Another on the North Fork

I've only met Amanda Brooks once but she's one of those people you feel like you know since they are such a part of life in New York. She recently announced that she and her family will be moving from the city to live in England for a year.  There is much speculation about how this urban fashionista will fare in the English countryside and you can read the whole story in The New York Times here. We'll all be able to follow along on her adventures since she's picked up on her blog I Love Your Style where she left off before going off to work for Barneys.  On it, she posted some photos of her own house on the North Fork of Long Island.  The style is much different than that of the house I posted yesterday but I also like it too.  It reminds me of something you'd see in Europe with a living room that looks collected rather than decorated.  As she says in her post, it's a place where you don't have to worry about sandy feet and wet bathing suits. I have a feeling that her English house will be a place where you don't have to worry about muddy boots or wet coats and I can't wait to see it on her blog. 

Photos by Amanda Brooks

Herrera in the Hamptons

Summer in New York is all about getting out of town.  Patricia Herrera Lansing and her family head out to a lovely Guy Lowell designed house from 1914. Technically, it's not the Hamptons but "Herrera on the North Shore" didn't quite have the same ring. It was featured in Elle Decor in October 2010 and is also in my files for my future house on Long Island. 

The sofas are from Mecox Gardens, my favorite place to shop in the Hamptons. 

I always think even summer houses need one dark room for watching television or movies on a rainy day. The photo is by Roe Ethridge.

The master bedroom with linens by Matouk. 

Daughter Carolina's sweet bedroom. 

The sunroom features Crate & Barrel sofas and Lulu DK fabric tablecloth. 

Patricia Herrera Lansing and her sister Carolina Herrera Baez and children.

I always associate hydrangea with the Hamptons, and the now the North Fork in this case. 

Photos by Roger Davies

Cool on the Cape

Memorial Day is supposed to be a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In reality, it's become the unofficial start of summer and beach season. I loved visiting Cape Cod when I lived in Boston so I felt a pang of nostalgia when I saw John Derian's Provincetown house in on Bon Appetit magazine. It's such a lovely simple home full of friends, fun, and food.  If you look close, you may even see Chance designer Julia Leach who I wrote about last week.   

Happy Summer!

Photos by Cedric Angeles

Going to California

"Made up my mind to make a new start,

going to California with an aching in my heart.

Someone told me there's a girl there 

with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair."

- Led Zeppelin

I can't believe this is only the second season for Chance.  It just feels like it's been around forever.  After popping up on Elizabeth Street last summer, they've moved on up to the east side to reside in Barneys in New York for the summer as well as in Barneys in Beverly Hills. The first collection took its cues from France and felt a little European.  The second season has Chance taking a trip to California.  Founder and creative director Julia Leach is always traveling back and forth to the Golden State so it makes perfect sense that it would inspire her. 

Julia is always inspiring me as well.  I love that in a sea of get famous as fast as you can people and brands, she continues to grow Chance slowly and thoughtfully. Eventually there will be a men's collection and cashmere but only when the time is right. And right now, it's time to enjoy Chance in Barneys.  The pop up will remain on the 8th floor of Co-op for about three weeks when it will be moved to a regular display.  

Happy Shopping!

In addition to the classic striped tees for which Chance is famous, you can also pick up beach towels and bags. The bags feature the symbol for water in a choice of three colors and come with a little towel.  Perfect for a day at the beach. 

Julia and I both hate having our picture taken but I made her do it!  

A new light turquoise shade inspired by California. Julia will actually be at the Beverly Hills Barneys store on June 2nd from 2:00-4:00pm on the third floor.  If you are in the area, definitely stop by and say hello and see the new collection. 

If you haven't already watched the Chance video shot by Andrew Paynter in Palm Springs, you can check it out here. Just be warned that the model's long legs are envy inducing! 

The plush beach towels are available in five colors and words: blue Saturday, aqua Poolside, green Paradise, sand Seashore, and navy Reserved. 

These make me wish I still wore shorts,

Mini stripes on the long sleeve polo. 

Julia's inspiration in also on display. 

I'm loving the new green stripes. 

I also apologize for the yellow tint to some of the photos.  I took my tiny point and click instead of my Canon D5 and this is the result of the florescent lighting. 

Julia also collaborated with her friend and artist Elliott Puckette on a hand drawn stripe. 

A close up of the "Elliott Stripe" which comes in blue, pink, and soft black. 

This makes me wish I was at the beach instead of grey and gloomy New York. 

There are even some long dresses in the collection. 

Take a Chance!

First and last images by Andrew Paynter and courtesy of Chance. 

All others by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic