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 Life What it really means to live simply and luxuriously Her popular podcast, The Simple...
Jul 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 36
This week on the podcast: Chef Miguel Samoza From cooking for the British Royal Family to creating unforgettable meals at Flora in Newport, RI, Miguel’s culinary journey is as rich and flavorful as the dishes he serves. Originally from Madrid, Spain, Miguel has cooked alongside Michelin-starred legends Anton Mosimann and Michel Bras . He also served as Sir Richard Branson’s private chef. Now, he brings Mediterranean flair and New England ingredients together with heart, artistry, and a deep love...
Jun 24, 2025•46 min•Ep. 35
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...
Jun 04, 2025•46 min•Ep. 34
For those who delight in discovering boutique hotels worth coveting and returning to, this episode is a must-listen. We’re joined by hotelier Sylvia Wong, founder of the award-winning The Roundtree Hotel in Amagansett, NY. A graduate of NYU Law School, Sylvia’s journey from corporate law to hospitality was both organic and inevitable. Sylvia’s discovery of The Roundtree’s serene location sparked a vision that would evolve into a beautiful reflection of quiet luxury. The property blends modern fu...
May 23, 2025•32 min•Ep. 33
If you love bespoke brands, you will absolutely adore this episode, as we host Fin Fellowes, London-based artist, illustrator and founder of The Kensington Paperie. For over a decade, Fin has been known for exquisite one-of-a-kind paper creations for special events, weddings, and luxury brands across the world. A notable example of this is the collaboration with Cabana Magazine and partnership with founder and editor, Martina Mondadori. The Kensington Paperie is a nod to Fin’s personal love ...
May 14, 2025•32 min•Ep. 32
Welcome to May! This is a wonderful month to honor mothers and the special women who have shaped our lives. Following the positive response to the first Currently Loving episode, Anne and Abby are excited to return with their thoughts on celebrating Mother's Day! Currently Loving is a seasonal feature within Classic & Curious, offering a blend of perspectives from our host and her daughter, both with unique tastes. Anne's extensive 20-year background in fashion and refined sensibility, paire...
May 02, 2025•28 min•Ep. 31
A tastemaker brings together elegance and joy, curating thoughtful details that make a space feel special. Whether you’re seasoned tastemaker or aspiring one, this episode will be sure to complement your expertise. We’re joined by Carolyn and Cynthia of Diane James Home , creators of gorgeous faux floral arrangements so realistic, they even fool the bees. Their story began in 1997 when their mother, Diane, launched her first collection at Bergdorf Goodman. By 2008, the debut of their e-commerce ...
Apr 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 30
As we welcome the fresh energy of spring, it feels only right to celebrate the season with a conversation about gardens and the beauty they bring into our lives. And who better to join us than one of the most distinguished garden designers in the UK - Butter Wakefield. Butter grew up on a small farm outside Baltimore, Maryland. After gaining experience at Christie’s in New York City, she relocated to London in 1988. There, she began her career at Colfax and Fowler as a design assistant, where sh...
Mar 20, 2025•40 min•Ep. 29
A fresh start isn’t just for the new year - it’s something you can embrace anytime. In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed interior designer Elizabeth Krueger, founder of Chicago-based Elizabeth Krueger Design (EKD) - one of the country’s top residential design firms. Since launching EKD in 2012, Elizabeth has built a reputation for creating warm, inviting spaces that bring people together. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Luxe Interiors + Design , and many ot...
Feb 26, 2025•36 min•Ep. 28
If you love interior design advice, you’re in for a treat. We’re welcoming one of New York’s most celebrated designers, Jennifer Cohler Mason of J Cohler Mason Design. Jennifer’s journey into interior design began in fashion, where she honed an intuitive eye for fabric, tailoring, and proportion. That foundation informs her interiors today - spaces that exude a refined, comfortable elegance while staying true to each client’s personal aesthetic and lifestyle. Her meticulous attention to detail h...
Feb 10, 2025•27 min•Ep. 27
Welcome to 2025! Classic & Curious kicks off the new year with a special episode featuring host Anne and her daughter Abby. Together, they share their favorite trends, brands, and practical tips for the year ahead in what we’re calling the "Currently Loving Episode." Anne brings her 25 years of experience in fashion retail and interior design consultancy, while Abby adds a fresh perspective as a savvy 25-year-old working in the design field. The result? A thoughtful and engaging conversation...
Jan 27, 2025•43 min•Ep. 26
Entertaining enthusiasts, get ready as we welcome back Lulu Powers, vivacious chef to the stars and Entertainologist! Lulu started her catering career in 1994 and became one of the most sought-after chefs in LA & NY with clientele such as Arianna Huffington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Kelly Wearstler. She has been a guest on the Today Show , wrote an entertaining column for House Beautiful , and was featured in magazines such as Vogue, Food & Wine, Elle Décor , and InStyle . In 2010...
Dec 23, 2024•47 min•Ep. 25
Hosting people in your home is one of the most expressive ways to share joy with those you love. Welcome to the 5th episode celebrating hosting with our very special guest, Nancy Evars. Nancy's story illustrates how personal style extends beyond fashion sensibility - it's the total essence of who you are. Beginning her career in marketing & PR at Yahoo, Nancy worked in prominent markets including NYC, Denver, and Silicon Valley. While there, she created Yahoo's first blog and launched their ...
Dec 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 24
If you are an enthusiastic entertainer and love to have fun with your guests, you will not want to miss this episode. Listen and learn as we host, Lulu Powers, vivacious chef to the stars and Entertainologist! Lulu started her catering career in 1994 and became one of the most sought out chefs in LA & NY with clientele such as Arianna Huffington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna and Kelly Whearstler. She has been a guest on the Today Show , wrote an entertaining column for House Beautiful and was ...
Nov 22, 2024•51 min•Ep. 23
For the past one hundered years, Emily Post has been America’s definitive source for how to navigate and enhance any social interaction. 'Tis the season to tune up our etiquette understanding and put it in play! We are delighted to be hosting Lizzie Post, co-president of The Emily Post Institute and great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post. Lizzie is the Co-Author of Emily Post’s Etiquette, The Centennial Edition . Along with her cousin Daniel, they have modernized this coveted resource to make i...
Nov 12, 2024•26 min•Ep. 22
How do you celebrate a love for retail shopping AND hosting dinner parties all in one episode? You invite shop owner, author and blogger, Ted Kennedy Watson to be your guest! Ted is owner of the award winning Watson Kennedy, purveyors of fine goods located in Seatle, Washington. A shopping experience at Watson Kennedy is like turning the pages of one your favorite magazines ... always a new discovery, there is something amazing to be found and you are left inspired from all that it has to offer....
Oct 30, 2024•33 min•Ep. 21
Interior design creates movement and reflects thoughtfulness. It is the one profession that the art and discovery of each element reflects not only upon the lives and tastes of the client, but the expertise of the designer themselves. This episode will introduce you to one of the most talented souls Anne has met: Rosemarie Padovano. As Elsie de Wolf once said, “I am going to make everything around me beautiful. That will be my life.” It is as if Elsie was writing that specifically for Rosemarie....
Oct 07, 2024•49 min•Ep. 20
Interior Design is loved by so many. It inspires, plays with your senses and captures your imagination. In this episode, we are delighted to host, renowned Chicago based interior designer, Alexandra Kaehler. One of the unique elements of Alex’s interior design style is her approach. She prioritizes getting to know her clients from an emotional perspective. Knowing what is happening in the hearts and minds of the people she designs for, invites her talents to create a design that embodies the uni...
Sep 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 19
This episode is filled with Sophisticated Joy! We are excited to be hosting Jen Potter founder of Fete Home. Fete Home is a beautiful home décor destination known for bringing pattern and color to your home. Fete Home features table linens, pillows and launching this September… you will be delighted to see their new collection of wallpaper and fabrics! Each one of the meticulously crafted patterns exude vibrancy and celebrates a life lived in full color. Getting to know founder Jen Potter is lik...
Aug 29, 2024•27 min•Ep. 18
Grandmillennial Style has always been part of our essence and like all design and style messaging, its’ unique characteristics pull from past influences and re-introduce themselves with a current POV. You can see examples of this style illustrated in bold patterns, heirloom furniture and tableware, raffia and needlepoint. It is not a sense of clutter or over-done style, it is well-edited and has purpose. In this episode we have one of the most noteworthy influencers behind Grandmillennial Style,...
Aug 12, 2024•48 min•Ep. 17
Distinct design, playful touches, and versatile functionality are just a few expressions that describe the New Milford, Connecticut brand Dunes and Duchess. Dunes and Duchess are purveyors of beautiful artistic furniture and lighting for your home. They are known for their stunning high gloss lacquer and signature turned wood spindles. Candelabras, sconces, tables and beds are just a few examples of their beautiful creations. In this episode, we are joined by one of their founders, Stacy Kunstel...
Jul 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 16
So many of us have fallen in love with Ina Garten. Whether it be her recipes or all that she embodies, she has made her way into our hearts. Well, if you don't know already, there's another very special person who is helping us bring a touch of Ina in our home. In this episode, Anne is joined by Cassandra Schultz, owner of Cassandra's Kitchen. Growing up in East Hampton, New York, Cassandra worked for the Barefoot Contessa. One of her roles was filling glassine bags with Ina's home baked cookies...
May 28, 2024•36 min•Ep. 15
If you love to entertain or delight yourself with unique culinary delights - this is a must listen! We are lucky to host Julia Hallman, owner of Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Formaggio Kitchen is a gourmet food shop providing the finest artisan cheeses and specialty foods available domestically and abroad. Featured in Wine Enthusiast as one of the most iconic cheese shops in America, once you listen to this episode, you will understand why their reputation exists. What makes thi...
Apr 24, 2024•43 min•Ep. 13
This episode is perfect for not only travel enthusiasts but those that adore boutique hotels and a sense of feeling connected. This week, we are honored to host David Bowd, cofounder and CEO of Salt Hotels. David is a lifelong hotelier. With over 30 years in the industry, he shares his story from his first hotel role in England to the coveted experience of working alongside renowned Andre Balazs and Ian Schrager. David shares his insights on hospitality today and inspires us with the story of Sa...
Apr 02, 2024•49 min•Ep. 12
This episode is perfect for tastemakers that love a touch of casual elegance incorporated into their everyday life. Learn about the rich and beautiful history of Hôtel Silver from Hilary Allinson, the daughter of Hotel Silver's founder, Ginger Kilbane. Hotel Silver is a thoughtfully curated assortment of European hotel silver and barware (vintage and new) from the grand hotels, restaurants, cafés, clubs, stately homes, railway and shipping lines of Europe. She pays tribute to her mother’s passi...
Mar 14, 2024•41 min•Ep. 11
This episode will be sure to put you in a comfy and cozy mood! We are thrilled to host Debbie and Rachel from Polkadot England, a mother daughter lounge and sleepwear collaboration! Debbie is the founder and creative designer of Polka Dot England. Her fashion industry expertise combined with her daughter, Rachel's CEO leadership, have placed Polkadot England at the top of so many fashion enthusiasts list. Polkadot England is known for their delicately detailed designs manufactured at rare herita...
Feb 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 10
If you are a design enthusiast, this is a wonderful “intel” episode! In the world of design, natural materials are an example of a timeless element. We often are so focused on paint colors, fabric and furniture selections, we forget one of the most important selections is the foundation on which it is all platformed. In this episode, we are honored to host the founders of Simply Quartered, Chad and Keri Thompson. Known for their “Ralph Lauren” way of style, they elevate the design process for th...
Feb 01, 2024•38 min•Ep. 9
Make time for this episode during your holiday from now until New Years! Since it is the holidays and the season of “letting our hearts be light,” it’s a chance for Anne to invite one of her dearest friends on the podcast. In this episode, she is joined by The James O’Toole from Chicago. Chi Town as they call it. Jim as she calls him. Jim has a love for classic movies. You name the movie, he has watched it! He has delighted Anne with his POV, and one that she appreciates beyond just the movie to...
Dec 21, 2023•52 min•Ep. 8
Be ready to have your curiosity heightened as we learn all about how classic novels are being rediscovered for the modern reader. We are honored to host Jacqueline Bond and Ayana Christie from the women-owned publishing and art house, Bond & Grace . Bond & Grace has masterminded the well known coffee-table book into an art novel that opens hearts and minds to a new way to embrace classic literature. Their thoughtfully curated collections with bespoke attributes, lure you into a world of ...
Dec 05, 2023•46 min•Ep. 7
Tis the season to create the merry and bright in your home and we have the perfect guest to help you do just that! Lauryn Soden from STEMS & CO shares her insights and expertise on what to consider as you decorate your home for the holidays. STEMS + CO is boutique flower design studio specializing in floral subscriptions, workshops, events, and of course, weddings. They are known for creating refined yet whimsical, organic and nature-inspired floral designs throughout Connecticut and New Yor...
Nov 19, 2023•46 min•Ep. 6
