Field Trip: Oliver's Buy Sell Trade

It was back to Maryland Avenue in Annapolis last week to a great destination named Oliver's. This funky little shop offers womens and childrens clothing on a 'buy, sell, trade' basis. Owner, Kelly, has a great eye for clothes so the inventory is well-edited. Clothes are organized by color and the racks are not so jam-packed that you can't think. I secretly love the disco light that is always on!

Clothing is vintage and designer. I'm definitely inspired to do a little fall closet cleaning.

One of the reasons for my visit is that Oliver's carries a bright, new(to me) Annapolis deisgner, Kalivoda. The ultimate in recycling, the designer, Lacey, re-makes found fabrics and garments into gorgeous new pieces with high style. The line also includes some really cool macrame jewelry.

If your near Maryland Avenue, Oliver's is worth a look. You can find Kelly Wednesday through Sundays after noon. Check out her facebook page too. Happy shopping!

A Summer Moment and Instagram

I was having dinner with friends recently and lucky enough to capture this little summer moment on my i phone. This is taken right after an intense storm came through with nice cool air. The children hopped the fence, ditched their shoes and headed for the mist. What fun!

I didn't use Instagram on the image above but I am definitely hooked. If you haven't already discovered it, Instagram is a cool little ap that lets you take a picture, choose a filter and then share. Find it here.

Happy Monday!

Inspired by: New Zealand

Bethels Beach (Te Henga)

Some dear friends have decided to be kiwis instead of yanks and have been planning a big move back to Auckland. All of this NZ talk had me dreaming of my time there and definitely inspired some of my latest collection.

I was lucky enough to live in Auckland, albeit for too brief a time, while my husband was part of an America's Cup team in 1999-2000, and visit again a few years later. The landscapes there are simply stunning and the images are permanently imprinted on my mind. I often look at my scrapbooks and watercolor sketches of that beautiful country when I need inspiration.

fern image above via Dianna Adams @ newzealandplantpicks.com

Two new designs, Koru and Fern n Dot are directly inspired by the silver fern (Koru means unfurling fern in the native Maori) and the frightening yet beautiful Ta Moko (traditional Maori tatoos). Fabrics are available now on the web site and via Chairloom.

I highly recommend a visit if you get the chance! In the meantime, here are some images that may inspire you.

Coromandel Penninsula, detail of fern, Waitakere Ranges

black sand beach

view of Lion's Head, Piha Beach

the Coromandel