Issues → July/August 2007 → Feature Stories →

New England's Finest: Summer Accessories

Carry home the colors of the sea

by Katrina A. Yeager

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Seaside Chic

Sea-glass jewelry is a New England summer fashion must. But which piece to choose? Look at Sonja Grondstra-Purcell's collection. Unlike other beach-glass baubles, which are often funky and adorned with extraneous embellishments, Sonja's work showcases the glass as if it were a precious stone or gem. Her contemporary bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, pins, and cuff links truly are fine jewelry. Pictured above is her silver link bracelet ($280). Made by Sonja Grondstra Designs in Swampscott, Massachusetts. 781-596-2919; grondstradesigns.com

Be-Jeweled

Designer Kati Enscoe is beginning to get quite a following, and we can see why. Most of her necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings are set with quartz, jade, crystal, or mother-of-pearl in a trendy yet timeless fashion. The chunky pieces are surprisingly lightweight and possess an overall boldness, as if to say, "Dare to stand out." Our pick: a chalcedony freeform necklace (at right, $130). Chalcedony, a variety of translucent quartz, is cut in a haphazard diamond pattern. Custom-made by Garnish of Marblehead, Massachusetts. 781-608-2611; garnish.us

Budding Blooms

A bud vase is typically used to showcase one beautiful blossom. With Suzanne Tanner's coin bud vases, it should be the other way around -- pick a flower to show off her beautiful handblown glass. Each teardrop shape, about 6 inches tall, highlights variations of color (blue, light green, green, violet, pink, or clear) and different stamped designs. Choose a star, flower, or heart as the seal. $44-$60. Made at the Tanner Glass studio in Cranston, Rhode Island. 401-742-4066; suzannetanner.com

Carry It in Style

In addition to everyday concerns (a mother of three boys is used to problem solving), Becky O'Neil considers such conundrums as: Button or bow? Shoulder strap or two handles? Fabric handle ... or plastic or bamboo? Her nascent line of handbags uses everything from silks to cottons to twills to corduroys, and appeals to the eye as well as the hand. We like the intaglio style ($75, below) because of its retro sensibility, perfect for seashore, mall, or just to-and-fro with the kids. Available from Becky Oh!, Manchester, New Hampshire. 603-624-9707; beckyoh.com

Coastal Comfort

Wrap yourself in a Swans Island blanket for cool evenings. These beautiful works are woven of wool from local sheep; it's spun in Vermont and dyed at a weaving studio in Maine. Wool is a naturally breathable, moisture-wicking fiber, and the high-quality materials used here exude comfort. Our favorites are the summer-weight blankets in indigo solid, teal solid, or white with teal stripes (17 additional colors/patterns are also available). Plus, each blanket comes with a hand-sewn linen case with cedar slats for storage. Offered in single, double, queen, and king sizes ($495-$825) and as a throw ($375-$475). From Swans Island Blankets, Northport, Maine. 888-526-9526, 207-338-9691; swansislandblankets.com

A Splash of Color

Want to add a bit of flair to your wardrobe? Try a scarf. Mitzi Johnson manipulates colors and patterns on broad bands of fabric such as silk, velvet, crepe, and chiffon. There are basically three options: hand-painted, hand-dyed in a single color or in a fade, and hand-dyed in two contrasting colors (one on a background and one on a raised pattern). But when you take into account that Mitzi mixes her own dyes and offers a variety of sizes and types of fabrics, the possibilities become limitless. Scarves are priced at $32 and up. Available from Aurora's Highlights, South Hero, Vermont. 802-363-4448; vermontscarves.com