Stripe it Rich

Needless to say, these nautically inspired Pretty Ballerina flats are calling my name.  I think stripes might be my newest addiction.  Ahoy Matey!

Take a Chance

As I mentioned, I'm going on a cruise soon.  Details to come shortly but in the meantime, all I can think about is anything red, white and blue or nautical.  I've already bought one striped shirt and I think I will be buying some more from Chance soon.  Not only does Julia Leach have the best selection of shirts and dresses but she has the chicest website.  She spent eleven years as the creative director of Kate Spade so I guess I shouldn't have expected anything less.  I am absolutely in love with these images from her portrait series.  I'm going to have to figure out how to get invited to the next one.  Looks like it was a blast!

Photos by Thayer Gowdy

Map Quest: Part Deux

When I posted about maps in the post Map Quest two years ago, I only had a few examples to share. Now there are not only more examples of maps as art and wallpaper but also maps painted on walls and ceilings. If papering an entire bedroom as Steven Gambrel did above seems daunting, you could always try it in a small powder room. Even easier is just hanging a framed map on a wall. The best part is that you'll always know where you're going. Enjoy!

Kerry Joyce

Matt Albiani

Kim Coleman in House Beautiful

Painted ceiling by Miles Redd

Peter Dunham

Ruthie Sommers in House Beautiful

Hamptons Designer Showhouse 2009

India Hicks

Unknown

Thomas O'Brien

Nautical Chic

You didn't really think I could stop at just one nautical post did you?! I grew up in a home with paintings of ships and boats, scrimshaw, and Nantucket Lightship baskets (which is kind of funny since Pennsylvania is a landlocked state) and the love of everything nautical has stayed with me. I have my own collection of seascapes but I have nothing on these interiors which feature paintings and other fun accessories, especially the Ralph Lauren room above! Ahoy mateys!

Coastal Living

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

Johnson Hartig

Stuart Membrey

Thom Filicia

Come Sail Away

Matt Albiani's homes reminded me of how much I love nautical accents. These homes took it a step further by displaying model sailboats. Some are small and some are rather quite large, but they all look perfectly at home inside. Enjoy!

Boat for sale at the Stamford Antique Center

Vogue Living

Unknown

Phoebe Howard

Phoebe Howard

Unknown

House Beautiful

Tim Walker

Suzanne Kasler

NYIGF Trend Watch: Red, White, and British

I guess it makes sense that since stores would be ordering for summer at the New York International Gift Fair there would be a lot of red, white and blue, and nautical items on full display. I was surprised though at all the Union Jacks we saw around the gift fair. Design Legacy, above, had a great mix of American and British memorabilia.

Jack & Lulu (that's founder Julie Murphy above) were debuting all of the trends including Nautical anchor hooks, Union Jack coasters and multi-country cupcake flags (mmmm cupcakes!), as well as fabulous canvas bags. Oh, and don't forget to check out their wonderful stationery!

Dransfield & Ross changed up their booth this year and I loved their plethora of pillows including these nautical inspired styles. I think they did come in blue in addition to the brown. If you stop by, make sure you say hello to Dean Rhys Morgan who is at their booth selling his Jeremiah Goodman notecards and prints!

No gift fair is complete without a visit to Two’s Company. You've probably seen their wares in stores and it looks like you'll be seeing nautical inspired gift and home items for sale soon. I love the rope framed mirror!

Two’s Company also had a chic and probably less expensive alternative to the ubiquitous Goyard tote! Wonder if they can paint my monogram on it too?!

Before you go boating this summer you might want to pick up some vintage inspired British life preservers from Peacock Park Design.

Can you tell that this is the Halo Styles booth? The nautical flag pillows made a cute sign.

Halo Styles also had a cute nautical flag chair on display above and the Union Jack below. All of these trends make me all long for summer and a trip to London! Cheers!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic