We’ve talked before about what a great community we are part of here on Martha’s Vineyard, so it’s time for you to get to know our neighbors. If you are not familiar with our location here at the Colonial Inn, we are right smack dab in the thick of downtown Edgartown. Now, don’t panic if you are planning a stay with us, the thick of downtown is still peaceful and relaxing, afterall, it IS Martha’s Vineyard!
One of the stores in the neighborhood that I can’t resist in Bluefish Coastal Boutique. Owners Danielle Mann and Amy Padalino-Heil are cousins who share a love of the ocean, nature, good living and fun. These passions are reflected in the wonderful collection of island-themed gifts, home goods, clothing, stationary, toys, and beach & boating necessities for everyone on the island, tourists and locals, young and old.
My love of this store starts with the great items for your home. As I write this I am actually curled up on my sofa, supported by a beautiful handmade pillow I got there this summer and covered in my favorite navy and white marine striped knit blanket that I treated myself to 2 summers ago. I have sets of their juice and water glasses in fun Bluefish patterns and I’ve lost count of the great scented candles and other home accessories I’ve bought for myself and as gifts for my friends.
Then there’s their bags and purses – oh, the purses! Baggallini is a world famous line of durable and fashionable purses, handbags and travel accessories which Bluefish proudly carry and use – I know both the ladies tote their own Baggallini’s. They also carry some other great lines – I’ve been stopped in the street more than once and asked where I got my beautiful Madagascar Seagrass summer purse – Bluefish of course! And don’t forget the great bath and body lines, clothing and one of a kind pieces by Island artists. All this, and fun desk accessories for girls of all ages in the shape of Bluefish notepads, pens and fun little bits and bobs for less than the price of a latte.
Now all this sounds great but I haven’t gotten to the best part. On many levels I am a sterotypical Scottish Lass and the strongest stereotype I fulfill is my frugality. I like to get good value for money and that is the best part of the Bluefish collection – Everything in the store is hand selected by Danielle and Amy to provide the best possible quality without the huge ‘Martha’s Vineyard Boutique’ pricetags you might be anticipating. The glasses go through the dishwasher every day and after 2 years of continuous use, the patterns are still bright and unscratched. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve washed this blanket (I’m a spiller by nature) and the colors are just as bright and the blanket is the same size as the day I bought it.
Oh, and did I mention the fun? What other store that sells glassware will actively encourage the kids to pick up that glitter filled bouncy ball from the basket and test it out? Or have bubble makers and coloring books on hand to entertain the younger members of the family while the older members browse?
If you haven’t made it to Bluefish yet, I hope you will next time you on Martha’s Vineyard but to check them out straight away, go to their website and pick up a little something. This great store is also a great world community member – right now they are donating 30% from online sales to the Red Cross Haiti Relief appeal so help them help others, you won’t be disappointed!
I will attempt to walk a fine line in this article. I like our planet…I think we should keep it! It’s a ‘fixer-upper’, that’s for sure, but I’ve grown fond of it over the years. The more research I do into the realm of becoming ecologically responsible the more I feel that it could be impossible.
