Caroline Gidiere: Caroline. Hey, Paloma. It's so good to be together in person, especially on this amazing trip that we're on in England. ⁓ ⁓ recording in the King's Room at ⁓ Beaver Castle ⁓ England. And it has been a really amazing experience to be able to ⁓ all of these beautiful places and to spend the night in ⁓ such a storied castle. Hey, Paloma. It's so good to be together in person, especially on this amazing trip that we're on in England. are currently recording in the King's Room at ⁓ Beaver Castle in England. And it has been a really amazing experience to be able to view all of these beautiful places and to spend the night in ⁓ such a storied castle, you know, a place so rich in history. ⁓ my gosh, I know I'm over you know a place so rich in history. ⁓ my gosh, I know, I'm overwhelmed. It's really been... It's really been a lot more than anticipated. think all of us when ⁓ walked in this room and they taking us on a tour of the State Rooms. ⁓ They and who's Paloma? ⁓ And raised her hand. They said, well, this is where you'll be staying. It's like staying in museum. ⁓ I got tickled. I was like, what? ⁓ a lot more than anticipated, I think all of us. Definitely. ⁓ walked in this room and they taking us on a tour of the stay Rooms. ⁓ They and who's Paloma? ⁓ Paloma her hand. They said, well, this is where you've been staying. It's like staying in museum. No, it's crazy. So got so tickled. was like, what? Literally in the to day, it is a museum and the King's room suite is completely or suite is comprised of a dressing room, a bedroom, ⁓ a sitting room. So it's ⁓ grand and what's really special about where we are is that these three Rooms have original chinoiserie wallpaper dated to the 1700s ⁓ the whole purpose of this trip was a chinoiserie trip for you know people who appreciate chinoiserie and so to to see these original papers hanging in their original locations of a dressing room, a bedroom, and ⁓ a sitting room. So it's rather grand. And what's really special about where we are is that These three Rooms have original chinoiserie wallpaper dating to the 1700s. And the whole purpose of this trip was chinoiserie trip for people who appreciate chinoiserie in design. So to get to see these original papers hanging in their original location is incredible. But yes, I will say I was a little bit intimidated they were like, this is where Queen Victoria stayed. ⁓ then upon my research, apparently multiple kings and queens up until Elizabeth the Second. is incredible. yes, I will say I was a little bit intimidated when they were like, this is where Queen Victoria stayed. And then upon my research, apparently multiple kings and queens up until Elizabeth II have stayed here. So I'm not worthy, ⁓ yes, you are, girl. Yes, you are. If not you, who? mean, true. If not me, then who? Someone had to stay here. It's I mean, it truly is amazing. We're all a little dumbstruck. have stayed here so I'm not worthy but it's true if not me then who someone had to stay here it's I mean it truly is amazing we're all a little dumbstruck ⁓ ⁓ by staying in these Rooms. ⁓ Mine's a couple of doors down and it has original chinoiserie wallpaper, very much like the one that was in that I used, the Gracie wallpaper that I used in my Kips Bay room in Dallas. ⁓ by staying in these Rooms. ⁓ I have, a couple of doors down and it has original chinoiserie wallpaper, very much like the one that was in, ⁓ I use, the Gracie wallpaper that I used in my ⁓ room in Dallas. ⁓ And but it's just one room and it's pretty fabulous too. I mean, it's like, yeah. There are no bad Rooms. They're all so beautiful. We got to tour. I don't know, maybe like a dozen of the Rooms and they were all so special. mean, it's incredible to see the original furnishings and details and these incredible wallpapers and the original colorways for me are what are really so spectacular much more vibrant and in colors that aren't as popular today. ⁓ And but it's just one room and it's pretty fabulous too. It's beautiful. I mean, there are no bad Rooms. They're all so beautiful. We got to tour, don't know, maybe like a dozen of the Rooms ⁓ they were all so special. mean, it's incredible to see the original furnishings and details and ⁓ incredible wallpapers. And the original colorways for me are what are really so. spectacular. agree. Much more vibrant and colors that aren't as popular today. It's hard to tell if you're watching this on YouTube behind us. This looks like more of a muted green, but when this was originally hung hundreds of years ago, it would have been quite bright and bold. And what we found, I mean, you can really see it in the bedroom. I keep looking over there. ⁓ There's such a concentration of these rich. It's hard to tell if you're watching this on YouTube behind us. This looks like more of a muted green, but when this was originally hung hundreds of years ago, it would have been quite bright and bold. And what we found, I mean, you can really see it in the bedroom. keep looking over there. There's such a concentration of these rich red and pink hues, bright greens that would have been made with arsenic, which is crazy to think. then blues as well. think I may have already said blues. Yellow. Yellow was also. red and pink hues, bright greens that would have been made with arsenic, which is crazy to think. then ⁓ blues as well. think I may have already said blues. Yellow. Yellow was also a big color. And they were explaining, I think you see this, there's a nice contrast whenever you go to Colonial Williamsburg and compare the homes of the more wealthy and then the homes of the tradespeople that they have as well. The poorer people, the working stiffs just had white houses. There were no And they were explaining, I think you see this, there's a nice contrast whenever you go to Colonial Williamsburg and compare the homes of the more wealthy and then the homes of the trades people that they have as wells. The poorer people, the working stiffs just had white houses, there were no paints. And the wealthier you were, the more that you could afford color and the more concentrated the color, the more ⁓ greater the indicator of your wealth. paints and the wealthier you were the more that you could afford color and the more concentrated the color the more ⁓ greater the indicator of your wealth and so these wallpapers then also coming from China not only that and and the ⁓ world was hungry for anything Asian and had to wait forever I think they said seven years right papers to come over ⁓ So these wallpapers then also coming from China, not only that and the ⁓ world was hungry for anything Asian and had to wait forever. I think they said seven years for the wallpapers to come over, ⁓ but also that it would then be an additional demonstration of wealth. I think these castles, obviously in the whole world at the time, these guys were at the height. but also that it would then be an additional demonstration of wealth. I think these castles, obviously, in the whole world at the time, these guys were at the height, at the top of the packing. Absolutely. Yeah. Hearing the seven year lead time was crazy because, you know, we get some long lead times from time to time on these papers since they're hand painted. But I mean, now if we have the seven year context, it's a lot shorter than that. ⁓ at the top of the pecking order for sure. Yeah, hearing the seven year lead time was crazy because you know we we get some long lead times from time to time on these papers since they're hand painted. But I mean now if we have the seven year context, it's a lot shorter than that. So OK, that's great. Well, tell us what your good what your high and low have been this week. Goodness, well, I think my my high is easy. It's been on this amazing trip and being here with you. That's great. Well, tell us what your good what your high and low have been this week. Goodness. Well, I think my high is easy. It's been on this amazing trip and here with you and our good friends, Mark Sikes and Brian Huffman. ⁓ We've some new friends as well along the way that are in the group. And that's it's just so lovely being somewhere as incredible as this was such a rich history with so much visual inspiration stimulation. and with our good friends Mark Sikes and Brian Huffman. ⁓ We've made some new friends as well along the way that are in the group. And that's, it's just so lovely being somewhere as incredible as this was such a rich history with so much inspiration and stimulation, but then to also share it with people who also appreciate the same things. And then to have some of your close friends on the trip has been ⁓ super special. ⁓ I mean, the low, I guess my jet lag, haven't really but then to also share it with people who also appreciate the same things and then to have some of your close friends on the trip has been super, super special. I mean, the low, I guess my jet lag, I haven't really gotten a good night's sleep yet after what is this, fifth night, fourth night. I'm still hoping to get like a full night's rest, but other than that, I mean, I've been taking lots of bus naps as you know. Yeah. Yeah. gotten a good night's sleep yet after, what is this, our fifth night, fourth night? ⁓ I'm still hoping to get like a full night's rest, but other than that, I mean, I've been taking lots of bus naps, as you know. That's right. Paloma's head keeps, yeah, as we're dotting along. Well, my high is similar, but a little bit different, and that is I have had... Well, my high is similar but a little bit different and that is I have had more more deep belly laughs in the past five days than I think I've had in the past five years. My tickle box has gotten turned over so many times that I've gotten to where I can't stop laughing. I get so tickled at things. And that's got to be so good for your soul to have those moments. just, you know, I think as you get older, you have a hard time finding things that make you deep belly laughs in the past five days than I think I've had in the past five years. My tickle box has gotten turned over so many times that I've gotten to where I can't stop laughing. get so tickled at things. And that's got to be so good for your soul to have those moments. just, you know, I think as you get older, you have a hard time finding things that make you really get tickled like you do when you're in like seventh and eighth grade. really get tickled like you do when you're in like seventh and eighth grade. And I've had a lot of week, so it's been really great. And my bad week is ⁓ that ⁓ I've wanted for years a Victoria sandwich, as you know. I've never had one. watched the Great Britain British Baking Show for And I've had a lot of this this week, so it's been really great. And my bad week is ⁓ that ⁓ I've wanted for years a Victoria's sandwich. As you know. She's been on a quest. I've never had one. I watched the great British baking show. for, is it a decade? I don't know. It's been a really long time. open with a Victoria's sandwich. I've never had one. I've drooled over them and I've set as a mission, Mark Sikes has said, like sometime during this week, I'm going to have a delicious Victoria's sandwich. And I wanted the first one to be like delicious. And it was good. I think it was better than today's. It was better than today's for sure. But it was it a decade? I don't know. It's been a really long time and they open with the Victoria sandwich. I've never had one. I've drooled over them and I've set as a mission Mark Sikes ⁓ like sometime during this week I'm going to have a delicious Victoria sandwich and I wanted the first one to be like delicious ⁓ it was good. I think it was better than today's. It was better than today's for sure, but ⁓ wasn't What I know to be classic Victoria's sandwich as they describe it on the Great British Baking Show. What's missing? What's the differentiator? Here's a couple of things and that is one you want a whipped cream. Okay. A light whipped cream and in the ones that I've seen it's just all swirls on there fluffy and a nice preferably homemade jam, but you know, I'm not sure my palette would distinguish but not buttercream. what I know to be classic Victoria's sandwich as they describe it on the Great British Baking Show. What's missing? What's the difference? Okay, here are a couple of things. And that is one, you want a whipped cream, a light whipped cream. And the ones that I've seen is just all swirled on there, fluffy and a nice, homemade jam, but you know, I'm not sure my palate would distinguish, but not buttercream. You know, buttercream is very dense and usually, and then once it gets cold, it's even more dense. And then the sponge, I think, is supposed to be quite dry, but... Buttercream is very dense and usually, and then once it gets cold, it's even more dense. And then the sponge, I think, is supposed to be quite dry, but I think then it kind of soaks in the moisture from the whipping cream and the jam or what have you, and then it's sprinkled on the top. And so the ones that we had first had soaked up a lot. It was like they had been doused in. But I think then it kind of soaks in the moisture from the whipping cream and the jam. And it's sprinkled on the top. And so the ones that we had first had soaked up a lot. It was like they had been doused. It was very moist. Yeah, in a liquid. So I don't think, I think that was ⁓ a riff on a Victoria's sandwich. And some people call it Victoria's sponge. And then the one that we had today was kind of... Yeah, in a liquid. So I don't think, I think that was ⁓ a riff on a Victoria's sandwich and some people call it Victoria's sponge. And then the one that we had today was kind of, I mean, Very dry. Very dry. And buttercream. Yeah. Flavorful. Now, question, as you're describing this, I'm wondering, is the buttercream maybe... It was very dry, very dry. wasn't super flavorful. Now question, as you're describing this, I'm wondering is the buttercream maybe... ⁓ Riff that they do if they know they're not serving it right away like maybe because it's being served at tea later on that holds up butter but I mean I guess they could refrigerate a cake with whipping cream and that would be That's probably why the one we ate today was dried out because it's been refrigerated. Yeah, maybe yeah. Yeah, you're right refrigerator because there's nothing that will dry cake out faster than in the refrigerator ⁓ So, I don't know. Maybe I'll have to go someplace that miss Riff that they do if they know they're not serving it right away sure maybe because it's being served at tea later on Yeah, hold up butter. I mean, guess they could refrigerate a cake with whipping cream You can and that but you're not supposed to that will that's probably why the one we ate today was dried out because it's been refrigerated made earlier and Refrigerated because there's nothing that'll dry cake out faster than putting it in the refrigerator ⁓ So I don't know, maybe I'll have to go someplace. miss my opportunity at Claridge's back in London, but I need to find someplace, some jolly little tea spot that has, we haven't had a lot of time on our own yet. We are gonna find you that Victoria's Haven't found it yet. I'm determined. Yes. Well I would say all in all, it's been a good week. ⁓ my gosh, it's been great. It's been great, and we still have several days left. Yes. opportunity at Claridge's back in London but I need to find someplace some jolly little tea spot that has we haven't had a lot of time no we are gonna find you that Victoria's sandwich I'm determined well I would say all in all it's been a good week if those are our complaints yes Exciting. Well, the Met Gala just happened. Oh, yes. Oh, yeah. We were all going to come stay up and. Well, ⁓ the Met Gala just happened. ⁓ yes. ⁓ yeah. We ⁓ were all going to kind of stay up and scroll that and ⁓ I don't think anybody did. Like the first, it took forever for those first looks to come in and I was really kind of unimpressed. So I just went straight on to sleep. With the time difference it wasn't worth staying up. Yeah. I mean, in general, it's interesting. scroll that and I don't think anybody did. Like the first, it took forever for those first looks to come in and I was really kind of unimpressed. So I just went straight on. With the time difference, it wasn't worth staying up. I mean, in general, it's interesting. I'm always kind of trying to pull back and look macro, like what's going on in the world and what's happening in fashion is just one. I'm always kind of trying to pull back and look macro, like what's going on in the world and what's happening in fashion is just one indicator of kind of where the general population is and everything. And I was really bored with it all. And is that me or was the fashion really kind of boring? Like by and large, I didn't hate anybody's look, but basically everything I said. ⁓ indicator of kind of where the general population is and everything. was really bored with it all. Is that me or was the fashion really kind of boring? By and large, I didn't hate anybody's look, but basically everything I said looked pretty basic to me as far as Met Gala. Right, right. Yeah, I wasn't blown away by anything, but if you asked me to pick a favorite, I could come up with two or three that I thought were tasteful and that worked with the theme. looked pretty basic to me as far as Met Gala. Right, right. Yeah, I wasn't blown away by anything, but if you asked me to pick a favorite, I could come up with two or three that I needed, you that I thought were tasteful and that works with the theme. I know that that's sort of a debate. We talked about it ⁓ with Mark and it sounds like he doesn't care so much if he doesn't think it's necessary to dress on theme, but I feel like that's kind of part of the fun and of a debate. talked about it ⁓ with Mark and it sounds like he doesn't care so much if he doesn't think it's necessary to dress on theme but I feel like that's kind of part of the fun and you you don't want to ignore it completely and I feel like there were some people who showed up and they were just like in a tasteful dress and it's not really giving Met Gala it's like any other benefit. You can show up in a tasteful dress at the Met Gala if you are going to wow me with it if I'm gonna be like ⁓ my god. You don't want to ignore it completely. And I feel like there were some people who showed up and they were just like in a tasteful dress and it's not really giving Met Gala. It's like any other You can show up in a tasteful dress at the Met Gala if you are going to wow me with it. If I'm going to be like, ⁓ my gosh. That is fine. You do not have to be on theme. But if your dress is not jaw dropping, then it needs to be Right. That is fine. You do not have to be on theme. But if your dress is not jaw dropping, then it needs to be quirky on theme. Well, and I also think there's a differentiator between being on theme and being in costume. So you don't have to be Madonna interpreting that painting with like people carrying her four trains and a ship on her head. You know, you could still be on theme like, ⁓ who did I really like? The British girl. quirky on theme. Well, I also think there's a differentiator between being on theme and being in costume. Sure. So you don't have to be Madonna interpreting that painting with like people carrying her four trains and a ship on her head. You know, you could still be on theme like, ⁓ who did I really like? The British girl in the Dior dress that was like the water nymphs. in the Dior dress that was like the water nymphs, the Clymonex, what's her name? can't think of her name. Yes, like I thought that was beautiful. And then the lotus here and that gorgeous color. was just a very simple dress. It's all about the accessories. And it was a really beautiful and chic interpretation of an iconic painting. Like that's great, you know? Yes. Oh, With this cycladin on her. Yes. I thought that was beautiful. And then the lotus here. All of that. Gorgeous color. was a very simple dress. It's all about the accessories. And it was a really beautiful and chic interpretation of an iconic painting. Right. Like, that's know? Yes. And, you know, it doesn't have to be literal. I liked the interpre- I liked the people who went for an interpretation. Those are not my favorite dresses, but I really appreciate You know, it doesn't have to be literal. I liked the people who went for an interpretation. Those are not my favorite dresses, but I really appreciated it. Like Kylie and Kendall. Like Nike of Samarthrace and the Greek sculptures. Those were beautiful interpretations. You can say what you will, you But they, you know, we were looking at some paintings today too that were from the 16th like Kylie and Kendall, like Nike of Samarith race and the Greek sculptures. Those were beautiful interpretations. You can say what you will, but they, we were looking at some paintings today too. that were from the 16, 17, 1800s that were fairly risque. I saw that with the woman with her exposed bosom. Yeah, in the sitting room. And it's like, you know, I feel like every generation is shocked by, you know, provocativeness or whatever, you know, like everybody. And yet we do it over and over and over again. So I don't know. 1700s, 1700s, 1800s that were fairly risque. I saw that with the woman with the exposed bosom. Yeah, in the sitting room. it's like, you know, I feel like every generation is shocked by, you know, it's, ⁓ it's provocativeness or whatever, like everybody. And yet we do it over and over and over again. I don't know. Those were not my favorites. I had a couple of favorites, but besides the green ones, what were your other ones? I also thought, it was also kind of an interpretation of artwork. Rosé, the K-pop singer, was wearing a beautiful Saint Laurent Those were not my favorites. I had a couple of favors, but besides the green ones, what were your other ones? ⁓ I also thought It was also kind of an interpretation of artwork ⁓ Rosé the k-pop singer was wearing a beautiful Saint Laurent ⁓ black gown Strapless and shit the waist and it had this beautiful like jewel encrusted bird and it was very reminiscent of the birds that he depicted ⁓ black gown, sort of strapless and shit the waist. And it had this beautiful jewel encrusted bird. And it was very reminiscent of the birds that he depicted in his work often over the years. So I thought that was really chic, really appropriate. I feel like if you're going to the Met Gala, and especially with this theme, you have to know a little bit of art history. And you should, you should know it and you should make ⁓ a sort of nod to something. So I really like that. in his work often over the years. So I thought that was like really chic, really appropriate. feel like if you're going to the Met Gala and especially with this theme, you have to know a little bit of art history. And you should, you should know it and you should make a sort of nod to something. So I really liked that. And then I thought Julianne Moore looked beautiful in her. Gorgeous, always. That John Seager Sergeant painting. That to me was a much more successful interpretation than And I thought Julianne Moore looked beautiful in her interpretation of that John Singer Sargent painting. That to me was a much more successful interpretation than Lauren Sanchez Bezos's. And I think she thought she really did something there being like, I'm Mrs. X, I'm in on the joke. I'm gonna be provocative. I already know that I'm pushing your boundaries. But it just fell flat for me. something about it just, I hate to say it, but it just... Lauren Sanchez Bezos's and I think she thought she really did something there being like, I'm Mrs. X, I'm in on the joke. I'm gonna be provocative. I already know that I'm pushing your boundaries, but it just fell flat for me and something about it just, I hate to say it, but it just looked a little cheap. Yeah, I would agree, 100%. looked a little cheap. Yeah, I would agree 100%. What about you? What were your favorites? all we really need to say about that. think it's self evident. Okay, my favorites were not really on theme, even though I was all gung ho about this theme. I think that's all we really need to say about that. think it's self-evident. Yeah. Okay. My favorites were, ⁓ we're not really on theme, even though I was all gung-ho about this theme. But I am, I'm like, I am a student of Kate Moss from... I am a student of Kate Moss from, not really from the jump, when she was the waif in the Calvin Klein ads, I really wasn't here for it, but when she really came into her own, when she was going out there to, what's the festival outside of London where the Gloucester and Berry. Gloucester and Berry and dating the rock star and smoking a cigarette on the street, all of that, everything she wore, everything she did, I tried Not really from the jump. When she was the waif in the Calvin Klein ads, I really wasn't here for it. But when she really came into her own, when she was going out there to, what's the festival outside of London wearing the wellies? Glastonbury. Glastonbury and dating the rock star and smoking a cigarette on the street, all of that. Everything she wore, everything she did, I tried to emulate in some way. My hair got really super blonde and all of that. to emulate in some way and my hair got really super blonde and all of that. And you know, as happens in their 40s, so many women kind of up until now have ⁓ had to suffer the indignity of losing their beauty and much the judgment of the rest of the world of whatever you want to think about that and whichever way you want to go. I feel about that. And you know, as happens in their 40s, so many women kind of up until now have ⁓ had to suffer the indignity of losing their beauty and ⁓ much the judgment of the rest of the world and whatever you want to think about that and whichever way you want to go. I feel about that like I feel about breastfeeding. You do you honey. Make yourself comfortable. Like do this life the way that you feel comfortable. And if you want to do it, do it. And if you think people shouldn't do it, then definitely don't feel forced to do it. I feel about breastfeeding, you do you honey. Make yourself comfortable, like do this life the way that you feel comfortable. And if you wanna do it, do it. And if you think people shouldn't do it, then definitely don't feel forced to do it. Okay, and then as a culture, whatever. But I do, I don't know if it's a real shortcoming and I'm a really shallow and small person. But seeing her kind of come back into her own, and she looked up. Okay, and then as a culture, whatever. But I do, I don't know if it's a real shortcoming and I'm a really shallow and small person, but seeing her kind of come back into her own, and she looked amazing. Absolutely incredible. She's got that body back, the face was snatched, the dress was fabulous. She was giving. She looked incredible absolutely incredible. She's got that body back the face was snatched the dress was fabulous. She was giving 50 year old fabulousness because she was covered but revealing right God, I loved it. I was just got so excited when I saw her and then the chick the model ⁓ Alexandra consani 50 year old fabulousness because she was covered but revealing. God, I loved it. I was just got so excited when I saw her. And then ⁓ the chick, the model ⁓ Alexandra Consani. And she was in Demna, I think it was Balenciaga, the white coat. And she really gave us our only really good reveal of the evening. I love a good reveal on the... ⁓ And she was in Demna, I think it was Balenciaga. Yes, that was incredible. The reveal. And she really gave us our only really good reveal. Yeah. Yeah. I love a good reveal. I mean, there's no better opportunity than on the Met Carpet. What are you doing if you're not revealing something? So I really love that. I thought that was great. The feathers coming up and the white coat was just incredible. And to that point, Kylie Jenner had on a gorgeous coat into I mean there's no better opportunity than on the Met Carpet. What are you doing if you're not revealing something? ⁓ So I really love that. I thought that was great. The feathers coming up and the white coat was just incredible. And to that point Kylie Jenner had on a gorgeous coat into ⁓ her ⁓ Mercedes coming out of I think the Mark Hotel or either the Mark or the Carlisle. her ⁓ Mercedes coming out of, think the Mark Hotel or either the Mark of the Carlisle, which was fabulous. And we didn't see it on the carpet. And that was the best part. I thought the coat was beautiful. It had some stunning embroidery on it. But then her interpretation of that sort of Greek statue situation, I thought wasn't as good as Kylie's. Sorry, Kendall's. I thought Kendall's was better. Kylie's was again, like a little over sexualized. which was fabulous and we didn't see it on the carpet. And that was the best part. I thought the coat was beautiful. had some stunning embroidery on it. then her interpretation of that sort of Greek statue situation, I thought wasn't as good as Kyles. Yeah, no, it wasn't. Kendall's. Yeah, as Kendall's. I Kendall's was better. Kyles was, again, a little over sexualized. Yes. But she was in What's His Name? Yes, but she was in, what's his name? Oh, Shaparelli, the guy for Shaparelli. She's his darling and... Texas. Oh, is he? He's so talented. But he does like to provoke sexually. And so they're a good partner, know? She's got the body, yada yada. Yes, she does. But Kendall does too. And I loved her big wings. But then I'm trying to think of who was after that. I can't remember now. I had a third. Oh, Shaparelli. Oh, yes. She's his darling. He's from Texas. He is from Texas. So talented. But he does like to provoke sexually. And so they're good partners. for sure. She's got the body. Yes, she does. But Kendall does too. And I loved her big wings. then I'm trying to think of who was after that. I can't remember now. I had a third. ⁓ that I loved a lot, but those two are my tops. Fabulous. Those are good ones. Yeah, but other than that, I mean there wasn't like a ton... ⁓ that I loved a lot, but those two are my tops. Fabulous. Other than that, I mean, there wasn't like a ton that, ⁓ but I feel like that's kind of the case on red carpets lately too. Award shows, you know, it takes a lot for people to be dazzled, but. ⁓ But I feel like that's kind of the case on red carpets lately too. Award shows, you know, it takes a lot for people to be dazzled. you know, it's sort of like the chicken and the egg, what came first. Like are we just so oversaturated with images that it's less exciting now because we're so used to seeing the live stream and the feed and all of those things. Whereas before, you know, we didn't have this immediate access and we did get excited when we finally saw it or it was live on television. You know, it's sort of like the chicken and the egg, what came first? Are we just so over saturated with images that it's less exciting now because we're so used to seeing the live stream and the feed and all of those things. before, you know, we didn't have as immediate access and we did get excited when we finally saw it or it was live on television. I feel like life was being filmed at a certain speed and you had a moment to appreciate the I feel like... Life was being filmed at a certain speed and you had a moment to appreciate the images but it's almost like moving film now. It's like the images are moving so quickly that you can't really get an impression of what it actually looks like and I feel that same way about fashion and it is perhaps that everybody feels this way about fashion in the moment like what really is the style, what will define the style of this decade and we but it's almost like moving film now. It's like the images are moving so quickly that you can't really get an impression of what it actually looks like. And I feel that same way about fashion and it is perhaps that everybody feels this way about fashion in the moment, like what really is the style, what will define the style of this decade and we have to maybe look back ⁓ with a... have to maybe look back ⁓ with a backwards lens as opposed to feeling it in the moment I can't get a handle on really what the vibe is right now except that it's always changing and it's outside of Dior and Jonathan Anderson ⁓ in all of his details and Matthew ⁓ Blazey Chanel ⁓ backwards lens as opposed to feeling it in the moment, but I can't get a handle on really what the vibe is right now except that it's always changing and it's not outside of Dior and Jonathan Anderson and in all of his details and ⁓ Matthew Laze for Chanel, I just don't feel like there's anybody who's doing anything that really is moving the needle. I just don't feel like there's anybody who's doing anything that really is moving the needle. Right. Yeah, it's interesting to think that way because I feel like retrospectively every decade kind of had a defining look or aesthetic. Surely, you know, of course, if you drill down, there's more beyond that, but an overarching kind of aesthetic for the decade. I don't know exactly what the 2020s will be. When we look at the trends, mean, like usually you can spot a trend and one that's Yeah, it's interesting to think that way ⁓ because I feel like retrospectively every decade kind of had a defining look or aesthetic. Surely, you know, of course, if you drill down, there's more beyond that, but an overarching kind of aesthetic for the decade. don't know exactly what the 2020s will be. When we look at the trends, mean, like usually you can spot a trend and one that's pesky and persistent and is not going away will end up being the theme. And the only things that are pesky and persistent pesky and persistent and is not going away will end up being the theme. And the only things that are pesky and persistent are is this fall into extreme casualness. And will that be it? I mean, that just doesn't seem like much, It's not very inspiring. I hope not. Something better has to come along. Right. Well, I'm waiting for it. I am waiting for it. or is this fall into extreme casualness? And will that be it? I mean that just doesn't seem like much, but maybe. not very inspiring. I hope not. Something better has to come along. Right. Well I'm waiting for it. I am waiting for it. All right, so we have a few more hot takes. We did some hot takes recently and got a lot of feedback and it's obviously fun to have strong opinions one way or the other about something. So ⁓ let's get into it. What items do you think belong on a set of bookshelves and how do you make it look chic and interesting? Because I think we've all walked into houses and we've seen all kinds of things on shelves that weren't necessarily books. How do you like to style yours? With books. Yeah. All right. So we have a few more hot takes. We did some hot takes recently and got a lot of feedback. And it's obviously fun to have strong opinions one way or the other about something. So ⁓ let's get into it. What items do you think belong on a set of bookshelves and how do you make it look chic and interesting? Because I think we've all walked into houses and we've seen all kinds of things on shelves that weren't necessarily books. How do you like to style yours? With books. Yeah. Period. Exactly. ⁓ Occasionally a box. I'm not one of the people. Now if there's shelving that is in a ⁓ entertaining area, I think that's something different. Then you can have like plates or bowls or serving pieces or things like that. ⁓ But even that I think can get a little tedious. So you have to be selective in how you present those. But for the most part, just like we've seen in all these libraries in these castles, I encourage my clients Now, if there's shelving that is in a ⁓ entertaining area, I think that's something different. Then you can have like plates or bowls or serving pieces or things like that. But even that I think can get a little tedious. So you have to be selective in how you present those. But for the most part, just like we've seen in all these libraries in these castles, I encourage my clients with their bookshelves to fill them with books. I don't know of anything that looks more beautiful clients with their bookshelves to fill them with books. I don't know of anything that looks more beautiful than books on a bookshelf. And when you get too many tchotchkes in there, I just... than books on a bookshelf. when you get too many tchotchkes in there, it just feels like a tchotchke shop ⁓ me. The eye can't land, it's too busy, I don't like it. I really love old books, like the ones that we've seen, those are hard to come by. ⁓ ⁓ of that, like in my den, ⁓ mine are all just hard bound books, ⁓ and none of them are fine. ⁓ It just feels like a tachiki shop to me and it, I can't land, it's too busy, I don't like it. And I really love old books like the ones that we've seen, those are hard to come by. But I do, shy of that, like in my den, ⁓ mine are all just hard bound books and none of them are fine. ⁓ In the den area, and that's a great place for more casual books, but like my whole in the den area and that's a great place for more casual books, but like my whole coffee table book collection and all the novels we've ever read go on the walls and you can go to libraries often have sales particularly now as some of them are downsizing. You can get if you check with your local public library, they will have a book sale where you can just buy boxes and boxes of books. Yes, and things like that. You can go to estate sales. They're always coffee table book collection and all the novels we've ever read go on the walls. And you can go to libraries often have sales, particularly now as some of them are downsizing. You can get, if you check with your local public library, they will have a book sale where you can just buy boxes and boxes of books and things like that. You can go to estate sales. They're always just boxes ⁓ because particularly, just boxes ⁓ because particularly with an estate with an older person they did collect books. Like the young and stoned boys too. So it's a great place to go and collect filler books when somebody's having an estate sale. So I've been successful with that. That's a great tip. Really try to limit the tchotchkes. Yeah I don't love a tchotchke but I will fill in especially if you have a really large bank of shelves. I'll lean a piece of art you know we'll bring with an estate, with an older person, they did collect books. Like the youngins don't always do. So it's a great place to go and collect filler books when somebody's having an estate sale. So I've been successful with that. I just really try to limit the tchotchkes. Yeah, I don't love a tchotchke, but I will fill in, especially if you have a really large bank of shelves. I'll lean a piece of art. We'll bring in some framed family photos. and some framed family photos, piece of pottery is okay, but you have to be judicious in edit and it has to be balanced and the bulk of it should be books. Bookshelves are for books. There's nothing worse than walking into a house and it's usually something that's been staged for real estate and it's nothing but random decor, obj and like. piece of pottery is okay, but you have to be judicious in edit and it has to be balanced and the bulk of it should be books. Bookshelves are for books. There's nothing worse than walking into a house and it's usually like something that's been staged for real estate and it's nothing but like random decor, obj and like boxes and faces and bowls from home goods. Like it just looks ridiculous to have so many random things. boxes and vases and bowls from home goods. Like it just looks ridiculous to have so many random things and not a book in sight. And something else that I can't get on board with is when you turn them on their spine and it's like too many times you've done that. It's like you can over do it. It's like you can overdo anything when you have a stack of three books and then a stack of three books. you have to. Yeah. It's just you know like and not a book in sight. And something else that I can't get on board with is when you turn them on their spine and it's like too many times you've done that. It's like you can over do it. It's like you can overdo anything when you have a stack of three books and then a stack of three books and a stack of three books. It's just you know like You can do that a couple of times but after it's just so kind of I don't know I just rather have the books. Yeah it takes a lot of finesse I think or you just have to be super straightforward with it and just have books. Okay what about mixing metals? How do you feel about mixing metals in a space? can do that a couple of times, after it's just so kind of, I don't know. have to be, yeah. takes a lot of finesse, I think, or you just have to be super straightforward with it and just have books. Okay, what about mixing metals? How do you feel about mixing metals in a space? ⁓ I'm down with it. I think particularly in a kitchen, I would say this, I'm slow to come around to the brass in the kitchen trend, which I think has probably been around for a decade or more. I know when I built my house, it was not because I wanted to put brass in my bar. I'm down with it. I think particularly in a kitchen, ⁓ I will say this, I'm slow to come around to the brass in the kitchen trend, which I think has probably been around for a decade or more. But, ⁓ I know when I built my house, it was not because I wanted to put brass in my bar and I had to buy the floor model because there was not up the sink and the faucet because there was nobody that was making brass at that time. If you can believe that, that was 17 years ago. Okay. and I had to buy the floor model because there was not up the sink and the faucet because there was nobody that was making brass at the time. If you can believe that, that was 17 years ago. So this trend has really come into its own since then, probably from makers like Plain English and Deval that have really advanced. And they're using hardware much like I bought from Whitechapel to go on my bar. ⁓ So this trend has really come into its own since then, probably from makers like Plain English and Deval that have really advanced. And they're using hardware much like I bought from Whitechapel to go on my bar. ⁓ That's a lot more accessible. But like I'm working on a kitchen right now and we do have like a stainless steel stove with brass fittings on it. And that's a great place to marry the two in one place. that's a lot more accessible, but like I'm working on a kitchen right now and we do have like a stainless steel stove with brass fittings on it and that's a great place to marry the two in one place and then you can kind of branch out from there. So the hardware is ⁓ then brass and there's some silver tone in there, but the thing about a brass faucet is it's very hard to clean. and then you can kind of branch out from there. So the hardware is ⁓ then brass and there's some silver tone in there, but the thing about a brass faucet is it's very hard to clean. It's really difficult to live with. So what we do in kitchens, we mix metals often. I do think it's important to... really difficult to live with. what we do in kitchens, we mix metals often. I do think it's important to choose the finish for each category and like maybe there's one thing that's different. So it wouldn't be unusual for me to put in polished nickel plumbing fixtures in a kitchen because they have a beautiful warm undertone, they're timeless, they work well with brass. choose the finish for each category and like maybe there's one thing that's different. So it wouldn't be unusual for me to put in polished nickel plumbing fixtures in a kitchen because they have a beautiful warm undertone. They're timeless. They work well with brass, but they're much easier to live with. You're not going to have water spots like you would on an un-lacquered brass faucet. And then maybe we do un-lacquered brass on our cabinet hardware and our lighting has un-lacquered brass. But I wouldn't mix it up too but they're much easier to live with. You're not gonna have water spots like you would on an un-lacquered brass faucet. And then maybe we do un-lacquered brass on our cabinet hardware and our lighting has un-lacquered brass. But I wouldn't mix it up too much. I feel like it has to feel mostly consistent and there's like one thing that is slightly different but still ⁓ complimentary of the other finishes in the space. But. I feel like it has to feel mostly consistent and there's like one thing that is slightly different but still ⁓ complimentary of the other finishes in the space. I don't know, kind of, ⁓ I'm coming back around to this notion that the kitchen should be more of a kitchen and not an entertaining space. I know that's a really hot take. But I'm kind of feeling that vibe, like I'm leaning more into let's not have this as our primary entertaining place and let's, and I'll tell you another hot take. I love a chrome faucet in the kitchen. All of mine in my kitchen are chrome. to this notion that the kitchen should be more of a kitchen and not an entertaining space. I know that's a really hot take. But I'm kind of feeling that vibe, like I'm leaning more into let's not have this as our primary entertaining place. And I'll tell you another hot take. I love a chrome faucet in the kitchen. ⁓ Mine, all of mine in my kitchen are chrome. They are not polished nickel. Everything else in my bathrooms are all polished nickel. Door handles, cabinet, hardware and all that kind of stuff. But ⁓ in the kitchen, I chrome. Interesting. I'm coming around to chrome. For a long time, I was very averse to it. I don't love that blue undertone in it. And when we bought our house, we updated pretty much every surface. Everything else in my bathrooms are all polished nickel and the door handles and cabinet ⁓ hardware and all that kind of stuff. But ⁓ in the kitchen I have chrome. Interesting. I'm coming around to chrome. For a long time I was very averse to it. I don't love that blue undertone in it. And when we bought our house... we updated pretty much every surface. There wasn't anything that we didn't change. We didn't have to move walls, but we changed every countertop, tile, plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, lighting, like paint, all the things throughout the house. But then I stopped at the master bathroom because it had been remodeled recently and it was tasteful. And I liked the fixtures, but they happen to be chrome. And I just, was like, I don't love chrome. don't love chrome. But you know what? We haven't, there wasn't anything that we didn't change. didn't have to move walls, but we changed every countertop, tile, plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, lighting, like paint, all the things throughout the house. But then I stopped at the master bathroom because it had been remodeled recently and it was tasteful. And I liked the fixtures, but they happened to be chrome. And I just, was like, I don't love chrome. I don't love chrome. But you know what? We haven't gotten around to renovating it and I've come around to it. I like it. gotten around to renovating it and I've come around to it. I like it. well the thing, the reason I did chrome in the kitchen is because my experience with polished nickel is that it cannot take the 409. Well no, you don't want to do that on a living finish at all. Right. Yeah. Okay. And I need it to be clean and I need to be able to like clean it all down. So I mean you just got to kind of know yourself. So So I think it can be fine. The reason I did chrome in the kitchen is because my experience with polished nickel is that it cannot take the 409. Well no, you don't want to do that on a living finish at all. Right. Yeah. Okay. And I need it to be clean and I need to be able to clean it all down. So I mean, you just got to kind of know yourself. Yeah, exactly. I don't think you would ever want I have stainless steel calendar tops and then I have brushed nickel hardware in my kitchen. So all three of those are coming together. It didn't strike me that that that they wouldn't work together. But I'm just a little bit I don't think you would ever, I have stainless steel kalinor top and then I have brushed nickel hardware in my kitchen. So all three of those are coming together. didn't strike me that they wouldn't work together, but I'm just a little bit more of a pragmatist when it comes to the kitchen. I can lean in harder on the beauty in other places, but I want to be able to really ⁓ kill the germs in the kitchen. of a pragmatist when it comes to the kitchen. I can lean in harder on the beauty in other places, but I want to be able to really kill the germs in the kitchen. Yeah, I'm with you on that for sure. Okay, so recently, I mean not recently, like the last 10 years, everyone has wanted French white oak on floors, on millwork. I feel like ⁓ Okay, so recently, I mean not recently, like the last 10 years, everyone has wanted French White Oak on floors, on millwork. I feel like... It's past its peak at this point. What do we see? Do you still like it? Do you use that? What do you see as ⁓ the next wood finish that people should be looking towards? Well, I've never veered away from just a classic dark wood. And I often tell my clients this very thing. It's past its peak at this point. What do we see? Do you still like it? Do you use that? What do you see as the next wood finish that people should be looking towards? Well, I've never veered away from just a classic dark wood. And I often tell my clients this very thing. The last thing you want to do is come back in and restain these floors. If you're going to live in this house any time, the hardest thing to do, the most disruptive thing that you can do, much more than painting, putting a new roof on, putting in a pool, it's taking all the furniture out of the whole house, sanding the floors down and changing the stain. So you're much better off with going with something that's more neutral. And in this case, I see a medium to dark stain as a neutral. It's something that does not speak to a The last thing you wanna do is come back in and restain these floors. If you're gonna live in this house anytime, the hardest thing to do, the most disruptive thing that you can do, much more than painting, putting a new roof on, putting in a pool, it's... taking all the furniture out in the whole house, sanding the floors down and changing the stain. So you're much better off with going with something that's more neutral. And in this case, I see a medium to dark stain as a neutral. It's something that does not speak to a moment in time. So that it's neither in style or out of style. And it's a warm classic compliment. don't, don't. in time. Right. So that it's neither in style or out of style. It's just classic. Classic compliment and don't never lean in on a trend unless it is a second home. Right. Okay if you're in a second home, the door is wide open. Do whatever you want to. You can be a lot more playful in areas like that but if it's your main home I say keep it classic. Absolutely. That's a great great tip. Okay Never lean in on a trend unless it is a second home. Right. Okay. If you're in a second home, the door is wide open. Do it, whatever you want to. You can be a lot more playful in areas like that, but if it's your main home, I say keep it classic. Absolutely. That's a great, great tip. ⁓ okay. Let's see. How do you feel about tapestries as art? Well, Let's see, how do you feel about tapestries as art? Well, I mean, I've always loved them. They're always a hard sell with my clients. I have two different clients primarily that were doing tapestries. One of them is actually on this trip with me, us, know. Pulling them a note, sorry. Delightful and... I mean, I've always loved them. They're always a hard sell with my clients. I have two different clients, ⁓ primarily that were doing ⁓ tapestries. And one of them is actually on the strip with me, with us, you know, ⁓ Pulema knows her, delightful. ⁓ when I pitched a tapestry, she had the same reaction that my other client that I'm currently working with did. And that was kind of like, I'm not sure. When I pitched a tapestry, she had the same reaction that my other client that I'm currently working with did, and that was kind of like... And I get it, I understand. But when you come into these places and you see these beautiful tapestries that are so gorgeous. The colors. The combinations of blues and grays and tans and chocolate browns and all of this. I just get so taken with them. They're beautiful. find them so beautiful. And both times the clients have gone away, done independent research into it and come back and said, you know what, I think I do like that. Okay. And I'm glad. And I get it, I understand. But when you come into these places and you see these beautiful tapestries, they are so gorgeous. The colors, and the combinations of blues and grays and tans and chocolate browns and all of this, I just get so taken with them. just find them so beautiful. And both times, the clients have gone away, done independent research into it and come back and said, you know what, I think I do like that. And I'm glad because I really love them. I really love them, but I don't have one in my house. I would love to. I don't either. it a perfect place for one, but I don't have one yet. Today when we were at Houghton Hall, I was so struck by that beautiful green bedroom. I thought it was so cool the way that they planned those tapestries for the corners. It was a room with four walls, of course, and they had these massive tapestries that told a story. There were four of them. I don't have one in my house. would love to. I have a perfect place for one, I don't have one yet. ⁓ Today when we were at Houghton Hall, I was so struck by that beautiful green bedroom. I thought it was so cool the way that planned those tapestries for the corners. It was a room with four walls, of course, and they had these massive tapestries that told a story. There were four of them and one hung in each corner and it was, you know, divided in the middle. would wrap around one wall and then to the next one into the corner. and one hung in each corner and it was divided in the middle. I would wrap around one wall and then to the next one into the corner, perfectly taut. It was such a beautiful installation. I thought it was so impactful. gorgeous. Erin, what better way in these chilly, moist, damp... perfectly taught. was such a beautiful installation. thought it was so impactful. gorgeous. And what better way in these chilly, moist, damp, stone-walled castles to warm it up and putting the tapps. I mean, I think that's what they used to do to keep the castles, like the tapestry, the tapas du bayou and all of those. Those were created really to keep these... stone walled castles to warm it up and putting the tatham. I mean I think that's what they used to do to keep the castles like the tapestry, the tapas du bayou and all of those. Those were created really to keep these cold stone castles warm. Not on the floor but on the walls. Right exactly yeah. Okay one other question for you here. We have to go we have our big we are dressed up for our black tie dinner tonight in Beaver Castle. Yes cold stone castles warm. Not on the floor, but on the walls. ⁓ Okay, one other question for you here. Before we have to go, have our big, we are dressed up for our black tie dinner tonight in Beaver Castle and they're calling for us. Calling for us for cocktails. ⁓ One last question. What skill do you not possess that you wish you had? Skill? ⁓ And they're calling for us. Calling for us for cocktails. So one last question. What skill do you not possess that you wish you had? Skill. ⁓ Skill. Well, ⁓ I really feel like my life would be easier if I was a really quick whiz at social media. ⁓ Like if I could just whip it out. If I could just pull up TikTok or Instagram and create a reel that was really super fabulous and on point without wasting six to eight hours of my day. You can hire someone for that. I know. ⁓ feel like my life would be easier if I was a really quick whiz at social media. ⁓ Like if I could just whip it out, if I could just pull up TikTok or Instagram and create a reel that was really super fabulous and on point without wasting six to eight hours of my day. You can hire someone for that. I I know, but I'm a control freak I got it, I got it, I got it. It took me a long time to give that up and like hand over the reins, but I'm glad that I I know, but I'm a control freak too. I get it. It took me a long time to give that up and like hand over the reins. How about you? Mine is a much less practical skill. Okay. I love music and I feel so moved and motivated and inspired by music all the time. Yeah. I feel it so deeply and I love so much, so many different types of music. I wish I could sing because I just enjoy singing. Nobody enjoys hearing me sing, but I enjoy singing. I enjoy music. ⁓ Mine is a much less practical skill. I love music and I feel so moved and motivated and inspired by music all the time. ⁓ I feel it so deeply and I love so many different types of music. I wish I could sing because I just enjoy singing. Nobody enjoys hearing me sing, but I enjoy singing. I enjoy music that I wish I had a voice to go along with the joy that I feel when I'm listening to it. I wish I had a voice to go along with the joy that I feel when I'm listening to it. But you know, I remember my mom told me once because I was giving her a hard time for singing. She loved to sing. She, when she was younger, had a really great voice and cut a record and won a contest and all this kind of stuff. She was like, you never tell anybody not to sing. She was like, because it is something that is like one of the pure joys of being alive and you should never my mom told me once because I was giving her a hard time for singing. She loved to sing. When she was younger, I had a really great voice and cut a record and won a couple of contests and all this kind of stuff. She was like, you never tell anybody not to sing. She was like, because it is something that is like one of the pure joys of being alive and you should never stop anybody from singing. So honey, just reach in there and belt it out. Don't worry what it sounds like. The next time my almost five year old tells me not to sing along to a song in the car, I'm going to say that to her because she will check me even at her young age. And she'll be like, mom. Yes. stop anybody from singing. So honey, just reach in there and belt it out. Don't worry what it sounds like. My almost five year old tells me not to sing a lot. You tell her the same thing. I'm going to say that to her. She will check me even at her young age. Yes, anybody who has a daughter knows your daughters love to check you on things. Yes. So anyway, they have to be checked sometimes too with a with this brings me joy. daughter knows your daughters love to check you on things yes yes anyway they have to be checked sometimes too with a ⁓ brings me joy check that's right that's right well this was so fun I'm so glad we got to record in person and hopefully we get to do it again these beautiful surroundings ⁓ That's right. Well this was so fun. I'm so glad we got to record it in Hopefully we get to do it again. I don't know if can see how fabulous chairs and just brocade fabrics. it's again it's Beaver Castle but it's spelled Belvoir which we learned was from Que Bellevoire from the French guy who inherited this property. chairs. Yes gorgeous brocade fabric so beautiful. It's again it's Beaver Castle but it's spelled Bellevoir which we learned was from "que bel voir" from the French guy who inherited this property stumbled upon the hill and looked in the distance and said Quel belle voir? Was it "quel," Quel belle voir? what a beautiful view but because you know the Brits are the Brits and they don't want to give too much credit anywhere to the stumbled upon the hill and looked in the distance and said, bel-" what was it "quel" Is it "quel bel voir," " What a beautiful view." because, you know, the Brits are the Brits and they don't want to give too much credit anywhere to the French, they decided to pronounce it their own It's ⁓ Beaver, as they us. ⁓ Just like today, ⁓ it was the Duke and Duchess of Chamondelet, which they Chumley. ⁓ French they decided to pronounce it their own way so it's beaver. Beaver castle. Just like today it was the duchess of Chamondelet which they call Chumley. Chumley which so much less elegant but it's certainly more British. more British. all right. Until next time. Toodle-loo. So much less elegant, but it's certainly more Very British. All right, until next time. Bye guys.