Nantucket Fashionista

at Festival of Wreaths

Watch for Nantucket Fashionista at the Festival of Trees

at the Nantucket Historical Association's Whaling Museum

throughout the month of December.

~ • ~

JEWELRY DESIGNERS

Adding Holiday Sparkle

There are many jewelers on Nantucket

creating handcrafted wearable art.

Here are just a few who shine brightly...

The tools of the trade, a jeweler's bench.

Diana Kim England

DIANA KIM ENGLAND has been creating spectacular gemstone jewelry for four decades. She specializes in 18-karat gold and custom designs. Kim has shared her knowledge and skills with many aspiring jewelers, some of whom now have thriving businesses on Nantucket, yet her style is completely her own. The unique architectural structure of her jewelry is admirable and her beauty is unparalleled. Visit Diana Kim England Goldsmiths at 56 Main Street, call 508-228-3766 or 800-343-1468, or take a tour of her online gallery:

http://www.dianakimengland.com

Hannah Blount

HANNAH BLOUNT is a native Nantucketer who began creating jewelry as a teenager. As the daughter of fisherman Bill Blount, and seamstress Ruth Blount, Hannah was raised to use her hands. Over time her simple designs evolved into sophisticated metalwork. She graduated from Umass Dartmouth in 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in Jewelry/Metals. Hannah's designs are organic and elegant. Seed pods and acorn tops drip with rough-cut diamonds, semi-precious stones and pearls. She is clearly inspired by nature and finishes her pieces with an ethereal satin texture, giving each piece a soft glow. You can find Hannah Blount jewelry at Hepburn, 3 Salem Street 508-228-1458, or take a tour of her online gallery:

http://www.hannahblount.com

Jolanta Gutnik

JOLANTA GUTNIK is a native of Poland, who came to the Nantucket via Toronto. Jola is celebrating her second decade on the island, and is now a proud citizen. Jola incorporates rare and unusual stones into her pieces. Jola finds a unique natural form from nature to start her design process. She 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 silver and gold sea creatures, mermaids and anchors. Visit Jola at her store at 29 Centre Street 508-325-6999, or check out her regular website at http://www.jolasjewelry.com and her fun new "Mermaid & Motorcycles" online gallery:http://www.mermaids-and-motorcycles.com

Jessica Hicks

JESSICA HICKS is constantly evolving her style. Jessica 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 on South Water Street. Her jewelry has been featured in many magazines. These open teardrop lace earrings shown above are available in a variety of stone choices. You can find Jessica Hicks jewelry at her store "POSH" at 4 South Water Street 508-228-6003, or visit her website:

http://www.jessicahicks.com

Heidi Weddendorf

HEIDI WEDDENDORF has been creating several traditional signature pieces of jewelry for many years, and she continually invents new items. Her Nantucket Knot bracelet designs continue to be best sellers, as does her pearl Turk's Head bracelet. Her latest invention is the pearl and leather lariat necklace, shown above. Heidi also has a wonderful selection of pearl and stone earrings and wire and twig motif jewelry. You can find Heidi Weddendorf jewelry at The Nantucket Artists' Association and Erica Wilson at 25 Main Street 508-228-9881, or contact Heidi directly at 508-228-2592, or visit her website:

http://www.heidiweddendorf.com

Susan Lister Locke

SUSAN LISTER LOCKE is an inspiration. Susie is an accomplished painter and metalsmith. She is most noted for her rings, working primarily in 18-karat gold, and using the time-honored “lost-wax process”, in which sculpting and carving reveal the chosen image. She also creates a lot of custom work and relishes meeting new people with a passion for jewelry. Her Nantucket Sign Collection is one of her latest inventions and is already becoming very popular in charms, necklaces, men's cuff links etc. Susie obviously loves what she does, and has an extraordinary eye for design, with bold gem colors and careful craftsmanship. You can find Susie's work at The Nantucket Artists' Association and The Nantucket looms at 16 Federal Street 508-228-1908. Contact Susie directly at 508-221-0531 to make an appointment to meet her in her studio, or visit her website:

http://susanlisterlocke.com

Christie Lefebvre

CHRISTIE LEFEBVRE has evolved into a fine jeweler and a marketing maven. Christie has created a following by participating in many craft shows over the years, and now she is opening her Sconset Flair Studio & Boutique for visitors and gatherings. Christie has a fantastic sense of style incorporating pearls and antique novelties, such as cameos and stop-watches. This lady loves pearls, and she continues to incorporate pearls of all colors and shapes into much of her work. Contact Christie directly at 508-257-6811 to make an appointment to meet her in her Sconset Flair Studio & Boutique, or visit her website:

http://www.sconsetflair.com

WINTER COATS

Chase away the cold, and look hot!

Great designs in every price range.

HEPBURN (3 Salem Street) These are just a few of the great coats available right now at Hepburn. Shown clockwise from the left... Ryan Roberts long boiled wool wrap jacket, $630. Available in plum, black and marine blue with a shorter version for $560. Marc New York wing collar belted car coat in plum/grey herringbone wool, $385. "ADD" down jackets available from $350-$450. Twill 22 double breasted pea coat with metal button detail, shown in brown/cream plaid, also available in black/white plaid, $325. Marc New York double breasted pea coat in black, white or tan, $220.

ERICA WILSON (25 Main Street) There are unique detail on every one of the finely made coats available here and most are very affordable. Shown clockwise from the left... Tulle black/white herringbone belted coat, $185. Tulle cropped jacket with slash pockets shown in Atlantic blue, $185. Tulle double breasted jacket with peplum back shown in purple smoke, $185. Sachin & Babi "Victoria" coat in charcoal/black houndstooth wool with matte gold beaded embroidery at the waist and sleeve, $775. (matching sleeveless dress and skirt available)

DAVID CHASE (60 Main Street) Visit David Chase to see the selection of luxurious down coats from the FeyeM collection represented in the photos above. Many have fur trim around the collar or hood and are available in long or short, from $1,200-$1,300.

CURRENT VINTAGE (4 Easy Street) The best thing about shopping at CurrentVintage is that you will purchase the one and only item of its kind available on Nantucket. These coats are the perfect example of the unique items available at CV today, and there are about 100 coats to choose from. Shown from the left, 1990s Valentino red blanket-plaid cashmere wrap coat, $385. Vintage 1970s New England Classics double breasted navy wool coat, $128. (accessorized with Red/Teal/Gold/Navy scarf, $20, and Carlyle bejeweled cabochon cuff bracelet, $174). Vintage 1960s Lilli Ann brown/tan color block knit coat, $128. Vintage 1980s J. Mendel custom designed red mink zip-front jacket with dolman sleeves, $1650.

ZERO MAIN (Zero Main Street) Choose from weatherproof, warm or just plain wonderful; you'll find whatever you're looking for at Zero Main. Shown clockwise from the left... Cop Copine silver gray scrunchy rain coat, $380. Cop Copine plaid wool jacket with hood and neck tie, $520 (GET 15% DISCOUNT on this item when you mention Nantucket Fashionista website). Two Star Dog handsome and affordable faux shearling car coat in loden, chocolate or black, $198. Two Star Dog suede car coat in plum or slate gray, $285.

POLLACK'S (5 South Street) These long and luxurious coats are going quickly at Pollack's. There are a few remaining, such as Parajumpers long down bear coats in black or white with removable Murmansk fur trim, $770. Sylvie Schimmel creates long and lofty shearling wrap coats in silver gray lamb with reverse cuffs and collar $2,770, or a deep loden color lined in rabbit fur with reverse cuffs and collar $2,880.

MURRAY'S TOGGERY (62 Main Street) Murray's has many coats available, suitable for all types of weather. At top left; CoVelo black boiled wool rose jacket uses zipper edging to make a fashion statement with a removable zipper rose brooch, $303. Cameleon herringbone jacket with shawl collar and rosette closure comes in grey/beige or brown/tan, $209. CoVelo boiled wool sweater jacket with red rose embellishment, $321. Barbour diamond quilted field coat with contrast corduroy collar is available in pine, cement, or navy $118. Check out Murray's selection of rain coats too.

CAROL COLE (42 Centre Street) If you're in the market for fur, these coats from M.Miller are the real deal. Long black down coat with black fox trim is warm and very stylish, $659. Incredibly soft long brown persian lamb coat with brown fox collar and cuffs, $3,965. Brown quilted down jacket with brown fox trimmed hood, $798. Long blonde mink car coat, $3,965.

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.

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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.