The studio has been a flurry of activity, getting me ready for my trip to the Gasparilla Inn.   It's a particularly fun show for me, because I can concentrate on designs that are all about shells.   My peeps will love them.  You see, I know their sweet spot, for it is one we share.  And I love visiting with so many regulars who by this point have become old friends.  The show is this Friday to Sunday, so if you're in the area, please stop in and say hello.  You can also get a preview of some of my new creations below.

These past few shell-forward weeks have gotten me wondering ... just what is it about seashells that keeps us utterly infatuated?  From the smallest child to that elegant elderly beachcomber in the slightly cocked hat (you know the one), each of us is equally smitten with shells.  Maybe it's because each specimen, from the humble coquina to the king's crown, feels like its own small miracle.   We grasp it as a keepsake, a reminder that Mother Nature is indeed the best designer of all.   When someone marvels at one of my modest shell creations, I like to remind them, "It was once someone's house".  And then I get to stand back and watch as a wide smile erupts, beginning in the corners of their mouth, rising slowly into an allover glow which peaks in the outside corners of their eyes.  (I think I just might sense a glow coming on in you?)  READ MORE

Read more

March, we love you.  You are most welcome this year.  Not quite winter;  not quite spring.   A hinge between what was and what's about to unfold. Can you feel the shift?  Even the intrepid skiers and hibernating bears among us must sense a little lift, as we turn the calendar page to a new month.

Hats off to those of you who have survived power outages, limbs in the driveway, and doors that couldn't open because a snowdrift blocked the way.   Not to mention travel complications.  But today, we have our collective toes on the threshold of spring.

Inhale.  Hold it there.  Exhale.  Aaaahhhh ... beginnings.  Beginnings impel us to sit up a little straighter, as we turn our chins, gladly giving our full attention ... leaning into what might be next.

Which brings me to one of my own.   READ MORE

Read more

Now that you've identified your circle of suns, shall we go play? 

For style inspiration, I was thinking Palm Royale.  Not sure those gals had much fun -  but the outfits?  We swooned.  Let's turn our Chanel and Celine sunglasses toward Sarah Wetenhall (in the orange hat, on the left).  She's the owner and CEO of the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach... she can be our muse this week.

Today's note is more of a postcard.  I've been on the east coast of Florida - Palm Beach, Delray and Hobe Sound - staying with dear old friends and cavorting with new and old ones.   The land of pink bougainvillea climbing white brick walls.  White rattan chairs and iced teas with lime.   Fun was decidedly had by all.   And I learned more than a soupçon about style from these elegant ladies.  More on that when I return home.   READ MORE

Read more