Chic by Design
Learn how to live the #VeryTandC Life, courtesy of Stellene Volandes — Editor in Chief of Town & Country and Editorial Director of Elle Décor.
Stellene Volandes knows how to have a good time, and shows others one, too. In her roles as editor in chief of Town & Country and editorial director of Elle Decor, she celebrates “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places” (as society photographer Slim Aarons so famously stated). Under her guidance, the definition for what’s attractive — and where — as well as what’s chic and what’s #VeryTandC — has expanded well beyond the confines of the somewhat stuffy society norms the magazine was once known for. Always happy to mix high and low, Volandes has authored two books on exquisite jewels and jewelry, both historic and contemporary, but she also loves nothing more than morning coffee at Viand, her favorite diner in her native New York City. We recently caught up with the style maven, fresh off trips to Paris and Milan for the fashion shows, to find out where she’ll be spending time this summer, and what she’ll be doing — and wearing — while there.
ATHENS
Why You Love It. The minute I land I feel completely at home but far, far away at the same time.
Where to Go First. Ariston — one of the oldest bakeries in the city — for a frappe sketo iced coffee (no milk or sugar) and a cheese pie.
What to Wear. Caftans and tote bags from Zeus & Dione; Lalaounis earrings; an Ileana Makri good luck charm; and beads from Elena Votsi.
Insider Tip. Everyone needs a great guided tour of the Acropolis, whether it’s the first time you visit or the fifteenth. Michael Patmanidis, a trained archaeologist, is the answer. After working up an appetite exploring the Parthenon, you’ll need drinks on the roof of the Hotel Grande Bretagne and then dinner at Papadakis. Order the spicy shrimp.
Go with The Club. Get swept away in the beauty of Greece's natural landscape. Our large family villas in Corfu — approximately 10 minutes from each other — boast ample outdoor dining and seating spaces, large infinite edge pools, and breathtaking views.
LONG ISLAND’S NORTH FORK
Why You Love It. Because my family has spent summers here forever — and even as it has changed, it’s still the same relaxed retreat it’s always been.
Where to Go First. Aldo’s for coffee and the Frisky Oyster for dinner (be sure to make a reservation). Country salad and steak frites await.
What to Wear. A beach cover up and a straw bag from Lido — my favorite store in Greenport. And my favorite shell necklace from Jenna Blake — like Jeff Spicoli’s in Fast Times at Ridgemont High! But not quite the same.
Insider Tip. Aldo — of Aldo’s — is a Greenport legend. If you don’t get his coffee and his biscotti, no one will believe you were ever on the North Fork at all.
Go with The Club. Situated on the Shinnecock Canal in Hampton Bays, The Boathouses at Canoe Place Inn offers bright and airy multi-bedroom residences. Beach lovers appreciate the proximity to Ponquogue Beach, and boaters love the on-site boat slips and direct channel access to the Atlantic for deep-sea fishing and cruising.
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LOS ANGELES
Why You Love It. Because even though as a New Yorker I’m not supposed to love it, I do, I really do.
Where to Go First. Check in to the Hotel Bel-Air and order a barbecue salmon salad.
What to Wear. An Attersee tunic dress and an Elder Statesman sweater in case it gets cold. When in L.A., wear L.A. jewelry: a Lisa Eisner turquoise pendant, Irene Neuwirth gold earrings, and a VRAM ring.
Insider Tip. Go to Fanny’s at the new Academy Museum for lunch and look for illustrator and art star Konstantin Kakanias. Even if you don’t have a sighting, you can stare at the murals he created on the walls.
Go with The Club. At the Regent Santa Monica Beach, savor views of the Azure Pool with beachside allure moments away. Our 1400ft² suite melds timeless allure and luxury, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, a deep soaking tub, a rain shower, a double vanity, a desk, and a refreshment center.
NEW YORK CITY
Why You Love It. Do I even have to say?
Where to Go First. Sant Ambroeus for an iced americano and prosciutto and Swiss cheese sandwich.
What to Wear. By day, a Gucci Diana tote. By night, an Aerin leopard print clutch. Elsa Peretti jade anytime.
Insider Tip. You want to put your best face forward in this city. For that, go to Aida Bicaj Skin Care on East 67th. Or now in Tribeca, too!
Go with The Club. Our two-bedroom residences are outfitted in chic metropolitan flair with cityscape views. See Broadway shows, dine Michelin-star style, privately tour museums, or simply enjoy the lights in The City That Never Sleeps.