Beachy Keen in Cape May

If you follow my adventures on Twitter, you know that I traveled to the East Coast on Tuesday to visit my family, attend a wedding and hit the beach. I don't much consider myself an outdoorsy girl, but if a trip to the beach is involved I'm always in. I grew up in Pennsylvania, so my summer vacations often consisted of spending lazy days on New Jersey's beaches. Lucky for me, I get to put my feet in the sand TWICE on this trip since my mom, sister and I decided to visit my mom's place in Cape May together before I head to a pal's house in Ocean City on Sunday.

All sorts of beachy prettiness, including my gogeous sister Kate.

A summer in Cape May is unlike any experience on the West Coast. The ocean is warm enough to swim in, the sun is scorching hot, the nights are balmy and everything there feels very old-world. Cape May is a town chock-full of gorgeous Victorian homes and tons of unadulterated history; Walking down any of its beautiful streets feels like visiting another time.

A walk through the streets of Cape May, dinner at The Lobster House, Miu Miu sandals.

I love coming home to the East Coast each summer, because true summer is what my San Francisco experience is missing. Yes, it's humid, yes, it's hot as all get-out, but being awoken by an early morning thunderstorm on the beach reminds me of what it was like to grow up in this lovely place.

A brewing storm.

Photos from I Do! by Sarah Deragon

I Do! was a pretty awesome event. I was in excellent company with vendors like Rose La Mer Headpieces and Zelma Rose Curios by my side. Plus, I got to meet Lisa's Awfully Grand copilot Sarah Deragon in the flesh. Sarah's not only an inspiring blogger and all-around great person, but she also happens to be a wickedly talented photographer. When I saw Sarah begin shooting on Saturday, my heart skipped a beat. She's passionate about what she does and as you can see below, she took some amazing photos of the Honey Cooler Handmade booth! Swing on over to her site, Portraits to the People to check out her handiwork, and scope out her blog for more shots of the weekend's festivities.

Now on Etsy: Garters

I'm coming off a pretty crazy weekend. The bridal event I'd been working on with Firehouse 8 was a wonderful time which required a huge amount of preparation and thought. Needless to say, I was a caffeinated ball of energy last week, taking on a million tasks (not the least of which was adding garters to my repertoire). When I knew I would be selling at a wedding event, garters were a natural choice. I've had a bunch of people tell me they were disappointed by what's currently out there: mostly poly satin with scratchy lace in an icy hue of white (definitely not something that one would be inspired to hold onto or pass down through the generations). I decided to play around with the idea of making this little bridal detail feel special again.

I am now sitting on my Virgin America flight to Philadelphia. On-board wifi's been keeping me occupied with photo editing and store maintenance, so I can finally bring my newest handiwork to you! There are four garters listed, so make sure to check out the shop to see them all. In the meantime, I'll introduce you to Josie and Juliette:

Josie: Chantilly lace, silk satin ribbon, antique paste bauble, orange blossoms

Juliette: antique lace, velvet ribbon, antique paste buckle

As always, custom work is a delight to do, so if you have something specific in mind for your special day, send me a convo and I'll be glad to help out!

Next Weekend: I Do!

I Do! is just around the corner, pretties!

Getting married soon? Know someone who is? Dreaming of the perfect accessory to wear to your best friend's wedding? Look no further!

On June 23 and 24, join Firehouse 8 for a very special shopping event featuring local designers and artisans with a focus on all things bridal! It's the perfect venue for the bride-to-be, wedding party or wedding guest; Enjoy a stunning selection of wedding attire, gifts and accessories to suit just about any taste.

Confirmed Vendors:

• Wedding Dresses (Lily Achatz)
• Vintage Jewelry, Purses, Cufflinks and More (Belle Cose & Molte Cose)
• Lingerie (Honey Cooler Handmade)
• Jewelry, Cake Toppers, Pocket Squares (Zelma Rose Curios)
• Fascinators & Hats (Rose La Mer Headpieces)
• One-of-a-Kind and Custom Jewelry (Kelley Hollis of Le Chat)
• Accessories for Ladies and Gents (Successories of Noe Valley)
• Men's Handmade Ascot Ties (Ceravalo)
• Suiting and Tuxedos (Le Tux Shop with Rik Ducar)
• Custom Top Hats, Bowlers (Paul's Hat Works)

...With more to be announced!

This event is GUY FRIENDLY! Dudes, tag along and check out an impressive selection of men's attire and accessories, plus a bar serving manly libations!

Hit up the event page on Facebook to RSVP and invite your friends.

Fashion Love Affair: Sandy Summer Style

It's pretty safe to say that living in the Bay Area for 7 years makes me a California girl. And while thoughts of the West Coast may conjure up dreams of beach bunnies, white sand and nodding palm trees, I have to admit that I'm more excited about my favorite New Jersey beaches this summer than the California ones.

East Coast oceans are warmer, the nights are balmier and the memories are headier - summer just isn't summer without the potential for jacket-free evenings. Because summer and beach weather are on my mind, right now the only fashion I'm interested in includes bikinis, sun specs and summer dresses. While brights are everywhere this season, I've maintained my affection for all things neutral. Here are a few of my favorite pieces to pop up online this week! Happy beach-going!

Été San Tropez Bikini ($275), Cutler and Gross Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses ($500), Athena Procopiou Galactica Scarf ($265), Pierre Hardy Mini Snakeskin Clutch ($900), Free People Jill's Limited Edition White Summer Dress ($700)

Now on Etsy: Knickers Galore

Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter know that my sewing machine decided to go on vacation along with the rest of San Francisco over Memorial Day Weekend. The epic sewing hunker-down I'd planned for myself was sadly squashed by a faulty lingerie stitch and a much-needed visit to the sewing machine doctor. Happily, all is now well in Elna Land, and my newest crop of Knickers proves that my machine is working more beautifully than ever. Each of these lovelies is available in the Etsy shop now, so swing on over to take a closer peek!

Top, left to right: Sylvia Knickers, Jenelle Knickers, Seraphina Knickers, Effie Knickers

Bottom, left to right: Ilsa Knickers, Aloki Knickers, Rhea Knickers 

I Do: A Curated Shopping Party

Getting married? Know someone who is? Looking for the perfect gown? The snappiest tuxedo or pocket square? The ideal fascinator for your best pal's big day? The dreamiest bachelorette party gift? How about the sweetest cake topper imaginable? Gifts for your bridesmaids? Then save the date!

June 23rd and June 24th, come out to the beautiful Firehouse 8 for a wedding event like no other, featuring gowns, lingerie, accessories, gifts, photographers and more.

The vendor list is still being confirmed, so stay tuned here and on the Honey Cooler Handmade Facebook Page for more details as the big weekend approaches. See you there!