Hello, hello!  Are you ready for Thanksgiving?  Hard to believe that we are headlong into holiday season, with hopefully much to celebrate, and lots of plans to be together with family and friends again.  Last year was certainly not what we all are used to, but the pause and the pared down celebrations felt exactly right in the moment.  This year however, feels vastly different and for that I am truly grateful.  The last month or so has been filled with exploration, reconnection, and celebration, with milestone birthdays (mine...50!), anniversaries (ours...25th!) and travels (!!!) to Mexico City, New York, and London.  I'm feeling deeply fortunate and grateful this year, and am wildly enthusiastic about celebrating with my nearest and dearest ones.  I hope that you and your family have a wonderful gathering this week.  I am truly filled with gratitude for all of the support and love from all of you.  I love what I do, and having it so well received and appreciated is the very best feeling in the world.  

If you find yourself with a minute to think about holiday gifting, the season is well underway!  I thought I would remind you that we are well stocked with incredibly beautiful, and in many cases, one-of-a-kind treasures of the silky, cozy, and sparkly sort.  

On the cozy front, we have a very limited edition run of fur and silk stoles.  These are a festive way to stay warm and add a chic and sensual pop of color to whatever you happen to have on.  I have the brightest pink color, which came with me to London, and is now patiently waiting for this wildly warm weather to pass.

If you prefer an all-silk version, we have a gorgeous selection of silk charmeuse Liberty of London print scarves and plain silk charmeuse color-blocked versions that are perfect for gifting, or for treating yourself.  They make beautiful belts to cinch in a waist, something fun to tie around a hat, or your hair...or even to use as a purse strap.  I love them, and they have been consistently selling out since we started making them.  A new batch is headed to the shop any day now.  Call or come by if you'd like some guidance with finding the perfect one. 

I am coveting one of our cashmere, wool, and mink blend robes.  I actually gave one to Peter last Christmas, and it is one of the most incredibly lovely gifts that one can receive.  We also have a few other men's cashmere and cashmere blend robes that a few lucky individuals will hopefully receive for a holiday gift.  Swing by to see them in person.  I promise you that the photos can't possibly do them justice.

On the jewelry front, we are delighted to have such a lovely inventory heading into the holidays, with beautiful new earrings, rings, and necklaces arriving weekly up until Christmas.  I'm particularly fond of these earrings, and this ring...because you know I love a flower, and wearing these is like a having a precious little garden to enjoy.  

Lastly, In light of the coming feast I wanted to again share our family's most favorite Thanksgiving treat.  Yes I wrote about it last year too, but have been asked for it several times over the last few weeks as everyone makes holiday preparations.  Here it is again.  It just never disappoints. 

Persimmon Pudding 

from Stars Desserts by Emily Luchetti

Serves 8

3 ripe Hachiya persimmons (tip: freeze to ripen instantly)

3 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

4 ounces (8 tbs.) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1.5 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 half + half (or 1 cup whole milk + 1 cup heavy cream)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees 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 or seed.  You should have approximately 2 cups of persimmon 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, cloves and salt onto a piece of parchment paper or into a bowl.  Stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.  Slowly pour in the half + half or milk and cream, stirring until combined. Stir in the persimmon purée last.  The batter will be quite thick.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes.  Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.  The pudding will sink as it cools.  Serve the pudding warm, scooped into bowls with slightly sweetened whipped cream.  I use maple syrup in the cream for a more complex flavor.  The pudding can be reheated in an 325 degree F oven for about 15 minutes if you make this ahead of serving time.  

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours...sending love all around,

Hello there! It's been ages, I know. Please forgive the extended pause. The last few months have been a bit of a blur, with so much going on in all directions. I hope that you are doing well, and that you were able to enjoy the summer, and perhaps even travel around a bit, reconnecting with the people and places that bring you joy. It's hard to believe that the Fall season is upon us already. Looking back, I can see the sweet spot of the summer, when I was so happy to be out and about in the world after so long at home. It was heaven to have a change of scenery, and to reconnect with friends old and new. I think we are all craving the human side of things after so much time apart. 

I think that's part of the reason that I had a such a wonderful time creating a new setting for a longtime client's wedding rings, to commemorate her 30th wedding anniversary. To be trusted with something so incredibly sentimental and precious felt like a gift, and the end result has sparked so much joy all around. I am forever grateful to be given carte blanche in the design department, and I think the combination of personalities and the strength of love in every direction created the space for a particularly lovely outcome. Inspired by her love of flowers, and her desire for something fun and new, I designed this suite of rings to wear as a veritable garden party.  

We have a few similar rings in the works, and in the meantime this pretty little one is still available.

Flowers of all variety have long been a source of inspiration for me, and these sweet little plumeria earrings are kind of perfect for wearing in clusters, or alone, and certainly make a beautiful and thoughtful gift. We do sell singles, which can sometimes be all you need to refresh whatever earring combination you've been wearing.

We are also a little bit in love with these antique carved bead rings, with little flower finials, each set with a tiny precious stone. I love the little emerald center in the flower that adorns the faceted amethyst.

My garden obsession continues with the new robes that have just arrived in-store in the most delightful Liberty of London prints. They're so new we don't have them up on the website yet, so either swing by or call us and we can send images of our current stock. As per our tradition, we make but a few in unique print combinations, and once they're gone, they're gone. This batch feels fresh and different, so even if you already own one of our Asteria kimono style dressing gowns, you may want to add one of these to your collection.

There is something kind of lovely about wearing a floral print robe and spending time in the garden. Lately my focus has been on the potted geraniums that I got after being inspired by the courtyard at the gorgeous Hacienda de San Antonio, where we spent a weekend for a dear friend's birthday back at the beginning of the summer. I love their exuberant splash of color, the steadfast reliability of their blooms, and how incredibly easy they are to care for.  

We've been making lots of slips, since they're ultimately the most comfortable pieces to wear. I basically wear a slip or camisole underneath whatever I'm wearing everyday, and always wear one to sleep as well. Something silky and expertly tailored feels especially good at the moment. Our Ava slip has just the right amount of glamorous slinky chic to wear out, or get married in, or just to swan about the house. I have been wearing all of the prototypes for a year now, and am very proud of the shape and fit of this timeless slip. We spend so much time on pattern development, and the testing of every pattern, which really does show in the finished product. This slip has the most graceful drape to the back, and features straps that can be knotted or tied in a bow at the shoulder as you prefer. The little bit of elastic at the back of the waistline ensures that everything sits exactly where it should for a flattering and comfortable fit.

Another piece that we've perfected is our Hypnos sleep mask.  We consistently sell out of them, and our selection is always evolving. A fresh batch has just arrived, in case you might need one or two to have on hand. I personally love this one, though Flora looks lovely in this one, and you can browse our entire selection here. Someone recently told me that wearing our sleep mask has resulted in an extra hour or two of sleep each night, which sounds incredibly restorative.

A few other things that I've found to be restorative recently are this podcast and book, and also this. If you decide to investigate, please let me know what you think. We certainly all need as much grounding influence as we can possibly find, especially with the shift in seasons.

Our daughter recently had to have her tonsils taken out, which was NOT fun. Anyone who has experienced this surgery as an adult will understand what I mean. So in addition to all of the mashed this and that, I made a batch of soufflé so that there was something savory and soft for her to enjoy. Of course you don't have to be on a restricted diet to enjoy these, and they are so satisfying at any time of day, with any kind of cheese you happen to have on hand, and for no particular reason.  

Cheese Soufflé

2 ounces all purpose flour

2 ounces butter

1 cup milk 

3 egg whites

2 egg yolks

1 cup grated gruyere or whatever cheese you prefer

salt, pepper, pinch of cayenne

grated Parmigiano for dusting the ramekins

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter and dust the ramekins with the grated parmesan.

Melt the butter and flour together to make a roux, when it's bubbly and smelling a bit nutty, slowly whisk in the milk to make a béchamel sauce. Mix in the egg yolks, one at a time. Then stir in the cheese, and season with salt and pepper, and the pinch of cayenne (or nutmeg, if you prefer).  

In a clean, separate bowl whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until fluffy and medium peaks form, then fold into the cheese mixture.  

Run your thumb around the edge of each ramekin to leave a clean edge of about 1/4 inch. Fill each ramekin to the bottom of that edge, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or whenever they are puffed and the tops are a bit browned, and they no longer seem wet on the inside, and serve immediately with a bowl of crème fraiche. The tops will sink as they cool, but not to worry...they are still completely delicious.

Enjoy,

It's that time of year again! There are less than two weeks until Mother's Day on May 9th. And this year, more than any other on record, the mothers in your life deserve something extra special.  

To honor those indefatigable goddesses, we offer a special, limited time only, Mother's Day sale on all in-stock lingerie. Through Wednesday May 5th, please enjoy a discount of 30% using code MOTHERSDAYLOVE. It's limited to our current inventory, so not applicable to special orders. Consider this my gift to you, from one mother to another, in appreciation and celebration for making it though this year of all years.  We will also have a special sale rack with even steeper discounts in the boutique, if you feel like coming over for a visit and leaving with something silky.

We have lots of beautiful pieces to choose from at the moment. We even have one of these Liberty of London print Claudette robes in the shop, and I think it might be my absolute favorite robe ever. It manages to feel both glamorous and cozy, and boasts the most flattering fit. I would wear it at home, over one of my longer slips, or with a camisole and trousers for heading out, which is exactly what we are hopefully all getting ready to do in the new phase of re-entry that we find ourselves in.  

If something silky isn't what you're dreaming of for a Mother's Day treat, I would suggest a pair of simple earrings to make you feel ready to reenter society in a more festive way. We all absolutely adore the new stud earrings, which are little flowers in an assortment of sizes, with or without tiny stones for a bit of color and sparkle. They look equally lovely alone as they do in clusters, and we can customize them for you if you like.

I'll remind you that we also have smaller items, for a little token of sweet appreciation. Our masks, both face and sleep, are much appreciated gifts always, as are the candles, and now too are the beautiful silk scarves that we have recently introduced.

I love them for a dramatic hair tie, but they also look really chic peeking out from beneath the front of a blazer as a little feminine touch.

We will most likely be wearing face masks for awhile longer, so a beautiful option would definitely be welcome. It makes such a difference when it is the "face" you are presenting to the world. If they can't see you smiling, then at least let there be a well-fitting, beautiful fabric in place that keeps you both safe as well as lovely. In addition, we donate a percentage of our face mask sales to No Kid Hungry, an amazing organization that is doing the important work of putting an end to childhood hunger in America.

I don't know if it's the season, but the color green feels quite restorative and optimistic to me right now. Any of these green tourmaline rings would make a spectacularly impressive Mother's Day gift. If you haven't listened to this episode of the New York Times podcast The Daily, then do yourself a favor. I was laughing out loud, which was medicine in and of itself, and it definitely drove home the point that this year, Mother's Day gifts should be particularly generous in spirit and if at all possible, BIG.

Speaking of big, I really do feel that sometimes we just need a bigger earring. Not just for evenings out, which seem to be on the horizon, but for the day. Wear them for just making an emphatically gorgeous statement, for bringing a dose of beauty to your day, and really, just because.  For whether your day is spent on endless zoom meetings, or actually going out and about in person, sometimes a dramatic earring is the boost we all need.   

I actually made an appointment at the newly reopened LACMA to walk through the Yoshitomo Nara show. Visiting museums and galleries is an activity that I have sorely missed over the last year. It was overwhelmingly nice to be back in the galleries, looking at art, nodding hello to the guards, losing a bit of the afternoon to the joy of having an inspirational wander. I highly recommend it, if you haven't been already. It was such a good experience in every way, from making the appointment, to anticipating the day, and then finally to actually being inside a museum in person. I selfishly went alone, and enjoyed every single second.  

This is salad I've been making again and again, as the fennel and citrus have been incredible at the farmer's market, and we had a couple of friends drop off avocados from their trees (lucky us!) recently. It's so easy to compose, and completely crunchy and delicious. It might be perfect for Mother's Day brunch with a buoyant soufflé.  

Fennel Salad

1-2 bulbs of fennel, thinly sliced, plus a bit of the fronds for sprinkling on top

1 orange, or any other sweet citrus à la suprême

1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced

1/4 of a red onion, sliced paper thin

1 tablespoon or so of gently toasted pine nuts (or walnuts, pistachios, etc...)

a handful or two of chopped herbs, or arugula

juice of a lime

extra virgin olive oil (make sure to use a really good one. I really like this one!)

flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place the fennel, citrus segments, red onion and avocado slices in a bowl. Add the toasted nuts, if using, and the herbs and fennel fronds. Dress with the lime juice and the olive oil, with a pinch of sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss and Enjoy!

The first bloom of the season!  I wanted to share it with you, because I'm just so delighted and proud. I am very new to looking after roses, so indulge me.

"It’s the time that you spent on your rose that makes your rose so important... People have forgotten this truth, but you mustn’t forget it. You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.”

– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

So to all the Mamas out there, I wish you the most heartfelt and grateful Happy Mother's Day! We got through one of the most challenging years in recent history, and as we know... WE are the ones who held it all together, who cooked more meals and did more dishes, folded more laundry, and suffered more worry than anyone else. I just feel beyond grateful for my own Mother this year, and even more profoundly so, as she made it through her own bout with Covid-19 in January. At 91, she is still amazing to me every single day, as she effortlessly shows us all how it's done, with optimism, joy, and true love of the most simple and important things in life. Thank you Mama... you're the best of the best of the best. 

With so much love,

Well, helloooooo SPRING! I've never appreciated the transition of seasons more than I have this year. The spring equinox ushers us into a new reality, thankfully... which signifies so much, not least of which the all important fact that we have made it through the bleakest winter in recent history. The little hummingbird babies above our front door are a testament to the changing season, and to the tenacity of the maternal spirit. I love watching the mama bird feed her growing offspring. What a gift to have the literal embodiment of optimism greet us at the front door!  

I sincerely hope you are all doing well, as understandably it has been challenging work to do just that. Creativity has been the greatest solace for me in this rather trying time, as has nature, and I hope that everyone has found more to appreciate, and more to enjoy in this wild point in time. I have found every bit of birdsong, all of the new green leaves in the garden, and the longer days to be incredibly restorative. Taking a walk at the end of the day and seeing everything in bloom always fortifies me, and makes me feel genuinely optimistic for the days ahead.

It is such a sincere pleasure and privilege to create beautiful pieces, both jewels and elegant robes, along with other intimate pieces to swan around in. The fact that we have managed to continue to do so during this year of years has brought us much to be grateful for. We hope that you will find inspiration, joy, and maybe something new to welcome in the season.

I have always loved color, something which has been a source of comfort to me this year. It has really seen me through, as I have noticed how it affects me and brightens my mood. Working with color sort of feels like a bit like manipulating light itself. Even something as subtle as pairing black with a deep sapphire blue can have a remarkable effect, I find.  

Have a close look at these multi-colored sapphire and diamond rings for a bit of color therapy, or alternately take a moment to appreciate the subtlety of the softest blush color of these heavenly silk charmeuse pieces.

The vibrant green of these Colombian emeralds set in oxidized sterling silver is the perfect embodiment of Spring itself. Green symbolizes growth, renewal, and good fortune, and actually brings about a sense of hope and harmony. This particular shade of green really resonates with me as optimism, which is feeling really, really good right about now.

On the color front, I've been rather obsessed with these Japanese pigments from London shop Choosing Keeping, and was lucky enough to receive a set of them for Christmas.  

Mixing the colors is quite meditative and relaxing. I so look forward to visiting the shop in person on my next trip to London, and then to visiting the Kyoto shop where the pigments are made. I really respect what they do, and have been supporting them via their online shop, where I found these beautiful cards, which I gave as a gift to my daughter. Her birthday was this month, and it was an important one. She still makes a list for us every year, and while cotton pajamas were on the list, the delicate pearl bracelet was a delightful surprise.

The best compliment we can ever receive is when our clients return to us again and again for a special gift or for something to treat themselves to... another ring to stack, another pair of earrings to wear for zoom meetings, or another silk robe to wrap up in. We recently had a client say that our work "exceeded expectations" which is always nice to hear, and something we always strive to do. In the spirit of treating oneself, there are a few things I would suggest, if you are in the mood to celebrate the Spring season with something new to enjoy.

These new poppy flower stud earrings are super chic. We are making them in three sizes, and all are completely charming. We have a pair with a grey diamond center, or a ruby center, and can customize with another stone, should you want a dash of a different color. Have a closer look here and here. The smallest size is coming soon! They pair especially well with our mini oak leaf stud earrings, which are perennial favorites.

Another treat might be a new silk sleep mask. We have new prints available for the season, and my personal favorite is this one. I cannot emphasize enough what a difference they make in the quality of a good night's sleep. They also make a most thoughtful gift, as do our new silk scarves, which I am a big fan of.

They have a multitude of uses, and have a certain joyful elegance any way you choose to wear them. I love them for a bit of color peeking out from under a blazer, or as a belt with a dress, or to manage unruly hair... but my favorite use has been as a shoulder strap for my vintage Hermès Kelly bag. It's quite an old one, and I never had a strap for it until now. The length of the silk makes it so useful, and I imagine it will become one of the pieces I never travel without... once we begin to travel again. That for me, is what I have missed the most, and is what I am so eagerly awaiting. 

Since we are still staying put for the moment, we travel a bit with our meals. It makes the endless amount of cooking feel more festive, and when our food looks like a flower, what could be more inspirational? La cicoria from the lovely Weiser Farms at the Farmer's Market last Sunday was the biggest treat. It makes the best (if not the prettiest!) salad, paired with a creamy pecorino, shaved red onion, and toasted raw walnuts. We have also had a few birthdays to celebrate this month, so there has been a fair amount of Torta Caprese making going on as well. I was taught how to make this cake 10 years ago in Sicily, and when I bake it I am reminded of that very special trip.

We all need fond memories, and bright futures to look forward to. It's the balance of those two poles that has kept me sane throughout. That, and the silver lining of having both of my children at home for the past year, when under normal circumstances, they would have been far and wide. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and I look forward to seeing you all in the bright new season ahead.

Lots of Love,

We've made it through January, which felt about three months long, and are now turning our attention to one of our favorite holidays...Valentine's Day! Understanding full well that there are more pressing matters quite close at hand, we also think that anything that celebrates love is indeed worthy of our attention. After the nearly 12 months of pandemic and its attendant losses, we are ready to fully embrace all the reasons to feel light and love, and bask in anything that involves a treat for our sweethearts and ourselves.  

One treat to look forward to every night is the sublime show that February sunsets provide. The boutique is a block away from the beach in Venice, and I often dash outside to take in the spectacular beauty. I consider myself lucky to be able to see this view on my way home, and I never take it for granted. 

If you have had your eye on a Liberty print silk robe, or just a simple silk slip to wear with everything, now is the perfect time to treat yourself or your sweetheart. There's never been a better time to indulge in a piece of silky sleep or loungewear, as we are offering a special Valentine's Day discount of 25% on the entire collection of lingerie. (*discount applied automatically at checkout to in-stock items only, and yes...men's pajamas are included as well!) 

You may also drop a hint, or ask us to do so on your behalf. We're quite good at hints, in case there is something you are coveting. We are happy to book a virtual shopping appointment for you, or if you prefer, we would be delighted to welcome you to shop in person via appointment with all covid-19 safety protocols. It's easy to schedule a time to shop with us by clicking the bar at the top of our website, or here.

How great has it been to see all of the attention paid to wearing pearls, as inspired by our new Vice President? I have long been devoted to pearls, and wear them every day. It's funny how First Lady Barbara Bush created such a stir with her gumball sized, three strand faux pearl necklace, one of Kenneth Jay Lane's. She stated that the pearls "hid the wrinkles" which instantly made them the province of women of a certain age. Sales of pearl necklaces skyrocketed, but I was too young to be concerned with hiding wrinkles, and set out to design a way for pearls to feel more interesting. Of course, Vice President Kamala Harris's pearls are real, and have real meaning behind them as well. You can read more about that on brilliant jewelry historian Marion Fasel's website, The Adventurine.

We have customized many a strand of pearls for our lovely clients, and it is always the kind of project that I love to do. Breathing new life into something staid is always a pleasure. Even a simple adjustment, like changing the color of the silk cord can completely reinvent a strand of pearls that many of us have had lurking in the back of our jewelry boxes, longing for the light of day. My favorites are violet or red, but we have also done cobalt blue, emerald green, and vibrant coral.  

If you're stuck for ideas for Valentine's Day, please let us know. I would suggest a beautiful silk or lace face mask to keep your Darling safe during the pandemic, a Zen Garden candle to soothe the senses, or a colorful beaded necklace to boost the spirits. We also have a completely charming Red ruby heart set on a thin 18k gold band, and if you wanted to go a bit bigger, I would suggest the thinnest, most chic and elegant band of tiny pavé set rubies, or the double headed serpent ring with ruby eyes. Whatever you decide to do, don't skip out on Valentine's Day, citing "Hallmark Holiday" or pandemic fatigue. It's precisely the time to make a bit of a splash and honor the people you love in your life, be it in big or tiny ways. Make it meaningful, sweet, and as lovely as you can.

Many of us won't be going out to any romantic dinners, but rather making them at home, and not necessarily à deux. In the past I've done red themed dinners...beef tenderloin, radicchio salad, beets, etc...you get the idea. This year I think I'll do something a bit different, maybe pink everything instead? The blood oranges are delicious, so citrus salad with avocado and fennel would be lovely to serve alongside a delicious piece of wild caught salmon from the fish monger at the farmer's market. For dessert, I will turn towards all things chocolate, and one of our favorites from Gjelina, where we miss having delicious family dinners.

Chocolate Tart from Gjelina, Cooking from Venice, CA by Travis Lett

Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

1 cup almond meal

1/2 cup ground pine nuts, pistachios, or pecans

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

Chocolate Filling:

1 cup butter

2.5 oz chocolate 73-77% cacao

1.5 tsp unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 tsp kosher salt

4 eggs

Whipped cream or creme fraiche for serving

To make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, almond meal, nuts, and sea salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Turn the mixer speed to low, add the flour mixture, and mix until just combined. Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment on top, and roll out the dough to a 1/8" thick round, 12-13" in diameter. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter a 10" tart or springform pan with a removable bottom and 3" sides. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until firm to the touch. Don't worry if the crust slouches down the sides of the pan a little as it bakes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely. Lower the oven temperature to 325 F.

To make the filling: Set a large heatproof bowl over 1" of water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and chocolate to the bowl and melt, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder, and then add the brown sugar and salt. Continue whisking until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture looks shiny and loose. Add the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each one fully before adding the next. The filling should be shiny and smooth.

Pour the filling into the tart shell and bake until it puffs up slightly and the surface is shiny and light, like a brownie, and the center is set and does not jiggle when you shake the pan, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 40 minutes. Gently remove the sides of the pan.  

Slice and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream or creme fraiche.  

For Valentine's Day, I'm going to make little individual sized tarts for my family, and dust the tops with raspberry powder (basically smashed freeze-dried raspberries) in the shape of a heart. I know it sounds incredibly sappy, but I can't help it. Hopefully next year we will be able to host our annual Valentine's Day party at the boutique, where I look forward to serving it to you in person. 

Sending tons of LOVE to you and yours,

You may be like me, not at all finished with holiday shopping... OR you perhaps got it all done early, and now have a moment to find something special to treat yourself for making it through this wild year with your sanity intact. Either way, we are here for you until the afternoon of the 24th, and are more than happy to guide you to that perfect gift. After that, we take a hard earned break and won't see you until the week of January 11th. We all need to rest and restore in a major way, as this year has really taken its toll. Until then, I would love to suggest a few gift ideas...

Any one of these rings would be more than delightful to receive. The double headed serpent ring is one of my favorites, and feels like a lucky talisman. I feel like it rewards the wearer with protection and a sense of hope for the future. The concept of regeneration and shedding of one's skin and the experiences of 2020 is something I feel that we all can relate to. Likewise, the color green also relates to rebirth, a sense of calm, and our heart chakra. This green tourmaline flower ring is perfect for ushering in the new year ahead. It's so new, it hasn't made it up on the website yet, so reach out if you would like more information.

It feels like earrings have become more important, as we mostly see each other on Zoom or FaceTime calls. A little something gold, with a graceful sense of movement and the natural world feel just about perfect. I designed these for a lovely new client back in the earlier part of the quarantine, and couldn't get them out of my head, so we've made another pair just in time for Christmas. We saw her again the other day, and she told us that she's worn them almost every single day, which is always wonderful to hear. I love it when our pieces become part of everyday life, which is how they are intended to be enjoyed.

These vintage beads are 50 year old reproductions of Venetian wound glass trade beads made in the 18th and 19th centuries. The deep Aegean blue, and rich coal black of these beads are beautiful backdrops for the delicate floral and stripe motifs. I love anything with a bit of contrast, which is why I love pairing delicate French lace with crisp striped, plaid, or checked men's shirting cottons in the lingerie collection, as in this lovely slip dress.

Let's not forget the men on our lists. Our Janus Men's robes are always a hit, and a luxury that most men won't necessarily treat themselves to. Why don't you spoil one of the men in your life, and gift them something useful that they will love? This plaid version is always a hit, and we happen to have one left in stock.

A fine French lace and silk face mask would also be perfect for a last minute, but incredibly thoughtful gift. We'll be wearing these for awhile, so it might be nice to have at least one that feels and looks quite special.

Much has been written about the Grand Conjunction yesterday, and the Grand Mutation that has ushered us into the Age of Aquarius. YES please. I think we all are ready for the shift that will come with the end of this intense year. If you haven't heard all about it, Chani Nicholas explains it all here. We've all been in it together, and I hope that we can all emerge stronger, more connected, and with a greater sense of purpose and appreciation than we had pre-pandemic. I've been lighting candles and gifting them too. My favorite right now would be our Zen Garden beeswax candle. It instantly takes the edge off, and after an hour or so I usually feel a much greater sense of calm. You can order them for curbside pickup in time for Christmas. We'd be happy to run them out to you!

Whatever your holiday traditions are, I hope you are all set to have a lovely and relaxing break from the madness of this year. We will be fast at work until the afternoon of the 24th, and happy to help you with any last minute gift ideas. If you're really stumped, you can always purchase a gift certificate, which is always well received. Don't forget to treat yourself to something too. You most certainly deserve it!

Much Love, Love, Love,

What. A. Year. The mad rush through the holiday season is feeling very different to all of us this year. As always, but amplified to an epic volume, I have an enormous sense of gratitude for my family, our dear friends, my amazing team, and most importantly our collective health and general well-being during this incredibly trying stretch of time. I hope you're doing well out there, and that you are poised to have as cozy and festive a holiday as possible. We are truly grateful for all of our clients, especially during this turbulent year. Thank you for keeping us going, for lifting our spirits, and for keeping us in mind for your holiday shopping this year. It means more to us than you could possibly know. We have been very busy making sure we have the loveliest things you could ever imagine for gifting. Here are a few of my favorites...

This pearl scarf would make an incredibly special gift. People seem to have certain associations with pearls, that they are stuffy or preppy, or a bit dowdy. I couldn't disagree more, as I'm always discovering new and different ways to wear these gifts from nature. This piece feels quite elegant, while still being lighthearted and fun.

We have exactly one of these limited edition silk velvet Selene robes left. This is a collector's piece, and one of the finest gifts we can think of. It would be perfect to wear for an intimate New Year's Eve celebration at home, which is how I suspect the majority of us will be closing out 2020. I think a little effort towards making it feel festive and celebratory is in order. We have made it through one of the toughest years in history, and that is not something to take for granted.

These blackened silver sunflowers with orange sapphires are so chic. I was inspired by antique Berlin ironwork jewelry, as well as Victorian mourning jewelry and the emotions behind them. There has been so much collective loss this year, and I felt drawn to the idea of making a few pieces that capture both the sentiment of the year as well as the profound sense of hope that I feel for the future. You can have a closer look here. 

Our Liberty of London print blocked silk crepe de chine Asteria robes always make an especially treasured present, both to give and to receive. We have a gorgeous assortment at the moment, my favorite collection yet. If I could pick anything that would brighten a spirit and lend a glamorous flair to life in lockdown, this piece would be it. Which one would you choose?

As ever, our beaded necklaces are such popular and well received gifts. If you need any help choosing, please let us know. We love putting together groupings if you can't decide on just one, though of course just one makes a beautiful and thoughtful present. I think this one is particularly pretty.

On the topic of choosing, if I were to choose a ring for Christmas this year, I think it would be this one. I love the juxtaposition of the geometric diamond slice with the rounded black diamond pavé band.

Ines and I made Christmas cookies over the weekend, which was incredibly grounding in addition to being a delicious distraction from the outside world. Our favorites were these matcha shortbread hearts, which we baked with a little sprinkle of black sesame seeds. They're extremely easy to make, not too sweet, and perfect with a cup of tea in the afternoon.  

Matcha Shortbread

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 heaping tablespoon matcha powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened 

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Cream butter and powdered sugar together in a mixer, scraping the bowl once or twice, until mixture is light and fluffy.  

Sift the flour, matcha powder, and kosher salt into a medium sized bowl.

Add dry ingredients to butter/sugar mixture, and mix slowly, just until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a large flattened disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.  

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Breaking off pieces, roll dough to approximately 1/8" thickness, and use a cookie cutter (or the rim of a drinking glass) to cut into desired shapes. Transfer the shapes onto a parchment lined baking sheet, and press a few black sesame seeds into the top of each cookie. If you'd rather, you can also chill the dough in the shape of a log, and cut them into rounds before baking.

Depending on the size of your cookies, these will bake in about 12-15 minutes, turning the baking sheet midway through. The cookies are finished when they are just beginning to turn golden around the edges. Remove them from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.  

Enjoy,

PS  Stay safe and well out there, everyone. Take good care of yourselves and each other, and if you need any help with Christmas gifting, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here for you until the afternoon of December 24th! You can even book an appointment right here. It couldn't be easier...

With an epic election cycle behind us and Thanksgiving just hours away, my thoughts have been focused on all that I am grateful for in this wild and unusual year.  It has felt very "through the looking glass" to me, and without lots of holiday guests to consider or an enormous and varied menu to plan, I have felt a bit unmoored.  While I am very much looking forward to creating a cozy feast for the four of us, I am missing the anchor that Thanksgiving planning on a grander scale usually provides.  Thankfully we are all healthy, safe, and together which is the biggest gift of all.  However small the gathering, the goal is to bring some festivity and beauty to the holiday, and I encourage you to put on your holiday best, and ENJOY.  Wishing you all a wonderful day filled with so much love and lots of delicious treats.

On the topic of treats, we are excited to offer special pricing on select items through Sunday, November 28th, 2020.  I am more appreciative than ever of my incredible clients.  Thank you for keeping us all going during this challenging time.  I am indeed truly grateful.  No code required, items priced as marked online, and all marked down items are FINAL SALE.  I look forward to helping you choose the perfect gifts this holiday season.  It is always a sincere pleasure, even in the best of times.  If you have something custom in mind, such as a family constellation necklace, or one of our numerology bands, please let us know sooner rather than later so we have plenty of time to work on these future heirlooms.  Knowing that you are giving something both unique and precious is a wonderful feeling, one I am delighted to help you achieve. 

I am very excited about the new Liberty prints in store now, and especially about the cotton pieces.  These will become staples for those who love the prints but prefer cotton over silk.  I personally love them both, especially the new Marlayne slip with French lace.  We have another new slip we call Ava too.  I hope you'll make an appointment to come try them on.  We spend a lot of time and energy perfecting the fit of every piece, and I'm especially proud of these two.  When I began designing our collection of slips, one of the features I wanted to make sure to get right was the back.  It seems obvious, but getting the angle and line of something just right can be ridiculously tricky.  They'll be online soon, but until then...here's a little preview.

If you are looking for a little holiday treat for yourself, have you seen our beautiful new cameo earrings?  I find them incredibly charming and light, and love the way they look, especially their blackened sterling silver setting, which adds a bit of cool to the classics.  

We also have a group of lovely new beaded necklaces, perfect for making holiday additions to your collection, or for sending to someone special as a gift.  Some of them are already online if you'd like to have a look.  I absolutely love this one and this one, and think they look especially good together.

As for Thanksgiving dinner, we have decided to forgo a turkey altogether and roast a duck.  I must say that I will miss gathering our friends and family together to eat at a long table all together, and also the incredible feast that accompanies it.  Paring down feels right however, in light of the current situation at hand.  I hope everyone can be safe and sound this year, and find true comfort and gratitude in a decidedly more simple holiday celebration.  Next year we will hopefully be back in action all together, enjoying a truly epic feast filled with all the celebratory spirit that this sweet, joyful holiday can inspire.  

Since I have been cooking nightly for so many months now, it becomes challenging to find something new or different to make.  I think we all feel more or less the same in this regard.  Keeping it simple is key, and I think that applies to Thanksgiving as well.  Tradition is important in our house, so of course we will be making Persimmon Pudding for dessert.  I've had many requests for the recipe again this year, as I always do.  So here it is!  It is decadent and delicious, and easy to make.  The persimmon crop this year has been outstanding, so it's nice to take advantage of the season.  Another important idea is to support our local restaurants by ordering for take-out or delivery.   After cooking a feast, it will be nice to have one cooked for us, and to support the restaurant industry in any way that we can.  I'm personally drooling over the menu at Bavel. I'm also making sure to support the incredible farmers who are impacted so greatly by all of the pandemic restrictions on restaurants.  You can order boxes from my beautiful friend Lauri Kranz at Edible Gardens LA, or from County Line Harvest.  

Wishing you all the healthiest, happiest Thanksgiving possible.  Take good care out there!

Persimmon Pudding (from Emily Luchetti)

Serves 8

3-4 large 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)

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 loosely whipped cream, sweetened with a couple of spoonfuls of maple syrup.  If you have anything leftover, you can reheat it in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes.  

Enjoy,

How wild has October been so far? I know the planets are up to a lot of mischief, and Mercury is officially turning retrograde this evening. The world itself seems to be on fire, with wild news from all corners of the globe. Frankly, it all makes me want to hibernate a bit, and come out when we are through the thick of it. Anyone else feeling the same way?  I imagine many of you are, and while I cannot provide you with the solutions to all of the ills that plague us literally and metaphorically, (though VOTING will clearly be the most important step you can take!!!) I can most certainly steer you towards something that will definitely make you feel better: ROBES.  

Yes, robes, dressing gowns, dusters, housecoats, whatever you like to call them, they are just what the doctor ordered, and we have an exceptionally beautiful selection at the moment. There is something about being enveloped in something beautiful, soft, silky, and comfortable that truly soothes the soul.  I've long felt this way, and now I feel it even more so. Whether it's in the morning, all night (if the nights are cold, I sleep in my robes), or just at the end of a seemingly endless day, wrapping up in a silk robe seems to be the equivalent of a much needed time-out.

The very first robe I designed was inspired by a beautiful silk kimono-style beauty that I found in a vintage shop in San Francisco when I was about eighteen years old. It was a deep pink chinoiserie print that I absolutely loved, and wore to shreds. I never found anything exactly right to replace it, so alas...our Asteria robe was born.  Of course only the finest silk would do, which led me to a long favorite of mine, Liberty of London.  Our Liberty print robes have always been our best selling pieces, perfect for treating oneself, or for gifting to someone special. This next collection of robes is print blocked, pairing up two or more prints in a bold symphony of color and pattern. 

I think this collection is my most favorite to date.  I especially like the super saturated colors of the Jemma Rose print, and can't wait to see the pajama set that is currently in production. As the new collection trickles in, I hope you'll make an appointment to come see it in person or call us to schedule a virtual shopping experience.  As always, these are limited edition. With the holidays on the horizon, I suspect we will sell out quickly, so if a particular print speaks to you, let us know soon.

We also have a selection of pieces in Liberty print cotton fabrics that are particularly lovely.  This French lace trimmed camisole is perfect for the warm weather, and is something pretty and practical to wear now. It looks great paired with jeans, or worn underneath a sheer blouse. Liberty cotton slips, robes, and pajama sets are also in the works, set to be in store before too much longer.  I know some people prefer sleeping in cotton, so there will be plenty to choose from if you fall into this camp.

Aren't these little hoop earrings perfect for a little colorful treat for yourself or someone special?  Both the coral and turquoise beads are vintage, and have been part of my collection for a long time. I love seeing them worn together, but they are also very nice on their own. 

Rings have always been front and center in my collection. This charming little snake ring joins our carved labradorite scarab ring, and our favorite little elephant friend, expanding our collection of little creatures with great symbolism.  

In the spirit of rings with symbolism, I've been delighted to fill so many orders for wedding bands over the last few months.  I'm not sure if more people are getting married this year, but it certainly seems so, and it has been an honor to have so many couples choose our Classic Band to represent their commitment to love and to each other. This soft, thin, and slightly irregular band is extremely comfortable (important especially it seems for the men who have never before worn a ring at all!), and has a handmade feeling to it that sets it apart from the more traditional wedding bands we are used to seeing.  Of course, you don't have to get married to appreciate this versatile band.  We can make you one in any size, or color of gold, and as always, can engrave something special on it for you, as we have done with our poesy bands.

In addition to wrapping myself in these gorgeous silky Liberty prints to self soothe and keep my sanity, I've really been into tending the garden.  Have you heard of Kokedama?  It's remarkably easy, and deeply satisfying.  You can learn more about it here. I've got a little collection going, and I think I'll make some for friends too.  The process is incredibly therapeutic, and the end result is quite beautiful.

Of course after the garden, comes the kitchen.  What have you been making lately?  Please share.  At this point after so many months of daily cooking, I think we all need a little shared inspiration. Travel has always inspired my cooking, and while staying home has had its virtues, I desperately miss the inspiration of a good trip.

I especially miss Rome, one of the best food cities in the world.  Happily, our local farmer's market has had puntarelle on offer this year, so I can get my fix of cucina alla Romana here at home.  My dear neighbor hosted a lovely dinner party back in February, and served a puntarelle salad that was divine.  She then gave me one of the traditional tools used in the cleaning and preparation of puntarelle, which I learned how to use after watching this.  Finding the giant heads of Italian chicory at the market last Sunday was a treat, and reminded me of that wonderful evening spent with friends before the pandemic truly hit home. The salad is bright and crunchy, and perfect served with something hearty, like the lentil and sausage soup that I made the other night!  

Puntarelle alla Romana

One head of Puntarelle 

bowl of ice water

Peel off the outer leaves, and slice the hollow heads into thin matchsticks using a knife or a puntarelle cutter.  Soak in a bowl of ice water for at least an hour to remove bitterness.  I usually put the bowl in the refrigerator and sometimes leave it up to two days, which is also completely fine.

Drain well, and then dress lightly with a vinaigrette made with 4 anchovy filets, a tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and three tablespoons of the best extra virgin olive oil that you have.  Mash the anchovy well, and add a few grinds of fresh black pepper to taste.

I will admit to sometimes bringing a little bit of California to the table by adding slices of avocado.  While obviously not in keeping with the traditional recipe, is quite delicious.

Enjoy,