I had heard a few mentions of the film "Grey Gardens" over the years, but really had no idea what it was about, other than some crazy ladies in an old house. Well, a few months ago I finally rented it. Fascinating. These women, Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale (relatives of Jackie O) were grand ladies of society who had lost their marbles (and money) and lived in this decaying, huge East Hampton estate and were filmed for this documentary. The house has since been completely renovated by the owner of the Washington Post, and they've done and amazing job to restore it's original beauty (once you see the film, these pictures will impress you!)


Little Edie went to "Farmington" with Jackie O, and her mentions of it in the film tickled me, since I went there too. But one of the coolest Grey Gardens finds I came across (in Harper's Bazaar, no less) is the new Grey Gardens Collections- jewelry and some housewares inspired by those owned by Little Edie Beale. She was an "it" girl before her stumble into Crazyville--totally stunning and quite the fashion plate! She had quite the collection of baubles, and so a member of her family has taken them and had them replicated.

The jewelry that inspired the collection:

Below are some of the finds from the site. The gold cuff is to die for, and naturally, already on backorder (it's only $45!).


The velvet cuffs will set you back a bit more, but are totally unique and would make an outfit! Plus jewelry with a back story is always so much more glamorous!

I love popping in this online shop and seeing what's new- today it really paid off! This gilded antique table is simply GORGEOUS!! Those legs! That finish! And still available...

A pair of fantastic vintage lamps.

An even MORE fantastic pair that are sadly SOLD.

An incredibly unique chandelier! I absolutely love it!

I think it bears repeating that I need a copy of this book: the zebra (hello, am clearly addicted to the pattern) and the title is spot on for my life! :) Upcoming birthday anyone? :)

I was just alerted to this FAB new shop, Foley & Cox Home, by my decorating genius cousin-in-law Courtney in Hudson, NY. It is right across the street from her shop and I am determined to finally make it to Hudson this summer to see all that the oft publicized antiquing haven-town has to offer!

I have always told my husband that I would much prefer a small cottage with tons of character and detail than a large, cold home. Elbow room is less desirable to me than contained luxury and precious detailing- however, I don't have kids yet so maybe that tune will change! This is why I look forward every month to getting my copy of Cottage Living in the mail. I sit down with a cup of coffee (or glass of wine, depending) and just pour through the pages fantasizing about the day I'll have my very own little cottage to gut and restore myself (and by "myself" I mean with HUGE help from my dad)!

I saw this darling story of this small cottage in dreamy Laguna Beach in this month's issue and it made me sigh out loud! Just look at this darling little place (which, as we know, in Laguna Beach means many millions!)

(This room above makes me want to cry- in a jealousy filled "I want that!" way)

Cottage living makes you become creative about storage space, as seen in the ingenious under the stairs wine storage above!

Tia Zoldan's cottage in L.A.- comfortable yet uber-stylish!

A stunning before and after in L.A.

A Napa Valley spec home turned stunning, charming cottage! This will remain in my "dream home" files forever.(I will be needing a Mini Cooper Convertible with racing stripes to park outside my cottage, naturally)

Another California cottage. I wish I were blogging from that desk!


This Alabama has long been a favorite of mine, unique in it's Gothic style. I love how they kept true to it's bones when recreating the interior details.

Another gorgeous exterior in Charleston, SC.

As you can see, I don't discriminate in styles of cottages, I love them all- Greek Revival, California bungalow, stucco, shingled Cape, Gothic Revival....I'll take any! :)

All photos courtesy of Cottage Living.

I know, I post about weddings a lot. I just love them. Again, I am trying to model myself after Erinn Valencich by being a "lifestyle taste-maker". Can I put that on a business card?
This invite, by KenzieKate, is perfect for my "Wedding at The Parker" file. :)
Swoon! For extra swoon-age please visit the site of photographer Natalie Moser, who shot the wedding above. I found her through Relish Small Pleasures. Serious talent. Click on Real Weddings and watch the Palm Springs one- while you rock out to the Coldplay soundtrack! Perfection!

All things pointed me to Sea Island today. I was searching for images of Tibi owner Amy Smilovic's home and found this. Apparently, Amy grew up on St. Simons, a neighboring island to the grand Sea Island, and is now working with the sparklingly renovated Cloister to design a chic suite and uniforms for employees. Now if could sidestep for a minute...
(a photo of a photo- my husband's family at Sea Island-he's on his mom's lap in a little jumper!)

My husband's family has been going to Sea Island since he was a baby. I've heard so many enchanting tales from him and his dear cousins about Easter eggs hunts, walks on the beach and family celebrations all on this little island. To them it is a sacred and special place. There have been family weddings and funerals, good times and bad. I've only been once, but we have booked a trip with Andrew's couin and her husband to jointly celebrate our wedding anniversaries there in September with Andrew's grandfather, who has been living there year round now. Grandpop always refers to his home in full address form, "Sea Island, GA 31561", hence the title of this post. :) I am so excited to see more of this place I hear so much about-- and now there is the added bonus of Ms. Smilovic's designs.




The Cloister is a grand ol' dame, designed in 1928 by famed architect Addison Mizer. A luxe new spa has been added and the luster returned to the somewhat aging buildings. It is something to behold, let me tell you. And there is no more perfect designer to wear while sipping a cold G&T in the humid air on the patio of The Cloister than Tibi (okay, maybe Lilly would also be appropriate). Actually, pve designs sketch here and here reminds me of the feeling of cocktail time there. So it makes perfect sense that by combining Amy's design flair and local ties, she would be hired to spice up a bit of the very traditional decor and clothing! She's designed this amazingly perfect suite as well as hip uniforms for all types of employees (how PSYCHED are they??) Sea Island is the perfect place for Amy's fusion of preppy and 70's inspired looks, which are ever so popular today!

Check out the suite and sketches of the uniforms, as well as the article in Interior Design- I hope I can see them all in person in September!