KDHamptons has some exciting news! Help me welcome our new Contributing Lifestyle Writer, Lauren Thayer~ a Hamptons native who had the pleasure of growing up on the beaches of Sagaponack. In 2010, Lauren traded in her NYC life to live full-time in the Hamptons once again. Her husband, Dr. Elliot Weiss [a Dermatologist], opened the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY Southampton in 2010. Their perfect Hamptons day is one spent at Gibson Beach with their 1-year old daughter.

Lauren is also VP at Lisa Lori Communications~ a full-service, award-winning marketing communications agency specializing in publicity, special events, branding and integrated marketing programs. With over ten years of experience in the field, Lauren specializes in working with clients and brands in the arts, non-profit, fashion and lifestyle sectors including: School of the American Ballet, Princess Grace Foundation-USA, LongHouse Reserve, NYC Opera and Alzheimer’s Association/Rita Hayworth Galas.

Lauren has spearheaded numerous special projects that have included: Beverly Hills Walk of Style Honoring Grace Kelly, Watermill Center Benefit/IFF Fragrance collaboration, and Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns. Prior to joining Lisa Lori Communications Lauren worked in Development and Special Events for the American Museum of Natural History.

Look forward to Lauren’s features on Hamptons influencers, charitable causes, and cultural East End news. Here’s her KDHamptons Diary:

KDHamptons:  How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much? Do you live here all year round?

Lauren Thayer: My life has just gone full circle. I grew up year round in Sagaponack and last year my husband, Elliot Weiss, a Dermatologist, opened Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY Southampton, so it was the perfect opportunity and a dream to move back full time. My mother’s side of the family [the Gibsons] summered in Sagaponack since the 1880s and my father’s side of the family has run a business here since the 1940s.

KDH:  Please describe your Hamptons home, and decorating style?
LT: My home was designed by an apprentice of Norman Jaffe and is a modern saltbox-style beach house. The house has a lot of exposed wood and natural stone with large skylights. We have only lived in the house a year, so I’m just getting started decorating. I am trying to compliment the rustic modernist Hampton style while introducing some neutral and feminine touches. My favorite part is our open back yard which is surrounded by a preserve and being able to listen to the ocean in the distance.

KDH:  Every Hamptonite has their own version of a perfect day, what is yours?
LT: Wake up at 7, read the paper on our deck overlooking the preserve. Go for a stroll with the baby or hit up my favorite core fusion class at Exhale. Meet friends for coffee. Stop in at the Sagg General Store for breakfast/lunch and head to Gibson Beach with my daughter and husband to search for sea glass. Afternoon by the pool and possibly snooze. Late afternoon glass of Rose at Wolffer Vineyard and stop at Pike’s Farm for some fresh strawberries. Bedtime for my leading lady and then my husband and I head out for a late dinner or bring take out [lobster rolls] to the Bridgehampton Beach Club deck.

KDH:  Personal style: do you have a Hamptons “uniform”?  Which designer do you wear the most?
LT: In the summer I opt for long dresses with fun flats, white skinny capri jeans with tunics or flowy tanks, or simple summer dresses from Calypso. I have a vintage jean jacket I brought back this season and I love my turquoise jewelry (a gift from my hubby who grew up in the Dakotas and Texas). My shoes are usually Cynthia Vincent or Tory Burch wedges, or gold Jack Rogers flats. In the Hamptons I shop mostly at Calypso, Tory Burch, and Ralph Lauren.

KDH:  What is your favorite restaurant, do you have a favorite dish and drink you get every time?
LT: The bar at Nick & Toni’s for penne or roast chicken, and the Beacon in Sag Harbor for the lobster rigatoni or sesame crusted tuna. For family night we love World Pie and La Fondita.

KDH:  Which charitable cause are you most attached to?
 
LT: I get to experience and work with so many interesting people and organizations…LongHouse Reserve, School of American Ballet, Princess Grace Foundation-USA, Alzheimer’s Association/Rita Hayworth Gala, International Flavors & Fragrances/Watermill Center Benefit to name a few. I love the opportunity to promote and assist these great organizations and to be able to share their art with others.  Locally, I admire Peconic Land Trust and Nature Conservatory. We must preserve the beauty and nature we have in the Hamptons!

KDH:  Tell us how you met Dr. Weiss. [KDH loves this story!]
 
LT: Ahh summer love….We met at the Maidstone Club 10 years ago when he was a tennis pro there during med school. His first line was “How do you like East Hampton?”  and the rest is history!

KDH:  How do you “do-it-all” ? Husband, baby, busy PR job…and now a KDHamptons Lifestyle writer! Can you share a couple tips for busy readers?
 
LT: There is never enough time, so focus on what you love and what makes you happy and don’t sweat the little things. I have never been happier or busier than I am right now!