The Cape Effect Is Real

Plus more from Samira's Notebook...

View in Browser   SAMIRA NASR EDITOR IN CHIEF Welcome back to my newsletter! I have missed our weekly check-ins. I'm back in your inbox for a special holiday edition. For the next few weeks, I'll be sharing my latest fashion obsessions, recommendations from the most stylish people I know, and my favorite gift-giving places and ideas. PERSON Ever see someone around and not know them so well but just catch a great vibe from them? Well, Barbara Martelo is this person for me. She lives in Madrid, but twice a year I see her in Paris, where she attends the shows as a fashion consultant. She calls herself a "ghost" who "works with designers and creative teams to help them build their collections." She's that girl: incredibly warm, kind, and chic. (There is no other word to aptly describe her style, and if you don't believe me, check out her Instagram @barbaramartelo.) Here, she shares some of her favorite addresses around the globe: Photos courtesy of Barbara Martelo 1. VENICE ESCAPE: Aman Venice is like home. Ever since it opened, I've been going every winter (when Venice is empty 🥰) for a week with my family.   2. EVERYTHING THE ROW: I love the Row. It really suits me, from its tailoring to the shoes, knits, T-shirts, and denim. The location on Melrose Place is the kind of place (furniture included) I'd love to have if I lived in L.A.   3. WEST AFRICAN TEXTILES: Senegalese fabrics from Aïssa Dione are magic. I discovered this company recently. Everything it does is so refined; the savoir faire is amazing. Plus, Dione employs local weavers to help develop and give back to the community.   4. SPANISH FLORALS: I love Dandelion's arrangements. I always keep plenty of seasonal flowers in my home. The florist does chic, unique arrangements, and it's only five minutes away from my home in Madrid.   5. FRIED EGGS AND HAM IN MADRID: Estimar Madrid has the most delicious and fresh seafood and fish. The fried eggs with Jabugo ham and caviar is to die for.   6. FRENCH FURNITURE FINDS: The Jacques Lacoste antique shop in Paris has the most amazing selection of furniture from 1930 to 1950, which are my favorite design years.   7. CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE: Dia Beacon in New York's Hudson Valley offers a distinct contemporary-art experience with an industrial space that allows for giant installations and large-scale works. The space is full of natural light and allows for an intimate interaction with the minimalist and conceptual pieces.   8. RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW: The Es Xarcu restaurant in Ibiza is a beautiful location by the sea with an amazing local fish selection and paellas. I have celebrated my birthday there for many years. PLACE (TO GIFT) Photo courtesy of Flamingo Estate One of my favorite gifts to give is a beautiful bottle of olive oil from Flamingo Estate. What kitchen doesn't need a new bottle of olive oil? I know mine runs on three staples: butter, olive oil, and maple syrup. If you are not familiar with Flamingo Estate, it's a home and garden in Los Angeles, as well as a community of local farmers who believe in farm-to-table and leaving the earth a little better than we found it. Their olive oil is absolutely delicious, and for a little extra it can also be ordered with a personalized label. If you are looking to add to your gift, don't sleep on their spicy strawberry fruit snacks (a Harper's Bazaar office obsession) or their honey.  THING Toward the end of summer, I bought an Alaïa sweater that is sort of a cape/sweater hybrid, and every time I wear it I get at least one compliment. I call it the cape effect.   I absolutely love a cape and own many of them. As someone who is a uniform dresser, I appreciate any shortcut to a great look, and capes are in my arsenal of secret weapons. Throw one on over any simple trouser and top and suddenly–WOW–your look is complete. Capes are also great to travel with and fold easily into any suitcase. Here are a few of my favorites: Jil Sander Is there a gentler color than pale pink? The answer is no. I could wear this cape over jeans and a sweatshirt as easily as I could over a simple all-black ensemble. Not sure what color accessories to pair with it? I vote for a pop of red! SHOP NOW Chloé This version is a coat/cape hybrid but delivers the drama. It is another worthy investment piece that works as well over a day look as it does over an evening dress. Sometimes I wear my coats over my shoulders with just the top button fastened, which makes any little jacket look like a cape, but this version does the work for you. SHOP NOW Stella McCartney What if a cape and a tuxedo had a baby? Wouldn't that just be perfection? Yes. Yes, it would. Here it is, and you are welcome. SHOP NOW Maison Mayle I bought this cape in black over a decade ago. This is the one that began my love affair with all things capelike. It elevates everything and never wrinkles when you pack it wrapped in a little tissue paper. I wear this one so much that I ordered a white one to add to my collection. You can either wear your crossbody under it or carry a clutch. Day to night, you are done! Voilà! SHOP NOW See you next week! x   Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Harper's BAZAAR is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779