Posts tagged ‘newport ri shopping’
Pierre Cardin: A Gala Celebration in Newport
On Saturday, June 17, Newport was graced with a one of kind event celebrating famed fashion designer, Pierre Cardin. The 94-year-old impresario personally curated a collection of more than 80 pieces showcasing his 70-year career that graced the runway at The Breakers, the famed “summer cottage” of the Vanderbilt family—a legendary venue for a legendary talent. Regrettably, Monsieur Cardin was not well enough to make the trip, but the show went on and his nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati, and his head of haute couture, Maryse Gaspard, were on hand to share M. Cardin’s best wishes to the audience of 250.
I was able to spend the afternoon with Rodrigo and Maryse as well as Matthew Gonder, the headliner at Cardin’s Maxim’s restaurant in Paris and the event’s emcee. Also joining us was Richard Raczynski and Dominique Raczynski from the House of Cardin (like Maryse, the couple have been with the designer for decades). We discussed Cardin’s prolific career, his broad spectrum of design inspiration (everything from vintage cars to the moon landing to science and technology has motivated him) and his penchant for always creating on his terms. Cardin took orders from nobody it seems, and while eschewing design trends and even sometimes considered a wild card (he had the audacity to introduce a ready to wear collection in 1959 as he felt designer clothes should be more accessible), the industry that once criticized him eventually honored designer with many prestigious award, chief among them the trio of Golden Thimbles (fashion’s answer to the Academy Awards).
As we walked through the leave-behind exhibit at Rosecliff, “Pierre Cardin: 70 Years of 
Innovation,” I learned more about the designer, who was the son of Italian immigrants and raised in St. Etienne, France. By 17, he was a tailor and moved to Paris. Soon he became an assistant to none other than Christian Dior and after three years, launched his own line. Earlier in his career he made costumes for Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film la Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast), and later in his career created his own theater in Paris, l’Espace (and eventually, bought Maxim’s). The exhibit, a celebration of Cardin’s bold, avant-garde and forward thinking approach, features 42 pieces including 1960s space-age looks from the Cosmocorps collection, unisex jumpsuits created for the 1972 Olympics, and the technologically advanced Cardine dress, made of thermo-formed fabric that was worn by Lauren Bacall in 1968. It will be on display at Rosecliff through the end of the year.
We were lucky enough to be connected by phone to Cardin, who expressed his deep regret for not being able to attend the Newport gala. Our small gathering of media then engaged in a question and answer session which led to thoughtful discussion on the exhibit, the show, and Cardin’s legacy. Without further ado, here’s a smattering of images from the event:
Photos: JP Yim/Getty Images for the Preservation Society of Newport County
5 Fantastic “Wear Right Now” Pieces from J. McLaughlin (including my favorite) – And All On Sale
I knew it as soon as I saw it: the Betts Dress from J. McLaughlin would be the perfect winter staple. Classic A-line silhouette, knee-length and long sleeved—it was altogether elegant but with an eye-catching vegan leather collar and gold buttons complemented by sleek side welt pockets. It’s so very Claire Underwood. I wore it on this
episode of The Rhode Show and featured it on this episode. And the reason there’s not a link to the dress on this post is because it’s not even available online any longer. There’s some good news for Newport locals though- there are a few left in various sizes at the Newport J. McLaughlin on Bellevue, and marked nearly 50% off at $109.)
So the Winter Sale at JMcL is in full swing with 50% off hundreds of pieces. Four of my other favs right now:
The Elm Skirt ( pictured a top)is a textured jacquard pencil skirt with rich pattern of red, black and gray on winter white. Flattering and fabulous, the skirt is a statement piece that pairs best with a simple solid (likely already in your wardrobe) and is built to last. Originally $189, now $89.90.
Lila Wrap Dress
Not even DVF knew when she invented the wrap dress, the style would be one of the most enduring in women’s fashion. The Lila Wrap Dress in Pop Arcadia (this one: black and off-white) features a v-neckline with point collar, ¾ length sleeves, self-tie belt in reverse color pattern, and most of all, is made from J. McLaughlin’s signature (and super comfy) Catalina Cloth. Though part of the fall collection, this can easily be worn any time of year. Was $225, now $109.90.
I love pieces you can wear the whole year through. They’re more practical and offer much more bang for the buck. Stripes and Newport go together like peas and carrots (viva la Forrest and Jen-nay!). The Campus Sweater in wide stripes of taupe and off white is as perfect for now as it will be on a crisp summer night. Was $198, now $89.90.
The Casey Dress in Mayan Paisley (below) is brilliantly designed to be super flattering. The top half features an angular pattern that skews to the smallest part of the natural waist, while the bottom half sports an art deco-esque pattern that is timeless. Another piece made with JMcL’s Catalina Cloth (and with hidden pockets), this dress is a traveler’s dream. Was $225, now $109.90.
J. McLaughlin in Newport is located at 180 Bellevue Avenue. Happy shopping!
12+ Thoughtful Hostess Gifts with a Local Twist as seen on The Rhode Show
click to watch the segment!
“Good manners reflect something from inside-an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.” ― Emily Post
In this season of giving, good manners mean recognizing the host and hostess of your gatherings with a sincere token of thanks. Channel you inner Emily Post and always play by the rules of civility with this locally made and locally sold gifts.
From Lou Lou’s Décor, Newport:
Jute Newport tote by Apolis (more info HERE)
From Soap & Water Newport on Bowen’s Wharf
Birchwood Pine Classic Candle & Diffuser Set from Nest Fragrances featuring two of Nest’s signature products in an iconic seasonal scent. Use the reed diffuser to scent your space or brighten the room with the classic candle.
The Pumpkin Chai classic candle by Nest Fragrances creates a cozy autumn ambiance with a blend of wild pumpkin, spicy Masala chai, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon.
Molton Brown 5-piece travel set (airplane-approved size) featuring body wash, shampoo, body lotion, body polisher and hand cream
Pom pom fleece sock slippers by Ugg
Elegant throw
From Isherwood & Company on Bowen’s Wharf:
Handcrafted cheese board and cheeseboard/trivet set made by Howard Burbank of Westport
Seas the Wine wine tote by Mona B fitted with FitVine wine (has 1/3 calories and carbs of comparable wines and 1/3 of the sulfites — read my review HERE)
Nautical napkin rings by Vilmain (made in the USA)
Urban Agriculture CO. organic herb growing kit as featured in Oprah’s 2016 Gift Guide as Product of the Year
Note Cards and thank you cards by Wildes of Port Press:
Off the Ropes: Meet Sailormade
Nautical style and Newport go hand in hand, so when I was first introduced to Sailormade, a nautical accessory line inspired by life in, on, and around the water, I knew it would be a perfect fit in the City by the Sea. Originally launched in 2011, Sailormade is now headquartered in Boston and the entire line of leather and nautical rope bracelets and leather belts for men and women are made in the USA. As the founders say:
Wearing Sailormade’s Cargo belt featuring the authentic No.2 snap hook.
“The essence of Sailormade is our collective connection to the water… Whether you’re into SUP, kite boarding, sailing, kayaking, swimming or just sitting on the beach staring out at the sea, you know water is part of your DNA. It’s the place that takes you exactly as you are but always leaves you somehow changed…for the better.”
The Brummel Hook clasp is the cornerstone of all Sailormade bracelet designs. Also known as the Inglefield Clip and the Sister Hook, the design dates back to the early 1890s and has been traditionally used to secure lines, sheets and signal flag halyards so that the flag can be hoisted. Sailormade’s Brummel Hook clasps come in solid brass, dark or powder Rhodium, rose gold, or stainless silver finish.
Sailormade’s leather bracelets are each carefully hand-braided while the nylon bracelets can withstand the harshest elements. I’ve been asked repeatedly about The Endeavor single twisted marine rope bracelet with the brass Brummel Hook I’ve been sporting this summer,
which is available at Style Newport on Thames Street.
Another new wardrobe staple of mine: the Sailormade Cargo belt (at left). Made with supple vegetable-dyed saddle leather and finished with a solid brass custom natural brass snap hook, the belt is undeniably nautical (by nature) with its No.2 snap hook.
The Coral Collection also merges rope detailing and cuff designs, rings and necklaces.
Check out the entire line here: sailormadeusa.com
See an purchase select Sailormade pieces at Style Newport located at 306 Thames Street in Newport and the whole collection at sailormadeusa.com. (Enter your email and receive and email for 15% off!)
Fab Refeshing Fourth: Meet Castle Hill’s Summer Cocktails
Whether you are a local or you descend on Newport for the quintessential New England summer getaway, there may be no better place to sip aperitifs than on the lively lawn at Castle Hill. Pony up the the nautical-themed bar which resembles a seaworthy vessel, perch yourself on the patio or get a front row seat to stunning Narragansett Bay from the comfort of their Adirondack chairs.
Here are some lovely libations CH is serving up this heavenly season — with the recipes so you can bring he taste of Newport home!
More Champagne, Peas (above)
Ingredients: Pea & Mint Vodka 2 oz. / Michelle Brut 1 oz. / Pea Tendril or Flower / Garnish Tag
Method of Preparation: Chill martini glass / In a Boston shaker filled with ice, add 2 oz Pea Vodka / Shake vigorously, strain into martini glass, then fill with Michelle brut /Garnish with pea tendrils, pea flowers, or other edible flowers (temp lemon & mint leaf)
Bloody Shrimp Cocktail (above)
Ingredients: Tomato Vodka 1.5 oz. / Sambal-cilantro puree ½ oz. / Clamato juice 1 oz. / 1 Poached Shrimp / Lemon ½ Wheel / Garnish Tag
Method of Preparation: Chill martini glass / In a boston shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, puree, clamato, lemon juice / Shake vigorously, strain into martini glass/ Garnish with a lemon ½ wheel and shrimp on rim of glass
Bermuda Rum Swizzle (above)
Ingredients: Gosling’s Black 1 oz./ Gosling’s Gold 1 oz. / Pineapple Juice 2 oz. / Orange Juice 2 oz. / Bitters Dash / Falernum Dash
Method of Preparation: Fill Collins glass with ice / Add all ingredients, stir briefly
Blueberry Lemonade (above)
Ingredients: Stoli Blueberry 1.5 oz. / Blueberry Puree 1 oz. / Lemonade To Fill / Lemon wedge / Garnish Tag
Method of Preparation: Ice a collins glass / Pour in blueberry puree & vodka / Top with lemonade, stir lightly
Other fine choices:
![French 1875[1]](https://newportstylephile.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/french-18751.jpg?w=455&h=607)
French 1875
Beach Rose Comber
The Newport Market Bag
Can we talk about this charming jute Newport tote by Apolis from Lou Lou’s Decor? Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. (A-pöl-is means “global citizen.”) Customized specifically for the Bellevue Avenue shop, the tote ($60) is perfect for the farmers market, a small picnic along Ocean Drive and some shopping about town. The Market Bag, as it’s called, is handcrafted in Bangladesh and finished in California. The waterproof lining and natural vegetable-tanned leather straps i reinforced by antique nickel rivets. Measures 13″ in width, 18″ in height, and 8″ in depth, with a 6″ x 7″ inside pocket.
Available in-store or by CLICKING HERE.
Corsets & Cocktails: Jane Pickens Theater Presents Love & Friendship
The Place: Jane Pickens Theater in Newport is currently showing Love & Friendship, a film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novella Lady Susan. It stars Kate Beckinsdale and Chloë Sevigny, both wearing an enviable wardrobe throughout.
The Plot: Lady Susan Vernon is a scandalous and scheming socialite who is an expert at camouflaging her diminishing fortune. Destitute and dabbling in multiple dalliances, she assumes the role as matchmaker for her daughter Frederica–and herself. Hilarity ensues.
The Skinny: Whether you’re a certified Janite or a casual appreciator of well-written, fast-paced satirical snark, you’ll enjoy this sassy charmer.
The Bevvies: The Pickens is the only theater town serving up craft cocktails, so while you can opt for atrusty Mojito or Dark n’ Stormy, consider one of their specials like the Pom Fresco (vodka, cucumber, pomegranate, Prosecco and fresh lemon), Jane Pickens (gin, Pimm’s, lavender and fresh lime), Gotham City (barrel aged Manhattan), Selma (tequila, habanero, cilantro, grapefruit and fresh lime) or the Sailor’s Cider (Newport’s own Thomas Tew Rum with cider). Me? I chose a simple split of Prosecco. Cheers!
Love & Friendship now playing through June 9.
