Classic & Curious

Classic & Curious

By Anne KokoskieSociety & CultureArtsDesign
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Classic & Curious episodes

  • Timeless Taste & Easy Entertaining: A Conversation with Dana Lewis, Founder of Proper Table

    Welcome back to Classic & Curious—and to our Holiday Series.

    This week, as Thanksgiving invites us to gather and give thanks, the dinner table becomes more than a place to eat—it becomes a space to connect, to listen, and to cherish the people we love. Yet in our effort to make it beautiful, we often bring stress to the surface with layers of linens and the pressure to get every detail just right. Sometimes, we simply want things elevated… yet easy. Thankfully, we have options.

    Proper Table is one of them—a collection of acrylic placemats and coasters inspired by vintage fabrics with timeless appeal. Thoughtfully designed for both messy and stylish eaters, these pieces prove that style and simplicity can beautifully coexist.

    In this episode, we welcome Dana Lewis, founder of Proper Table. Dana shares how the brand came to life, the effortless care behind these clever textiles, and her exciting collaboration with LA-based interior designer Nate Turner. Proper Table has been featured in House Beautiful and Vogue for its sensibility and style—and it’s no wonder the brand has become a beloved go-to for savvy entertainers who want to keep it easy and elevated.

    Dana embodies the very spirit of Proper Table: her timeless taste paired with an effortless sense of ease, she creates the very feeling that you want to bring to your own home.

    Connect with Proper Table at propertableco.com and @propertableco
    Connect with Anne at @classicandcuriouslife and Classicandcurious.com

    27 min
  • The Art of Living Beautifully: A Conversation with the Co-Founders of Porta, Alice & Francesca

    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_nyc

    Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

    29 min
  • The Red Wick Effect: How l.a. ROUGE Lights Moments of Love & Connection

    Welcome back to Classic and Curious and our Holiday Series. The holiday season reminds us of the importance of creating experiences that linger longer within our hearts.

    In this episode, we welcome Amy Neunsinger and Lucinda Lent, the visionary co-founders of l.a. ROUGE — a brand whose very essence lets us light that magic all year long.

    Amy is a celebrated photographer, designer, and host of HBO's Capturing Home. Her photography and creative direction has supported the influential lifestyle brands and talents, including Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Leanne Ford, and Mark D. Sykes. Her work and personal style have appeared in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, the LA Times and countless other publications. 

    Combine this strength with Lucinda’s strategic mind, drive and creative business vision — shaped by her leadership as CEO of The Coop and Executive Director LA Dance Project,  you will begin to see why this beautiful brand is beginning to unfold into something truly special. 


    l.a. ROUGE candles are not just candles. There are revolution in red — blended from essential oils, each candle is poured into a chic whiskey class designed to earn its place at the dinner table. 

    In this episode, Amy and Lucinda share:

    • The story behind l.a. ROUGE
    • Creating a responsible clean candle
    • The inspiration behind their beautiful scents
    • And the thoughtful role of each vessel

    As you listen to this episode, you will discover the red wick is more than just a signature branding element.  It represents what happens to the heart when a connection is made. You'll feel that same connection with Amy and Lucinda who embody the spirit of l.a. ROUGE — they create moments of joy, intention, and beauty, each in their own unique way.

    You can connect with la Rouge @la_rouge_candle and larougecandle.com
    Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

    36 min
  • A Very Lulu Holiday: Cooking for Martha, Thanksgiving Prep & Debuting her New Bloomingdale’s Collection

    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.com
    Shop here new collection at Bloomingdale’s.com
    Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

    37 min
  • Your Happy Place…One Bite at a Time: Tuck Shop Chocolates

    How do you capture a sense of place, indulgence, and timeless detail all in one bite? You savor Tuck Shop chocolates, of course!

    We're delighted to be hosting founders Sarah Michler and Caroline Witmer, whose story began with a bittersweet moment—discovering that their favorite Nantucket chocolate shop, Sweet Inspirations, was closing. That spark of nostalgia inspired them to create something entirely their own: an exquisite confectionery that celebrates distinctive flavors and the joy of being in your happy place.

    In this episode, Sarah and Caroline share how their friendship, complementary talents, and shared love of fine chocolate came together to inspire a brand infused with meaning and memory.

    Get ready to have your palate intrigued and your senses stirred as we explore their favorite creations, creative process, and the beautiful notes that make Tuck Shop chocolates truly unforgettable.

    Their handcrafted confections have been celebrated by brands such as the Bowery Hotel, Blackberry Farm, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Vogue, Goop, and J.Crew, just to name a few.

    Above all, Sarah and Caroline's friendship reminds us that when passion and a shared dream come together, something truly special happens. The sweetest things in life just aren't tasted. They're felt.

    Connect with Tuck Shop at shoptuckshop.com and @shoptuckshop
    Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

    39 min
  • Introducing The Inn Crowd: Author Jackie Caradonio Shares a First Look at Her New Book

    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 Crowd
    • A 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 @jackiecaradonio
    Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

    46 min
  • Currently Loving: Fall Favorites for Your Closet & Lifestyle

    Welcome to our Fall edition of Currently Loving.

    Currently Loving is a special series within the Classic & Curious tapestry, born from your Instagram messages asking us to share more of what we personally adore — thus, the name.

    As we step into fall, we’re celebrating timelessness — how we bring it into our closets, our homes, and our everyday moments.  

    Once again Anne is  joined by her daughter Abby — a generous spirit and a good sport — always willing to share the mic and in her own special way.

    In this episode Anne & Abby discuss:

    • A balance of both investment and approachable fall selections for your closet.
    • They discuss categories such as handbags, shoes, outerwear and sweaters. 
    • Special elements they are thinking about for their homes.
    • How they pivot their wellness routine - small changes in their beauty routine and making time for meaningful moments.

    Follow  @classicandcuriouslife
    Be sure to hit the subscribe button as the holiday series starts in just 4 weeks!

    30 min
  • Legacies of Style: Author Linda Jane Holden on Bunny Mellon and Nantucket Looms

    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.com
    Shop Linda’s books:  The Gardens of Bunny Mellon, Bunny Mellon Garden Journal, Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon, Bunny Mellon Style and
    Nantucket Looms: A Legacy of Style

    You can find Anne @styledbyark.com
    Follow us @classicandcuriouslife

    36 min
  • The Beauty of French Blooms & Les Fluers

    This episode is truly blooming with inspiration. From embracing the Parisian way of life to creating the award-winning French-inspired floral, home, and garden boutique, Les Fleurs, Sandra Sigman shares a heartfelt story that will delight anyone who loves to create, dream, and explore the beauty of French design.

    Sandra founded Les Fleurs in 1989 after living in Paris as a professional figure skater. Returning home to Andover, Massachusetts, she combined her love for Parisian style with the essence of her mother’s passion for floral arranging.

    In her book French Blooms, Sandra shares design principles, tutorials, and step-by-step instructions for creating French-inspired arrangements. She also invites others to experience Paris through her intimate, expertly guided tours—perfect for those who love to discover, shop, and savor the city through her lens.

    In this episode Sandra and Anne discuss:

    • Sandra’s journey in creating Les Fleurs & writing her book, French Blooms
    • Her touching tribute to her mother’s influence
    • How her book can help you bring French floral elegance into your own home
    • Experiencing one of her tours—what you need to know!

    Sandra’s work has been featured in Flower Magazine, The New York Times, Veranda, and many more. At the heart of it all is Sandra—a generous soul whose love for Paris and gift for capturing life’s beauty through flowers create moments of elegance and joy that only she can inspire.

    You can connect with Sandra @lesfleursviasandra, @lesfleursandover, lesfleurs.com
    Purchase French Blooms via lesfleurs.com
    Connect with Anne @styledbyark.com and @classicandcuriouslife

    37 min
  • Timeless Design & Grace-Filled Living with Crystal Moore of Garden & Grace

    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 Grace
    • What listeners can expect when engaging with the brand
    • Insights 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_grace
    You can connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife

    29 min

About Classic & Curious

From the publisher's feed

Classic & Curious is a lifestyle podcast for those who value timeless style and the art of living a considered life.

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