May 10th, 2012
Jewelry trends seem to take us across the board. Depending on the occasion; a red carpet affair, or real life. Some pieces are really far out; others almost bearly there, making a subtle statement.
 
It is that time of the year; Mother’s Day, graduations, and weddings. Accessories can make a simple outfit look fantastic.
 Argentinian Designer; mixed metals, copper Vacationing in Rehoboth Beach? Then check out Studio S with 2 locations in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, within walking distance of each other. One is larger than the other. But get this; 60% of its jewelry is designed and made in Ocean City, Maryland.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach is great for walking and the shopkeepers are a friendly bunch. I met Susan, who works at Studio S, and after talking for a bit she told me that she was half Puerto Rican. She recognized my accent.
I was having breakfast with Jody and Debbie when we decided to stop at Studio S. You know how it is, checking things out in Rehoboth Beach before the crowds come in. I did not know that store was even there. They opened about a year ago. This location is at 70 Rehoboth Avenue, Unit 101. Tel. 302-227-5465. It is at First Street Station. The other location is at 301 Rehoboth Ave., Suite D. Tel. 302-227-5262. That location is at The Shops at the Pearl, where Cultured Pearl is located.
You can find Studio S on Facebook as Studio Jewelry Silver.
 Wallets too cute to pass. Melissa and Christopher Vaxmonsky are the owners of Studio S. Melissa designs all the jewelry that is made at their Ocean City, Maryland, shop and workshop, located at 9927 Stephen Decatur Hwy. F #10. Tel. 410-213-9752.
 
It was so nice of Melissa to talk to me for a bit. The store was sort of busy for a Monday morning. She told me that everything started with a sewing machine when she was in college. Both, she and her husband, finished their studies, worked, had a family and continued to create pieces of jewelry.
60% of their jewelry is made in-house. The other is brought from overseas. Melissa handpicks personally all of that jewelry, choosing specific designers and pieces with customers in mind.
Studio S also not only engraves jewelry pieces sold by them; they service the community with engraving available for pieces brought into the store by customers, as well as trophies.
I found that this particular store covered all age groups. It even had jewelry and watches for the guys.
Studio S also has artwork by local artists. Bags, scarves and purses that were colorful and fun for the summer.
 
The store is comfortable with subtle lighting.
The Delaware Beaches are very casual. It is that atmosphere that we love the most. From the beach to cocktails and then dinner. If you have your daughters and friends visiting, some of the fun necklaces and bracelets they are going to love.
 Beach fun Necklaces  Beach Fun Bracelets
Studio S does not advertise. It is all about word of mouth. Just like what I am doing right here.
I don’t know if something has caught your eye….if it did, then, you know what to do….Have a great day!
November 29th, 2011
I have never been one to shop in big malls. I know, I know, the majority of people do. I don’t even go when there is not a holiday around the corner. So, why would I go when at the holiday season all I will get is full parking lots, long lines at the cash register, attendants are busy and a little short?
I like those small shops that you find in every single town, or city. In these shops you get the personal attention you need. My favorites are the local shops in the Delmarva Peninsula; the towns of Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Ocean City, and Berlin among them.
So, no hustle and bustle; peace and serenity is what I want. One such shop is TaDa in the Historic town of Berlin, Maryland. I have written about it before and I just wrote a post on its sister store, TaDa Home. These are the shops that are worth visiting over and over again. New merchandise gets updated all the time.
TaDa is located at 18 N Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.blairelizabeth.com. At any given time you will find Blair, Patty, Christine and even Brooke. They are responsible for everything on the store to look just right.
Being that the Holidays are upon us I wanted to show you some of the items that make TaDa a must stop shop in Berlin.
TaDa has a Children’s Corner with lots of cute presents for babies. The store has tote bags, scarves, shoes, bags, personalized items and even fun presents for the bride to be.
New colors had just come in – the flats
   
TaDa carries jewelry but the one that attracted by attention is the one designed and handmade by Blair Elizabeth. The stones and color combinations are, definitely, fun, casual with an understated elegance.
      
TaDa and TaDa Home are part of the merchants that make the town of Historic Berlin special during the Christmas Season. Please check out the following events when both shops will be involved.
December 1 through the 24th – Join them for refreshments, gourmet tastings, and free gift wrapping. The stores will open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Fridays in December – Sip and shop with TaDa at Burley Oak Brewery. Stop by TaDa any time to fill out your wish list and send your Santa to Burley Oak located in a building originally built at the turn of the century at 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd. 5 – 7 p.m. shop and enjoy some delicious local brews.
Food Drive, December 3rd – Benefitting the Maryland Food Bank. For every non-perishable food item donated, receive a coupon for $1 off your $5 purchase. No limit on coupons – coupons must be redeemed that day.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
October 9th, 2011
I was thinking that I know that it is October, but at the Delaware Beaches, it feels like July. All those smells that remind me of the beach and why I love to live here were there when I stepped out of the car; French fries, pizza, barbecue….it has been a gorgeous week-end; so crowded as visitors take advantage of warm days…yes, sitting on the beach and cooler evenings.
So many happenings in town, sidewalk sales, fundraising events, arts and entertainment.
This week I decided to visit J. Conn Scott in fashionable and trendy Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth. The actual address is 27 Baltimore Ave. Tel. 302-227 3780. Website? http://www.jconnscott.com.
Last year I wrote a post on its Main Showroom located at 6 East Church St. in Selbyville, DE 19975. Tel. 302-436-8205.
A lot of times when you hear about “showhouses” you probably think that it is a conglomerate of designers united for a cause, annually. That is probably true in most cases. But, at J. Conn Scott you will find a Showhouse that changes weekly. It is the work of talented designers changing the look and feel of this vintage beach house.
Because this location was an actual house, as you enter you feel right at home. It is the perfect place to get inspiration, checking out innovative designs, maybe an idea here or there. Full service design services are offered. And, Richard will be the first to tell you that everything is for sale.
A couple of new things have been added to J. Conn Scott; jewelry. The line? Catherine Canino Jewelry. The jewelry is handcrafted in New York City; sterling, brass, leather, exotic woods, fresh water pearls and hand carved lacquered mother of pearl. Lisa told me that it has been very well received. It is traditional and classic with a slight edge to it.
  
They have also introduced several lines of handbags which you will see throghout the Showhouse.
  
Vagabond House is new at the store. Tableware and gifts; handcrafted pewter that does not tarnish, rust or even affect the taste of food. Dishwasher safe, as well.
Lilly Pulitzer is another line that is represented at the Showhouse. For many years making a statement in designer clothing. A new line of furniture and accessories came out into the market and it is doing tremendously well.
 
There is so much to see and appreciate. Check out the “bedroom”.
   
 
I am having fun writing this post because I feel like I am “window” shopping.
We live on the beach. Of course, we have to have some of the “shell” collection on the floor. A must at the beaches.
 
 
 
Moving to the nautical room, this is what you will find.
 
If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches and see something that you might like from J. Conn Scott, please be informed that they do deliver. Customer service is one of their big strengths. Once you become their customer they want you to remain a friend.
On my visit to the store I first talked to Richard and Lisa. Later on, when I actually came to take the pictures and see what changes Richard had made in the individual rooms, I then met Jeanne. Thanks Jeanne for taking care of me.
The Showhouse has so many nice gifts, whether for housewarming, wedding or just for yourself.
     
If you stop on Tuesdays, I believe, that’s where you will see Richard changing the look and feel of the Showhouse. Here are my last pictures. I hope something caught your eye.
J. Conn Scott opens 7 days a week, so just stop by and introduce yourselves.
Remember that all those sidewalk sales are still going strong in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Rt. 1 outlets. Enjoy the super weather we are having……talk to you later.
September 11th, 2011
“After the design is firmly fixed, the decoration is added. Decorating is the final enhancement.” albert hadley
I finally made it to Rooster’s Nest. Friends had told me again and again to write a post on this really neat shop west of Fenwick Island; just a couple of miles only. It is in the Bayville Shopping Center, 37244 Lighthouse Rd., #108. Tel. 302-436-1848, Fax is 302-436-1868. Website? www.roostersnest.com.
The proprietors are William Shoemaker and Sally Walsh. Rooster’s Nest is celebrating its 5th year in business.
As I came in, the first ladies I met were Dawn and Beth. I introduced myself, like I usually do. Having to get approval for me to take pictures, the owners were called and they agreed. Dawn and Beth told me a little bit about the store.
Everything in it is for sale, including the furniture pieces where merchandise is displayed. Before I forget, they can store furniture within reason and there is free delivery, as well. But, please do check with them.
 
 
At first look the store looked beautiful and fully stocked. A sweeping glance of it told me that it was one of those “must stop” shops, here at the Delaware Beaches. It is centrally located; a very easy drive. It took about 20 minutes from Rehoboth Beach.
 
I asked Dawn how she would describe the store and she did not hesitate to say “French Country”. Just looking at the colors I could see those blues, yellows, reds and blacks that are so prevalent in the region of Provence, on the south east of France. 
French Country has the feel of a warm and sunny place. The store carries classic European and American merchandise.
  
I took so many pictures. Could not help it. Rooster’s Nest has the perfect finishing touches for the home.
Besides being able to find those decorating indispensables, you could find gifts for any occasions, including gifs for him.
Products from Bella Cucina are perfect for a hostess gift.
Something caught my eye. The antique bottles on the armoire. They were so unique. They are made in Southern California by Jamie Dietrich. They are authentic bottles from the 1800’s to early 1900’s. They were decorated with handmade crystals and shell work.
I own a couple of Bossom Buddy bags. They are made in Baltimore, Maryland.
Plenty of gifts for the golf enthusiast; conversation pieces like the ball made out of Bobby Jones vintage clubs. Also available were books, lamps among other items.
 
Candles and soaps always make a nice gift. Lotions and colognes from Rogert & Gallet, Paris.
The coast is a beautiful place to call home and it was well represented at the store.
   
Even though summer is, officially, until the end of September, we can’t forget that Halloween and Thanksgiving are around the corner. Already the store had decorations for that most anticipated times of the year.
Did anything catch your eye? It still amazes me to see all the options we have when it come to shopping, dining, entertainment and activities. So much have changed at the Beaches. Lucky to call it home…..
Talk to you later…Guess what?…I do have extra pictures of Rooster’s Nest and they will be on Facebook on AboutMyBeaches…just in case you have missed something…
Talk to you later….
June 10th, 2011
A well appointed home; home lifestyle enhancement. What does it actually mean? If you can afford it then you can hire anyone or buy anything you want. It is only when you have a specific budget that a designer can help you achieve and create that feeling of completeness in your home.
Leslie Bixler is the designer and proprietor of White Orchid Interiors. I met her some months ago because someone told me I should stop buy and introduce myself and check out her store. My friends always giving me tips for my “blog”.
White Orchid Interiors is located at 83 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, Delaware, 19970. Tel. 302-541-4044. Website? www.whiteorchidDE.com. This is just 2 miles west of the Rt. 1 and Rt. 26 intersection.
Besides offering extensive design services like residential space planning, custom window treatments, paint consultations, wallcoverings and in home design services, it is also a retail store. You can pick up items for that special corner in your home. Maybe a hostess gift, or a wedding present, as well.
Leslie has told me that she has companies that ship quickly so if you need to order something, she would be more than happy to try to accommodate you.
Her creative process leads her to search and research in order to achieve the interior environment that you are sure to love. So easy to talk to. I really have not known her for a long time, but she is that friendly. A smile on someone’s face says so much.
The showroom features, reclaimed woods, metals, natural seagrass and linen upholstery accents.
A colorful collection of pillows and rugs.
And, of course, there is the presence of the coastal area.
Even though White Orchid Interiors is a relatively new store at the beaches, Leslie is already carving her own niche with plenty of followers.
Note: I wrote a post on White Orchid Interiors on 1/27/11. If you would like to see it, just click on January, 2011 and scroll down to the date.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
April 18th, 2011
Oh, I have a feeling that I am going to get into trouble for calling Basic Concepts “An Institution”. You see, I know Patti Watson, the proprietor of this shop that is going into its 35th season in Rehoboth Beach. Now, you tell, me if this is not an institution. This store has weathered the ups and downs of our economy through the years, and in my book Basic Concepts should be congratulated just for that effort.
Basic Concepts is located at the Village-By-The-Sea Shops at 149 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-8688.
I stopped by and was chatting with Patti and right at that moment I thought about writing a post for my blog.
Basic concepts carries two main lines of clothing. Fresh Produce and Focus from California.
Fresh Produce has been around for a long time. Lots of new bright colors for the season. Cute tee-shirts, little skirts, blouses and dresses. They are perfect for the way we live here at the beach.
Throw earrings, a necklace, a bracelet and you have an outfit.
Basic Concepts has hats; a must at the beach, as well.
The brand Focus has also cute jackets, shirts, sweaters and dresses. Even during the summer evenings there are cool nights. She had some great colors.
 
Last year I mentioned how nice it is to walk around Rehoboth Beach and see the familiar faces of those shopkeepers that make this town. They are friendly, caring, and I really enjoy them.
Have a good one…..talk to you later.
January 27th, 2011
Back on October 26, I wrote a post on a furniture consignment shop called Seaquels in Ocean View, Delaware. The store is owned by Cindy and Kathy. By the way, if you want to see that post just click on the month of October, 2010 and scroll down to the 26th.
These two ladies sent me an e-mail. They thought I should go and visit White Orchid Interiors as possible material for my blog. They thought the store looked beautiful and readers might like to find out that there is another choice for their decorating needs, among the ones that already exist in our Delaware beaches. Word of mouth; again, is the best advertisement.
Well let me tell you more about White Orchid. First of all, it is located at 83 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970. Tel. is 302-541-4044. Website? www.whiteorchidde.com. It is so easy to get to because all you have to do if you are driving on Rt. 1 is get to Bethany Beach and right there at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Rt. 26 just go west for about 2 miles and you will see it on the right hand side of the road.
It is a house and at the beginning I did not know where it was but once I saw it I, definitely, knew where I was.
Because this showroom was a home, it has that look and ambiance; you move through the different rooms of a house. Even though it is an interior design shop, furniture, home accents, and art are available for purchase on the spot.
Nothing makes a store shine more than the people that work in it. In this case the owner, Leslie Bixler. It was the first time I had met her and immediately I felt at ease with her. She is friendly and exudes confidence. You can tell she loves what she does. She is not new at this type of business. Leslie ‘s background is in retailing, marketing and advertising. And she is a very busy lady.
The store features metals, natural seagrass, lamps, luxury bedding, designer pillows, and mirrors, among many other accessories.
White Orchid Interiors is eclectic and stylish; the way the store is decorated radiates proportion and symmetry.
Leslie offers services like residential space planning, custom window treatments, paint consultation, wallcoverings and in home design services.
Most important is that her designs skills cater to a variety of interior styles while working within your budget. I remember one time a friend of mine who is a decorator told me that if your budget has no limits then for a designer it becomes a very easy job. It is when a limited budget is in place that a designer really becomes a creator of sorts; innovative, showing taste, style and class.
Her local art is original; one being the watercolors on her wall. They are by Dorothy Harrison Braun, who is her mother. Mrs. Harrison offers private and group instruction and you can call her at 302-539-2045.
I took so many pictures thinking I would only put a few on my post. But, I really liked them all and what better way to show White Orchid than by showing some of the pictures of this very unique interior design shop.
As I was leaving I kept thinking about my own style. It is a mix of several styles which make my own look, I guess. Casual and easy; that’s it.
I also remember reading a quote “Style comes from within and is a reflection of your character and preference”. Could not have said it better myself.
Have a good one!!…Talk to you later….
September 25th, 2010
I keep going back to this particular boutique in Lewes, that historic town that I also mention here and there. All you have to do is visit it once and you will be hooked.
Aqua Marine is located at 114 Second St., Tel. 302-644-4550. The shopkeeper is Maureen Botti. Her helper? Her mother!!
Well, I think Maureen and her mother are one of the reasons I visit the store frequently. Their friendly disposition is a winning situation. When I wrote a post on Aqua Marine on May 15th I mentioned that I really enjoyed watching Maureen and her mother deal with their customers. There is an instant connection that you can tell will last a long time. By the way, if you want to see that post just click on the month of May under Archives on the left hand side of this blog and scroll down to the date.
This is a new location for Aqua Marine, but the boutique opened in 2006.
It is the perfect setting being that Second Street in Lewes is actually the Main Street, where lots of cute stores and great restaurants abound.
The casual atmosphere of the beaches is something we love; Aqua Marine carries that type of clothing; relaxed, yet sophisticated at the same time.
Christopher Blue’s new line “worn” has affordable cords, and a great fit!!
Another brand carried is Magaschoni Cashmere. And, lots and lots of scarves; all colors, fabric and price points.
The weather is changing; a little cooler; it was great to see what’s new for the coming season.
Even though I refer to these kinds of posts “for women only”, men should not be intimidated by these boutiques. Usually the owners are more than happy to give you a helping hand.
Talk to you later…..have a great one….
 
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