A visit to Hinckley Yachts

Today my husband and I took a drive to Portsmouth, Rhode Island to visit the home office of Hinckley Yachts where we got to go step aboard several of their yachts and see their amazing workmanship.  

After our visit, I was inspired to share some items I felt emulated the "Hinckley Look".

A visit to America's oldest jeweler - Shreve, Crump & Low

I first walked into Shreve, Crump & Low, while on Newbury Street, to obtain information about how to clean diamond rings at home.  This information will be shared in a future post, but I also walked in knowing I had another mission to fulfill. 

That mission??? To keep finding New England businesses, or those who got their start in New England, that are unique, have a great story to tell, and exude "fine living" qualities no matter what the price point is. 

My visit to Shreve, Crump & Low absolutely fit my check list and then some.  Their story in a nut shell?  With a start in Boston in 1796, they are the oldest jeweler in America and what a story it is. At then end of this post, you I have included a link to their website and also their historic timeline.  

In the meantime, here are just a few stunning items I got to view.  I was like a magpie drawn to every glittery item hopping from case to case.  As soon as I saw one piece of jewelry, that lured me in, my eyes were being distracted by another piece and I could not wait to move on and hear more about it. Let me just say, my jewelry wish list has just gotten a little longer :-).   

This little beauty, a 20 plus carat tanzanite and diamond ring, called my name as I walked by the case.  Did I mention I LOVE tanzanite?  At one point it was a consideration to use tanzanite in my wedding ring, but I was informed it would be too fragile for everyday wear.  This glamorous ring would be perfect to wear to a gala, cocktail party, or a "just because it's fabulous" party.

I am always drawn to the estate jewelry section when visiting jewelers.  There is something to be said about knowing someone else enjoyed and loved a piece of jewelry. For the fun of it, I create my own stories of their history if there is not one to be told. The watch above is a vintage Shreve, Crump & Low piece that made its way back to store to be enjoyed yet again. 

Also in the estate jewelry case.... Sapphire and diamond rings and so much more!

To view Shreve, Crump & Low's website.

To view Shreve, Crump & Low's story and history

There are three locations:Boston, MA - Chestnut Hill, MA - Greenwich, CT
BOSTON JEWELRY, WATCH & GIFT STORE

A Quick Trip to Old Greenwich Connecticut

Greenwich Connecticut holds the zip code to the most expensive homes in the United States, but it also offers a wonderful shopping experience for all pocket books.  I only took a few photos during our quick visit to Old Greenwich, but the shops on Greenwich Ave and Post Road East offer a wide range of specialty shops such as Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Hermes to Zara. 

Chanels Fall 2012 Fashion Show "Bombay meets Paris"

Held in the beautiful Grand Palais in Paris, France, Chanel hosted their Fall 2012 fashion show in this amazing setting. Sure the clothes by Karl Lagerfield were the highlight of the event, but for me... it's all about the surroundings, the chandeliers, and the table vignettes.  If I were given the opportunity to help plan and decorate the tables and runway, I would have done it for free just to savor in the grandeur of the building.

Images via Google - Photographer Unknown

Images via Google - Photographer Unknown

Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Photos of Rodeo Drive Stores and Displays

 I love going through my old picture files and finding photos that I took on previous trips.  Here are some photos that I took during one of my trips to California. These are from my stroll through Rodeo Drive in 2009.  I wish I made note of the stores shown, but getting to a planned destination was on my agenda at the time.




Oh yes.... CHANEL. black and white, my two favorite colors to wear.

 Isn't this a great display outside of a shop? 

Gucci Going Greener... but the brown bag is stunning

Next year, Gucci turns 90, and just gave consumers another reason to shop with them and have items shipped by them.   Going ahead with a strong green initiative, the fashion brand is planning a series of eco-friendly tweaks in it operations, starting with the paper packaging. The packaging will be reduced significantly and FSC Certified paper which is 100% recyclable will be used. Shopping bags will spot the line "This shopping bag is FSC certified and made of 100% recyclable material."

Shipped items like shoes will be come in a single flannel package instead of two and gift boxes will be available on request. The boxes will come devoid of plastic laminated surfaces and plastic laminated surfaces and coated tissue paper. Ribbon and garment bags will now be crafted with polyester and cotton.
Other initiative sinclude changing all the mannequins new eco-friendly versions, created with shockproof polystyrene which is a lasting and recyclable materials. By 2010, the company plans to reduce its plastic waste by 35 tons, Co2 emissions by 10,000 tons and gas oil consumption by around 4 million liters.

Information from Luxury Launches
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!