Summer Jazz

(Not tacky) Shell Collections & Summer White Dresses

We’ve hit high summer here in the South, which means that the 1964 jazz album Getz/Gilberto is now the soundtrack to my life.  This was a favorite of my Dad’s and we always had it playing in the car on the way to Saturday night dinners growing up (most memorably Columbia and Cafe L’Europe on St Armand’s circle, and Mi Cocina at Highland Park Village, Dallas - unfortunately Mi Concina’s brief stint in Atlanta was a disappointment).  

I could (and probably will) do a post solely on my obsession with seashells, but I need to stress that the obsession is very specific and not  “summer vacation home” (don’t worry, I have a couple of friends who help me keep it in check).  I imagine listening to my summer jazz soundtrack during a visit to A La Ronde in Devon, England amidst the fabulous English antiques and piles and piles of seashells, which has inspired me to paint the interior of my own English mahogany breakfront Arsenic Green and use it as a display for my growing shell, coral, sea fan and antique shell box collection.  

Breakfront at La Ronde

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Me in Florence circa 2014 in my favorite white dress

I’ve had always had a white summer dress obsession.  I worked at Anthropologie back in the day and I had a white tiered sleeveless dress by Maeve that I kept for years.  I have been on a quest to find one I love as much ever since.  I love delicate details like airy poplin, dobby cotton, pintucks, tiny buttons, and teeny lace trims that all feel feminine but effortless and breezy - like you are on vacation somewhere exotic.

J.Crew

Souer

Malina

This cane bag by Palmgrens is my white-summer-dress staple (I also carry it year-round). And then why not throw in a (not tacky) seashell accessory? - these earrings by Anni Lu.

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We have a covered porch at our new house and I am daydreaming of my first dinner party once we are settled. I love clean and simple entertaining layers - basic little votives on the railing ledge, simple linens (lace, navy check), a couple oil burners on the dinner table, and natural textures.

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We moved into the new house this week, so the nesting and house projects are in full swing. It’s a reality check to wake up and experience the rooms for the first time as a family. I’m excited to share some more photos . . . But until then, time to unpack.