June Musings: Newport, The Hamptons, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy

Last weekend, I attended the Newport Flower Show as the guest of Bettie Bearden Pardee at Private Newport. As one of the The Salonnière 100, it is easy to see why Bettie is celebrated as one of the nation’s 100 best party hosts. There is nothing this amazing lady cannot do!  Whether coordinating beautifully orchestrated events, whipping up gourmet meals, gardening and arranging the most beautiful (and award winning) flowers, publishing books and a blog, Bettie is such an inspiration!  Bettie’s guest of honor was Iris Apfel, and it was a dream come true to meet this style icon.  I am so grateful to Bettie for arranging an enchanted weekend, which you can read all about here. To read my past posts on Bettie, click here, here, and here. And if you haven’t yet seen it, there is a wonderful documentary about Iris currently on Netflix.

If you are looking for a little light summer reading, I recommend Jackie’s Girl by Kathy McKeon. I read it on the plane to and from Newport this weekend… Written by Jackie Kennedy’s former personal assistant and occasional nanny, it includes personal anecdotes about Jackie along with life lessons Kathy learned from the glamorous first lady. And in case you missed it… Jackie’s childhood home is available for sale! You can take a tour here.

If you haven’t preordered Out East: Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons, you will want to do so ASAP. Out East was written by Jennifer Ash Rudick, who also wrote one of my all-time favorites, Palm Beach Chic. A few sneak peek images, by Tria Giovan, are below… Out East will be available in early July.

Mark your calendar because this September, Christie’s in London will offer personal items treasured by the legendary Audrey Hepburn. You can read more about it here. Audrey’s former Los Angeles home is also for sale. Designed by Paul William in 1938, the 7,000-square-foot Georgian has also been home to Eva Gabor, Mia Farrow, and David Niven.  Click here for more.

Earlier this month, I featured the New York townhouse of Bunny Mellon (who was a close personal friend of Jackie’s)… Her Oak Spring Farm estate in Upperville, Virginia is also incredible, and you can tour it here…

I am delighted to welcome my newest sponsor, Old World Reflections.  Fascinated with 18th century Europe, Joanna Ramondetta creates paintings and designs that are influenced by historical art, but suited for modern living. She is particularly inspired by French Neoclassical interiors and textiles, Early Renaissance gilt manuscripts, and Russian decorative arts of the 19th century. Through her love of art history, travel, and interior design, Old World Reflections was born. Joanna offers art, stationery, and accessories that celebrate the beauty and richness of the Old World. Please visit Old World Reflections to learn more.

Happy July!