There are certain must-dos in Beaune:  A glass of wine at Bistrot Bourguignon, Dinner at Ma Cuisine, The Saturday market, un café at Baltard, a tasting with Alex Gambal…and for me, a visit to Marie-Pierre Vintage.  Imagine our surprise when we popped in and discovered that a friend of ours was working there!

When you get to that point when you are done with butter, cream and jambon persillé, consider the Indian-inflected cuisine of Via Mokis and a pint at Pickwick’s Pub.

I just had the most amazing week in Burgundy.  I won’t tease you with the names and nuances of every Grand Cru we savored, but here is a little photo log.  Eat your heart out.

Asst Mayor and Mayor of Beaune with two Nantucket Selectmen

Did you know that Nantucket and Beaune are twinned?

Jumelage means twinning. It is a movement started after WWII to bring together municipalities, in hope of fostering the opportunity to learn more about the daily lives of those in other places, develop a dialogue and possibly enter into joint projects.

Hospice de Beaune

Fast-forward to 2005, and, thanks to the efforts of Denis Toner, founder of the Nantucket Wine Festival, Beaune and Nantucket are sister cities.  Dismayed at the perpetuation of “Freedom Fries”, Denis approached the Mayor of Beaune with the idea of Jumelage and ceremonies on both continents soon followed.  Inspired by the common culture–an appreciation for fine dining and wine, a respect for history and architecture and a pervasive spirit, to name a few–Denis pioneered the concept and realized it in a celebration of a lifetime over a long weekend in October 2006.

Attended by nearly 50 Nantucketers, I will never forget the moving ceremony in the Hospice de Beaune and the festivities that surrounded it.  The town rolled out the red carpet and we were feted like royalty by all the big guys:  Corton Charlemagne in the caves of Latour, a toast in the ancient-modern maze of Bouchard, another lavish dinner at Jadot, La Paulée (a tented BYOW party) they are still talking about.  Let’s just say, if there’s ever an anniversary bash, you will want to be there.

On the eve of a trip to Beaune, I thought I would post a Jumelage photo album.

Mark & Elisabeth at the 2006 Jumelage of Nantucket and Beaune

For me, Middle School was like the Middle Ages–they were very dark years–and yes, it was almost that long ago.   There was one bright light, however:  back-to-school shopping.  I began 6^th grade still wearing Toughskins and Grr-Animals, but by 8^th grade, I was fashionably outfitted in Calvin Kleins and DVF tees.  Going from age 11 to 13 was like jumping millenia, but thankfully, I had shopping to comfort me in the light-speed journey, inspired by the fresh-faced models of Seventeen and Teen.

We were mall-less in our small NC town, so I did what I had to do and turned to the Sears and JC Penney catalogs.  I knew that if I saved my babysitting $, my Mother would quadruple-match my contribution and I would be appropriately dressed for the school year.  How I agonized over my choices each season, progressing from head-to-toe looks to selecting key pieces that could be mixed and matched.   By the time I hit high school, I was a full-blown fashionista, shopping at JE’s, the local boutique, but in the middle years, it was Sears..and denim, plaid and acrylic.

The "look" of Irish Fisherman knits

8th grade...

outfit on the right

7th Grade: Outfit in the middle

aaah, youth

6th Grade

"Love Story" Herringbone coat, size M, $128

FALL 2010—in a way, fashion has never seemed so modern…there are more buzzwords than ever…”Menswear”, “Ladylike”, “Outdoorsy”, “Minimalist”, “Global”, “Eclectic” “Urban Warrior”…It’s all about the ‘Modern Mix’ and that’s what’s so interesting, as well as awfully tricky.

What’s important to note is that many of these looks begin with the classics and evolve from there;  pick and choose trends that speak to your personal style and make them work for you.  If you’ve never “curled up” to leopard in the past, then certainly don’t copycat this big trend – meow!  Mad for plaid, just not on your thighs? Then opt for a plaid coat instead!

Just know that any classic piece can be updated in a subtle or not-so subtle way.  Subtle, eg, adding a chunky caramel patent Marni heel & key necklace to a Fair Isle sweater and Menswear knit coat.  Not so subtle, eg, piling on a fur wrap and fedora, a la André Leon Talley, to the same look.  Visit us at currentVintage, 4 Easy St, Nantucket—we’ll help you make it your own!

Teal tweed Lilli Ann swing coat w/ foz collar, size M, $228

1970s wool wrap coat w/ shearling collar, size S, $174

1960s faux-fur belted trench, size S, $168

1960s brown knit Lilli Ann coat, size M, $146; Cocoa handknit fair isle sweater, size S, $78

Charles Khan lucite purse, sold

Gray Lucite Barrel Purse, sold

1950s Design…Lucite.  Plastic.  Sputnik.  Eames.  Frank Lloyd Wright.  Mies van der Rohe.  Air Streams.  Aqua!

Rare Robin's Egg Lucite Confetti Purse, $795

The 1950s began the age of consumerism, stoked by the American appetite for all that was new and modern.  Nevermind if they were forsaking hardwood for plastic, marble for formica–if it was “modern”, it was good.  Lucite, a plastic developed by DuPont in the 1940s, became the material of choice in, of all areas, 1950s women’s purses.  Designed in New York and Miami they were carried by fashionable women from housewives to movie stars.  Prestigious labels included Charles Khan, Myles, Llewellyn, Rialto and Wilardy.  The prolific Lucite purse styles were influenced by and affected influence on fashion, architecture and modern furniture design, as modernism developed throughout the decade.

Who wants to carry a granite purse, anyway?

Pearlescent Octagonal Lucite Purse, $325

Steve McGarrett

Hawaii of the late 60s & 70s–A little bit of glamour and a lot of kitsch.

Doris Duke's "Shangri-la"

The glamour bit began earlier with the eccentric heiress Doris Duke and her palace, Shangri La…

Then, the late 60s brought Pan Am 747 flights, the fab hotels of Waikiki, Malia fashions and the reign of  the iconic tv series Hawaii Five-O.  Named after the 50^th State, Five-O ran from 1968-1980 and starred Jack Lord as the dreamy Steve McGarrett.  McGarrett and his right-hand man, Danno, fought Chinese organized crime and  multiple felons each episode, with a version of cool merely aspired to by the likes of Miami Vice and CSI:  Miami.  Winner of multiple Emmys and awards, Five-O was filmed almost exclusively in Hawaii and was the longest running detective show until surpassed by Law & Order in the 1990s.

How fitting that, with the return of florals, maxis and the re-luxuriation of Waikiki hotel landmarks, comes a new version of the TV series Hawaii Five-0 this Fall?  It follows the creation of an elite police unit, led by a younger McGarrett, son of the original hunky cop–although it seems unlikely he’ll have as mod a hair-do. Aloha Danno and Five-0!

Hawaii Five-O theme song and opening sequence:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXfyhqXxf3E&feature=fvw

Watch a Five-O episode:  http://www.imdb.com/video/cbs/vi1875183385/ 5-0 episode

Trailer for the new five-O:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruKODTVxy3E

1970s Malia of Honolulu

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki

Mollydooker "The Leftys"

MORE MOLLYDOOKER!  We have had the tiniest allocation the last few years.  First a few bottles of Blue-Eyed Boy, then, a smattering of Leftys.  That was just fine, but now, we want MORE MOLLYDOOKER.  As a reputable wine store with the purest of intentions, we feel that we have been perfectly patient up until now, and with the impending release of the 09s, we are shouting to anyone who will listen that we want MORE MOLLYDOOKER!  Why?  Because the wines are awesome and Sarah & Sparky have double-handedly succeeded in making Left-Handers (ie mollydookers in Australian) super cool!

Here’s the scoop:

*For 12+ years, Sarah & Sparky Marquis (pronounced Mar-kwis) have been making award-winning Australian wines such as Marquis Philips and exclusively Mollydooker since 2005.  This dynamic duo has A.  been awarded the title of Australian Winemakers of the Year  B.  is the only husband and wife winemaking team to receive Mclaren Vale’s prestigious Bushing Award three times  C.  has had five wines in the Wine Spectator “Top 100″  D.  is responsible for crafting four of only 24 Australian wines to receive 99 points from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate in the last 10 years  and E.  Have received more Parker 94-99 point scores than any other winemakers in the WORLD!

*Their years of combined experience have resulted in a trademarked system of watering and measuring fruit concentration, as well as their own language in discussing these terms.  The Marquis Vineyard Watering Programme™ focuses on nurturing strong and healthy vines with balanced canopy growth to achieve the most intense fruit flavors possible.  The Marquis Fruit Weight™ refers to the amazing fruit intensity achieved in the vineyard that becomes the wine.  Marquis Fruit Weight™ is the measurement of how far back on your palate you find the “velvet glove” fruit before the structure of the wine is exposed (Measured in percentages since everyone’s tongue is a different length.) The higher the Fruit Weight, the more intense and rich the flavors are in the finished wine.

*They invented the “Mollydooker Shake“.  Is that the latest dance move?  nope.  It is a little maneuver necessary because they use as few sulfites as possible in making the wines. As a result, inert Nitrogen gas, a great preservative, is used during the bottling process as a way to protect the fruit flavor of the wines in the bottle.  The only thing bad about Nitrogen is that it tends to flatten the back end of the round ball of fruit flavor in the wine. By doing the Mollydooker Shake, you release the nitrogen gas and the flavor becomes big and round again!  nitrogen is a great alternative to sulphites normally added to prevent oxidation, as so many people have allergies to sulphites.  Here is a “Mollydooker Shake” tutorial for novices:

Sarah & Sparky Show You How: Watch the Video

*Their labels are clever and fun.  eg The Leftys Series labels (The five wines intended for everyday consumption Now Available at currentVintage) are a tribute to leftys and they all include a tear-off tab so that you don’t have to go through the cumbersome label-soak, just to remember the wine.

Don’t YOU want MORE MOLLYDOOKER?!

2009 “The Violinist” Verdelho, $29

WA:  90 points The current Mollydooker collection begins with the one white wine, the medium straw-colored 2009 Verdelho “The Violinist”. It was partially barrel-fermented and aged on its lees in barrel and tank. It gives up fragrant aromas of toast, baked apple, mango, and other tropical aromas. Creamy textured, round, ripe, and concentrated, this long, tasty wine can be enjoyed over the next 2 years.–Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com

2008 “The Boxer” Shiraz, $29

WS: 91 points & “Best Buy of the Week”
‘Bright and jazzy, offering an effusive mouthful of cherry, pomegranate and spice flavors that are as aromatic as they are long and vivid. This has density without great weight, and the finish keeps on going…’ – Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com

2008 “Two Left Feet” Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot Blend, $29

WA: 90 points
‘A glass-staining opaque purple color, it emits an enticing aromatic array of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, blueberry, and blackberry preserves. Dense, sweet, and layered on the palate, it is surprisingly light on its feet despite its size. Concentrated, lengthy, and full-flavored, this wine is all about pleasure…’– Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com

2008 “The Scooter” Merlot, $29

WA: 90 points
‘..an alluring perfume of cedar, spice box, plum, mulberry, and black currant. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers intense flavors that are already revealing some complexity…’ – Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com

I dream of Lilly.  Particularly the Lilly of the 1960s photos by Slim Aarons. They conjure a life of leisure I will never know—and a mood/attitude/way of life that no longer exists…

“Once upon a time, life was not better. It was different. Once upon a time everything was optimism, because nothing was bad for you.”

If you watch Mad Men, this statement by William Norwich makes perfect sense.  The early 1960s were heady times–innovations in business, fashion, culture and lifestyle were occurring exponentially and the nation embraced modernity with open arms, with no time to consider the consequences.

As simple a garment as the ’shift’ dress actually reflected a big shift in womens’ attitudes!  No more “foundations”, ie no more girdle.  The easy, casual shape represented a relaxation of dress standards–even among the upper class, who were early to adopt, much as the flappers did in the 1920s.

These simple shapes were executed brilliantly by Lilly Pulitzer, a free-spirited socialite who quickly went from juice-making to dress-making.

The Lilly Story

“The Lilly” label became the first lifestyle brand–the original resort wear for the burgeoning leisure class. Her prolific original fabric and dress designs (not found at Marshall’s) are still cherished today.  Lilly Pulitzer closed her business in 1984.  The presently ubiquitous “Lilly Pulitzer” label and “In the Pink” stores are produced by a new company formed in 1993, after purchasing the name.

Yes, once upon a time, life was different…

Visit our collection of Original Lilly designs for men & Women at currentVintage, 4 Easy St, Nantucket.

Lilly Pulitzer

Lilly Pulitzer (right)/Slim Aarons-Getty Imges

April 1968: Mr and Mrs Donald Lease with their Rolls Royce and two pet dogs outside their home in Palm Beach, Florida. (Slim Aarons/Getty Images)

Kelly modeling Victor Costa at currentVintage

Born in Texas in 1935, Victor Costa grew up enthralled by the glamour of Hollywood and intent on working in fashion. He sold sketches to Oleg Cassini and Ciel Chapman before joining the Suzy Perette label in 1965, where his photographic memory was dispatched to the Paris runways.  It was during his eight years at Suzy that he became known as “The Copy-Cat King” for his meticulous line for line copies of European couture.  This was back when copy-ing was actually considered a good thing—couture was skillfully replicated for the masses, but in a respectful, high-quality way.  Not just made to look similarly, couture copies were made to endure, and Seventh Ave designers, such as Hattie Carnegie and Norman Norell, were celebrated for their quality imitations.

Victor Costa dress details

Costa went on to form his own label, taking the design secrets he learned and interpreting them into fabulous, wearable pieces that are highly collectible today.  According to Costa, “A woman has to walk into a store, and [a dress] has to speak to her. It has to say ‘buy me’ or ‘try me on.’ It has to have color, it has to have shape, it has to have design secrets built into it that make her body look [outstanding]. You have to do lines that are flattering.”  And they did—the colors!  The fabrics!  The elegance!  The cut!  The pieces are at once distinctive, yet classic.

ABS does Jason Wu

The “dress has to say ‘buy me’” philosophy may be shared by today’s reigning “Copy King”, Allen Schwartz of ABS, whose rapid, literal imitations infuriate modern designers.  In fact, “copy-ing” designer fashions is a broiling controversy;  no sooner are the runway shows or red carpet over, stores such as H&M and Zara are rolling out the cheaply-made knock-offs at a fraction of the cost.  Designers such as Diane von Furstenberg and Jason Wu (whose Michelle Obama Inaugural Gown was promptly replicated for prom-wear) have lobbied Congress for copyright protection.  Currently, clothing design, no matter how artistic, is not protected by intellectual property law, as are books, music, etc.  Trademarks are obviously protected (eg the Lacoste croc), but not the designs themselves.  While it may be maddening—and costly—for modern designers to see their works poorly constructed in bad fabric on the Forever 21 rack, there will always be demand.

Kelly in Victor Costa at cV

Rosie in Victor Costa at cV

Victor Costa closed his company in 1995, but still designs bridal and evening wear today.  Fortunately, his prolific works of the 1960s-80s have longevity similar to their couture inspiration.  They are expertly constructed and flattering, as promised.  Look for the vintage Victor Costa label(s)—they are Pre-disposable fashion.

Rosie in Victor Costa at currentVintage