Jeffrey Monteiro has lived a bit of a nomad life. Born in the Middle East, raised in Australia, worked in London, and now lives in New York- Monteiro worked as Design Director for the Derek Lam signature collection and Tod’s RTW collections. The Jeffrey Monteiro signature collection was launched in New York for Fall 2008, below are pieces I’m in love with from his Spring 2009 collection.
I’m dying to snack at San Francisco’s Crown & Crumpet. Married couple Amy and Christopher Dean opened the beautiful English style tea room in 2008, a follow-up to their successful Anglo-French antique store La Place Du Soleil.
Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, and Passage des Panoramas are a trio of arcades built in the 19th century that showcase new industrial materials in the form of steel frames and glass roofs. This is the perfect outfit to peruse the shops that sell old books, prints, antiques, souvenirs and clothing.
Marc by Marc Jacobs; Jeepers Peepers T-shirt.
Luella; Ethel gingham skirt.
Philip Crangi; Charm cluster necklace.
Marc Jacobs; Heart cutout pumps.
Donna Karan; Double Zip Messenger bag.
I’m not at all surprised with Victoria Beckham‘s choice of fabrics and colours for her Fall 2009 collection. The new collection is modest, but shares the same simplicity as its Spring 2009 designs (bottom two photographs.) I smell a successful Fall launch.
I have long wavy-straight hair. The kind that easily takes to the curling iron or straightener, but never looks quite right au naturel. For reasons I’m unsure of, I’ve been contemplating reducing the amount of time I spend on my hair each morning by getting a perm. The idea is to wake up, shower, apply a crème product to my new big-curl perm, and head to work. Thus, reducing my morning routine to a mere twenty minutes, as opposed to forty.
What I want is a cross between Gisele and Gwyneth, every day, without the effort.
But who am I kidding? Those forty minutes each morning are treasured me times- A self-reflective start to my day.
If you’re interested in a delicious, trustworthy red wine for a cheap price, look no further than the Rhone Valley of France. The wine makers of this region produce some of the best everyday red wines. However, for an area with such a positive reputation, it segregates itself within the region. Let’s start with the uncomplicated South.
SOUTHERN RHÔNE
This Sub-Region produces most of the wines for the entire Rhone valley region. Although it has many grape varietals, one main grape is Grenache. There are many appellations in this sub-region, but one of the more popular appellations in this area is Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
The Chateauneuf-du-Pape name comes from way back (14th century to be exact) when the popes used to reside nearby, before Rome was even a thought! This area is neat because of the Terroir. The stones in this area are called galets and they soak up the heat during the day and release it at night. They also absorb moisture, which helps keep the vines happy during those dry summer days. The wine has a full body, rich taste and ranges between $25-$50.
A notable wine from the area:
Mommession
Chateauneuf-du-pape AC 2007
Grape: Grenache
Colour: Deep Red
Aroma: Floral, Cherries
Taste: Loads of fruit, smooth
Pairing: Most Cheese
NORTHERN RHÔNE
In this sub region, two of the better red wines are Cote-Rotie and Hermitage. Both of these wines are produced using the Syrah grape (although some Cotie-Rotie can be blended with Viogner). In fact, Syrah is the only grape variety permitted in red for this region.
Cote-Rotie vineyards are unique because the vines are planted on vertical slopes. The reason for this is to create optimal sunlight in an area where fog can be overwhelming. This area is also interesting because some of the winemakers blend white wine grapes (Voigner) with their Syrah. Combining the two grape varietals creates floral aromas. Cote-Rotie wine has great aging potential but can be quite pricy ($45-$80)
Hermitage is the benchmark for Rhone styles. It has a very earthy tasted and is best when it’s aged several years due to its high level of tannins. This varietal could easily be cellared for 30 years. Hermitage sells for $50-$90 with some of the better vintage years can easily be over $100.
A Savory Wine from Northern Rhone:
Crozes-Hermitages
Cave de Tain, Fine Fleur D’Crozes, 2005
Colour: Deep Red
Aroma: Cedar, hint of mint, Earth tones
Taste: Well balanced, Black Pepper, Raspberry, Blueberry
Pairing: Grilled Meat, Game, Mushrooms, Some Tomato based Foods.
Price: $22.95
For more information on the wines in the Rhone Valley Region, click here.
-Tara Anderson
I’m in the mood for some good old fashion penmanship. Pretty paper, hand written notes- the excitement of receiving anything that isn’t a credit card or utility bill.
Satsuma Press
Dingbat Press; Cupcake Pop.
Dingbat Press; Royalty Letter.
Twin Ravens Press; String of Cranes.
I’m drawn to Sephora‘s spring Opi collection. The colors scream cotton candy and fruit flavored Popsicles.
