Watch them for the clothes

Three of my favorite movies ( whenever I come across one of them I watch, regardless of whether it is the beginning, middle or end) have strong appeal to me because of the style of the leading ladies.

I realize that costume designers have tremendous influence on the look of a film, but when I watch these movies I feel like I am getting a strong idea of the personal style of each of these actresses.

Diane Keaton is probably the best example of a film icon who is so strongly associated with her quirky persona, and Gwyneth Paltrow is a fine actress who cannot escape her New York classic cool style. And Rene Russo may not be as known for her own look, but she epitomizes the sharp, seductive image in Micheal Kors throughout that movie.

Kelly Kelly Kelly

I was fortunate enough to stay at the Viceroy Hotel in Miami this past weekend and it did not disappoint.

This is a view from the rooftop on the fifteenth floor. It appears that the pool drops right off of the roof. Talk about an infinity pool.

The hotel is immaculate, the service is discreet and the Kelly Wearstler designed rooms are glamorous, especially the massive, marble-appointed bathroom.

There are many luxury hotels in South Beach, but I prefer the more grown-up appeal of downtown, and the Viceroy on Brickell is just that.

Beyond the sea

I love some coral, or anything natural for that matter, in a home.
Here are some examples of lovely objects that you may have in your home already but the fact that they are rendered in coral kicks them up a notch. White coral especially has such a wonderful rough beauty. I love the mirror in a foyer against a high-gloss dark wall, and the bowl is great on top of a stack of books or with some keys thrown in it.

Stylish because of what it is not...

Joe Allen is my favorite restaurant in Miami. It has been open since February 1998 but it feels like it has been around forever, which is a good thing for a restaurant, especially one so off-the-beaten path. There are other locations in London and Paris and the original in New York which opened in 1965.
It is the perfect restaurant because of the things it's not. No "themey" decor or towering wall of liquor bottles behind the bar. No small plates or fusion food. No twenty-minute introduction by the server. The menu is loaded with things you actually want to eat (especially the deserts) and service is understated and professional.
Joe Allen recently opened another place in Manhattan called Bar Centrale which serves bar food, but with the volume turned up (grilled fontina and bacon sandwich; quesadillas stuffed with lobster). I predict that one will be around forever, too.

Sexy, cool car

Every time I see a BMW Z4 I think, "what a sexy, cool car" and I'm not even a sports car person. I am way too practical and safety conscious. I am so practical that even my car fantasies end with me in a big Mercedes sedan.

But then I see one of these on the road and that involuntary desire kicks in. Midnight blue is the color.

Then I found these

I know I just showed black and white, but then I found these.

Simple, not plain

The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote is a perfect example of excellent design. Why?

Because it has nothing it does not need. It is classic American ( and I mean New England ) ingenuity executed with no frills. It will serve limitless uses and hold up long after anyone would tire of it. And even though it is immediately recognizable by it's shape alone, you can make it your own by choosing your own size, color and style and, of course, having it monogrammed.

I love them when they have been around awhile and get all banged up, but in a good way, like something humble that has been passed down through the family like a collection of old board games.

Black and white

Just a few examples of why black and white is always right.

Perfume icon

When in doubt about what to choose for yourself or what to give as a gift, Chanel No 5 is the correct choice. If you haven't tried it for a while take another whiff. It simply smells pretty and not at all stuffy or like "serious lady" perfume.
Of course you could just buy it for the packaging. The shape of the perfume bottle was such an unusual choice for a woman's perfume. It's kind of masculine for such a feminine fragrance. The label also an odd choice at a time when flourishes were the thing when advertising all things female. And the white box with black outline and just the legend Chanel No 5, well what else did you need?
Everything about it is just perfect.