Classic & Curious

Welcome back to Classic & Curious and to our Holiday Series. Part of the festive season is gathering together, celebrating connections, and finding joy in the moments we share.In this episode, we meet Alice and Francesca, the co-founders of Porta—a beautiful Brooklyn-based brand whose ever-evolving collection of tableware and homewares invites us to discover, delight, and bring a sense of artistry to everyday living. Blending European heritage craft with modern sensibility, each Porta piece honors the founders’ Italian roots while reflecting the spirit of their global travels and inspirations.Alice and Francesca, childhood friends who grew up together in London and now call Brooklyn home, share their gift for storytelling, artisan collaboration, and the quiet beauty that transforms how we gather and live.Just like the artisans who contribute to their brand, they each bring a distinct creativity and individuality that sets Porta apart. Join us as we explore their brand journey, their favorite pieces, and the holiday traditions they hold dear.Connect with Porta: Porta-nyc.com and @porta_nycConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

Happy Holidays, Classic & Curious listeners, and welcome to our Holiday Series!Irving Berlin once wished that our days be merry and bright—and that’s exactly what this special series is all about: bringing you joy, inspiration, and a glimmer of holiday magic uniquely shared by each of our guests. We’re kicking things off with someone who embodies merry and bright all year long—Lulu Powers, the vivacious Entertainologist and celebrated chef to the stars. Lulu joined us last season to help us ring in the New Year with her effortless Park Avenue Brunch, and she’s back with even more inspiration.This episode is packed with joy:Lulu shares the intel on the unforgettable evening she cooked for Martha Stewart this summer on Nantucket.Her can’t-miss Thanksgiving hosting guide — filled with signature Lulu flair.A first look at her chic entertaining collection debuting at Bloomingdale’s — already an instant best seller. From her early days launching a catering business to becoming one of the most sought-after chefs in Los Angeles and New York—with clients like Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Kelly Wearstler—Lulu has built a career blending her incredible culinary talent with boundless creativity adding her signature warmth that makes everything she touches feel elevated and unforgettable.Lulu is the kind of person who leaves an impression long after you meet her—her generosity, joy, and genuine spirit remind us all that life is meant to be lived beautifully.So, settle in, grab a festive sip, and don’t miss a single episode of this series—we’re just getting started, and every guest will bring their own kind of holiday magic.You can connect with Lulu Powers @lulupowers and lulupowers.comShop here new collection at Bloomingdale’s.com Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

Stylish getaways have become more than just a travel trend. They're a way of reconnecting with what feels personal, warm, and inspiring. It's that unmistakable sense of place that transforms a simple escape into something unforgettable.Our guest today, Jackie Caradonio has masterfully captured this magic in her new book, The Inn Crowd, a beautifully curated collection of independent inns that celebrates style, soul, and storytelling. Jackie is an award-winning editor, journalist, and photographer whose work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Town & Country, National Geographic, and The New York Times, among others. With 15 years in luxury hospitality, including editorial roles at Departures, Robb Report, and Travel + Leisure, she has chronicled some of the world’s most exclusive hotels and resorts. In this episode Jackie shares:The inspiration behind The Inn CrowdA captivating glimpse into some of the inns featured in the book—each with its own story, shaped by the vision, creativity, and warm hospitality of its owner. Where these inns are located and the unique experiences that await you at each destination.What’s on the horizon for this exciting author!As a storyteller and trusted guide, she stirs our curiosity and inspires us to seek out beauty, meaning, and connection in the places we stay. Listen now – and let yourself be inspired to uncover the story behind each stay. You might even find yourself starting your own journal alongside Jackie’s pages.Purchase The Inn Crowd using code Phaidon20 at Phaidon.Connect with Jackie @jackiecaradonioConnect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

Welcome back to Classic & Curious—In this episode, we step into the world of style, legacy, and artistry with author Linda Jane Holden, who has beautifully captured the stories of two icons: the legendary Bunny Mellon and the beloved brand Nantucket Looms.For those who admire gardens, timeless design, and exquisite taste, Linda offers a rare, personal perspective on Bunny Mellon—drawing from her own encounters and three books dedicated to Mellon’s life. She reveals Bunny’s signature blend of humility, refinement, and impeccable style, qualities that made her a tastemaker and admired gardener worldwide.Linda also shines a light on Nantucket Looms, a brand cherished by Bunny, Jackie Kennedy, and countless others who appreciate its artisan craftsmanship and enduring charm.Through her elegant storytelling, Linda not only honors these remarkable legacies but also invites us to reflect on how artistry, design, and nature intertwine to shape a truly classic life. Along the way, she shares glimpses of her own remarkable journey—from her time at the White House to an unforgettable lunch with Hubert de Givenchy.Most importantly, Linda’s humble, approachable nature makes her instantly inviting—and it’s easy to see why her books, and the words within them, are so widely admired.Connect with Linda @lindajaneholden and lindajaneholden.comShop Linda’s books: The Gardens of Bunny Mellon, Bunny Mellon Garden Journal, Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon, Bunny Mellon Style andNantucket Looms: A Legacy of StyleYou can find Anne @styledbyark.comFollow us @classicandcuriouslife

Welcome back to Classic & Curious - today's guest is Crystal Moore, founder of Garden & Grace.Based in Charlotte, Garden & Grace is a beautifully curated collection of timeless architectural, landscape, and interior design inspirations. Crystal’s growing YouTube channel features elegant short video home tours—each one letting the home speak for itself, often garnering upwards of 74K views per video. Beyond the tours, Garden & Grace offers a thoughtful blog and shopping guides that connect design inspiration with approachable how-to’s and heartfelt storytelling. One of its standout features? The Garden & Grace Directory—a trusted, carefully vetted resource connecting followers with top-tier designers, builders, landscapers, and artists across featured regions. It’s a hub with an ever-expanding reach. In this episode Crystal and Anne discuss:The story behind Garden and GraceWhat listeners can expect when engaging with the brandInsights on home design taking time and how it should match the stage of the life that you're in. At the heart of it all is Crystal—a trusted advisor and a model of modern-day grace. With over 169K followers on Instagram, it's clear she’s building a loyal community who value her taste, voice, and vision.You can connect with Crystal @garden_and_graceYou can connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife

Welcome back to Classic & Curious — In this episode, we’re joined by Shannon Ables, founder of The Simply Luxurious Life, an internationally celebrated lifestyle blog that has been inspiring readers since 2009. Shannon reminds us that true contentment doesn’t come from excess—it comes from living with purpose.In this episode Anne & Shannon discuss:Shannon’s journey in creating The Simply Luxurious LifeWhat it really means to live simply and luxuriouslyHer popular podcast, The Simple SophisticateHer exciting new online cooking classes launching this August: Intro to French Cooking: Everyday DeliciousnessShannon is also the author of three books, including her latest, The Road to Le Papillon: Daily Meditations on True Contentment — a #1 New Release and #1 Bestseller in France Travel.If you’re someone who values quality over quantity, sensibility over excess, and fulfillment over conformity, this episode is your invitation to slow down, savor more, and live your own version of the simply luxurious life.🎧 Tune in and let Shannon’s wisdom, warmth, and thoughtful approach guide you toward a more meaningful and beautiful way of living.Connect with Shannon @thesimplyluxuriouslife and thesimplyluxuriouslife.com Listen to The Simple Sophisticate on your favorite listening platformConnect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife

Every once in a while, there is a podcast episode that resonates far beyond its subject matter—one that stays with you. This is one of those episodes. We are honored to welcome Karina Gentinetta, a remarkable artist based in both New York City and New Orleans. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the quiet strength that emerges through adversity. It will move you, inspire you, and perhaps awaken something powerful within yourself. Born in Argentina, Karina moved to New Orleans at the age of 12. She graduated at the top of her class from Tulane University and went on to become a partner at a prestigious law firm. But life took a dramatic turn after Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home. From that loss, Karina followed a deeper calling—returning to the creative soul within in her. Today, she brings that passion to life through her extraordinary art and furniture design. In this episode Anne & Karina How art has been a constant presence in her life since childhoodHer bold transition from a career in law to becoming an artistThe environment and process behind her creative workA deeply personal journey she is facing with courage and vulnerabilityHer collectors span the United States and beyond. In 2016, she partnered with RH Modern on a limited-edition series that quickly sold out.Her work has been featured in numerous prestigious publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Luxe Interiors + Design, The New York Times, and many more.Meeting Karina feels like encountering one of her artworks—a rare fusion of beauty and purpose. She is a living juxtaposition of grace and courage, embodying the same brilliance found in every stroke of her creations.___Connect with Karina Gentinetta on IG: @karina.gentinetta and karinagentinetta.comConnect with Anne on IG: @styledbyark Connect with Classic & Curious on IG: @classicandcuriouslife