Duchess of Windsor's Jewels

Jewelry formerly owned by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor - the American socialite whom Edward VIII famously gave up the throne of England to marry in 1937 - will be auctioned by Sotheby's in London on Nov. 30. Twenty pieces from the Duchess of Windsor’s lavish jewelry collection will be auctioned, including two massive diamond rings and the very first Cartier panther bracelet.  In this portrait by Cecil Beaton, Wallis wears on her left arm one of the pieces that will go on the block, a cross bracelet by Cartier.  My favorite piece, however, is the gold evening case that was a 10th wedding anniversary gift from the Duke of Windsor to his Duchess.  There are photographs of the Duchess holding the bag at a reception she and the Duke attended at the White House invitation of President Nixon in 1970.  Wouldn't it be amazing to own a piece from what some call the greatest love story of the 20th century?

A Modern Mix

Mixing patterns.  Some people do it so well.  I love these images from the January 2010 issue of Vogue. The feature on Charles and Olya Thompson’s Brooklyn brownstone is stunning – it looks like a hip, modern day fairy-tale.  Love the layers, the leopard and the fact that the kids seem to have free reign of the house...so neo-traditional, so lovely.

(images via francois halard)

Bella Foster, Interiors

I literally squealed with excitement when I read about “Bella Foster, Interior,” which opens Nov. 6 at Art Since the Summer of ‘69 in New York.  I’ve been a fan of Foster’s work for a while now -  I love the bold colors and all the layers of patterns.  She depicts rooms I wish I lived in.     There is something about them  that just seems so very bohemian, like a beautiful apartment in the West Village.  Ah, yet another reason to visit New York.