Finally...drum roll, y'all, presenting the Magnolia Blue Southern Coastal Living inaugural collection!
The focus of this, and future, collections is on products by southern artists, creators and collaborators.This collection attempts to marry a style that is unstudied, but rooted in coastal and southern sensibilities.This means, you'll see examples of all four of Magnolia Blue's identified southern coastal styles - BoHo Beach Chic, Classic Preppy, Southern Country Coastal and Palm Beach Southern Chic as we grow the collection.The mission of this collection is evocative of the colors of spring and summer, of busy bees in southern gardens tucked behind ironwork gates and butterflies flitting from sea oat to sea oat on the shoreline.
A conscientious effort has been made to work primarily with individuals and companies that guarantee fair trade practices (for goods produced overseas), individual artists where possible, and with those who give back to various organizations, including those who to help sustain our environment with a minimal footprint.
Magnolia Blue rattan handbags, for instance, are ethically sourced from the islands of Bali and Java, Indonesia via a southern designer, who was born in Indonesia. The woman-owned business with whom Magnolia Blue collaborates with, uses eco-friendly materials such as rattan, ate grass, palm leaves and vegan leather. Products are sourced from fair price, making sure the working conditions are healthy and safe, using non-toxic materials. The handbags may cost slightly more, but each bag is not only well-made, but conscientiously manufactured at every level.
The mission of the Magnolia Blue collection is to elevate and support southern artists, or those indivduals and companies who share the southern coastal sensibility - with handbags, hostess gifts, textures and textiles that compliment our style, personally, and in the home. In this inaugural collection, we are working with individual artists from Texas and Florida, Indiana and Iowa. We strive to locate companies and creators who manufacture products within the United States, but are equally delighted to work with those who practice fair trade and sustainable manufacturing internationally. We indicate in our product listings where, and by whom, items are designed and manufactured - transparency is important to us.
From award-winning handmade handbags to services pieces that will elevate cocktail and tea time, to hand-beading, scents from the garden and sea, including citrus and rose, to sea creatures and florals, as the collection unfolds over the next several weeks, I hope you'll find something for you, a family member or friend.
In addition to our collection, we take the world of packaging and recycling very seriously. As a start, we are part of the "no issue eco-packaging alliance" - our tissue paper is made from recycled, biodegradable materials so it’s 100% compostable. It is acid-free, sulphur-free, and lignin-free paper certified by the Forest Steward Councilship (FSC), and can be composted at home or commercially. I hope you'll love that it's also printed in soy-based inks to fully compost without generating waste or toxins. As our business grows, we will develop more ways to lessen our footprint and designate a percentage of our sales toward keeping our planet, and it's inhabitants, safer.
I hope you'll enjoy this collection, and return to peruse new items as they are added. We will be expanding our home and entertaining collection, as well as introducing a bath collection and men's products. I also look forward to working with artisans on creating designs unique to Magnolia Blue. Whether you are lakeside in Michigan, or knee-deep in sand castles in California, our curated line is imbued with southern, coastal influences, seaside, lakeside or poolside!
Amid the cobblestoned streets, black and white awnings and the urge to dine al fresco, is the feeling that you're no longer in the United States, but in some blue-sky European enclave. Rosemary Beach, Florida is such a place and it sits on the Gulf of Mexico, with sea breezes down every cobbled alley and onto the wide green public spaces.
We've visited Rosemary Beach several times en route elsewhere, but never enjoyed the pleasure of staying until I recently attended a conference of primarily southern influencers. The conference was held at The Pearl, which possesses a sublimely luxurious, coastal elegance with a complete absence of pretense. The service is a testimony to genuine grace and southern hospitality. You don't check-into The Pearl as a stranger - you are all at once a member of the family.
Greeted by Randy at check-in, we were immediately engaged in the culture of The Pearl - cordial, relaxed, but exacting in the service. Randy, and the young man who helped with our luggage were our first contacts with The Pearl and turns out - their impeccably amicable service would be something we could count on with every staff member we encountered.
We dined the first evening at the hotel's restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill and our meal, server and drinks reflected our welcome. While my husband indulged in a Creole Pasta, I craved some French Onion Soup (the weather had turned a bit chilly over the weekend) and a hamburger, of which I nearly finished the entire thing! To know me, is to understand I simply cannot consume an entire hamburger in a single meal. I wish I could recall the name of our server because he was equally engaging, well-informed and delightful.
The following evening, we chose to enjoy a cocktail in the Havana Beach Lounge, a West Indies inspired room with peacock blue walls, a green velvet sofa and sumptuous leather chairs and appointments.
With an overnight stay at The Pearl, guests receive a pass to access the beach property just a couple blocks to the Gulf. This private beach boasts Florida's soft white sands, bright umbrellas and comfortable chaises. Had I the time, I would have claimed a spot for several hours.
On Sunday morning, we made our way to the 30A Farmers' Market held on N.Barrett Square. I purchased some fig jam to take to a friend's vacation home, along with charcuterie, and a jar of Peach/Mango Spicy Jam for home from Weslowski Farms. I intend to use the latter for serving with Brie and/or proscuitto, as well as on turkey sandwiches. We discovered an Argentine baker, which made my husband happy, and enjoyed a special dulce de leche pie with friends. The Farmers' Market is open Sundays from 9AM-1PM year round. Always be sure to check their schedule, however, for any potential changes. While Rosemary Beach is a pet-friendly town (we saw loads of leashed dogs at the Farmers' Market and on walks),please note that The Pearl allows service dogs only, at this time.
Rosemary Beach feels worlds away from the "regular," and that may be because it is. Part of South Walton, Rosemary is tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, coffee shops with fresh-baked deliciousness, restaurants and charming boutiques and galleries that bring both charm and warmth to the town. Grab a bike ride, treat yourself to a spa day, dip into a gourmet shop or buy a 30A tote or hat to commemorate your trip - to use when you return, because you will.
The Pearl
63 Main Street
Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
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