AGA DESIGN: November 2013

Friday, November 29, 2013

BLACK FRIDAY: WEAR WINDWARD

Today is Black Friday. Most rise early to beat the holiday shopping rush, but for me this is the one one day of the year that I would prefer to hang out and enjoy the turkey leftovers. If you feel the same, but still need a gift for those special individuals on your list, I suggest Windward.

On Nantucket Sound in 2010, a ripped sail turned into inspiration, for one of my college friends. He had always wanted to start a clothing line, but was unsure where his focus would be. The brightly colored sail had seen its last day on the water, and the only place for it seemed to be the trash. But Tom Harty saw a new use for it. The result was a D-ring belt, "bright, unique and still salty from the races, it was the perfect addition to the night's attire."

Since that first belt, the company coined the name Windward. A name derived from Harty's Great Great Grandmother's sailboat, and the Nantucket family home where many summers were spent.

Today the belts are still made in Nantucket and Boston. Windward belts are available online at http://wearwindward.com and in various stores throughout Boston and the Cape and Islands. Windward belts are available in a wide variety of colors to suite everyone on your list, here are a few of my favorites:

Jettie's Belt, Monterey Belt, Montauk Belt

Main Street Belt, Great Point Belts

Brant Point Belt, Monomoy Belt, Madaket Belt

First image via Tom Harty's Facebook page
Belt images via wearwindward.com http://wearwindward.com/

Thursday, November 28, 2013

THANKSGIVING

This morning I rise early, thanks to three friendly wake up calls from our dogs. Downstairs, the Kitchen smells of tart cranberries and orange zest. The yearly Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade plays in the background as I prepare my morning cup of tea and breakfast. After my brothers rise, we dress and pack the car with pots of cranberries, turnips, and platters of stinky cheeses. We travel through winding roads lined with frosty trees and gray foggy ponds. Slowly more cars appear and trees become sparse, our destination nears and the excitement builds.

Upon arrival, everyone hugs and dives into the magnificent spread of hors d'oeuvres. In our family, we always joke that we should skip the feast and stick with the appetizers and pie. Spreads of various cheeses, fine meats, and shrimp cocktail, paired with crusty bread, and wine fill the Kitchen counters and tables. The turkey is basted to perfection and granny's beans simmer on the stove, as cousins steal a quick taste. Although we are happy to be together, I don't think anyone is as excited as the dogs. Tails wag, barks are shared, and tennis balls are tossed. And of course there is Prudence the pug, who feels too sophisticated to participate in such activities and requires a high perch on my mother's lap (also, a perfect view of the food).

After platters are emptied and lips turn red from too many glasses of wine, the real feast begins. Mashed potatoes, cranberries, turkey, gravy, and stuffing are passed around. One year, a tofurkey even made an appearance on our table, thanks to a very adventurous cousin. The dish that we all look forward to is granny's beans. A family recipe shared from my Uncle's Italian Grandmother. There is nothing quite like granny's beans! Plates are filled, as my youngest cousin makes her annual mashed potato and gravy volcano. We give thanks and finally the feast begins.

Eventually we are full, and just when we don't think we can eat another bite my Uncle presents his Thanksgiving pies. Apple, cranberry walnut, sweet potato, and chocolate pie...the decision is quite difficult and there are often "tastings" of each on my plate. Everyone sits around the fire watching football and slowly falling into a turkey coma. Although it is only seven o'clock it feels like midnight. After the cleanup is finished, coats are needed for an evening neighborhood stroll. The crisp November air suddenly perks everyone back to life, as we pass neighborhood homes filled with family and friends.

Soon after our return to the couch, the parents appear to shuffle everyone out the door. Once again, cars are filled and goodbyes are said. Thanksgiving is over, but the feast will continue for days. Turkey sandwiches, turkey pot pie, and turkey tetrazzini. And there will even be pie for breakfast, my father's favorite.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Image via Pinterest

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

THANKSGIVING: DINING ROOM

This week, many will travel hundreds of miles to be with family and friends. Despite the many hardships this time of year may dispense, including blizzards, flight cancellations, and horrible traffic, we all look forward to gathering around the Dining Room table for a Thanksgiving feast. Here are a few of my favorite Dining Rooms, to inspire your Thanksgiving.

Dining Room by Amelia Handegan, image via Architectural Digest

Dining Room by Michael Smith, image via Houses

Dining Room, image via Gil Shafer's The Great American House

Dining Room by Bunny Williams, image via Pinterest

Dining Room, image via Gil Shafer's The Great American House

Thursday, November 21, 2013

JOHN SINGER SARGENT: INSPIRATION

Although John Singer Sargent is known for his portraits, I tend to favor his other subjects; architecture, pomegranates, and ships to name a few. When interacting with art, it is important to view it from a distance, but also up close. At this level you see the true talent and technique of the artist. Each preliminary pencil line and brushstroke is visible, allowing me to gain inspiration for my own artwork. Here is a collection of close up shots from the John Singer Sargent exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Genoa: The University, 1911

Villa Falconiere, 1907

Villa di Marlia, Lucca: The Balustrade, 1910

Corfu: Lights and Shadows, 1909

Pomegranates, 1908

In a Levantine Port, 1905-06

White Ships, 1908

White Ships, 1908
Images by AGA

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

JOHN SINGER SARGENT

Last week I FINALLY had an opportunity to visit the John Singer Sargent exhibit, at the Boston Museum of Fine Art! And to top it off, I enjoyed the collection even more than I anticipated. From the moment I walked through the doors, Sargent's magnificent energy and use of color welcomed me.

John Singer Sargent is an American painter who was born in Florence, Italy in 1884. During the late 1800's Sargent studied painting in Italy and France, where he created quite an uproar with his painting of Madame Gautreau, later renamed Madame X. Ironically, this piece is now referred to as Sargent's best work of art, and his personal favorite. Due to this scandal, Sargent relocated to England where his focus shifted to portraits. Sargent also made frequent trips to the United States to work on public commissions; such as the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Art. During his later years, Sargent completed over 2,000 watercolors and 900 oil paintings. His subjects ranged from people in conversation, to bows of ships in a harbor.

What I love most about this collection, is the energy that Sargent creates with each brushstroke. Sargent's use of vibrant colors, juxtaposed with dark shadows is exceptional. And his ability to capture emotion within the faces of people and a landscape is unlike any other artist.

After making my way through each room, I became more enthralled by Sargent's work. I remember studying him among many of the other masters during his time. However viewing art from a slide show is never quite the same as seeing a piece in person. After the exhibit I was eager to get home, my mind bursting with inspiration from Sargent's work. This exhibit will be on display until January 20, 2014 and it is something you must see!

Image via www.mfa.org

Thursday, November 14, 2013

RED LIPSTICK: MUSE

Vogue 1939

Audrey Hepburn

Lauren Bacall

Giorgio Armani

Elizabeth Taylor

Chanel 2011

Jessica Alba

Scarlett Johansson

Grace Kelly

Taylor Swift

Lucille Ball

Revlon

Elizabeth Taylor

Ralph Lauren

Emma Watson

Revlon

Beyonce Knowles

Barbie 1960

Images via pinterest

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

RED LIPSTICK: SO ICONIC. SO CHIC. SO CLASSIC.

So iconic. So chic. So classic. There is something so alluring about red lipstick!

My earliest memory of lipstick is of my grandmother. I remember standing outside, on our back porch. Her camel coat and leather gloves glamorously shielding her from the winter chill, as she carefully enjoyed her cigarette. I distinctly remember the red stain that always remained at the end of her cigarette; her personal mark. After her smoke she would pull out one of her many lipstick compacts. The shiny gold tube would open and with a light twist, the vibrant hue would appear. She would carefully hold the compact up and form her lips into the perfect shape for application. The performance was concluded by a soft press of the lips and a smile.

When I was little, my grandmother gave me one of her lipstick compacts. It was beaded with navy blues and blacks. Inside a small rectangular mirror was available for a quick reflection. When playing dress up, I would often wear my long black gloves with rhinestones along side, and apply the vibrant lipstick. The act was always concluded with a press of the lips, just as my grandmother had shown me.

As the holidays rapidly approach, I feel that there is no better time for a fresh red hue. Many shy away from red lipstick because it can be quite bold, however if you select the correct shade, this iconic and chic accessory can be your new holiday favorite!

How to select the perfect red shade:

If you have Fair Skin
Select a red with a bit of coral or pinkish orange to it. Try Revlon Super Luscious Lipstick, in Fire and Ice

If you have Medium Skin
Select a true red or cranberry red. Try CoverGirl TruShine Lipcolor, in Valentine Shine

If you have Dark Skin
Select a rich burgundy or wine red. Try L'Oreal Paris Colour Rich Lipcolour, in Red Rhapsody