Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Summer reading.

This picturesque statue is located outside the public library in Cape May Court House, NJ.  It is so evocative for me of childhood summers spent reading for hours without interruption and charting the books that have been read on an official list kept by the children's librarian.
I am starting my summer reading off this year with a reread of "Pride and Prejudice."  In anticipation of my trip to the library to get the book I also decided to dress for the occasion.
The socks are from Modcloth,
and the shirt is from Etsy.  It has a quote from "Pride and Prejudice" on it.

This is an annotated edition, edited by Patricia Meyer Spacks, and is full of historical, informative, and entertaining notes of all kinds with a total of 442 pages.
I guess I'll be here for a while....


Monday, May 25, 2015

Two Stylish Ladies in Cape May

My sister Gaylen is visiting for the weekend and we went shopping in Cape May at this wonderful store on the pedestrian mall.
We were welcomed by Jade (on the right) who just happened to be dressed in a similar color palette as Gaylen and they looked stunning together.  Jade is modeling clothes that are sold at Red Oak. 
 
Red Oak also sells wonderful jewelry, handbags, accessories and a carefully curated selection of books.  It is an oasis of elegance and style in Cape May.
If you have a chance, do visit Red Oak.  Farah is there too and will be happy to help you pick out some new summer frocks and skin nourishing lotions after a glorious day on the beach.  They are located at 324 Washington St. Mall in Cape May, NJ or at Red Oak Trading on facebook.

Tell them Penelope sent you!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Goodwill goes to the beach!



When I went to the Goodwill in Egg Harbor Township, NJ I found this beautiful lace dress but it was size XL.  I thought maybe it would look nice on me anyway if it draped attractively over my body, which it did.  Another problem was the gaping armholes so I knew that I needed a cami underneath.  Going through cami's at the Goodwill is quite a job, but they have so many great ones and a lot of them are brand new.

I knew that I wanted one that had a little lace around the top to peak out of the neckline of the dress and of course I was able to find the perfect one.  I just love the Goodwill.  You can always find what you are looking for, or better yet, an unexpected treasure!
The sunset over the bay in Cape May was so beautiful that it inspired me to dance!

I was also able to rescue a horseshoe crab by turning her over so that she could go back to the sea.
Happy Spring Everyone!

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Shirt into skirt!





Yesterday we went to the town wide West Cape May yard sale and scored this amazing vintage dry sink which is just right for the newly planted flower pots on my deck.  Today my husband wanted to throw out this shirt so I threw it on as a skirt instead.  I just buttoned it up to my waist as far as it would go and put a belt around it which I tucked under the collar.  I am definitely going to wear this the next time I am in NYC.  I love the way the sleeves hang down at the sides. I think its a great summer look! 

Monday, May 11, 2015

When fashion speaks.


I have been embroidering several shirts like this lately.  If you would like one of your own shirts custom embroidered with this or any other message on it then please leave me a message here or on facebook.
  
Thanks!

Noticing a moment.


I love sitting on my couch and looking at my beautiful bookshelf



 as I gaze out the windows 
at the newly green forest in my backyard.


It's full of all my favorite nature books and colorful knick-knacks.

Sometimes it takes so little
To make me feel happy!