A Classic in Mini

Rollneck Bag Charm

 

I posted recently that J.Crew has come out with a miniature bag charm version of its iconic rollneck sweater. I got one of course and it is absolutely darling in person.

Nautical Navy

Sconset Eyelet Fish Dress

Navy blue is my favorite color for my wardrobe and it is such a classic. It looks great all year round but especially in the summer with its preppy nautical vibe. Here are some favorite picks and they are all on sale.

The Nautical Chinoiserie Summer Table

Kim Seybert

 

This is a great look from Kim Seybert for setting the summer table. Blue and white stripes and navy chain link napkin rings add a preppy and nautical vibe. Wicker placemats/chargers are so popular and perfect for summer. And bamboo flatware is a favorite for lovers of chinoiserie.

A Great Summer Dress

Celandine Short Sleeve Cotton Swing Dress

This is a perfect summer dress - nautical, preppy, comfortable (100% cotton), and under $100.

A Classic Returns

Leather Handle Katahdin Boat and Tote

L.L.Bean has brought back its iconic Katahdin Boat and Tote with leather handles. Made in Maine, the canvas is the same rugged 24 ounce heavy duty cotton canvas used in the Original Boat and Tote. The leather handles are the same premium leather used in their Bean Boots.

Madras

J. Crew Patch Madras circa 2007

 

Many of us grew up wearing madras in the summer - I recall having a patch madras one piece swimsuit, a madras Bermuda bag, and a madras wrap skirt that I loved. I have been wanting to find a madras piece or two for my summer wardrobe. I love these pieces from J. Crew many years back.

Madras refers to a colorful and lightweight cotton fabric, woven into distinct combinations of horizontal and vertical stripes. To oversimplify - madras is the warm-weather cousin of the wintertime staple, tartan. 

Authentic madras comes from a region in southeast India that was once called Madraspatnam, which is known today as Chennai. Cotton yarn is hand-dyed and then hand-spun. The yield is cloth that is the same on both sides with tell-tale bumps that result from the yarn being too fragile to be combed or carded. 

Madras has been a preppy classic for decades.

J.Crew Limited Edition Long Patch Madras Skirt - circa 2007

Blue and White Stripes

Midi Dress in Striped Taffeta

Preppy, nautical, and classic, blue and white stripes are the essence of spring and summer dressing. I have rounded up some favorites I love....

Happy Father's Day

Ralph Lauren

 

I hope many of you will be spending a lovely day today with your father and/or husband. For those who have lost a father, or husband, a brother, or son, may your day be filled with wonderful memories.

 I don't think anyone does a masculine version of chinoiserie better than Ralph Lauren, so I thought today I would share some favorites. His rooms are filled with navy and white, stripes, oversized pieces, and dark woods, giving them a more masculine vibe.

Nautical Chinoiserie News

Carolyne Roehm

 

I promised updates on my daughter's new home in Annapolis. They found their new home in one weekend and it was the only home they bid on and won it. The inspection went perfectly. They put their house on the market this past Friday and reviewed bids last night and accepted one. So it is all go.

I am over the moon for them and so excited to help with the new home. Annapolis is the perfect combination of historical, preppy, and nautical, and she loves blue and white. And the house has a terrace, two decks, and a screened porch, so plenty of outdoor space to decorate - and inside too - it is four finished levels. Their inspector said it was the highest roof he had ever seen!

So expect lots of posts with blue and white preppy nautical chinoiserie. My pups will be so excited to meet their miniature schnauzer Millie on a road trip there this summer.

Annapolis Chinoiserie

Megan Winters - Traditional Home

 

My daughter is house hunting in one of my favorite places anywhere - Annapolis, Maryland. With its historical charm, Chesapeake Bay setting, some of the world's best sailing, Chesapeake blue crabs, and the beaux art Naval Academy, it is an extraordinary spot. I envision a home with lots of navy blue, stripes, dark woods, gleaming old hardwood floors, and blue and white Chinese porcelain. Nautical preppy chinoiserie. The blue and white star tiles I used for my entrance would be perfect.

Megan Winters - Florida Design

My lanai is looking the part too.

CCC

Harper CCC

A Unique Kitchen

House Beautiful UK

 Pink and green is the ultimate preppy and Palm Beach color palette and it pairs exquisitely with blue and white Chinese porcelain. But a pink and green kitchen? It works for me. I love the dark green cabinets, the pink  hexagonal tiles, the marble counters, and brass faucet, pulls, and sconces. What is the story with the missing tiles at the ceiling level. I assume it is to accentuate the shape of the tiles, but it bugs me.

Pink and Green Coastal Chinoiserie

Anne Hepner Design

Isn't this a great take on coastal decor? This would be my idea of a beach condo for myself. I love the crisp pink and green and white - so Palm Beach/Preppy. The seashell console and mirror are beachy but sophisticated. Check out the pink chair piped in green and the reverse of the green curtains edged in pink.

More shots -