7 people I follow on Instagram

I’ll admit it: I spend a lot of minutes on Instagram (you can follow me here!). But the truth is, I feel so inspired there! There are so many gorgeous pics of travels and art and food and fashion and fun that I can’t stop tap, tap, tapping whenever I go on. So, I thought I’d share a list of seven people whose pics and captions I can’t get enough of right now. Sound good? Oh—and at the end of this post, I want to hear from you: Who do you love on Instagram? Go!

First up, Haven’s Kitchen. Have you been to this culinary school in Chelsea? It also doubles as a café and event space—I love it! The last time I went in, I spent a little bit too much on tea—but they stock the best kind!
January Jones is another favorite of mine. She’s funny, quirky, and posts stunning fashion pics. Oh, and dashing pics of Jon Hamm occasionally show up. 🙂

I’d do almost anything to get a sneak peek at the designs Rifle Paper Co. artist Anna Bond is working on. That’s why I adore her Instagram account: She always gives her followers a glimpse of her upcoming designs. Even better, a look at her artful workspace. Talk about a dream job!
For a laugh, I can always count on Jessica Seinfeld, wife of Jerry. Seriously, I live in awe of her talent for humor—definitely a power duo! Another part of what makes her awesome: She’s merciless about social media bullies. Funny and classy? Total package.

Oh, Paris. Or I should say: Paris in Four Months. This delightful and colorful feed from French blogger Carin Olsson makes me miss this city day in and day out. Can’t you just picture yourself sipping un café under the awning at Les Chimeres as the rain comes down? Le sigh. 🙂

I’m a huge fan of photographer Max Wanger and am constantly trolling his professional website fantasizing about art I want to buy for my apartment. His Instagram account? A total bonus. Especially when you get a glimpse of vacations, like this trip with his family to Hawaii. Adorable. 

Something sweet for the finish: I love the artistry of Betsy Thorleifson’s pretty cakes, especially this ombré design. Stunning, right? Her weekly pics of birthday, wedding, and special occasion confections from her bakery Nine Cakes are works of art. 

 Now, you go: Who do you love on Instagram?

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Coat shopping

This fall, I’ve been trying to very carefully think about the wardrobe upgrades I need to make. Sometimes, I can be a bit of an impulse shopper with clothing—which is good and bad. The good part is that it’s smart to buy a piece that fits well when you find it. The bad part is that I end up not totally thinking through what I already own and the pieces I need to enhance certain blouses, skirts, pants and dresses. Am I the only one with this issue?

 So, this time around, I’m trying to shop smart. I need a new fall coat. And to put the pressure on, over the summer, I tossed the gorgeous, thread-bare one from Ann Taylor that I’ve owned for almost 10 years. (Trust me, it was a classic!) I’ve ordered two options to try: The royal blue one above—coincidentally, also from Ann Taylor—and this soft pink one from Lucy Paris.

 Early thoughts? Would love to know if there’s one you love more!

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Jeff Goldblum + Pink Martini

Last week, I got my fill of arts and culture in New York, first with a chance to see Jeff Goldblum and his band, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, at the Carlyle Hotel, and then later in the week, with Pink Martini at the Beacon Theatre on the Upper West Side. 

For Goldblum, this show marked his New York debut (he plays fairly regularly in LA at Rockwell Table & Stage)—and what a performance. The night I was there, he arrived 30 minutes early on stage to joke and banter with the crowd, quizzing his audience on the best Woody Allen films and laughing while teaching the art of heckling. But his talent for piano and singing caused the whole audience to stop their laughter and listen: His voice is dreamy and he has perfect pitch. I fell in love with this tune, called Stella by Starlight.

Two days later, I was at the Beacon, enjoying the world-class sounds of Pink Martini, a group I’ve followed since being introduced to them at a dinner party in Boston, nearly a decade ago. The host told me Pink Martini albums were his go-to dinner party tunes. I was hooked! Their show in New York was, as always, a treat, made even better by special guests like the Von Trapp grandchildren, who now tour with the band. My favorite song is still Sympathique, a hit from their debut CD back in 1997.

Are you hearing any good music this fall in New York?

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The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the weekend? I’m headed out of town to see family and celebrate my parents 40th wedding anniversary. Four. decades. Amazing, right? 🙂 Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

I don’t care if you’ve already seen it. I’m sharing it again. 

My first massage. Hilarious.

Simple green pasta salad.

Love these fictional (and unforgettable) apartments.

The thought process of getting dressed.

Hair therapy.

Adorable party animals.

SJP’s house for sale. 

Reasons to refrigerate tomatoes.

Jurassic Park sing-along. LOVE.

(Image via From Versailles with Love)

Books Page: Fall Reads

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What are you reading this fall? I have quite a few books in rotation right now, but the titles above are next on my list:

 • I’m a fan of Girls (and totally adore Lena Dunham’s tweets), so I’m curious to see what she talks about in her memoir Not That Kind of Girl, due out this month. Here’s an excerpt, in case you missed it. 

 • Amy Poehler’s memoir—called Yes, Please—hits shelves late October. She’s such a funny, brilliant lady. I can’t wait to read her thoughts and advice on life.

 • Last, there’s Gone Girl, a title I can start now since it’s been out for quite some time! But with the movie due out in a few weeks (here’s the trailer), the pressure is on. I definitely want to read the book before watching the Ben Affleck flick.

 Now, you go: What books are you excited about right now?