Foreign Technically- Flowerful Energy
Where I Went, What I Bought, What My Dogs Did
There is something about flowers that improves everything.
Where I Went
A weekend in Amsterdam for the final days of tulip season at Keukenhof Gardens. The scale catches you off guard. The gardens are enormous, the crowds match, and everyone is photographing plants. I fit right in.
Favorite finds among the blooms: a tulip variety that opens like a peony and one with a bloom larger than my already sizeable hand. After the gardens, a tulip field. The blocks of color live up to every Instagram tease — and then some.
Less than 48 hours in Amsterdam proper meant laidback wandering through De 9 Straatjes — the nine streets, Amsterdam’s most charming shopping district. Two lines caught my eye along the way: Van Stapele, a cookie shop with a queue down the street, and Chuns — Korean thick cut toast and Uji matcha, with a line that grew every time I passed. Both go on the list for next time.
I had my mind set on a tulip vase but I couldn’t decide on white-blue delftware (traditional Dutch) or an all white version (better suited for my current home). Three shops later, I left empty handed and turned to the internet. A wander through Arket followed by vintage cruising through Millimese and Episode — Amsterdam does this well.
What I Ate
In Amsterdam: a stroopwafel from Hans Egstorf — a Dutch staple, done properly. Matcha latte at Arket cafe. Branzino at Cecconi's, simply prepared and exactly right.
In Paris: sunday brunch at Season in the Marais; smash burgers at Blend in the 1er.
Dinner at Penati al Baretto, where our favorite maître d’ — a native of Ischia — poured complimentary champagne in lieu of a birthday cake. Crab salad followed by John Dory, simply prepared. The conversation, as always, turned to Ischia. We have never been. This could be the summer we go. 10/10.
What I Bought
The Byredo Vesuvio eyshadow palette I’ve been searching for — sold out in Tokyo, Osaka, and Paris, finally scored at de Bijenkorf in Amsterdam. A silk scarf in the same motif as my cashmere version. Spring is here!
Waffles from Hans Egstorf. Tony’s chocolates — a Dutch staple and non-negotiable. An assortment of tchotchkes found along De 9 Straatjes.
More flowers: a rose bouquet for my mom celebrating Mother’s Day and a monthly subscription for her new office, both from Grace Rose Farm — the only place I order flowers from online in the United States.
What I Keep Thinking About
Panniers. Structured hip frames that defined the French court in the 18th century — the higher the social status, the wider the skirt. I started thinking about them for the Versailles Ball and now I can’t stop seeing them. The question for my costume is structural: boned and dramatic, or softer given the late June heat. TBD.
What My Dogs Did
They returned from two weeks in the French countryside and have been sleeping ever since. Necessary, not lazy — there is a difference.
Notes from Paris, to follow.