terrace – Ann Street Studio

I was recently introduced to Cindy Ko, a Hong Kong based fashion blogger, through a mutual friend. Knowing nothing about her or her life half a world away I wondered what it is like to be her… who is Cindy Ko? She is so beautiful… this exotic orchid of a flower. I loved her face, its sultry sophistication. I asked if I could photograph her on the rooftop terrace of the Gramercy Park Hotel where she was staying while in the city. I liked to pretend each time I brought my camera up I was watching one of those old sexy Shanghai movies where the beautiful heroine communicates through her eyes and body movements in a struggle for what she wants. It brings to mind a quote from In the Mood for Love:

“It is a restless moment. She has kept her head lowered… to give him a chance to come closer. But he could not, for lack of courage. She turns and walks away.”

Why did you choose fashion blogging as a career?

I kind of just stumbled upon fashion blogging. I used to blog almost everyday on Xanga, I’d write about everything from day to day life to the random thoughts I’d have. It wasn’t until I saw a feature in vogue about fashion bloggers (six years ago) that I decided to specialize in one topic. Fashion. Now travel and lifestyle as well. Continue reading “Meeting Cindy Ko” →

I love gardening. Growing up in Texas I spent so much time as a little girl with my grandmother in her garden harvesting tomatoes and and watermelons, or pruning rose bushes. It’s a rare thing to partake in this peaceful and caring activity piled upon each other in the concrete jungle of Manhattan but I find ways to carve out my own piece of nature. I recently moved uptown and traded the bridge and tunnel traffic for Central Park and Riverside Park. I needed to see green. I needed to be able to escape the things that make living in this city difficult while at the same time better enjoying the things that make it the greatest.

Through some sort of twist of fate I found my dream apartment, which at the moment is still mostly empty while I start the slow search for new (but probably old) furniture to fill her beautifully molded walls. {pause – and check out my Snapchat story today to see the vintage vanity just delivered!} This past weekend I decided to start with the sweet little terrace. I wanted to create a relaxing space to sip my morning coffee and for it to become beyond lovely for a glass of wine at night while watching the sun set behind Riverside Park. I wanted to look out my french doors at an explosion of color and life.

Any time I need flowers or plants, be it for photo shoots or personal use, I head to Manhattan’s flower district on 28th between 6th and 7th Avenue. Trying to stay out of the way of the professional event planners, florists, and interior designers that tear through here can be slightly intimidating but totally worth it to open up a world of botanical wonder. It’s here were I first learned about succulents and that roses come in so many more interesting colors than deli-shop-red.

So on a Saturday in New York City, I popped on my new little environmentally friendly Bon George dress, Monica Rich Kosann “earth charm necklace” and set out for 28th street with a terrace transformation in mind….

Getting my hands dirty. Below- from my snapchat in my “glamorous” gardening clothing which is actually my go-to moving outfit or has been at least for the past 3 moves.

Enjoying it for the first time in a Ralph Lauren silk camisole & skirt Above, the happy view from the bedroom window. Below, stepping out in the morning in my vintage Frenchman’s linen shirt I bought on my last trip to Paris.

Tag: terrace

Meeting Cindy Ko

The Flower District