The Pagoda Curio Shelf

CCC

 

Many years ago I bought this pagoda curio shelf. I used it for petite decorative objets. A few years ago I converted it into a dollhouse garden folly filled with chinoiserie. It has needlepoint rugs, Chinese porcelain, blue and white Chinese garden stools, antique textiles, all kinds of beautiful things. 

Elevated Seashell Decor on Sale

CCC

I recently did a popular post on elevated seashell decor. Decorating with seashells is not only wonderful in the summer, at a beach house, or here in Florida. Seashells are always a classic choice and pair beautifully with chinoiserie. Historically, chinoiserie pieces were collected by the worldly and well-traveled. Similarly, displaying rare or beautiful seashells alongside blue-and-white ceramics reflects a rich, curated "cabinet of curiosities" aesthetic.

More Seashells

Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Pin

 

I have curated a fabulous collection of seashells for your wardrobe and your home, with lots of Kenneth Jay Lane jewlery finds and much more, starting at $15.00. All great looks for summer.

Elevated Seashell Decor

Mira Shell Candle Holders

Seashell decor is definitely having a moment. Seashell busts, chandeliers, mirrors and more are everywhere. Unfortunately, some pieces are ordinary, some are kitschy, others are very expensive. I have found some lovely pieces that are a step above.

The Sea Urchin

CCC

 My favorite seashell of all is the beautiful sea urchin.

Sea Urchin Shells

Seashells

CCC

 

I so love seashells and living in Florida, I love to decorate with them. Above is a vintage chinoiserie chest in my entryway with a collection of conch shells and sea fans.

Seashell Nutcrackers

Seashell Nutcrackers - Casa Branca

 

These quite fabulous seashell nutcrackers are called shellcrackers by Alessandra Branca. The 27-inch-tall shellcracker is handcrafted with sea urchins, sea fans, coral, Swarovski crystals, and various seashells. Some of the finer details include Venetian paper and stick bug wings for the cracker’s eyebrows.

Seashells & Chinoiserie

Amanda Lindroth

 

Seashells and chinoiserie are a marriage made in heaven. Amanda Lindroth is a master at combining the two, and her newest book Island Dreaming has a myriad of wonderful examples.

Seashells

Poolside Anna Conch Clutch

I must admit that I cannot get enough of seashells. I love decorating with them and this summer I have added some wonderful seashell jewelry to my wardrobe. I think my favorite of all are conch shells with their beautiful pink interiors.

A Great Summer Dress and More

Linen Midi Dress in Palm Beach

I saw this pretty dress last week online and loved it. Coral pink, 100% linen, embroidered with palm trees, three quarter sleeves, and a midi length.

Summer Jewelry

CCC

 

If you are like me, in the summer you reach for jewelry with a more casual beachy vibe. Above are a few pieces from my collection. The turtle ring is J.Crew and the sea urchin earrings are Mignonne Gavigan. Sadly, they are no longer available. But you will find the seashell ring and other great picks below.

Setting the Summer Table

Pottery Barn

 

A charger plate is a large, decorative plate that acts as a base for other dinnerware. Charger plates serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. Visually, charger plates provide elegance and enhance table decor. Practically, they protect the table and tablecloth from becoming dirty during service. They're also a key feature at fine dining establishments. Two of my china patterns I originally discovered at restaurants where I was dining - one a restaurant in Bermuda and another in Great Falls, Virginia. 

Setting the Coastal Table

Shells Stoneware Dinner Plates

 

Target has a new coastal dinnerware collection that is quite fabulous and the prices are great. Many pieces are $5. And no, they are not melamine but stoneware! Coastal is all the rage this summer and especially with a fish motif. These are wonderful for summer entertaining indoors or al fresco on the porch, lanai, patio, or backyard.

Seashells

Mae X Scalamandré Caftan in Coquina

 

The newest Mae X Scalamandré collaboration features the iconic Scalamandré fabric Coquina with blue and white seashells. See the entire collection here.

I love seashells in my home and in my closet. Here are some wonderful seashell pieces for your warm weather wardrobe and your home.

Easter Vignettes @ CCC

CCC

 

This is a favorite Easter vignette at CCC with Chinoiserie Chic and Palm Beach style. The "basket" is a signed Sarah Bray bamboo bucket handbag. I removed the blue and white ikat liner and filled it with seashells including lots of pink sea urchins. Next to it is a set of pink linen paddleball cocktail napkins.

Blue and White Chinoiserie & Seashells

Amanda Lindroth

 

This beautiful vignette is from Amanda Lindroth's newest book Island Dreaming. It features a pair of seven tiered blue and white Chinese pagodas and a shell encrusted bust. This is a wonderful example of how well chinoiserie and seashells work together.

Outdoor Christmas Decorating in Florida

Amanda Lindroth

 

I am almost finished decorating CCC for Christmas inside and now my thoughts are turning to outside. I always struggle for exterior inspiration, because in the heat here, fresh wreaths and garlands simply do not last. Even the beautiful wreaths pictured above made of palm fronds would start drying and yellowing immediately. Faux traditional wreaths and garlands would work, but don't seem very tropical.

Shells & Chinoiserie

Unknown

 

I posted this years ago and it is still one of my favorites - a stunning black and gold Chinese cabinet filled with seashells, blue coral, and blue and white Chinese porcelain.

The Seashell Charm Bracelet

Mermaid Tears Seashell Charm Bracelet 

 

I have always loved charm bracelets. My mother wore one loaded with charms she had picked up from my parents' trips all over the world. I have been looking for one with a seashell motif for here in Florida and finally found one I love.

Queen Victoria loved charm bracelets and was instrumental to their popularity. ElizabethTaylor and Joan Crawford also helped fuel the interest and popularity of charm bracelets.

Florida

Tory Burch Shell Statement Necklace

This gorgeous Tory Burch seashell necklace is sold out everywhere. I waited when I first saw it because it is almost $400 and now it is sold out. Maybe it will restock? It would be so perfect for here in Florida. Oh well....