Painted Vintage Chic

 

 

Breathe new life into an old piece of furniture with a coat of paint.

Got an old unloved or unattractive piece of furniture lying around the house or have you picked up a bargain at a flea market or a garage sale in desperate need of a coat of paint and a fresh, new look?

Then pick up a can of Porter's Milk Paint which is a traditionally made paint first used by the Shakers. Milk Paint has a rustic, chalky appearance that delivers beachside style, instantly softening and ageing the look of new furniture and complimenting old. It is made from milk by-products and produces subtle, mellow colours. Choose a colour with references to the sea - ocean blues, turquoise, aqua, chalky white or seafoam. 

For added authenticity add a coat Porter's Crackle Medium to create an instant antique or aged feel. Inspired by the time worn charm of provincial antique furniture and artifacts, Crackle Medium marks any painted surface with the gentle hand of age.

Melissah xox

Inspired by Wabi Sabi Style, additional images via  Coastal Style Pinterest

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Seaside Prints

Vía

Love these pretty seaside prints and stripes
 in pale blues, aqua and white with a dash of red
 - just perfect for a beachside cottage.

Melissah xox

Images via Vicky's Home

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Boho Beach Style

 

I managed to fit in a bit of retail therapy during the week and I'm loving the new season's summer brights -  it looks to me like we have skipped spring all together and landed smack bang in the middle of summer! It was an absolute joy to be amongst so much colour after the dreary greys and browns of winter. I am loving the neon brights, the fluoros and the gelati  pastels that tempted me in the shop windows. Realising that I am just not going to cut it with last season's fashion colours I picked up a few key pieces in the new colours so I am right up to to-date with my summer wardrobe! I am also loving the pops of colour we are seeing for decorating our 'beachy boho chic' holiday shacks! 

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3-7 mood boards and editing by Coastal Style, swimwear

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Changing Commutes

When I first started riding for transportation in Boston, my trips were about 2-3 miles each way and took me almost exclusively through relatively flat urban areas, bike trails, and quiet side streets. But as the nature of my work changed over the past few years, I found myself making more long distance trips that took me out of town. The change snuck up on me gradually. But when I look at my typical week today, a 20 mile round trip with some hills thrown in has become normal.

The effect of this on my choice of transportation bikes has been significant. I could not tackle most of my trips today on a heavy upright 3-speed geared for the city and still arrive at my destination energetic and presentable - which is, after all, my priority. I need low gears for the hills; I need speed to cover the distance within a reasonable time. Naturally, these practical considerations have influenced my preferences.

On the other hand, the longer trips have not changed how I dress on the bike. I would describe myself as a low maintenance dresser, so I've never been one to wear carefully pressed pastel satin suits and stiletto heels in the first place. But I do wear mostly skirts and dresses - always have; it's just what I feel comfortable in. So far I've had no issue continuing to do that.

My views on the feasibility of cycling for transportation continue to expand as I ride longer distances. I still do not feel the need for a car. In fact, I enjoy traveling by bike now more than ever - the terrain is more varied, with less urban congestion. As far as challenges, time management is the biggest issue - with more careful planning required to get everything done by bike. Poorly plowed suburban roads in the winter will be a possible obstacle in future, though this past winter that was never a problem.

I am looking forward to writing more on this, addressing topics relevant for those with long commutes who still want to ride in their regular clothes. When I started out I never imagined that I would be doing this kind of cycling, yet here I am.

Has a changed commute altered your perspectives on transport bicycles, bike-appropriate clothing, and the feasibility of cycling for transportation?

Ceci N'est Pas une Bicyclette: a Peek at the Brooks Two Wheel Display

Has anyone else noticed that mystery bike Brooks of England uses to display their wares? You know the one - It's army green and you can see glimpses of it in their catalogues and advertisements, though never enough to identify what the bike is? Turns out, Harris Cyclery now has one of these up on display. Last time I was there, they were kind enough to get it down and even let me drag it outside for some photos - extracting a promise that I wouldn't attempt to ride it.

Because you see, it is not a bicycle. It is a two wheel display ("Warning: Do not ride!") What makes it unridable is mainly the lack of brakes, though I suppose there might be other issues. It felt very bike-like to roll. 

Usually this bicycle is laden with panniers and stuff in the basket, so being able to examine it bare was quite a treat. It is an odd bike with no manufacturer markings I could find. Lugged steel frame with unicrown fork. Same colour of powdercoat as the Bella Ciao I used to have. Step-through frame, the top tube at a slightly shallower angle that the downtube. Fenders, rack and chaincase powdercoated to match. And of course Brooks saddle, grips and basket.

The Brooks advertising panel is painted on a thin sheet of metal and affixed between the top and down tubes. Notice that the clips holding the banner in place are part of the frame. The head lugs are unusually filigree-esque for a transport bike, but there is nothing fancy about the frame otherwise. 

The rear rack resembles the rack on the Bobbin Birdie. 

The chaincase looks identical to those used by Abici. 

The wire and wood Hoxton basket affixes to the handlebars via a quick-release system. 

The leather washers on the handle are a nice touch.

The obvious benefit of the Brooks "Two Wheel Display" is that it allows them to demonstrate their products on an actual bike, without associating themselves with any particular bicycle manufacturer. I do wish the bike was ridable though. In general, it would be neat if bikes with advertising panels came back into style: Local shops could use them for errands, advertising their business along the way. I still don't know what exactly the Brooks bike is, when it appeared, how many of them are out there, etc. - but it was fun to examine it up close.

Mediterranean Escape

What a peaceful location - looking out over olive groves and rocky outcrops to distant ocean views. Reading a good book, basking in the afternoon sun with the hum of the cicadas as background music. It's a simple life with local wines and cheeses, rustic bread and the neighbour's homegrown olives. The lodgings are simple, a hammock strung out for an afternoon nap and a whitewashed stone cottage to cook and sleep. Sometimes it's the simple things in life that can bring the greatest happiness! A relaxed, casual wardrobe is all that is called for in these simple, picturesque surroundings. 

{for details on the fashion story pop over to Style-Passport}

 Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (fashion story by Coastal Style), 6

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Beach Chic

 

 

Loving these chic beachy cottages 

- they all have a subtle New England feel about them.

I love the white weatherboards

the wide return verandahs

the chic bamboo patio furniture

the Adirondack chairs

and the hanging basket.

What lovely inspiration!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 

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