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.