A Walk through Fenwick

The Fenwick Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 which included 66 of the cottages and 195 acres. - Photos by Muffy Aldrich

Fenwick is a borough of one of the oldest towns in Connecticut, Old Saybrook.  A summer colony since the late 19th century, it currently consists of 77 houses that sit on 238 acres at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Architecturally, it is known for its Shingle Style cottages.

In the 1980's, when real estate prices began to climb, many families who had inherited houses couldn't afford not to sell, signaling the entry of new families and newer money.  ''Every place changes.  Maybe when new people bought houses they perceived the place fancier than it really is -- like the Hamptons. They want their SubZero kitchens and to jazz it up but that's everywhere.''  -  Charles Brainard

The 9-hole Fenwick Golf Course was first laid out in the 1890's and updated in 1930.

 

The Daily Prep: Rain Beats Snow Edition

Photos: Muffy Aldrich

Rain is better than snow right now for so many reasons.  Number one - the Barbours come out.

• Crofter Yoke Fair Isle Glenugie Nep Women's Sweater - Machair Silver <https://bosie.co/products/crofter-yoke-fair-isle-glenugie-nep-womens-sweater-machair-silver>

• Kildare Ladies Country Boot - Brown <https://us.dubarry.com/products/ladies-country-boot-brown-kildare>

 

A Reader Question: Where would you go in the UK?

 A reader question:

Hi Muffy,

May I ask the readers a question please

If you were offered a free vacation all expenses paid to anywhere in the UK what would your preferred destination be?

Kind regards

A Reader Question: The Breton Red and Nantucket Red Fix

 A reader question:

Muffy,  I also have a question for the community.  I like the color Nantucket/Breton Red.  I assume they are the same thing, but if not I am happy to be corrected.  My own experience with wearing Nantucket Reds involved getting pants that were not comfortable and did not fit well.  Do readers get them tailored, or do they find other sources for Nantucket Reds?  Or does a hat or shirt meet the need without the work?  

Thank you,

A Reader Question: Best Clam Chowder? Best Canned Clam Chowder

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

A reader question:

What is the best clam chowder in New England?  And for those who can't make it, what is the best canned clam chowder that you have tasted? Any recommendations? 

At the Black Pearl

 

An Early Morning Snapshot

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

He was focused on his movies.  I was focused on his clothes.

Shown:

• Erebus Boat Neck Pullover <https://arthurbeale.co.uk/products/arthur-beale-erebus-boat-neck-pullover>

• 3MM Nile Blue Bengal Stripe <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/stripes/products/3mm-nile-blue-bengal-stripe>

• Original Twill 002 Straight <https://jackdonnelly.com/products/original-twill-002-straight-copy?variant=42215684014162>

Mercer Shirt Delivery! Including Their New "Kind of Green" Oxford

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

A Mercer shirt delivery always makes for a good day, and today's included two "old" favorites and a new green oxford.   

• Classic Blue Bengal Stripe Broadcloth <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/stripes/products/classic-blue-bengal-stripe-broadcloth>

• British Country Brushed Cotton Flannel Tattersall <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/larger-checks-plaids/products/kent-plum-brushed-cotton-flannel-tattersall>

• Kind Of Green Two-Ply Classic 100% Pima Cotton Oxford <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/oxfords/products/kind-of-green-two-ply-classic-100-pima-cotton-oxford>

While green is not what I tend to think of when it comes to oxford cloth button downs, their new Kind of Green intrigued me, brighter than many I have seen, and playing quite nicely with pinks and blues.  So I am very much looking forward to giving it a spin.  (Right now it is getting a spin in the washer.)

And this time they also included their most recent swatches, all of which tempt.

Greens are notoriously hard to photograph.  This is more accurate than the first photo.

The Test Drive

Shown with:

• West Coast Yoke Fair Isle Women's Sweater - Starnight Blue Navy <https://bosie.co/products/west-coast-yoke-fair-isle-womens-sweater-starnight-blue>

• Tripp Wallet <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/womens-leather-accessories/products/tripp-wallet>

Classic Blue Bengal Stripe Broadcloth in the Sun

Notes from a Photovore in Early March

Photos: Muffy Aldrich

While winters along the New England coast are never short, this year’s has been particularly long.  And still going.  We are getting more snow today.

So the photovore in me turns inward.  I pulled out my mother’s old Angela Moore bracelets, and while these three look okay, I will be attempting to re-string the rest – about half a dozen of them.   This coming from a very non-crafty person. 

Having said that, with my sights on two vintage wooden bowls I’ve had hanging around for a while, I marched myself down to the Benjamin Moore store and came home with these two paint colors.  Quite pleased with myself.  My husband says it looks like it belongs in a nursery.  Kind of the point.

A Reader Question: "Favourite item of British Clothing"?

 A reader question:

Hi Muffy,

I would like to ask a question if I may.

What are the readers favourite item (or items) of British clothing and why?

Kind regards