Gray is the new black!

Charcoal, Gunmetal, Silver and Slate

...the runways are clouded

with shades of gray.

We're giving new meaning to Nantucket's "gray lady."

VANESSA NOEL (5 Chestnut Street/ corner of Centre Street) Vanessa Noel has become a celebrity in the fashion world with her couture footwear. Two examples of her paired perfection are shown here using charcoal gray snakeskin highlighted with silver. "Savoy" snakeskin slide with chinchilla (Regular $2,400) SALE $1,900. "Dandy" snakeskin pump with black satin bow (Regular $980) SALE $780.

DIANA KIM ENGLAND (56 Main Street) These beautiful freshwater pearl and grey sapphire earrings in 18k gold are only $380. The inventive 18k gold cuff bracelet with free rolling 15mm tahitian pearl is $5,600. The yellow gold eternity band with rough cut diamonds is truly unique with 3.62 ctw rough cut diamonds in the channel setting and 1.03 ctw G-H color, VS2 diamonds in the pavé setting, $4,500.00.

ZERO MAIN (Zero Main Street) This store has a great selection of everything ...from separates, dresses, scarves and handbags to shoes, umbrellas and jewelry... what else could a fashionista want? Oh yeah, they have coats and hats too! Shown here; Alexis Bittar "silver dust" adjustable length necklace with a warm gray lucite loop and autumn color Swarovski crystals, $175. Sweet Pea wrap tops and wrap dresses, available in gray animal print and peacock, $82(top) and $112(dress). Alexis Bittar "silver dust" long earrings $225. Two Star Dog slate gray suede car coat, $285.

CERI (25 Centre Street) The folks at Ceri do gray very well. Shown in top photo; Five strand choker of gray fresh water pearls and white keishi pearls, $885. Vintage inspired gray pleated raffia Kotur clutch handbag with silver snakeskin piping, $495. Shown in bottom photo; Bonnie Strauss dove gray knit cardigan with metallic beads and sequins, $750.

ADDISON CRAIG (2 Washington Street) This shop located just off the bottom of Main Street has unbelievable handbags and footwear. Take advantage of drastic price reductions this week on some of their high-end merchandise. Celine textured bronze leather boot (Regular $970) SALE 50% off. London by Anya Hindmarch pewter leather clutch with a crackled mirror texture (Regular $620) SALE 50% off.

LITTLE MISS DRAMA (12 Old South Wharf) This beautiful choker of deep gray fresh water pearls has an opalescent appearance with amethyst and 14k gold filled bugle beads. Hand made by store owner Pam Diem Willis. The four strands can be worn straight or twisted. $350

HEPBURN (3 Salem Street) Stunning and timeless are the two words I would use to describe the dresses at Hepburn. On the left, Max & Cleo's gunmetal gray sleeveless taffeta ruffled-hem dress, $148. The center photo features a Suzi Chin by Donna Morgan charcoal satin ruched dress with elbow length sleeves, $175. On the right is an elegant Vera Wang Lavender Label light gray sleeveless dress with embellished neckline, $495.

JOLA (29 Centre Street) Jola is known for creating large opulent gemstone and pearl cross pendants and recently she has also found inspiration from the sea with her collection of nautilus shells and mermaids. Show clockwise from top left; Seahorse sterling silver pendant, $240. Tahitian pearl enhancer with gemstones and diamonds. Prices vary depending on stone choice, estimate from $2,000-$4,000. Black tourmaline "charcoal" necklace, $700. Onyx drop earrings in 14k gold, $750. "Grey Lady" mermaid pendant in sterling silver, $320. Nautilus shell motif in silver with diamond center is available as earrings($500), cufflinks($500), ring($550) and pendant($240). Also available in gold.

LEGENDS (Zero Washington Street) This is the place to find trendsetting American, European and Asian bohemian chic fashions... and many are are on sale right now. Shown here, Another Important Culture sleeveless dress with gunmetal grey embellished neckline. Available in blush or black, $440. Converse by John Varvatos dove gray racer-back knit tunic with gold sequin edging (Regular $165) SALE $66. Converse by John Varvatos midnight knit tie-back vest with bronze sequin front (Regular $195) SALE $134.

PS- see video at right, featuring LEGENDS owner Azra Willmot-Smith >>>

Fashionable Food UPDATE:

Nantucket Junior Chef

W I N N E R S

Stephanie Guzman & Cade Larrabee have been named the 2009 Nantucket Junior Chefs today at Cisco Brewery. The judges found the three teams' scores very close, but declared the preparation of an appetizer, entreé and dessert made by Guzman and Larrabee to be the winning combination. Both winners received a $500 scholarship.

Fashionable Fall Foods:

This is Restaurant Week:

A celebration of fine dining highlighted by an amazing array of culinary talents on the island.

Great foods start with fresh ingredients, and nothing could be more robust than the harvests of Nantucket. See this week's delicious video collection on the right side of this page for some fresh inspiration! And, read below to learn about special events and for a sampling of nearly thirty restaurants offering special prix fixe dinners during Restaurant Week....

(click arrow to watch the Nantucket Junior Chef Competition from 2008)

Student Chefs Featured in Nantucket Junior Chef Competition

12 - 2pm Sunday, October 4th at Cisco Brewery, 5 Bartlett Farm Road

Three teams comprised of two Nantucket High School Culinary Arts students and a chef supervisor will cook a three-course dinner LIVE in front of judges! Each student on the winning team will receive a $500 scholarship.

This year's students competing:
TEAM 1: Odesha Clarke & Billy Trott, w/ American Seasons chef
TEAM 2: Lindsay Holdgate & Zach Churns, w/ Brotherhood chef
TEAM 3: Stephanie Guzman & Cade Larrabee, w/ Pearl chef

Who will be this year's Nantucket Junior Chef? Tickets are $20/adult, $5/students. Refreshments provided by Bob Buccino and the Nantucket High School Culinary Arts Department. The Nantucket Junior Chef Competition couldn't happen without the support of these sponsors: Bartlett's Farm, Pelligrino Water, American Seasons, Cisco Brewery, N Magazine and the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.

• • • • • • •

Here are some highlights of great meals at great prices during Restaurant Week

AMERICAN SEASONS features modern American cuisine, created by chef Michael LaScola using local, seasonal produce and accompanied by an award winning, All-American wine list selected by Orla Murphy-LaScola. Their $38 Restaurant Week three-course dinner is savory and unusual, as expected. Dishes include; braised short rib on buttermilk biscuit, grilled pork loin and braised cheek, sauteéd skate wing and their pastry chef's signature "Flying Elvis" ...a rockin' dessert so decadent you'll swear it's the devil in disguise. Located at 80 Centre Street. Limited reservations available, call 508-228-7111.

THE SEAGRILLE welcomes fall with sensational seasonal selections including a harvest salad with roasted butternut squash, toasted pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, and entrees including seared diver scallops with Pumpkin Ravioli, followed by carmel apple cake with cinnamon ice cream. The three-course Restaurant Week dinner menu has several options and is is just $30. Located at 45 Sparks Avenue, call for reservations 508-325-3154.

STRAIGHT WHARF has a menu with a focus on seasonal, sustainable ingredients, with an emphasis on New England seafood, island-grown produce and herbs from the restaurant's own waterfront garden. Their $45 three-course special dinner menu for Restaurant Week celebrates the end of summer and the beginning of fall with sauteed squash blossoms from Bartlett's Farm and local halibut with Sicilian eggplant caponata, among a dozen other choices. Located at 6 Harbor Square, on Straight Wharf. Call for reservations, 508-228-4499.

THE COMPANY OF THE CAULDRON has a special $45 prix fixe menu that changes every night this week. Each night has something unique to offer with a range of selections from savory beef Bourguignon on wednesday, Atlantic sole baked in parchment on thursday, rack of lamb on friday, classic steak Diane on saturday and shrimp with cranberry short ribs on sunday ...and truly amazing accompaniments every night. Located at 5 India Street. Limited availability, call for reservations 508-228-4016.

TOPPER'S AT THE WAUWINET is pure deliciousness made more wonderful by the elegant atmosphere. The comfortable estate surrounding feels as far away from town as can be, and it is. Well worth the drive to the north-easternmost region of the island, Toppers stands alone as a reminder of an earlier era of fine dining. However "old school" the atmosphere is, the menu is totally "today." Topper's three-course Restaurant Week $45 prix fixe menu makes it difficult to choose from more than five selections within each course. Lobster & crab cakes, beef carpaccio and a special ricotta cavetelli carbonara with quail eggs are just some of the first course items. The second course includes yellow fin tuna à la Japanaise, poached lobster and beef wellington. The five dessert selections went blurry after I saw "vanilla fig créme bruleé" on the menu. Located at 120 Wauwinet Road. Reservations, 508-228-8678.

QUEEQUEG'S is a little bistro with a romantic and comfortable feel. Soft lights and warm colors set the mood with dining available at the bar or at an intimate table. In addition to their regular menu, with what has to be the most sumptuous yellow fin tuna tartare anywhere, Queequeg's has a great menu selected for Restaurant Week. At just $35 for three courses, the choices range from savory soup, mussels, crispy skin salmon with creamy polenta, braised short rib, to meatloaf and finishes with a special pumpkin cheesecake with candied almonds and caramel sauce. Yum! It's no wonder this is one of my favorite places. Located in the heart of downtown at 6 Oak Street. Call for reservations, 508-325-0992.

SPECIAL EVENT:

Bloodies, Brunch and Bartlett's 10am Saturday October 3rd

BARTLETT'S FARM & 888 DISTILLERY team up to spice things up and teach you how to make the best Bloody Mary on the planet at "Bloodies, Brunch and Bartlett's." Come learn how to make your own mix and concoct vodka infusions, while munching on delicious farm-made brunch hors d'oeuvres in the hayloft at Bartlett's Farm. Located on Bartlett Farm Road. It's FREE! No reservation necessary. For more information call 508-228-9403.

Azure, Indigo, Cerulean,

Teal, Aqua and Cobalt...

the sky's the limit with

shades of Blue.

Have a look at what's available this week on Nantucket.

With something in every price range,

there's no need to feel blue.

CURRENT VINTAGE (4 Easy Street) always has fantastic "finds." Shown here; vintage aqua sequined sleeveless dress with white beaded design, (regular $228) SALE $50. Strapless robin's-egg blue tulle party dress with white velvet appliqué flowers, $275. Halston turquoise suede sling-back pump, $228. Sacha London cobalt blue suede pump, $138. Florenza cobalt and green medallion necklace, $142. Izod vintage v-neck sweater vest, (regular $68) SALE $23.

TRILLIUM (15 Washington Street) It is no wonder why Trillium has been featured in Traditional Home, House & Garden, House Beautiful, Gourmet, Bon Appetite and Boston Magazine. Their selection of home interiors and table top items is spectacular. These porcelain place settings by Haviland (shown here in Light Blue, Pistachio and Azure) are available in many intensely beautiful colors. Prices vary for chargers, dinner plates, dessert/salad plates and teacups with saucers.

NANTUCKET LOOMS (16 Federal Street) has created this original design "Nantucket" embroidered pillow. 100% cotton sham $48, with pillow insert $68. Peggy Silverstein's larger than life original oil paintings feature still-life settings of flow blue china. Shown on the left, the urn painting is $1,800 and serving set painting is $2,000. These truly must be seen to be appreciated.

POSH (4 South Water Street) Jessica Hicks has made a name for herself with celebrities and the rest of us who appreciate creativity. While fashion savvy shoppers around the country admire her talents from afar, our Jessica creates much of her jewelry right in her Nantucket store. These stunning Kaleidoscope hoop earrings are her latest creation, shown here in sterling silver with turquoise $380.

CHRISTOPHER'S (8 Washington Street) Custom made in Portugal, this cobalt blue glassware is on sale right now, (regular $19.50 to $50.00) SALE 50% off. There are two of these lovely cerulean blue barrel chairs with cocoa brown chenille floral pattern (regular $2,450 each) SALE 50% off. Matching throw pillows are $295 for a pair.

CERI (25 Centre Street) always has something exciting to see, and this Brigitte rain-resistant jacket shown in aqua blue is the perfect example, $445. The classic Frock clutch handbag is made from refurbished vintage wool suiting and has a removable brooch, $250.

TRIANON & SEAMAN SCHEPPS (47 Main Street) These stunning rings shown in shades of blue are artfully depicted in aquamarine, peridot, lolite, topaz sapphire and diamond. Prices vary greatly depending on stone choices.

DANE GALLERY (28 Centre Street) is the perfect place to find something completely original. These one-of-a-kind porcelain platters by artists Roy and Mara Superior are painted by hand with incredible detail in a Nantucket theme. Whether you're shopping for an angler or a great chef, these platters are sure to please. $1,500 to $3,000.

ANDERSON'S (29 Main Street) Down pillows with blue stitching. Hand embroidered chinese theme shown in back, (regular $368 for the pair) SALE 50% off. Navy machine stitched grecian key pattern on white linen, (regular $278) SALE 50% off. Aqua glassware and pitcher, $38 each.

LITTLE MISS DRAMA (12 Old South Wharf) Pam Diem Willis mixes gems, stones, beads and links into magic with her charming jewelry. This long necklace has a great weight to it with big round turquoise stones resting at the bottom, $115. Her indigo 100% cotton tunic is comfortably priced at $50.

STEPHANIES (7 Centre Street) There is so much to see at Stephanies. These navy sateen embroidered pillows shown in the back are $99.95 each. Hooked rugs and matching pillows in navy blue and white have a nautical theme with stars and Nantucket sailboats. The rug is 26"x8-ft, $295 and the pillows are $79.95 each.

ENGLISH TRUNK SHOW (8 Washington Street) This is one of my favorite stores on Nantucket. Carla always finds great antiques in her travels and she ships them home to Nantucket. The aqua theme shown in the top photo features an antique painted wooden bench from an English farm house, 65"wide x 20-1/2"deep x 38-1/2"tall, $950. Scotty dog chenille pillow, $175. Wooden bocce balls, $18 each. Inset photo; 19th century framed needlepoint portrait, (regular $850) SALE 50% off. In the bottom photo; a great collection of blue china includes rare Blue Willow pattern items. Prices vary. On the right; a vintage blue tartan wool lap blanket, $75. The aqua garden trowel and other gardening tools are $28 each.

Shells: Inspiring Fashion, Art & Interiors

Shells have long been admired as exotic treasures inspiring the imaginations of artists and craftsmen.

Today on Nantucket, shells remain an emblem of beauty. Some wonderful ideas of how you can include shells in fashion and interior design are available right now at these nantucket retailers...

TRIANON & SEAMAN SCHEPPS (47 Main Street) creates heirloom quality Turbo Shell Earrings with pearl caps and gold bands worthy of a spending splurge, and the inspiration of the world renown jeweler's logo. Available in two sizes with optional finishes. Visit store to request prices.

MITCHELL'S BOOK CORNER (54 Main Street) Has inspiring books of all kinds, including "Shell Chic: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Home with Seashells" has some amazing home decorating ideas including shells as fashion accessories, $35. "Seashells" is a compact little book with beautiful photos $17.95

DANE GALLERY (28 Centre Street) features hand blown glass and porcelain original pieces of handcrafted art. Joe Peters creates hand-blown glass crustaceans in real shells. Various sizes from $80 to $500. Marc Petrovic composes amazing still life arrangements created from hand blown replica apothecary bottles, nautilus shells and life boats all made from glass. Shown above; "Reminder" $7,200.

STEPHANIES (7 Centre Street) always has a fresh stock of new and unique home goods and ready-to-wear fashions and accessories. The current selection includes a shell theme with a white ceramic shellfish 3-canister set $129.95, place mats (set of 4) $59.95, woven napkins (set of 4) $39.95, waffle weave hand towels $27.95 and beautiful shell paper weights only $14.95.

ANDERSON'S (29 Main Street) has far too many shell design items to list here. Let's start with the lighting, which is now on sale. The Capiz shell chandelier is modern and dramatic and the sheer shells illuminate a room with a soft glow. Regular $2,000 now 25% off. The mother of pearl inlay chest of drawers should be seen to be appreciated, $4,800. There are also matching urns available. Sea fans, sand dollars and shells are beautifully displayed in floating frames, $548.

THE HUB (Main & Federal Streets) has assorted shells for sale in amazing abundance. There are also wreaths made from shells and coral $325, and lovely glowing night lights from $18 to $20.

NANTUCKET BOOKWORKS (25 Broad Street) has a great shell picture book, simply named "The Shell Book" containing beautiful hand-tinted photographs of extraordinary shells $17. A larger and truly amazing book is available in "The Shell: A World of Decoration and Ornament." This large volume is filled with amazing elegant architectural decor and personal adornments honoring the beauty of shells throughout history, $65.

CERI (25 Centre Street) is a great boutique on the corner of Centre and India Streets. There are many magnificent pieces of clothing and jewelry with a lot of "wow" factor! If you haven't discovered Ceri yet, stop in and have a look. These sweet shell and pearl necklaces are just $45 to $150.

NANTUCKET LOOMS (16 Federal Street) has exquisite one of a kind Sailor's Valentines designed and handcrafted by Betsy Braun $1,250.

TRILLIUM (15 Washington Street) features gorgeous home goods and place settings, including this collection from Kim Seybert. Ivory/Natural sand dollar table runner $48. Pearl gold & ivory zig zag pressed square place mat $50. Ivory/Natural coral branch border place mat $90. White/Gold crochet edge napkin $25. White/Beige coral napkin $34. Ecru bias silk organza napkin $28. Pearl shell dome napkin ring $21. White/Beige gingham shell napkin ring $18. Also from Trillium, John Derian's handsome glass de coupage plates, platters and trays have a nostalgic nautical and nature theme available in various sizes from $75 to $485.