{Postcards from Corsham Court}

Greetings!

Last week I had the pleasure of day-tripping it to the small English town of Wiltshire. There in the heart of Austen-country, Corsham Court, a house built during the Elizabethan era remains home to an 8th-generation Lord, as well as to a plethora of peacocks running about the gardens, and welcomes vistors throughout the year. Within its massive walls hangs an extensive collection of old master paintings, ranging from the 16th to the 19th century. The collection's sheer size impressed me, but its inclusion of a work from one of the highest regarded woman Renaissance artists, Sofonisba Anguissola, truly amazed my eyes.  In addition to the stately home, an Elizabethan bath-house resides on its grounds in a tribute to its English history.  I highly recommend a romp through the countryside, toward Corsham Court, when you're feeling the itch to leave the buzzy streets and galleries of London's city center.

Yours,  Jenn

{Postcards from Shanghai}

The Pudong at night

Hi from Shanghai!

Having spent three days in Shanghai, I understand why they call this city the “Paris of China.”  This city, a bustling, modern metropolis (having more skyscrapers than NYC), with both European and Asian influences, is primarily a city of light, with the Pudong as its crown jewel.  The Pudong, an area, mainly comprised of financial statement pieces, illuminates at night along the river, while hotels, restaurants and bars intermix among them, allowing for the most spectacular views – a sight I happily indulged in over cocktails.  Opposite this financial mecca, The Bund, a more colonial European crown of buildings sits, twinkling back at its contemporary counterpart with Shanghainese old-world glamour.  Although the massive skyscrapers remain the city’s focal points, its more quiet neighborhoods are equally impressive.  I enjoyed walking through its classic Old City and serene Yu Yuan gardens in the morning, as well as, its trendy French Concession district at night.  During my stay, I also ventured outside the city’s center to Zhou Zhuang, a water village, often referred to as “the Venice of the East.”  These areas, sprinkled throughout the city, dually remind me of the city’s history as well as its urban progress. All in all… I ❤ SH!  Now, my Asian adventure continues to Hong Kong…

Yours,  Jenn

The Bund at night

Elevators at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 87 flights high (looks kind of like a peacock)

Old City

Yu Yuan gardens

French Concession district at night

Zhou Zhuang

Advertisement in the Pudong

{J.Crew Goes Abroad}

As an American expat living in London, I am often asked “What do I miss most from the states?”  To this, I always answer, “Aside from my family and friends… bagels, Bud Light, and J.Crew.”  While I am able to curb my carb and beer cravings with chips and Guinness, my longing for J.Crew has steadily persisted.  The label is available at net-a-porter.com, but its stock is sparse, leaving me continuously unrequited – that is until now…

I am pleased to announce that as of August 2011, J. Crew is finally offering international shipping to the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan – whoop whoop!  Now, in my fleeting moments of homesickness, when the autumn rain beats down upon my window and I remain sequestered in my flat, I can take comfort in being able to order myself a cozy Dream knit cardigan that I can cuddle up into, in 4-8 business days. 

Here are my top 10 most coveted J.Crew Fall 2011 finds. 

1.  Dream ribbed yoga cardigan – I love pieces that layer well and this looks so comfy.

2. Memo dress in Super 120s – This dress reminds me of Mad Men and I am mad about it, especially in the color peacock feather!

3. Biella patent loafers – Loafers are so practical yet so elegant, especially when they are shiny.

4. + 5. Herringbone vest and Farrow trouser – I love men’s inspired clothes – so very Marlene Dietrich!

6. No. 2 pencil skirt in vintage tweed – I adore how demure yet sexy pencil skirts can be.

7. Maisie dress in waterfloral – This pattern is so feminine and can be paired with almost anything.

8. Resin and crystal link necklace – The chucky chain design in a classic tortoise color is such a great contradiction piece.

9. Cowlneck poncho – I love the subtlety chic quality that the cowlneck lends this poncho.

10. Featherknit shirred henley tee – I can't have enough soft, drapey tees!

Check out j.crew.com for more fall fashions, prices and shipping rates.

{Peacock Party}

Peacocks are one of my favorite birds.  I often find them gallivanting around my neighborhood park in London.  You can hear their squawks and calls from a distance, as they prance around the property, looking for food, peering at people from elevated heights or sunning themselves among the roses.  With their vibrant colorings of indigos, turquoises, and bronzes, from their necks to their tails, and their spray of feathers upon their heads, they always appear dressed to impress.  Recently, I discovered, via National Geographic, that a group of peacocks is actually called a party, and with that my imagination went wild.  It’s no wonder they always looks so fashionable!