Last Moments on the Vineyard

A very cute lemonade stand on S. Water street

The Vineyard Sound guys!

I went to their opening concert at the Old Federated church, and I must say they're better than ever this year. You must really try to make it to one of their concerts this summer, it's a good time. They are singing frequently throughout the island every week.

Beautiful Old Federated

mmm Menemsha nearing sunset

Lilly in Edgartown

While I was on the Vineyard I got to know the most fabulous salesgirl named Kacy at the Edgartown In the Pink store. She was incredibly sweet and helpful, and I hope to be seeing her again at the Lilly Warehouse sale this fall. She helped my mom find an adorable bathing suit and perfectly fitting white jean capri pants!

I also got these cute flipflops at Petunia's:

Sweet E's Cupcakes

Quote of the day: "With great cupcakes comes great responsibility." - E.

So I know I haven't posted in a week, but my first post back now must be about the most adorable and delicious cupcakerie on Martha's Vineyard. I mentioned Sweet E's in my previous post, but I really must tell you again that it's a must-stop venue for anyone visiting the island this summer. It's located on Main St. in Vineyard Haven, and Ezra (the owner) bakes dozens of cupcakes early every morning to sell in his gorgeous cupcake boutique throughout the day. I had to visit four times while I was there, and the cupcakes on the last day were topped with the most divine fluffy frosting I've ever tasted - black cherry cupcakes! Even the guys in shirts and ties were taking an afternoon break from the office to come in and grab a treat. They were more than memorable. Please visit him on facebook, where he posts updates the daily flavor and fans can keep track of what Sweet E's is up to.

Harborside Sunny Days

After nearly a week of fog, clouds, and drizzle (during which time the Island is still magnificent in its own way), we have finally had a few breaks of sunshine! I am so happy. The very moment the sun came out, we hopped on our bicycles and headed south on Main Street to South Summer street and then straight to the beach! The dunes looked gorgeous, and everyone was out in full merriment after so many days keeping cozy inside. We topped off the day grilling at home (the best way to eat on the Vineyard is simply. While a few restaurants offer atmosphere and charm worth paying for, the best food happens right at home in the kitchen. Besides, I love nothing more than using our Mackenzie Childs dishes and sipping a glass of wine on the porch while the grill heats up. We did however go out to a lovely dinner at the Harborside Hotel the night my dear friend Ashley flew in to visit. My godmother calls the Harborside her "living room on the water," and that's exactly what it is. The setting is divine, with a wraparound porch overlooking the Edgartown lighthouse, and an interior that looks like the inside of a ship. I adore the heavy bright white paneling and dark wood floors, with touches of seagreen and aqua. It's the inspiration for my own bedroom redecorating right now.

Rainy Night Dinner at Home

(thank you Taylor for the crab headband!)

Sunny Day at the Harborside

My adventures on these rainy and sunny days have been all over the island, from South Beach to Chilmark to Aquinnah. We occupied rainy days with coffee from Espresso Love and then strolling down the streets in town. When we stopped into In the Pink - the Lilly Store in Edgartown - we met the most adorable salesgirl, and had a wonderful time browsing one of the greatest selections of current season Lilly I've ever seen! Other shopping highlights included J. McLaughlan, Claire Murray, Bramhall & Dunn (I bought a fabulous Dash & Albert rug), and of course a stop on Winter St. for Vineyard Vines. We visited the many lovely art galleries, my favorite of which is the Christina Gallery.

Gingerbread Architecture in Oak Bluffs

Lunch at Black Dog

West Tisbury Antique Fair

One of the most exciting moments was when I went to Vineyard Haven for the first time this trip and discovered that they are home to MV's very first cupcakerie! Yes, it's true!! A very smart gentleman and his wife moved to the island after working at Magnolia Bakery in NYC, and they started their own cupcake shop on Main St. called Sweet E's. It's an adorable shop, with sweet cupcake sayings above the door. E is simply the kindest and incredibly gifted cupcake artisan I've ever met. He was decorating sugar glazed pansies and violets when I last saw him. All you summerers who have yet to step onto the island this summer, I you must stop in E's to discover this best new addition to Vineyard Haven. Open 11-7 daily.

Sweet E's Cupcakes

Finally, some pictures of my godmother's house, my most favorite house

By the way, did anyone go to the Mackenzie Childs Barn Sale this past weekend?

I was SICK, absolutely sick to have to miss it. I'd love to hear anyone's experiences, purchases, etc....and if you are feeling buyer's remorse about anything please let me know :)

Vineyard Heaven

I've been a bit spotty with my blogging the past few days because I'm now in Martha's Vineyard. At last! where I am enjoying two weeks of complete bliss :) MV is a little slice of heaven. Despite the rainy weather, it's beautiful, and I just love being up here in my godmother's very special impeccably decorated beach house in Edgartown. My favorite everything is up here - the beaches, lobsters, gingerbread architecture, shingle houses, shopping at Vineyard Vines, In The Pink, Claire Muray, Eliza B, and lovely antique shops, breakfasts at the Black Dog cafe, bluefish pate from Edgartown Seafood, Mad Martha's ice cream, and of course the carousel! More to come soon, as I post about my adventures on the island. I feel so fortunate to be up here. 

Monogrammed Beach Towels

I wanted to share with all of you the beautiful beach towels that Whitney Caroline makes, monogrammed according to your customer preference, and perfect for the beach this summer! Available in pink, green, orange, aqua, and navy - a color for every member of your family! Whitney Caroline also makes monogrammed towel wraps, tote bags, and much more. Happy summer adventures to everyone.

Mrs. John l Strong

I was sad to read that Mrs. John L Strong, the incredible hand-engraved stationer since 1929, has closed its doors. The company was started by Flora Strong during the depression, and for over 75 years has produced beautiful stationery sought-after by all fine papier connoisseurs. Customers included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Oprah, and even Vogue's editor Anna Wintour. I will miss her "strong vanilla" paper envelopes!

Above, a picture of Nanette Brown, who bought the company from Mrs. Strong. 

Lilly Warehouse Sale

On Friday I went to the Lilly Warehouse sale, and it was fun although I'll know for next time that the real most amazing only happen on the first day. I will definitely keep this in mind for the Fall Sale. Nonetheless, I was happy to score some lovely new items. Some of my favorites, Newbury Tunic and Betsey dress:

I couldn't resist this tie for my dad for Father's Day!