Or et Rosé

Feasting at the Plaza Food Hall

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:59:21 -0400

A few weeks ago I had the chance to see the architect behind one of my favorite New York spots, the Plaza Food Hall, speak about the past and ongoing process of its design. Jeffrey Beers, a veteran of the hospitality design industry, and Kristin Franzese, EVP of The Plaza’s retail operations, began working on the idea four years ago, conceiving a design vision for a European-style food hall that would serve a variety of culinary options.

Starting out in 2010 with a variety of cuisine samplings from renowned chef, Todd English, the food hall eventually expanded to its current 32,000 square foot space last year, branching out to include a larger variety of high-end vendors such as Sushi by Gari, Lady M, Maison du Chocolat, Billy’s Bakery and more.

A big challenge for Beers, was designing a cohesive space that still left room for each vendor to customize their areas. To do this he focused on repeated motifs, such as circles — seen on the ceilings, the floors, the light fixtures, etc. — inspired by forms he’d seen in the Plaza Hotel. He also standardized the cabinetry and shelving.

Taking inspiration from the idea of a town square or piazza, Beers lined the entrance with greenery to give it the feeling of an outdoor space. He installed faux skylights to keep the basement level light and airy. He also strategically placed all of the dessert vendors close to the entrance, so that the delicious smells of cakes and chocolates flood your senses as you come down the escalator.

If you have a chance, stop in and sample some of the amazing food being served in this New York City landmark. I know every time I’m in the area I stop in to grab one of my absolute favorite treats, a slice of the strawberry shortcake from Lady M.

Photo Sources: All from Hotel F&B, Strawberry Shortcake photo, Lady M

Check out the Plaza Food Hall’s website here.

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"C'mon Dover, move your bloomin' arse!"

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:25:00 -0400

As an interior designer, I am constantly inspired by fashion. Just like your home is a reflection of who you are, fashion is a reflection of you — except you get to change it everyday!! When I was a little girl, my favorite movie was My Fair Lady and like many other girls Audrey Hepburn has always been a style icon for me. The vision of her as Eliza Doolittle at the Ascot racecourse in her spectacular black-and-white hat and gorgeous gown was really my first introduction to the world of high fashion and the culture of horse racing.

As the Kentucky Derby approaches this weekend, there’s no better place to see all sorts of fashion than at the Derby and the parties — it’s a sporting event and a fashion show all in one! Dressing for “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports” is something that I have really had fun with and last week I filmed a segment with NBC and Linda Pagan, proprietress of The Hat Shop, on how I selected my hat and picked my outfits for the Kentucky Derby party this year. Click here to see the video segment and read a brief history about hats at the Derby. To my friends shopping for a hat this week, I would suggest taking a simple dress you already own and spend your time and money on a fabulous hat! Personally, I pick a classic style with lots of details, and stick to neutral colors so it’s very easy for me to match my hat with something I already have in my closet. And I always visit Linda for the perfect chapeau at her shop on Thompson Street in SoHo.

A big thank you to Linda Pagan at The Hat Shop, Elisabeth Ladzinski, Emily Feldman and Corey Crago at NBC for including me!

Some behind the scenes photos:

Photo sources: top - christopherriordan.com, middle - NBC, bottom two - Michelle Lin Greenip

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Parisian Flair in NYC: The Nomad

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:50:00 -0400

You may remember that I previously declared my appreciation for designer Jacques Garcia after visiting the La Mamounia Hotel in Marrakech — well my love affair continues with the Nomad Hotel, right here in New York City. Housed in a historic Beaux-Arts building with the original bay windows and a glass-ceilinged atrium, this hotel is the perfect mix of Garcia’s signature Parisian design with touches of classic American style. The rooms are light and airy — with clusters of framed pictures, perfectly aged leather chairs and the prettiest claw-foot bathtubs you’ve ever seen. The aesthetic is inspired by a photograph of an apartment Garcia lived in in his 20s. The dining room and bar are dark and romantic, slathered in lush red velvets with guilded, gold accents. The bar library has floor-to-ceiling book shelves featuring a winding staircase imported from southern France, making the gorgeous space even more interesting. One of the coolest details is the 200-year-old fireplace also sourced from France. Garcia’s interiors at the Nomad manage to be modern, yet classic — paring the ideals of Parisian design down to their simplest roots and creating a timeless manifestation of luxury.

Their print collateral designed by Alizée Freudenthal is also designed beautifully.

Source: Top photo by MLG, others from Sydell Group, Cool Hunting, Alizée Freudenthal, and NYTimes

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Eye On: Au Jour Le Jour

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:48:15 -0400

While in Dublin recently, I noticed mentions in some magazines of a relatively new Italian brand, Au Jour Le Jour. Started by Mirko Fontana and Diego Marquez, two cool young designers with a background in fashion PR. Au Jour Le Jour means from day to day, which is quite a perfect way to describe the casual cool of the clothes. I love the Pre-Spring 2013 collection’s prints, collars and skater skirts — can’t wait until it’s finally warm enough here in New York.

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Photos from Vogue Italia, check out the rest of the collection here.

La Mirande

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:53:00 -0400

At the foot of the Papal Palace in Avignon, you’ll find La Mirande, an exquisitely decorated hotel set in a 14th-century Cardinal’s palace. About twenty years ago, this historical building was restored and refinished in the fashion of an 18th-century aristocratic residence with all the luxuries of a modern hotel. As a person who has a serious obsession with interiors — especially of the French variety — the fabrics and wallcoverings at La Mirande absolutely took my breath away. Together, the furnishings, marble staircases, tapestries, and inner courtyard evoke the look and feel of the upscale chateaus of centuries past. One of my favorite things was the outdoor terrace garden, where every afternoon tea is served along with a variety of stunning organic French pastries, fresh from the Michelin-starred chef of the hotel. And let’s not forget the enviable wine list at the gastronomic restaurant showcasing a comprehensive selection of wines from nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If I could live here — I would, but for now I suppose I’ll just count myself lucky to have stayed there twice. Lots of pictures below:

Photos by Michelle Lin Greenip

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Shopping for a Cause, Merci!

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:05:00 -0400

Last month in Paris, we had a chance to stop by the French concept shop, Merci. In 16,000 square feet, this three-story space has everything, from clothing (think Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant, Carven), books, furniture and home accessories, to multiple cafes, and a garden. All of this is housed in a beautiful 18th century building, rich with enviable architecture and several stunning skylights. The owners, Bernard and Marie-France Cohen, previously created Bonpoint, one of my favorite children’s brands. And wait, it gets even better — the Cohens donate 100% of the profits to a women’s charity in Madagascar. Check out some of my photos of this lovely store below.

Merci, 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais 75003 Paris

The Annick Goutal Fragrance Fountain

Photos by MLG

Charlotte Moss Collection

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:48:00 -0500

Photo source: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Tomorrow, Doyle New York will be auctioning from Charlotte Moss’ collection of furniture, art and decoration. I thought this would be the perfect time to share this story:

Seven years ago when visiting the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse, I walked into this blue and white bedroom designed by iconic interior designer Charlotte Moss and was inspired…inspired to take my career from corporate marketing into the world of design. With the floating canopy bed, the luxurious curtains, the use of hanging lanterns, the unexpected ottoman as a side table - she created an atmosphere so serene, romantic and luxurious that it left an impression that has stayed with me for quite some time. I was so inspired by this experience I signed up for a class at the New York School of Interior Design that fall.

A few years later, soon after I had made the leap into design, I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Moss at a party she hosted in her exquisitely decorated Upper East Side brownstone. I summoned up all my courage to introduce myself and told her how she inspired me to pursue a career in interior design. She was delighted and asked for my contact information. A few days later I received a package with signed copies of all her books: “To Michelle - decorate with flair and always have a flair for living.” It was a gesture so thoughtful, generous and gracious; I was completely blown away. These books are a cherished part of my design library. Thank you Ms. Moss!

Here are some of my favorite items being auctioned tomorrow:

Set of De Gournay Hand-Painted Indian Tea Paper Wallpaper Panels

Pair of French Oak Doors

Louis XVI Style Painted Gilt Child’s Bed

Pair of Painted Metal and Glass Hanging Lanterns

Pair of French Porcelain Vases

Pair of Rococo Style Grey Consoles

Pair of Green Painted Wood Brackets

Michael Devine Custom Printed Linen Fabric Draperies

Photo source: Doyle New York

eye on: oversized coats at Carven

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 11:11:00 -0500

All images from style.com

Bijoux Haute Fantaisie

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:37:13 -0500

I’ve just returned from a girls trip to Paris with my dear friend Megan, a jewelry designer who owns a shop in Boston’s South End with her sister, Moria. While in Paris, I accompanied her to the showroom of Les Néréides in Le Marais to check out a new line of jewelry they’re considering for the Spring. Of course, what immediately stood out to me was the store’s decor. It’s open and airy with a lofty feel. The lower level hosts the showroom, while the main floor houses the boutique. When designing the space, they actually cut into the floor of the main level to allow natural light from the massive skylight to also saturate the showroom below. Vintage perfume bottles, books and furniture are scattered amongst the displays and lovely pendant lamps hang from the ceilings.

The jewelry itself is highly imaginative. There is a playfulness to the pieces — painted ballerinas hanging from a chain, rings hidden inside rings, bees on honeycomb necklaces, birds feeding their baby’s nests on earrings — that feels very unique.

Check out Les Néréides here. Check out Megan’s store here.

Here, you can see how the light from the skylight permeates the showroom below.

All photos by MLG.

Spring/Summer 2013

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:36:44 -0500

This whole blizzard mess has really left me dreaming about spring, and what better way to cope than to highlight some of my favorite looks from the 2013 spring collections?

Leather & Pearls at Chanel

How chic is this gold, lace trench at Burberry Prorsum?

Blazing shades of red at Carven

All things denim at Miu Miu

A perfect summer dress at Isabel Marant

Super chic at Céline

Colorful menswear at Elizabeth and James

A frothy little number at Chloé

Magical cocktail dresses at Lanvin

Dreamy florals at Cacharel

{All images from Style.com}

The World of Astier de Villatte

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:38:00 -0500

I wanted to write a quick blurb about the loveliest little shop on rue Saint-Honoré in Paris — Astier de Villatte. This amazing store carries handmade ceramics, crafted in Paris out of black terracotta and then glazed into a final, milky white perfection. The forms of the pieces are inspired by designs from the 18th and 19th century, and yet there’s something very modern about them, don’t you think? I love the one-of-a-kind aspect of handmade pieces — it really makes you feel like you’re getting something special.

And as if the ceramics weren’t enough, they also make their own candles, perfumes, notebooks and more.

Can’t wait to stop by the shop again to see their treasures when I’m in Paris next week!

Astier de Villatte - 173, Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris

Adirondack Style

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:33:47 -0500

December has arrived and there’s a definite chill in the air here in New York as the winter season quickly approaches. Each year it’s the same, my brain begins instinctually to focus on all things warm, comfy and cozy — big sweaters, soft blankets and crackling fireplaces. It reminded me of my trip to the Lake Placid Lodge a few months ago, which is lovely any time of year, but has that perfect, rustic ambiance you’d want to hibernate in all winter. Constructed in the Arts & Crafts style with heavy stone and wooden beams, the lodge and private cabins are situated with perfect views of the lake. Bed frames are made of twirling tree branches and outfitted with colorful printed linens. Majestic moose heads hang over hearths where one can sit and drink hot chocolate in a perfectly worn leather chair. Much of the furniture is handmade by local artisans and Adirondack stone masons laid all fifty of the fireplaces stone by stone. There’s no need to leave the property as the cuisine at the Artisans Restaurant was divine. We even had an afternoon of fun in the Teaching Kitchen with their fabulous sous-chef Sarah Steffan. Check out some of my pictures from the trip below.

Private dining room in the wine cellar

Chest of drawers made of corks!

handmade sewing kit

Photos by MLG.

H&M X MMM

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 12:07:00 -0500

If you follow fashion news you probably already know that this Thursday marks the release of the Maison Martin Margiela capsule collection for H&M. Set to bring the avant-garde aesthetic of Margiela to the masses, this collection of more than 100 pieces features edited and re-issued designs from the designer’s archive — a nod toward the history of the acclaimed Belgian fashion house. Personally, I’ve always had a special love for Margiela’s pieces because of their sculptural qualities. The way he tailors the shoulders of a jacket, or incorporates a mundane, everyday object into an entirely new silhouette is so incredible! There are many different kinds of fashion design, many of which are much more applicable in everyday life, but Margiela’s pieces have a function entirely their own — as wearable art. For fashion devotees, this is an amazing opportunity to snap up a piece or two by the designer for a fraction of the usual cost, so I won’t be surprised to find people lining up bright and early to make sure they’re the first ones inside. Here are a few photos of my favorite pieces from the collection, available November 15th:

Duvet Coat, $349

Draped Red Dress, $199

Horizontal Dress, $199 & Glove Clutch, $149

Silk Top, $149 & Silk Skirt, $129

Learn more: Maison Martin Margiela x H&M and Maison Martin Margiela

(image source: fashionologie)

de Gournay opens in nyc

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:56:56 -0400

To fully illustrate my love for de Gournay I must mention our last trip to London. Two years ago, we took the red-eye there, checked into our hotel in Mayfair and I immediately dragged my husband in search of this very special showroom which I insisted he too would love. With only a day and half in London, there was no time to waste. When I tell you that I dragged him, I’m not exaggerating. On our walk there, we stopped in a home decor store where he actually fell asleep while standing. When we finally found our way, as I had promised, he was blown away by the exquisite hand-painted wall coverings. You can imagine my excitement when I found out that de Gournay was opening its first outpost here in New York.

At an intimate bloggers’ reception held at the new showroom last Thursday, I got a chance to chat with Hannah Cecil Gurney, daughter of the founder Claud Cecil Gurney. Encouraged by her father to first gain a solid background in accounting, she spent several years at Price Waterhouse Coopers before entering her family business last year. Her father too had been an accountant before he founded the company 26 years ago after an unsuccessful search of artisans to restore antique Chinoiserie wallpaper in his home. Since then, de Gournay’s products have expanded to include hand-painted porcelain and fabrics, and hand-carved and -gilded furniture. Their wallpapers are hand-painted on silk in China, taking the artists anywhere between 36 to 50 plus hours to paint each panel. The majority of their work is customized and they’ve added the Japanese & Korean and Eclectic Collections for more contemporary interiors. Hannah’s excitement and passion were infectious as she told me about some of the custom projects they’ve worked on. For fashion designer Matthew Williamson, they created a custom color-way of their Chinoiserie wallpaper for his London flagship store. Since the papers were painted on silk, Mr. Williamson was able to fasten decorative pins to the beaks of the birds. How gorgeous is that? See below for photos of the new showroom and the Matthew Williamson shop.

De Gournay opens today to the trade at 243 East 59th Street.

Matthew Williamson flagship store in London - photo courtesy of de Gournay

NYC showroom photos by mlg

calling all prepsters

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:39:13 -0400

It’s a rare occasion when I am at a party more interested in what the fellas are wearing than what the ladies have on. This was the case at FIT’s “Ivy Style” exhibit opening last Friday where men came to the reception in bow-ties and boater hats. Curated by the museum’s deputy director, Patricia Mears, the exhibit focuses on menswear from the 1920’s to present. Madras sports coats, tweed jackets, khakis, oxfords, loafers and formal wear were displayed against various campus settings from college life. All the while, Columbia’s male a cappella group singing really completed the scene. Hello prep school days!

Ivy Style - on view until Jan 5th at the Museum at FIT.

"or et rose" or "rose et or"

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:36:19 -0400

When I was a little girl, I was a pink kind of girl, loooved pink. I wanted to be into green or blue…they seemed way cooler then…but as much as I liked those colors they just weren’t the same for me. As a grown-up you’d think that I’d be over pink, but the little girl in me stays true to all pinks, from the palest blush to the brightest magenta. Through my travels in Europe I’ve also developed a love for anything gilded. Now, pink and gilding are not an everyday sort of thing but when I was brainstorming my blog name, I thought, “Why not?”. Hence the name “Or et Rosé”. My website designer reminded me that “rosé” really refers to the wine but as a wine lover, I liked that it referenced my favorite summer wine.

When we were in southern France last month, our friends ordered a lovely bottle of Château Minuty rosé. And when they brought it out, I discovered it was actually called “Rose et Or” - who would have thought! Santé!

Photo by MLG

majorelle blue

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:08:58 -0400

The blistering heat in New York these past few days reminded me to write about the bits of coolness and shade we found when we visited Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech. Jardin Majorelle is a botanical garden created in the 1920’s by Jacques Majorelle, a French painter and son of the famous Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle. Majorelle arrived in Marrakech in 1917 for health reasons and there, he created his home and greatest masterpiece - a 12-acres tropical oasis with giant cactuses, bamboo, coconut palms, banana trees, lily-ponds, pools and fountains. He used bright bold colors throughout the garden - on clay pots, walkways and pergolas. The vivid cobalt blue that he used on the exterior walls of the buildings have now become known as “Majorelle blue”. In 1980, French couturier Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge bought and restored the house and gardens. They lived in the artist’s home, which they called the Villa Oasis, until Saint Laurent’s death in 2008; his ashes were spread in the rose garden.

Majorelle’s former painting studio is now home to the Berber Museum, the first museum in Morocco dedicated to Berber objects showcasing a selection of jewelry, leather, textiles, costumes and other cultural items. Behind the Berber museum is a small gallery showcasing the New Year’s greeting cards that Yves Saint Laurent designed and sent to his friends and clients each year.

Jardin Majorelle, Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech, Maroc

Yves Saint Laurent’s Love

Photos by mlg

thé menthe maroc

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:31:00 -0400

As an avid tea drinker, I was delighted to have a cup of Moroccan mint tea with every meal during our stay in Marrakech. We took a day trip to the Atlas Mountains and had a chance to visit and sip mint tea with a Berber family in their home. I was amazed to see how the rooms and hallways were open to the sky, and even more amazed when we turned a corner and saw a cow in their house! Our guide told us that it is customary for each family to keep a cow or two for fresh milk. If there were no cows you would find goats or sheep instead. The madame of the house prepared the mint tea for us with the freshest and most fragrant mint and enough sugar for a month. The mint tea is often referred to as Moroccan whisky. Our tea was served alongside freshly made bread with homemade herbed butter, olive oil and honey.

the hamman

water vessels made of old tires

their cow!

Making the mint tea

She starts to pour the tea from afar to create a thick layer of foam. Our guide told us that it was not unheard of to turn away a cup of tea without enough foam.

photos by mlg

the little black jacket

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:45:39 -0400

You could probably tell from my prior posts, I have a love for anything Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld related. Last week, I was invited to the preview party for Karl Lagerfeld’s exhibition for “The Little Black Jacket” but sadly could not attend as we were out of town. I finally had a chance yesterday to see the exhibit, which features photographs by Mr. Lagerfeld. The photographs together show the endless versatility of the iconic black Chanel jacket. Mr. Lagerfeld photographed 109 celebrities for the book which will be available this fall. For those of you who haven’t gone to see it yet, catch it today before it closes at 18 Wooster Street. If you can’t make it in NYC, be sure to check their site for the travel schedule and e-experience (note to my cousins - next stop is Taipei!). Also, don’t miss the incredible behind-the-scenes video of how the jacket was made.

Later, more on Marrakech!

the book

anna!

posters to take home as souvenirs

bonjour maroc!

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:31:14 -0400

Marrakech went to the top of my travel wish list when I first read about the redesign of the famous La Mamounia hotel by Parisian interior designer Jacques Garcia in 2009. I was first introduced to Garcia’s design style when visiting Hôtel Costes in Paris several years ago and I immediately became a huge fan - enamored with his use of luxurious textiles, deep moody colors and extravagant finishes. We finally made it to Marrakech last month and I could have walked around the hotel all day just admiring his work - so clearly Garcia’s signature style and yet so true to Mamounia’s Moorish heritage.