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Frances Valentine @ The Greenbrier |
The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia is one of my favorite places anywhere. My husband, my daughter, and I would go there for a yearly family vacation and we celebrated our twentieth anniversary there. Dating back to 1778, it has hosted twenty six Presidents, the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, and countless others.
My memories include the historic bunker, afternoon tea with chamber music and peach iced tea, sunrise over the mountains, hot popovers from a silver server, Dorothy Draper decor, mixed grill at breakfast, generations of southern families making memories. When we were going, there was a strict dress code in the dining room at dinner - all men had to be in sport jackets including any boy of walking age, women had to be in dresses or fancy pantsuits, tuxedos and gowns at dinner were common, the attire was amazing. So may wonderful memories. Our very first stay we were upgraded to a "cottage" with two bedrooms, living room, dining room, full kitchen, stocked refrigerator, floral arrangements, chocolates, and fruit and cheese trays. I suspect things have changed quite a bit.
I was delighted to see that Frances Valentine shot their Fall Lookbook at the Greenbrier.
For our Fall 21 campaign we sought out West Virginia’s Greenbrier Resort, home of the unapologetically bold interiors of Dorothy Draper. Bright florals, animal prints, and geometric patterns drench the walls, floors, drapes and upholstery. It's a kaleidoscope of decor at which you can't stop looking. With prints and color as the driving inspiration behind our Fall 21 collection, The Greenbrier made for the perfect backdrop.Dorothy Draper once said “You don’t sell a commodity, you sell joy, gaiety, excitement. You aim at people’s hearts, not their minds.” Too true Dorothy! Too true. What’s a space without style? And what’s style without emotion? So get out there. Find something that makes you laugh. Or maybe cry! Open new doors and find some inspiration.
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Since I live in sunny South Florida, I just ordered this peacock caftan (their iconic piece) in pink that I plan to pair with this gorgeous pink wool handbag from the fall collection and these pink tweed flats from my personal collection for an autumnal touch (Florida style).
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Kate Spade Tweed Flats |
Click here to see the fall collection and to get my personal discount of $25 off your first order of $100 or more.
Selecting anything from FV was difficult so I made it simple and ordered one of each. Of course the ginger jar slippers. They look FAB. Probably should have gotten two. One to wear and one to display.
ReplyDeleteWonderful memories of Greenbrier and I too wonder what it looks like now? K
Too funny on FV. I think getting rid of MAP really changed the Greenbrier, but I'm sure it is still beautiful.
DeleteWe went for a week this year. It is still fabulous. The main dining room was closed but the other restaurants were open and it was as lovely as ever. We'll return next year.
DeleteHi Beth! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteHusband + I went to the Greenbrier years ago, back when dress code was formal. I remember wearing a silk Ungaro dress to dinner one night, and a very poufy sleeved tea length dress another night...
( If I remember we took a train from Penn station straight to Greenbriar and were picked up by a Greenbrier limousine. Decades ago + brought back wonderful memories.
SO FUN! LOVE your style + taste!
-Linda, NYC
Such wonderful memories. Truly a magical place. The Greenbrier was owned by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad for most of its history. The new owner tried to bring the train back, but it did not work out.
DeleteI was at an outdoor art show yesterday and saw a woman wearing the Farm Rio blue and white chinoiserie dress. It looked wonderful! I was tempted to ask her if she was a CC reader!
ReplyDeleteThat's too funny. I love the dress. It really makes a statement!
DeleteIt sounds divine. I've never been to the Greenbriar, but have always wanted to visit. It sounds like a cross between the Cunard and The Ritz, two venues I have actually had the pleasure to experience. I used to work in the hospitality industry, and was fortunate enough to work in several four and five star resorts. I so love that gracious way of living that has almost become non-existent, except to the very, very wealthy.
ReplyDeleteAre you taking about the Ritz in London? High tea there is one of my favorite things anywhere. I had purchased a massive hat at Harrods to wear for tea at the Palm Court when I was there with my daughter. Luckily, we were upgraded to First Class flying back and they stowed the enormous hat box for me. I jokingly call my room here with the huge faux palm tree Palm Court.
DeleteHow cute! Do you ever have occasion to wear that hat? I hope so.
DeleteYes, I was referring to the Ritz in London. In 1997 I was in London and Paris with my father. Originally both of my parents were planning to take that trip, and I was going to house sit for them, but my mother did not want to go. She said she was through traveling. We flew from NY to Paris on the Concorde, and took the QE two home from London to NY. It was a fabulous trip. However, I did have to drag my dad to the Palm Court for tea, (he did not want to put on a suit and tie), but when we got there, he loved it.
I have a huge collection of mostly vintage hats and many are highly collectible. I wore them a lot in DC. Check out Bes-Ben - I have several that were borrowed for an exhibit.
DeleteThe Greenbrier is a treasure and it is still Dorothy Draper lovely. I am surprised to see the similarities in these beautiful clothes to favorites from the sixties. Style, cut, color, and especially the camel, green, and pumpkin tartan coat all remind me of happy times. Thank you for all the beauty and joy for life your posts bring!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the sixties - definitely my favorite decade for fashion. Thank you for following.
DeleteP.S. I love those Kate Spade tweed flats. They must be from an earlier season, because when I did a search, I couldn't find them.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's why I noted they are from my personal collection.
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