The Thanksgiving holiday is BIG in my family, both figuratively and literally.  We host a large, long table of friends and family for dinner, and we spend days preparing the feast.  This holiday is no exception, and the cooking has already begun.  My thoughts are not solely on the kitchen, however.  I am thinking also about how grateful I am this year.  I'm appreciative of all of the good fortune we've had, as well as for the bumps in the road. Sometimes those bumps have felt more like Everest-high mountains, but alas, we are making our way along this great journey, and feeling lucky to be here.  I hope that you have a lovely and cozy Thanksgiving holiday ahead of you, and that you relish the time with family and friends.  I also hope that the food is delicious, and thoroughly enjoyed.  On the chance that you are not the one in the kitchen this year, and feel like coming over, or if your idea of Black Friday shopping includes black diamonds, our Thanksgiving holiday hours will be as follows:

Wednesday, November 22nd  11am - 3pm

Thursday, November 23rd  CLOSED

Friday, November 24th  12-5pm

Saturday, November 25th  12-5pm

Sunday, November 26th CLOSED

I'm really thrilled with our newest editions to the lingerie collection.  The color-blocked silk crepe-de-chine Asteria robes are here, and are quite festive.  Here's a preview of one of the color combinations we are offering this season.  

Speaking of combinations, the new trade bead necklaces I've been making are reminding me of weaving, both in practice, and in how they've turned out.  They are all one-of-a-kind, so they make an especially unique gift.  

I was so excited that our son was coming home from college for the holiday, that I made this Pear and Almond cake to welcome him.  It's such a delicious cake.  I adapted it a bit from one of the Books for Cooks Recipe compendiums.  It's great for brunch, for afternoon tea, or really anytime at all.  It would even be delicious served for dessert after Thanksgiving dinner.  It never lasts more than a day in our house, and is a beautiful, rustic looking cake.  

Baked Pear and Almond Cake

100g all purpose flour 

1 tbsp. baking powder

75g almond flour

1 1/2 sticks butter, softened

175g granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 organic eggs, beaten

6 ripe pears, sliced into thick wedges, lengthwise (do this right before you place them in the cake tin so that they don't turn brown)

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter a 9.5 inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.  

Sift the flour and baking powder, and add the almonds.  Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla together until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs a little at a time, sprinkling in a spoonful of flour about halfway through to prevent curdling.  Fold in the flour mixture gently, yet thoroughly.  Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the springform pan.  The batter will be thick.  

Slice the pears into quarters, removing the core and any brown spots.  Arrange the slices next to each other in a fanned out circle in the center of the batter.  Leave a border of around 3/4 of an inch between the pears and the sides of the tin.  Bake until the pears are tender, and the cake has risen up around them, and turned a golden brown.  This takes about 40 minutes.  

Transfer to a wire rack to cool, and then run a knife around the edges before removing the sides of the springform pan.  You can sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top if you like, but I think it's pretty just as it is.

Enjoy,

Ah, Fall.  Finally.  It felt like summer was going to reign eternal this year, with those infernal hundred degree days seeming to last forever.  Then, all of a sudden and without warning, there was a chill in the air.  Finally.  I heard someone talking about Fall the other day, and how it really is the beginning of the year, instead of January.  I have always felt that way too.  Whether it is because of school starting, our wedding anniversary in September (21 years!), or the change in weather that is supposed to happen, the season does feel like the start of something, rather than the end.  There is also the fact that I opened the LFrank boutique in the fall of 2007, which this year marks its tenth anniversary!  

I am filled with gratitude, just thinking about the last ten years.  I have met some truly wonderful people, and have made incredible friends through the work that I do.  I love it when a client becomes a dear friend, and when a dear friend becomes a client.  There is so much meaning in all of this for me.  Jewelry and lingerie are intimate purchases, and oftentimes they are a cherished part of the larger stories of our lives.  I consider myself blessed beyond measure to be able to do what I love so much, each and every day. Sometimes it is really really really difficult, and other times it feels like magic is happening before my very eyes.  

Nothing in this life is ever easy, or ever accomplished without support, therefore the gratitude and love that I feel is truly and deeply heartfelt.  So I thank you, all of you reading this, and everyone who has contributed to the continued success of LFrank.  It means the world to me, doing what I do, and I look forward to expanding and creating more and more beauty for you to enjoy.  There is so much more to come.  Stay tuned for updates on some of the projects that I've been working on.  I am especially excited to share them with you soon, but not just yet.  I promise to keep you posted!

Speaking of beauty, we have a lovely selection of new earrings in the shop.  Please swing by to have a look, and try them on if you're in the neighborhood.  There are lots of pretty options, from studs, to dangles...diamonds to colored stones.  It's not really too early to start making a holiday wishlist.  

We also are starting to receive some of our new lingerie pieces, and I am happy to give you a sneak peek.  These are just a few of the robes that are coming our way before the holidays.  Many of them will feature Liberty Print trim, on 100% silk crepe de chine. Several will be one-of-a-kind, so don't wait too long to come shop. 

A few of the styles are borrowed from our Men's Sleepwear Collection, but scaled down and made especially for women in an assortment of silks and fine cottons.  I think you'll love them.

After all of the hot weather, I finally felt like making something autumnal in the kitchen. We haven't had a Halloween night without a version of this butternut squash soup for nearly twenty years, and this year was no exception.  

We began hosting the families of our children's friends for Halloween from the first year of preschool, and I would make sure that the children all had some of this soup in their bellies before diving into their cherished bags of candy.  It made me less anxious about the impact of all of that sugar!  

The difference this year was the addition of honey-nut squash, which I've been getting from the Weiser Farms stand at the Farmer's Market.  They are famous for their potatoes, and I predict they will also be famous for this hybrid squash.  It's delicious without adding a single thing to it, and including it in this soup makes it even better.  

Autumnal Squash Soup

One large yellow onion, diced

Four large carrots, diced

Four large celery ribs, diced

Three garlic cloves, minced

One medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

One medium butternut squash, halved and roasted

Two - Three small Honey - Nut squash, halved and roasted

One liter of water

Olive oil and butter for sautéing the vegetables

Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

Crumbled goat's cheese, sprouted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and urfa biber pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and place squash cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet that has a light coating of olive oil.  While it is roasting (for about 30 minutes), sauté the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and sweet potato in a few tablespoons of olive oil and a small bit of butter, taking care not to let them brown.  

When the squash is finished roasting, scoop out the flesh and add it to the vegetables with the liter of water, and let it simmer for another 20 - 30 minutes.  Turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minute before you purée it with an immersion blender, or by transferring the soup in batches to a blender.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  

I'll then garnish the bowls of soup with crumbled goat's cheese, sprouted pumpkin seeds, torn sprigs of cilantro, and a generous pinch of urfa biber pepper.  It's equally good with chives and red chili flakes, or really with nothing at all.  

Enjoy,

Here we are, already heading into the last few delicious weeks of summer.  I hope you are enjoying yours, and finding time to relax and recharge.  I'm finding it ever more important to try to disconnect these days.  I am actually taking the rest of the month of August to do just that on the beaches of Spain and Portugal.  I am so looking forward to spending long, lazy days with friends.  I always love traveling abroad, but this year I also got to explore a bit of the United States as well.  Earlier in the summer we had the delightful pleasure to travel to Maine at the end of June, for the spectacularly gorgeous and perfect wedding of Nathalie Love and Daniel Pappas.  

I had the even greater honor of designing Nathalie's engagement and wedding rings.   As I've always felt that designing these incredibly meaningful pieces is the highlight of what I do, I usually have not had the pleasure of knowing the couple well.  This particular commission was different however, as I first met Nathalie when she was a little girl, and Dan and Nathalie had been together for a little over a decade before they married. Designing a ring for them was great fun.  Dan is a total gentleman, and ideal client, with clear ideas of what he did not want, and of what would be perfect for Nathalie.  He also had the diamonds from his Mother's engagement ring, along with the diamonds from a ring that Nathalie's father Nick gave to her mother Lisa when Nathalie was born.  

I was able to take those stones, along with additional diamonds for the band, and create something unique and lovely, that perfectly captured Nathalie's magical spirit.  There is great sentiment in any engagement ring, and with this one I feel even more so.  There is a tremendous amount of love surrounding Nathalie and Dan as a couple, and that was abundantly evident on the small island where their wedding took place.  Islesboro, Maine is one of the most lovely places in the country, and being there was a dream.  You can read more about the wedding, and see the beautiful photos (taken by the bride's godmother, Pamela Hanson) here.

Summer weddings also are perfect for our bridal lingerie collection.  If there is ever a time to invest in lingerie, it is definitely for your wedding and honeymoon.  Feeling beautiful when you are spending the day preparing to walk down the aisle is so important, as is waking up feeling beautiful as a newlywed.  Every bride should swan around in something special.  We especially love the Maia silk dressing gown with the Laetitia slip underneath. The chantilly lace on the bodice of the slip makes it especially feminine.  

The farmer's market at the end of summer is always glorious here in Southern California. The heirloom tomatoes are just as delicious as they are beautiful, and there is an abundance of just about everything that I love.  The green beans have been really outstanding lately, so I've been making lots of them.  This side dish has proven to be quite popular with everyone in my family, and is very easy to make, which is perfect for summer cooking. 

 

one pound green beans, trimmed and washed

one pint cherry tomatoes

one half red onion, sliced thinly 

one half cup pitted kalamata olives

extra virgin olive oil

red wine vinegar

chopped parsley

salt + pepper

Toss the green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives in enough olive oil to lightly coat.  Roast on a sheet pan at 375 degrees for approximately 25 minutes, until beans are tender, the onions have wilted, and the tomatoes are starting to burst open and release their juices.  Then add a spoonful or two of red wine vinegar to the pan, along with the chopped parsley, and toss.  Season with salt + pepper.

Enjoy,

 

 

 

It's well into June now, with Father's Day this Sunday, June 18th.  Have you sorted out how to celebrate the Fathers in your life?  Unfortunately, my father is no longer with us, so I can't quite celebrate him the way that I can with my mother, on Mother's Day.  I do think of him however, and about how grateful I am to have had him as my father.  I am also profoundly grateful that my children have Peter.  He is everything one would want in a father, and though they tease him mercilessly at times, everyone knows how completely devoted they are, and with good reason.  Parenting is never remotely easy, even in the best of circumstances, but he is patient, loving, and steadfast in a way that seems effortless.  He's also hilarious, and keeps them (and me!) laughing in the best way possible.  He is the inspiration for the pieces in our men's sleepwear collection, and tested the fit so we know they're comfortable.  

 

 We do have a nice selection of men's sleepwear in our GENTLEMAN'S section.  We have robes in several gorgeous fabrics, both solid and stripes, and all with contrast piping, and the exquisite attention to detail we pay to our women's lingerie collection.  We also are thrilled to introduce the pajama pants and shirts.  We sell them separately, to allow for a mixed set of fabrics, but feel free to order them to match.  I especially like the plaids with the stripes.  

 

Our beaded necklaces are not only just for women.  They also look great on men, and men of different styles.  It can go the way of sexy surfer style, or look far more polished while being a touch bohemian.  Our inventory is always shifting, depending on the bead collection of the moment, and what seems to suit the season.  Call or come by, and let us help you find something perfect.

 

To celebrate Father's Day this year, I'm planning to make a lobster salad.  It seems festive and perfect for lunch outdoors.  I'll get the lobster from Santa Monica Seafood, and then toss the meat with bibb lettuce, tons of fresh herbs, slices of pink grapefruit, fennel, and avocado.  I will make a chili-lime vinaigrette, with diced red chili pepper, freshly squeezed lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of pink salt and freshly ground black pepper.  I always season the salad with fresh ground black pepper and pink salt after tossing.  I can't remember who taught me to do this, but it really helps the flavors come together and makes everything taste a bit brighter.  

Enjoy,

 

 

 

 

May happens to be one of my favorite months.  Not just because of Mother's Day, and the fact that my first born arrived early, and in May, making me a brand new Mama just a few days beforehand.  No, I love May for many reasons.  I love the ecstatic purple of the blooming Jacaranda trees in my neighborhood.  I love that some of my very best friends in the world were born in May.  Stone fruit appears at the farmer's market in May, heralding the upcoming summer, and making us swoon with delight at the season's first crop of dark red cherries.  The weather in May can be nothing short of perfect, with the longer evening light making it perfect for an after-dinner stroll. 

Another reason to love May is that Emeralds are the birthstone of the month, and we have several gorgeous pieces that celebrate the stone.   I especially like the stacking ring with the emerald and the pavé amethyst band.  It's just like those beloved Jacaranda trees of mine.

 

The Spring/Summer season always has me pulling out my collection of beads.  I've been making these necklaces for so many years, yet I never ever tire of them.  They are pieces to collect, to gift, and to wear in multiple combinations, or simply and elegantly alone.  You can wear them as chokers, as they're adjustable, or hanging low, almost like a pendant.  We have a delightful variety of texture, shape, and color.  I'm sure you'll find one to adore.   There are so many to choose from, and you can click here to shop.

 

I'm also delighted to give you a preview of our men's sleepwear collection.  The robes have been in the store for awhile, and have garnered a fair share of attention from our female clients as well.  Now we have pajama tops and bottoms to complement the robes.  They are perfect for gifting on Father's Day, which is fast upon us next month.  We are using the finest Italian cotton men's shirting fabrics, with contrasting piping details, along with an excellent cut to ensure that the men in your life look sharp, even during slumber.  

 

I decided to make banana bread last weekend, inspired by the overripe bananas in our fruit bowl, and the need for something sweet and delicious for breakfast on Sunday.   I started with the basics, bananas, eggs, butter...and added greek yogurt, a couple of chopped dark chocolate bars, and swapped some of the flour with almond meal.  It really was delicious, and of course didn't last until Monday.  I hope you will love it too.

Enjoy,

 

 

 

 

I feel like I have literally raced through April.  I can't believe that we are nearing the end of the month, heading straight for May and the most important day of that month:  Mother's Day.  There are many ways to honor your mother, the mother of your children, or yourself for that matter.  Please don't forget yourself!  We have so many beautiful ways for you to treat you.  Earrings are always a popular gift, as are our 100% silk crepe de chine Liberty Print robes.  There are also quite a few prints in 100% cotton that are really special as well.  There is only one of this particular Liberty print, and I love it so much that I really want it to go to a good home.  It's a print with the energy and design of a William Morris/Art Nouveau textile.  The colors are just beautiful, as is the lovely French lace detail along the side seams.  

Another fabulous gift idea for Mothers of all kinds; meaning new, seasoned, in-law, or otherwise, would be one of our luxurious sleep masks.  Made by hand, with exquisite detailing, this is one gift that everyone would be thrilled to receive.  I basically cannot sleep without one, and we have several beautiful options in stock to choose from.  

I would also bet that this necklace would go over exceptionally well as a Mother's Day gift.  It's the right amount of elegance, charm, and grace, which is what most of us aspire to in our Mothering, isn't it?

I'm also a big fan of earrings for Mother's Day.  I just visited my mother, and she was wearing the earrings that I gave her last year.  Perhaps a fringed pair like these?

The warm weather this week is perfect for poolside lunches.  There is nothing better on a Sunday than a trip to the farmer's market, followed by a lazy lunch with friends and family.  Springtime at a California farmer's market is literally heaven to me, and I am lucky to be close to some of the best.  The last few weeks have been amazing, and the smell of the sweet pea blossoms alone is enough to swoon over.  

 

Usually, the menu consists of something eggy, a delicious assortment of saucisson from the butcher, vegetables with the delicious tzatziki from the Greek guys, and a salad of some sort. There has been amazing celery root at the market lately, from Weiser Farms.  I love a riff on a classic celeri remoulade.  This is mine...

 

Celeri Remoulade

One large celery root (or two small), sliced into matchsticks on the mandoline

One handful of chopped herbs (I like a combination of parsley, chives, tarragon, dill)

Toss with:

Juice of 2 lemons, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tbs. red wine vinegar,  2 tbs. dijon mustard, 1/2 cup of olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.  Combine all ingredients in a glass jar, and shake to emulsify.  

I like to serve this chilled, with slices of radishes on top for a garnish.

Enjoy,

 

Perhaps it is because of all of the rain we've had, or even the persistent chill in the air at night, but for some reason, I've never before felt so excited for Spring.  There are so many beautiful little birds around, and the wisteria at our house is more vibrant and fragrant than I can ever remember.  I hope that you are out there enjoying a little taste of the season as well.  As I write this, I know that there is snow in New York City, and thunderstorms across the middle of the country, but here in Venice, it feels like winter is behind us.     

In the spirit of the season, I find it inspiring to wear brightly colored stones and shake off the grey foggy weather we have had near the beach.  We have beautiful new pieces in bright and bold colors to eliminate any lingering dreariness we may be feeling from being socked in on the coast.   The dramatic new earrings are beautiful in both the color and the composition, and feel like exactly what we all need right now....BEAUTY.

 

Another hint of brightness and certainly of beauty is our Athena slip in Rubellite pink with red lace.  I have always loved pink and red, or pink and orange together.  We have a few bright pieces in the store right now that feel especially right for Spring.  Dresses and skirts are now catching my eye, and I've got my eye on a few next door at Pamela Barish.  I wear my half-slips nearly every day under dresses and skirts.  They're perfect under sheer pieces, and also feel lovely on the skin.  We have them in two lengths, in silk and in cotton, and in several colors.  They can even be worn out, as a skirt on their own, as some of our clients are doing.  We can make custom color combinations for you, so please inquire if you have a special request.  

 

 

I've recently gotten into the habit of making chicken soup on Sundays.  It just seems like the perfect thing to do after a trip to the farmer's market, and the result is so delicious.   I also feel that collectively, it's what we most need at the moment.  A big pot of nourishing, healing, soothing soup can cure a multitude of things.  It won't exactly solve everything, but I promise it will improve your outlook.  I mostly improvise what I throw into the pot, but it usually looks like this....

Sunday Chicken Soup

One whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

1.5 large onions, cut into quarters

one leek, cleaned and cut in half lengthwise

3-4 large carrots, cut into thirds

3-4 celery stalks, cut into thirds

one fennel bulb, cut in half

one head of garlic, cut in half

one-half bunch dill

one-half bunch parsley 

one handful of black peppercorns

one handful of cherry tomatoes

2 bay leaves

juice of one lemon

one rind from a piece of aged parmesan cheese

2 tsp. pink salt

I literally just throw everything into a large pot, cover with water and then bring to a boil.  After it boils, I skim the top and lower to a simmer for around 3-4 hours.  At this point, I remove the chicken, all of the vegetables and the parmesan rind (these get tossed), and then strain the liquid stock through a fine meshed sieve.  I keep it warm while I make the rest of the soup.  I shred the cooked chicken and put aside while I sauté chopped leeks, garlic, and onions in olive oil.  When they are soft and translucent, I add the warm stock.  Then I add thinly sliced carrots, and cook until these are soft as well.  When it's all ready, I add the shredded chicken.  I like to serve this with handfuls of torn herbs, and a dollop of pesto, which is another thing that I make every Sunday with the fresh basil from the farmer's market.  Depending on the season, and what is available, I will add other vegetables, such as zucchini, sugarsnap peas, or swiss chard to the broth when the carrots seem nearly done.  I improvise, and make it so many different ways that it feels like more of an art-based creative process, rather than a cooking one.   It isn't really ever exactly the same, but it is always delicious, and will soothe the soul.  

 

Enjoy,

 

If you know me, you know that I love to celebrate Valentine's Day.  Being a designer of both jewelry and lingerie, I suppose you could have made that assumption on your own.  Alas, both categories are full of wonderful options to gift your sweetheart.  

One of my favorite new pieces is a delightful tribute to romance.  This charming ring is heart-shaped, and composed of heart-shaped cut tourmaline stones, in varying shades of green.  It's a double hit of LOVE, and is certain to make someone extremely happy this Valentine's Day.  

This year we are thrilled to celebrate both LOVE, and our love of the arts.  On Saturday February 11th we are hosting a grantLOVE x Alisa Ratner event benefitting X-TRA Contemporary Art Journal, the longest running art journal in Los Angeles.  This feels especially meaningful this year, and the collaboration between Alexandra and Alisa has produced an incredibly beautiful body of work.  

I hope you can join us between 4-7pm to say hello, and purchase a print!  Each purchase is accompanied by an edition of X-TRA, and LFrank will gift a print with each jewelry purchase.  We have a limited edition of prints, as well as seventeen special edition one-of-a-kind pieces, and have already pre-sold quite a few, so come early!  

Another sure-fire hit this Valentine's Day would be one of our Juno silk charmeuse slips.  I love the version with a French lace hem, and am especially fond of it in rose gold.  It is the softest shade of blush, and is flattering on truly everyone.  

You or your love would also be quite thrilled to receive one of the Liberty print Asteria silk crepe de chine robes.  They are so well-loved, and one of our most popular lingerie pieces.  You really can't go wrong with one of these, and we have lots of prints to choose from in both silk and cotton.

Do swing by, as this year we are also lucky to have a few limited edition Pamela Hanson x Private Room books available.  I couldn't think of a better book to give your Valentine.  That, along with a selection of Milla Chocolates, plus one of our essential oil scented 100% beeswax candles, and you will be in perfect shape for celebrating Saint Valentine. Some may scoff, feeling like it is such a forced holiday, but I don't think it's ever a bad idea to treat the one that you love, or yourself for that matter!

This year, I've decided to make chocolate truffles for Valentine's Day.  I haven't made them in awhile, and there's something about the labor that goes into them, and their sheer decadence that makes them feel special.  I love the recipe for Black-on-Black Truffles from Pierre Hermé.  I promise you will be greatly adored by whomever you chose to make these for.  

9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (I use Valrhona)

1 cup heavy cream

3.5 tbs. unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into 4 pieces

Dutch-processed cocoa powder

Put the chocolate into a heatproof bowl.  Bring the cream to a full boil in a saucepan, and then pour the hot cream over the chocolate.  Stir gently to make a smooth ganache. Allow to cool a bit before adding the butter, 2 pieces at a time, and stir to blend.  When all the butter is incorporated, pour the ganache into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.  With a bowl of cocoa powder ready, line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper.  Form small balls (they do not have to be perfectly round, in fact I think they're more delicious if they are more organically shaped) and dip into the cocoa powder.  You can roll them around in a fine mesh sieve to remove the excess, then place them on the baking sheet.

Enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day to all...

I always embrace the ushering in of a new year.  It just sometimes takes me a minute to catch up with the calendar.  This year feels as though it's moving in double time, and I am caught still thinking about all of the possibilities that 2017 may hold.  Most of all, I'm looking forward to really honing in on what I love, with whom I want to spend my time, and on what endeavors are most important to me.  I am determined to be open and optimistic with regards to this new year, and for what it may have in store.    

 

January gets its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions.  I named our first Men's robe collection after Janus, and to be honest, I think the style looks really great on women as well.  I am most excited about the new pieces coming in later this month.  I've become completely smitten with the Italian cotton fine wale corduroy, and the blue plaid flannel, which is the softest imaginable fabric.  They both have contrast piping and cozy deep pockets, which are perfect for warming chilly hands during the rainy, cold weather we're having.

 

Have you tried the Olwen camisole in 100% silk charmeuse?  It's nothing short of heaven, and I'm finding that it is impossible for me to get dressed without one.  The weight of the silk is like a whisper, and yet it feels like a sort of armor between your skin and the rest of the world.   I have been wearing the sapphire version, which is a chic, inky, dark blue with a hint of green.  We developed this rich color as our alternative to black.  It is the perfect dark neutral to wear all year long.  

 

One of my favorite family traditions is a beautiful and somewhat lazy Sunday lunch after our weekly visit to the local farmer's market.  There is something wonderful about all being together, without work or school drawing our attention, that feels better than any other day of the week.  Sometimes this calls for something special, so this month I plan to make scrambled eggs with sea urchin.  It's completely decadent, and perfect for Sundays.  We are lucky that some of the best sea urchin comes from the coast just North of us in Santa Barbara.  We try to get to the market early for the best selection.  It is a big hit in my house, and I hope it will be in yours as well.  It's a riff on a recipe for sea urchin pasta from Eric Ripert.  

In a small saucepan, I melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter over a low flame until completely liquid.  Then, I stir in the sea urchin roe from one of the little wooden boxes, a tiny pinch of cayenne and chili flakes, and whisk until emulsified.  There will be pieces of roe, but I like that for texture.   In a different pan, I melt a bit of butter for the eggs, which I lightly scramble with a handful of parmesan cheese.  When the eggs are nearly set, I combine the butter/sea urchin mixture with the eggs, and sprinkle with a handful of chopped chives and freshly ground black pepper.   I serve this with crispy thin potatoes that I sprinkle with a bit of parmesan cheese, and a handful of wild arugula.  

Enjoy,

 

 

 

 

   

 

With so much love + gratitude, we wish you all the happiest of holidays, and the very best for the brand new year ahead!

*Please note that we will be closed December 25th through January 4th, 2017

We are delighted to have so many wonderful options to offer for gifting this holiday season.  In addition to the jewelry, we have luxurious sleepwear for men as well as for women.  The men's pieces are exquisitely made, with contrast piping and elegant details throughout.  The cotton fabrics are the finest Italian men's shirting cottons, available in very handsome stripes and plaids.  We have robes and pajama bottoms, both of which are quite chic on women as well!    

 

For Women, we have a gorgeous assortment of Asteria robes in Liberty of London prints.  We have the 100% silk crepe de chine, as well as the 100% cotton with French lace trim.  Another great gift, or treat for yourself would be the Hera Briefs in 100% stretch silk charmeuse.  We have an assortment of gorgeous colors, and also have a sneak preview of the 100% stretch Italian cotton jersey version for Spring 2017.  We worked on the fit for ages, and it shows.  These briefs sit perfectly on the hips and do not move, or show through clothes.  Swing by to try on a pair, if you're in the neighborhood.  

 

Another piece that I would like to suggest is the Laetitia slip.  I have been living in mine.  I wear it under big sweaters with boots and tights in this chilly weather.  I also recommend it to sleep in as well, as it is incredibly comfortable.  Women have been buying it to wear out to parties, under a velvet jacket or a cashmere cardigan.  It is 100% stretch silk charmeuse, and cut for a form fitting, but not tight fit.  It suggests what is underneath, without flaunting it, so it's both flattering and also seductive in a rather subtle way.  It is also perfect to wear under a lace or sheer dress.  We have it in black, sapphire, aubergine, and a very festive red!

 

With velvet everything in the spotlight right now, our popular Charis bed jacket deserves a bit of attention.  It's been a longtime favorite shape of mine, and the silk velvet is truly special.   It would make a perfect holiday gift.

 

For both men and women on your list, a great gift idea would be the Hypnos Sleep Mask.  As featured on Vogue.com and in the Town & Country Gift Guide, we have this available in solid 100% silk charmeuse, and also in selection of  Liberty of London prints.  They are exquisitely sewn, completely luxurious, and feel like heaven on the skin.  It makes quite an elegant gift, or you can try one yourself for a more restful night's sleep!

 

All of the lingerie comes with a lovely sateen pouch, and wrapped in a signature LFrank gift box.   We would love to help with any gifting suggestions, so please give us a call or swing by the shop!   One shopping week left before Christmas and Hanukkah!

Lots of Love,

 

 

We officially have ten (!!!) shopping days left before both Hanukkah and Christmas Day are upon us.  With that reality in mind, I would like to offer my best suggestions for holiday gift giving.  

I love a new pair of earrings, and I know that I'm certainly not alone on that front.  We have lovely options available,  including these new beauties.  

      Diamond Flower Cluster Drops

       Floating Loops with Emeralds

 

We also have a few new rings in the shop that would be perfect for someone on your list, or for you to gift to YOU!  

                   Ruby Line Ring

                Mosaic Disc Ring  

                Spinel Cluster Ring

 

          Double Flower Wrap Ring 

Necklaces are such a popular gift category.  Without having to worry about sizing, it might just be the best surefire idea.  Here are a few of my favorites.

             Leaf Charm Necklace 

 

Recycled Glass Bead + Diamond Bead Necklace

 

Another perfect gift would be this timeless 18K gold bangle.  This piece is strong enough to look great on its own, and also works well as an addition to a collection. 

               Quad Hinged Bangle

One of my favorite ideas this Christmas is to give one of our Elephant pieces.  They are not just completely charming, but also a gift that gives back.  We have partnered with Knot on My Planet to donate to their campaign to support the Elephant Crisis Fund.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each of the Lucky Elephant Ring and Pendant, as well as the Grand Elephant Ring will go to this incredibly worthy cause.  You can learn more about Knot on My Planet HERE.  

 

We are now open every day until the 25th, so please do swing by or give us a call at the shop.  We have plenty more gift ideas for you, and would love to help.   We also have Milla Chocolates to perk up weary shoppers, and are happy to make you an espresso, or a cup of Earl Grey!

 

Much Love,

 

 

December really has a habit of sneaking up on a person.  I have a dear friend who describes the period of time post-Halloween as a "freight train to New Year's Eve" and I must say that this year has felt like that more than any other. It is time to turn our attention to the holidays, and to come up with a plan for making those whom we love and appreciate feel truly and deeply special.  

 

We are having a shopping event on Saturday, December 10th from 3-7pm, which will be festive and fun. Next door at Pamela Barish, there will be an incredible singer to lead us in caroling, and the three of us, which includes Mona Moore, will all be donating 10% of proceeds to Every Mother Counts. If you aren't familiar, EMC is devoted to ensuring healthy pregnancy and childbirth for women around the globe. You can learn more HERE.  

We have lots of wonderful gift options this year. You can absolutely find something for everyone on your list. I would like to suggest a pair of studs, a timeless bracelet, or a ring for yourself (we can always drop a hint for you!) or for someone special on your list. I am especially fond of these studs, which feel both modern and Victorian at the same time.  I also love this delicate ring, and the Quad Hinged Bangle for a gift idea.  Of course, this stunning blue sapphire ring would make an exceptional gift, as would this delicate leaf necklace.  In addition, this African batik bead necklace with gold beads on an adjustable leather strap is the perfect option for a chic friend.

In the lingerie category, we have incredible new limited edition Liberty prints, both in 100% silk crepe de chine, as well as in 100% cotton. We have already sold out of some of the prints, so I encourage you to make your selections early.  

In addition to the jewels and the lingerie, we will have delicious selections from Milla Chocolates, sets of hand printed cotton napkins from GP Surround, copies of Pamela Hanson's limited edition book, Private Room, as well as our lovely beeswax candles. We will also have a few of the men's sleepwear pieces for you to preview, and order in time for Christmas.

I'm looking forward to seeing you this month, whether you can swing by on Saturday, December 10th to join our event or plan to come in another time. We'd love to help you make holiday shopping easier.  

Enjoy,

 

 

Welcome!  If you're reading this, then you are hopefully enjoying a visit to our newly redesigned website.  It has been quite a bit of labor for our team, and I am immensely grateful for the dedication, attention to detail, and team spirit that went into making this happen.  Please let us know what you think.  The driving principle was to create an immersive LFrank experience for those who can't make it to the boutique in Venice, and to ensure that the online shopping experience is both a delight and a breeze.  Enjoy having a look!

Recently, we co-hosted a party with Lisa Love for Pamela Hanson, who was in town signing her gorgeous new book, Private Room.  We are thrilled to have a few copies left, and have made the book available here online in our Essentials category.  This chic, sexy, charming, and romantic book contains portraits of eight women taken by Pamela at Lafayette House in NYC over the course of a couple of years, and styled by Susan Winget.  The result is a truly special publication, in a limited release by art-book publisher Damiani of 1000 copies.  

 

Another project (and complete labor of love) that I have been immersed in is the development of our gentlemen's sleepwear collection.  We don't want the men in our lives to feel left out of the personal luxury conversation, so we are delighted to offer robes and pajama pants with the same exquisite attention to detail that the women's collection has.  The fabrics are the finest Italian men's shirting cottons, and feature french seams, contrast piping, mother of pearl buttons, and expert tailoring.  For the holidays we will have the softest cotton flannel, as well as a super fine wale corduroy.  Both are excellent gift options for the men on your holiday list.  

 

Pairing two of my loves together in a necklace was such a natural thing to do.  Lace and jewels are quite complementary, as seen here with our diamond slice pendant on a length of Solstiss Chantilly lace.  We have additional pendants that can be worn this way as well.  Swing by or give us a call if you would like to see what is in stock, or available to order.

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, I am now turning my attention to Thursday, and to sharing the day with family and friends.  We take Thanksgiving quite seriously in our house, cooking up a storm, and this year is no exception.  If anything, I feel that the volume is turned up a bit higher.  Our son is home from college, and is so excited for the home cooking that he has been missing this first semester away from home.  Of course we will be making all of his favorites, including Persimmon Pudding.  I shared that recipe a couple of years ago on the site, and I'm sharing it again here because yes, it's really that good.  

 

 Enjoy the holiday, with extra Love + Gratitude for all...

 

 

Well, so much for the Autumn Solstice. With this 90+ degree weather, it literally feels like August in Tuscany this week. If only it was. Last week, September 22nd marked the official end of the summer season, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. I have never quite appreciated our Main Street location and it’s delicious air conditioning as much as I have this week. The hot weather brings new meaning to the term “Indian Summer” in my book. Alas, September 22nd is also significant as it is our wedding anniversary. This year Peter and I toasted our twentieth anniversary, as well as it being a month since taking our son to college. Quite a lot to celebrate, I must say. As for anniversary gifts, the traditional 20th anniversary gift is china. One can interpret this many ways, and one of them would be with our beautiful ancient Chinese glass bead necklaces. I’ve collected beads for ages, but a dear friend of mine really upped my game by introducing me to some particularly notable and ancient finds.

Until not too long ago, there was a belief that all the glass beads found in China were actually traded, and not manufactured there. This is incorrect, with many incredible examples of ancient Chinese glass beads coming from the Yunnan province and elsewhere in Southwestern China.

This necklace features ancient Chinese glass beads and gourd shaped pendants with 18k yellow gold beads strung on a leather cord. The gourds are an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture, warding off evil spirits and disease, and thought to bring luck.

Sometimes for a twentieth or other significant anniversary, a couple may wish to purchase new wedding bands, or update an engagement ring. It also happens that a husband loses a ring somewhere along the way (surfing is the most common reason!), so an updated ring for him might be the perfect anniversary gift. We have a lovely selection in 18k yellow, white, and rose gold. I gave my husband a rose gold ring for our anniversary five years ago, and I love the patina that the finish has developed over time.

I would also love to highlight one of my favorite new pieces from the lingerie collection for Fall. I’m especially excited for the new Peacock color. The new short Venus slip is beautiful with the diamond slice colored lace trim. The short length is also perfect for this extended summer weather. I usually go for the long, ankle-length Juno slip, but this year I’m going to go short. Speaking of slips, everyone needs one. I know that some of you still prefer sleeping in an old cozy t-shirt, but please do yourself a favor and try one of our silk charmeuse slips. They feel like heaven, and are incredibly flattering. We spent ages working on the fit, and it shows.

The Peacock color is an incredibly rich blue with a bit of green. The new pieces in this color will be in store, as well as available at Barneys New York on Madison Avenue, Beverly Hills, and online soon.

If you’ve been to the store at all over the last nine years, you know of my deep affection for chocolate. If you’ve visited us recently, you’ve hopefully experienced our new collaboration with Milla Chocolates. If you haven’t, then please drop by if you’re in the neighborhood. It is award-winning, locally made, beautifully packaged and completely delicious.

Not only do we a have delicious assortment on hand for sampling, we are also selling our favorite treats from Milla at the store. My favorites are the Hazelnut Praline Bar, and the jars of Candied Valencia Orange Peel. Those jars are going quickly, I should point out! I will be taking a few jars of the Chocolate Dragées with us to family weekend, when we visit our son at school. A little fine chocolate is something we’ve always really appreciated as a family, hunting down the best chocolate wherever we travel, and these jars are perfect for sharing.

Since it does feel like Tuscany in August, I’ve decided to cook like it too. For lunch this week I’m making a raw zucchini salad, with a dressing that is a riff on my pumpkin seed pesto, with tons of lime juice and a bit of extra virgin olive oil. I add an assortment of chopped fresh herbs; chives, parsley, mint and a couple of handfuls of arugula to spiralized zucchini strands, along with a handful of pumpkin seeds and lots of shaved parmesan, and toss. It’s the perfect, crisp, refreshing salad on these days where everything and everyone feels a bit wilted. I hope that you enjoy it!

This weather may not be quite in sync with the season, but we are completely ready for Fall on Main Street, and looking forward to seeing you!

Lots of Love,

Oh Summer, I love you so. I always have, and most likely I always will. I love the sun, the way that it stays light so late in the evenings, and the mostly more relaxed state of being that comes with school being out of session. This particular year feels like the fastest summer on record. Technically, I suppose we are about close to being midway through the season. I feel like time is flying, and if I blink twice, we will be headlong into Fall. In the spirit of slowing down to really savor the rest of these long summer days, I wanted to showcase some of the beautiful cotton lingerie we have been making for our clients to take along on their summer holiday travel. We are using the highest quality Italian men's shirting cottons, along with exquisite lace from the unparalleled French lace manufacturer Solstiss. Solstiss supplies lace to the world's most storied design houses, including Chanel, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Nina Ricci, and many more. The tradition and quality expressed though their beautiful lace is something that is unrivaled in the industry. This lovely blue and grey combination of striped Italian men's shirting cottons and lace from a custom set of lingerie we made for a client traveling to Nantucket A few of my favorites from the cotton and lace collection Our sleep shirt can also double as a piece to wear to the beach over a swimsuit   Whenever I travel, I like to wear small earrings or studs on the plane.  They're just more comfortable and easier to manage than longer, more dangly styles.  Here are a few new additions and perfect options for summer travel days. Keshi pearl and rose cut cognac diamonds alongside a trio of brilliant diamonds A selection of studs and small dangle earrings with mixed cut and shaped diamonds Prong-set, pink and blue double pear-shaped, rose cut sapphire studs. Summer is made for poolside lunches and dinners, and this year has been no exception.  I recently cooked up a feast for a dear friend's birthday.  I roasted little red fingerling potatoes, made a simple Heirloom tomato salad (what could be better at this time of year??), an arugula, radicchio, spring onion salad with shaved parmesan (special birthday boy request), Harissa roasted wild caught Halibut, and a dense, delicious, and flourless chocolate fudge cake adapted from Ottolenghi in London. I sliced a selection of heirloom tomatoes, added shaved red onion, torn basil, crumbled goat's milk feta, and olive oil For this salad, I tossed wild arugula with shaved parmesan, sliced spring onions, and radicchio.  I just toss with a splash of balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil.  I sprinkle pink salt and freshly ground pepper after tossing. This chocolate cake is heaven, period.  I serve it with creme fraiche and mixed berries. I hope you are having a lovely summer, whether travels take you far and wide, or you are in town enjoying the long days and more relaxed energy of LA in July.  Swing by to say hello, if you're around!  We have lots of new and beautiful summer jewels and lingerie to show you. Enjoy,

June! This month has been a whirlwind already, and I find it impossible to believe that summer is upon us. June is many things; the end of the school year, graduation, Father's Day, and the Summer Solstice. Officially marking the long, lovely days of the season is indeed something to celebrate. This June has been quite momentous, as it has been for many of us out there with graduates of all kinds. Our son graduated from high school last week, which was incredibly bittersweet. I am so proud of him at this milestone in his life. I offered to make him a hand lettered signet ring to mark the occasion, but he doesn't quite feel that arriving at college with his initials on his finger is exactly the impression he would like to make. I get it. He's cool, but not that kind of cool. My father was that kind of cool. The signet ring and cufflink wearing kind of cool. The men's rings and cufflinks that I design are mostly influenced by my memories of him, and his dandyish sense of style mixed with a modern sensibility. He would wear pink with red, lavender with mint green, and always looked great in a suit, which he donned every evening. I miss him everyday, and always most especially on Father's Day. I have been working on hand lettering for these rings, and I think they're perfect for both men and women. Stop by, or give us a ring to discuss personalizing one for you. Lettering for a custom signet ring with the initials ATL The work in progress The finished Signet Ring, happy next to a pair of our 3d Pyramid Rings   My Father at Villa d'Este, Lake Como in the late 1940's   My Parents, my Godfather, and me in the 1972 My father was a true bon vivant.  He literally seemed to know everyone, have a friend in every city across the globe, and truly enjoyed spending time with those that he loved.  By the time I came along, he was in his mid 50s, and wasn't particularly interested in parenting.  Or so he thought.  We formed an incredible bond, only strengthened by our mutual admiration for each other.  He was both incredibly traditional and quite eccentric.  He began each day by diving into the pool for a quick morning skinny dip, and ended each day by falling asleep sitting upright in a chair in our living room talking to himself.  He was totally indulgent, spoiled me mercilessly, but also demanding that I always try to exceed my level best in every endeavor.   He wanted me to become a supreme court justice, and made me feel like I could do it.  Literally.  He read books like breathing air, spoke many languages, and told really terrible jokes.  He instilled in me my most deeply held values, and set quite a high bar for the men in my life.   He left too soon, but left enough of an impression to last several lifetimes.  I'll certainly be thinking of him on Sunday. Father's Day Poolside Brunch This Sunday, we will be celebrating Father's Day with a brunch by the pool.  Our children most definitely won the lottery in the Dad department, so I am looking forward to celebrating Peter and our collective good fortune.  One of the things on the menu will be baked eggs with heirloom tomato sauce, basil, shaved parmesan and crispy prosciutto. I will saute chopped heirloom tomatoes with a little garlic, olive oil, and basil until soft and wilted, then add to a buttered, round baking dish.  Then I'll crack six eggs into little indentations in the tomato sauce in a circle around the top, and bake at 350 degrees until the whites are set, but the yolks still runny.  To serve, top with prosciutto that has been also crisped in the oven, shaved parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper.  I'll see what looks best at the farmer's market, but I'd like to serve with a wilted kale salad and roasted, thinly sliced potatoes.  Still thinking about the dessert this year, but seeing as how the stone fruit is really at it's most delicious, and it's meant to be REALLY hot this weekend, I imagine that just sliced peaches, nectarines, and apricots will be best.  Happy Father's Day! Enjoy,

I love Mother's Day, and not solely because I feel entitled to commandeer the day to spend it with my most beloved, but also because I am blessed with the most extraordinary mother.  Truly, I could not be more fortunate.  My mother is loving, supportive, nurturing, brilliant, beautiful, funny, quirky, talented, gentle, kind, tough-as-nails, independent, understanding...I could go on and on.  We have had our differences, of course, as all mothers and daughters understandably do.  Ninety-nine percent of the time, however, it really is a mutual admiration society.  I am just as proud of her as she is of me, and I hope that when I'm nearly 87 as she is, that my children will feel the same deep love and respect for me that I have for my wonderful mother.   So, with that in mind, I've chosen a few things to suggest as a gift for the mamas in your life. A stacking ring in a diamond or colored stone to represent a birthstone is always a lovely idea. Every mother I know is always thrilled by a new pair of earrings. These necklaces are simple and easy, designed to layer and enjoy. We have three lengths of 100% silk dressing gowns for you to choose from in Double Georgette or Liberty Print.   The Aurora can be worn over a camisole and looks quite chic.  Selene is perfect if you're after something luxurious, but not quite as dramatic as the full length Asteria. Organic, biodynamic chocolates and 100% beeswax and essential oil candles are always a special treat. The Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla is one of my favorite painters.  He often captured images of a mother and child, and I love this one.  Painted in 1895, it commemorated the birth of the artist's younger daughter, Elena.  I saw it a few years ago in the Museo Sorolla in Madrid, and it has stayed with me ever since. My gorgeous mother... Now that Axe is gone, going out to brunch for Mother's Day doesn't quite have the same appeal.  For years we went to brunch at Axe on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which was such a treat.  I will miss sitting in the garden this Sunday with a steaming cup of ginger tea, surrounded by family and friends.  I think this year I'll see if my children will make a family favorite, Salade Nicoise.  It's something that my mother taught me to make when I was a teenager, and has evolved over the years into quite it's own thing when I make it myself.  When I'm longing for the taste of my childhood, however, I make it this way.  It's really more assembling rather than cooking, and you can substitute with whatever is on hand or inspiring, so let them surprise you! SALADE NICOISE

• Ortiz tuna packed in a jar of olive oil
• Pitted Kalamata Olives
• Chopped scallions, white and green parts
• Cherry tomatoes
• Haricot Vert, blanched and plunged into an ice bath
• Steamed or roasted baby red potatoes (or fingerlings)
• Hard boiled eggs (slightly underdone to keep the yolks bright orange)
• Mixed Spring lettuces or Bibb lettuce
• Lemon Vinaigrette:  Juice of two lemons, splash of balsamic vinegar, freshly ground black pepper, pink salt + extra virgin olive oil

Fill a large bowl with the lettuces, and arrange the remaining ingredients in sections around the tuna in the center.  Toss with the lemon vinaigrette and serve. Enjoy,

 

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we would like to feature some of our beautiful greens…both in jewels and lingerie.  The incredible greens of emeralds and tourmalines are as alluring as diamonds, and the vivid green of silk charmeuse, crepe de chine, and chiffon will no doubt enliven your day.  The color green has long been associated with growth, rebirth, and renewal.  That seems especially appropriate now that we are headlong into Spring.  The blossoms are making gardens look beautiful and smell divine, and the longer days are a welcome treat. I’ve never given much thought to St. Patrick’s Day, other than to remember a particular day in elementary school.  I’d been mercilessly pinched all morning, having forgotten to wear anything green.  I was called to the school office shortly before lunch, to find that my mother had dropped off two bright green ribbons for me, which changed everything.   I quickly tied them around my two long braids, thereby putting an end to the horrible pinching, and saving the day.  Now, I think I’ll just wear an emerald or two…or perhaps the emerald green Gaia bralette.  Much more fun than ribbons... Inspired by a sore mouth from dental work (oh, the joy…) I decided to make poached eggs for dinner last night.  I sautéed zucchini, purple kale, and snap peas from the farmer’s market in ghee, topped them with a couple of poached eggs,  and then added my pumpkin seed pesto, chives, and some shaved parmesan.  Tender tooth notwithstanding, it was delicious, almost completely green, and perfect for the season.

For Valentine’s Day this year, I’m hoping for this romantic and chic ensemble from our Lingerie Collection. The long version of the Maia dressing gown is new for the season in Rose Gold, which literally seems to glow in the gorgeous way that only 100% silk charmeuse can.  Underneath it, I plan to wear the Juno long slip in Garnet, a rich color that is somehow delightfully happy under the pale, blush of pink.  They are both so lovely individually, and together are truly sublime.

We also have many Valentine-worthy options for your sweetheart, from the palest platinum color, to the vibrant shocking pink of our Rubellite color.  Perhaps this set…the Olwen Camisole and Sita Knicker, would be a perfect treat for your Love? Or the Gaia Bralette paired with the Hera Brief, both available online here, in our Main Street shop, or at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills, Madison Avenue, or barneys.com   We have new colors available, such as emerald green, white gold, deep amethyst, platinum, and rubellite.  Stop by for a look!  

If jewels are more to the point for your Valentine this year, then may I suggest a few options for you? We just created a few pair of these delightful earrings, some featuring heart shaped Rubies, or Tourmaline, while others sparkle with either grey or white diamonds.  All would make a perfectly sweet Valentine’s Day gift.

While flowers and chocolates are always a pleasure to receive, I don’t think that there could be a better idea for Valentine’s Day than a ring.  Stacking rings are always on a jewelry-lover’s wish list, and we have so many wonderful options in this category.  I personally would love to receive a little heart shaped Ruby, or a charming little diamond butterfly ring to add to my collection.  Please stop by, or give us a call this week to see what other delightful options we have for Valentine's day gift giving. Celebrating Valentine’s Day I have to admit, that I’m a sucker for Valentine’s Day.  I always have been.   I can remember spending it with Peter either out to dinner, in the early 1990’s at the West Beach Cafe in Venice, at Il Cantinori in NYC, or in for dinner a deux.  We would enjoy a decadent assortment of french cheeses, wine, and my version of David Waltuck’s flourless chocolate cake for dessert.  Years ago, we decided to include our own little sweethearts in the celebration, making it a group celebration, with friends and families joining us for a dinner in honor of love.  I am normally not considered a trite or overly sentimental person, but when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day, I go all in.  Somewhere along the road, the theme for the dinner became RED.  The menu is beef tenderloin, radicchio salad, roasted beets, red potatoes, and of course, a decadent chocolate cake with raspberries and strawberries.  With slight deviations over the years, like the time my friend Patrik Milani showed me how to make the most amazing chocolate peanut butter truffles you could possible imagine, I’ve moved on to a version of Ottolenghi’s chocolate fudge cake.  If you haven’t tried it, you must.  As I mentioned last month, I’m still working on perfecting a brownie recipe, which I’ll share with you here. Let me know if you try it, and what you think.  I'm planning to wrap them up to send home with our dinner guests... Happy Valentine’s Day to All!

2016!   I am definitely looking forward to the brand new year.  It has me thinking about resolutions, big and small, and one in particular that I actually made back in early December.  It isn’t about reconnecting with my meditation practice (though I do need to do that immediately!).   No, the one I am thinking about mostly is this one:  I have decided to embrace big earrings for day.  Big, and fancy.  Why not!?  I feel like the things that we reserve for special occasions are actually meant to be enjoyed in the most quotidian of ways.  There isn’t any good reason not to.  Honestly, I cannot think of one reason to “save” one’s beautiful treasures for only certain occasions.  Enjoy them!  Wear them to lunch with a friend, or to anyplace at all.  I promise it will elevate the experience of every single thing.       Madrid Earrings; Emerald, Pearl + Diamonds  Double Pear Pear Earrings, Seven Seas Pearl + Diamond Ring

It's that post-Thanksgiving moment, when I pause to take a deep breath, feel intensely grateful for a million different reasons, and then panic...realizing that in a flash, the gift-giving season is upon us.   So with that in mind, I would like to share with you a few gift-giving ideas for the special people on your holiday list.  I hope that you put yourself on that list too.  I'm a big believer in self-gifting.   It's very important that YOU take care of you, in the best way possible. For Mothers, best friends, or Mothers who happen to also be your best friend, I cannot think of anything more perfect than our Asteria Dressing Gown in 100% silk.  I personally love it in the deep Garnet color with French lace trim, or in one of the limited edition Liberty of London Art Silk prints.  It is both glamorous and comfortable, and feels like heaven on the skin. For the gentlemen in your life, we have a selection of cufflinks and rings that will make a big impression.  The abstract emerald cufflinks are the most dramatic, and the simple gold rings are both strong and organic, while being quite comfortable to wear. And for yourself...may I suggest two stunning and over the top options?  First, the Tsarina ring, which features a deep violet bi-colored tourmaline, dreamy labradorite, and pink sapphires (shown here on the index finger).  It might be extravagant, but I suspect you would never regret the splurge! The other dreamy piece to indulge in would be the Cashmere, wool, and mink Poncho, which is lined in 100% silk charmeuse, and trimmed in French lace.  It is the perfect piece to layer over your lingerie or your regular wardrobe.  Once you've tried it on, you'll understand.  It's a dream. Lastly, for those special gifts that are really proposals, and filled with all the love in the world...a selection of engagement rings.  I think the entwined bands are especially romantic, as is the delicate and captivating diamond flower on a pave diamond band. And don't forget to join us this weekend for our Gregory Parkinson Surround Trunk Show. The textiles for the home that Gregory has created are sublime, and perfect for anyone on your holiday gift list! Happy Weekend,

18k Gold, Diamond + Gemstone Rings Whether it be a classic diamond band, or a more colorful statement ring, giving the gift of gold is always a good idea! From Left Index Finger; Green Tourmaline Band $4,500, Diamond Disc Band $2,800, Middle Finger $2,850, Spaced Out Diamond Band $1,750, Strawberry Quartz $1,995, Ring finger; Keshi Pearl $3,900, Diamond Quad Cluster $7,500, Diamond Infinity Ring $3,200, Pinky $960. Gaia Bralette + Hera Brief This gorgeous, second-skin bralette and brief set, is one of our best sellers and is available in many colors; Black, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Tanzanite, and Pink Tourmaline (shown here) Gaia Bralette $475  +  Hera Brief $295    Available in Sizes 0-5 ZenBunni Chocolate + Essential Oil Beeswax Candle in Sanctuary Glass Delicious, biodynamic dark chocolate bars that are dairy, gluten, soy and refined sugar free! The ZenBunni 9 pack of Chocolate contains 3 of each varieties: Topanga, Lost Salt of Atlantis, and Kathmandu. A perfect add-on gift for $25.00 To honor the new space, we envisioned a limited edition, heady rose scented candle to add to our collection of 100% beeswax candles. It has finally arrived after fine tuning and we are thrilled with the way this fragrance fills the store. They are priced at $50.00 each and burn for approximately 120 hours. If you like the scent of a rose garden even in the cooler months, you will love this. Our 7 other scents; Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli, Lime, Palmarosa, Thyme and Bergamot are available for $42.00 each

This weather!  Thankfully our new space on Main Street is deliciously air-conditioned. The nights however, call for cool, crisp, cotton lingerie (if one can bear to wear anything at all!) featuring exceptionally soft Swiss Cotton.  The LFrank collection combines the classic shapes and flattering lines of the silk pieces with the highest quality cotton available in the world.   My favorites for this heat wave have been the Swiss Cotton Voile Freya slip and the Aurora short kimono style dressing gown in Plumetis.  Both are as light as a feather, and the soft creamy pearl color is flattering on every skin tone.

I also love the Maia knee-length dressing gown for it’s crisp pique that is both lightweight and a bit more structured.  It has the most beautiful French lace applique as well as 18k double-plated gold plated buttons that I designed at the waist and the cuff.  It is perfect for mornings outside in the garden before the heat of the day sets in.

Custom Engagement Rings

The summer is always a popular time for weddings and engagements, and this year was no different.  Here are a few of the custom rings we created for our very special clients. The experience is one that I truly adore, and the process of creating an expression of commitment and love for a couple is something that I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to participate in.

Elderflower Cocktail 

To cool down, we’ve been drinking pitchers of this refreshing combination of black iced tea, lemonade, and elderflower cordial.  It is the perfect pick-me-up when feeling wilted by the hot weather.  We’ve offered it to everyone who has come in during the last few weeks, and it has definitely been a hit.

I combine 1 quart cold black tea with 1 1/2 cups organic lemonade and a 1/4 cup of elderflower cordial to sweeten and refresh.  Fresh mint and lime are amazing here, if you would like to garnish.

Enjoy the last stretch of summer!

LOVE + HONOR + RESPECT

We love LOVE. We also love taking part in in the selection of the perfect expression of that love. Most often that love-token is a ring. Many people are choosing a more non-traditional keepsake to express  the love, honor and respect that is the foundation of a successful union.  New rings are online + in-store now.

We are happily ensconced in our new space on Main Street in Venice.  Half a mile is not much, but we feel a world of difference in our new location.  More light, soaring ceiling height, and an incredibly warm welcome have made our transition a great one.  I hope you will come and visit us.  

One of my favorite things in the new space has got to be the antique games table that I had been long coveting.  Backgammon, anyone?  Simon, one of our new neighbors, stops by weekly to see if anyone has time for a match.  

I am excited about the incredible Dracaena Arborea tree in the front window.  It has long been one of my favorite trees, as it has a certain exotic and almost Dr. Seuss-like feeling.  It is so happy in its sunny spot,  that it sprouted a new frond within the first few weeks of living here!  

We have a cheeky monkey, if you can spot him!

We are so happy that we bought these beautiful 19th century antique French carriage house sconces from our friend Ray before he moved into his amazing new building in Culver City. We could not have hoped for a better provenance, as the spirit of Obsolete is here with us every day.  

In addition, we have had so much fun collaborating with our friends ZenBunni and our neighbors, Pamela Barish and Mona Moore, on delicious private label chocolates. Our flavor is the exotic Kathmandu, a heavenly Nepali Chai treat.  Zen and Bunni take so much care with their confections.  They are organic and biodynamic, and simply amazing.  Come have a taste! Boxes of the three flavors are available for sale in store.

As an accompaniment to the beautiful silk and French lace lingerie collection, we are proud to introduce the Swiss cotton and LFrank bridal collection of lingerie, Love Honor + Respect. This collection is perfect for everyone who prefers the lighter weight of cotton for these hot summer months. Trimmed with French lace, these pieces are every bit as luxurious and gorgeous as their silk counterparts.

Come have a look and enjoy!

a rendering of our new front window

Finding True North is essential for accurate navigation…

So with that in mind, we are delighted to announce that we will be moving less than a mile due North at the end of this month.

Our new address will be:

LFrank

226 Main Street

Venice CA 90291

(between Rose Avenue and Navy Street)

310.452.0771

 

We will be occupying the former home of Ray Azoulay’s Obsolete, along with our friends and current Abbot Kinney neighbors Pamela Barish (224 Main Street) and Mona Moore (222 Main Street).

Our beautiful new space boasts soaring arched ceilings and incredible natural light.   All of the signature LFrank elements will be coming along:  the steel circle gate, the perforated metal wall, and the ancestor portrait.  We will also be incorporating a few exciting new features, such as a lovely lingerie dressing area, custom concrete planters from Buddy Rhodes Studio, and an inherited work of art by renowned artist Ethan Murrow.

There will be plenty of parking in the neighborhood, and of course Kendra will be there to welcome you as always.  We are very excited about this new chapter for LFrank, and hope to see you in our new space very soon!

xxLiseanne

our vitrines will look amazing through our new custom storefront window!

our new space in process… and last but not least, a sneak peek at the LFrank Lingerie collection that will be available in our new location.

LFrank Lingerie, photo by Dan Monick

LFrank Lingerie, photo by Dan Monick

Goodbye Abbot Kinney, our home for over 7 years!

Liseanne picks a few new favorites from the LFrank Jewelry collection which would all make exquisite holiday gifts. Black Diamond Double Arc Stud Earrings I love these earrings as a holiday gift, as they are both festive and flattering. They look great on everyone, and frame the face while adding a bit of dark glamour. They look especially lovely at night, and have the added bonus of being quite versatile. The backs can be worn behind any pair of studs, and the shorter arc studs can be worn alone. Guardian Angel Necklace This little angel was inspired by a request from my friend Doris, who is an expert on all things angel or guru related. It took me years to actually get around to it, and I am so happy that I finally did; the process only enriches the product, so that and the inspiration are what I think of every time I see this piece. Additionally, the chain is hand made, making it truly special. Tatiana Necklace This would be especially nice to wake up to on Christmas morning! This necklace is both feminine and modern, and the grey diamonds lend a subtle sparkle and perfect counterpoint to the green tourmalines. I like to play around with a bit of negative space and historical inspiration when I design, and this is what came of a recent sketch. Diamond Pave Infinity Ring I think that this new ring would make a truly lovely and sentimental holiday gift.  The bright pave diamond outline mimics that of an infinity symbol, and looks both delicate and strong on the hand. That echoes the infinity concept in an elegant way, and would make a very special engagement or wedding ring. Leaf Stud Earrings These are my favorite stud earrings.  They are simple, yet the way that the leaf lays along the earlobe is quite striking.  I also make them with a diamond stripe along the center, but I always reach for this pair, as there is something so natural and soft about them. Everyone needs a pair of interesting studs in their jewelry wardrobe, and these are both classic and unusual. Double Lotus Ring This is an updated version of my Double Lotus Ring for the holiday season. I added the black diamonds to give it a bit more of a geometric look, and Iove how it came out. It's a great combination - the angles of the lines of diamonds with the curved shape of the lotus leaves. I like this ring on the index or middle finger, as it is incredibly comfortable to wear. LFrank Jewelry Gift Certificate If you still can’t decide, why not give the gift of an LFrank Jewelry Gift Certificate, available in any denomination. Marou Faiseurs de Chocolat I’m obsessed with these chocolates, and am giving them as part of Christmas presents… I always give chocolates along with whatever gifts I'm giving. These are exceptionally good, and I love that they are made in Vietnam. It's unexpected and the packaging is absolutely beautiful. (note: you can read more about these extraordinary chocolates here)

Baking as a holiday tradition is something that my family really looks forward to. Years ago, I was introduced to this Persimmon Pudding recipe from Emily Luchetti, and it very quickly became a holiday staple. I don’t think we’ve ever since had a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner without it. In fact, a dear friend hosts a persimmon party every year in her garden, beneath her extraordinary persimmon tree. She makes it a competition, and the first year I won with this recipe. The prize was a kumquat tree, which to this day grows in my garden and bears the most delicious kumquats. Persimmon Pudding Serves 8 Ingredients: About 5 ripe Hachiya persimmons 3 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 4 ounces (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to warm 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups of half and half (or 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream) Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan. Remove the stems from the persimmons and cut the flesh into pieces. Purée the persimmon flesh in a food processor until smooth. Strain the purée through a medium-mesh sieve to eliminate any bits of skin and seed. You should have 2 cups purée. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until blended. Whisk in the melted butter. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves onto a piece of parchment paper or into a bowl. Add the salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, stirring until combined. Stir in the persimmon purée. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. The pudding will sink as it cools. Serve the pudding warm, scooped into bowls with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. It can be reheated it in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes.

“I have always loved working with beads, both precious and semi-precious, and have used them from the very start of my career in jewelry design.  African trade beads, and antique beads in general have long captivated me, but it was my friend Billy Steinberg who really opened the floodgates to my deeper appreciation of them. Billy has a truly awe-inspiring collection of beads, and through his network of contacts I was able to start a little collection of my own. I am especially fond of the pieces I have purchased from Joe Loux, who is based in San Francisco, but travels the world with his wife Katie gathering tribal jewelry and artifacts.  In a contemporary sense, there is a lively and very special enduring tradition of bead making in West African countries, where the knowledge and skills are passed down through generations. The particular beads that I use are made using recycled glass, which is all done by hand using age-old techniques of pulverizing the glass, adding color, and then firing them in kilns made of earth. These beads are not only beautiful, but they play an important role in the many different rituals of West African society. I also use many vintage and antique African trade beads in my work, some dating back hundreds of years.” “Some beads are chosen for color, some for age and pattern, but all for how they will look layered together with the 18k gold beads that I mix in. I like asymmetry in these pieces, so I try to find a balance of colored beads to gold that makes sense and lets both the beads and the gold share the spotlight. These are so easy to wear, and everyone looks good in them,  as the length is adjustable. The colors range from muted to vibrant… so, there is something for everyone. I think seasonally, with the lighter and brighter colors making a splash for the spring and summer months, and the darker, more saturated colors predominating in the fall and winter. I offer these classic necklaces on leather cords, with an adjustable 18k gold bead at the back of the neck, so the wearer can find the perfect length.  I also have begun making longer African trade bead necklaces, which I have strung on the LFrank signature violet silk cord.  For these pieces, I mix in not only 18k gold beads, but also stones:  moonstone, labradorite, and Tahitian pearls as well.” “I am inspired by anything that has a history, and a sense of sentiment and purpose, while existing also as a beautiful creation. That basically sums up these beads perfectly. I have always been drawn to the idea of a culture creating beauty, and when I imagine these beads being made, it always makes me smile. I wear an antique African trade bead necklace everyday, and have done for years. Mine has a single 18k gold bead, and also a single dark gray Tahitian pearl. The beads are a dark blue and gray pattern, and are over 100 years old.” Glass beads adorning the vintage art deco leather sofa in Liseanne’s office.  The indigo cloth is also from Africa, as is the vintage Kuba cloth pillow. As an exclusive to LFrank clients, if you purchase a Glass Bead Necklace online or in-store throughout the month of November, you will receive a Frankincense Beeswax Candle as a gift from us.

Despite the ever-evolving nature of Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, LFrank remains unique. It is more than just a store, it in an extension of Liseanne's home. “I started sharing our library with the neighborhood after a conversation I had with Sara Van Der Mijnsbrugge. She told me of a storefront that she used to walk by in Europe…she didn’t know what sort of business it was, but they always had an interesting book in the window, and that she would purposely walk by it, even though it was a bit out of the way, so that she could see what book they were displaying that day. It made me consider the idea of having a dialogue with the neighborhood, of sharing some of the images that inspire me. Some recent favorites include ‘Metonymy’ by Cristina Iglesias, ‘Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty’ by Andrew Bolton and ‘Bulgari: Serpenti Collection’ by Marion Fasel.” “Near the front of the shop, opposite the incredibly high bookshelf, is a lone shelf where a few items from my personal collection live. There is a Kina shell necklace, which I adorned with African trade beads and 18k gold beads on leather, and the Gabon ebony bangle. I used to wear these pieces all the time, but now they live here on this shelf next to one of our custom Frankincense beeswax candles (my favorite, and more about them later). There is also a beautiful horn bowl, given to me by the artist and equestrienne Baby De Selliers upon the occasion of my store opening. She brought it to the party wrapped in a page from the New York Times, and filled with Satsuma tangerines. I immediately put it upon the shelf, where it has lived happily ever since. Someone had given it to her, she told me, so I imagine that one day I shall do the same, passing it along to someone else.” “The ancestor portrait is a traditional piece of Asian art from the 19th century. My mother-in-law was an incredibly talented decorator, and this piece had passed into my husband’s collection before we met. It depicts a wealthy merchant, and most people of Asian descent who come into the shop claim it as their own. I had been told that it is Mongolian, but these were popular across these cultures, so it’s really hard to say exactly where it comes from. It was in our house for years before I opened the store, so I especially enjoy continuing to live with it every day.”

Here, Liseanne shares with us the stories behind a few of her favorite pieces, and an insight into her creative process. “The 100% beeswax candles are a very popular item at LFrank. The Frankincense is my favorite scent, not only for the spice and subtle sweetness, but also for its historical context. Many ancient cultures and religions used frankincense in blessings, initiations, and for marking the transition into new phases of spirituality. I find the scent particularly grounding, and the negative ions that are released by the beeswax actually help to purify the air. Unlike soy or paraffin candles, these are actually good for you.” “This rope of pearls has always been a favorite of mine. The range of colors is completely radiant, and the way that they quickly warm to body temperature when worn feels incredibly comforting. They always make me feel confident when I wear them, as they are both timeless and rare. This strand is quite long, allowing it to be wrapped up to three times around the neck, or many times around the wrist, which I’ve often done for a dramatic bracelet. Pearls this long, this lustrous, and this size, are actually quite a luxury.” “I have definitely had sapphires on my mind lately, and these earrings make me so happy. The multi-color sapphires look especially bright and sparkly, and the symmetry within the asymmetry of the shapes is something I am particularly pleased with. They look so beautiful at night, picking up the low light really well. I also love the length and delicacy of these earrings, as they are so feminine and playful. The Elephant Ring is the first in a series of pieces where I am exploring fauna as opposed to flora. I am thrilled with the outcome, and am truly obsessed by this charming little creature. I need one for myself, as I truly believe in the power of the elephant to shower us all with good fortune! There are other pieces coming soon, with a fabulous serpent ring up next.” “I’ve been reading a book about the Romanov daughters, and was contemplating the jewels and time period when I came up with the design of the Compass necklace. The tourmalines are so lovely with the black diamonds, and are evocative of scenes from the winter palace in pre-revolutionary Russia… the jewels of the Romanovs were truly extraordinary, and have always held a great interest for me. The scale of this piece feels modern, while the composition feels timeless to me.” “The architect Greg Lynn designed the inviting and expressive Ravioli Chair for Vitra in 2005. His office is also in Venice, so when I opened the store I borrowed the actual prototype for it, (as well as one of his blob wall pieces) to adorn the space with a bit of architecture. Passers-by were always inquiring after the chair, wanting to buy it. When Greg finally decided to part with it, I raided my house, taking one of a pair that we have to take its place.”

As an established artistic community, and home to many creative types, Venice is the perfect location for LFrank.

“I went to New York City in the fall of 2007 to show my collection to buyers and editors during fashion week. The biggest revelation to me over the course of those long days, was that I needed to open a store. I wanted a space where my pieces could be presented in full – in an environment that I designed – as opposed to being seen in the selections made by buyers in retail stores. My collection is so personal, so my goal in finding the right space was to be able to create an extension of my house.

I chose the location of the shop as it was my favorite spot on my favorite street. It’s my neighborhood, so I’m particularly attached to Abbot Kinney. I remember when it was known as West Washington Blvd, and the only places to eat were Hal’s, A Votre Sante, and a little Mexican place called Saboroso.

I love the artistic and eclectic nature of Venice. John McCracken once used the space I am in as his studio. The sculptor Fred Eversley still works out of his studio two doors down, and I still see my artist friends wandering around the neighborhood. As Abbot Kinney continues to evolve, my space still feels as good to me as it did when I first moved in.”