c e r u l e a n

Packing Light with Color

2011-12-05T20:23:00.001-08:00

Leaving this week for an impromptu and (and short duration) trip to Europe to visit family. On such occasions, when planes, trains and automobiles will all be used within a 48 hour period, I try my best to pack light. Well… I said try.

The easiest way to pack light at this time of year is to stick to black, gray, or chocolate brown and pack a few colorful accessories. The same black pants you wear one night to dinner can be worn again sightseeing another day if you switch scarves or accessories. By doing so, the suitcase can stay light and easy.

I can’t make the trip without my dark brown riding boots I’ve had for the last 12 years,, even though they definitely don’t fall into the “packing light” category. Nevertheless, they are coming along for the journey, so my carryon will have to get over it. I plan to wear them with just about every outfit on the trip, whether casual or dressy, day or night.

Here are a few of the accessories that are making the journey to liven up and freshen up my simple staples for travel…

This blue silk ruffle scarf looks cute with along sleeve tee wandering around inside a museum, but can feel dressy too. The color has such punch! http://shopcerulean.com/thaisilkrufflescarfinblue.aspx

Im wearing this scarf on the plane- obsessed with this color for Fall and Winter! And the soft feel will be comfy as I try to catch some z’s on the flight. http://shopcerulean.com/sheerwoolshawlintangerine.aspx

Never get tired of these statement necklaces- and the orange color is so warm with chocolate brown! I plan to wear it under a tweed jacket with jeans and riding boots. http://shopcerulean.com/CoralOrangeandGoldStatementNecklace.aspx

These bracelets are lightweight and so easy to pull on (they are stretchy!) but give some depth to a simple outfit without me having to think about it or ake a decision. Armful of bracelets?? Done. http://shopcerulean.com/stackbeadandwoodbraceletswithcharms.aspx

This necklace is so chic with all black: picture thick black tights, and oversized black sweater and this gold necklace. A little bit reserved 60’s chic, I think. Katherine Hepburn in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner??? http://shopcerulean.com/goldenpetalcollarnecklace.aspx

Summer Eats NYC

2011-08-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

In the heat of the summer, I have a hard time working up much of an appetite for anything but ice cream and fruity cocktails- healthy, right?? but seriously, something fresh and cool made from the best of the summer fruits and vegetables is right in line with what I'm craving this time of year, and its fun to eat what is in season and available at one of the many farmer's markets that have popped up across the country in honor of the summer bounty.

On a recent last minute jaunt to New York I tried a new restaurant worth mentioning that makes the most of the season's vegetables. Rouge Tomate serves up healthy and fresh fare in midtown Manhattan without leaving you wanting, like some healthy fare often does. Fresh and seasonal is made gourmet and exciting in this mod dining spot, while the fresh juice bar and artisan cocktails keep you hydrated and, well... lubricated (as we say of a good cocktail). I would think even a meat and potatoes kind of gal could enjoy this menu without realizing she was eating lighter.

The place has been open a while, so this is no newcomer to the scene, but its new to me since I usually stick to my standbys when dining in NYC- or at least, my standby neighborhoods. It was nice to try something in a part of town that I usually feel is a good-food desert!

The chef, who worked under some of my favorite chefs, including Daniel Boulud, collaborated on the menu with an in-house nutritionist to develop food that has "a social and environmental consciousness" and follows "a balanced approach to sourcing and preparing food". If it sounds complicated, don't worry. The menu and the meal are straightforward and simply delicious!

Summer Fun

2011-07-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

We have been terribly absent on the blog lately but as they say, no news is good news. Been busy enjoying some summer fun on the water! We tried our hardest to plan some exotic getaways this Spring and early summer and had to watch the plans go out the window at the last minute every time... so I'm afraid I don't have too many fabulous travel updates! But we will fix that soon.

In the meantime, we can at least look great around town shopping the Thursday afternoon farmer's market with our Moroccan basket full of summer corn and tomatoes. Or wearing my current favorite- this ruffled coverup looks great at the pool. Or dining al fresco with friends late at night with a casual outfit but some fab accessories.

Send us your travel stories so we can live vicariously through you until our next jaunt!

Deal a Day for Friday...

2010-12-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

Just in time for those last minute holiday stocking stuffers, we're offering these tie dye skinny scarves for only NINE BUCKS! They are adorable and a steal, so what are you waiting for??? We also have tons of other great gifts ideas, from long freshwater pearl and crystal necklaces (obsessed with them) to cozy pom pom blankets, and the ever popular Matta pom pom scarves are on sale for the first time ever! There's lots to be merry about this holiday.

hola from mexico.. and cerulean hits national newstands!

2010-11-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Did you see Cerulean in this month's InStyle Magazine??? Listed as the best of the web for "Breezy, Beachy Looks". They write, "Whether you're headed to St. Tropez or Sarasota, pack your suitcase with these floppy sunhats, boho tunics, and lightweight scarves." Gosh, we're flattered! Here's another reason to go pick up this month's InStyle- a special 20% discount for InStyle readers on everything at Cerulean!

So given the massive amounts of new Cerulean fans that have found us this week through InStyle, it probably wasn't the best time to leave the country, but if you know me at all... So we’re just back from a fabulous trip to Mexico (which we've been planning for ages and hated to cancel!), full of the expected- tequila, margaritas, homemade corn tortillas, and Mayan senoritas. I have some new obsessions as well; agua fresca being one of them, and the luxurious Haciendas scattered across the Yucatan being another. I promise to share details of everything fabulous as soon as I can. In the meantime, here is a photo or two to whet your whistle.

Chichen Itza

Haceinda San Jose Cholu

Criss-Crossing The Mediterranean...

2010-10-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

A friend and Cerulean customer (who always hosts our fabulous trunk shows in Nashville!) just took a quick jaunt to the Mediterranean and sent us some pictures! She has great taste in restaurants, hotels, and everything stylish, so we are trying to snag her list of must do's on both sides of the Med Sea. Until then, enjoy some of her snapshots! They started in Lisbon and made their way to Marrakech, staying at La Mamounia. So jealous!

Views over Lisbon

The Streets of Lisbon.

The marketplaces of Marrakech (calling to me!). Take a guide or you will be overwhelmed and lost in there forever looking at brass, silver and fabric!

Elaborate doors with inlay and stone leading to the bathrooms at La Mamounia.

Intricate stone, tile and plaster work in the room at La Mamounia.

Deal a Day...

2010-10-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

If you are not on our email list, you missed a fabulous week of sales! We launched our first-ever Deal a Day week where one fabulous product was marked down - waaaay down- for one day only. The sale lasted until the end of the day, or until we sold out of the item, whichever came first. We started Monday with our Harem Tea Glasses, an adorable set of six hand painted glasses with gold trim just the right size for a digestif, a glass of wine, or juice in the morning. We sold out theses glasses by 9 AM! The week continued with Mystique sandals, baskets marked down to about $5 each, gorgeous Sari patchwork rugs, and more. Sunday was our best deal, a Matta silk and cotton pom pom scarf marked down to 60% off. These scarves are never marked down even the tiniest bit! But I think a lot of our girls were out on the town and away from their computers on Sunday because they missed the deal and were heart broken! We will offer this item on sale again soon because we feel bad you guys missed it! Stayed tuned for more deals and be sure to join our email list!

Moveable Feast...

2010-09-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of the farm-to-table movement for several reasons. Practically, scientifically, and from a community standpoint, it makes sense. We should be eating what is freshest and what has traveled the least, sat in the fewest warehouses, been on the least number of ships and trucks. We should put our dollars into the hands of our neighbors, who will in turn spend them at our places of business. We should at least know what is grown in our home county at what time of year.

But on a more superficial level, I just adore the thought of a long table of friends, family, and residents of the community gathered together in a beautiful spot for a fabulous meal.

With that in mind, we are hosting the first of what we hope will be many to come here in Fairhope, Alabama. Moveable Feast is hosting its first dinner Sunday, November 7, at the old Fairhope Dairy on Old Battles Road in Point Clear! We hope anyone within driving distance will get a ticket and come by!

Visit our new site for all the details and the yummy menu!

www.moveablefeastfairhope.blogpost.com

ain't it funny how time slips away...

2010-09-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can hardly believe that an entire month (or more) just slipped by us! But we've been busy here at Cerulean marking things down- way down- for our massive end of summer sale. And packages are flying out the door filled with great deals! Here are a few of our favorite deals of the moment...

Gorgeous Sliced Agate Necklaces were $106, now $26.50!

Our Classic Pom Pom Blankets and Matta Pom Pom Scarves (above) NEVER go on sale... until now.

Mystique Sandals are now 50% off!

We've also been busy planning a trip for mid-October and are at a bit of a loss of where to go. Somewhere warm perhaps? It's been stinking hot here for months so I just dont know. So far we have narrowed it down to somewhere on this side of the globe- think North, South, and Central America. Somewhere a bit off the beaten path, too. Hiking in Peru? Cave diving in Panama? Exploring the ancient civilizations of the Yucatan? Or perhaps an urban-outing to BA? I'm looking for your tips here, folks. Send me any and all ideas...

In the meantime, I leave you with this gorgeous shot of the sunset over Mobile Bay- you couldn't make up these colors if you tried.

summer cocktail extraordinaire...

2010-07-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

We found it! THE perfect summer cocktail. This watermelon margarita recipe came from a recent Everyday Foods (by none other than Martha, goddess of entertaining) and we served it at a recent soiree with much success.

When picking a cocktail du jour for your next party, you want something that can be made ahead of time in batches. That way you aren't slaving away at the bar, one high ball at a time, when a guest wants another cocktail. This watermelon margarita can be blended early in the day and kept cool in the fridge in a pitcher until serving time. Go on and make a double batch- you'll use it!

We served it with some grilled shrimp, Mexican style corn rolled in spices and cotija cheese, and a fresh salad with hearts of palm and avocado. I love summertime.

Watermelon Margaritas
In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 3 wide strips of orange peel to a boil over high. Reduce to a simmer and cook until sugar dissolves, 3 minutes. Let syrup cool. In a blender, puree 12 ounces of watermelon cubes (about 2 cups) until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids, into a pitcher (you should have about 1 cup juice). Stir in cooled syrup, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes), and 3/4 cup white or silver tequila (we used golden tequila in a pinch). Fill salt rimmed glasses with ice and pour over margarita mixture. Garnish with lime wedge.

montana & wyoming roundup...

2010-07-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Montana and Wyoming proved spectacular this summer, as we knew it would be. Trade the blistering summer heat for cool days and jaw-dropping panoramas. In the end we hardly tried a single restaurant, but a sandwich eaten creekside in the woods or a burger cooked on the grill after a long day of rock climbing beats any gourmet meal. We visited with old friends and made lots of new ones- the people out there, whether born and raised locals or seasonal residents- seem to have an openness that is refreshing and a genuine interest in meeting new people. Each one made our adventure great.

Now to the nuts and bolts of the trip: 1000 miles of driving through canyons, over mountain tops, and across the continental divide. Rock climbing, horse back riding through the Teton Pass (love you, Oreo), fly fishing, a little shopping of course, some hiking here and there, and lots of good times with friends. Made a drive through Yellowstone, but my suggestion is to avoid the place when schools are out if at all possible! I will be thrilled if I never see another RV again, or a person who prefers to the see nature from behind a glass window. But the views and natural features were breathtaking, especially once you made it to the northern park of the park, up above tree line, where few tourist seem to venture.

Grand Tetons come into view

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

First time flyfisher- Montana

It only skims the surface to recommended a few of the amazing restaurants, shops, or sights, but here are some that come to mind anyway:

Best Scenic Drive: Bear Tooth Pass

Exit Yellowstone through the Northeast entrance of the park and follow the road into Red Lodge Montana. The switchbacks continuously wind up and over the mountains, and each turn reveals another inspiring view. Dont worry, around the next turn will be a view to top the last, and so on. Bring a picnic lunch and plan to enjoy the ride.

On top of the world at the Bear Tooth Pass

Best Burger: Billy's Burgers, Jackson, WY

Being in the great outdoors inspires you to eat healthy, natural meals, but every once in a while, a greasy burger and onion rings, finished off with the perfect milk shake are in order. Billy's diner counter serves them up perfectly.

Best Candy Shop: Montana Candy Emporium, Red Lodge, MT

This old west store front is chock-full of candy of all sorts. Homemade fudge, saltwater taffy in countless flavors, imported deliciousness, gag gifts and sweet stuff of all kinds. Come hungry and ready to chit chat with the manager- he's a talker. But he did open the store for us after hours, so I'm not complaining.

Best Bagel and Coffee: Pearl Street Bagels, Jackson, WY

Freshly made bagels are hard to come by outside New York City, so make sure to stop here.

Best Margarita: Pica's, Wilson, WY

Pica's, the Tex-Mex joint inside the Old Stagecoach, serves up mean comida and a fabulous Margarita. Enjoy the late afternoon on their deck and meet some locals and some seasonal folks, too.

Best Rodeo: Cody, WY

Every western town places their bets on their own town's rodeo, but i have it on good authority from people who know that Cody is the real deal. While they take place every night (every night!), go on weekends for the biggest show and best crowds. Yeehaw.

wild west, here we come...

2010-06-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

We're heading out for a last minute fourth of July trip to Yellowstone, and I'm so excited to get some sunshine and cool weather in such a beautiful place! Horse back riding, hiking, and hopefully some delicious local food- maybe even a rodeo or two!- are all in store for my holiday weekend. I can't think of a more all-American location to spend such a patriotic and festive holiday! A friend we will be visiting sent some pictures to whet the appetite and we had to share them- gorgeous!

Here is what I'm bringing along... you don't have to sacrifice style to make it in the wild frontier. Understated, rustic accessories will top my favorite jeans and a classic shirt. We'd use belts and one simple piece of jewelry to set off our cowboy boots! Nothing too fussy or over the top. And throw in a warm pom pom scarf for nights out or a cotton throw for those chilly nights watching the stars.

tapestry belts - turquoise floating ring - silver etched earrings - pom pom scarf in tigerlily - russian embroidered belt - gold seed bead bracelet - brown suede mystique sandal - chocolate pom pom blanket - turquoise and coral statement necklace

eating your way through spain...

2010-06-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

Family members are in Madrid at present for some good food and the last days of the Feria de San Isidro, the best of the best bullfights at the Plaza de Toros on Madrid. Tomorrow’s spectacle features bulls from El Ventorillo, and no doubt plenty of wine will be flowing from leather wine bags shared amongst strangers. Shouts fall down on the bullfighters from the stands, cheers of approval or shouts of dismay at their performance. It is a spectacle.

The vibrant colors of the bullfighters from the Feria de San Isidro inspired this collection of Cerulean must-haves. Bright fuchsia from the Matadors stockings, the red, orange and yellow of the capes, the gold trim of their elaborate costumes. The leather and fabrics and fanfare is all represented below.

Gold Medallion Earrings - Tapestry Belts - Cerulean Julie Dresses - Enamel Petal Necklace - Orange Embroidered Clutch - Gold Sandal - Gold Tassel Necklace - Matta Pom Pom Dupatta Scarf - Gold Bead Bracelet - Coral Paisley Scarf

I also asked these family members for their “must-eat” list when in Madrid (some of the travelers make Madrid a regular stop every year, so I trust their opinions on this). Here are the tops:

O'pazo

http://www.pescaderiascorunesas.es/gran_cocina/restaurante/?id=3

Owned by a famous Spanish fishing company called Pescaderias Corunesas, O'pazo is the epitome of farm- erg, boat - to table. A beautifully modern, minimal restaurant with just a touch of seaside décor to soften the look, the service is impeccable and the food divine. Visit their fishmonger in town if you are staying in a place where you can cook your own meal, or just stop by to see the spectacle of it all. They’ve shared the recipe for their house specialty with us- Rodaballo al Horno- a flat fish that seems a lot like flounder that is pan sautéed, finished in the oven, and topped with a garlic vinaigrette before bringing the entire fish to the table. Recipe follows (with my translation skills at work here, so be forgiving).

Recipe for Rodaballo al horno (serves four)

Ingredients

1- 4.5 lb rodaballa (flounder or turbot) (2kg)

10 ounces olive oil

2 cloves of garlic

6 ounces red wine vinegar

salt

flour

Heat olive oil in an oven proof skillet or saute pan. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

While the oil is heating, lightly dredge both sides of the fish in flour. Once the oil is very hot, put in the fish white side down (bottom of the fish down) and cook 2-3 minutes until the white skin has browned. Turn the fish over and put the pan in the oven for 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a serving platter. Finely chop the garlic and combine with the vinegar in a small mixing bowl or jar. Add the oil and dripping juice leftover in the sauté pan. Mix well and pour over the fish. Serve immediately.

Asador Donastiarra

http://www.asadordonostiarra.com/

You juts need to know one thing- go for the meat (asador means grill).

El Sobrino de Botin

http://www.botin.es/web/?q=en
Affectionately referred to as just ‘Botin’, the oldest restaurant in the world (founded 1725) serves up relevant and tasty fare behind the Plaza Mayor. Try the suckling pig- their specialty.

Check out this video of one of their chefs preparing the suckling pig. Squeamish stomachs need not apply. But you get a good sense of the place and a view of the original oven built when the restaurant first opened its doors 285 years ago…

under the saudi sun...

2010-06-04T13:38:00.001-07:00

Below are a few photos that a friend sent me from a recent trip to Saudi Arabia. Had to share...

It's not every day that you see random camels cruising down the side of the highway. Notice the herds of them in the background...

A Saudi wall covered in over-flowing bougainvillea and lush palm trees, with a larger turreted wall in the background.

A beautiful, but somewhat fortified, entrance.

Wooden dhows in downtown Dubai- a pit stop on the way to Riyadh.

Riyadh polo- doesn't seem quite the lush spectacular that I expected for a polo match, but when one lives in the dessert, one works with what he's got.

come sail away...

2010-06-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

With Memorial Day fresh in our minds, and the nautical look topping all the style lists for this summer, we’ve pulled together our own fresh and crisp look for you try on for size. Classic navy blue, silver accessories, a gorgeous and airy white summer scarf, and your favorite red bikini make a slightly patriotic but very chic look for your next trip to the beach or pool. If the red white and blue thing isn’t for you, try this cover-up with our striped infinity scarf for a look that’s ready to set sail.

navy cover-up by echo - etched silver earrings - loose weave cotton scarf - silver bead bracelet - navajo sandal - your own red bathing suit

For more ideas like this on how to pull the look together, visit our How to Wear section on our website!

cerulean interviews... grace bonney

2010-05-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

We obsessively follow the online musings of Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney. Her blog/ website extraordinaire covers interiors, style, food, and do-it-yourself projects, and has forums for female entrepreneurs (she speaks our language through and through). Her inspiring site keeps us motivated to try new things. Her use of technology to stay connected while on the go inspired a cerulean travelogue- and so we tracked her down on her iphone between antique fairs, high powered conferences and lowbrow coffee breaks. Here is what she had to say…

cerulean- How did you first begin Design Sponge? What milestones have you reached or are working on reaching with the site?

I began design*sponge in 2004 while I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. ;) I've been proud about a lot of things we've done with the site, but launching the Biz Ladies series in 2008 in person was amazing. I was so proud to have been a part of that, and happy to have been surrounded by so many talented female business owners.

cerulean- How would you describe your own personal style in clothing? vs interiors?

Hmm...I'd say preppy, girly, classic. As I get older I find myself leaning more towards old-school classics and things that make getting dressed and looking pulled together easier. In my interiors I'm the same way, but I take more risks (bright colors, crazy patterns) because I don't have to wear them outside.

cerulean- What are your favorite luxuries in life?

Iced coffee or tea breaks during the day, the occasional car service (vs. the subway), and eating at nice restaurants when we can.

cerulean- What is your favorite vacation destination?

Savanah, Georgia and Montmartre in Paris- they're always locked in a dead heat for first place.

cerulean- What is the one thing that you take from apartment to apartment?

My cats and my husband. Furniture wise? Not a lot- I really enjoy using new apartments as an excuse to trade in old furniture (ebay, craigslist, etc) for "new" used furniture.

cerulean- What can we find you reading?

Magazines or websites, I'm sadly not a huge book reader. Though I've gone through a lot of business books lately.

cerulean- What are your favorite indulgences?

All the pieces listed above, combined with chocolate after almost every meal. Life is too short to pass up really good sweets.

cerulean- Who was your favorite interview/ contributor for Design Sponge?

Working on the Design*Sponge book I got to meet and work with designer Genevieve Gorder, who was the reason I fell in love with design. That was a major high point for me.

cerulean- Who are your interiors style icons?

Dorothy Draper, Ruthie Sommers, my mom.

cerulean- If you had to have a completely different career, what you want it to be?

Something involving food or a specialty food shop.

Grace's blog, Design*Sponge. Click the image to be take directly there.

Grace featured in the November 2008 issue of Domino Magazine, where she and the site are listed as a “leader of the pack”.

stay in the loop while you're out and about....

2010-05-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

One might argue that the point of going on vacation is to unplug- literally. Unplug from your computers and modems, your phones and tvs and appliances. To completely get away from the rat race of our daily lives, and this is all true. I completely agree… with one little caveat.

We can only unplug for so long before our jobs and lives demand we return, or else. Most of us cannot go away for months on end and expect our jobs to be there waiting for us when we return. So what if by plugging-IN while on vacation, just a little, we could then stay on vacation twice as long??? If by using the convenience of the very technology we are trying to escape, we can do just enough work to keep our lives and jobs moving along, short vacations can become indefinite hiatuses.

I gave this a lot of thought while on vacation in the Abacos a few years ago. Cerulean was a fledgling little business that needed me, I was sure. How could it go on for 10 days while I was away? I found people I relied on and left it in good hands, and I was home before anything disastrous could happen.

But if I had been on email for a certain period of time every day of that vacation, those 10 days could easily have become a month without major affects to my livelihood. Think about the possibilities! While we go on vacation to escape the overload of technology in our lives, the RIGHT use of technology can send us on a semi-permanent vacation! It’s ironic that bringing work on vacation can in essence extend that vacation, but it’s a thrilling concept, none the less.

As someone who’s REAL life’s ambition is to travel, maybe live somewhere exotic one day, this is a thrilling idea. Without completely cutting off my life, my job or my livelihood, I can hit the road! I can be checking emails in a marketplace in Marrakech, or emailing customers about the fit of a particular shoe from a beach in Bora Bora, or talking on the phone with designers about next season’s collection from Costa Rica. Work goes on and I’m not missing a thing, but Im also able to experience great adventures and other cultures at the same time! All of this is now possible with our phones and the widespread availability of wireless internet, which wasn’t possible just a short number of years ago.

Grace Bonney, founder of style and interiors blog Design*Sponge, recently contributed a guest post on a tech blog about this very thing. We have been obsessed with her inspiring blog for ages and her ideas about using technology to allow you to leave the office, not be chained to it, was right in line with my way of thinking. Check out all the different Apps she uses to stay in the loop while she’s out and about.

You can check out her blog, Design*Sponge, by clicking here, and her tech post by clicking here.

¡Ole!

2010-05-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with anything Mexican, Latin, or Spanish… and so cinco de mayo is always one of my favorite holidays. We had a little soiree last night with good friends under twinkle lights and papel picado banners (the cut tissue paper garlands) with fresh margaritas and homemade tamales. Summer temperatures have arrived along the Gulf Coast (along with a depressing oil slick, it would seem) and so we stayed cool with our fresh cocktails and a shady spot under the trees until the sun went down. You wouldn’t believe how many limes you have to squeeze to get one good margarita, but its worth it. And tamales are much easier than you would think- once you figure out what kind of peppers to buy and plan on soaking the corn husks way in advance, it’s all pretty easy and cheap! Of course the first round of margaritas went down too easy, and by the end of the evening we were in heated political debates and trying on dresses in the Cerulean stock room late night. Nothing like some post-cocktail shopping! Sadly, most of the photos didn’t turn out since we dined on a dimly lit screened porch- you couldn’t get a feel for the fiesta. Below is what we have… while the image of a few of the guests came out all blurry, I love it that you are getting a frame by frame laugh!

TOMS shoes deal...

2010-04-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

Cerulean is offering our customers a special deal through Toms shoes this Mother’s Day! Save $5 On Any Pair of Toms Shoes! Click here to activate your code and then enter coupon code MOTHERS at checkout. Offer expires 5/16/10

About Toms Shoes
TOMS was born in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie out of a commitment to produce stylish, comfortable, and practical footwear while improving the lives of children around the world.Every pair sold is personally matched with a donated pair to a child in need. TOMS collection is inspired by Alpargatas, the trusted utility shoe of Argentine workers. “I was overwhelmed by the spirit of the South American people, especially those who had so little,” Mycoskie says.“And I was instantly struck with the desire – the responsibility – to do more.”The shoes are composed of high quality, durable materials including lightweight, breathable canvas, resilient soles and soft leather in soles for maximum comfort.TOMS functions under the credo of No Sweatshops and all of the materials and products are produced and manufactured in Argentina under the strictest guidelines, ensuring both fair labor practices and minimal impact on the environment.

About Blake Mycoskie
After years of successful entrepreneurial endeavors, Blake Mycoskie put his life on hold and took a well deserved extended vacation.First stop, South America. Brazil, Uruguay and finally Argentina in January 2006, Mycoskie quickly immersed himself into the Argentine culture; he learned to sail, tango and play competitive polo.He unquestionably felt at home in the foreign land, invigorated and inspired.However, Mycoskie quickly became aware of the difficulties of the impoverished people in Argentina. He was challenged emotionally as he visited villages without fresh water and where few, if any, of the children had shoes. The lack of basic needs contributed to many health issues, infections, and in the most extreme circumstances, even death. “Inspired by a traditional Argentine shoe and challenged by continent’s poverty and heath issues, I created TOMS with a singular mission: To make life more comfortable,” says Mycoskie. TOMS accomplishes this through a unique shoe and Mycoskie’s commitment to match every pair purchased with a pair to a child in need…no complicated formulas, it’s simple…you buy a pair of TOMS and TOMS gives a pair to a child on your behalf.

guest travelogue: courtney barton

2010-03-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

“What a long strange trip its been”

My friend Courtney Barton, former co-Hollywould employee and blogger extraordinaire, has just returned to her homeport of Kuala Lumpur from an adventure in India and Nepal. The images she shared with us along the way were mind blowing (I hope she is working on a book!) and I wanted to share some with you guys. It has inspired me to make a similar journey- I just need to borrow her itinerary!

I have to add that she looks fabulous in a turban, and I think this is a trend that needs to resurface. Everyone looks better poolside with a good martini and a turban. I also love the vintage-quality of these first few images.

Below is an excerpt from her fabulous blog, in(side) the loop, about her recent travels. Click here to visit her blog for the full shake down.

“I'm finally back and it will take a while to digest the full intensity of India and Nepal, not to mention the deluge of photos I snapped along the way.

The trip was certainly trying at times with the barrage of touts, hardcore negotiations when purchasing everything from chewing gum to antiques, an overnight ride on the Indian Railways, and [holy] cow feces projected onto my legs not once, but twice—yet I still found myself in constant awe of the unforgettable sights. I interviewed a princess, watched a Hindu cremation ceremony on the Ganges, rode camels into the sand dune sunset, and ate my weight in garlic naan [which, by the way, is as close to Nirvana as I've ever been]. These memories will forever be impressed in my mind and soul.”

I'm dying to get a hold of these slippers. Heaven on earth is a marketplace selling handmade shoes!

windy city...

2010-03-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

Just spent an amazing few days in (a surprisingly warm) Chicago with friends. The sun was shining, the food was to die for, and the shopping was killer, literally. We hit every shop and tea spot from Michigan Avenue to Bucktown and Lincoln Park, and most of what was in between. Nursing a cold, but determined to enjoy everything the windy city has to offer (at least, everything that can be enjoyed in only a few days) we made our way along the river, dyed an abnormal green for St Paddys Day.

A few highlights of the trip…

The Art Institute- As an art fanatic (art major and I have worked for an Art Museum for the last four years) I was in heaven. But my (less artistically inclined) spouse was just as amazed at their permanent collection as I was. Everywhere you turn is another Monet or Picasso, Cindy Sherman, or El Greco. It was almost laughable the big names gracing their walls! We missed a Matisse exhibition by only a few days (poor planning on my part) but I hope some of you go see it for me! The American Art from 1960 was the best…

111 South Michigan Avenue
Winslow Homer, American, 1836-1910, The Water Fan, 1898/99

Chicago deep dish pizza- This deep dish pizza hit the spot after a few hours exploring the streets. Tomato sauce on top of the cheese works perfectly for me (so I can swiftly remove it from my pie- personal preference). My friend Jennifer says you can order the deep dish and have it overnight-delivered anywhere in the country, but without the deep dish pans or the perfect ovens, it isn’t quite the same when cooked at home.

Tea at the Peninsula Hotel- Scones, tea sandwiches, a huge list of teas and impeccable service. This was the perfect respite from a tiring day of shopping. Life is hard.

108 E Superior St
Red Light- A Chicago favorite for pan-Asian fare in a funky atmosphere. Wrinkled green beans and Lychee martinis are a must. I ate too much, as usual.

820 W. Randolph

Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House- Enormous portions of fresh fish, oysters, lobsters and shrimp, foot tall key lime pie, and an Irish Bagpipe band to boot? We had a good time, especially since it was the night before St. Paddy’s day!

1024 North Rush Street

One I hated to miss...
Hot Chocolate
I had plans to visit Hot Chocolate, a cozy little place on Damen run by three-time James Beard nominee Mindy Segal. Just the mention of the term Gastropub gets me salivating like Pavlov’s dog. The menu promised Mussels with bacon, shallots, garlic, PBR, and local chiles. YUM! House-made, beer-poached soft pretzels with Taleggio fondue- ahh! To-die-for Mac and Cheese, Burgers, and Entrees, but the piece de résistance are the desserts. Mindy is a pastry chef, after all. It is on the top of my list for my next trip to Chicago.

1747 North Damen Avenue

inspiration: florence, italy...

2010-03-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

While looking through some photos from a recent trip to Italy, I came across these images of the Duomo in Florence and the view from the top of the dome. The sights, sounds and smells of this day are all fresh in my memory. We had just left an amazing cafe serving pesto pea pizzas and buffalo mozzarella that was more similar to ice cream than cheese. As an art history major, I was soaking up all of the art and architecture. The climb to the top of the dome did a hat trick on my claustrophobia, but the view from the top was worth every moment stuck in a cramped large, spiraling staircase between the inner and outer domes.

Inspired by the colors of these images- the soft grays, pale green, terracotta, and loads of white- I put together this sampling of Cerulean. You can call it, living in images of Florence.

the saints go marching in...

2010-02-15T14:59:00.000-08:00

While we all know the Super Bowl took place in Miami this past Sunday night, I knew the party was going to be happening in New Orleans. So we headed down there early Sunday morning to check out the festivities and enjoy some amazing Creole cuisine in the French Quarter.

By 11 am an impromptu parade was gearing up made up of revelers in black and gold head to toe. There were plenty of gold spandex unitards, fleur de lis, and glitter wigs, dogs wearing Brees jerseys and normally bizarre street performers being outdone by locals on parade. An incessant chorus of “Who Dat?” wafted from the streets and the insides of buildings and fell down on us from the balconies above Bourbon. The city was more alive than it is on Fat Tuesday and everyone… I mean everyone… was having a good time.

We settled in for a delicious lunch at my favorite, Galatoire’s, with piping hot French bread, cocktails and oysters flowing to our table from the kitchen. We shared fresh lump blue crabmeat prepared numerous ways, pan fried fish and café brulot that Billy flambeaued with such panache. (image above) Periodically some of the revelers from outside would parade through the white table cloth establishment carrying boom boxes blasting “When the saints come marching in”. Diners waved white napkins in the air and chanted “Who dat” back to the paraders (who, we were told, were friends of the chef). The spirit got to such a frenzy that anytime someone- ANYONE- walked through the door of the restaurant, diners stood up and cheered them! It was a spectacular day to be in New Orleans.
Good thing we were not in a hurry to get anywhere, because the city shut down all streets leading in and out of the French Quarter and the party intensified. Mardi Gras meets the Super Bowl equals a fantastic New Orleans kind of day! Below are pictures of Saints parades both on the streets and through Galatoire’s.

Given the excitement about the Big Easy with the Super Bowl win and Fat Tuesday just around the corner, we thought this was a good time to share our New Orleans City Guide. Full of our favorite spots to eat and shop, this travel guide will take you through the cities delights from Bourbon Street down Magazine Street and all through Uptown.

Click here to check out our New Orleans City Guide…

eating your way through nyc...

2010-01-31T14:49:00.000-08:00

As promised, we tried some new and notable restaurants while in New York City last week amidst the most intense cold snap imaginable. We also, unfortunately, tried some not-so-notable places, but the good out-weighed the bad on this trip. Here are two stand outs…

Company is a pizza place right next to… nothing… on 9th avenue and 26th street. While you probably won’t ever be in the neighborhood, its worth a trip for the thin pizza pies on a soft crust with fabulous toppings. Most notable were the “Popeye” which had fresh spinach, toasted until crisp in the giant pizza ovens over gobs of melted gruyere and buffalo mozzarella, and the "Flambe" (reminiscent of the Alsatian Tarte Flambee) with caramelized onions, lardons and béchamel. Don’t let the faux fireplace blazing on a big screen tv fool you- the food is authentic and delicious. They don't take reservations and tables are communal, but it kind of adds to the fun.
230 Ninth Avenue, New York, www.co-pane.com

History and contemporary sensibilities collide at Commerce, housed in the newly restored Grange Hall in Greenwich Village, once a Depression-era speakeasy (and formerly The Blue Mill Tavern). Tiny and bustling and tucked away on one of those streets you would miss if you blinked, the cocktails are divine and the food is too. I dined on roasted sweet potato tortelloni with hazelnuts, pomegranate and a buerre noisette, as well as sazeracs and champagne cocktails with house-made grenadine. It was a fabulous evening staying warm and catching up with old friends in a bistro-style café on a back street on a cold night.
50 Commerce Street, New York, www.commercerestaurant.com

Of course we hit some tried and true favorites that can’t be missed when in New York- Pastis for a brunch of oysters, croque monsieur, pomme frites and café au lait, and Le Pain Quotidian for flaky croissants, steel cut oatmeal and herb teas. If I hadn’t walked about a thousands miles while there, I know I would have come home twice my original size. But that is the beauty of Yew York- eat divine food and then walk it off through Central Park!

bundled up, then and now...

2010-01-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

Heading to New York for a chilly weekend of buying and meetings with importers from around the world- hoping to find some fabulous things for this Spring! I have an appointment with a silk importer who has some fabulous new colors for the Julie dress, and we plan on bringing back lots of Moroccan baskets, silk scarves and beach cover ups for the warmer months ahead.

I came across this photo yesterday of little bitty me in an adorable yellow coat in Rockefeller center right after my fourth birthday. Wish I could look this cute this weekend while I’m bundled up to beat the 15 degree weather. But I do promise to try some new restaurants and share the scoop, as well as visit some old favorites. I can’t go to New York without a trip to Le Pain Quotidian, Pastis and Café Habana!

winter citrus...

2010-01-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

Citrus is everywhere right now, being fresh in season, and I am constantly looking for new recipes to use up all the gorgeous satsumas (made marmalade), lemons (see the lemon meringue torte) and grapefruits that friends and neighbors have been sharing. What I love about these perfect fruits is that they aren’t perfect at all. A real lemon fresh off a tree looks nothing like the plastic-y perfect fruit found in most grocery stores! The outsides are blemished and rough, and the insides are heaven on earth. I may be biased, but I think the further south you go the better the citrus becomes, and it keeps me thinking of south Florida this time of year.

The absolute, without question, best fruit stand in south Florida is Robert Is Here on the way to the keys. So pack your convertible, save room for a bushel or two of produce and head to Homestead. Robert Is Here Fruit Stand was established in the late fall of 1959. At that time, a six-year-old boy was set on this very corner with some of his father’s cucumber crop and told to “Sell ‘em!” Robert sat all day that Saturday and no one even stopped. That evening, Robert’s father decided that “there can’t be that many people who don’t like cucumbers; they must not see this little boy standing here on the corner.”

The next day, Robert’s father placed a sign on each side of the table proclaiming in big red letters “Robert Is Here.” By noon Robert had sold all of the cucumbers. The following weekend, a neighboring farmer added tomatoes to Robert’s display and a fruit stand was born. Robert was out on the corner every day during Christmas break, and when school started again in January of 1960, Robert’s mother made arrangements for the bus to pick him up and drop him off at the fruit stand. He and his mother would set up the stand each morning and leave a coffee can on the table. Customers paid by leaving the money in the can using the honor system. The bus would drop Robert off after school and he would work his stand until it got dark. By the time Robert was nine years old, he had hired a neighbor lady to work for him while he was in school. Robert bought his first ten-acres of property when he was fourteen and planted an avocado grove.

Specializing in all sorts of tropical fruits, including some you’ve never heard of, Robert also sells canned produce using his mother’s recipes, makes up fresh shakes and smoothies and other goodies, and often has live music playing. It’s an experience.
Robert is Here 19200 SW 344th Street. Homestead, FL

Head out from Robert Is Here down South Dixie Highway and Highway One and you’ve reached the Keys. One of the best meals I’ve ever had was at the Marquesa in Key West on New Year’s Eve several years ago. One block from the famous (and rowdy) Duval Street, this former Catholic boardinghouse painted pale aqua-blue and yellow houses an award-winning boutique hotel and restaurant. The “innovative” Café Marquesa serves "fine Caribbean-Continental" food. The hotel rooms, restored 1884 conch houses, are situated around a little secluded garden oasis where we were served champagne on New Years after our amazing dinner of Lamb. Rated number 1 in Florida by Travel & Leisure Magazine, the hotel made their list of the 500 of the Worlds Best Hotels. The best part about it? Today’s weather report reads Sunny and 74 degrees.
http://www.marquesa.com/

a delicious new year...

2010-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

While I don’t normally have an overly large sweet tooth, the cold weather of the past few weeks has kept me indoors eating nothing but stews and sweets. Not a terrible life. I recently tried a recipe for a three layer lemon cream filled meringue tower that was to die for. Three large flat meringues (almost the size of a pie) are layered with a homemade lemon curd full of tons of tangy zest folded with homemade whip cream. And repeat the layers and repeat again. If you can avoid eating the entire thing in one sitting, you are stronger than I. Thought the least I could do was share the recipe…

I didn’t take any pictures of my towering lemon confection, but I found a picture of a similar concoction in Gourmet Magazine July 2009. They used berries instead of lemon, but the concept is the same.
Lemon Meringue Torte
6 egg whites
1 ½ cups sugar
¾ tsp vanilla
6 egg yolks
1 ¼ cups sugar
4 ½ TB lemon juice
2 TB lemon zest
1 ¼ cup whipping cream
3 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Beat egg whites until stiff in a electric mixer. Gradually add 1 ½ cups sugar and ¾ tsp vanilla. Divide the meringue mixture into thirds and pour onto a baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Spread to the diameter of a pie pan. (tip: I took an old pie pan and traced the outline on the parchment, then flipped the parchment over so you don’t get pen or pencil marks on your meringue. Makes gauging the right size of each meringue much easier) Bake one hour.

In a medium bowl beat egg yolks. Add remaining sugar, lemon juice and zest. Cook over a double boiler until thick (consistency of pudding), stirring occasionally. Cool. Whip cream with an electric mixture until it forms soft peaks. Whip in remaining vanilla. Remove cooled meringues from parchment and place the first on a cake stand (plate will do but its not as pretty). Spread with 1/3 the lemon cream. Layer the second meringue and repeat with filling. Repeat again. Thinly slice a lemon or two and place on top for decoration. Keep refrigerated. Serves 10. Enjoy!

notable words...

2010-01-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

“hidden talent… counts for nothing.” – nero

We’ve waxed poetic about the lost art of letter writing before, and stand by the merit of letter press cards. Last summer we found the most amazing boxes of letterpress stationary and cards handmade in New Jersey that we sold out of in no time at all. But someone just told us about some cards of a different sort. Still exquisite in their handmade nature, these cards send a distinct and quirky message to your recipient. Each card is emblazoned with a quote from (in)famous historical figures (read dictators) that will leave you belly laughing at the hilarity, absurdity, brilliance or cruelty. Letterpress printed in Brooklyn on 100% cotton, Dictator Goods “was founded to occupy the intersection of handcrafted, high design and brazen irreverence.” Have a look and enjoy- a good laugh and some high quality stationary are guaranteed.

http://www.dictatorgoods.com/index.html

it’s complicated… december 2009

2009-12-28T14:39:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays! Here’s hoping everyone had a good break, some quality family time, maybe a few gifts and a moment or two under the Mistletoe?? All of this, and a movie too. There is something about getting out of the house on a cold day when you know there is no school or work in the morning and enjoying a great movie with an obscenely large box of popcorn (go ahead and add that butter too). Hollywood saves some great ones for a late December release, and It’s Complicated made my list this year. I, of course, love everything Meryl Streep does: Devil Wears Prada, Out of Africa, Julie and Julia, and that only scratches the surface of her resume. While enjoying this romantic comedy I kept noticing Cerulean in frame after frame! Espadrilles (a’ la Toms shoes), Matta dupatta scarves, straw baskets and on an on! I knew we liked this film for a reason! Below are some movie stills (Universal pictures 2009), as well as a few products we saw in the film and a few more we thought Meryl’s character would love. I’m coveting her glamorous Spanish villa in the California hills overlooking the ocean, but she can keep all the “complicated”.

christmas wish list...

2009-12-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

Now that it’s December and the holidays are upon us, Christmas music blares through our office while we wrap presents for customers and send them off to each of the 50 states. We’ve shipped Matta sandals to Hawaii and Virginia Johnson merino shawls to upstate New York. Pom Pom Throws are a favorite gift in Florida, and Nashville loves our many versions of Chai Tea Glasses. I’ve wrapped more than a few gifts myself for friends and family, but of course I can’t tell you what is in those packages or it will spoil the surprise. How about I just tell you what’s on my list this year? I have a very long list, so here are just a few.

Subscriptions to my favorite magazines, including Coastal Living and Elle Décor. Cant get enough of them. Black leather and gold studded wrap bracelet. It is tough and ladylike at the same time. I’m getting one to punch up my work wardrobe.

Tweed Wool Fox hunting jacket- I’m new to the sport and want a really well-made tweed hunting jacket for those cool fall days on horseback. Don’t worry- nothing is killed when I hunt except a flask of whiskey!

Virginia Johnson gauze merino wool scarves- a new shipment of brand new prints arrived at our offices yesterday, and I’m coveting the blue seaweed print. Love it.

Bright white Vespa- I’ve wanted one for years but finally live in a place where I won’t get killed in traffic. I’d love to be zooming around town on one of these! Think of the gas mileage??

Matta silk and cotton pom pom scarves are flying out of our stock room as fast as we can gift wrap them this holiday. I must get one before they are gone- but which color??

Erno Laszlo skin care is absolutely addictive. Once you understand the clocking system (a little more confusing that it has to be) you skin will thank you.

Jonathan Adler sofa will look fantastic in my living room- but I must learn the self control to keep the dog off! Will it ever happen? I’m not so sure, but I have it on good authority that Jonathan lets his dog on his.

Turquoise and chocolate leather belt is a much more sophisticated take on the typical southwest turquoise. I’m hoping to have this to wear to my more casual holiday parties over a fitted blazer.

These Mystique coral, wood and rhinestone sandals are to die for in the softest suede imaginable. I think it’s worth planning a trip somewhere warm just so I can wear them asap.

thanksgiving getaway...

2009-11-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

Spent the thanksgiving holiday in the mountains, which certainly puts you in the mood for the holidays. A fire roaring, hikes in the crisp air, warm roasted meals and friends. I started my very own bonfire, roasted the world’s most perfect smores (if I say so myself), made time for some antiquing, and took in the obligatory football game or two. All in all, a nice holiday. (DeSoto Falls shown below)

But of course Im already dreaming of what adventures we can find next year, and have decided that Blackberry Farm sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving retreat. An intimate luxury hotel in the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is the perfect mix of remote escapism with luxurious extras. Their awards are too many to mention, but it should be noted that among their “best small hotel” awards sit many more for food and wine. On-site cheese mongers, butchers and farmers bring delicious food directly to the table (by way of some fabulous chefs, of course). Gourmands and outdoorsmen alike can find respite, excitement and palette pleasers.

Visit their webiste at www.blackberryfarm.com.

outstanding tables...

2009-11-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is here and the country is preparing. Work seems to have already shut down at a lot of companies (much to our dismay when we are trying to get your orders to you!), the grocery stores are packed with shoppers perusing the featured aisles stocked with cans of pumpkin, spices and marshmallows. Family members are preparing for travel and a few quiet days with family and friends around a splendid table. I am making a delicious spiced pumpkin layer cake with pralines and cream cheese frosting. Yum.

The table is the focus of Thanksgiving, really. Not just what’s on it but who’s at it. And with all of this thinking about preparing a splendid table of my own, I’m reminded of the fabulous company called Outstanding in the Field, who’s bringing delicious food and a truly amazing dining experience to foodies all across the country.

These self-described “culinary celebrations at the source” are held right on the farm at which the produce, meat and herbs were grown and raised. As they say, s et between the soil and the sky, Outstanding in the Field's long, linen-draped table beckons adventurous diners to celebrate food at the source. Bringing together local farmers and food artisans, chefs and winemakers, they explore the connection between the earth and the food on your plate.

While they normally focus on the east and west coasts, they recently made a dip through the southeast (we want more, please!), and friends who attended the events in Nashville and Birmingham had glowing praises of this gastronomic experience. But it is more than just food. It is an experience with friends and family, and making new friends too, around a beautiful and rustic table. Something reminiscent of the first Thanksgiving- celebrating life, food and togetherness.

http://www.outstandinginthefield.com/home.html

Happy Thanksgiving.

in search of the perfect cocktail...

2009-11-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

We’ve traveled the southeast over the past few weeks holding Cerulean trunk shows in city after city, visiting with cerulean fans and old friends. It was a fabulous adventure driving through Tennessee Mountains full of fall color, or battling would-be hurricanes on the gulf coast. It is exciting for us to meet our loyal customers in person and watch as they ooooh and ahhhh over the feel of the glorious silk or the merino wool or the smooth lacquer. It was a great success and a lot of fun.

But after such hard work and tiring travel, there is nothing better than the perfectly made cocktail to sooth a tired mind. This we found in Nashville Tennessee at the Patterson House. A recently opened mecca to the perfect cocktail (and named after a Tennessee Governor who fought prohibition), this speak easy-inspired, library-like bar is housed in an unassuming old house half way between the campus of Vanderbilt and the honkytonks of downtown Nashville.

Each drink is made the old fashioned way with time and care given to every detail, not the least of which is the ice. After studying the best way to control the rate of melting so as not to alter the composition of the drink, the owners devised a perfect spherical ice cube. Other drinks come with long cylindrical cubes that fit the glasses perfectly. Such attention to detail is given to every aspect of the experience.

I tried a delicious layered concoction of fresh ginger and strong bitters over a dark rum that was divine. Others tried champagne cocktails, Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. There is something for every taste and every level of adventure. But not to worry. Those who don’t imbibe won’t be disappointed with the non-alcoholic versions they whip up upon request.

While they won’t seat you unless there is a table available, I would say it is worth the wait. Once inside, grab a chair at the bar so you can watch the barkeeps work their magic up close and personal. What a fabulous way to unwind after the grand tour of trunk shows!

Patterson House - 1711 Division Street - Nashville

birthday fireworks...

2009-10-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Had a fabulous birthday party last night, including lots of champagne cocktails and sidecars, delicious lobster and cake, all finished off with fireworks on the beach with waves crashing behind us. The picture below shows some oversized sparklers stuck in the sand in a line down the beach. It was great! Thanks for throwing a great party!

cerulean interviews...

2009-09-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today we are launching a new section of our website, cerulean interviews. While it is a work in progress, it will be a constantly evolving section that features the people who inspire us most. There will be some designers to the stars, professional taste-makers, but for the most part we are interviewing girls we know that rock. I can guarantee that the pages will be filled with young entrepreneurs who love travel, fashion, food and interiors as much as we do, and who are constantly challenging themselves (and us) to be better and more interesting individuals. People who live by the mantra, "Travel's greatest purpose is to replace and empty mind with an open one."

Enjoy.

Click to read the first Cerulean Interviews.

what happens in vegas…

2009-08-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Had a quick trip to Las Vegas, and while there were no wild and crazy nights for me ( I was working, people), we over-indulged in a different way. Las Vegas is home to thousands of restaurants, dozens by celebrity chefs like Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud, Tom Colicchio, Bobby Flay… the list goes on and on. We visited as many as can fit in a 48-hour time span.

Many of these restaurants are exact replicas of restaurants in other places- like Spago in LA and Bouchon in Napa. Same name, same chef, same menu, same décor. But something is always lacking in the Vegas versions. The walls feel a little like Hollywood sets and the clientele are often in t-shirts or worse.

I didn’t let that slow me down, however, or keep me from enjoying fresh oysters, arugula, divine cheeses, lobster ravioli and glass after glass of champagne. A good time was had by all, and this is one instance where I wish what happened in Vegas didn’t have to stay in Vegas.

Throw in a couple of shows (everything from Cirque de Soliel to Holly Madison), some killer shopping, and a great new tan, and I will be dreaming of Vegas for a while to come, humming Katy Perry’s tune with a smile, glad it wasn’t me at the little white wedding chapel with someone’s high school ring!

my vegas cocktail of choice...

1 oz. vodka
1 sugar cube
5 dashes Angostura Bitters
champagne

Put the sugar cube in the bottom of a martini glass and soak with the bitters. Top with vodka and fill glass with champagne. It's a champagne cocktail with a kick!

living the high life...

2009-08-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

On a trip to New York just two weeks ago, a friend introduced me to something new and exciting on the city’s west side- The High Line. Someone once said that what they loved about New York City is how it always changes on you, and I would have to add that it keeps changing for the better. This project reflects some real vision for a public space.

First the background… In the late 1840s, the City laid a line of rail road tracks down the west side that went on to cause so many deadly accidents that 10th Avenue became known as Death Avenue. Finally in 1930, an elevated rail road was built, The High Line, eliminating 105 street-level rail road intersections (and saving many lives in the process). This elevated rail track was in continued use until the 80s, when rail road traffic had diminished considerably and the line was unnecessary. (tidbit- they say the last trainload to run down the High Line was in 1980, carrying three carloads of frozen turkeys). The rail sat in disrepair for years afterwards.

By about the year 2000, neighborhood leaders were advocating for a reinvention of this rail track for public use, and it has finally come to fruition. The High Line is open to the public between Gansevoort and 20th, creating a unique juxtaposition of sleek modern walkways and seating with naturalistic plantings, almost meadow-like in places. At any time on any given day, the High Line can be filled with sunbathers on sleek teak loungers, children purchasing ice cream cones, groups of people watching a performance or taking a yoga class, and workers choosing to make their commute to the office a little more pleasant by walking this route instead of on the street below.

It is being built in stages, and the first has only just been completed. But when it is done, it will be a mile-and-a-half-long elevated park, running through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell's Kitchen.

An event not to be missed… Chefs Dinner to Benefit Friends of the High Line

Friends of the High Line is the conservancy charged with raising private funds for the park and overseeing its maintenance and operations. This chef’s dinner, organized by Chef Tom Colicchio of Craftsteak (and my favorite Top Chef), will be a fabulous al-fresco evening of dinning on the highline with multiple amazing chefs. I can’t imagine anything better than dinner under the stars in New York in early October when the weather is just beginning to turn cool and more than half a dozen NYC chefs have prepared your meal, all for the good cause of urban revitalization.

Check it out… http://www.thehighline.org/events/all/2009/10/chefs-dinner-to-benefit-friends-of-the-high-line

new inspirations: andean excursion...

2009-08-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

Below are just a few of the fabulous pictures that we’ve been sorting through from Lang’s recent last-minute jaunt to Peru (Lang has been working with Cerulean all summer and we missed her while she was exploring high altitudes in the Southern hemisphere). From colorful native clothing, llamas on the roadside, amazing local cuisine and a ride on Hiram Bingham railroad to Machu Pichu, it sounds like a fabulous trip! Im making notes for myself – I have big plans to one day walk the Inca Trail. Must get better at high altitudes first…

Pictures of indigenous Peruvian marketplace, shown at the bottom, make me incredibly envious! How we would love to get our hands on some fabulous, handmade South American gifts and accessories for all our Cerulean fans! Perhaps there is reason for Lang and I to plan a return visit soon!

Enjoy her beautiful photos.

hidden ireland...

2009-08-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a fabulous holiday in Ireland, County Kerry to be exact. We toured this beautiful and rugged southwest corner of the country, traveling along the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic for a little over a week. I can’t say we saw the sun much on this trip, but we discovered so many shining things while on the Emerald Isle!

Never have I met such amazing people when traveling- casual, comfortable, welcoming and fun. It was seven days of hikes through green rocky countryside finished with meals of the absolute freshest seafood I have ever eaten in my life (and coming from a coastal person, that is really saying something).

As an equestrian, I made sure to ride some of the sturdy Irish cobbs and draft horses while there- along beaches and down winding cliffs. Once we even rode straight through the middle of a town, past cafes and stunned shoppers, around a round-about, past an eighteen wheeler, and out to the beaches.

The trip had its share of sights, including stone circles (a’ la Stone Henge), castles, fishing villages full of lobster traps and brightly painted boats, stone cottages and bridges and fences, traditional Irish music, and Guinness of course! The final day was by far the most impressive, as we toured the great Blaskett Island, one of the last bastions of traditional Gaelic culture. The people of this island had a rich oral traditional and maintained their traditional way of life until the mid twentieth century, when the peat bog depletion forced them to move to the Irish mainland. A chartered boat delivered us to the island through rough seas, and left us to explore abandoned stone houses, overgrown hedgerows and fences that once held sheep and cattle, down tiny paths that wound around the rugged island. What a fascinating place.

Pictured below are (left to right, top row down) stone circles outside Kenmare, Lobster Traps in Port McGee, Cart Rides through the Gap of Dunloe, Great Blaskett Island, Dingle Bay, a Cottage on Great Blaskett, Dingle Horse Riding, a Tower Overlooking Dingle Bay, Placing Bets at the Dingle Races with less than professional-looking bookies.

A few spots to not miss if you ever make it to this part of the world:

The Lime Tree Restaurant, Kenmare, Ireland

An intimate “Double Award Winner” Michelin restaurant that serves fabulous seafood and local lamb set in an 1800’s building in the heart of quaint Kenmare.

http://www.limetreerestaurant.com/index.php

Stop by the Park Hotel for drinks before or after dinner. While we didn’t get a chance to stay at the Park hotel, which overlooks the beautiful bay of Kenmare, it definitely seems to be the best hotel in the area.

http://www.parkkenmare.com/

I also recommend Out of the Blue in Dingle for seafood lovers- their slogan is “Meat eaters need not apply”, and you wont be disappointed.

http://www.outoftheblue.ie/

And don’t miss Fenton’s in Dingle as well. While it may seem like a casual, ordinary seafood restaurant, the food was divine. “Crab Thumbs” as they call them (seemed to be just like stone crab claws to me) kept me thinking about Fenton’s for days.

http://www.dinglerestaurants.com/fentons.html

Finally, if you want help planning your own vacation to Ireland, I have to recommend Hidden Ireland Tours, who planned our trip from top to bottom and didn’t disappoint at all. My good friend Binky organizes the trips and has fabulous contacts over there to get you to the most out of the way, unknown spots, the best local restaurants, the best sights and walks that you would never find on your own.

http://www.hiddenirelandtours.com/

new inspirations: saudi arabia ...

2009-07-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite friends (who is always spreading the word about cerulean on his travels around the world!) just sent us these pics from a trip through the Saudi Arabian desert. They were so majestic and foreign that we had to share as inspiration! Of course, we are fundamentally against any nation that inhibits women's rights. This is where we would normally make some stupid joke about being forced to cover up our fabulous clothes and accessories with drab robes and head scarves, but this is serious business, so we will refrain. But we do think that the (American) women in the snapshot below in billowing black robes looks tres chic! Enjoy the images- i hope they inspire some Arabian nights of your own!

precious cargo…

2009-07-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

The cerulean travelogue is most often a place to reminisce about adventures around the world, or share stories of other people’s travels in order to inspire us all to live a more exotic and open minded life. One of our favorite quotes is “Travels’ greatest purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” That just about sums it all up.

However every once in a while, we find something so unique or inspiring a little closer to home that we have to share it. Enter the Madsen bicycles. I would normally write my own little review on this amazing product, but what the company has says it so well, so we have just copied it below.

I can picture myself riding the bicycle in one of my favorite brightly colored tunics and some ballet flats, a Moroccan straw basket in the back is filled with groceries and produce, and the cerulean mascot, Julep, has her black and white head peeking out over the top of the bucket. A perfectly chic mode of transportation for all my precious cargo! MADSEN Cargo Bikes">Click to learn more.

“Madsen Cycles was started with the idea that a bicycle should do more. Whether you want to work more or play more, a Madsen utility bike gets you and your cargo there in style.

After hauling six neighbor kids around in a wheel barrow bucket bolted to the front of our first prototype, we started to realize what a bicycle can really do. But the bucket on the front, like the box of the European design, creates an awkward center of gravity. So we stretched the chassis and put the bucket on the back. With the natural feel and balance of the rear bucket, you can ride with confidence knowing your load is secure and your cargo is protected.

Our production models have come a long way since that first prototype but our mission has stayed the same; a bicycle should do more. We are not the first to place a load on a bicycle but we are the first to do it right. Tested for up to 600 pounds, the Madsen kg271 is as burly as it is elegant.

So whether you use your Madsen Cycle to drop the kids off at soccer practice, pick up your groceries from the market, or pile in your tools for your next project, we hope you’ll fall in love with your new Madsen Cycle—like we have.”

destination: austin texas...

2009-06-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

Austin is one of those towns that everyone says is fabulous. Great shopping, great music, great food, young and vibrant, urban and outdoorsy at the same time. A town of bicycles and Vespas, dogs on leashes sitting outside of sidewalk cafes, sculling on Town Lake, environmentally minded, music at the forefront, modern but TexMex through and through. I recently took my first jaunt to this great spot in the Texas Hill Country and am sharing a few of my favorite tips. I am sure I missed some of the best places while I was there, as time was limited, so if you feel passionate about a better BBQ hole-in-the-wall, or hotel, or boutique, send us your tips and we will share them, too!

Click here to see our must-do list for Austin!

a pirate's life for me...

2009-06-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend at a sailor’s outpost called Pirates Cove that’s reminiscent of something from a far flung Caribbean hideaway. The dress code is bathing suits and bare feet, the drink of choice is a bushwacker with a rum “topper”, cheeseburgers are divine, and the best way to get there is by boat.

Give your captain these coordinates and you cant steer wrong. L 30‘ 19.2 N Lo 87' 32.0 W, right by Intercoastal Waterway Marker #65.

The place is full of local character, which is exactly why I love it, and its been open for business for the last 87 years. Dozens of dogs wander around the place, waiting patiently for cheeseburgers to hit the decks. Some dogs sit on benches like humans and watch the sailboats and speed boats pull up onto the beach and throw anchors overboard. Some retired pirate is usually playing a guitar on the deck in the sun, and tough waitresses walk around shouting out names for people to claim their food. If the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse, batten down the hatches and stay to dance in the rain! A few rain drops won’t spoil your bushwacker. Our black and white mascot Julep is a huge fan of Pirate’s Cove. She stands on the bow of the boat whining as soon as the pirate’s flags of the place come into view on the horizon. She hasn’t won their Dog of the Month yet, but we are still holding out hope…

Of course there’s no need to impress when you’re at Pirate’s Cove, but its always a good idea to bring one of our tunics or pareos to cover up after all these cheeseburgers and buchwackers! We always have something Cerulean in hand…

new obsession - juli b…

2009-05-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to be gracing the (online) pages of e-zine, Juli B - your one-stop shop to get in-the-know about everything for the fab lifestyle. It features editions for cities all across the country, so there’s guaranteed to be a locale near you. And we are obsessed with the travel edition, which features fabulous destinations, new resorts across the world, spas and more. Its sensory overload of beautiful, wonderful things. In just a few moments on the site, I found a gorgeous one-of-a-kind Nanette Lepore beaded collar that everyone in Miami is coveting, read up on the newest Aman resort opening in India, discovered a new art exhibit that is a must-see, and was informed that farmers are the new celebs (love it). There is so much info, so much style, so much to love about Juli B.

Check it out.

best job in the world…

2009-04-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

I have mistakenly been under the impression that I have the best job in the world. Think about it- I get to shop for beautiful things all across the world and share them with all of my friends (and fans of Cerulean). I get to write about my adventures, interview designers, and help people find the perfect outfit for the special occasions in their life! I am surrounded by beautiful things all day long and spend hours talking and writing about all of it.

But as I said, I was mistaken. I have just found THE BEST job in the world, and they’ve been taking applications.

Im afraid you are too late if you want to apply, however. Sadly, I bring you this news just a bit too late. Good thing, or I would have applied and left the Cerulean life behind in a heartbeat! The islands of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia are looking for a “caretaker”. I use the term caretaker loosely, because it seems to me that all that is required of you is to enjoy everything the Great Barrier Reef has to offer, and then report back about how great it is. Snorkel and dive, hike and explore, soak up endless hours of down-under sunshine… and then blog about it, give a phone interview about it, share with the world the fabulosity of it all! What a deal.

I visited the Whitsunday Islands several years ago (the name of that string of islands around The Great Barrier Reef) and was blown away by their beauty. Endless hours of snorkeling and tranquility are offered to those who hop the boat for the jaunt from the mainland. I stayed on an island with one tiny hotel, nothing more, and hiked the length of the island on both sides without once crossing paths with another soul. As fabulous as my trip was, it pales in comparison to the three-bedroom house on glamorous Hamilton Island where the “caretaker” will keep his “office”.

They’ve narrowed down the applicants to a sweet sixteen and will pick the finalist soon. But the good news is that he or she can bring a friend… there is till hope for us all!

The above images are from the job's website. I'm trying to track down the photo album from my own trip to the Great Barrier Reef (including some horrendous pictures of me trying to windsurf (classic) but as yet no luck. Will keep you posted.

classic bride honeymoon...

2009-04-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to be featured this week on Classic Bride! Sarah Darcy brings fabulous images and insights into planning the perfect wedding (or party for that matter) and honeymoons, too! Sarah, planning her own second honeymoon, grabbed a pair of our new Mystique turquoise stone sandals to wear while on her warm-weather trip. We are thrilled to have her as a fan, and we love her beautiful blog! Check it out at http://classicbride.blogspot.com/.

on the move…

2009-04-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

Planning and preparing for a trip is an enormous part of the fun. Reading guidebooks and reviews of restaurants and hotels, planning visits to out of the way spots, and of course, organizing your wardrobe and packing the essentials is an integral part of the travel process. The trip is rewarding from the moment you being to ponder the possibilities.

We’ve been pondering the many possibilities of the new luggage that arrived at our offices this week. Fabulous cotton canvas carry-ons and cosmetic cases in basket weave and ikat prints will let you schlep your belongings around the world in style. The bags have comfy shoulder straps, a big top zipper that opens wide to help you find your things, and perfect pockets to keep it all organized. The outside pockets are sized perfectly- one to hold your passport and plane tickets, the other to old magazines and books for the long journey. I wouldn’t have designed it any differently.These bags leave us inspired and dreaming of a vacation faraway, and so after surfing away our lunch break on our favorite site for travel inspiration, Conde Nast Traveler, we came across a Top 20 List of Journey’s of a Lifetime. I can’t imagine anything better! Below are our top three, pulled straight from their list, and we are packing our bags in our heads already…

Pan American Highway , From North To South America
The Pan-American Highway is a network of interconnecting roads stretching some 22,500km, as the condor flies, from north of the Arctic Circle down to the tip of Chile through a vast range of landscapes and climates. You can cover the North and Central American section from Anchorage to Panama City in 16 weeks, or travel the entire journey from Anchorage to Ushuaia in 25 weeks (including a short flight from Panama to Quito). The list of highlights is almost as long as the journey itself and includes National Parks (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion), ancient sights ( Machu Picchu, Tulum, Chichén Itzá) and many cultures (Navajo, Mayan, Aztec and Inca). Safety might be a concern in some parts, and various companies lead trips with groups, but we love the idea of renting a Land Cruiser and heading off on this adventure!

Trans Sahara Journey, Africa
Journey into the awe-inspiring wilderness of the largest desert and one of the hottest places on earth on a five-week camping safari through the Western Sahara from Morocco to Senegal, organised by adventure and discovery holiday specialist Guerba (01373 826611; www.guerba.com). Starting in Casablanca, the route takes in the cities of Rabat and Fès (including a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis), and, after a camel trek into the desert at Merzouga, crosses the High Atlas past Todra Gorge to Marrakech. The remaining weeks are spent following the Atlantic Ocean coast southwards, through the vast expanse of desert and the Banc d'Arguin National Park, rejoining Tarmac roads beyond Nouakchott. At Dakar, the final stopping point, there is an excursion to the former slave-trading centre on Goree Island. The thought of all the marketplaces full of leather goods and jewels, plus the image of us riding a camel, have us entranced by the possibilities!

Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express runs between St Moritz and Zermatt, a journey that takes about seven to eight hours along a narrow-gauge track through unsurpassed Alpine scenery. Highlights include the Albula Pass valley where the Express climbs quickly, reaching the village of Bergün and looping through superbly engineered tunnels to Preda, the Oberalp Pass (where you wind down a valley from 1,525 metres), and the climb to Zermatt with the Matterhorn in view. We are hoping to go in the winter to see the snow.

lucky you...

2009-04-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

We just found out that Lucky Magazine has picked one of our fabulous scarves as a "Top 10 Scarves for Spring" on the Lucky List! We have always loved Lucky and their ability to poke out the cool, new, wearable and affordable items for all of us shopaholics, and we are honoreed to be included (again!) on one of their Top Lists! Check out the scarf by clicking the image at right, and check out the Top 10 List on Luckmag.com!

new inspirations in kuala lumpur...

2009-04-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite bloggers is jumping ship for the far east. Courtney Barton of In(side) the Loop has left her Houston home for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! We tracked Courtney down in an airport halfway between her former Texas home and her new one to get the scoop on what is happening to her fabulous blog. Courtney assures us that In(side) the Loop will continue under its name, but with slightly different inspirations.

As a blog on fashion, design, lifestyle and more, Courtney finds daily inspiration from the world around her, and until this week, that world was inside the loop of Houston, Texas. Her travels also heavily influence her writings, as well as the time she spent living and working (designing!) in New York City. Courtney and I worked together at Hollywould Shoes during its early days (sigh- it is now closed and so is my access to those fabulous ballets and girly stilettos!), and we are two Southern gals who love the big city and find our inspirations in very similar things.

So In(side) the Loop continues, but will be just as interesting, if not more so now that Courtney’s surroundings will be incredibly exotic! We can’t wait to find out what she has to say from her new Malaysian outpost!

Below is an excerpt from In(side) the Loop. Courtney often features a list of things to see, eat, shop and drink in the cities to which she travels. It is only fitting that her last list from the old USA covers Houston. Enjoy…

“Last but not least, I'd wish for more time in this city I now call home. I think Houston is the one of the most overlooked and misjudged cities in the States. It's far hipper than most people imagine and literally has something for every walk of life. It's warm, engaging and treats you like a friend the longer you stay. But then again it should be pretty special because, after all, Houston was the first word spoken when the Lunar Module touched down. This city's list may be a tad longer than the rest, but isn't everything bigger in Texas?”

Click here to read the who, what, where of Houston on In(side) the Loop.

mardi gras revelry...

2009-02-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

Spent this year’s Mardi Gras at the real home of the celebration, from back before New Orleans made it famous (and a bit trashy I have to say), Mobile, Alabama. An old colonial town that was ruled by the French and Spanish during its early days, Mobile could have been the oldest city in the United States, surpassing St. Augustine, had it not been for a vicious hurricane that wiped the town away in its early years, forcing it to be re-founded at a later date.

My favorite part of Mardi Gras is not the parades or the beads, "Chattanooga" Moonpies or King Cakes- it is a Sunday street party that I never miss full of steaming oysters, bloody Marys and chic ladies in pastel suits and stilettos. The sun always seems to shine on this party, put on by a parading organization that was founded in the 1860s. Party goers enjoy fresh seafood, cocktails, and jazz from the Excelsior band, an ensemble also founded back in the 1800’s. The day was perfect.

I found among Cerulean’s new Spring accessories the perfect clutch for such a fabulous party- the yellow and green beaded clutch shown at right. While it might seem an obvious pick for a sunny Mardi Gras Sunday, I also love it worn more casually. Picture it this spring with white jeans, gold ballets and my chocolate brown safari jacket. Very chic, just the right pop of color to wear with all my browns and neutrals. You’re going to see this clutch pop up often in my wardrobe as Spring turns into summer… keep watching!

the lost art of letter writing...

2009-02-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

I was surprised to find, this week, amid the stacks of bills and junk that usually clutter my mailbox, no less than four hand written thank you notes. While it is not completely uncommon to receive thank you notes these days, it is less frequent an occurrence, for sure. Four in one week was an anomaly. Was I just that wonderful to people? I don’t think so. One was for a wedding present (I sent months ago…), one was a birthday gift. The things I did to deserve a thank you note were completely unremarkable, and yet those hand written messages from friends near and far really does make you feel somewhat… remarkable. Special. Someone took the time and their very own hand to write words just for you. The words are not fleeting, they are permanent. These four little notes leave me a little bit sad over the lost art of letter writing.

I was once a proficient letter writer. My grandmother who lived three hours away and I would write back and forth every few weeks. Of course, each of my letters was neatly returned to me with red markings up and down (she was a former high school teacher, so you can imagine), but I cherished the special feeling of receiving each letter, and of sealing and stamping each one I sent. Computers and cell phones have replaced the letter, and I am sure we are the better for it. Or are we?

After all this pondering, a package arrived at the doorstep of our Cerulean headquarters, filled with the most beautiful hand made letterpress stationary, all neatly packaged in printed gift boxes. What timing! Before these gorgeous boxes of paper could make it to our stock room shelves, I had to reserve one box for myself so I could try my hand at letters once more. I don’t think it’s too late to revive this art form. Now if everyone gave a box of this beautiful stationary to someone they love (and its perfect for the person who already has everything!) then each of us would surely get a beautiful handwritten thank you note in return, and we would have then done our part to revive a beautiful tradition of hand written letters! While I plan to use every last notecard in the set to write something special to friends and family, the box just looks gorgeous sitting on my desk in the meantime. This set puts the “art” back into this “lost art”.

cuba by way of nolita…

2009-02-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

We at Cerulean travel the world looking for the newest, most unique, or most exquisite items possible for the pages of our catalog and website. These travels often lead us to New York, epicenter of design and fashion for the US. When in NYC, there is only one restaurant we can not pass up. Every trip, without fail, rain or shine, regardless of the long line or any other deterrent, we hit Café Habana.

Nestled on a quiet corner in the Nolita neighborhood, Café Habana has been serving up home-style Latin food with unique Cuban and Central Mexican accents for two decades now, and it is unforgettable. Modeled after the famous Mexico City diner with the same name, this family-run home-style hangout features a sleek metal diner-style façade and a retro interior. Sip on Mandarina Jarritas or Horchatas while you wait for the luscious grilled corn with cheese and spices, the huevos rancheros, or the tortas (sandwiches) with chorizo and beans. The atmosphere is enticing, the clientele perfect for people watching, and the ceiling glows a bit, thought we can’t figure out why. Maybe it’s from the energy of the place???

Speaking of energy, you can feel good about your carbon footprint when eating at Café Habana or its sister outpost in Brooklyn. Owner Sean Meenan strives to make his restaurants Eco-Eateries- restaurants that use earth-friendly practices in their design, construction, and day-to-day operations. This jewel box of a restaurant is packed day and night, but its worth the wait every time.

inspiration: the sartorialist...

2009-02-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Style comes from inspiration. And nothing will inspire you to try something new like seeing the coolest girl in the world rock the look down the streets of New York, or seeing the most elegant outfit slip into a waiting car on the street somewhere in Europe. You get inspired to try that look you’ve always wanted to achieve, or motivated to experiment with a new style. The Sartorialist recreates these moments for you, online, simple and edited, with everyone from the street removed except that one inspiring person. The Sartorialist describes it as what “real people (really cool people) are wearing in real life.”

Selected as one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Design Influencers, the Sartorialist is the only place to get inspired without leaving the comfort of your home. “I thought I could shoot people on the street the way designers looked at people, and get and give inspiration to lots of people in the process. My only strategy when I began The Sartorialist was to try and shoot style in a way that I knew most designers hunted for inspiration. Rarely do they look at the whole outfit as a yes or no but they try and look for the abstract concepts of color, proportion, pattern mixing or mixed genres. I’m really touched when I get emails from everyday people who say they have been inspired to see themselves and others in a new and usually more accepting way.” Be sure to get your dose of inspiration today...

maharaja’s tent…

2009-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Two of my great friends (and possibly the two most intriguing people I know) had me to a little birthday soiree with a Chinese theme over the weekend. As importers of fabulous trinkets, jewels and furniture from the world over, but namely China, Marty & Rex entertained a bevy of close friends in their mid-century gas station-turned Chinese antique emporium.

The room was glowing red with twinkling lights and red curtains, Moroccan glass lanterns and tea lights, but the centerpiece was the handmade Indian tent they had erected in the center of the old mechanics bay. The simple and clean white cotton canvas exterior revealed a stunning printed ceiling as you stepped inside. Scalloped edges and hand-tied tassels adorned the sides, and lanterns hung from its ceiling. It was the most glorious little world in that tent- perfect for a patio or courtyard at your home, or in the middle of a field transformed for a gala or wedding. If your yard is lacking, you need one of these amazing tents to spice thing up.

I also caught a glimpse of an amazing all-white tent specially imported for a wedding, complete with a hand-embroidered inner lining in whites and creams with tiny pieces of mirror inset into the embroidery. Stunning. It even had coordinating lanterns that hung from rich cords and tassels inside.

When I came home, I looked again at my dismal courtyard and have decided that a maharaja’s tent is exactly what is needed to create ambiance for my little cocktail parties. Want one too? Each tent is special ordered and hand made, so it take time, but the beauty is it’s made to your exact specifications. Size, even shape, color and detail is all dictated by the buyer (but Marty has fabulous taste if you don’t know which direction to head, so anything she picks is a winner). Mine will, not surprisingly, be all white on the exterior but have rich indigo blues and jade greens, with tassels of cerulean blue, of course!

Their website of amazing import goods is coming soon… www.martimports.net. Email Marty and Rex for info on ordering your own maharaja tent!

destination: madrid...

2009-01-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hoss-Intropia designer Paloma recently shared her insider tips into a spectacular day in Madrid with us, and we wanted to share them. Paloma writes... Madrid is a big city, full of wonderful places to get lost in and not to miss!

THE FIVE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MADRID:
1. ART TRIANGLE
Stop by and see what we call the Art Triangle of Madrid- The National Museum of El Prado, one of the most important museums of art in the world, The National Museum of art Reina Sofia which is the Spanish museum of contemporary art from the 20th Century, and The Museum Thyssen- Bornemisza, in the Palace of Villahermosa, which has one of the biggest private art collections of the world.

2. MUSIC IN THE CAPITAL
Visit The Royal Theatre, Madrid’s opera theatre, is located on the Plaza de Oriente and is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city. Or for a more relaxed concert, try the Café Central located on the Plaza Santa Isabel. Known as the best jazz club in all of Spain, it is frequented by the most important names of the international jazz arena.

3. THE RASTRO OF MADRID
The Rastro is an open air flea market held every Sundays in the historic old town of Madrid. You are sure to find really interesting things and - don’t forget to bargain. Around midday, shoppers usually head to the bars around the Plaza de Cascorro to have a "vermut" or beer and tapas.
4. SHOPPING IN THE BARRIO DE SALAMANCA
Its a must to shop the streets of Ortega y Gasset and Serrano- in the Barrio de Salamanca. Here you will find the most important fashion brands and names of the city, such as Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel or Spanish renown brands such as Hoss Intropia , Pedro del Hierro or Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.

5. A WALK
End with a nice stroll in the park of El Retiro. Situated in the middle of the city, the gardens of El Retriro are one of the most significant places of Madrid. Inside you will find several monuments and interesting landmarks, like the Cristal Palace, (Palacio de Cristal), the Puerta de España (the "door" of Spain), the Rose garden, the lake and numerous and grandiose fountains. Really worth it if you like the opulent green.

destination: amuleto...

2009-01-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that such a magical place is only a sort flight from the US mainland, tucked away on a cove on the pacific coast of Mexico. Zihuatanejo is a fishing village on a protected bay with charm and local flavor, but the real gem rests up on the hillside overlooking the bay. Amuleto is an exquisite boutique hotel founded by a Brazilian ex-pat (Ricardo has also lived in LA) who knows what a luxury traveler needs. With an exceptional restaurant, palapa style thatched roof rooms, open air showers, and an infinity pool perched over a cliff make for a spectacular experience when you stay in one of only a handful of suites and rooms. It’s the best way to get away from it all (no phones or alarm locks at Amuleto) without traveling half way around the world.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico
www.amuleto.net

hollywould no more...

2009-01-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

A new year always brings the promise of exciting opportunities, fresh starts, resolutions and change. But with the economy continuing to slow, I have heard more sad news in the first few days of January 2009 than I care to share.

I have to announce that Hollywould Shoes has shut its doors. After getting my start in New York City with the fabulous and flirty line of shoes and bags, I have a special place in my heart for Holly Dunlap and Hollywould. Beginning as intern and shop keeper, then moving on to marketing and design, I travelled the world and learned an immeasurable amount. We will all sorely miss Holly’s amazing Diary, where she shared details of escapades and crazy nights out in Brooklyn, Florence Italy or Palm Beach. Never did I see someone who could so perfectly straddle the worlds of downtown hipster and Palm Beach society. I moved to Palm Beach myself for a winter to open up the Hollywould store on Worth Avenue in Via Mizner, and met amazing people during that stay. I fell in love with the sunshine and palm trees and have never looked back.

My absolute favorite pair of Hollywould shoes (and trust me... I have hundreds) is a high-heeled mule in neutral leather with an open rounded toe that is completely covered in sand and shells, tiny bits of coral and turquoise stones. Each pair of Hollywoulds was unique and exquisitely detailed. No one else does it quite like that.

Holly’s final Diary entry perfectly sums up her joie de vivre- she is truly a girl after my own heart, and I know the cerulean girl can identify… it reads, “ After nine years of lots of work and loads of fun, HOLLYWOULD and I are taking a nice long vacation. In 2009 you may find us surfing off the beaches of Brazil, skiing in the mountains of Switzerland, sailing near the shores of Italy, and sunning on the sands of Palm Beach, and wherever we are, we’ll be thinking of you. When will we be back? Maybe very soon, but hopefully not until we’ve had time to master our surf & snowboard skills, write at least one book, learn at least one new language, visit at least 3 exotic places, and learn how to dance the tango.”

Below are pictures from a Hollywould kegger from almost six years ago celebrating the CFDA Awards. We definitely knew how to have a good time! Holly and Hollywould, you will be missed- as will your fabulous girly shoes covered in ribbons and bows and shells and more. We can't wait to see where life leads you next!

Click here to view past entries of Holly’s Diary.

celebrating the holidays...

2008-12-31T17:49:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays from cerulean! It has been a pleasure being a part of so many memories-in-the-making this holiday season. As we wrapped each present and shipped it off to its recipient, we have no way to know the many stories that will be told and the memories made from all the gifts exchanged and the packages sitting on doorsteps. The beauty of the internet is that showing you care about the people you love is only a click away! We have enjoyed helping you celebrate this holiday with your loved ones!

As for my gift giving, rest assured that all the women in my life received lovely little items purchased overseas in foreign marketplaces, or from artists turned textile designers, or from the newest accessory designers. Everything under my tree is wrapped in the signature Cerulean turquoise tissue that always puts a smile on people’s faces around my house!

With a new year upon us, and thus the obligatory New Year’s Eve celebrations, I am already envisioning glistening clutches and sparkling accessories for a memorable night on the town. Click here to visit our how to wear section, where we outline the best accessories for any festive outfit this New Year’s Eve! I will be attending a Joie de Vivre- Night in Parisbenefit at an art museum that promises to carry on until the early hours of the night while we dance amid sculptures and paintings galore to bands and DJs, one after the other. Never one to be underdressed, I have picked out the most fabulous Grecian column and am accessorizing it with long dangling Indian Earrings. Here’s to fireworks in the New Year!

But what are all our fabulous Cerulean customers and friends doing to ring in two-thousand nine??? One of our dearest customers is whiling away the hours in sunny Key West at the Marquesa hotel, where I had one of the best dinners of my life several years back. Another friend and great Cerulean supporter is dancing the night away as we speak in some club in Jordan- who knew? I just got a text message that the New Year has already rung in the Middle East. Still others are in New York, and Santa Fe, and Paris, and places closer to home.

Let us know where you are spending YOUR New Year's Eve!

a page from your travelogue...

2008-12-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite Cerulean customers shared photos of a recent trip around the world trip, beginning with a romantic weekend in Paris and ending with a relaxing stay in several locales across Thailand. You might see Cerulean accessories in a few of the pics we are sharing- sandals, sunhats, shimmering necklaces and pareos from our stock were packed along with sumptuous scarves and wraps to cover the temperature swing from snowy Paris to steamy Thailand and back! Enjoy the images as we all dream of being there, too!

westward ho part III...

2008-12-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

Part III:
Stayed the first part of the trip at a cozy bed and breakfast run by an adorable young couple- the perfect place to lounge by the massive stone fireplace while it snows outside and sip wine or maybe something warm. But better views and deluxe suites began to call our name, and we made our way up the butte to Amangani, a luxury resort right outside of Jackson Hole, for the remainder of our stay in Wyoming.

The Aman Resorts are all over the world- but only in exquisite natural locations and always with less than 30 suites. It was quite an upgrade from our quiet inn, now having expansive views of the snowy Tetons from every window. It was perched precariously on a rock face some 1000 feet above the valley floor and featured glorious architecture that perfectly melded rustic lodge with mid century modern. The service was impeccable, the food was delicious, and the company exciting. Let me just say that a very well-known British couple who loves soccer and stilettos enjoyed the lobby fireplaces next to us last night.

It was more difficult than I can describe to leave my corner suite with fireplace and cocktails on call to get in the car for the long drive home. Why is it that a road trip sounds exciting before you set out, but seems miserable on the way home? Should have planned ahead. I think most guests leaving the Amangani do so on their private plane, but the trusty Volvo awaits, along with almost 2000 miles.

Visit Amangani at http://www.amanresorts.com/amangani/home.aspx.

westward ho part II...

2008-12-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

PART II:
We arrived to a Jackson Hole with no snow, fell asleep at our cozy bed and breakfast (where we are the only guests! Fantastic!) and awoke to a fresh blanket of snow. Just enough to do all the winter activities I had hoped!

We first headed out on a hike through freshly fallen snow- the first to blaze the trail- among picturesque Aspen trees under an amazing view of the Teton Mountains. I later went show shoeing through the Old Teton Pass, closed in the 60's when they built the new road, and saved for hikers and cross country skiers. Downhill-skied at a resort in Idaho with fresh powder snow and hardly a tourist in sight (ahhhh). I have a feeling the winding, iced-over road to get there is deterrent, but it makes it more pleasant for the rest of us! All in all, enjoying fresh air, sunshine, snow, and amazing gourmet food at every restaurant we try. What’s not to love?

I have to say, some people seem to think enjoying the out-of-doors and looking great are mutually exclusive. I disagree. Check out my new fur-lined trapper hat I have been wearing all over the mountain. Staying warm never looked so good! (humble, huh???)

westward ho...

2008-12-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

PART I:
We did it, as promised… an adventure. I woke up at 4 am yesterday and loaded the car with all kinds of gear to begin a cross country expedition. I love road trips and something about the new snow falling out west began to call me.

As my little Volvo wagon was pulling onto the interstate at such an un-godly hour (my body was not meant to be awake before the sun has fully risen) I instantly flashed back to a road trip of my youth. I was 7 years old and my entire family was loaded into my mom’s mini van as we set out for New Mexico and Arizona to deliver my brother to some back packing expedition during summer break. As I sleepily but excitedly sat wrapped in a sleeping bag on the back seat, I heard my dad say to my mom that no one on the road at 3 am was up to any good. I’m sure this innocuous statement was referring to the possibility of drunk drivers on the road, or kids joy riding looking for some trouble to get into, but my seven-year-old mind took the statement literally and became convinced that EVERYONE driving cars at 3 and 4 am was evil. I looked out the window and nice men on their way to work at some early shift, convinced they were robbers, pirates and worse. The statement my dad made has always stuck with me, and it crosses my mind to this day every time I get in the car really really late or really really early. Funny how kids seem to hear everything and never forget.

Back to the adventure at hand… 30 hours worth of driving through America’s heartland on my way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While this long of a road trip may seem like torture to some, to me it is a time to relax and breath fresh air, see interesting landscapes and get to know new states. The wide open expanses and emptiness of Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming are amazing and beautiful. Every big-city dweller should be forced to make this drive just to see that the world does not revolve around their way of life (no offense meant, as a former resident of that New York City myself, but it has to be said). As we crossed a small crest in the landscape somewhere in Kansas, a wind field opened before us, perfectly dotted by an army of enormous wind mills. What a fascinating site, but encouraging about the resourcefulness of America. Tiny red lights blinked in unison on the tops of each slowly turning wind mill to warn passing aircraft. We would continue to see these fields as we crossed the west, and I am transfixed by the sight.

As the sun sank over the horizon last night, the landscape turned into a ridiculously beautiful, Bob Ross “Happy Painter” type picture. The land tuned to a black shape and the vivid sky lit up behind it in a display that makes you feel the strange urge to grab a paintbrush and capture the scene in some cheesy painting on black velvet. I see why those people make that horrible art! If I had to look such an amazing sky every night, I would feel compelled to do the same.

I promise, this is not a shameless plug for Cerulean products, but this morning as the sun rose over the Colorado prairies, the sky became an exact replica of a scarf we are selling right this minute. Pale golden yellow shifted to a light turquoise and I was struck. I don’t have a picture of the sunrise, but you can see the scarf by clicking here. Its as close as I can get you. (and its now on sale!)

We arrive in Jackson Hole tonight and I will bring you more tales of adventures in the snowy west as the week goes on!

the best part of traveling is coming home...

2008-11-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

While we spend our time in pursuit of travel, the holidays simply make you want to go home. Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a crackling fire, gusty cold winds outside, and something warm and full of spice in the oven. We spent our Thanksgiving Holiday with family on the coast, and I am always amazed at how empty the summer homes are during the colder months. Why do these people who frequent their homes all summer long skip out on one of the most beautiful times of the year at the beach? Walks on the beach are more enjoyable when there is no one around and the waves are crashing under a gray sky. Fires made of driftwood crackle with a warm glow and bonfires on the beach welcome family and friends around cocktails and grilled food.

Of course travel is always the hot topic of conversation when family gathers, and I love hearing people recount their recent adventures. It inspires me to try new places, see new things, and catch a glimpse of the times they’ve had. After a few tales from my uncle of float plane take-offs that were near misses, or heard the spices of the middle-east described in delicious detail, or learned the proper way to prepare conch fritters when there isn’t a full kitchen in sight, I am motivated again to head off on an adventure.

Stay tuned for where it will lead…

coastal tidings ...

2008-11-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Cerulean is proud to have our products featured in the pages of Coastal Living’s November and December issues! We love Coastal Living’s readers- they seem to be right in line with our way of thinking here at Cerulean. In fact, everything about Cerulean is inspired by the water. Our name and our colors- beautiful turquoises, teals and royal blues. Our products fit right in at a coastal town or on vacation somewhere tropical. Water is a part of who we are and from where we come.

Growing up on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, in a quiet town called Point Clear, Alabama, the water became a part of me, as seems to happen to anyone who lives an extended period of time near the water, no matter the coast or country. Spanish moss hanging from ancient live oaks, warm shallow water and old wooden boast is the vernacular of my youth.

Years later, I worked on Worth Avenue, just a block from the ocean in Palm Beach. With sunny days, palm trees, breezy attire and bright colors, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the sea even more. That time in Palm Beach is the single greatest influence of the Cerulean style. Overlooking the plethora of fancy cars and enormous egos, Palm Beach had an abundance of sunshine and nature that becomes addictive.

You can see that the coast is a part of us, and we are thrilled to be included in the bible of coastal culture, Coastal living!

rock n' roll fever...

2008-10-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Stayed over at the Hard Rock Casino last night, and as I was walking in the door I suddenly wished I was dressed a little edgier, a bit harder, more rock n’ roll. How was it that simply pulling on that door handle in the shape of a guitar made me dying to know how to play one? How was it that one glimpse of the denim, platform boots, lycra and leather in the framed boxes, each outfit worn by a different rock icon, could make a person want to change their entire style identity in a split second?

Perhaps it was the cool guys with faux-hawks and wallet chains that park your car, or the black lit elevators playing classic rock ballads, or the idea of an entire casino full of people who might rock and roll all night, and party every day. I looked in my suitcase (an adorable Jane Marvel bag- decidedly NOT rock and roll) at all the tunics and things I had brought, searching for something that would capture the rock and roll vibe I was feeling. I settled on a black dress and stilettos, adding heavy eyeliner to at least help me feel like I fit in.
Then all of this got me wondering- while it’s a fun thought to completely transform your style in a moment, surely there are ways to channel those amazing rock icons without loosing yourself (or your own sense of style) in the process! For example, would Janis Joplin wear the stacked, clanging bangles by Alex and Ani (see images above), or could my glittering Toms shoes be inspired by the disco ball of Studio 54? There is no question that drinking my whiskeys from a black tumbler with a skull and cross bones makes me feel bad. But when I want a touch of edginess that won’t detract from my lady-like look during the week, I can carry a black snake print bag with gold hardware, and subtly show my inner rock star. A mini dress covered in metallic overlay, or a studded thong sandal will definitely keep you cool without becoming a costume. Focus on adding accessories with just a touch of edge to the personal style you have already made your own. You will feel the new vibe and your outfit will be a hit.

lyon, france...

2008-10-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Traveling through France at the moment, in Lyon meeting with a 100-year old silk manufacturing company- pure heaven. Working in an old Renaissance-era building surrounded by meters and meters of vibrant, luscious silks is my idea of a hard days work. While there, I cant help but think that the “new part” of Lyon, and many cities across Europe, was built before the United States even existed!

The metro system in Lyon is clean, modern and efficient, but today I found myself standing at the bicycle kiosk, wanting to join the ranks of local Lyonaisse riding the town on free city bicycles. (This incredibly successful program is also done in Paris- hundreds of bicycles are kept at kiosks across the city, and for pennies you can take a bike, use as needed, and return to any other part of the city. And on the whole, the people use the program correctly and respectfully!) After too much time attempting to translate the details of the program with my less-than-poor French, I gave up, unable to discover if or when I would get my rather large deposit back. I decided to save the bike riding for another day just as a chic you girl- unfussy but elegant in a way only the French women can accomplish- locked her bike back into its spot.

As a traveler, as a rule, I try to appear as far from a tourist as possible. This visit, however, I couldn’t help but be drawn to those typical clichés of an American in France, and be completely amazed by it all. The beautiful rows of baguettes for sale in straw baskets, the stacks of meringues two feet high in the windows of every patisserie, the endless unique flavors of the French chocolates, the wine. Oh, the wine!

I was headed to dinner at a traditional bouchon- think the birthplace of French cooking, but with an emphasis on strange cuts of meat- and wouldn’t you know it! It begins to rain. No shops were open and not an umbrella man in sight! You know those mysterious men in New York City who seem to stalk the Weather Channel reports, and then pop out at just the right moment, umbrellas in hand, on every street corner. They price gauge their wares to relieved tourists and locals caught unawares. Well… where were they? None to be found in Lyon, I’m afraid, nor any cabs. After a drenching jog over the Saone River to the vieux ville, or old town, I tucked into a salad Lyonnais with warm, soft poached egg over fresh lettuces with warm lardon. Heavenly and rustic. I found myself eating alone (traveling alone), but was thrilled to be out of the rain and enjoying the Lyonnais cuisine. Directly across from my solitary seat was a large portrait of an early Renaissance man in full, white pleated collar looking directly at me from the sides of his eyes, smiling, and toasting me with his glass of wine. I lifted my glass of cote du Rhône (being in the Rhône valley, of course) and toasted my dining partner back. Bon appétit!

inspiration - equestrian...

2008-10-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

There are very few tv shoes that I simply have to watch- very few that seem worth the time. Why watch other people living in exciting places and doing exciting things when we should be out there living our own life, right? Well, Mad men is an absolute exception to this style of thought. It is addictive, inspiring and fabulous.

If you have been living under a rock, Mad Men is a 16-time Emmy nominated show about a New York ad agency in 1960 – 62. The clothes are inspiring, the sets are insanely authentic, the storyline is riveting, and the cigarettes and cocktails are plentiful.

I happen to be especially obsessed with the riding attire of Betty Draper, wife of the protagonist. During the first season, she was a bored housewife, sure her husband was cheating on her (which he was) and struggling with her place in the world. By season two, the now-confident Betty has taken up English riding to fill her time, and she dresses like the Queen of England meets Jackie Kennedy.

As a lifelong rider myself, I am jealous and dumbfounded at the pristine, put together attire she wears when riding. Not a hair out of place, not a smudge on her shirt. Cashmere, silk scarves and gorgeous wool coats accompany her blond hair so perfectly coiffed under a velvet helmet. Perhaps they had grooms back then to do all the dirty work, but I am constantly amazed and intrigued by her attire.
I actually have in my closet a piece of riding attire from a by-gone (and more glamorous) era. A dark green pair of riding breeches was passed down to me from my grandmother and I have saved them for years. Of course I couldn’t fit into them even at the age of twelve (I blame it on over-zealous vitamin taking at an early age, but I am twice as tall and broad as any of my female ancestors), but I will always save them and their ridiculous but wonderful balloon hips and leather knee patches sewn by hand sometime after 1910.

Betty Draper looks as chic away from the barn as she does in the saddle, with floor-length evening gowns, full skirts and fitted dresses always a part of her wardrobe. If I could only look as chic in the saddle as Mrs. Draper, let alone on the streets, life would we as swell as it seems on Mad Men. Someone get me a martini and a cigarette…

Marrakech, Morocco...

2008-09-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

(Guest Travelogue entry submitted by John Wilson, owner of Medina Baskets, and a Moroccan importer extraordinaire)

"Arriving in Marrakech by air from Casablanca is always a thrill. The city lies in a valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, and though it is twice the size it was when I started going in 1984 it is still a beautiful place surrounded by orange and olive groves.

As soon as I get into the old part of the city, called the medina, I am taken back to another era; an age before cars and cell phones. The smells are intoxicating and the light is exotic, especially toward the end of the day when the shafts of light angle through the shades placed above the narrow streets to deter the harsh mid-day sun.

One of my favorite things to do in any part of Morocco is just wander through the serpentine streets, drinking in the experience as a passive observer of their lives. In contrast to most of America, life is lived in the streets. Children play, old men sit and watch the world go by, and everyone is very present to the next moment. They are not hiding in iPod-world. They are out there and watching, looking for the next moment to unfold.

Eat at the big square, sit in the cafes, get slow roasted lamb (mechoui), visit the royal palaces, and of course shop in the souks. Bear in mind that bargaining is fun and should not be seen as an insult.

Above all, love the people and the Arab culture, which values heart, family, friends, health and happiness above all other things. We have much to learn."

Thanks John!

gone to the dogs...

2008-09-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Cerulean announces its first foray into the world of doggie paraphernalia, featuring all kinds of goodies by Charleston, South Carolina based Harry Barker (isn’t that cute!). With a bevy of items for the pampered pooch, including towels in the shape of dog bones, treats in delicious (and whimsical) flavors, and tennis balls in fun colors, you are sure to find the right gift for your friend who loves their dog or your own furry friend!

Harry Barker only uses quality, all natural ingredients in their treats, so you an be sure to feel good spoiling your pet with cheese grits or country bacon flavored biscuits. But the best endorsement we can give???

Cerulean mascot extraordinaire, Julep (pictured below), gives them two paws up! When the box arrived to our offices the other day, the seal had barely been broken before Julep came tearing through the halls with her nose twitching back and forth. The smell of treats seeping out of the tin, packaging and cardboard box and made its way to her little nose as she slept in the other room. We’ve never seen her so excited (nor is she known for having a very talented nose, so we are really saying something here). She taste tested a few treats and definitely approves! Now just uttering the words Harry Barker make her sit up and beg!

Our favorite pampered Scottie dog, Milly, loves her pink trim bone-shaped towel after baths (which she hates) and swimming in the pond (which she loves). Doesn't your dog deserve better than your leftover, torn up towels? If they are truly pampered, they sure do.

a cerulean world...

2008-09-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Cerulean was presented with a very special gift by one of our long-time customers who adores our fun accessories (especially the Toms, she says!). Little did I know that you could customize a box of Crayola crayons, but low and behold, I opened a big box of 64 to find nothing but the color cerulean, my favorite crayon and part of the inspiration of our brand!

As a child, and artist in the making, I adored the cerulean crayon in the box of 64 above all others (it didn’t come in the smaller boxes). When you picked it up, it didn’t look like anything out of the ordinary- almost a royal blue. But, oh, when you drew, it was vibrant and exciting and entirely unexpected. This became my fall back crayon-of-choice, and the thought has always stuck with me.

As an adult, the color reminds me of so many (slightly more sophisticated) things. As our mantra states, cerulean is the tie that binds exotic locales from across the globe, from the skies over Patagonia, to the waters off the coast of Thailand, the front doors of casitas in Mexico and the headdresses of the Moroccan sheiks. Cerulean is the color of languishing beside tropical waters, and of pangas and Moorish tiles.

It will take ages to go through all 64 crayons- expect some notes in your next shipment, hand written with none other than our new cerulean crayons!

daily bread...

2008-08-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

I’ve been back and forth to New York TWICE! in about as many weeks- so much has happened! So much time spent in airports, taxis, and cafes mulling over what fantastic things to bring to the pages of Cerulean for Fall. And as frequent traveler, I have a singular mission when away from home- make every meal count. There is nothing more tragic than to waste an opportunity to experience local cuisine when traveling somewhere exotic, or somewhere that simply has a lot of amazing food to offer! Like the time I visited Costa Rica, only to see Americans lined up at a KFC… don't even get me started.

While I try to fully live this mission every time I travel to New York City, making sure to hit my favorite restaurants and cafés, or to try a new place or sample some ethnic fare, work often keeps me from lingering over meals or traveling to far flung neighborhoods for that certain bite to eat. But now this problem is solved in the form of Le Pain Quotidien. I can guarantee even meals on the go are worthwhile when spent here.

A chain (I know… but trust me) of bakery/ eateries originating in Brussels has come to the US and now has outposts in most every NYC neighborhood. No matter what part of town I may be in, I am surely within walking distance of a Le Pain Quotidien, or if not, its worth the walk.
The original idea was simplicity itself- simple and inspirational food based around bread with only three ingredients (water, flour and salt). Le Pain Quotidien offers great tasting food, prepared naturally and organically in a European café setting where each restaurant has a communal table. As they say, it is sharing of time and space with other people in the restaurant that adds to the experience (although there are individual tables for the squeamish). Sit next to locals or travelers from afar while you sip your tea with rich organic honey or enjoy a tartine (French open face sandwich), wine or coffee. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you are never far away from a worthwhile meal. One the go or whiling the day away, I feel like I have made the meal count when at Le pain Quotidien.

Le Pain Quotidien has locations all over the world- click here to find the closest one to you!

http://www.lepainquotidien.com/storelocator.htm

marvelous traveling...

2008-08-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Traveling for the average person these days is anything but glamorous. After you have spent your last dime on gas to get to the airport, you wait in long lines, pay even more money to check bags, get strip searched in security because you were somehow red flagged, find a seat at your gate amongst thousands of weary travelers and shovel down some over priced, refried bit of nasty food… well, you all know the drill far too well, I’m sure. Why can’t we all just fly private jets???

Alas, there is hope for us commercial airline passengers to salvage some glamour out of what has become a nasty experience. And the glamour is delivered by none other than Jane Marvel, herself, in the form of totes and carry on luggage with a luxurious feel (and an amazing price tag).

I experienced all of the afore-mentioned hassles on a recent trip to New York (searching out more spectacular items for the pages of Cerulean’s web and catalog… all coming soon), but my Jane Marvel carry on luggage kept me feeling like I was walking above the fray, somehow more ladylike and luxurious than the other weary travelers. Jane has thought of everything, from the pvc coating on the printed fabric for extra durability, to interior pockets in all the right places, to sizes that fit in the over head bins and prices that don’t make you scream. A bit of “first class” luggage at “coach” prices??? Keeps me flying high every time I travel…. All the bags will be arriving in September so stay tuned.

Above is a snapshot of my sneak-peak Jane Marvel carry-on, the Puddle Jumper bag in Night Sky print with orange handles.

cerulean waters...

2008-07-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

I’ve been dreaming of cerulean waters ever since we returned from the Abacos a few weeks ago, unable to shake the Caribbean from my shoes. One charter flight and a quick boat ride later, we were quietly sunning on a beach without another human being in sight. Ten days full of dark rum, fried conch, exploring underwater reefs and isolated shores is enough to make any person forget the office, chores and bills. I came home without braided hair, thank heavens. My Cerulean uniform for days on the beach included Matta pareos, Dolce Vita thongs in every color, Moroccan straw baskets, and Susan Hanover jewelry- all pieces that went from casual days to breezy candlelit nights. We dove for conch, found shells bleached by the sun, and danced in the rain at a bar you can only get to by boat. If only Cerulean could expand its headquarters, opening a Bahamian outpost….

lucky you...

2008-06-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to be gracing the pages of Lucky Magazine online this month! Six of the top fifty must-haves for summer come from Cerulean. Are you surprised? We adore anything that is perfect for sunny days on the beach and sultry nights dancing poolside. If it is unique and exotic (not to mention affordable), we are gaga. Click the image to the right to view the round up for yourself (Cerulean’s items are circled in… what else… turquoise).

Click here to be directed to Lucky Magazine's website...

palm beach...

2008-06-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

Warm weather has arrived in most places across the country, and for me, it is welcome. There is nothing like the first few weekends spent with the sun on your face and pale winter skin exposed, soaking up rays. Its fabulous. This morning the breeze was blowing just slightly with a cool tinge to the air, and I was transported back to the time I spent living and working in Palm Beach. I know… who WORKS in Palm Beach, right? Well some of us work for a living.

There is something so fabulous about the winter months in South Florida, as you and several million other tourists and snow birds all know. While massive parts of the country are snowed in and frigid, living without sunshine, there are some people fortunate enough to be at the beach, to be strolling under bougainvillea trees (they grow into TREES down there), and wearing white out of season.

The time I spent in Palm Beach had a direct impact on my personal style, cementing my love for floaty tunics and coral costume jewelry, and it has therefore inspired all the lovely things we offer you at Cerulean. Next time you are perusing the pages of our wares, imagine yourself strolling down Worth Avenue right at the point where it meets the ocean, and you have a hot (perhaps somewhat older) date waiting for you at Taboo, and a suite at the Brazilian Court overlooking the inner gardens. That’s how we imagine ourselves, and its worked so far.

(the courtyard at the Brazilian Court)

from afghan marketplaces to bahamian hideaways...

2008-06-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

I got an email today from a dear, good friend who is a marine serving in Afghanistan. He wrote to say that the base had invited all local Afghan craftsman and merchants to bring their wares to the military base for a bazaar. What I wouldn’t give to be there, shopping the jewelry, textiles and crafts straight from the hands that made them. I have no doubt that my friend, wonderful as he is, would not have imagined that you and I would go crazy for the bangle bracelets, embroidered slippers, cut glass lanterns or lapis necklaces to the extent that we do. He would never imagine we would want those items so badly! If I were only there, amongst all those soldiers, I could get incredible crafts and exotic accessories for us all! On the other hand, if being there means I have to buzz cut my hair and don cargo pants, (not to mention become a marine- notice how its all about hair and clothes with me…) I will pass. I am eternally grateful and incredibly proud of my friend and his fellow soldiers for the honor they do us all by serving. I just wish there was a way I could get them to become my import agents and ship these gorgeous crafts back home for Cerulean! Here’s to dreaming of Afghan marketplaces…

At the same time as I’m reading his email, I’m planning a trip to a remote island in the Bahamas (I know- lets get out of this heat by escaping to… some heat), but I’m having a hard time rationalizing a trip that wont allow me to bring back something fabulous to share on Cerulean. The Bahamians aren’t exactly known for their craftsmanship of leather goods, for example (shortage of pasture land = shortage of cows = shortage.., well you get it). Nor are they known for crafts, jewelry or art. Hmmm… how will conch fritters and rum travel??? I suppose, though, a respite along tranquil cerulean waters isn’t that much of a stretch if you study my mission statement closely. Even if I can’t bring back a piece of the islands to share with you at home, I’m sure I will have plenty of musings and Bahamian color to share on this travelogue. I will let you know how it all unfolds.

passport dc...

2008-05-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

Matt Lauer concluded his “Where in the World” series today, traveling to five countries in five days. Grueling, but a team of producers, reporters and staff make the trip easier, as Lauer lands and hits the airwaves with all the info he needs. (That corporate jet to take him from country to country helps, too)

Now you, too, can have all of this excitement, adventure, and world travel without the jet lag, airport security, or passport. Thanks to an organization called Cultural Tourism DC, the Embassies of the world are opening their doors to you and yours for an unprecedented behind the scenes experience. Meet the Ambassadors, wander around their stately rooms, witness dance, art and local culture, all without leaving the United States. (I guess that’s not technically right, as each Embassy’s ground is technically their home soil… but you get the idea). Spanning two weeks and 5 continents, this amazing cultural experience will broaden your horizons and allow you to escape on a world tour without worrying about those ever-worsening exchange rates.

Some highlights of Passport DC include:

- Tango lessons at the Argentine Embassy- yes you!

- Drum presentation by one-man-band Okyerema Asante from Ghana who plays 85 instruments and has performed on three world tours with Fleetwood Mac and Paul Simon

- Café de Paris serves up pastries with coffee and champagne at the French Embassy

- Peruvian Artisan Marketplace will be selling handmade jewelry, alpaca accessories, traditional pottery, tapestry, and wood and silver pieces

- A live steelpan performance of Calypso music attheEmbassy of Trinidad and Tobago

- Port wine and Portuguese custard tarts served at theEmbassy of Portugal

- Tableau Flamenco at the Spanish Embassy

- and my favorite… The Embassy of Pakistan will turn its courtyard into a traditional Pakistani marketplace featuring antique and modern jewelry, Pakistani dresses, cuisine, and a Henna artist

You will notice all our recommendations seem to center on food, beverages and shopping, but really, is there any better way to get to know a culture than through your stomach and your wallet? Visit the link below for dates, times and all the info you need for some world travel!

Bon voyage.

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/calendar2532/calendar_show.htm?doc_id=254378

train travel...

2008-05-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

I will get the rare chance to travel by train this weekend, and am wishing it was so much more common a mode of transportation for Americans. Why is our rail system so under used?

My first experience with a train trip was as a child, traveling in Europe with the entire family. I will never forget it… after flying into Paris for the Christmas holidays and spending a few days, we were traveling to Strasbourg on the German border for some snowy days exploring the town. In preparation for the trip from Paris to Strasbourg, I was allowed to go to a traditional French patisserie and buy provisions for the entire family. I bought what any young girl would buy when presented with breads and treats of all sorts- tarts. The most gorgeous strawberry and raspberry tarts with a shinny glaze and pistachios dashed here and there were tied neatly in a white cardboard box with twine. I carried the box like a treasure to the station and held it carefully in my lap until we were allowed to open it.

The train was as exciting to me as the tarts. My entire family found a box to ourselves with two bench seats facing each other and a door to close it off. I thought surely only princesses traveled like this, in private boxes on romantic trains heading through snowy fields. I had no idea the entire train was made of boxes, and to the locals, it probably signaled an old, out of date train. To me, it was heaven. As soon as Paris faded into the distance and the snowy white fields opened up ahead, I was allowed to untie the strings on my delicious package of pastries and share them with everyone around. To this day, French tarts make me think of an exciting voyage- a romantic means of travel.

My travel this weekend is slightly less romantic- DC to New York City- but will be a break from the usual hustle and bustle of airport security, turnpikes and interstates. I can open a book, have a coffee, and take in the scenery. It’s like stepping into another place, or another time perhaps. Here’s hoping that one day we all travel this way.

I’m taking the new chocolate leather carry-on for this voyage. Here's what's in in the bag below…

Scarf- I never travel without a scarf. If its chilly (or dirty) or I need a pillow, it cant be beat. It also adds a bit of flair to my outfit when I step off the plane or train looking less than perfect.

Tunic- Nothing is more comfortable for traveling than a breezy, loose tunic. It covers, its comfortable, and its oh-so chic. I’m wearing this one from Virginia Johnson with my denim trousers for a casual, comfortable, but polished look.

Flats- I never travel in heels. Whether hoping on a train, schlepping through security, or dragging a suitcase in and out of taxis, chic flats are the only way to go. I love these snakeskin ballets.

Chocolate Leather Carry On- This gorgeous pebbled leather bag holds everything I need for a weekend trip, plus all the amenities needed for the actual traveling. Essential interior pockets keep me organized and keep my smaller items from falling beneath mounds of clothes. An optional shoulder strap helps out when I get tired, too.

What’s in the carry on?

I’m never without my moleskin diary, perfect for jotting thoughts, keeping track of phone numbers, or sketching new design ideas for our emerging line of dresses. I also keep a beverage on hand. I’m addicted to Orangina (its so refreshing!) and the glass bottles keep my conscience happy with all the news of the perils of plastic bottles! I reuse it by filling it with water to drink, or with olive oil to serve at parties. I’m bringing along a big stack of Cerulean Spring catalogs for all my friends I will see, and the latest book I’m reading, Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert. I might be the last woman on the planet to read this best seller (things have been busy lately, ok?) but nothing is better than a good book about not just travel, but a journey.

Happy travels.

the open road...

2008-04-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Driving from one state to another over the weekend, the sun was shining, fresh spring grasses knee high were waving along the side of the road, and the medians were filled with clover. It makes opening the sunroof an obligation, really, and upbeat music, necessary. While my weekend jaunt was nothing exciting (except for the beautiful day), I was reminded of two amazing road trips I’ve taken in my life and I couldn’t help but reminisce and ponder the wonder of a good, long stretch of road on a spectacular day.

I once drove the long trek from the Southeastern US all the way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I was blown away by the ever changing landscape on that trip and have never forgotten it: lush trees throughout the Southeast gave way to low lying lands across Arkansas. Then the sky opened up and the land streamed out for miles through Oklahoma and Kansas. We stopped for the night at the ranch of a friend a few hours outside of Denver, where the small pasture in front of the house was 500 acres. We then made our way through the wide canyons and dusty fields of southern Wyoming. Every American should have to drive across the country at least once in their life, just to see it, and hopefully be moved.

I also will never forget my summer of road trips throughout Australia behind the wheel (on the other side, remember) of a white 1972 Mercedes coupe. She was gorgeous, we called her Betty. She had a cattle guard on her front bumper- a occupational hazard for many cars in Queensland, as crashes with kangaroos will tear up a car (and can be fatal) if you collide with one on a dark stretch of road. But Betty was gorgeous, steel bumper cage and all.

I drove every highway in Queensland, from the dusty outback lands to the jungles of the coast. We hit every stop from Surfer’s Paradise to the massive cattle stations hours from civilization. We changed Betty’s tires too many times to count, as rocks on unpaved roads proved too much. We even dipped down into New South Wales and crossed the great dingo fence- an actual fence built across thousands of miles to control the dingo population. We crossed it at the top of a mountain on an unpaved road, and you literally have to get out of your car and open it to pass. We crossed one lane bridges where you can’t see the other side, and too often made turns onto the wrong side of the road (its harder to catch on to that driving on the left thing than you’d think!)

All of this is to say that you learn so much about a place by hitting its roads and spending time behind the wheel, stopping here and there to get a snack and shake a stranger’s hand. It’s not as quick, and perhaps not as glamorous, as some other means of travel (i.e. a private jet, which you won’t see me turn down, either) but you come away from the trip a bit wiser when you let the journey reign as important as the destination.

tell us where you roadtrip...

shoes, shoes, shoes...

2008-04-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have an obsession with shoes. While I have battled this addiction from an early age, the days spent working in the shoe industry brought my obsession to gargantuan proportions. Imagine being surrounded day in and day out with glorious shoes- stacks of them toppling over your desk, each one encrusted with jewels or flowers or ribbons or shells. Exquisite shoes made in Italy with the finest leathers and the most elaborate adornments became a part of everyday life. How fabulous can it get… I even spent a good deal of time in Italy working with the factory, overseeing fit models, sorting through thousands of colors of baby-soft leathers from some of the top suppliers in the world. You come to recognize quality, fit, and the ideal cut of a shoe- traits moving beyond color and adornment, down to what is most elemental about a shoe, and what really makes a good one stand apart from the rest.

While I have a closet full of stiletto heels with every form of adornment imaginable from those lovely days working in New York, we at Cerulean seem to be obsessed with flats and that is what you find on our pages (web or catalog). I have one very special pair of “flats” in my possession that I thought I would share. Cerulean’s favorite world traveler extraordinaire brought me these incredible shoes from Pakistan a few years ago. Handmade in a Punjabi village by a local artisan, the tomato red leather is hand embroidered in various shades of oranges with pink and black. Fantastic pom poms adorn the Minaret-shaped tongue and silver rivets add decoration. The leather sole was nailed on with small brass tacks and the lining is absolutely perfect and supple.

They come no where near fitting my foot, nor would I wear them if they did, but rather have them as an objet to look at every day. My two favorite features are this: each shoe came stuffed with a packet of home-dried potpourri of unidentifiable flower petals possessing a smell with a definite spice, and the sole of each shoe is inscribed with Arabic handwriting, which I am as yet unable to translate. How amazing to have some Punjabi Artisan’s handwriting on the soles of your shoes, perhaps telling the story of the shoe, or of the shoe maker's life. Maybe it curses the silly girl who buys shoes to watch and not to wear. Either way, when we are able to translate, I will let you know…

tell us about your favorite 'souvenirs' from a trip...

ready for our closeup...

2008-04-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

When the call came in recently that some photographers wanted to shoot our offices for a magazine, I did what any girl would do- get in the chair of my favorite stylist for the entire afternoon of the shoot and get glammed as much as possible. While sitting there being pampered with glosses and conditioners, treatments of all kinds, I had a sort of flash back to a hair experience not quite so pleasant, and I had to share it.

A few years back, a friend and I were in London on a girl’s trip full of shopping at Selfridge’s, perusing stacks of Liberty fabrics, and usually a few too many Guinness’. One day over a lunch family style at Wagamama (amazing noodle bar- must try it), my friend mentioned that she had found the Vidal Sassoon Academy, where all the best students of hair learn their trade. The best news is you could get cuts from these geniuses-in-the-making for pennies. We made appointments for the following day.

While waiting for our appointments, they make you fill out a short questionnaire, similar to the one you fill out as a new patient in a doctors office, but instead of family medical history and past procedures, they want to know of past procedures of another kind: how often do you color your hair, how often do you get it cut, styled, by whom, how much, and on and on. I never knew my hair had such a history. The final question asked how much freedom you will give the Vidal Sassoon student when cutting your hair. Will you let them go wild? I, of course, said no way, while my friend replied, why not?

She was the wiser, here. By not being daring, I was stuck with the beginners of hair school, just now learning to trim and blow dry for the very first time. My darling dresser didn’t speak a word of English and took an hour and half to blow dry my hair. I think she must of done it one strand at a time. I ended up with the worst haircut of my life, and it took hours. The whole ordeal was more than I could bare, and I more or less told her to wrap it up and relieve me of this misery.

My friend, on the other hand, emerged stunningly similar to Gweneth Paltrow in Sliding Doors, with a short, bleach blond bob of phenomenal proportions. Her willingness to walk on the wild side landed her a spot in the advanced class, where stylists learned advanced tricks of the trade, and even some experienced stylists return for new tips.

The moral of this story, my dear friends, is not “be daring” or “walk on the wild side”. It’s to pay big money for hair styles from people with licenses. So there.

But back to our photoshoot… we pulled it together and were able to hide the usual clutter of shoe boxes, crates of accessories, bolts and fabric, and all the other fun but completely messy things that normally cover Cerulean’s headquarters, and convey a sense of order we seldom see. The only pictures we have at present are sans staff, but see below to get a feel for the place that gets our creative juices flowing, the place where we bring items from all over the world straight to you! Happy shopping!

last minute getaway...

2008-03-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Spring is upon us and we all have the itch to getaway. If you’re looking for a last minute trip, but don’t want your average experience, visit Estancia Huechahue (pronounced way-cha-way) in Argentina. But you better hurry up- they close for the season in April.

A working cattle ranch in Patagonia, Huechahue is the perfect place to have that authentic gaucho experience. Four generations of family have owned this self-sufficient working cattle ranch and oasis in the middle of the Patagonian Steppe. This is not a place for tourists looking to ride for an hour- it’s a real, working cattle ranch, and you get to go along for the ride.

This rugged and wild retreat offers, obviously, horse back riding, fly fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout, relaxing walks, bird watching, pool and tennis, and a Jack Nichlaus golf course just 45 minutes drive away. The best thing is to take part in an authentic cattle drive, offered just a few times a year when the seasons change and the herds need to be moved. (no riding experience necessary, but you will get more out of the trip if you’ve at least done a bit…)

We love it for the rugged glamour, the gauchos in their berets and leather chaps, the intense aroma of meat cooking over an open pit asado style, and the complete peace and quiet.

One more reason to love it, as if you needed another reason- Huechahue is the epitome of genuine sustainability. They not only have a water driven turbine, home grown produce, and orchards galore, but they also plants all their own trees to use for firewood for heating and hot water, making the Estancia essentially carbon neutral. They implement natural grazing habits for their herds, and never use pesticides or fertilizer for the produce. They even choose riding trails in areas with soil stability- talk about going the extra mile. Huechahue says their sustainability rests not just on a love for the land, but on years of necessity due to the remote location! Call it accidental eco-tourism.

Visit their website to learn more about what they offer, and be sure to pack all your Cerulean gear- strappy leather thongs, sumptuous scarves, big totebags and exotic jewelry perfect for the jaunt southward.
http://www.huechahue.com/

dreaming of mediterranean marketplaces...

2008-03-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Last summer a friend brought me the most amazing straw tote bag from Tunisia and I’m obsessed. While shopping the fish market in La Goulette, which overlooks the stunning Gulf of Tunis, a local woman urged my friend to pick up one of these bags to do her market shopping. All the local women carry them like grocery bags- full of fresh fish, spices, produce and colorful handmade crafts sold in the market. As the most glamorous grocery bag ever seen, my friend snatched one up for herself and one for moi and brought them stateside where we have used them non-stop for everything under the sun- gym bag, beach tote, grocery cart, and oversized shoulder bag.

As THE absolute most complimented bag in my wardrobe (I have to apologize to every luxurious leather thing in my closet, but it’s true!) I have been dying to get over to North Africa myself and bring some of these totes home for those not so lucky to go skipping around the Mediterranean Sea.

The fabulous news is that I recently found an importer of North African goods who is bringing me these bags directly. A British ex-pat with a degree from Cambridge and a passion for North African craft and rustic Berber style is bringing three of the most amazing baskets to the States for Cerulean. The baskets are ecologically and socially sound products that are stylish and functional, according to our guy, and they are handmade in the villages of Morocco from palm leaf and water reed.

They've just arrived, and you don’t want to miss it. Add summer flair to every outfit. These baskets are rustic and un-fussy, but very chic and a bit exotic. You can honestly tell everyone that yours came from a Mediterranean marketplace, too.

fashion week, nyc...

2008-02-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

Just back from a week in New York City, right in the midst of fashion week. The whole city was buzzing with catwalks, supermodels, beautiful clothing, celebrities sitting sideline, paparazzi, and black town cars full of ladies who lunch, fashion editors and buyers from all over the world. A real whirlwind. Cerulean was on it’s own mission to find something fabulous, the next wonderful little things for the pages of our website and catalog. While the goal was to find the shoes, clothing and accessories we will all be panting over this fall, and order up a few for our darling customers, we couldn’t help but pick up some great jewelry at amazing prices for all our fashionistas to wear right now. Shopping entire seasons in advance looses a bit of the instant gratification, so we found that fulfillment in the form of enamel bangles, coral and turquoise (over which we are always obsessed), dangly little earrings and more. And its all available on the web right now. The best news from New York this trip? Our amazing friends who import sumptuous fabrics from overseas sold us just a few yards of luxurious colored silk. Coming soon to Cerulean- a limited group of dresses that will be sure to set off that long Kenneth Jay Lane necklace you’re eyeing, or those silver leather sandals that will be perfect this Spring. Think dresses that will be chic and simple, can be dressy and casual at the same time. Hold your breath, we’ll release them soon…

places in southern waters...

2008-01-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

While it stays chilly in many parts of the country (although less so around here this week…), the lucky few are enjoying warm sandy beaches and some sort of cocktail in places a bit closer to the equator. Two such lucky souls stopped by our place this week in route to southern waters. An old friend of the family and his adorable wife stopped into our quiet coastal town for some much needed engine repairs on their Cessna before making the leap across open waters to Long Island, one of the eastern most islands of the Caribbean.

What a pleasure to pass an evening over a long dinner, some Pimm’s cups, and a fire in the fireplace, with people who truly live the Cerulean philosophy, who spend every moment trying to see the world and experience new cultures. Having spent the last few months walking across England, staying incognito in the old quarter of some Mexican beach town, and skipping across the gulf to a port off the coast of Venezuela, our friends now find themselves heading to a port of call where pirates once roamed (and a few dope smugglers in the eighties…), but now some old salty dog rules the roost at the local marina.

A Cessna is a small plane, and thus luggage must be too, which goes completely against the Cerulean philosophy (which entails packing everything one might need for any occasion, including a ball gown in case a modern day James Bond invites you to an intimate black tie dinner aboard some yacht a’la Aristotle Onassis… it could happen). However, when circumstances require that you pack light, the Caribbean is the ONLY place to be heading. A few of Cerulean’s pareos, one good sunhat, the perfect thong sandal, and some breezy cotton. Its all you really need.

Sadly, we had to send our friends on their way without any of the above, as we are not quite ready to open our doors. They invited us to jump in the back of the plane and join them for a long weekend of sun and mai tai’s, but alas, there are beautiful Cerulean goods arriving daily to our offices, and we stayed to await the pieces you will take on your next vacation. Stay tuned for our grand opening…

Below is an image of my friends Caribbean getaway... Long Island itself, and the glorious waters off its coast...

san miguel de allende...

2008-01-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

The four words on everyone’s lips lately seems to be San Miguel de Allende, and so my curiosity has made me do a little research and bring it out to you.

San Miguel de Allende (and that’s pronounced “a-yen-day” for all of those linguistically challenged) was named a national historic monument in 1926 by the Mexican government, before the US had caught on to the concept of preserving all that is amazing and historical. San Miguel sits high in the mountains and has a year round perfect climate. There is no off season, no bad time to go. With a perfect climate, a far away feel but only a few hours flight, and a dollar that buys a lot, it’s a great spot to unwind from the stress of our everyday, boring lives.

The altitude brings only slightly chilly nights, for which an exotic, silk pareo is a must for your bare shoulders. (click here to shop the perfect outfit for San Miguel) We are planning our own trip soon to check out the handmade peasant shoes that everyone talks about that can only be bought in San Miguel. Nothing will bring me to a port of call faster than the promise of shoes….

A page from designer Virginia Johnson's sketch book...

viva espana...

2007-12-15T13:48:00.000-08:00

We’ve recently come back from a stay in Madrid, and I have to say, I don’t know why people so often pick Barcelona over the two when visiting Espana! Madrid is cosmopolitan, exciting, and full of good food and drink. Here is the key to enjoying Madrid- the great secret no one knows that is guaranteed to make you fall into life as a Madrileno …. don’t bother adjusting to the time difference. That’s right, arrive jet lagged, go right to bed, and throw your mother’s advice out the window. Its simple.. real Madrilenos wake up and have a quick cup of coffee on their way out the door, nothing more. By about 11 am, they are starved and they break for large snack (meal number one of the day). Meanwhile, stylish American girl arrived at Barajas airport about 8 am, slipped into a waiting car in the hopes that no one saw the bags under her eyes from 8 hours in coach (we can’t all fly first), checked into a hotel and went straight to bed. Waking up around 11 am, she’s rested and ready for a meal, so she joins the Madrilenos for breakfast! Its perfect. The day continues with sight seeing, shopping, or lounging in a café. Lunch is served at 3 pm, the largest meal of a Spaniards day, and dinner follows at 10 pm or later. The later you dine in Madrid, the more chic the traveler. You haven’t bothered to adjust to the time, but somehow it has all seemed to fit together perfectly.

traveling a bit closer to home...

2007-11-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

In between jaunts to exotic locales, between buying trips to marketplaces in far flung places, it is sometimes necessary to do some traveling a bit closer to home. It is often these trips that prove the most enjoyable, however surprising you may find it to be blown away only a few hours distance from your boring, old home.

With this in mind, I recently skipped down to New Orleans for a weekend getaway. At this point I have to comment on a phrase I have two often heard over the last two years when someone was discussing the current state of affairs of New Orleans: We should wait to go visit when things get settled down from Katrina. I firmly believe that New Orleans needs our tourist dollars now, more than ever. Go to the Big Easy and spend, spend, spend people!

Well, I certainly gave them my fair share of my measly checking account this past weekend, but it was well worth it. The shopping, the cafés, the oak trees, the architecture… the FOOD. New Orleans food will blow you away time after time. When you are next in the area, try out my favorite poboy hole-in-the-wall in uptown New Orleans. You have undoubtedly never driven by this low-slung locals joint where “Aunt Dot” has been serving up amazing poboys for almost 70 years! (I still haven’t figured the math on that one) You stand in line behind a dozen locals at the counter, behind which three ladies are crammed between a fryer and a grill slapping together fried shrimp and fried oyster poboys. You take a step backwards to allow yet another local in the door and crash into the five foot long paper bags filled with fresh French bread that was delivered early that morning.

Order your poboy “dressed” and you know the fixings will be just right. Grab a seat (if you can find one) in this cramped room and be sure to catch a glimpse of Dot’s living room when the door at the back of the room swings open, then move to the bar for a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a bag a Zapps.

New Orleans heaven. If you can find the place, find a seat, and figure out how to maneuver the line of locals, you are in for a real treat! Whew!