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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Jewelry

Oberkampf Fleurs Tropicales et Palmiers
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Interwoven Globe and JAR at the Met

As many of you head into the city for a holiday visit, I would encourage you to make a stop… Read More

Verdura NYC boutique
Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry

Holiday Shop Picks | Verdura

It’s always a good day when I have a reason to visit Verdura. In their elegant boutique overlooking Fifth Avenue… Read More

sea goddess
Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts

At Ease | Channel Your Inner Sea Goddess

Whether an afternoon or a week, on a sailboat or a motor yacht, summer is the time to channel your… Read More

aerin blue necklace
Beauty, Fashion, Food and drink, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

AERIN | Living the Life and the Label

AERIN is more than merely a label. It’s a lifestyle. And nothing has more credibility, authenticity or appeal than when… Read More

James de Givenchy at Simon Teakle
Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry

James de Givenchy at Simon Teakle

It’s almost an embarrassment of riches. As if the jewel box shop of Simon Teakle in Greenwich wasn’t already tempting enough,… Read More

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Amanda Nisbet
Fashion, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Amanda Nisbet

What could be more fun than jewelry shopping with the talented and ebullient Amanda Nisbet? It is abundantly clear that… Read More

BuDhaGirl core_cuff_hero_lrg
Fashion, Gifts

Meet BuDhaGirl | More than Just Beautiful

In the crowded world of fashion and luxury, sometimes it’s not only about being beautiful. And indeed, the new jewelry… Read More

scent diffusers
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

J. Seitz | Connecticut Country Chic

In a picture perfect vintage building overlooking a waterfall in the historic village of New Preston, Connecticut, J. Seitz is a… Read More

baccarat at designing greenwich with Zenith candleabra
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Designing Greenwich Preview

This weekend premieres Designing Greenwich, an exciting new venue here in Connecticut. Upscale local publication Connecticut Cottages and Gardens,  with… Read More

Niamh Barry Fouette chandelier detail
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Jewelry

2012 International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show Finale

The International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show had a sensational selection of jewelry and I could certainly have written… Read More

umbrella & silver house trap
Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry

Simon Teakle | A Gem of a Jewel Box

Simon Teakle‘s new shop is truly a gem of a jewel box. On one of Greenwich, CT’s tiniest charming side streets,… Read More

My week
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Interior design

It’s Fall – A Busy Week!

Although my favorite season has not officially begun, fall events are already in full force. It was a busy week… Read More

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It’s astonishing to see the resurgence of interest It’s astonishing to see the resurgence of interest in Nantucket baskets this summer. They’re suddenly everywhere — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
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