Holidays « Quite Continental

His & Hers Gift Guide: Valentine’s Day

January 29th, 2012 § Leave a Comment

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away, and I’ve pulled together a few ideas for budgets big and small alike. Personally, I’d take anything on either list…just in case you were shopping, that is.

From top left:
Kiki de Montparnasse satin Muse corset bra and matching heart panty
La Maison du Chocolat heart box 13 piece assortment
Henri Bendel lady compact
Art can only be erotic – Pablo Picasso
Stella McCartney “Sam Partying” silk-satin playsuit
Cartier Panthere yellow and white gold ring
Diptyque votive in Baies
Hermès “Boucles et galons du Tsar” vintage style silk scarf
Smythson leather jewelry box
Santa Maria Novella Toscano cologne
Moynat Pauline crocodile city bag
Kiki de Montparnasse “My Tie” leather and silk restraint cuffs
The Lover, by Marguerite Duras

From top left:
Turnbull & Asser paisley dressing gown
Smythson leather watch roll
Hermès “L’Arbre de Vie” silk twill pocket square
Terrapin Stationers “I Fucking Love You” valentines
J.Press glen plaid patch cashmere scarf
Kiki de Montparnasse erotic chess set
Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, by Pablo Neruda
Holland and Holland canvas bolster bag
Kiki de Montparnasse massage candle
Barber’s Adagio
Shackelton’s Whisky: Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt
1930s closed case Rolex
Santa Maria Novella shaving kit
Levi’s Vintage Clothing shawl-collar wool cardigan

Resolved: 2012

January 2nd, 2012 § 6 Comments

Photo via George Eastman House

“Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account”
Oscar Wilde

In referring to my often-neglected journal to find my resolutions for 2011 and 2010, I saw a few repeats, a few things I achieved, a few things I failed miserably at, and a few things I completely forgot that I had resolved to do. With this in mind — along with Oscar’s words above — I’ve decided to pare down my list for this year, from its usual ten or eleven item list to six. Thus, here are the six things I can achieve, and will achieve, this year:

Travel to at least one new country. I’ve managed to keep my streak alive for the last three years, and I’m definitely committed to continuing this year. Currently thinking my new country for 2012 will be somewhere in North Africa, Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, but this is definitely not nailed down yet. Have any suggestions for me?
Run two half marathons. I ran the New York Marathon in 2010, and have run plenty of road races of shorter lengths over the past 4 years (view my running posts here). Admittedly, after the marathon, I suffered from a bit of burnout and my training has been uneven ever since. This year I resolve to run two half marathons. I will give myself extra points for sub-2 hour finishes, but I will be more than happy with two uninjured, smiling finishes. I’ve got a former international competitor as a training partner (eesh!), but she assures me she needs just as much training as I do. We’ll see about that. Have any races you’d suggest I look into? Even better, would you like to run with me?
Cook some things. My friends frequently point out that I blog about plenty of interesting things, cocktails and whatnot, but I almost never mention food. Were you to look into my refrigerator, you might understand why. It currently holds water, condiments, booze and two oranges. And the oranges are for making Old Fashioneds. I also cannot honestly remember the last time I used my oven or stove. So in 2012, I’m resolving to actually buy myself groceries and cook at least once a week. (Sidenote: Please do understand that “cooking” shall be construed quite liberally.) Have any ridiculously easy, yet nutritious and delicious recipes for me?
I’m on a horse. This was actually a 2011 resolution that I did not achieve, and so it’s getting carried over. For as horse crazy as I am, I really have no excuse for not riding anymore. I grew up taking all different kinds of lessons — even mounted drill team…yes, I am that awesome — and I still feel the need to get on a horse almost daily. Admittedly, it can be a bit difficult doing so, living in New York City, but this just can’t keep being the reason I don’t ride. This year, be it lessons, a trail ride, or perhaps even a dude ranch, I will get myself on a horse. How do you make time for your interests? Do you ride?
To read twelve books. I’ve always been a rather voracious consumer of all sorts of information, but I have found that in the last year my reading of books has been a record low. Not acceptable. To that end, I resolve to read twelve books — hopefully, one a month — in 2012. Read any great books lately? How is this best accomplished? Do you think I need an e-reader?
To live with purpose. Rather abstract, I admit, but 2012 will definitely be my year of living with purpose. Making decisions, choosing actions to make sure I achieve my goals, focusing on the immediate as a way to get to the eventual. My life is best lived when I grab it by the horns, summon up the courage and blaze my own trail. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have ever lived in Italy by myself, travelled alone in Europe, moved to New York, or gone to law school — and who knows what else. No sitting on the sidelines this year. No letting life meander on without making affirmative decisions of my own. Live like that, and life will pass you by. How do you put your words into action? How do you live with purpose?

Lastly, I’m excited to see what 2012 will bring for ye olde blog. A big thank you to everyone who takes the time to read, email me, comment, Tumbl, Tweet, Pin and otherwise share the rather random stuff I post about. I’m deeply grateful for your indulgence and I look forward to learning more from you in 2012.

Here’s to having our best year ever. Cheers!

Au revoir, 2011!

December 31st, 2011 § Leave a Comment

2011 has certainly been a wild and wonderful year. I’ve traveled to new places, met amazing people, deepened existing relationships, and learned a lot about myself and the world around me. Most of all, I want to thank those of you who inspired me, who made me think, who supported me, who called my bluff, who made me laugh, and even those of you who made me cry. A million thanks. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.

Tonight, I’ll be with my nearest and dearest, and I hope you will be too.

Let’s ring it in like Paul and Joanne, shall we?

Happy New Year, my darlings.

Yes, Virginia, there is…

December 24th, 2011 § 2 Comments

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O’HANLON.
115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Unsigned editorial (written by Francis Pharcellus Church), appeared in the New York Sun on September 21, 1897.

View the original clipping here, courtesy of the Newseum.

Happy Birthday to Corinne

December 22nd, 2011 § 6 Comments

On this day in 1915, my grandmother Corinne Carey was born in Washington, D.C. Were she still alive, she would be turning 96 today. We used to commiserate on quite a few items: we both were/are Christmas babies (my birthday arrives in just a *few* days, in fact); we both were/are the eldest sister; we both were/are on the tall side; we both love/loved art. Little-known fact: I carry her name as my own middle name.

I do find it a bit funny that I have never forgotten her birthday, but can’t seem to ever remember my parents’ wedding anniversary, which happens to be sometime in December as well. (I suppose my mother finds this less funny.)

Important things I learned from my grandmother:

Red lipstick is never, ever, EVER wrong.
It is important to always smell pretty. Even if you end up wearing enough perfume to knock out your entire family.
Always have your hair done. By someone else. Twice a week.
It is acceptable parenting to get all gussied up with your sister and then put your children to bed, telling them that you and their aunt are just going sit on the porch and “chat.”
Drinking beer from the can can definitely be ladylike.
Let your husband have his hobbies. As long as he keeps them in the garage.

From Corinne, you should take bit of a devil-may-care attitude with a healthy dose of no-nonsense. A perfectly polished party girl who didn’t take no guff from nobody. She was a proud mother, a loving sister and a grandmother I miss dearly.

Happiest possible returns, Grandma.

Rabbit Hole: Interviews After the Day of Infamy

December 7th, 2011 § Leave a Comment

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, in which 2,402 Americans were killed, and 1,282 were wounded. Japanese planes inflicted heavy damages to the US Pacific Fleet stationed in Hawaii, particularly to her battleships: all eight were damaged, four were sunk, and two were never to be raised again — the Arizona and the Oklahoma. In an instant, the isolationism that had dominated US politics and popular sentiment vanished and America was galvanized to war.

The following day President Roosevelt requested (and immediately received) a Congressional declaration of war on Japan in what has become known as his Day of Infamy speech. That same day, the Archive of American Folk Song (now the Archive of Folk Culture, American Folklife Center), dispatched their fieldworkers to collect “man on the street” reactions to both the attack and the declaration of war. By February 1942, fieldworkers had recorded over twelve hours of opinions from more than two hundred individuals across the country. Touching on topics such as race relations and national pride, the interviews are a revealing look at the American state of mind in the wake of Pearl Harbor.

Head here to listen to these interviews for yourself, courtesy of the US National Archives. You will find them cross-referenced by subject, name and location.

Personally, I found these interviews to be quite the rabbit hole and I am sure you will also find this to be the case. I have a close connection to the Pacific Theatre, as both my grandfathers served there and one of my grandmothers was born and raised in Guam. I have been to the USS Arizona, the battleship still quietly sleeping at the bottom of Pearl Harbor with over 1,000 souls entombed. It is amazing to have the opportunity to hear exactly what Americans thought and felt in those bewildering months, without the filter of nostalgic memories.

USS Arizona, sinking in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
She was born in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

All images via the US National Archives.

Happy Veterans Day

November 11th, 2011 § 1 Comment

Armistice Day, New York, 1919.
Victory Arch.

Veterans Day was originally celebrated as Armistice Day, commemorating the day that the Great War ended, which at the time was thought to be the “War to End all Wars.” By 1939 it became apparent that this ideal would unfortunately not bear out and the holiday was expanded in 1953 to honor all veterans, living or dead. Veterans Day has my father, grandfather, great uncle and many other friends and family members who have proudly served our country front of mind today — not least of all because the parade will be passing my office on Fifth Avenue. To each and every one of them, I owe a deep debt of gratitude and I admire their commitment and bravery. Thank you.

Happy Veterans Day.

Armistice Day, New York , 1919.
Colonel Donovan and staff of 165th Infantry, passing under the Victory Arch.

Armistice Day, London, 1918.

Armistice Day, Virginia, 1943.
Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Images via US National Archives and LIFE Archives.

Happy Halloween!

October 31st, 2011 § 1 Comment

John, John-John and Caroline in the Oval Office. Halloween 1963.

Image via the US National Archives.

Tally-Ho!

October 31st, 2011 § 3 Comments

My DIY Halloween costume.

I can’t decide if I should I be concerned that my costume was all my own clothes, and clothes that I wear on a regular basis, at that. Well, apart from the helmet. Which I did already own. In any event, I guess I’m covered should any impromptu foxhunts be announced.

Wearing: Alexander McQueen coat, Rugby button-down, Tory Burch boots, vintage Rooster tie, vintage Harris Tweed vest, vintage riding helmet. Red lip: Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Pencil by NARS.

Imagineering The Haunted Mansion

October 31st, 2011 § Leave a Comment

Fact: I refused to enter the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland until I was 13 years old. Too scary for this little scaredy-cat. It’s since become one of my favorite attractions at the park, with its herky-jerky animatronics, doom buggies and hitchhiking ghosts. On Halloween, my thoughts always turn to this lovely antebellum mansion, and I thought I might share a bit about the creation of the ride. Of special interest in this video is the appearance of Harriet Burns, the first Disney woman Imagineer, at the two minute mark in part 1.

Illustrated Independence

July 4th, 2011 § Leave a Comment

Happy Fourth of July!
In honor of America’s birthday, a few illustrations.
If you’d like to see photographs, do head over to my Tumblr.

Sheet music, 1861.

Tammany Hall decorated for the Nat’l Convention, July 4th, 1868

Union Square, New York, July 4th 1876

Market St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 4th, 1853

“Peace,” July 4th, 1865

“The 4th of July,” 1872.

“Fourth of July on the Hudson,” 1854.

I’m hoping to run into Messrs. Augustus and Frank Puffin (aka the “Rather Fast Youths”) along the Hudson this evening. Cigars, brandy cocktails, mint juleps, resplendent pants? Check, check, check, check…

“Fourth of July” 1894, by Charles Dana Gibson

Puck Magazine, July 4th, 1901.
(Note the hatchlings in the nest: “Philippines, Cuba, Hawaii, Porto Rico”)

Puck Magazine, July 4, 1904

WWI poster, 1918.

WWII poster, 1942

Fourth of July Declaration by President Roosevelt, 1941

Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Happy Father’s Day

June 19th, 2011 § 5 Comments

Me and Dad in my grandparents’ backyard in LA.

I’ve actually already said Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, since I called him up last night in order to be officially first among my siblings. Win! But even though I’ve already said it to him, I couldn’t let the day pass without letting you know how amazing my father is. He’s always been my biggest fan and supporter, even when it meant I would move clear across the country and could no longer to attend the Sunday dinners he works so hard on every week. My father patiently coached my mediocre soccer skills over the years, made me hold his hand even when I went through that phase when I didn’t want to, tears up at the schmaltziest greeting card (and may even be tearing up right now, in fact), and would do anything within his power for his wife, children and grandchildren. And has worn an earring since the mid-80s. And maybe wears a pinky ring now.

Succinctly, my Dad is awesome. It is my earnest life’s wish that the man I choose to be the father of my children will love them as fiercely as my father loves me. (Earring/pinky ring is optional.)

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!

Me and Dad at a Macy’s fashion show.
I was the one that was modeling that day, but can we talk about the brown three-piece suit my dad is sporting? His loafers? That amazing camera strap draped over his knee with the little loops for the film cannisters?

At Christmas — what a little ham sandwich I am being!
Also, his tassels and the shag carpeting = awesome.

Taking advantage of a “picture spot” in our matchy-matchy shirts.

My dad as a boy in San Francisco.

Special shout-out to my Mom, who sent these pictures to me. Thanks, Mom!

Happy Memorial Day

May 30th, 2011 § 2 Comments

While today is they day we specifically remember those who have died in service to our country, this morning I’m humbled and thankful for the sacrifices of all servicemen and women. Today I am thinking of my father (Army), both of my grandfathers (Merchant Marine and Army) and my great uncle (Air Force, Tuskegee Airmen).

My father

My great uncle

I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Welcome summer!

Happy Mother’s Day

May 8th, 2011 § 5 Comments

My mother, me, my grandmother. Taken in 1984.

Me and my mother on my second birthday.

While I’m just getting this in under the wire in EST, I am somewhat comforted by the fact that my mother is on the west coast and that I technically have a few hours yet to express to her what an amazing mother, role model and friend she is to me. My grandmother’s daughter is my greatest source of strength, wisdom and sarcasm, who can always be counted on to have a witty response and plain M&Ms at the ready. She introduced me to Auntie Mame, she let me get highlights at the scandalous age of 13, she took away the pager I secretly got without her permission when I was 16, and she wonders what the purpose of this blog is (Mom, I’m not sure I know, really). I would not be the woman I am today, were it not for her. I am sure that she would not be the woman she is, were it not for my grandmother. Every day I try to live up to the examples these women have set for me, and I hope to come close to the mark.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

Classy Things: The Bespoke Valentine

January 19th, 2011 § 2 Comments

Unless you live in Iran, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Surely, cynics will always deride the holiday as manufactured, but who doesn’t remember the fun there is to be had giving and receiving Valentines? And now that we’ve all outgrown the ready-made perforated set of two dozen cards, what should we be giving our sweethearts? What is the classy thing to do?

Clearly, the bespoke Valentine is the way to go, as it definitely will impress your sweetheart more than would a silly nonsense card you picked up at the bodega on your lunch hour on February 14. You know who you are. As a staunch proponent of the handmade Valentine, no matter how simple, I’ve pulled a few ideas to get you started.

Paper Source – Blossom Chocolate Keepsake Accordion Kit

For the craftier ones among us, the Paper Source offers a wonderful little kit with practically all you need to create an accordion book — just add personal touches like photos or written messages. While the kit is relatively easy to assemble, it is time consuming. This is not something you will be able to bang out in 15 minutes. But therein lies the charm. Scoop it here.

Paper Source – Paper Hearts Accordion Kit

Like the accordion idea, but you’re scared of glue sticks? You can also purchase already cut accordion hearts in a variety of colors to write your sweet nothings on. Scoop them here.

Severely uncreative? Overbusy? Horrendous penmanship? Not to worry, I have a few professionals who can help.

Handmade Papercut Valentines by mrYen
I have a special love for papercut and silhouette art, and British artist mrYen offers a small collection at his etsy boutique that I just adore. For Valentine’s Day, he’s created a few special pieces worth noting. Each are entirely hand-cut with a scalpel, meaning no two are exactly alike — special and original, just like your Valentine!

Used alone, the initial key is lovely framed, and can also be used in various combinations to spell out a name or phrase. (For my overachievers, use these on the accordion kits above!)

Images via mrYen

Also lovely is his “I Love You.” Scoop them both here.

Bicycle Couples by Paper Cuts By Joe
While mrYen creates lovely pieces, my true favorite in this genre is Joe Bagley, a gifted papercutter from Boston who I first came across via an event at one of my favorite Boston antique/curiosity/decor stores, Acquire. His silhouette work is simply amazing. I can’t even guess how he is able to bring forth the images he creates from a simple sheet of black paper with only a scalpel! For Valentine’s Day, he’s created two images of a couple that would look simply gorgeous framed against a simple white background.

Images via papercutsbyjoe

Scoop them here – and spend some time in his shop. He is amazing!

Graphic Art Valentines by thelittlecanoe
A whimsical illustrator from Portland, thelittlecanoe produces wonderfully layered, original art. Her work is simple and complex at once, and looking at it feels as if we have a secret porthole into her dreams. She’s got a small batch of Valentines that I adore.

Images via thelittlecanoe

Scoop them here – and be sure to check out the rest of her artwork. I especially love the sailor illustrations and the narwhals.

If you want to go a bit bigger in scale, be sure to peruse UK typography shop More Than Words. Offering both bespoke orders and a lovely portfolio of ready-made prints, this smart little shop is a great place to find or create something with design and literary appeal.