A series of stylish women on how they’re toasting life this year.
At AvA, we’re embracing this summer with an extra dose of celebratory style. We’re ready for dinner under the stars, cocktail parties that go on a bit too late and hitting the dance floor until the last song has played. To help us get there, we’ve enlisted some of our favorite women to share their joie de vivre - how they’re channeling their own joys in life, and the ways they’ll be celebrating all season long.
With her breezy, island-inspired interiors line, Amanda Lindroth channels joie de vivre in every whimsical table-top item or chic piece of furniture, each designed to celebrate a happy life at home. We sat down with Amanda to find out how she’s channeling her own joy this season.
What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
A lot of work, a bit of travel and hoping to do a bit of fitness.
Where do you want to travel next and who’s tagging along?
I have been traveling quite a bit since October. I am headed to London and then Maine!
What brings you joy?
Laughter and silliness. Funny stories and ridiculous things. Being with Eliza.
Where is your happy place?
The Veranda at Hope Hill.
What music brings you that joie de vivre?
Cat Stevens, Crosby Stills and Nash and George Harrison.
Hamptons-based stylist Lisa Frohlich is all about living a life filled with family, friends and joy. Whether she’s embracing her mornings on the beach or running drop-off to her children’s latest after school endeavors, she does it with enthusiasm and panache. So naturally we had to find out Lisa’s own moments of joie de vivre and how she’ll be living them out in the season to come.
What are you looking forward to doing most this summer?
After the year we just had, I’m excited to see friends in person this summer. I think we are all craving socialization, and it’s easy to meet up with friends outside in the Hamptons.
Where are you jetting next and who’s tagging along?
We’ll be spending two weeks on Nantucket this summer in August, and I can’t wait to pack up the car and go somewhere! I grew up going to Nantucket on vacation and it will be the first time we bring our children there. I’m excited to see my high school and college friends who will also be vacationing there at the same time.
What brings you joy?
My family brings me joy. I have 13 year-old twins, and they both worked really hard in school this year through the pandemic. They took risks with new activities since their sports and theater programs were canceled. My son started taking virtual cooking classes, and my daughter started singing in Zoom concerts.
Where is your happy place?
I’m very lucky that I get to live in my happy place. Five years ago, we moved out of New York to the Hamptons. It was a big leap of faith, but we’ve never looked back. I often start each day by dropping my kids to school and then drinking my morning tea at the beach. I grew up sailing and swimming, so being close to the water is important to me. And September through Christmas are my favorite months out east.
What’s your favorite expression or quote?
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life,” by Bill Cunningham
When you’re toting a Moroccan-inspired beach bag by sisters Breck and Grier, you know you’re headed somewhere with true joie de vivre. From the beach to the boat, the label’s effortless aesthtic is the perfect accessory for enjoying the moment in style. So we had to get the scoop on how Breck and Grier, themselves channel the good life and how they’ll be toasting to joie de vivre all summer long.
What are you looking forward to doing most this summer?
Phebe: I’m most looking forward to spending time with friends and family and enjoying the summer! I feel like we missed out on so much last summer and I can't wait to do it all! Boat days, beach days, pool days - bring it on!
Brecky: I’m excited to spend time on the boat with my family and friends and make fun cocktails!
Where are you jetting next and who’s tagging along?
Phebe: I’m counting down the days until I can travel back to Europe! One of my best friends and I are planning a trip for the fall! But honestly, I’m looking forward to short weekend trips! There is nothing better than summer in New England.
Brecky: I just moved to New York City, so I am very excited to experience my new city with my friends!
What brings you joy?
Phebe and Brecky: We love little moments! A dance party in the kitchen, a good book, a walk on the beach.
Where is your happy place?
I feel like our happy place changes with the seasons! We love going to The Gasparilla Inn during the winter for the sunshine. However during the summer our favorite spot to be is on our back patio with our family or by the pool.
What’s your favorite expression or quote?
Phebe: Why dress down when you can dress up! I would always rather be overdressed than underdressed in any situation!
Brecky: Carpe Diem! Live every day to the fullest! Life is too short not to!
What music channels your joie de vivre?
We love country music! Top country hits are on constant repeat in our house all summer long!
As an event planner for the chicest weddings, anniversary dinners and everyday soirees, Molly Boyd is an expert in helping everyone find their joie de vivre. Whether it’s creating the perfect dance party moment or planning an amazing after-party, Molly’s one-of-a-kind vision of celebration is her calling card. Naturally, we needed to know how she channels a sense of joie de vivre in her own life.
What are you looking forward to doing most this summer?
We are moving to the beach while our home is being built, so I am looking forward to many wine and cheese picnics while watching the sunset.
Where do you want to travel next and who’s tagging along?
My husband and I are really itching to get back to Italy again when it opens. Specifically Sicily and Sardinia this time. There are also talks of a potential safari trip with friends which would be too fun!
What brings you joy?
Flowers, colorful interiors and clothing, laughing with friends, my boston terrier, Stella, having an impromptu family day with no plan but enjoying each other's company.
Where is your happy place?
Boca Grande, Florida. It’s where my husband and I got engaged and married and where my entire family just spent Mother’s Day and my mom’s 70th birthday. It’s nearly impossible to wipe a smile off my face when I’m there!
What’s your favorite expression or quote?
The Maya Angelou quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” has always stuck with me.
What’s your favorite song to celebrate life to?
Too many! I love music, specifically classics from the 60s and 70s. I never get tired of Aretha Franklin and her song “I Say A Little Prayer” is definitely one of my favorites.