Miss Sophisticate Luxury Living At Its Simplest.
Small Spaces: outdoor Dining
Tips on how to decorate small outdoor dining spaces for the warmer season. Paris iS ALways a good idea
The City of Lights in June
June 2014
Miss Sophisticate JUNE 2014
BONJOUR pg. 6 Editor’s Note pg. 8 InstaMoments Lookback pg. 9 Film & Print pg. 10 Blogger Spotlight: Tracey Ayton
Photo credit: Cherish Bryck
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Miss Sophisticate fashion pg. 14 Inspired By: Dolce & Gabbana Ads
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pg. 18 Get the Look: Lace-Up Sandals
Food pg. 20 Local Spot: The Loeb Boathouse pg. 22 Small Spaces: Outdoor Dining 3
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Miss Sophisticate Design pg. 28 Home Tour: Rustic Chic in Berkeley pg. 32 House Hunting: Tribeca Penthouse
Travel pg. 34 Paris Is Always A Good Idea: The City of Lights in June 4
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Editor’s Note
Editor’s Note
June marks one of my favorite times of the year. As a child, June meant school
was out and freedom was here. As an adult, it means enjoying more cocktails outdoors, and maybe even a chance to travel. I know that, as an adult, I also appreciate the beauty of the season more than I used to. Gorgeous peonies have blossomed, the once barren tree branches are now lush with green leaves, and the sun smiles down on us just a little brighter and a little bit warmer. While there is plenty of spring scenery to enjoy in the States, I don’t think anything compares to the sights of Paris in the month of June. That’s why I’ve made sure to highlight Paris as a travel destination for this month’s issue. Paris’s many immaculate gardens will stun you as you walk around the city this time of the year. The climate is also more than desirable with cool breezes and sunny, blue skies. That’s not to say that we don’t have our own lovely weather here at home. In fact, I love to start making some real use of my balcony dining area when June rolls around. Outdoor dining, however, can feel like a challenge when you’re tight on space. In this issue, you’ll find ideas for working with small spaces and creating outdoor tabletops that are decorative enough for a gathering, but not overwhelming for the space. You’ll also get some really great hosting tips from one stylish homeowner (and new mommy!), who takes the time to dish out how she found and renovated a home to match her entertaining prowess. I hope you all enjoy reading, and remember to email me with any questions or requests you may have for the next issue!
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May InstaMoments A lookback at last month’s Instagram snapshots.
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Film & Print
Miss Sophisticate is
reading... “The Vacationers” by Emma Straub. With much wit and and a substantial sense of
humanity, Straub captures the discord and struggles most families tend to face at one point or another. Drifting spouses, a college-bound teen hoping to get away from her parents, and an almost 30 year-old son still struggling to make something of himself, all gather together for a family vacation in Spain to celebrate a thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. Tensions rise and old wounds resurface, but it’s all written with a touch of humour and lightheartedness, making it a perfect beach read for your summer.
Miss Sophisticate is
watching... Million Dollar Arm Jon Hamm...need more be said? Hamm takes his
charming Mad Men personality and uses it to portray J.B. Bernstein, a sports agent who travels to India on a quest to find the next undiscovered talent for major league baseball. While Bernstein is successful in finding two Indian boys who can throw a fastball, the result of Bernstein’s trip is more than a fulfilled business venture. Bernstein ends up learning what it means to have a family, as the two young boys rely on and look up to Bernstein greatly. The movie is based on a true story, with a Disney twist, including lots of feel-good vibes.
Watch the Trailer Here
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Blogger Spotlight
Blogger spotlight a look at the Talented blogger and photographer Behind “Keeping House & Everything Else”
TRACEY AYTON Photo credit: Cherish Bryck
All photos, unless noted otherwise, were taken by and courtesy of Tracey Ayton.
Photographers have the capability to capture the very essence of
a moment or experience with a single snapshot. Photographs tell stories, and photographers are instrumental to that storytelling. Knowing this, it was incredibly exciting to come across one of Vancouver’s most talented photographers, Tracey Ayton. Ayton is an interior, food, and lifestyle photographer whose work has appeared in numerous magazines, including Style At Home, BC Living, and House and Home, just to name a few. Ayton is truly passionate about her work, yet remains humble about her success. Speaking to her about her background and her aesthetic was a great way to learn more about her and her beautiful work. Q: How long have you been an interior, food, and lifestyle photographer? And what made you get into photography in the first place? A: [It’s been] over 20 years. I stumbled into photography trying to be a graphic artist. After a week of taking graphic design, I was failing miserably because I wasn’t very skilled at “freehand” drawing. I remember the girl sitting next to me recognized that I was struggling because I couldn’t transfer what I had imagined in my head onto paper. She suggested that I take a photography course because then I would have a tool to help emulate things the way I saw them. 10
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Blogger Spotlight Q: Do you have any professional training, education, or experience in photography? A: I went to college and got a photography certificate, and have assisted a couple of photographers along the way. Q: Who/what has inspired or does inspire your photography? A: It’s funny; I never really wanted to become a photographer so I didn’t have anybody in mind while going to school, but of course there are so many legendary photographers out there and I think they all play a role in where my inspiration comes from. I get inspired by everyday things around me. Once I have my camera in hand, I just start shooting away. Although, to say that I’m an interior, food and lifestyle photographer pretty much sums up what I love to shoot. I’m lucky to be able to make a living at what I do.
Food Styling By: Sarah Scriver
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a photographer? A: I love being able to meet new people and every job is different. Making a living at being creative is fantastic and knowing that people love your work is a dream. Q: What is your favorite thing/person to photograph? A: I love taking pictures of interesting spaces, [and] I love taking snaps of food and flowers.
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Styling By: Maria Killam
Q: What is your personal talent/asset/skill that makes your work stand out? Why do you think people choose to work with you and/or are drawn to your work? A: From what I hear, people like the “dreamy” feel to my photographs. Theres an “airy” feel to them. I also think that I have a certain “eye” for detail. I thrive on being original. Q: Did you discover anything new through your job/photography? A: People, places, things and a new appreciation for hard work. Q: What are your future goals/dreams with photography? Do you a have a dream place, person, or company you’d like to photograph or work with? A: I would love to photograph Martha Stewart or Ina Garten. To shoot a lovely Nantucket home in the Hamptons would be awesome! Q: What is something most people don’t know about you? A: That I’m left handed. I think that’s a sign of creativity though. 12
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To contact Tracey for any photography services, or to see more of her beautiful work, you can visit her website at TraceyAytonPhotography.com. You can also follow her on her Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest accounts.
Inspired By
Dolce & Gabbana Ad Campaign Dolce & Gabbana has been known for its fabulous prints and colorful patterns, making their clothing and ads an appealing choice for some spring and summer wardrobe inspiration. 3
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(1) Zara Printed Dress; (2) Tory Burch Robinson Bag; (3) Dolce & Gabbana Lemon Print Skirt; (4) Prada Sunglasses; (5) Lillith Star Leopard Ring
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(6) Valentino Lace Skirt; (7) J.Crew Textured Bangle Set; (8) Laura Biagiotti Floral Scarf; (9) Ivanka Trump Gelana Shoe; (10) J.Crew Jennifer Behr Headband
Credit: Splash News Online; Fame; Taylor Hill/ FilmMagic
Tie up & Get Knotty with
Lace-Up Sandals
Why it’s a Trend: Flat or heeled, lace-up sandals can add a major cool factor to an outfit. The bondage-style lace adds a touch of edginess to your look, whether the sandals are black, nude, or a bright color. Some lace-up sandals include quite a bit of hardware (metal hoops and buckles), making the sandals a great statement piece to wear, similar to the way eye-catching jewelry is. How to wear it: Lace-up sandals can we worn with any kind of outfit, but unsurprisingly, they shine best when they’re clearly seen. Wearing them with a dress or shorts for maximum exposure is best, but style icons like Emmanuelle Alt (French Vogue E.I.C.) have been seen leading the trend by wearing them with rolled up boyfriend jeans, which also look chic. 18
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get the look
Top Picks for Lace-Up Sandals:
Dolce Vita; $89.00
Ivanka Trump; $150.00
Dolce Vita; $110.00
Aquazurra; $830.00
Vince Camuto; $128.95
Giuseppe Zanotti; $875.00
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Local Restaurant
All photos were taken by and courtesy of Brenna Lasky.
Loeb Boathouse in New York, New York The Loeb Boathouse is the quintbecome an iconic gem for both residents essential New York City restaurant landmark. Just like the park it resides in (Central Park), the Boathouse has been made famous through its numerous appearances in films and TV shows. In everyday life, it’s been used as a retreat for city dwellers and a venue for couples getting married and/or celebrating anniversaries. Why the Boathouse has become so popular isn’t difficult to figure out once you see it for yourself. While the majority of New York City can be a gritty and greenery-lacking environment, the same can’t be said for the Boathouse. Nestled in between Central Park’s grassy hills and gorgeous lakes, you’ll find the classic dining establishment that’s
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and tourists alike. The Boathouse features a fine dining restaurant, as well as a casual, bar-style deck for smaller groups. Both feature extensive cocktail menus and alcoholic beverages. Inside the restaurant, you can order favorites like the Challah French Toast, made with Grand Marnier Banana Compote, or the Prime 21 Day Aged New York Strip Steak. While delicious food isn’t a rarity in New York, stunning outdoor nature views and lakeside dining is, which is what makes the Loeb Boathouse a New York favorite and must-visit dining spot for over 50 years.
www.thecentralparkboathouse.com East 72nd Street and Park Drive North, NY, NY (212) 517-2233
outdoor dining
small spaces: Outdoor Dining
Decor for petite tables
A lot of people look at homeware catalogs and wonder how they can replicate the
sophisticated style displayed in those picturesque backyards. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all had outdoor dining tables that sat 8 people and endless tabletop space for large trays of food and drinks? The reality is that most young individuals are living in quarters that are more quaint than those advertised in catalogs, especially if they’re living in the city. If you live in New York City, for example, you’re extremely lucky if you even have terrace space to fit a tiny table in. That said, small spaces don’t have to translate to dumpy outdoor entertaining. In fact, small spaces can be much easier and inexpensive to decorate than larger ones. One obvious highlight is the need for less accessories. When you have a small outdoor space, you have a small table. This means less room for fancy serving trays or large charger plates. It’s better to stick with simple basics like the dinnerware and flatware that
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you’ll actually be using. It’s also nice to keep prints and patterns to a minimum so as to not clutter the table and overwhelm the small space. In the spread displayed, color and dimenion were brought in by using bright yellow tulips and blue irises. The fun factor and stylish imprint comes from the use of lemons in the tablescape. Lemons are sliced and placed in the flower vase as an eye-catching detail and easy way to tie back in the yellow, lemon theme of the table. Lemons are also used as inexpensive and unique placecard holders. You’ll want to look for bright, untarnished lemons that 24
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are equivlanet in size at your local store. Then, simply use a sharp knife to make a 1” to 1 1/2” long slit on the top of the lemon, making sure the cut is only shallow enough to puncture the rind and not the actual flesh of the lemon (or else you’ll have juices flowing everywhere!). Not all lemons were used simply for decor, however. Perhaps the most unoriginal use of lemon in this tablescape was its use in a strawberry basil hard lemonade cocktail. Sweet and tangy with an obvious kick, this cocktail will ensure that your summer gathering is as relaxing as it looks! Find the recipe on the following page.
strawberry basil hard lemonade A refreshing summer cocktail that is as easy to whip up as it is to drink! Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 4 cocktails
Ingredients: • 10-12 strawberries, stems removed and cut into quarters • 8 - 10 basil leaves, chopped • 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar • 1/2 a cup of lemon juice • 2 cans of selzter water • about 6 shots of vodka or gin • ice cubes Directions: 1. In a large quart-size measuring cup (or large pitcher), drop in strawberry chunks and chopped basil leaves. Add in sugar and lemon juice. 2. Use the back of a wooden spoon to muddle strawberries, basil, sugar, and lemon juice together for about 1 minute. Add in alcohol and selzter water. Stir. 3. Pour cocktails into glasses, adding in a few ice cubes and a few bits of the basil and strawberry chunks. 27
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Home Decor
Rustic Chic in Berkeley Home Decor & Entertaining Tips from one stylish hostess in Northern California Photo Credit: Katie Lovecraft
All photos, unless noted otherwise, are courtesy of East Bay Regional Data
Being a mom is no easy feat, but being a stylish mom with time to design your
own dream home and host fabulous parties in it is near impossible, well, unless you’re Shaudi Bazzaz-Pestal. The new mommy to one year-old, baby Finn has been ambitious and successful in creating a home that is just as chic as it is conducive to entertaining. Shaudi and her husband, Danny, knew they wanted a house they could comfortably gather in with their friends, and their home nestled in the Berkeley hills fit the bill. With stunning city views and an open floor plan, the home was the perfect place to entertain in and do what Shaudi does best - hosting! Here’s what the hip, new mom’s advice was for anyone currently planning their dream house and/or in desperate need of some entertaining suggestions: Q: What is something important to you that you look for in a home? A: I think depending on where you are at in life, your priorities will change in what you are looking for. You can change a lot in a house, but you can’t change the location, so for me, it’s important to love where you live. I love the walkability of my current neighborhood. I can walk to restaurants, public transit, bookstores, cafes, etc. Now that we have a baby, I’m willing to give up some of these perks for a little more space and better schools. In terms of the house itself, I typically look for the potential the house has and don’t worry too much about what it looks like. The amount of light a house gets is key for me. I love bright, airy spaces, so I am always looking out for that. 28
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Home Decor
Q: What do you love most about owning your own home vs. renting? A: Owning a home is a lot of work and responsibility, but with that comes a lot of perks! In addition to the stability owning offers, and the ability to build equity, owning lets you build a living space that represents your tastes. I love that I have been able to design and build so many of the spaces with Danny. When I look around, I see all the things we have built together to make our house our home. Q: What is the most challenging aspect of doing a remodel or any cosmetic changes? More specifically, what is something you didn’t expect would be as expensive or timeconsuming as it really was? A: For starters, it always takes longer than you think it will. Always. In areas with old homes, like where we live, you never know how big a project can be. You may need to update electrical and plumbing, and all that not-fun stuff you can’t see. Living in a remodel is tough. Q:Where is your favorite home decor store to shop? A: I like Restoration Hardware for lighting. Ikea is always a great place to find stuff too. 30
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Photo Courtesy of: Shaudi Bazzaz-Pestal
Q: What is your approach to entertaining at home? A: I keep the food simple, stuff I can make ahead. I use my tried and true recipes so there aren’t any stressful meltdowns right before the party. And I always take friends up on an offer to bring something! Q: What is one tip you would give to a new homeowner? Either in regards to the buying process, decorating, or entertaining as an amateur hostess? A: When buying, realize that you might not be able to get your perfect house right away. It may take a few homes to build up to your dream house. Enjoy the space you are in while you are there and don’t stress too much about the next step, you’ll get there! Know the market you are buying in. Today, there are so many resources online to know what’s for sale and how much homes are selling for. Educate yourself to be an informed buyer. My party tip is to always leave yourself time to get ready, even if everything isn’t cooked or done, I stop and get ready. I’d rather people show up and I’m still getting food together, then for them to show up while I am in my PJs! 31
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Tribeca townhouse New York, New York, United States (Images courtesy of Douglas Elliman)
Most people associate New York living
with small living quarters. After all, it’s the most populous city in the United States, with over 8 million inhabitants residing there. When you’ve got that many people, you’ve got to scale down the home sizes, right? Well, yes and no. If you’re not part of the top 1% of the population, then you will indeed find yourself in a similar situation to the characters of the hit TV show, Girls. But if you are part of the 1%, then living in Manhattan doesn’t have to mean cramped spaces at all. In fact, if you’re willing to pay the price ($43 million to be exact), you can get a gorgeous 23,000 square feet, 8 bedroom and 10 bath townhouse in the posh, celebrity neighborhood of Tribeca. Completey gutted and renovated with the highest quality finishes, this loft mansion maintains the structural charm of its original 1862 building but with all the high-end, sleek touches of a modern renovation. With 12-17 feet ceiling hights, floor to ceiling windows, and its own private rooftop deck, there’s no doubt that many New York City night sky views will be enjoyed. For more information about this property, please visit: www.Elliman.com/New-York-City.
Paris is always a good idea The City of Lights in June
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here are few places in the world as magical as Paris. As Ernest Hemingway so famously said, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” In other words, once you’ve seen Paris, you’ll not only remember it for the rest of your life, but the sights, sounds, and smells will linger with you forever. It’s a treasured city, no doubt, but its magnificence truly shines in the month of June. In this month, when the rain starts to quiet and flowers have fully blossomed, Paris’s immaculate gardens and limestone buildings stand out beautifully against pale blue skies. The Seine river glitters 34
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in the sun’s rays, while the air is comfortably cool so that you can don your favorite dress and set out sightseeing. Grab a freshly made baguette from your local boulangerie and head to the Jardin du Luxembourg for an afternoon picnic, or take the train to Versailles Palace for a day’s worth of strolling through vast, jaw-dropping gardens. Then, snack on some delectable eclairs, creme puffs, and macarons from Laduree until you enjoy your dinner, later in the evening, on a Seine River cruise with the shimmering Eiffel Tower as your view. It’s been said, and it holds true, Paris is always a good idea. For affordable flights to Paris, check: airtahiti.com, accomodations: airbnb.com, seine river cruise: bateaux-mouches.fr
Au Revoir, mes Amis
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