Photo by Muffy Aldrich
THE THING BEFORE PREPPY

Monday, April 6, 2026

Preppy Converse??


 My friends at Noah sent me their new preppy take on Converse.  Can Converse be preppy?

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

New from Steele - The Mini Tote

Photos of/by Muffy Aldrich
Massachusetts based Steele Canvas has introduced their new Mini Totes, made of their signature heavyweight cotton canvas, offered in four colors, and Made in Massachusetts.

What I particularly like about these, on top of the two colors that are (and I mean this in the technical sense of the word) adorable, is that they are not "too mini".   I just cannot begin to put all of my stuff in most mini totes.  These are much closer in size - almost identical - to the Bean Small.   It is, as one person said, "aimed for utility while still being a cute carry".

And - it has an inside pocket.

 

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Best Vacation Spots in New England for a family in Summer?

 Here is a question for the community:

What are your favorite spots in New England for a family vacation in summer?  If you have two or three, can you rank them?

Friday, March 27, 2026

Visiting a Salt Pond

Photos of/by Muffy Aldrich
Best time to visit the Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve?  Dead low tide and before the tourists arrive.

Monday, March 23, 2026

Having Shot my Cuffs...

Photo: Muffy Aldrich
Heeding sartorial advice from Paulie Walnuts.

Shown:

 

Saturday, March 21, 2026

The Ultimate Easter Baskets by Mystic Knotwork - Made in New England

Photos by Muffy Aldrich
Why these are the ultimate Easter Baskets:

They are made by hand in Mystic Connecticut, are good looking, have oodles of charm, are nautical and reusable.  And perhaps most importantly, they do not hold a great deal of candy.

But you might want to thrown in a Sailor Bracelet alongside all that candy.  Or two.  Or three.