Classic & Curious
Anne Kokoskie
Welcome to Classic & Curious! A podcast dedicated to exploring today’s classic-styled life. Each month, we’ll be sharing conversations with some of our favorite personalities in travel, entertaining, fashion and design. We’ll discuss how they elevate their everyday with timeless classics – reimagined for today’s modern lifestyle So grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, whatever suits your fancy. We hope to inspire you, make you laugh a little and look forward to every engagement. Cheers!
Designing a Small Traditional Garden: A Conversation with Butter Wakefield, One of House & Garden’s Top 50 Garden Designers
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 she
Mar 20, • 39:46
Creating a Renewed Space in Your Home with Chicago Interior Designer Elizabeth Krueger, featuring Opame Collective
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 othe
Feb 26, • 35:52
The Art of the Mix: Elevating Your Home with Architectural Digest Favorite & NYC Interior Designer, Jennifer Cohler Mason
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 has
Feb 10, • 26:49
Currently Loving: Favorite Brands and Trends for 2025 with Classic & Curious Host Anne & Her Daughter, Abby
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 you
Jan 27, • 42:58
Welcoming 2025 with a Park Avenue Brunch: A Conversation with Lulu Powers, Caterer to the Stars, Entertainologist, and Author
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, she launched
Dec 23, 2024 • 47:28
A Designer's Guide to Hosting with Style: A Conversation with Nancy Evars, Interior Designer & CEO of Evars Collective
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 influe
Dec 10, 2024 • 29:38
Making Holiday Entertaining Easy and Fun! A Conversation with Lulu Powers, Caterer to the Stars, Entertainologist and Author
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 feat
Nov 22, 2024 • 50:54
Etiquette Tips for the Holiday Season with Lizzie Post, Co-President of The Emily Post Institute
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 it
Nov 12, 2024 • 25:34
Dinner Party for 8 with author, blogger and Watson Kennedy shop owner, Ted Kennedy Watson
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 • 33:04
Fall in love with Artemisia: A conversation with Interior Designer & Co-Founder, Rosemarie Padovano
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 Rosemari
Oct 7, 2024 • 49:12
Creating Emotional Connections with Interior Design: A conversation with Alexandra Kaehler, Chicago based Interior Designer
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 u
Sep 17, 2024 • 24:31
Celebrating Sophisticated Joy in your Home: A conversation with Jen Potter, founder of Fete Home
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
Aug 29, 2024 • 27:29
A Love for Grandmillennial Style: A conversation with the creator of Charm Lane, Alexa Archibald
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 Sty
Aug 12, 2024 • 48:08
The New American Classics: Get to know Dunes and Duchess with co-founder Stacy Kunstel
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 Kunste
Jul 2, 2024 • 35:21
From Ina Garten's Kitchen to Yours! A conversation with Cassandra Schultz, Owner of Cassandra's Kitchen
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 • 36:23
Current Travel Trends, Tips and Love for Experiences with Inspirato President, David Kelley
Experiences are an important component in shaping who we are. Travel being one of them, not only can be an adventure, it can be necessary for the soul. It refuels you, expands your perspective and creates memories that last a lifetime. For this weeks episode, we are joined by fellow travel enthusiast and professional hospitality expert, David Kallery, president of Inspirato. Inspirato is a leading luxury hospitality company that provides a unique and exclusive portfolio of vacation homes and
May 15, 2024 • 45:30
Enhancing your Culinary Experience with Formaggio Kitchen - A conversation with owner, Julia Hallman
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 t
Apr 24, 2024 • 42:46
Get to know Salt Hotels with Co-Founder & CEO, David Bowd
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
Apr 2, 2024 • 48:42
Bringing Everyday Luxury into your Home with Hôtel Silver's Hilary Allinson.
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 passion
Mar 14, 2024 • 40:56
The Mother-Daughter duo behind Polka Dot England: The story of a timeless and chic lounge & sleepwear brand.
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 • 36:54
The Foundation of Interior Design: A Conversation with Simply Quartered Founders, Keri & Chad Thompson
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 t
Feb 1, 2024 • 38:05
Holiday Classic Movies: Our Favorites, Life Lessons & The Cocktail to Go with Each! A Conversation with My Chicago Friend, Jim O'Toole
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 movi
Dec 21, 2023 • 52:03
Rediscover Classic Novels Revived for the Modern Reader: A Conversation with the Founders of Bond & Grace, A Women-Owned Publishing Company and Art House
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 storytel
Dec 5, 2023 • 46:05
Holiday Greenery and Fresh Floral: How to Create a Beautiful Statement in Your Home with Lauryn Soden from STEMS + CO, located in Fairfield County, CT.
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 York.
Nov 19, 2023 • 45:40
Behind the Mic: Anne Swaps Seats with Author, Speaker and Emmy-nominated journalist, Andrea Vechhio
In this week's episode of Classic & Curious, we're doing something a little different. The tables are turned as Anne steps out from behind the mic and becomes the interviewee. Joining her as the guest host is the talented author, TEDx speaker, and Emmy-nominated journalist, Andrea Vecchio.Andrea has been a globetrotting journalist, interviewing some of Hollywood's biggest names, including George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston, and the list goes on! Most recently,
Nov 1, 2023 • 54:44
Classic Style for All Ages: A Conversation with Emily from emilyOandbows
Get ready to be wowed as we welcome a truly accomplished and stylish young woman to the podcast. Meet Emily O, the creative mind behind emilyOandbows. Emily is a lifestyle and fashion influencer. She is an example of how passion, great taste and business savvy can lead to incredible success.With over 150k followers on her social platforms, Emily has made a name for herself in the fashion world. She's collaborated with big brands like Amazon, Kate Spade and J.Crew, earning recognition and admira
Oct 24, 2023 • 42:52
A Curated Chair for Every Home with J. Wilkinson Chair Company’s Jody Chaffee
If you love statement pieces for your home that are defined by unique style and a beautiful monogram, you will love this episode! This week Anne speaks with Jody Chaffee, founder of J. Wilkinson Chair Company. Jody shares the details that go into the craftsmanship of stunning chairs along with the skilled artisans who create the elegant, large-scale monograms. Whether you're longing to infuse your home with timeless statement pieces or simply curious about Jody’s amazing leap to start a busine
Sep 28, 2023 • 37:37
Hosting a Wonderful Stay with Liz Brodar, retired Boutique Inn Owner from The Hamptons
This week on The Classic & Curious Podcast, Anne speaks with Liz Brodar, friend, muse and Award Winning Inn owner. A native New Yorker, Liz and her husband, Eric, have hosted over 1,000 guests at their Inn locations in Kennebunk, ME, and Southampton, NY. Liz talks about her journey with her Inn in Watermill, her inspirations and insights for hosting a wonderful stay for your guests in your home. Find the complete episode show notes here! >> https://www.styledbyark.com/podcast/hosting-a-wonderful
Sep 8, 2023 • 42:56