Monthly Archives: November 2011

Shopping small + Hwy 30A = Big Returns on Nov 26!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we all eagerly anticipate the holiday daydreaming of what’s to come…..

Exquisite meals prepared by loving hands

Quality time spent with the ones we love

Enjoying cool, crisp weather and the natural beauty of the season


Racing through crushing crowds at hideous hours in order to purchase cheap products which will bear no impact to the local economy….


WHAAAAAA?
Wait a minute. That doesn’t sound too fun to us either. Or meaningful.

We can do better!!!!

We know lots of people are preparing for the shopping frenzies know as “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.”
But here at Ophelia, we’d like to encourage you to dare to think differently and be a shopping trailblazer. We are asking our faithful followers to take the pledge to “Shop Small” on Saturday, November 26th.
Shop Small: It means shopping at independently-owned, community-based shops. Like Ophelia.

According to the U.S Labor Department:
For every $100 spent in local independent businesses, $68 dollars returns to the community via taxes, payroll and other expenditures(versus $43 if you shop with a national chain, or $ZERO when you shop large chains online.)
We challenge you to embrace this movement and support the local businesses in your area. You’re sure to find a thoughtful selection of goods and business owners that are thrilled to have your support. Which makes you feel good. Winning!
And for our local friends, we’d like to share with you a few local businesses that we’ll be supporting this holiday season(and long after it’s through!)

  • Fitz & Emme
  • Kiki Risa
  • Nicole Paloma
  • Little Red
  • Willow
  • Duckies Shop of Fun
  • Sweet Bay Prints
  • Oceana Blue
  • Art of Simple
  • Elliot Boutique
  • DejaVu

The other reward? $25 back from Amex! Go to the link below to register your card and when you spend $25 or more at small registered small business you get one one time $25 credit on your statement. You may also enter selected zip codes to identify small businesses in your area that you might like to visit.

http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?sk=app_183558821725512

See? We told you! Shopping small on November 26th= Big rewards- like free money and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference to a small business owner.
Thanks(for)giving:)

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Mohnton, Pennsylvania: America’s new Fashion Mecca…

Huh???

But the hottest ticket in American sportswear is presently being manufactured in conjunction with the 106 year old family-run Mohnton Knitting Mills. The mill has manufactured everything from hats to thermals and camoflauge since 1873 and has now picked up the stripe-happy design line of EDITH A. MILLER.

And more than a few people have noticed: since the collaboration began, the line has been featured in Vogue, Elle, W, Lucky, and the Style section of The New York Times.

And it doesn’t get more “Made in America” than this: the cotton is grown in the South, then shipped to Pennslyvania where it is knitted(in Shillington), dyed and washed(in Shoemakersville) and then the garments are sewn in the Mohnton factory.
We are so proud to carry this distinctive line and to support the rich heritage of American-made sportswear.

Edith Miller Navy/white stripe long maxi

Our collection includes tanks,tees and thermals in signature stripes in various colors but all share the same comfortable fit with a vintage look. Please come in to view the line and help us support American designers(and farmers, factory workers and mills!)

Shop at Ophelia for this Navy Stripe Edith Miller top

 

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What is so special about November 15th??????

That’s right! America Recycles Day! What? You didn’t know???
Neither did we. And while we’re on the subject, we confess…. we’ve been a little lazy. We haven’t made recycling a priority in our lives either. Sound familiar? No mas! Today is a great day to renew your commitment to reducing, reusing and recycling. Feeling intimidated? Don’t be! Go here http://www.50waystohelp.com/ for 50 great ways to get started. A few highlights:

1. Hang your clothes to dry.

 

(We at Ophelia never recommend putting your swimwear in the dryer.)

2. Buy locally whenever possible.

3. Pay your bills online.


4. Share a shower

(Yep- that’s right. We said it…sharing a shower reduces water usage. And increases ♥♥♥)

“Okay, okay. Enough with the lecture already! We get it!”
So, you’re recomitted and ready to go. One final tip- support artisans/businesses that incorporate recycled materials in their products. And here at Ophelia- we do! We are proud to carry Kim White’s incredible line of handbags which are made from vintage fabrics(some originally created from auto interiors), recycled leather straps and specially cast hardware.

Kim White Southwest Bucket Bag

The Southwest Bag is an excellent example of her quality craftmanship and unique use of materials. The red, blue, cream and taupe colors go with virtually everything and the pattern echoes a Native American vibe which is so popular. Click HERE to shop for this Kim White Handbag  -
and get out there and recycle!!!

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Vanessa Mooney’s mixed metals = c’est magnifique!

In the not-so-distant past, mixing metal finishes was considered tres passé. As in tacky. As in icky. Ewww.

Gold rings were worn with gold earrings. Silver/platinum rings had to match the bracelet. Certainly one did not wear multiple necklaces in various hues. You see where we’re going with this…

BORRRR-ING!!

Enter a new era where “the rules” have changed- thank heavens!!
Today’s dictate:
“Thou shalt mix thy metals and be glad!”
Enter artist/jeweler Vanessa Mooney:

Her jewelry incorporates multiple finishes, jewel tones and design inspirations that are eclectic and polished. Described as”glam”, “romantic”, “bohemian” and “sexy”, Vanessa’s  collection has a broad appeal to both the old school, new-fangled and all points in between.  It is meant to be mixed and layered with reckless abandon!

Vanessa Mooney’s designs have been seen in Glamour, In Style, Cosmo and various other industry publications and now they are available at Ophelia!! Shop online at opheliaswimwear.com
Otherwise, visit us in Grayton Beach or
Seacrest to experience Vanessa Mooney’s designs in person. Either way, snatch up a few pieces and bid the old school rules “adieu!”

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About Ophelia

Ophelia is a high-end swimwear boutique with two locations along scenic Hwy 30A in northwest Florida: Grayton Beach & Seacrest. Our job is to help you look your best with a wide variety of the latest in designer bathing suits, coverups and accessories. Swimwear lines that we carry are Letarte, Lenny, Shan, Karla Colletto, Robin Piccone, Vix, OndadeMar, Lisa Curran, Shoshanna, Diane Von Furstenberg, Melissa Odabash, Tori Praver, Red Carter, Undrest, Heidi Klein, Delfina, and many more!! We also offer hats and other accessories by Lola and Eugenia Kim. All body types welcome! Open 10-5 everyday in Grayton Beach and 10-8 in Seacrest.