le week-end: at the museum

hello lovelies!  en route to nyc at the moment, just to let you know, in case you can squeeze it in {and i happen to know that there's a chance of rain in boston for sunday}, that two amazing exhibitions, one in nyc and one in boston, are in their very last days this weekend: it's your last chance to experience their magic ...

first in nyc is alexander mcqueen: savage beauty at the met.  the exhibition features clothing and accessories from throughout mcqueen's prolific nineteen year career, including many of his most iconic creations.  all centers around the notion of mcqueen as an absolute romantic, many of his designs deriving from exaggerated silouettes of the nineteenth century, with the victorian gothic vibe {think frankenstein and edgar allen poe}.  alexander mcqueen, despite the brevity of his life, may prove to be one of the most influential designers of all time, and if you have the opportunity, please do take a peak!  the show will be open until midnight tomorrow and sunday {august 6 and 7}, and i {cross my fingers} will attend tomorrow.  although his savage creations from the early nineties may not be my ideal, his genius is undeniable, and, of course, we hopeless romantics must stick together ..

also in it's final days is the to-die-for chihuly: through the looking glass exhibition at the museum of fine arts, boston.  a practitioner of the magic art of glass making, the mfa has here showcased works from a span of forty years of dale chihuly's career, a strong proportion of which was spent at RISD, as student, and later, as a member of the faculty, known as the most influential american glass maker since that of my own glass box, louis comfort tiffany.  described as a 'glass menagerie' and 'fairy-tale fantasies,' his works are as brightly colored silks transposed into glass.  i first was introduced to his work via the enormous lime-green chandelier hanging in the entrance atrium of the victoria&albert museum in london, and was struck by its whimsical elegance, his work broadly full of such whimsy and creativity, achieving such feats in glass that you simply would not have thought possible.  struck with awe and challenging all former notions of the possible, you may just feel as if you have fallen, as alice, down the rabbit hole and into wonderland.  please please do go, and let me know how you like it, as i am heart-broken that i will not be able to attend.

dale chihuly at the v&a
image via pinterest

images via {here}

image via pinterest

bon week-end to you! cannot wait to spend time with my girlfriends in new york! xx hillary 

summer style: flowing neutrals

hello darlings!  is it just me {this very well could be the case} or can you not get away from silky dresses in neutral tones this summer?  my wardrobe seems to have been taken over by soft frocks, a hint of lace here, or ruffle there, which require only a belt and a bangle to achieve that easy-chic so synonymous with summer.  my tan and off-white dresses pair perfectly with the currently oh-so-fashionable nude shoes, in flat, wedge, or heels, and go from day-time casual to elegant evening simply with a change of jewelry, bag, and hair.  my suitcase for nyc this weekend will include at least six of these neutrals {not at all necessary, but they weigh but an ounce!}: camel with black dots and gathered waste, flowing camel with brown belt, palest pink with ruffled neckline and shoulders, a grecian-inspired number with bubble skirt in cream, off-white, draped, with lace shoulders, and this {above}, most recent purchased for only $58 at 344.  

beautifully detailed in swirling flowers, with thousands of little chiffon petals, the body hits just above the knee and cinches at the waist, matching sheer fabric creating an alluring but conservative top, gathered together in the reverse by a sweet bow.  add sky-high nude heels, a clutch in the same, long pearls, and a rose-gold bangle, contrasted by chestnut brown locks and bright red lipstick, and say hello to saturday night in new york. {others will be parfait for journey down, friday evening drinks, wandering the met, picnic in the park, and farewell brunch.}  although not farewell for long because i start in the city in just over a month!  but what if i were heading to the coast instead?  strappy sandals in gold, of course, and a basket-style bag in straw large enough to hold my sweater, prepared for the evening's cool beach breeze.  oh and swap the necklace for more dramatic earrings. 

more neutral beauties:

 wherever you're heading, a neutral frock will keep you cool & comfortable, with elegant composure, and a touch of romance this weekend.  {oh, and pair with a boyish blazer, and the look will last you long into september.} what are your weekend plans?  it is nearly here ...  for now, enjoying sun on my skin & perfect weather by the pool.  xx hillary

oh and one more {for good luck}

images via pinterest

savory or sweet: cooling avocado

hello mes chéries!  hot hot hot temperatures all around the united states {and in london recently as well} are most deliciously counteracted by one ingredient: the avocado.  creamy, filling & nutritious, yet refreshing & light, particularly when combined with citrus and cilantro {british: coriander}, avocados are the prefect warm weather fare, and have been recently {and beautifully} featured in bon appétit magazine.  even their bright green hue screams fresh & cool!  despite my love for avocados, i have experimented with recipes featuring them very little {must change this immédiatement}.  

i do, however, know an amazing guacamole recipe.  amazing and addicting, and always the item most quickly devoured whenever i make it for a crowd.  je pense que it's the cumin that combines with the more standard ingredients to create a delicious twist.  i have, however, recently had a version containing simply mashed avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and a dollop of crème fraîche that was also divine.  but please do give my magic formula a try, and also take a peak at the excellent ideas for using the avocado on bon appétit's website.  i must make the smoothie and the soup right. now.  or just mash a half onto a piece of toasted bread with a sprinkle of sea salt and squeeze of lime or lemon tomorrow for breakfast.  trés, trés delicieux.  
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for the guacamole: 
adapted from here

scoop the pulp of three haas avocados into a large bowl, and toss with the juice of one lime.  add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper {or more or less to taste: cayenne is hot!}, then mash into the avocado with a fork, until well mixed and your preferred consistency is reached.  then fold in 1/2 medium onion, diced, two roma tomatoes, seeded and diced, two tablespoons chopped cilantro, and one clove of garlic, minced.  let the flavors develop by allowing the mixture to stand at room temperature for about an hour before serving, or, at least try {it's okay if you can't resist}. 

oh and also, do try and buy the avocados three to four days in advance to allow for ripening, but if you just cannot wait, simply allow them to rest for about a day in a brown paper bag.  and good luck battling with the heat.  to think that just a week ago i was complaining about the london cool.  hope your wednesday is perfect ... xx hillary  

p.s. some more avocado ideas, savory and sweet:

{avocado on toast} 

{avocado popsicles}

{chilled avocado soup} 

{avocado ice cream, or gelato, or sorbet!}
all images via pinterest

entertaining inspiration: clam bake

hello lovelies! although recently inspired by the english summer to host an imaginary garden party, my most recent return to my costal homeland has ensured endless thoughts of the perfectly preppy beach party: a true new england clam bake. 

my clam bake would take place just on the beach, beginning at sunset, coordinated with low tide to ensure the most space possible for mingling and splashing amongst lingering tidal pools.  a long table dressed in summer white and overflowing with the quintessential new england flower, the hydrangea, with cottages faced in weathered shingles with bright white fences not far beyond the beach grass-dotted dunes.  mounds of corn-on-the cob, clams, lobsters, and more delicious fare steaming in galvanized basins, ready to be devoured with bubbly champagne, crisp white wine, and sweet lemonade. oh and cranberry spritzers. and we must not forget creamy new england clam chowder served in hollowed out rounds of soft bread .. 

at twilight, a bonfire, clinking glasses, and just-picked blueberry pie, sitting in mismatched chairs and rogue diftwood logs as darkness falls.  because there is nothing more magical than the glow of the fire, the smell of the sea, and the soft rhythm of breaking waves, lapping the shore. and sand is all around as we walk, barefooted, home, guided by the distant lights of the harbor .. 

what to wear?  nautical stripes, casual chic in crisp whites, nantucket reds rolled above the ankle with boat shoes and blue blazers. oh my.  for those new englanders amongst you, this is a familiar saga.  for those visiting, do come enjoy a breath of our {summer} world.  

essie's 'clam bake'
all images via pinterest

enjoy & bon soir.  xx hillary 

words to live by

image via {here}

mes chéries!  a quick post about a most recent re-discovery.  i do recall hearing a few months ago about kate spade's idea to curate a set of seven short stories from accomplished woman authors, but had forgotten all about this marvelous project until a small card, accompanying a pair of new earrings, of course, arrived at my door via a little brown box.  the card was a version of the image above, sans the mention of a collection of short stories, and i was immediately struck by the choice of adjectives, all of which, i suddenly realized, i aspire to.  the phrase is perfectly concise and confident, and reminds me of a quirky yet romantic, independent & clever yet spontaneous & light hearted.  i think that curiosity and playfulness are trés, trés important in building a fulfilling life of adventure and accomplishment.  

and now i must get my hand on the collection of short stories {one of which, i have learned, was written by the author of the chic-lit classic overnight socialite.  you haven't read it?  you really must!}.  was anyone lucky enough to receive this collection as a gift, or to read the stories at all?  

a new week & a new month ...  my beloved monday was not so productive, but at least i have found my new mantra ... quick and curious and playful and strong ...  and two posts tomorrow, je te promets! 
xx hillary