Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Wisteria 60% Off Sale!

One of my favorite decor and furniture stores, Wisteria, is having a huge warehouse sale right now, with up to 60% off furniture and accessories.  I'm not sure how long the sale will last, as it says "for a limited time", so if you're in the market for a new furniture piece or two, I'd go check it out right away!  Below are a few of my favorite items from the sale...


Lidded Jars, Small $179 $124:






Sleek Side Table, $549 $439:


 Also available in gray:
Dhurrie Ottoman, $749 $449:




Verona Side Table, $649 $299:


Modena Convex Mirror, $899 $599:



Elaborate Carved Mirror, $599 $399

Acrylic X-Base Stool, $599 $399:


Limewash Coffee Table $799 $449:



Clarence Side Chair $299 $179:
Angular Gilt Coffee Table, $499 $319:
Teak Cube Side Table, $329 $199 (this one is great, too):
Also loving this, this, and this.

Happy shoppin'!




Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Wildflower

One of my favorite reads from last year was Drew Barrymore's memoir, WildflowerA former boss of mine just so happened to share a housekeeper with Drew (the Upper East Side is such a small place), and got a personal copy signed directly from Barrymore.   The book is both fascinating and heartwarming, as Drew discusses her troubled upbringing as well as her work in the film industry and her journey becoming a mother.   I found myself oddly tearing up here and there while reading- Drew's stories and writing style are both so heartfelt. There are so many great quotes from this book that I thought I'd share a few of my favorites...


“I love my life and it takes every step to get to where you are, and if you are happy, then God bless the hard times it took you to get there. No life is without them, so what are yours, and what did you do with the lessons? That is the only way to live.” 


"I am not someone who is ashamed of my past. I'm actually really proud.  I know I made a lot of mistakes, but they, in turn, were my life lessons."



“My dad. I don’t really know where to begin other than to say he simply wasn’t a “dad.” He was this mythical creature. Part unicorn, part violent storm. And although he separated from my mom when she was pregnant, I somehow knew to forgive him. It’s as if I could grasp as a kid that this horse was so wild, he couldn’t be pinned down, and even if he could I am not sure you would want him around. This was the kind of man you saw in small doses. They were memorable. Sometimes dark, sometimes humorous, sometimes quotable.” 



“It's ironic that we rush through being "single" as if it's some disease or malady to get rid of or overcome. The truth is, most likely, one day you will meet someone and it will be gone. And once it's gone, it's really gone! Why does no one tell us how important it is to enjoy being single and being by yourself? That time is defining and amazing and nothing to "sure". It is being alone that will actually set you up the best for being with someone else.” 


“I was so struck by the magnificent beauty of the sunset as I sat there, quiet. The silence allowed me to ask myself: What if I did get the chance at life all over again? What would I do differently? What would I keep and what would I leave??? My older self was welcoming my younger self into an early womanhood.”


"You can't live your life blaming your failures on your parents and what they did or didn't do for you.  You're dealt the cards that you're dealt. I realized it was a waste of time to be angry at my parents and feel sorry for myself."


“I feel like I was born the day my kids were and that my life before was only there to gain wisdom for them. The point is you do your best. Your very best every day. You do it- and you do it for them!” 


I adore Drew.  You can read more about Wildflower here.






Monday, April 16, 2018

Sam Loves: 29

Saturday in New York it hit the 80s, which was a minor miracle.  The entire city seemed to come alive- everyone was walking around in the park or sitting outside sipping rose, but this meant the traffic was noticeably worse.  I had plans to meet a few friends at my favorite summer spot in the city, Grand Banks, but we all met at pier 25 to find a completely empty boat.   It wasn't open for the season yet!  Instead of trying to wait in the endless line at City Vineyards, we went across the street to Yves, where we ended up sharing frozen bellinis.  I brazenly posted an instagram story that morning saying goodbye to my North Face puffer until next season, and then woke up yesterday to 40 degree temperatures again.  Oops.  The puffer came back out reluctantly and I'm wearing it as I write this post, cold as always.  Honestly New York- how many days until the spring/summer weather sticks?!  This is getting tedious.   


A few things I'm loving right now....

Sam Loves: 29

You're* hat, for all the bozos in your life that still do not understand the difference between your/you're and need a hat to remind them- $30/ also love this one.


Loving the mix of tee, hydrangea wide-leg pants (originally by D&G but now sold out, DVF has some cute options), and adidas gazelles worn by The Fashion Guitar.

One of my favorite authors, Leslie Jamison, released her new book last week- The Recovering: Intoxication and it's Aftermath, $19.  I devoured Empathy Exams, and after reading about The Recovering in the New Yorker and Elle magazine, I knew it was going to be good.  She has not disappointed me!


Current mood: Adenorah (one of my style faves) in Morroco. 

Lately I'm feeling very much back in to chambray, and this Free People dress is perfect for  NY spring weather, once it ceases to be bipolar of course.

Next on my coffee table "to buy" book list- India Hicks: A Slice of England, $50/

Polished door knocker earrings (these are cool, too), available in two colors, $50/

This year's summer hat:  the Joanna straw hat, $55/


Happy Monday!

XOXO,

Sam



Monday, April 2, 2018

4 Cool Things in OKC

Every time I go home to Oklahoma City to visit my family, one question inevitably pops up- "So... any thoughts on when you're going to move back home?"  My answer largely depends on how many hours have passed since touching down in the Sooner State.  At first, I'm always relieved to be out of the New York insanity.  Flying out of any New York airport is at best an ordeal and at worst a total mind fuck/panic attack/strategic game all rolled in to one.  And this is NOT my first rodeo by any means.  I've got TSA Pre-check, people... I leave Manhattan two hours in advance, I know how to charm the Delta gate agents.  Nevertheless, by the time I make it to my seat (sometimes, despite all aforementioned reasons, I don't) I just want a huge vodka soda and a xanax.

{an image I took of an OKC Redbud (the state tree) in full bloom this past weekend}

So when I get to Oklahoma City the first day, my parents roll through Will Rogers Airport and pick me up with no hassle, I go and see my niece and nephew, I relax with a glass of wine on my parent's back patio, and all is right in the world.  The weather is warm, I can actually see and feel the sun (something key that is missing from life among the Manhattan buildings) and I begin calculating the money I'd save if I wasn't paying an absurd amount of rent to live in a studio apartment, I think about all the furniture that I miss dearly that could be moved out of storage and in to a cute OKC starter house, I think about seeing my niece and nephew on a regular basis, and it all starts to sound pretty appealing.  Plus, the people!  Oklahoma is known for it's friendly population.


This past year or two I've gone home more than usual (probably about 4-5 times per year) as the kids are getting older and I never want to miss an epic aunt moment.  While being back in my hometown more often, I've discovered a few local gems that I can't rave enough about.


1015 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

This coffee shop is l-e-g-i-t.  I have a few favorites in New York (stumptownjoe, and  everyman espresso) and a fave from my years in Houston (Blacksmith), but hands-down Coffee Slingers has them all beat. Their rich espresso is delicious- I typically order an iced latte every morning I'm home.  Their shop is about a 25 minute drive from my parent's house, and you better believe I'd drive 45 minutes if I had to.  My only constructive criticism is the bare-bones design.  I think they are going for the minimal industrial feel you see in most modern day espresso shops, but it just wasn't executed well.  They could've made it much more cozy and warm it up with different material choices, more comfortable chairs (would it kill them to get a few armchairs in there?) and they need better parking.  But damn, the coffee is GOOD and I will be back each time I'm in the city.  And coffee slingers, if you want help with your design, I'll trade you for a lifetime of free coffee. ;)




131 Dean A. McGee Ave. Suite 105 OKC, OK 73102 
405.605.0313 
connect@udander.com

If I actually did move home, one of my first priorities (after getting a job and finding a place that wasn't my parents' guest room, obviously) would be getting a membership to the Udånder spa downtown.  Udander, which means "exhale" in Danish, is a new spa concept that boasts a Finnish dry sauna, soaking tubs, an aromatherapy steam room, in addition to individual treatment rooms.  I love visiting this spa for a massage or facial from time to time and then sitting in the sauna afterwards.  Because the spa is "clothing optional", they have set scheduling times for men and for women.  It's an interesting concept for downtown Oklahoma City, and I definitely hope they are around to stay.




View their spa menu here.

3.) Gemma

1100 N Broadway Ave Suite 103, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Gemma is a new women's apparel shop located next door to one of my all-time favorite OK vendors, Sara Kate Studios.   I was on my way to stop in to SKS when I noticed a cute storefront on the corner of the block, with vintage handbags stacked in the window.  After stopping in and trying on a few things, I was hooked.  The collection has interesting, noteworthy pieces that are reasonably priced, and a few of my closet go-tos come from Gemma- like a soft, off-the-shoulder red sweater, a burnt orange silk wrap-tie top, and a corduroy mini skirt.    The mix of clothes reminds me a bit of an upscale Lucca, and the vintage designer handbags are worth perusing, too. 



4.) The Jones Assembly 

901 W. Sheridan
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
405.212.2378

The Jones Assembly has been having a big moment in OKC for the last year after opening in the spring of 2017.  The 20,000 square foot space operates as a bar/restaurant/concert venue all in one, and has hosted some pretty notable acts- like Willie Nelson and Spoon. Of course I had to check out the place and see if it lived up to the hype- especially since the executive chef, Brittany Sanger, was a high school cheerleader with me, and associate chef, Andrew Escridge, grew up going to my church. Small world!  The menu and drink offerings were pretty spectacular- I particularly loved the tuna tartare and the deviled eggs.  The bartender also made a mean jalepeno margarita.  Come early to eat and stay to see one of the musical acts that's on their lineup.





Lastly, you already know my love for OKC's fairly new 21C Museum Hotel.  It's a big deal when my closest New York friend (who has never stepped foot in to Oklahoma) mentions a new chic hotel that has come across her radar and also happens to be in my hometown.  I stayed at the hotel last Christmas and it did not disappoint. You can read my full recap here.

So the sad news is.... I don't see myself moving home to Oklahoma City now, or honestly maybe ever.  I loved growing up in such a kind, friendly place, I 100% understand why my parents can't imagine living anywhere else, and I find the city's gradual growth and expansion exciting-  but me?  It's just not my vibe.  I'd rather have the advantage of visiting regularly so I can continue to discover new-to-me places and spaces.  With that being said,  I've also learned in my 30 years to 'never say never', because life tends to have  a sense of humor.  Who knows what's down the line...

XOXO,

Sam
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