Friend's Friday - End-of-Season Party

Caitlin and designer Massimiliano Stanco

Caitlin and I had a big Palm Beach adventure several Thursdays ago. Not exactly our typical Thursday evening at the Colony’s Polo Lounge.  We arrived and as always were greeted as regulars. We quickly fell into conversations with old friends. Harvey, my good friend from the Sunday Meetup group was there and it is always good to see him. Harvey has such a great sense of humor and always fun. 

A little side note on the Palm Beach Colony Hotel, Polo Lounge. Caitlin and I both had conversation with old-timers there that knew Neil Cargile; AKA, "High Heel Neil".  Neil was a Palm Beach legend,  so we are doing our best to keep the tradition alive.  See my post on Neil.    

About an hour into our evening we were approached and given an invitation to an “end of season appreciation party" going on at a very upscale leather goods studio/boutique on Worth Avenue. The Massimiliano Stanco boutique features handmade leather briefcases, exquisite purses, shoes and even custom designed golf bags. What a unique "Palm Beach" store and happening. I love anything made from leather.   

The boutique located in Worth Avenue's Esplanade shops is within walking distance from the Colony Hotel. So after some encouragement from Caitlin, we walked a block over to the boutique.  

There were maybe 25 there, coming and going and we stayed, enjoyed wine, music, took photos and met the artist/shop owner, Massimiliano Stanco.  He was very friendly, hugs abounded and we were greeted- treated like Palm Beach royalty.  

After the party we returned to the Colony for dinner. 




Here is Caitlin's comment:

Thanks so much for the great time and the great photo! The Colony was a lot of fun, the boutique opening was a blast, and the dinner poolside at the Colony was extra-special!  Now, THAT's an Escape!

Rhonda at the beautifully decorated
Massimiliano Stanco Boutique

Spring Cleaning

I love the graphic to the right.  It looks so cute and looks just like the 50's June Cleaver; every kid's dream mother. Spring cleaning is a ritual that I remember oh so well. The country home in which I was raised was heated by fireplaces and oil stoves both of which were not the cleanest burning or efficient.  

Home

Spring was a time we could finally open up the house and let it "air out" as my mother and grandmother called it. We had porches on either side of the front leading into an entrance hall with stairs going up from there. Both of the large upstairs closets were in a hallway so there was easy direct access from the upstairs closets to the outside porch.  

On the first breezy warm day of spring, my mother would take all of her hanging items out for an "airing". I loved this chore because I got to handle (caress) all of the best of her dresses and help hang them on the porch. I vividly remember watching the dresses all moving with the spring breeze, like an invisible ghost wearing a beautiful dress. 

Remembering that process last week prompted me to do my own spring cleaning. A little fix-it project in the closet encouraged removing items that either do not fit any longer or I have not worn in the past year(s).  

I would have made my mother proud as I hang dress after dress on the patio to "air out".  More than a few items are now permanently out; first for eBay, then a garage sale, and finally Goodwill.  

My loss can now be your gain. I have lots of shoes, dressed and skirts that are going up on eBay over the next few days. Take a look and see if there is anything you like. I have everything for a fixed price "Buy-It-Now" so no waiting for an auction to end. Go ahead and "check out" and I will rebate 10% of the item cost back to you as a "Rhonda's Escape" friend. Just e-mail me.

Happy shopping.