Hair style is full of action: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Renee on the Riviera

I wish the holiday weekend wasn't over so this is my way of extended it. I love these photos of model and muse Renee Perle by the famous photographer Jacques Henri Lartigue. So many fashion designers and other photographers were inspired by them and it's easy to see why. Those wide leg pants are perfection as is the lifestyle of lounging on the Riviera. Those were the days.

Jacques Henri Lartigue and Renee Perle

Photos by Jacques Henri Lartigue

Monday, May 30, 2011

Magical Maine: Part Deux

The other Maine cottage that I wish would be featured again belongs to Marina Rust Conner. It was built in 1899 by her great-great grandmother, Mrs. George Bird. When it appeared in Vogue, it looked a little more fussy and Victorian inside than Gwen McCaw's renovated house. It would be interesting to see if any changes have been made over the years. I've been to Maine many times and nothing beats that idyllic all-American feeling and slower pace. These two homes make me want to book another trip but only if I can find an equally appealing summer "cottage" in which to stay!

Photos by François Halard

Hotel Swimming Pool Ideas for Safety and Revenue

Hotel Swimming Pool

Hotels are often some of the best-designed locations we can visit. Sometimes they can be more than the worst. Many hotel and paid accommodation swimming pools cost a lot to maintain, and go under-utilized. A swimming pool can make or break how your customers feel about your hotel. Here are some useful ideas that will put any of your customers in a great mood, and turn your swimming pool area into a cash machine.

● Areas and Separation. It is always a good idea to separate types of people in your hotel swimming pool to make the most out of it. If you don’t have more than one pool, breaking it up is your solution. Families and other entertainment don’t always mix. Both are very important to your business. Allow different areas for different purposes when necessary.

● Entertainment Area. Hotels can make great money from holding smaller events. Some of the hotels I have visited in Dubai make huge money from regular ‘clubbing events’. These hotels are all 5 star, just in case you were wondering. And yes, they make a lot of money from more than weekly ‘dance’ styled parties. Having the features to incorporate a dance floor, stage and lighting, will certainly boost business. Look at sound reduction issues if they are necessary for your hotel. Outdoor pool related parties can be a huge money spinner for any hotel.

● Food and Beverage. More of an issue than what you will be selling, but consider how you will be selling it. Attractive and safe cutlery and glasses are available. It might look fancy to have classic items, but even a broken teapot can cut someone’s foot. Something that has happened to me, I might add.

● Lessons. Whether a guest is someone staying at your hotel, or someone who is living nearby, swimming lessons could mean a regular income from your swimming pool. We are all looking for assistance in the gym, and so why not apply this same strategy to your swimming pool?

● Bookings. Have you thought about booking out the whole pool and venue? This can be a huge money spinner for private and even corporate events.

● Surface Safety. There is nothing worse than plain old concrete. There are a range of modern options that give you a huge amount of grip, safety and that great look. Sandstone pavers naturally offer grip, longevity and a classic feel. The look of water and sandstone is just right. If you must go with concrete, you should think about the application of anti-slip coatings. You can choose your color, and you know your guests will be safe.

● Life Guards. Do you really want to risk something going wrong? Many hotels have signs and agreements that guests swim at their own risk. If something goes wrong, your hotel will be stuck with the reputation for years. It may turn a lot of people away from your hotel

Are you making the most out of your hotel’s swimming pool? If it is too much for you to handle internally, consider outsourcing management, and having a financial arrangement that guarantees you a minimum monthly return and additional profit share.

Magical Maine

Vogue.com posted a photo of this house in Maine in their Best Hostess Gift guide recently and it reminded me how much I love this house. Some of you might remember that it was published in the first issue of Vogue Living in 2006. The house known as Mitchell Cottage, was built in 1916 for Philadelphia businessman J. Kearsley Mitchell who had just married the daughter of a partner of J.P. Morgan. The house sat vacant for many years after Michell was involved in a murder scandal. What I didn't remember about the house was that Kirstie Alley and her then husband Parker Stevenson bought the house in 1991 and turned it into the Islesboro Inn. They also managed to hire the legendary retired decorator Sister Parish to help decorate it. It was later bought by Gwen and John McCaw who hired their friend from Los Angeles, interior designer Windsor Smith who simplified the house.

A photo of the house from Vogue by Arthur Elgort.

A look at the front of the house.

Gwen and her children on the lawn. The property also boats a three bedroom guesthouse, a swimming pool, classic clay tennis court, small boathouse, and deep water pier.

An old photo of the porch with the striped awnings.

Under Windsor Smith's guidance, the house because much cleaner but definitely not boring. In the Vogue article, the owner says, "because it's such an architecturally beautiful house, I felt I could decorate in a really clean way-that it didn't need too much. Of course, we also wanted everything machine-washable and kid-friendly."

The chairs are Sister Parish originals that were reupholstered.

The trellis walls are the pièce de résistance of the house and were originally restored by Sister Parish.

One of the girl's bedrooms.

One of Gwen's daughter's sitting on the Chloe Sofa designed by Windsor Smith.

The boy's bathroom is papered in marine blueprints.

Another old look at the house from Gilkey Harbor. I am really surprised that the house hasn't been photographed for any other publications. I'd really love to see the rest of the interior and grounds. There is nothing that says summer more to me than the relaxing magic of Maine.

Photos by Arthur Elgort for Vogue scanned in by moi

REBBECA BLACK PHOTO

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sailing Away

Over the years, I've come across many old photos of movie stars sailing their own small sail boats. These days, celebrities are more likely to be found aboard the mega-yachts of Russian oligarchs in St. Tropez than manning the helm. I suppose if I had the chance to experience such luxury, I'd take it too but there is also something about a beautiful old wooden boat that is the height of chicness. Hope you enjoy this look at many different types of sailing!