Sometimes the story behind a design and how it is crafted is so intriguing it makes you appreciate the design that much more. Such is the case with Emily Satloff’s jewelry line, Larkspur & Hawk. What you don’t necessarily know when you try on a dazzling pair of Halley’s comet earrings, or shimmering white topaz necklace, is the jewelry’s brilliance is the result of a centuries old technique, called foiling, that was used during the Georgian period (early 1700s to early 1800s). Satloff, who also specializes in selling antique jewelry to private clients, decided to resurrect the art of foiling and use it to create her own line of jewelry. And it is this technique–mixing semi-precious stones with different colored foils–that allows her to create such intense and subtle colors, unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

To top it off, Satloff, is as intriguing as her jewels. We met her at her Upper East Side apartment (the rich, exotic interiors courtesy of Katie Ridder) and were immediately enamored with her elegance, old-world charm and down-to-earth demeanor. She is a woman with a unique and poetic vision; rare qualities in today’s world. (Satloff’s jewelry can be found at Barneys and Net-a-Porter.)

Before you started Larkspur & Hawk you specialized in antique jewelry. What draws you to jewelry? My foray into antique jewelry actually stemmed from my studies and work in decorative arts. I felt that jewelry mimicked the trends found throughout history (silver, ceramics, architecture). Each piece of jewelry was a visual piece of history.

Larkspur & Hawk is your modernized take on Georgian jewelry. Explain. In selling antique jewelry each piece allowed me to act as a conduit to the past. My  new collection is similar in that I have focused on keeping a tradition and craftsmanship alive through my knowledge and expertise, yet adding a slightly modern sensibility. In reference to the craftsmanship, I have revived the art of foiling gemstones, which was an 18th century jewelry-making technique.

Why the name Larkspur & Hawk? As often as we can, our family travels to our home away from home in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The name derives from my favorite ski runs, birds and flowers there.

What do you want a woman to feel when she puts on your jewelry? I want women to feel that when they are wearing my jewelry, they are wearing something unique and personal. Each piece is carefully designed, with the combination of gemstones and foils to brighten the face.

What new designs are you most excited about? The Halley collection. Many jewelers over the centuries have drawn inspiration from celestial happenings, such as Halley’s comet, the only periodic comet visible to the naked eye. [An occurrence that happens approximately every 75 years, and influenced Georgian jewelers.] The luminous pieces from the collection, combining faceted circular stones with pronged foliate detailing is evocative of the ethereal beauty of a shooting comet.

Describe your personal style: My style is geared towards the jewelry I am wearing. I gravitate towards slightly more feminine and romantic pieces that reference the past, yet are modern. If I could wear ball gowns every day I would!

Designers in your closet: Dries Van Noten, Morgane Le Fey, Prada, Giuseppe Zanotti (his shoes are jewelry for your feet), and Catherine Malandrino.

China on your table: Bernardaud Bacchanale.

Favorite scent: Frederic Malle Iris Poudre.

If you weren’t a jewelry designer you would….Own a vineyard.

Gwyneth Paltrow last month in Stella McCartney Fall 2012-2013 boots

As I add things to our shop, I am struck by the quickening pace of the fashion seasons. I get why there are swimsuits in December since many people go on holiday in the winter, but pre Fall in May stumps me. Resort is slowly going on sale and Spring is soon to follow. Leather jackets and wool trousers are starting to pop up here and there and you can pre-order Fall at Bergdorfs.

I know what I want for fall but am not sure I want to buy it now and have it sitting around. Why? Because I will wear it. And maybe that’s okay. Perhaps I need to be less rigid about seasons and buy what I like when it’s available. Actually, I have always sort of shopped this way- like grazing. I see it, love it, buy it. Who cares when it’s meant to be worn. If the temperature is in the 50′s and you just bought a pre-fall moto jacket, by all means, wear it!

© Bottega Veneta

I don’t own any monogrammed or initialed bags, because I haven’t been a big fan. But I’m kind of in love with Bottega Veneta‘s new initial collection. Especially the tote. It is a perfect size and the price, $1680, is pretty reasonable for a BV bag. Red is my favorite color and this one is good, but the ivory would also be gorgeous yet understated.

Sally Mann, Crabbing at Pawley’s Island, 1989 (one of Preston's favorite photographers)

J: To many, Mothers Day is a contrived greeting-card holiday. Perhaps, but there is nothing wrong with setting aside a specific date on the calendar to celebrate the mother who raised you and perhaps, the mother you are. Being a mother is both fantastic and tough. Having a family is very satisfying and having two girls is a treat. My biggest hope is that I am able to instill in them that in this day and age, they can do anything and be anyone. (It is a good time to be a girl.) The tough part? The sacrifices. Deep sleep is a thing of the past, as is my waistline, time to myself, time with my husband, the last cookie in the cookie jar. It’s an endless list of things big and small.

So what do I want this Mothers Day? My dream day would be a nice lunch in the city (“we hate going to the city” the girls would say), a walk through Central Park (“I’m bored” would be the ongoing conversation), and to catch the movie Dark Shadows (“too scary!” my 10-year-old would say.) So I will gladly settle for coffee in bed and brunch at a local French bistro. And I will be very happy, because I will be doing it with my family. Happy Mothers Day!

P: My mother always told me I could be and do whatever I put my mind to. I come from a long line of accomplished and awe inspiring women and am thankful to have so many role models. My girls know that they too can be and do whatever they put their minds to. They also know that it takes hard work and good choices to achieve success. I am not talking financial success, but rather making the grade, team, good friends, healthy relationships and a family. It’s these successes that make life sweet.

We are celebrating Mother’s Day today. The weather is supposed to be fine so we are going to the Peconic River Herb Farm on Eastern Long Island. I will pack a picnic and since we have never been to this area, we will poke around and hopefully discover some fun spots. As it is Saturday, we won’t hit the Hamptons traffic going home (the ever practical Preston). Maybe I will find a few Secret Addresses to share with you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Illustration by Celine Loup for the New York Times Book Review

My sister and I love stories of Old World families with property and lots of familial politics. Probably doesn’t take a Freudian scholar to figure out the draw of these tales. So when the New York Times reviewed The Right-Hand Shore, Christopher Tilghman’s new novel set on a Chesapeake plantation named Mason’s Retreat, a property that has been held by one family since 1657, my interest was piqued. I will let you know if it’s a good read.

Click images for product details

Chloe vest, $2395; L’Agence silk chiffon top, $395; J. Brand Goldfrapp coated stretch twill pants, $280; Balenciaga snake-print wedge, $1,065; The Row cat-eye sunglasses, $445; Jerome Dreyfuss large Popoche pouch, $240.

There are some days when you want to forgo “pretty”, cleanse your color palette, and wear something streamlined, tailored and slightly sexy. This Chloe vest is a great way to get the pulled-together effect of a blazer without overheating. The J. Brand pants also have a warm-weather appeal, because they look like leather but are actually coated cotton. Balenciaga wedges you can wear through early fall (with the pants and a cashmere sweater), a cool gray clutch and you’re out the door!

Alexa Chung

I don’t believe in age dictums such as “women should cut their hair shorter after age 40″ or “no miniskirts after 35″. When I was growing up, I remember being mesmerized by an elegant 70-something woman who had long gray hair she wore swept up in a chignon. Basically, how you wear your clothes (and your hair) is almost more important than what you are wearing.

But then I wanted to get a pair of jean shorts for summer. And I thought, ‘I think I’m too old’. Not super short cut-offs like Alexa’s but a more polished pair. To wear super casually on the weekend and for picnics–never to brunch in the city. Preston said of course! I could wear them–with a nice t-shirt or crewneck sweater and K. Jacques sandals, why not?! My husband, who rarely blinks an eye at even my most out-there outfits, said “You can’t wear jeans shorts, you’re too old.” Ouch.

That made me stop and think. For about a month. Then I found a great pair by James Jeans that aren’t too short, too tight or overly baggy. I will admit I am both excited and mildly nervous to wear them. But life is short. Age be damned!

Blair at home by Marko MacPherson for KiC

Have you ever met someone only to realize you have a million friends in common? That is precisely what happened to me and Blair. We would cross paths frequently, but did not really connect until a year ago when she ran into us shooting KiC on the street outside her apartment.  A jewelry designer with an eponymous line, mother of three and Best Dressed List topper; Blair is a stylish profile.

Although based in New York, Blair was raised in North Carolina and travels extensively. Through her travels, a broad range of cultural influences have come into play as inspiration for her work. Numbers are also important, because as she says “everyone has a number that means something special.”

Blair Husain Jewelry was first on my radar when I saw a lot of friends wearing her one-of-a-kind Roman numeral pendants and bracelets to honor special occasions. But it is her new pieces, especially the “rock” rings, that I think are gorgeous and fun.

Blair on the street courtesy of Quest Magazine

What inspires your jewelry: Architecture, the gemology department at the Museum of Natural History and the Zodiac rotunda in the NYC courthouse at 1 Centre Street.

5 Spring Essentials:
Valentino Rockstud flats
Any art from the Rebecca Hossack Gallery, she has such a good eye
Naeem Khan cocktail dress
AG jeans in white
Ralph Lauren Ricky bag in purple croc

3 Beauty Musts:
Gold shimmer elastic hair ties at Zitomers
Fresh Twilight Face Glow Cream
A smile… it makes you look prettier!

A perfect day is: Sleeping late, having coffee from Sant Ambroeus in their beautiful salmon-colored disposable cups, going for a walk around the reservoir , meeting my family for a big brunch at Le Magnifique, watching my kids scooter in the neighborhood while I window shop, going to SLT for a workout, getting my hair blown-out (such a luxury) then reading stories to my children (listening to them laugh, watching them smile) and hearing them say their prayers…then off to dinner with my husband to T-Bar where they have the best lamb burger and banana dessert! Bliss!

Being a mother is: What I am most proud of and feel very blessed to experience.

Next destination: A family reunion in Jamaica for my brothers 40th!

Privet House for Target

Preston and I fell in love with Privet House, a ridiculously chic home decor jewel box of a store in Greenwich, CT two years ago, and have been fans ever since.  (Their original store in Warren opened four years ago.) So when we got an invite from owners Suzanne Cassano and Richard Lamberston to celebrate the four-year anniversary of their Warren boutique in conjunction with the launch of a limited-edition line of home goods for the new concept, The Shops at Target, which officially launches today, we were thrilled.

“Target has been canvassing the globe to uncover distinctive shops and we were one they fell in love with,” Suzanne told me. “Needless to say we were flabbergasted, but incredibly flattered. When we learned this would be in ALL Target stores (almost 1,800) our hearts skipped a beat or two. ” The collection Suzanne and Richard designed is pretty extensive with 125 pieces of tableware, linens, candles, diffusers, garden items and accessories.

Suzanne’s faves? “I love, love love a four-piece collection of galvanized pieces with charming stencils that include a drink tub that says “ICY COLD”, a flower vase “FLEURS”, a small plant pot “BLOOM”, and a serving tray with wooden handles. I also love the ceramic cheese trivet that can be used on the counter for almost anything.”

I am in love with their chinoiserie plates and printed tumblers. Summer is just around the corner and the Privet House pieces are perfect for outdoor entertaining. But you better start shopping today, considering how quickly the best things sell out at Target.

Frieze Contemporary Art Fair tent on Randall's Island

We are on an art rampage this month, as there is an unusual mix of must-see shows. The Frieze Art Fair debuts in New York City today and will be up through the 7th. Started in London 10 years ago by Matthew Slotover and Amanda Sharp, the duo has erected a massive tent on the Randall’s Island site that will house 180 galleries, restaurants and cafes. Amanda Sharp has been chronicling the set up of this incredible contemporary art event for vogue.com. The art, the people, the food, we’re expecting the best kind of stimulation overload that will stay on our minds for months.

Allen Ginsberg's family by Richard Avedon 1970

Also opening today, a show of Richard Avedon’s murals and portraits at the West 21st Street Gagosian Gallery.

At the Madison Avenue Gagosian this May, “Picasso and Francoise Gilot: Paris-Vallauris 1943-1953″, the fourth major exhibition in an ongoing series on the life and work of Pablo Picasso. Last years’ “Picasso and Marie-Therese: L’Amour Fou” was a beautiful show.

Helmut Lang in the Washington Square townhouse show space © the NYT's

Ex minimalist designer and dear friend, Helmut Lang, has a show of his recent sculptures opening tomorrow at 24 Washington Square.

It will be hard to follow the spectacular Alexander McQueen show at the Met last spring, but Vogue has put together this year’s exhibit that showcases the similarities between Schiaparelli and Prada. Schiap was famous for making “hat” shoes and ball gowns with oversize lobster prints, while Prada made geeky fashion chic– these women helped define fashion eclecticism.