spring colors...

For years I have been toiling about my favorite color...pink or orange? Orange or pink? When deciding on my new NWS logo I felt I needed to embrace both so instead of continuing the debate in my head pink & orange (or orange & pink) are now co-favorites. Ah, these first world problems of mine...

As I become weary of my drab fall & winter clothes I yearn for spring when I can embrace the rainbow of colors seen on the runway. It seems any and all colors will have their moment in the sun this season, especially neon and pastel shades...often paired together.

I'm most excited about the Pantone color of the season, Tangerine Tango, which is already starting to pop up in stores. I've even spotted some pieces that combine my co-favorites such as this loverly pair of flats from J. Crew...which I snapped up instantly.

Aren't they cute? It's like wearing my blog on my feet!

xx
JDF

NEON!

I'm so excited for spring so I can get cray cray with COLOR!!! I'll probably stick to accents with fun accessories...but who could say what I'll do come spring?

gurgle pot...

Sounds a little odd, I know, but it's really just a pitcher in the shape of a fish that makes a "glug, glug, glug" sound when you're pouring. Gurgle Pots, or Gluggle Jugs, originated in England in the late 1800's but I know them as an iconic gift or memento to bring back from Cape Cod. The ceramic pitcher is perfect for casual dining but also looks cute on your kitchen counter or used as a vase.


Buy them online at GurglePot (a smooth, more modern version with a larger color selection) or Gluggle Jug (a scaled, more traditional version).

ACK...!

The gorgeous and storied island of Nantucket is one of my very favorite places on earth.  I spent two summers in college slinging sandwiches by day and drinking gin and tonics on the beach by  night.  This summer I took a day trip back to ACK to revisit some of my favorite haunts...
Nantucket Natural Oils is an amazing resource for me (I left with three fragrances after this years visit).  I love perfume but have grown disenchanted with overpriced "designer" fragrances in alcohol bases that evaporate quickly and contain toxins like hormone disruptors (nothing glam about that)!  Nantucket "Nose" John Harding's emporium can recreate virtually any scent you can dream up by using organic, essential oils for a fraction of the cost of traditional fragrance brands.  They also offer a gazillion single note fragrances as well as their own Nantucket inspired blends.  The About Us section of the website explains in perfect detail why Nantucket Natural Oils has been the choice of savvy Nantucketers for years... 




Vis-a-Vis (the website is terribly lacking...) always stocks a literal ton of jewelry and clothing but I was particularly smitten with the vintage inspired, over sized handbag below...



The charming cobble stone streets of "town" are picture perfect no matter where your eyes fall...



Murray's Toggery Shop is one of the most famous Nantucket landmarks.  They cater to the blue bloods of the island with uber preppy gear like the signature "Nantucket Reds" collection of clothing and lobster embroidered mules.  Also on the racks are whale belts, loafers, polo shirts, madras tennis skirts and sweaters (to tie around your neck, of course).  I don't buy something every time I visit but I always love to look...



New to me and fairly recent to the island is UK import Jack Wills.  I am a sucker for the Union Jack as well as almost anything British. In a previous post about shopping in Boston I stated JW is the Anglo version of Abercrombie & Fitch which is why I left with only a mug (pictured below)...But I loved the shopping experience and worn in feel of the store.  The striped fitting rooms, set up as college bedrooms, are a cheeky touch.  And I discovered my life just won't be complete until I own a Union Jack chaise lounge...




I love the scenery of Nantucket...everything is so damn charming!!  I had to snap a picture of the water meter cover made in Wabash, Indiana...




Now we're getting to the good stuff.  Henry Jr is where I worked once upon a time so I went back to yet again taste the awesomeness of a Henry Jr roll...it was everything I remembered and more.  And NO trip to ACK is complete without a coconut macaroon from the Nantucket Bake Shop.  Their Boston Cream Pie is also TO DIE FOR!!!



During my first summer working I earmarked money from each paycheck for a Peter Beaton hat.  By the end of summer I was the proud new owner of a fabulous and timeless straw hat that I wear to this day.  I popped by the shop for some new ribbons and critters...



Behold the Lily Pulitzer wrapped Jeep...only in Nantucket!



I have purchased my share of Cheryl Fudge scarf tops in years past but this year I discovered her Fashion Camp where campers learn to design and sew their own clothes...so cute!



I always love the crisp and clean yet colorful clothing and accessories of the island's shops...and nothing screams "I have more money than you" than a tote bag emblazoned with your very fancy zip code...



The tiny red row boat below is the "007"...my (now) husband and I spent many nights taking in this exact scene, dreaming of what our futures would hold.  Seeing the gorgeous sights of the harbor always takes me back to the magical summers of Nantucket Island with the man who would turn out to be the love of my life...ok, enough sap...Nantucket is really cool and you should visit.

The Christmas Shop...

It seems kind of silly to start talking about holiday decor in August however every year I buy at least one new tree ornament for Christmas (we call it Foxmas in our household).  The Christmas Shop in East Sandwich, MA has been in business for over 70 years and our annual trip is a long standing family tradition.  The tiny, antique building was erected in 1747 as a shelter for cranberry bog workers.  The house is so tiny and charming...anyone over 5'2" needs to duck their head when entering the shop.  Every inch of the interior is covered with ornaments and holiday decor.  The pieces I collect are all German blown glass, coated on the inside with liquid silver and hand painted on the outside.  The technique and molds have been used since the 1800's and the tradition is carried on today by the Merck family.  I have been collecting seaside and Boston inspired ornaments for my "Cape Cod" tree for a few years now...




A sampling of their ornaments...the cuckoo clocks provide a familiar soundtrack...





A few of my favorites from this year: The Wizard of Oz collection, the Flying Pig, and the veggies...



The Cape Cod and Boston items that will be adorning my little tree in December: a cute Santa-ish sea captain, a red kayak just like our real life version and a skunk, natch!



Red Sox gear (my husb will not enjoy these as he's a Cubs fan), shells, seahorses and lighthouses, crabs, fish and seagulls.



Sassy mermaids and glittering swans in honor of the famous Swan Boats from the Boston Public Garden.



I'll post a pic of the finished tree in a few months!