A Bit Of Tropical Paradise
Saturday-July 10, 2021
Dear Marion,
I have long wondered what it would be like to spend some time in Palm Beach and particularly The Breakers Hotel as it has such a history and what has become an iconic Style for both fashion and interiors. It has burned two times and been rebuilt since its initial conception in 1896. In 1926, after the fire of 1925, it reopened proudly displaying the design which had been modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome, Italy. The grounds are as grand and luxurious as the interiors displaying 3 pools, multiple nooks to sit and converse, enjoy a cocktail, or read a book to escape your everyday demands. There are multiple paths and walkways protecting you from the rain or intense sun while transporting you from one area to another and their use of local foliage whether tree-lined or flowering vines overhead it is all designed with an incredible eye for detail and beauty. The Breakers are smartly set along the Atlantic Ocean and Beach so that you can enjoy Oceanside seating, step back for Poolside, or a more enclosed setting for inclement weather. Even the Gym with its glassed wall facing the ocean takes in a view. If that isn’t impressive enough, step outside where you can use one of an assortment of exercise machines under the blue sky and overlooking the ocean.
The Interior Architecture is every bit as detailed and beautiful to experience blending the art and furniture of more recent style to that of its origins pleasing both visually and from the standard of comfort. The artisan details are evident in every aspect of the space including ceiling, corners, floors, and window treatment. The individual rooms have taken into consideration all that might make your stay more relaxing and the room service wholeheartedly supports this concept. A television can even be found seamlessly in the bathroom mirror so that you can remain privy to the business and happenings of the day.
I would be amiss in speaking of Palm Beach if I didn’t share the influence and iconic use of color thanks in part to the designer Lilly Pulitzer. I find her story fascinating even though I am not an avid follower. With her socialite parents and her elite schooling, she had the opportunity to meet fellow student Jaqueline Bouvier Kennedy who eventually became a customer and one that put her on the map for design success. Lily Pulitzer invented her iconic shift dress with bold color and print as a necessity. As a mother of young children, she began a juice stand in Palm Beach using the produce of her family business and her fine business acumen. All of the fresh oranges, lemons, limes, and pink grapefruit squeezing by hand led to stained clothing, inspiring her to design the sleeveless dress using bright pink, green, yellow, and orange patterns - to camouflage the wear and tear. Maybe you remember, during my pregnancies, I wholeheartedly delved into these colorful, effortless, cheery dresses. There are some charming individual shops on the grounds of The Breakers including Ralph Lauren and of course Lilly Pulitzer. In addition, close to the original location of the juice stand from 1959ish, there stands a Lilly Pulitzer Shop.
This week our Road Trip in Florida also included a more low-key, less luxurious but equally beautiful stay in Jupiter Bay. We were fortunate enough to Paddle Board through a perfectly calm waterway with foliage that is so different visually from the Northeast. One of us was fortunate enough to spot a Manatee which has been known to enjoy the area in which we were paddling. As I was further back soaking it all in (surprisingly not), I missed the sighting. I realized afterward that this was the exact weekend that I first attempted Paddle Boarding last Summer. The awe that I feel is still the same however it may be further influenced by the scenery which is completely fresh and new from what I am familiar with visually, whatever the influence, it's still exhilarating.
As we walked into the grocer the other day, my senses were bowled over by some very ripe apricots. The sweet smell filled the air and jogged a memory from my early childhood. A few of our neighbors and I would play different games and one of them involved camping(pretend) and we would use blueberries and gooseberries from our yard and apricots from our neighbor’s yard. We would cut them up and pretend they were different meals we foraged and eat around the imaginary campfire. It’s funny how a scent can tap into a memory that I didn’t even realize was still in my memory bank. Our short trip to Florida brought with it the intense flavor and smell of ripe oranges and inspired your granddaughter to make a new recipe Orange & Cardamom Sticky Buns with fresh orange zest. They are a combination of a roll and a pastry with a drizzle of fresh orange glaze topped with fresh orange zest. The aroma and taste are every bit as delicious to the last crumb...I think the results of this recipe will forever be triggered by the smell of fresh oranges and our trip to Florida complete with Paddle Boarding and Palm Tree Lined Lanes.
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote:
“Style isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you live.”
Lilly Pulitzer
American Hostess, Socialite, Businesswoman, Fashion Designer
1931-2013