Un Morceau Vol. No. 3 — July 2024
The Riviera is calling. From the crystal clear waters of the Ligurian Sea to the regional pasta dishes, the only place in the world that I want to wither under sweltering 91º/33º+ temperatures is in the French and Italian Riviera. Even if I can only be there mentally, I am fully invested in a summer that embodies that of a summer in the South of France.
Hotel De Paris In Monaco — Slim Aarons 1977
My summertime reading:
While recently bouncing around the French and Italian Riviera for work, I knew I needed a classic summertime novel to accompany on my journeys and solo date night out. Perfectly scandalous, female driven and expertly written, All Fours was everything I needed/wanted/desired it to be. Everyone seems to be obsessed with this novel, and for good reason. Author Miranda July completely transports you into the world of the female protagonist with her pursuit of freedom, her struggles, desires, artistry and friendships. Never have I devoured a book so quickly. I savored the last few pages this morning, mourning the end of the literary odyssey. If only I could read it for the first time all over again.
My favorite on-theme films:
Leaning into the world of glamor, intrigue, and class, I can think of no better source of inspiration than the international man of mystery, the spy with a license to kill, the number that is synonymous with sex appeal and the correct amount of danger – 007. Bond. James Bond.
GoldenEye, 1995
The film that will forever tie Bond with the opulence of Monaco. Starring Pierce Brosnan and featuring several scenes filmed in the Monte-Carlo Casino, and the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the film highlighted the glitz and glam of Monaco, inspiring visitors to flock to the halls of these iconic monuments if only to stand where Bond himself once graced the scene.
Casino Royale, 2006
A high stakes poker game in Montenegro is quite possibly the most important game that Bond could play in his already dangerous career. In an invite only, terrorist driven world, the tone for this Bond film plays directly into the luxury, danger and lust that we have come to adore in a 007 film. With expertly tailored tuxedos and perfectly crafted martinis, it is impossible to not immediately fall in love with Bond as he sets out to defeat the bad guy and save the girl.
Dating myself:
Spending nearly two weeks in Italy/France for work had me bopping around from one location to the next. While having less than usual ‘me time’, I was still able to steal a few moments to take myself out on a couple of cute dates. My favorite being the evening I spent in Monaco at Hôtel du Paris at Le Bar Américain. Sipping crisp, perfectly chilled champagne while munching on salty potato chips and savoring the live music of the evening, it was absolutely one of my favorite moments. Dressing to the nines, packing my novel du jour and perching at the bar is such a beautiful experience for me. The people watching, the fancy solo date, wearing a dress that has been sitting in my closet, nearly forgotten, and feeling wonderfully independent is such a glorious thing. Sure, at times I feel a bit lonely as I navigate solo travel, but I usually always make friends with the bartenders and find myself with remnants of the most wonderfully luxurious memories. Plus dressing up for myself and sipping a glass of champagne will never be something I regret.
Style Icon du Jour:
The luxury of Monaco is simply incomparable. The style, the yachts, the glamor, the cars… It is truly a gilded playground for the rich and famous (and those longing for a tantalizing glimpse into that insane world.) For me the appeal of Monaco comes from the elegance of the setting, the hospitality and the epitome of out-of-this-world style. And what better example of excellent
style than from one of Europe's most stylish royals… Princess Caroline of Monaco, daughter of legendary style icon, Grace Kelly. From suiting to bikinis, Princess Caroline has that timeless je ne sai quoi elegance mixed with an enviable staple wardrobe. Add in an 80’s silhouette and some unexpected electric flare and I am one smitten fashion kitten.
A few links to inspire your electric luxury style.
A chic black dress with a stunning 80’s silhouette — Perfect belted or worn loose. I need this dress and a big pair of sunglasses for an impossibly sexy woman of mystery aesthetic.
A cropped houndstooth jacket — a wardrobe staple to pair with high waisted trousers or a sexy pencil skirt. I can never have enough cropped jackets!
Red leather gloves — I need these to pair with an oversized blazer, sleeves pushed up of course.
Classic sunglasses — The perfect statement pair or these amazing retro sunnies.
Chic skit suit — An elegant set for Parisian style cafe vibes.
A golden chain belt — My favorite way to finish off an outfit. It is the perfect 80’s flair!
Flavor of the month:
Tomatoes. I am 99% tomato at the moment after eating my way through all of the Riviera’s tomato dishes – From homemade tomato sauces that make me want to uncover all of the pasta secrets to heirloom tomatoes straight from the garden served with salt and olive oil, I am head over heels for this summertime fruit. And though I should be totally tomatoed-out after eating them non-stop, I am somehow still plotting more ways to consume as many tomato dishes as possible before their season is over.
Some tomato inspo that I am dying to whip up…
Tomato, mozzarella and peach grilled cheese
Tomato spritz
Tomato gazpacho
Tomato sorbetto
Tomato galette
TomatoTini - recipe at the end of the article
Scotti’s Yacht — Slim Aarons, 1981. I really wish it was titled ‘Scotti’s Yachti’