Gone Fishing

J.Crew Raffia Fish Bag

 

This fabulous raffia fish handbag is one of my favorites - such a statement piece. Fish motifs or fisherman core have been very popular this year.

Raffia

Raffia and Pearl Starfish Earrings

 

Raffia is a natural fiber that comes from the leaves of the Raffia palm tree (Raphia farinifera). It is commonly used in crafts, fashion, and home decor due to its versatility and durability. Its use dates back to ancient times, where it was used for everything from making baskets to roofing houses.

Handbag Charms

Pineapple Bag Charm

Handbag charms are all the rage right now, available in a myriad of designs and materials. These are darling, handmade by artisans in Rwanda of raffia from locally sourced palm trees.

The Summer Clutch

Lilly Straw Clutch in Leaf Sketch Embroidery

A great clutch is perfect for evenings out. For the summer, I love a clutch that is a bit more casual in organic materials like wicker, straw, and raffia. Here are some lovely choices. All are under $200 and many are under $100.

Wicker Earrings & More

Wicker Earring Collection

 

I love wicker and raffia earrings for several reasons. First of all, I love all things wicker. Second, they are so summery. Lastly, they are very lightweight and super comfortable to wear. I have found some darling ones I think you'll love. And wait until you see the prices....

Summer Style

Tie - Waist Halter Dress

 

Summertime, and the living is easy.... I have always loved summer clothes and am so delighted that I can wear them all year long here in Florida. I have not worn a coat or boots or the like a single time since the day I moved here almost 5 years ago!

Raffia Fun

Fringe Straw Bag

I wear raffia/straw bags here in South Florida every day. My collection of designer bags just seems out of place here. But most are large beach bag size - I love a big handbag for during the day that I can put everything in! I have been looking for a smaller version for evening and found it.

Games with Palm Beach Style

Slim Aarons "Poolside Backgammon"

No beach house is complete without games to play poolside, in the lanai, on the porch, or in the air conditioning after a hot day at the beach. These are such chic choices - too pretty to be stored away. And they can even be monogrammed or personalized.

Mark & Graham Games

Setting the Tropical Table

Mercedes Salazar Monkey Candle Holders

 

I am always on the lookout for fabulous pieces for setting my table with tropical, island, Palm Beach style. These incredible raffia monkey candle holders certainly fit the bill. These are woven in Iraca Palm by Caribbean coast Colombian craftsmen.

Gobble Gobble

Raffia Turkey

 

I know it is still September, but last year at this time, September 10th to be exact, I posted on a darling raffia turkey, knowing it would sell out quickly well before Thanksgiving.

Couture Raffia

Oscar de la Renta

I can't get enough of natural elements in my home like wicker, rattan, bamboo, straw, jute, raffia, and such. And I wear straw handbags virtually every day here in Florida. But this is definitely next level - a couture gown of raffia.

Raffia Placemats High/Low

Tory Burch Raffia Placemats

 

I have loved these Tory Burch raffia placemats for ages. They look wonderful with blue and white, faux bamboo, and chinoiserie china patterns and with bamboo flatware. They are fabulous for summer table settings and in places like here in Florida all year round. They give your table such a beachy island vibe. They can be used as placemats or as chargers with or without a tablecloth.

Pearls & Palms

CANVAS

 

Pearls, palms, and raffia in pink and green! Talk about my style to a tee. Did you ever wonder where the phrase "to a tee" comes from? It of course means that something is perfect just the way it is.

Its origin is unknown but it has been around since the 1500s. The phrase "to a T" was used in a play by Francis Beaumont called The Woman Hater in 1607. But it was widely used before that. It is likely a shortened version of an Old English expression "to a tittle" and should really be spelled "to a T." 

Raffia Backgammon High/Low

Aerin Raffia Backgammon Set

Elegant backgammon sets are wonderful, but can be very expensive. I love this raffia backgammon game set, but it sells for $2,300.

Chinoiserie Chic Dress Restock

Ancient Garden Midi Dress

 

I posted last year on this wonderful Farm Rio blue and white chinoiserie dress that I bought and it was also featured on Instagram when Bunny Williams wore it to Furlow Gatewood's 100th birthday party. It sold out everywhere. Well, they have brought it back. 

It's Pedicure Season

OPI Cajun Shrimp

Summer is here and that means it's time for pedicures and sandals. OPI Cajun Shrimp is the unofficial pedicure color of summer - such a classic. It looks great with everything. I never tire of it. Coincidentally, I am having a manicure and pedicure this afternoon.

Beachy Backgammon

Lacquer Raffia Backgammon Set

I have taken up playing backgammon again and have been looking for a beautiful backgammon set for the house. Backgammon boards can be highly collectible.

The game dates back about 5000 years to Iran, and was even banned by the Catholic Church in the sixteenth century. The popularity of backgammon surged in the mid-1960s, in part due to the charisma of Prince Alexis Obolensky who became known as "The Father of Modern Backgammon." "Obe," as he was called by friends, co-founded the International Backgammon Association, which published a set of official rules. He also established the World Backgammon Club of Manhattan, devised a backgammon tournament system in 1963, then organized the first major international backgammon tournament in March 1964, which attracted royalty, celebrities and the press. 

More Palm Beach Style

Thibaut Palm Frond

 Without a doubt, my favorite thing about Florida visually is the palm trees. I can't get enough. My property is also filled with palm trees indoors and out. This Thibaut powder room is a great example of bringing palm decor indoors. I also love the wonderful mirror. It reminds me of these coveted Aerin Lauder raffia placemats.

I feel fabulous today - no side effects whatsoever from my second Moderna shot yesterday morning. Yesterday afternoon I played tennis, walked the dogs, and pruned shrubs. I feel like a million bucks today - not even a sore arm. 

Aerin Raffia Placemats

Raffia Placemats High/Low

I posted recently about these very chic Tory Burch raffia placemats that are quite fab, but are $198 for a set of 4 which is a bit cray cray if you ask me. I set out to see if there are alternatives at a more sensible price point.

Another view of the Tory Burch placemats

The bad news is these are indeed pretty unique and I did not find any very similar. The good new is I found a few that are in the same genre that I like as well at great prices. See what you think.

These coral spiral woven placemats from Amanda Lindroth are $16.99 for a set of four. They are also available in blue or green. I think getting these is a no brainer.

I found these on Etsy and love them. They too are available in various colors. They are $18.00 each with free shipping on orders over $45.00. If you google raffia placemats on Etsy there are other sellers as well, and lots of different colors including all natural. These remind me a bit of juju hats that I love.

 

I really like these in all weather wicker by Bunny Williams for Ballard Designs. They are on sale for $44.00 for a set of four. They would be great to use outdoors or inside.

Williams Sonoma has these braided abaca chargers on sale for $5.99 each. 

 

Some great options out there.

A Tropical Chinoiserie Halloween

Target Raffia Pumpkins

 I had a lovely weekend. I saw these Opal House raffia pumpkins online, and buzzed over to Target yesterday morning to get them before they sell out. So fun. They come in four colors and I got each plus multiples of the pink. I am waiting a couple more weeks to get real pumpkins for the front entrance - not sure how long they last with this heat and humidity. I have read that heat and humidity speed up the rotting process, and ideal temps are in the 50s, not the 80s. So I will enjoy these darling raffias ones inside for the time being.

And I bought some beautiful hydrangeas for my newest barnacle vase - now these vases are popping up everywhere. It's funny how once something is on your radar screen, they seem to be everywhere! Guess whereI found this huge navy blue one?

Hydrangeas in my newest barnacle vase from HG!!!

I planted a grouping of white African irises in the garden. Gardening here is so wonderful. African irises are quite beautiful but seriously easy to grow. And very water-wise of course since much of Africa is hot and arid. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia had a wonderful water-wise garden in Alexandria and I learned a lot working on it.

African irises

Today I am working on my topiary alligator. I found the most stunning succulents for it. More on this later this week. Can you believe I found a succulent that is gray with pink - it's so pretty!

Echeveria Lola