What to Wear: Croatia

Life
June 3, 2014

For those of you who read Lacquered Life, you know I rarely, if ever, post about fashion. However, as Mr. B and I get ready to take this trip to Croatia, I find that my mind is a tad consumed with packing – so that is what you’re getting today. Did anyone see the May issue of InStyle with Cameron Diaz on the cover? I loved all of the shots of her on a boat – it was such a pretty shoot. So since we’re spending most of our time in Croatia on a boat, I thought I would share some favorite photos from Cameron’s pictorial, and some packing ideas I had … note the comfortable shoes – we will be doing a lot of sightseeing!

Voglio Vacanza Qui

Architecture
May 29, 2014

My brother texted me this morning from Rome, and while I’m feeling extremely jealous, the text also let my inner italiophile out of the closet. So today we’re in a very italian mood … voglio questo villa. Villa Centinale, just outside Siena, built in the 17th century, restoration completed 21st century. Owned by Ned Lambton, a british musician, and the seventh Earl of Durham; Villa Centinale was purchased by Lambton’s father in 1977 and was passed to Lambton upon his father’s death. In the early 2000’s, the condition of the estate could only be described as crumbling, and instead of allowing the villa to crumble, Lambton decided to take on the expensive restoration project and when completed, make the villa available to rent to defray costs. Who wants to rent the villa with me? Historic Preservation at its finest. I can just picture strolling the gardens with a glass of vino, smelling the citrus, and smiling. Italia ti amo.

Photos via Architectural Digest visit www.villacetinale.com for more information

Friday Finds: Alex Raskin Antiques, Savannah

Finds
May 16, 2014

Made a quick trip down to Savannah this week, and was completely floored by Alex Raskin Antiques. Four floors filled to the brim with some absolutely wonderful pieces. I apologize for the picture quality, it was so hard to take great pictures because the place is so jammed with wonderful things. Obviously for me, the 19th century masonry building on Monterey Square was reason enough to go, but I can promise you after seeing all these beautiful pieces, this will not be my last trip. And Alex is totally cool. In the time I was there we chatted about everything from a certain historic house in Charleston to our love of Paul Simon. If you are headed to Savannah, or live nearby (Charleston is just two hours away!) get to Alex Raskin Antiques, and get ready to be amazed.