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Annie Lennox Lists in London

SELLER: Annie Lennox
LOCATION: London, UK
PRICE: £12,000,000
SIZE: 5,131 square feet, 4-5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: We have Our Man in London to thank for sniffing out the open market listing for a Grade II listed terrace house just a few short blocks off Portobello Road in London's Notting Hill nabe that's up for sale with an £12,000,000 price tag and owned by pixie-haired synth-pop/New Wave music pioneer and legend Annie Lennox. (Your Mama's rusty but trusty currency conversion contraption shows that the current guide price—that's U.K. real estate speak for listing price—of £12,000,000 equals $19,581,4000 at today's rates.)

Scotland-born Miz Lennox, for those of y'all who weren't around in the early 1980s, was one-half of the duo Eurythmics. In the 1990s Miz Lennox lit out on a successful solo career and, as best as we can tell from our research on the internets, she's got seven BRIT Awards, three Grammys, and both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for a pop ditty (Into The West) that she co-wrote for The Lord of the Rings. She's also got scads of awards, titles, recognitions for her extensive charity work and international humanitarian efforts.

That Miz Lennox might want to sell her swank house in London isn't such a great surprise since newly wedded rich and/or famous folk often buy a new house to set up home and, in case you missed the gossip glossy reports, 58-year old Miz Lennox recently hitched her love wagon for the third time to Harvard-trained, notably philanthropic, and South Africa-based gynecologist Dr. Mitch Besser.

As far as we can tell, Miz Lennox paid £4.4 million—that's $7,179,830 at today's rates—for the five-floor, Regency terrace house that listing details show was designed by architect and topographical illustrator Thomas Allom and built in 1853.

Online marketing materials (that include a color-coded floor plan) show the double-fronted white stucco residence has 4-5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms in 5,131 square feet of interior space that marries original architectural details such as heavy-duty moldings with thoroughly modern fittings and trimmings such as radiant heated floors throughout, a home automation system that controls lighting and a/v equipment, and a camera-equipped security system.

The raised ground floor has impressively high ceilings, espresso-toned wide plank wood floors and elaborate ceiling moldings and window trims. The T-shaped foyer and stair hall open to an unusually spacious powder room, a roomy open-concept center island kitchen/family room, and a separate formal dining room with fireplace, bay window and a fab oval-shaped Eero Saarinen tulip table and chairs with multi-colored cushions.

The lower ground floor—that's U.K.-speak for a basement—comprises a wee bedroom for staff or guests, a closet-lined gym, and a small office. There's also a laundry room, kitchenette and tiny three-quarter bathroom. At least two of the rooms open to sub-street level patios, the larger of which provides convenient exterior access to a quartet of storage vaults under the sidewalk.

The first floor—that's the second floor for all us Americanos—has a trio public rooms: sun room with fancy tile floor, a snug/library with marble-manteled fireplace and a baby grand piano, and a roomy drawing room fireplace and with three sets of transom-topped French doors that open to a slender, wrought iron-railed wrap around balcony.

The master suite occupies the entire second floor with super-sized sitting room, cozy bedroom, and, in between, a commodious bathroom with frosted glass windows for privacy, a sitting area, steam-equipped shower stall, and a sleek, two-person soaking tub set right in the middle of the room. Two more generous, if somewhat oddly shaped bedrooms on the uppermost level share a hall bathroom with double sinks, bathtub and separate shower.

Although private outdoor space is somewhat limited to a couple of small balconies and a not particularly private subterranean wrap around patio on the lower ground floor, Miz Lennox's London' digs offers direct access to the communal (yet private) Stanley Gardens South as well as access to the also communal (and also private) gardens of Ladbroke Square.

Your Mama confesses we're not aware of Miz Lennox owning any other property but we'd be somewhat surprised to learn she didn't and we assume without any intel whatsoever to base our supposition that she and her third new Mister—Dr. Besser—maintain a luxury residence in Cape Town (South Africa).

listing photo and floor plan: Pereds

Thankful

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all of your loved ones.  I just wanted to share yesterday's outfit and a little bit of what I am thankful for. 

Top: Choies (here)/ Skirt: OASAP (here)/ Booties: Target (here)

Hat: H&M (similar)/ Tights: Hanes Silk Reflections (here) & (here)

My family said I was channeling my "inner trendy pilgrim" lol and maybe I was!  I just got this skirt which I thought was perfect for the occasion because of the color.  It reminds me of my favorite wine, Pinot Noir!  I decided to pair it with this floral top that I wore before here.  I really just wanted to wear an outfit that was somewhat festive and comfortable enough to eat as much as I wanted to :) I felt like something was missing so I added my hat which I always end up wearing with these booties.  I swear I will wear these booties until the heels fall off.  They are just the most comfortable shoes and they look so cute with everything.  These tights are amazing by the way and I highly suggest them. It is definitely tight season now so these will be a go to pair for me.  Since my outfit was pretty bold in color and print, I went with simple makeup and a light pink lip. 

This photo perfectly sums up my Thanksgiving and the relationship that I have with my mother.  I will always cherish this photo.  The past couple of years have been really rough on us since my father passed, but we are still standing strong and continue to live each moment of our lives to the fullest.  I am so blessed to have such an amazing and supportive mother who believes in me and my dreams.  She has become my best friend and such a great support system.   We laugh together, we cry together and we overcome life's obstacles together.  

I am so thankful for my guardian angel who continues to guide me with every step that I take.  I truly feel his presence around me and I have never felt so protected.  Almost every day for the past few months the number 1106 has appeared in front of me in some way.  Besides the fact that it is my birth date, I knew that there had to be another meaning.  I finally looked it up and it said "Angel number 1106 is a message from your angels." After reading the entire meaning, I couldn't believe how relevant is was to my life right now.  I know my father is still with me every single day.  

I have such a loving sister who I have become so close with over the years and for that I am so thankful.  I know that I can always count on her to be there for me and I really value the relationship that we have with one another. My family is everything to me.  I have some amazing friends who I have been blessed to share so many great memories with and they are such an important part of my life.

I am so thankful to finally be at a place in my life where I am truly happy and doing something that I love.  I appreciate every single person who takes the time to read my blog.  Whether you love it or not, I still appreciate it.  For every opportunity that has crossed my path, I am very grateful.  Through the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, I am thankful because it has made me the woman that I am today.  Thank you so much to everyone who supports me and continues to show so much love.  You make my day, everyday.

Always count your blessings <3

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Thank You

I have so much to be thankful for.

As I type this from my iPhone, I am thankful that I am in a warm place and have all the things I need.

In addition to my basic needs, I wanted to take a moment to list some things I am thankful for. This is just a list from the top of my head right now and I know I am failing to list so many things. This is what I'm thankful for today.

I am thankful for:

- My Mother and family for understanding my traveling lifestyle and is supportive no matter what.

- My friends who reach out to me and make an effort even though I am out of sight.

- the amazing community I have met through photography.

- my partner in crime, Max. He keeps me smiling even during times when everything seems to fall apart.

- my ability to roam the country and do what I want on a moments notice.

- to all of the amazing women who have opened up and allowed me to photograph them for my series this year. Thank you Cat, Traci, Jamie, Cal, Carrie, Jo, Iowana, Shanta, Ariana, Carrie, Teri, Kari, Tyler, Kiki, Sam, Kathy, Brandy, Angie, Dian, Dani, Dani, Lara, Morgan, Natasha, Robin, Vicky, Laura, Susan, Sahar, Trish, Carolyn, Val, Cat, Kristin, K.J., Rebecca, Mimi, Karen and Jiela, thus far. You are all an inspiration to me.

- to the photographers, jurors, publishers and all the people who have wanted to feature my art in their publication, show, blog, in in their home.

- the airstream, camper, van, tent and travel community. Love your support and following your adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

- for art. Without you, life would be dull and meaningless.

- my sobriety. Life is so much more beautiful when I feel it all.

- to all of the strangers I've met on the road by chance. Thank you for allowing me to take your photograph.

- to the stranger I am going to meet today who invited me over for a Thanksgiving meal with her family.

- to the people who take the time to write me about their life or how a post or photograph of mine made them feel.

- Instagram. For the people I follow and who follow me. We're a strange bunch and I like it!

- to the amazing photographers who inspire me.

- for life lessons and experiences. The good, the bad, the hurt, the pleasure...feeling everything. An engagement with living.

- for the forgiveness of the people I forgot to mention on this blog.

- to you, reading this. Thank you. Thank you to all who have donated, offered your home or have pointed me in another direction, whether you know it or not.

Additionally:

-Aline Smithson for the continued support of my work and for the friendship.
-Heidi Lender - for being a virtual shoulder to cry on. It's nice to know another soul that wanders as I do.
- Christa Blackwood - for opening up your home to max and I, without even knowing us.
- Dan LeHouillier - for being my best friend for over 20 years. You always keep me laughing, even through texts when I'm away.
- Amy Carlton and Eugeine Frerichs for the opportunity
- Kristiana Spaulding - for the friendship and inspiration
- Rose Red - for always being there, no matter what
- Katy Chung - thank you for your friendship your generosity, and for always taking me in.
- Cat Carrel - for your friendship, through a lot of ups and downs.
- Rebecca Rebman - For calling me out, visiting me on the road, and pushing me in the right direction.
- Cal Phoenix - for being there and being open for all of my crazy ideas
- Traci & Jamie - thank you for your friendship, the laughs, being open to my shoots and for sticking with me through my crazies.
- Stu Schmal - for being you and for putting up with me all of these years.
- Brandy Trigueros - for your laugh and always putting a smile on my face
- Carrie Vandenberg - for reaching out
- Tanya Dubnicoff - for being the straw 4 1/2 years ago
- Ronnie White - for your words, art, hope and picking out max
- Beth Faherty - for your words of wisdom and a virtual ear when I need it most.
- max - if you could read, you would know how much I love you and how much complete strangers love you too.
- mom - I love you. Thank you for putting up with me for 42 years.

Happy Thanksgiving to you reading this! I am sure I forgot someone or something so my apologies in advance.

Here are some images from the last month that I am thankful for:

Xoxo
Love, Alison and Max

David Koepp Lists Manhattan Townhouse

SELLER: David Koepp
LOCATION: New York City, NY
PRICE: $9,900,000
SIZE: 5,000(ish) square feet, 4-5 bedrooms, 3 full and 1 or maybe to half bathrooms

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: A quick spin through some of the newer property listings in New York City turned up a townhouse on the Upper West Side listed for $9.9 million and owned, as per property records, by David Koepp.*

Mister Koepp's name may not ring your Tinseltown bells but he is, to be sure, an notably tall, bespectacled, and unusually successful screenwriter (and director) of action-oriented blockbuster movies such as Jurrasic Park and its sequel The Lost World: Jurrasic Park, Mission: Impossible, Spider-Man, War of the Worlds, Panic Room, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Premium Rush. In the mid-Aughts Mister Koepp wrote and executive produced the short-lived network series Hack and, although he briefly backed out of the project in 2012, he penned the upcoming second installment of the Snow White and the Huntsman franchise.

Property records show Mister Koepp and his first wife, artist and occasional actress Rosario Varela, acquired the meticulously maintained and updated 1870s townhouse in January 1999 for $3,250,000. In 2004 Mister Koepp bought out first Missus Koepp and, as far as we know, Mister Koepp remained (and remains) in residence with his second wife, Melissa Thomas.

Current listing details show the urban single family residence, just a few doors off Central Park with interiors by accomplished lady-decorator Fawn Galli, has about 5,000 square feet with 4-5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, two fireplaces, an elevator that serves four of the five floors, a sky-lit laundry room on the top floor, and a multi-level garden.

Floor plans and listing photographs included with digital marketing materials show the raised stoop entry on the parlor floor high ceilings and chevron pattern wood floors. A small vestibule entry links to an over-sized foyer—with butterfly-pattern wallpaper and wall-mounted faux zebra bust—that does double duty as a formal dining room. A small study off the entry vestibule overlooks the sparsely tree-lined street and could be pressed into use as a bedroom if necessary and/or desired. At the rear of the parlor floor the formal living room opens through multi-paned doors to a small balcony with corkscrew staircase that winds down to the garden two floors below.

The ground floor comprises a floor-through, loft-like space with top-quality kitchen with marble counter tops and an adjoining mud room street entrance, a casual dining area, and a roomy family room that, like the formal living room directly above it, also opens to a small balcony that connects via exterior corkscrew staircase to the garden. Although listing details indicate there's a powder room on the ground floor, as far as these boozy-woozy eyeballs can tell from a thorough perusal of the floor plan, there isn't a bathroom on this level so anyone with a need to evacuate must ascend to the vermilion-walled powder room just off the formal dining room or descend to the (English) basement where there's a windowless three-quarter pooper along. Also down in the garden level basement are a large storage room, a small sitting area and a fireplace-equipped media room with built-in entertainment center and direct garden access.

The good-sized garden view master bedroom on the second floor has a dressing room lined with closets and a Jack 'n' Jill type bathroom that is—regretably—shared with the a second, street-facing bedroom. Two more generously proportioned bedrooms on the uppermost floor share a hall bathroom with separate tub and shower.

Property records how Mister Koepp still owns another apartment in modern building on Columbus Avenue that he picked up in August 2002 for $1,575,000 and in March (2011) he and his second missus shelled out $3.85 million for a land-locked mini-estate in the low-key but hideously expensive Hamptons community of Amagansett, NY.

*Mister Koepp's surname, in case any of you want to know, is pronounced kepp.

listing photos and floor plan: Douglas Elliman

Holiday Preppy Chic

I'm back with today's outfit post!  Since the holiday season is officially here, I wanted to do a "preppy chic" look that is still festive. 

Blazer: Tommy Hilfiger (here) c/o / Skirt: Zara (here)

Shirt: H&M (old) / Shoes: Steve Madden (similar)

 Thigh Highs: Victoria's Secret (here) / Bag: Phillip Lim For Target

Necklace: Happy Wrist c/o / Lipstick: Urban Decay F-Bomb 

It's no surprise how much I love blazers!  They've become a huge staple piece me for over the years on so many different occasions.  As you've seen in so many of my outfit posts, I just can't get enough.  I recently went to the grand opening event for Tommy Hilfiger at the Garden State Plaza and this was one of my favorite pieces there.  I really love the print and the colors make it so festive.  I was torn on how I wanted to style it because there are so many options, so I decided on this little skater skirt from Zara.  I wanted to do all black and let the blazer be the statement piece of the outfit.  Instead of going with black shoes, I decided on these metallic/petwer ones that I scored on sale :)  I think they are such a great shoe for the holidays.  And of course to complete the look, I went with a bold holiday lip and some pretty sparkle.  I am also wearing tights so my legs don't freeze!  I really love these VS thigh highs because they are comfortable and actually stay up.  I'm working on a really fun holiday project with Tommy coming in December so stay tuned! Also, please vote for me today loves <3

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!
XOXO

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Holiday Gift Guide: For HIM

 This post is really different from what I normally do but I thought it would be a fun idea!  I recently did a post on my top 10 gift picks for fearless fashionista, but decided to do one here just for the fellas.  Since holiday shopping is about to commence this weekend, I thought now would be the perfect time.   We all have a special man in our lives whether it be a significant other, father, brother, best friend, co-worker, etc. and sometimes it can be difficult trying to figure out the best gifts to get them.  So hopefully my little holiday gift guide will come in handy.  I think there is something for everyone.

Basics
Let's start out with some basics.  I've always loved getting both a practical gift and a special gift :)

Tommy John: Second Skin V-Neck Undershirt 

This is not your typical undershirt.  They're known for their tailored stretch technology and are guaranteed to stay tucked in.  They are made with a super-thin micro modal fabric and have a stream lined fit.  My sister is actually getting one for her boyfriend.  Hopefully he doesn't see this post lol 

Every Christmas when I asked my father what he wanted, he literally always said undershirts.  I wish I knew about these when he was still here.  He would have loved them. 

Here are a few other great options for basics from Tommy John:

Cool Cotton Boxer Briefs 

Sock Gift Set 

Watches

I don't think that I have ever met a man who didn't love a wristwatch.  In fact, some men actually collect watches and look at them as investment pieces. They're classic and such a great statement piece to wear on a daily basis.  When taken care of, they can last a really long time.  

Michael Kors: Watch Hunger Stop 

As amazing as Rolex and Breitling are, not everyone can afford them.  There are definitely many other great options for a fraction of the price, like this Michael Kors one which is part of the Watch Hunger Stop collection.  For every sale of the 100 series watch, 100 meals will be delivered to children in need.  I loved this idea so just wanted to share!

Here are some other affordable watch options:

Movado

Fossil

Tech Gifts 

Men love tech gifts.  There is always something new and innovative on the market and this season there are so many options to choose from.  You are sure to find something that he will obsess over. 

Jawbone Jambox

While searching for gift ideas, I came across this wireless bluetooth speaker.  It's about an inch larger than the iPhone 5S and it will blast your music from any bluetooth-enabled device for up to 15 hours on one charge.  Since it's portable, he can take it anywhere he goes. It's customizable in any color and also comes with a built-in mic so he can even record his own videos and music.  Pretty cool idea I must say!

Here are some other tech gifts:

iPega Wireless Bluetooth Controller

iPAD Air

Cologne 

One of the many things we remember about a man is their scent.  It doesn't matter how much time goes by or where we might be, if someone walks into a room wearing the same cologne as them, they instantly come into our thoughts.  

Blue De Chanel 

One of my friends says that this is a really great scent.  He says it's full of "class."  It's described as a "new, woody aromatic fragrance for today's modern man." I haven't smelled this myself, but I am going to take his word for it!  I read some really great reviews on it too.

  Here are a few other great cologne options: 

YSL L'Homme Libre 

Versace Eros 

Shaving Kit 

"Movember" is almost over so pretty soon there will be a ton of men shaving their mustache and beards.  And even if they didn't take part this month, a shaving kit will always come in handy.

The Art Of Shaving Full Size Kit 

This is one of the gifts that I featured on Fearless Fashionista.  It comes with pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm and a pure badger shaving brush.  Pretty efficient I think! 

Travel Shaving Kit 

Shaving Starter Kit 

MISC. Gift Ideas 

Ray-Ban Folding Clubmaster

With these sunglasses, there is no need for him to bring along a case.  He can fold them up and toss them in his shirt pocket!

The Handleband

If he likes to ride bikes, then this is the perfect gadget for him.  This works on any phone and is super easy to use.  It could be a great stocking stuffer.

Trunk Club: Customized Wardrobe

I thought this was super cool and definitely a unique gift idea. Basically, Trunk Club curates a free box of hand selected clothing for him based on a live chat with a stylist.  Once the trunk arrives and he tries on the clothes, he can decide what he wants to keep and send back.  A credit card will only be charged for the items that he keeps.  Prices can range from $100-$300.  So you can set him up with his first trunk! This is perfect for the man who hates to shop. 

I hope this helps give you a couple of ideas! 

<3

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