Bric-a-Brac 32
News for la rentrée! The best hotel gift shop in Umbria, a Parisian phone number you’ll want to keep, packing tricks from an itinerant stylist—and our new Moodboard
Welcome back! Even if I’m not going “back to work” or dropping my kid off on her first day of school, these early days of September are imprinted with a feeling of reentry. I love how the French have a term specifically for it—la rentrée. After taking it easy in August (thank you to all of our contributors for their great Postcards!), we’re recharged and have lots to share, including new columns we’re introducing this fall and beyond. We’re taking “How I Pack” bimonthly–many of you told us how much you learned from Margherita Missoni’s packing guide and video–so you’ll see more of that here. We’re starting a new section called Moodboard for all of our favorite bits and bobs of the week–new hotel openings, books, a video we’re obsessed with, etc. And then we have a big slate of Black Books and Planners lined up for fall—this year we’ve vowed to start planning our (and your) winter vacations early!
In the meantime, a few discoveries in our Bric-a-Brac pile….
JUST BACK FROM…RESCHIO
One of our favorite places to return to is Reschio in Umbria, which we first visited in 2015 when we stayed in one of the rentable villas on the property. We became fast friends with the owners of the estate, Benedikt Bolza and Nencia Corsini, and Clara with all their kids. Over the years, we’ve stayed in several of the villas (which are fantastic if you're a larger group and like to cook), and watched their dream of turning the estate’s old castle into a hotel become the gorgeous reality that is Castello di Reschio. Last year, we stayed soon after the hotel opened its doors (in May 2021), and this year we got to experience it in full swing. What used to be a tiny trattoria that was open just to villa owners and their guests is now Ristorante Alle Scuderie, a bustling restaurant and beautiful bar, and one of the most exciting new developments is Bottega di Reschio–the gift shop curated by Nencia. On our first stay, we all had a gorgeous dinner in the outside dining room, which was lit by these massive candles with the tallest flames–their wicks were so thick and sturdy it didn’t matter how strong the wind was. Nencia had told me she got them from a candlemaker in Sicily—and now she is selling them in her shop: two huge candles for 10 euros! (Honestly, you just need two for a long table of 10-12 and they will last the whole night. They are so powerful and cast so much light that sometimes we only use one.) She also has a great edit of hats from a Tuscan hatmaker, all the watercolor materials you could dream of, Venetian slippers, and a wonderful trove of finds from small producers she loves. The best part is, you don’t have to be a guest in the villas or the Castello to eat in the restaurant or visit the gift shop! If you’re anywhere near Cortona, definitely make this a stop.
SHARE CONTACT
Several years back, we took a taxi from the Gare du Nord, and the driver was so kind and helpful that we asked for her number so she could drive us to the airport later that week. Since then, every time we know we need an airport or train pickup, we text Daisy—and now we’re greeted with hugs and catch up on the family news. Basically, we have a friend, and I’m pretty sure she’ll be yours, too. (She speaks excellent English.) Note: She doesn’t have the fanciest car, but it’s very comfortable and clean and she can comfortably take 3 passengers with plenty of luggage. If you’re a bigger group, I’d check with her first–she has plans to get a van soon, but for now it’s for 5 passengers. Email: devisowamber@gmail.com Tel: +33 643717329
HOW I PACK
Our friend Sarah Clary is one of the most creative people I know—I met her years ago when she was styling for J Crew—and I’ve always loved her irreverent approach. She has a great newsletter called Laundry Day, which of course has great style ideas, but I also love it for her vulnerable, thoughtful voice. She’s a deeply kind human and I’m so happy to have her share her packing tips with us.
Describe your basic packing strategy.
I travel a lot for work and pleasure. I usually like to plan my looks to avoid overpacking and tend to keep to a color palette so whatever I throw in my bag can work together. That means denim and blues together. Creams, whites and khakis together, or all shades of a bright color. I usually wear a blazer when traveling: even if I am in all sweats or a tee and jeans, a blazer pulls it all together and is effortlessly chic—and once I’ve arrived, a blazer can help any look feel fresh and is an added layer for warmth.
What’s your go-to luggage?
Steamline Luggage! They are so chic and easy and come in tons of colors and sizes. They invoke travel from years past, but have all the things we want now.
Any packing tricks or hacks?
I always pack a one-piece swimsuit for obvious reasons, like a beach or hot tub at the slopes, but it doubles as a great bodysuit under a blazer with jeans or a skirt.
I also always pack a ribbon that I can style in many ways: as a belt, on a strap of a dress or tank, in my hair, or around my waist. This trick really helps when you start to repeat clothes and need a refresh.
If I am going to a good shopping destination, I always pack a collapsible bag so I can bring more home. Parker and Thatch has some good ones that I can fold into my suitcase.
A great cotton PJ set is a must. Sleepy Jones has amazing ones—yes, for bed, but the shirts are also great as a top during the day paired with jeans or tailored pants.
What’s your shoe strategy?
Wear a sneaker and pack the flats and one heel. I like bringing a metallic heel, which can easily add a little extra pop to any outfit.
How do you think about accessories?
I worry about losing or forgetting something, so I try to keep it simple and leave any super expensive items at home. I always love a belt. A classic military web belt looks great with anything: a jean, a dress, or over a blazer. I may bring one big accessory like a flower pin or brooch that can easily be added to a simple shirt or dress. Whatever I bring helps create newness if I wear items multiple times.
Do you have a great travel hat?
I have a great straw beach hat I got years ago in Mexico. It is more like a gardening hat but it has a hard crown, so it is easier to keep intact. I usually push a scarf or a sweater inside it to prevent it from being crushed and place it in my carry-on.
What’s always in your toiletry bag?
Coconut oil. It is a great cleanser and makeup remover and also works for sunburns, frizz for your hair, and mosquito bites. So many companies now offer coconut oil or cream in travel-size packets, or you can fill an empty container. Cleo Cosmetics makes a fantastic CC cream that has a great tint for a little quick cover. And Supergoop’s travel-size sunscreen is amazing and great to throw in the bag, too.
On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on always contain?
First, I have bags within bags: a large tote that holds it all; a small, thinner tote that can hold some essentials and to use at my destination; and finally, a crossbody that holds the essentials—keys, wallet, phone…great for those busy tourist days.
On the plane, I have to have a sweater—I am always freezing. I love the navy fisherman sweater from Maria McManus. Face lotion to lather up like a crazy person, since the plane is so drying for my skin. Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré is great. I also always carry little photos of my kids so when I am flying and miss them I have those to look at. There’s something about the little photos I prefer to scrolling through my phone. My notebook—I like to write things down: what I see, feel, my to-do list or the crazy ideas I have for myself or my career.
Also, pouches are my friends. I love a pouch for my-on-the plane cosmetics. A pouch for my vitamins and a pouch for my cords and ear pods, etc. All the different pouches organize the stuff you need and you can easily categorize them. Also, the pouches can be used as clutches when you are going out for dinner. I love all the pouch colors offered by Comme Des Garcons or the monogrammed ones from Clare V.
MOODBOARD
Grandma tastemakers, literally! A cookbook we’re in love with.
A new upstate NY mountainside getaway we can’t wait to check out
You can buy a piece of a Parisian restaurant here.
A painting holiday in Tangier with very cool insiders!
This newsletter is filled with summer-extending cocktails.
BE HERE NOW
Sound on: Birds and crickets at the Reschio Estate in June
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Always love all of your suggestions! We used them recently in both Paris and Hilton Head and they were all fabulous! Any chance you’ll be doing a guide or some suggestions for Miami? Even if it is just restaurants? Big thanks!
Thank you for sharing Daisy’s contact info. I just used her this afternoon for a ride from Montparnasse to CDG. What a lovely woman!