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!