KDHamptons

KDHamptons:  How long have you been coming out to the Hamptons?

Samantha Yanks: I grew up in New York City, and I have been coming to the Hamptons for over fifteen years now – first with friends, then with my husband David as we were just dating, and now as a family with our six-year-old, Sadie.

KDH:  Describe your Hamptons home, and decorating style?

SY: We have a very soothing home – neutral colors, with beachy, seashore found objects, and some splashes of cool color.  I’m always curating pieces for it.  I absolutely love interior design.

KDH: Personal style: do you have a Hamptons “uniform”? which designer do you wear the most?

SY: I wear a healthy mix of high end and contemporary designers. I love Marni, Lanvin, Gucci, Miu Miu, Alexander Wang, Ralph Lauren and Philip Lim but I really like discovering smaller designers. Right now I am obsessed with this pony sweater from Ammara.  In the summer you’ll pretty much always find me in a simple dress and bold piece of jewelry. I wear my treasured watch from James Taffin de Givenchy and a collection of charms on a long chain necklace that I’ve collected over the years. In the evenings I wear one of the tassel necklaces I designed with Jennifer Miller [pictured in first photo].

KDH:  What is your favorite restaurant? Do you have a favorite dish and drink you get every time?

SY: When it comes to American cuisine, I love Red Bar and Fresno, and their fois gras and tuna tartar appetizers respectively. My choice of tipple?  The Pink Floyd rose.  For Japanese, no question it’s Sen.  The Garuda roll is incredible and their sake martini is perfection.  I love Clam Bar for its fresh seafood, steamers and lemonade.

KDH: Do you have a favorite family dinner destination?

SY: La Fondita is my favorite family spot with a fruit punch jarritos or a Corona Light (I only have a cerveza with Mexican food, otherwise I don’t love beer) and the chili-rubbed pork is to die for.

KDH:  Describe your perfect day in detail- even if it’s a dream day!

SY: On a dream day, I wake up at 9 (this I can’t imagine; it feels so good to even write about it) and drive out to  Three Mile Harbor in an early 1960’s SL convertible Mercedes (atop my wish list) to paddle board with Gina Bradley, the Paddle Diva.  Afterwards I pop into Clam Bar for steamers, followed by a little shopping at Tomas Maier and a lot of relaxing on the beach at the end of Ocean Road with my husband and daughter.  I’d take one of the “secret” classes that the instructors take at Flywheel Sports in Sag Harbor; I find spinning so cathartic and powerful. I’ll end the day with a movie outside at Marders.  Oh, let’s throw in a nice outdoor nap on a hammock after a midday glass of Rose.  It’s a dream day, right?

KDH:  What is the greatest part about being the editor in chief of two very glam publications? How do you manage those hours?

SY: I meet the most amazing people, and I try to keep up with  all of them. Being the editor of Hamptons Magazine is the best job ever. I don’t keep hours. I just don’t believe in that. I’ve made my job part of my lifestyle and that works for my family. Be smart and strategic with your time. I don’t socialize at work. It wastes time. Do work in the office, so when you leave you can enjoy time with your friends and family.

KDH:  You are obviously a wonderfully close-knit family. How do you balance “work time” and time set aside for David and Sadie? Tips for other working moms?

SY: My husband is smart, elegant, graceful, an extraordinary father and a total gentleman. He loves me, I love him, and we adore our daughter.  The rest falls into place. Also I really don’t complain. Partially it’s a lack of time to be able to do so, but it’s also not the type of energy I want my daughter or colleagues to be around.

KDH:  Do you have a summer anthem? mantra?

SY: My friend Stephanie Hirsch is an artist has this canvas that says ‘A brand new canvas to paint your life on’. Personally, I believe that every day is a fresh start.  Obviously so does she!

KDH: How do you “do it all”? Two titles, husband, family…..share a couple tips for my busy readers?

SY: Honestly, I’m focused and have an extraordinarily good memory.  Not forgetting is half the battle.  I also think you have to rid yourself of guilt. It’s very hard to do, but it’s essential. You need to be comfortable with what you’re doing and where you are in your life.  My family supports me and it’s knowing that that drives me.

P.s. Even if you “can’t” accomplish something just never EVER say that word!