Bahamas Bathing

Le Postcard (@lepostcard) has me dreaming of this perfect scene in the Bahamas.

Riva Romance

My love affair with Riva Yachts began years back when I saw an image of Brigitte Bardot clad in a striped bikini behind the wheel of her Florida. The image (above - second down), evoked an untouchable coolness - indicative of a Bond girl bombshell in control and flirting with adventure. The boat was a beauty to say the least - clean lines, wooden architecture and interiors that were blue like the sky and made me melt. There is arguably a "je ne sais quoi" quality to the Riva Yachts - their beauty, utility and seduction is unrivaled elsewhere. Riva Yachts date back to 1842 when the first Riva Boatyard was constructed on Lake Iseo, Italy. Through the years of family ownership, the boats became symbols of the finest craftsmanship, elegance and desire, though in 1996, the production of wooden runabout Rivas ended with the introduction of fiberglass. This change in material is perhaps what has made the old wooden boats even more celebrated.

The discovery of Sierra Boat Company on Lake Tahoe might be the closest I'll get to my own Riva or Lake Iseo, Italy for a short while, but is worth the journey. Sierra Boat services and restores a variety of Rivas, also including Chris Craft, Century, Gar Wood and Hacker. In the winter, their 60,000 sq. ft. facility is littered with these beauties just begging for a little attention. In the summer, their marina plays host to many lake boats, including my beloved Rivas. Above are a few captures from a special trip to Sierra Boat Company. The trip was such a highlight and now, I am the proud owner of a vintage Riva burgee (just above) I can't wait to frame. See their collection of Rivas currently for sale, here.

MDS Stripes

Mark D. Sikes has done an impeccable job building his brand - from interiors, blogging and more recently, MDS Stripes, a lovely collection of American-made sportswear for women. The collection reflects his adoration for stripes and a love affair for blue and white - pieces you can play in by day and cocktail in by eve. I'm currently eyeing the flounce sleeve top and peasant dress. Be sure to watch Mark's video here.  You can also find his Resort 2016 collection on M'oda 'Operandi. Get your stripes on!

'This Happy Isle'

In my loo sits a perfectly tattered book my Grandfather Jack gifted my Grandmother, Gertrude "Trudy" written about a place close to their hearts, Sea Island Georgia. The book's title is a nod to poet Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ulyssess" published in 1833 (excerpt below) and is perhaps a perfect tribute to an island that so many adore. Sea Island was a special place for my Grandparents and for my family when they were alive as described in this archived post.

"...The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks:

The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep

Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends,

'T is not too late to seek a newer world.

Push off, and sitting well in order smite

The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds

To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths

Of all the western stars, until I die.

It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:

It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,

And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.

Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

- Tennyson's "Ulysses"