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April's
Articles for Giftware News:
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Last
weekend I had a chance to visit the Vineyard—Martha's Vineyard.The
beautiful island is off the coast of Cape Cod—not far from
Boston—and is a friendly rival of sister island Nantucket.
It is low and rambling, brambly, and the air portends the smell
of blueberries that will surely be there to be picked in August.
Above in the sky, are sea birds and osprey, in the ocean a black
seal head bobs and plays.
In all things physical it reminds me of Nova Scotia, or even Newfoundland—where
the clean ocean air and light habitation, fishing villages and
big sky recall the island's first nation roots, and whaling history.
In other ways Martha's Vineyard is uniquely its own.
For the gift industry—it is the Paris of inspiration. The
seaside version of the left bank, the Provence of the cape and
a treasure trove of artful living—where wealth can handle
expense and casual living brings on beauty of the most appealing
form.
What a great place to shop—and a good place to see what
others in the design world are doing. I can't help but treat a
trip to such an interesting spot as part of my work!
Alley's General Store in West Tisbury has French Cinderella brooms
and dust pans, and flower spattered toasters in which to toast
their home made bread—it is one of the few year-round shops
on the island and is worthy of the gift buying islanders who stay
throughout the year. From the utensils that clean the sink to
colorful table linens, this sprawl of shop is a general store
for the most upscale of domestic needs.
The Trunk Show at White Ginger in West Tisbury had imported apparel
of the most rich and lush work—thick white embroidery on
tunics, were a luxury just to touch—elegant yet casual pants,
so simple in shape and essential in fabric—silk and cottons
please—its look suits community center gatherings and lobster
on the beach in Menemsha to a tee. [I carried away my purchase
in an organic cotton bag provided by the owner.] Citrine next
door—a dainty colorful shop owned by an artistic woman—toes
the price line for her clientele with a delightful assortment
of gifts and apparel. [Silk shawl for my friend—three-drawer
jewelry box for me.] She used paper bags with Thai newspaper clippings
glued on as her gift wrap.
Midnight Farm—Carly Simon's and friends shop in Vineyard
Haven—is as eclectic as its owner, and as beautiful and
exciting too—from jams and jellies to velvet peacock printed
shawls, household linens [a must in the Vineyard], coffee table
books and unusual jewelry—her shop is a delight that lets
you see into the mind of Carly.
Le Roux in Vineyard Haven had a window full of April Cornell linens—to
my delight –let's just say these really work with Vineyard
style, and are well represented in many of the island homes. [Particularly
prevalent at artist Linda Thompson's rambling abode!]
The 'Great Put On' in Edgartown is ahead of the trends in both
fabulous apparel and unusual accessories. What a feast for a textile
lover.
In Oak Bluffs visit the Art District—a tiny area housing
some of the Vineyard's many galleries.
Or get lucky and attend the show of the famous Allen Whiting at
his farmhouse in West Tisbury. The island is a Mecca for artists,
and behind many sand dunes and local by-ways you will find a painter
busily noting down views and colors for her winter work.
Oak Bluffs hosts Craftworks—a little bit like Frog Hollow
in Vermont—where local crafts, pottery and jewelry can be
found.
Now the Vineyard is all about relaxing—but—I say it's
a busman's holiday to the Haven—my kind of heaven and just
what the doctor ordered.
Visit this special repository of inspired buying and get inspired
yourself—and then have a lobster roll and a stroll on the
beach to reflect on what you've seen.
Martha's Vineyard
Burlington, Vermont
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