What’s a Little Shirley?? It’s a sweet little vase named after the artist’s grandmother. Sounds like a perfect fit for Milly & Grace! They come in a bunch of beautiful colors and they will be available this Spring! Here’s the story behind the Little Shirley… 
Meet Lauren! The adorable artist and owner of Material Good, the company that makes the Little Shirleys. A few years back, her grandmother, Shirley, was diagnosed with cancer. To honor her, Lauren wanted to do something to help give back to cancer research. Her mother owned a flower shop and so Lauren decided to make little vases to sell at the shop and the proceeds would go to the cause. She believed that by selling a tangible gift people would feel more connected to the cause. Lauren’s mother donated a flower to be sold with each vase and they started selling like hotcakes! It’s the perfect hostess gift and a sweet little something to brighten someone’s day. Blown away by it’s success, Lauren decided to make a career out of it and so began Material Good! Lauren is just the sweetest and is so happy to be doing what she loves. She said that her employees are all her friends and they roller-skate in the studio! They also have pancake Fridays. Umm.. The Milly & Grace Girls need to take a page out of her book!
Her website is super cute too: www.material-good.com 
Next time you need a hostess gift, a birthday gift or a teacher gift, think of a Little Shirley! It’s a gift that gives back. And who can say no to that??!!
Little Shirleys
Snow Days on Nantucket
This winter has been the snowiest winter on Nantucket that I’ve ever experienced! We don’t normally get very much snow out here because we catch a little bit of the gulf stream and so it’s always a little warmer out here than in Boston or on the Cape. On Saturday night, we fell asleep to a blizzard and woke up on Sunday to the most beautiful bluebird day! Steve, Ivy and I bundled up and headed out to explore the winter wonderland!
The Creeks
No surfing today… 
Eel Point
Snow pup
She’s getting so big!
Madaket
Space on Old South Wharf 
In other news:
Sometimes when we go exploring I look ridiculous.
Poor little Ivy is in heat and has to wear a diaper. She was supposed to get spayed before she went into heat but we missed it by 4 days. (Pups can’t get spayed while they are in heat) Apparently it lasts for 3 weeks. 
On a brighter note, she looks adorable in my scarf…
That’s the latest from this little island 30 miles out to sea!
A Ralph Lauren Girl At Heart
Before opening Milly & Grace, I worked at Ralph Lauren. He is hands down my favorite high fashion designer. His timeless, tailored, American style just speaks to me. He once said, “I’ve never wanted to be in fashion. Because if you’re in fashion, you’re going to be out of fashion.” I think this is why he has been so successful over the years. He never pushes the envelope, he just totally nails the classic styles and lines that have worked year after year. I try to take a page out of Ralph’s book when I think about buying for Milly & Grace. I work really hard to pick pieces that are beautiful, comfortable, wearable and that can be worn time and time again. I want there to be something for everyone and I would never want to fill the store with items that are unapproachable. (Please speak up if I ever do!)
This past week was Fall Fashion Week in New York. Next week, Patty & I head to NYC to do the Fall ’14 buy for Milly & Grace. Before we head to NYC, I always like to do a little research so that I am up on the trends! Every season I wait with baited breath for the RL fashion show and this time it nearly knocked my socks off. His show was mostly PINK & GRAY!! I die!! Ralph, shall we collaborate some day?? (In my dreams!) Here are my top 5 looks from the show:
And here are my top 5 favorite Ralph Lauren looks from the last 10 years:
#1 Spring 2011: This is what I want to wear everyday of my life
#2 Spring 14: Showstopper. This was my favorite look from this years Golden Globes. Lupita Nyong’o looked amazing in it.
#3 Fall 2007: A suede ball gown. Need I say more?
#4 Fall 2008: I love the mix of casual & dressy. Buffalo Plaid is such a great iconic American print. 
#5 Spring 2008: Can’t go wrong with a LBD!
All the images are from Style.com
Ralph Lauren, thank you for inspiring me and teaching me so much about retail. It gave me the confidence to open up my own shop and live my dream!
