And We Didn't Even Know...

Months ago - when we were only just thinking about starting a blog to accompany our online store (a project that seems to take quite a bit more time that starting a blog...), someone out there on the Internet was thinking about us!

I was browsing some of my favorite new websites and somehow happened upon this.


Here it is with the pictures that were uploaded:



I don't even know who writes this blog since there isn't a profile link or an e-mail address. And I can't comment on posts...

So thank you to the writer of Comfy Home/Comfy Life! We so appreciate the recommendation and we'll be back to peruse your lovely site.

And another thank you to our sweet "real life" friend, Christy of A Lil' Welsh Rarebit.



This was such a nice surprise.

It's only been a few weeks, but all of the comments and encouragement have meant so much to us. So thanks to all of you too. For making us feel so welcome in our own little corner of the Internet.

First Thursday in The Caroline St. Art & Design District

Two years ago, along with several other design related businesses nearby, we created the Caroline Street Art & Design District.


The community includes everything from art galleries to fine clothing boutiques to unique home furnishings shops - even a boutique coffee shop/art gallery.


What began as a few merchants on Caroline and Margaret Streets has evolved into a 2 block by 3 block square of wonderful shops, galleries, and eateries.


Last year Florida Travel & Life magazine featured the District as where "the best Key West Shopping is found."


On the first Thursday of each month, we host an evening "stroll" with each shop offering wine and goodies while shoppers browse. They then can grab a bite at one of the many restaurants in the area.


We're so proud to be a part of the District, and we take this monthly opportunity to display some of our shop favorites.

In honor of our newest line, Annechovie, next week we'll feature the Anne Harwell's lovely work. Having fallen in love with her chairs, I perused her Etsy shop, and we are now carrying her note cards and prints!







I'm just thrilled to carry this fabulous line - and from a Florida girl at that!

Come back next Friday for pictures of the upcoming First Thursday festivities. In the meantime, you can expect to see some posts on other District members.

For more information on the participating shops and restaurants, visit http://www.carolinestreetartanddesigndistrict.com/.

The "Southernmost Southernmost House" Owner

Does this sculpture seem familiar?


Or if you live in Washington DC, you probably know this one (The Awakening)...


These are the work of J. Seward Johnson Jr., known for his life-size sculptures of people in every day life (well, maybe not The Awakening). Born in 1930, he is the disinherited heir to the Johnson & Johnson company... and, of course, our Southernmost neighbor.

Some of his work is on display at The Old Customs House near Mallory Square. Here are two sculptures of everyday life...



The next two photos are of our visitors' favorite pastime...



Actually that last shot was of a real tourist taking photos. Is the couple in the next shot "real or Johnson"?


Let's take a closer look...

It's a Johnson!

Mr. Johnson is also fond of bringing impressionist art alive...




Here's one of an impressionist painter...


Actually, it turns out to be a sculpture painting a sculpture.

The final shot is of a young man getting an interesting perspective on the cavorting nudes...

But it's O.K. ...He's a Johnson, too!

What Is The Southernmost House In The Continental United States?

This one claims it is…


But look! Right next door GOING SOUTH is another house…


Is this the Southernmost House? …But wait! Walking even further down the block GOING SOUTH is a third house…


See a little bronze plaque to the right of the door? Let’s see what it has to say…


Is this truly THE Southernmost House? Let’s head south once more down the block and…


Look… there’s the Southernmost Point marker! So the Southernmost Southernmost House is indeed the Southernmost House in the Continental U.S.

But who owns such a house and why is he, himself, famous throughout the Continental U.S.?

Tune in tomorrow for a photo display of this man’s talents...




Editor's Note: One of my Style Key West blog responsibilities is setting up all of the posts, and my Dad's never fail to crack me up. He writes EXACTLY the way he talks (at least when he's telling a funny story). This very approachable writing style must have some roots in his years of advertising expereince. Just a little glimpse into his past as an "ad man" I guess.

Kate's Key West: Bésame Mucho

One of the first Key West shops that my parents introduced me to is Bésame Mucho.


By far one of the loveliest boutiques I've ever visited in any of my travels, it features everything from luxury lotions and potions to home goods and accessories.


Every trip to Bésame Mucho requires a purchase, even if it's just a tiny treasure. Luckily, they have something for every pocketbook (and speaking of...it's also where I got my favorite Hobo shoulder bag).


Typically (at least in Key West) the owners quickly became good friends of my family, and I'm always happy to see Meredith's beautiful face when I drop in.


They have a great website too!

besamemucho.net

Their "Apothecary" selection includes far more than you'll find on the website - but this is impressive enough!

Santa Maria Novella

Diptyque

TOCCA

If you're ever in Key West - drop by. It's just a few blocks off of Duval Street in Bahama Village (a handy map is on their site).

Shop Favorite: The Bed

We fell in love with this bed and bought it because it looked so much like the architechture of Victorian cottages with their signature "gingerbread" trim.


It's made by hand in upstate New York by a family who got their start making furniture out of architectural salvage from demolished houses. Now, years later, they reproduce those elements to create the furniture and then give each piece a custom distressed finish.


It is the most attention getting piece in our shop - a real eye-catcher. We put it in the front display window and change the bedding to show off new quilt and bedding designs. I would say half our new customers who walk in want a closer look at The Bed.


We don't sell that many of them because it is really large scale, but it truly captures the spirit of the Key West Cottage style. The funny thing is, women come in and ecstasize over it, then leave and reappear with a male companion (husband, boyfriend, carpenter...who knows what). They have lots of furtive conversations while examining the bed in detail looking underneath, taking measurements - obviously aiming to make their own version. They then slip out as if we wouldn't notice. I'll bet Key West has many ersatz reproductions of The Bed made by handymen all over the island. I say, great - if they can scale it down to fit in a little room, good for them. Enjoy - it's a wonderful bed!