We decided we should share some of the ideas, food, places and things we are loving so far this summer. For July, our Shop Founder Elizabeth has selected her top 5 for the month.1. Beneath A Scarlet Sky, by Mark Sullivan. Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, this book is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours.
"I'm about to start reading 'Beneath a Scarlet Sky' by Mark Sullivan. It seems to have some parallels to modern times unfortunately. However, I find reading books like these to be the hope and inspiration we all need right now."
—Elizabeth
Purchase2. Domaine Tempier | Bandol Rosé. The grapes used to make our rosé come from selected parcels where the vines are on average 20 years old. The yields are low, which explains the intense concentration and distinct expression of each varietal in this wine. The presence of Mourvedre gives this wine its strong character, balance and complexity. An intense fruit and floral nose make this an attractive rosé. The palate is rounded and full with fruity aromas of peach and pomegranate, followed by delicate spice notes and a pleasant freshness created by acidic balance.
"I recently had the most amazing rose while at Chez Panisse last week. I went to college at UCB many moons ago so revisiting this favorite special occasion haunt with a friend from those times was really fantastic. Normally I don't love rose but this one was a winner. It's light, very drinkable, not too sweet or too sharp, perfect for the hot weather."
—Elizabeth
Domaine Tempier
3. Family African Safari. At the end of the month Elizabeth is leaving with her family for an African Safari adventure spanning Capetown to Kenya. Africa is truly an amazing continent in which you can view a plethora of animals, natural beauty and scenery and incredible experiences, as it is the natural home for many exceptional creatures.
"My first trip to Africa is coming up soon! Going on a safari with my family, from Capetown to Kenya. I can't wait. I'm very excited to experience something exotic and far away and also excited to do this with my kids who are old enough to really enjoy it. Plus spending time with my Dad is always a gift."
—Elizabeth
4. Julian Schnabel at Legion of Honour Museum. Schnabel’s work has been exhibited all over the world. His paintings, sculptures, and works on paper have been the subject of numerous exhibitions including at The Tate (London), Whitney Museum of American Art, (New York), to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco), Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Madrid), J.F. Willumsens Museum, (Frederikssundand), and Almine Rech Gallery, (Paris) among countless others.
"Just went to the Palace of the Legion of Honor to see a Julian Schnabel exhibit. He did a number of enormous painted murals that sit outside the entrance to the musuem in the classical courtyard, an interesting juxtaposition of modern and classical art/architecture is both striking and exciting."
—Elizabeth
Legion of Honor
5. Yvette Hat by Albertus Swanepoel. What is a trip or traveling in the summertime without bringing along a proper hat, and in this case, the Yvette Hat works well for keeping the heat at bay. South African born Albertus Swanepoel has been a force in millinery for quite some time. After graduating as a Graphic designer, he began his career in fashion under his Quartus Manna label in the 1980’s in Johannesburg, South Africa. After he won the Coty Award as top designer in the country in 1987 he left for NYC in 1989 where he trained as a milliner under Janine Galimard at FIT. In 2004 he was asked to make the hats for the Marc by Marc Jacobs FW2005 show. His current list of runway clients include Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass, Cushnie et Ochs, Narciso Rodriquez, Ohne Titel, Suno, Tommy Hilfiger, Perry Ellis, Billy Reid, Peter Som and several more. The highlight of his career in New York was receiving the coveted first runner up Award in the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund Competition in 2008. He still lives in New York City, collaborating with some of the best designers in the industry and continues to produce collections under his namesake label.