I agree that I may never have “met” any of these contestants if it weren’t for their vocal gift, it’s not the only reason why I (and millions of others) watch and vote. For several weeks, each singer’s voice and personal stories enter our homes through the TV. We get to know who they are, where they came from, and learn about their aspirations as well as disappointments. It’s truly an emotional roller coaster ride.

Earlier this year, 17-year-old Katie Stevens sang Etta James’ “At Last” to her grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. After the song, she explained to the judges how her grandmother, who helped raised her, has been so supportive of her dream. It meant the world to her to sing that song on the “American Idol” stage for her grandmother while she still recognized her. How fast did your heart melt after hearing that? I can’t imagine there was a single dry eye in the house. At least not in mine.

Another emotional moment came when 24-year-old Lee DeWyze (my favorite this season) visited his family in Chicago this March (watch the video here). The outpouring of love and support from his family and fans, left the “Idol” finalist feeling so overwhelmed and touched that he couldn’t fight back the tears. He got choked up as he entered the gymnasium full of cheering kids at his elementary school and when he was reunited with former coworkers from the paint store where he used to dream about singing. Then he performed Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” (the beloved song that his father had introduced him to and that helped inspired his passion). That’s when he finally broke down and cried as his parents mouthed the words to the song in the crowd. I’d swear I saw Simon shed a few tears as he watched the heartbreaking footage of the home visit.

Both “At Last” and “The Boxer” are two great examples of the power of song. You don’t need to be a singer to appreciate how powerful and symbolic music can be. When that song on the radio or iPod strikes a chord with you, it’s like magic. It perfectly explains how you are feeling, inspires you to act, or takes you back to a pivotal moment in time. For each of us, a song can be part of a personal journey or an inspiration for some goal we’ve set for ourselves.

And I think that is part of the pull of “American Idol.” It is no accident that the popular reality TV show continually explores old genres and artists. The producers know that these classic songs are close to many Americans’ hearts. It’s amazing to see a new generation re-interpret, connect and find inspiration in them. “American Idol” is really one of the most sentimental shows on TV.

xox,
M

P.S. This Wednesday night, “American Idol” will conclude it’s ninth season with a winner. No matter who that person is, the power of the song has been an important part of their journey and mine, as a devout fan.

Whether you’re seven or 70-years-old, your mind is constantly TiVoing precious moments all day long, more often than you eat a meal, check email, or change the channel. Every minute of your life, you are either exploring new or old memories or creating them from scratch, regardless of your age, gender, or nationality. Knowing this is what drives me to encourage people to take these nostalgic moments―whether it’s a baseball from a special little league game or photograph of an unforgettable family vacation―and incorporate them into  making their house a home.

While many of Bon Jovi’s “You Want to Make a Memory” lyrics focus on a particular topic (lost love), the underlying message is still universal. I’m convinced this song would strike a chord with anyone. Here are a few of my favorite lines from my unofficial theme song:

Hello again, it’s you and me
Kinda always like it used to be
Sippin’ wine, killing time
Trying to solve life’s mysteries.

You wanna make a memory?
I dug up this old photograph
Look at all that hair we had.

You wanna make a memory
You wanna steal a piece of time

Most recently, I found myself singing these lyrics aloud as I placed my tea pots on a table while setting up for the filming of a Monica Rich Kosann original video about my book, Living with What You Love. The film crew got such a kick out of it, which was another reminder that Bon Jovi’s poignant words really ring true for everyone. Or perhaps they just enjoyed my little impromptu concert?

xox,
Monica

P.S. Last week, one of my favorite print publications, Vanity Fair, unveiled it’s iPad application. Check back this week to read our conversation with one of the forces behind Conde Nast’s new digital venture in our column My Heirloom.

One of the best perks of my job is that I get to travel to post-card perfect places, like Italy, England, and France, for both work and inspiration. Last March, my husband and I visited Florence, a city that continues to flourish, as it’s name implies, with new and old traditions of great craftsmanship and artistry.

Florence is chockfull of creativity everywhere, from the Uffizi Museum and the Pitti Palace (both of which I’ve returned to often since my first visit as a college art student) to the family-owned trattorias and all the iconic fashion houses. Even walking down the cobblestoned side streets is a feast for your eyes with all those amazing buildings, which I adore right down to the ironwork on the windows and polished brass doorknobs.

Throughout the city, you’ll easily come across merchants and artisans who have been creating fine pieces for generations. Giulio Giannini is a leather and paper store located right across the street from the Pitti Palace. I visited this store many years ago and was recently invited to their private studio, where I sat on a stool (it must have been 100 years old) and looked out the window, past century-old wooden shutters, and found myself overlooking the sloping piazza where visitors gather before entering the 15th century royal residence (pictured above in this lithograh, circa 1890). I distinctly remember pinching myself. This is where the original Giannini family members have sat and found inspiration for the last 150 years. What artist would not feel inspired here?

Eating is also a form of art in Florence. As a foodie and artist, I feel completely at home. My absolute favorite restaurant in all of Florence is Giorgio’s. The local hotspot started out as a tiny tea house founded by the current owner’s father. You won’t find any tourists at Giorgio’s (it is not in the city center, but in the outskirts) unless a local divulges the location of this hidden gem, which may possibly have the best pastries in town (during the holidays, the lines weave around the block). Last time I was there, I helped a good friend nearly polish off an entire cake!

Speaking of dessert, how can you go to Italy and not have gelato. Rod and I thought we had tasted all the best shops in town until a Facebook fan kindly suggested we try Vivoli’s. We thought, ‘How much better could it possibly be?’ So we went to check it out and it was amazing! It was really different and delicious. Next time you’re in Italy, you must try it as well Giorgio’s and Mama Gina’s (another favorite restaurant), plus visit the inspiring museums and beautiful boutiques, and, finally, get lost wandering the charming historic side streets.

xox,

M

P.S. Learn more about my the above mentioned shops, restaurants and my other favorite places in this unique cultural, creative, and culinary city as part of Fine Art of Family‘s FLORENCE WEEK.

[Photograph courtesy of Photochrom print]

]]> http://www.mrkstyle.com/2010/05/inside-my-florence/feed/ 0 http://www.mrkstyle.com/2010/05/ode-to-grandmas/ http://www.mrkstyle.com/2010/05/ode-to-grandmas/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 02:00:49 +0000 cristina http://www.mrkstyle.com/?p=6062 MONICA'S BLOG Mother's Day, as you know, is about all mothers. If you were fortunate to grow up knowing several generations of mothers--from your mom to grandma to great-grandma--then you had the wonderful advantage to experience your heritage firsthand. My daughters are extremely lucky to not only have two, but three grandmothers, including my stepmother.]]> I never met my grandparents. They had either passed away before I was born or I was too young to remember them.  My daughters, on the other hand, are extremely lucky to not only have two, but three  grandmothers (the third being my stepmother). At one point, they even had a fourth (a great-grandmother), who they remember fondly for speaking her mind.

Mother’s Day, as you know, is about all mothers. If you were fortunate to grow up knowing several generations of mothers, then you had the wonderful advantage to experience your heritage firsthand, as my daughters have. With all three grandmas living so close, they were very present and active in my girls’ lives from birth. Getting involved so early on meant they had a heavy hand in helping guide and shape their lives. Now, looking at my daughters, I can clearly see their great influences, from my mother’s European culture and determination to my mother-in-law’s elegance and impeccable style.

I know grandmothers can occasionally make you a little crazy, but whenever I catch my girls rolling their  eyes and saying ‘Oh Grandma‘,  I remind to them just how lucky they are to have three women who care so much and are permanently on their side, especially when their parents seem to not be. As one anonymous quotation perfectly sums it up: “Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting.” (For more  original quotes on parenting check out “Thoughtful Thursdays” later this week.)

The added benefit of having three generations in one room is that my daughters get to observe my relationship with my own mother (that’s us when I was a child, pictured above). I realize that I have to set a good example for my kids, so I treat my mom the way I want my kids to treat me.

This May 9th, after you call your mom, take an extra moment to dial your grandma(s) and let her know how important she is to you. If your grandparents are no longer with us, then remember how much you learned from them or simply appreciate the fact that they helped set the ball in motion for your own life.

Happy Mother’s Day!!

xox,

M

P.S. To celebrate all moms, we’ve got a great lineup of stories―from an iconic American mom recipe to a special video about one mother’s reunion with a lost heirloom―this week. Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter to enter your name in the random drawing to win our Mother’ Day Giveaway. We’ll announce the winner on Sunday, May 9th.

That somebody was Facebook.

As you know, I’m pretty active on my official Monica Rich Kosann Facebook Fan page, posting up to three times a day. From a business perspective, there’s no-doubt it’s an incredible way to keep in touch with customers, clients, and readers. I’ve also enjoyed reconnecting with some people from my past. Once in a while I’ll get a special message from someone that just takes me back. Not long ago, a woman who I worked with at my first job out of college wrote me. I was so happy to hear from her and learn that she was married and had kids. It’s nice to know that good things happen to good people.

Still, I believe Facebook will never replace picking up the phone or sitting across the table from someone and connecting. Seeing, hearing, and being able to reach over and hug someone is so important. You don’t want to lose that personal touch. For now, Facebook is one-dimensional though I’m sure some genius is working to fix that.

Last week, I met a good friend, who isn’t tech savvy, for lunch. We took turns filling each other in on what’s going on in our lives. We were honest, uncensored, emotional, and personal. We talked about the kind of stuff (in detail!) you don’t usually read on Facebook, which tends to be much more controlled nuggets of edited information. You’ll never get the whole story or the intended delivery and tone on someone’s wall as you would while sipping coffee with friends. Blogging, twittering, and texting are no different. I don’t get how my daughters can have a whole discussion with their boyfriends over text. So much is lost in transmission!

With that in mind, I’m curious to meet you in person and hope you’re interested, too. This week I have three book signings scheduled for my new book, Living with What You Love.  I hope you can make it out to one of these events!

*April 29th at  Design Solutions in New Canaan, CT, 6 PM to 8 PM

*May 1st & 2nd at Bergdorf Goodman (7th floor) in New York City,  2 PM to 4 PM. We’re currently featured in one of their wonderful 5th Avenue windows (see the above photo).

xox,
M

P.S. If you’re already on the hunt for Mother’s Day gift ideas, I encourage you to check back later this week when we reveal our top three websites for creating a beautiful and personal photo album (perfect for Mom). Also, we plan to post a few gorgeous jewelry stories, including a stunning slideshow, you will love.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, let me tell you, having a good idea is the easiest part, especially if you have spent some time putting your vision into practice, as I did. I’m pleased to say my new book, Living with What You Love, is 20 years in the making. That’s how long I’ve been helping people make their house a home by creating personal, meaningful spaces they can enjoy every day. Though it’s not my first book (I’ve done three others about my photography), Living with What You Love was truly a labor of love that was well-worth the wait and hard work.

As you know, books don’t happen overnight. First, you have to find the right book agent, then write (and rewrite) a proposal, convince a publisher that your book is needed, do several in-person presentations for your publisher, and finally, work with a team of creative people, including a writer if you need one (I did and he was fantastic), to make your idea come to life. I was very lucky to find a wonderful publisher, Clarkson Potter (a division of Random House) with an amazing staff that made the long process an experience to remember.

Like with all major projects, I had to make some tough calls, including not photographing my own book. As a portrait photographer, I love to capture people, not objects. So I had to find someone who was not only great at interior shots, but also agreed with my philosophy about photography. Every image had to be shot using natural light and nothing could ever be staged, which is why you’ll never hear me shout “smile for the camera!” After some serious searching, I found a guy who was technical and a perfectionist, and most importantly, he shared my attitude about taking pictures.

Since I couldn’t stand behind the lens, I settled for behind my photographer’s shoulder, which probably drove him crazy. I had to make sure he truly captured my intentions for Living with What You Love: To celebrate and share how real people have integrated their most treasured objects with their home décor.

Because the people we featured in Living with What You Love were clients, friends, or interior designers who I admire professionally, it was easy to go to their homes (they kindly welcomed me with open arms!) and take photos of how their collections, heirlooms, photography or whatever help tell a personal story within their family space or on a wall or a side table. Getting a good mix of different homes—from modern to cluttered to romantic—was time-consuming, but also key in regards to appealing to everyone, which I hope this book does.

For all the blood, sweat, and thankfully no tears (well, maybe a few) I put into this book, I have to say when I saw the final product, I got chills. I really love it. Clarkson Potter and its talented staff, plus my writer, who made sense of all my ramblings, did an incredible job. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so proud of it and grateful for the people who helped and encouraged me along the way. Still, I can’t believe the book is finally done. And as of April 20th, Living with What You Love will be out there for all of you to enjoy, so you can start living with your best memories and most cherished possessions as soon as possible.

Can’t wait to hear what you think! In the meantime, I guess I better start working on the next one…

xox,

M

P.S. To celebrate the release of my new book, we’ve got a special lineup planned for you this week, including an MRK original video about Living with What You Love as well as a unique Q&A with Sally Singer, the Fashion News/Features Director of Vogue, who I recently photographed in her home, plus much, much more!