It's spring and my fancy lightly turns to thoughts of . . .

. . . flip-flops!

I confess, I'm a flip-flopaholic. As I no longer go in to an office each day, my wardrobe has devolved - more casual clothes that are perfect for gardening, grilling, etc. and, for spring and summer: flip-flops. I must disagree with the less-than-favorable comments in a recent issue of InStyle - if they're cute, I think flip-flops can work with dresses, shorts, pants, almost any casual outfit (I do stop short of wedding gowns and visits to the White House). If you also like flip-flops, you should check out Eliza B.


What makes these different from most flip-flops? For starters, they come in the cheeriest fabrics, patterns and colors. And you can customize them. Want velvet? Or cute cork wedges? Or . . . monograms?? (Notice the monogram on the pairs below - how great would it be to have your monogram spell W.O.W.?!)

The other great thing about Eliza B flip-flops is that they're made like shoes (as they say, like fine English shoes) - they fit well, last for years, and are comfortable enough to wear when you're standing and walking all day (even on uneven cobblestones)! A far cry from the cheap rubbery ones with the big squarish bottoms . . .


So, now you know my shoe secret . . . what are your favorite summer shoes? Do you have a flip-flop recommendation?

Vintage Monograms for the Table

Yes, we're talking about monograms - again! Reese Witherspoon is famous for her love of monograms. This quote sums up her philosophy on them:

"My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is, if it's not moving, monogram it."

We'll assume that was a tongue-in-cheek comment . . . but, it brings us to our topic of monograms for the table. While it is possible to buy new monogrammed china, flatware, acrylic serving pieces, linens, etc., vintage monogrammed items often have much more charm. Most new monograms are simply three letters side by side whereas in a true monogram the letters intertwine. For obvious reasons, it is rare to find someone who can create these intricate designs today - and the cost would be prohibitive. Enter vintage monograms!

Take a look at this beautiful salad plate. It's around 100 years old and has a hand-painted monogram. The letters are SAS, presumably with 'A' being the initial of the owner's surname. This is part of a set of 6 that I purchased at a local shop for less than $25 - all are in perfect condition. What a deal - of course, these are not my initials, not even one letter! But, that's the great thing about vintage monograms, they work regardless of the initials. And if these were a family heirloom there's a strong chance the initials would not match mine anyway. Here's a closer look at the initials - see how the letters loop around each other?

How about the monogram on the sterling salt spoon below?

I enlarged it a great deal so you can see the intricacy - it's impossible to decipher. There are four letters, maybe even three Ms and an N - perhaps the original owner's name was something like Mary Margaret Newcombe Mason? Keep in mind that the whole salt spoon is around four inches so these letters are very small. The point is, it's a lovely item with a hand-engraved monogram. New silver usually has machine monograms and they just don't have the warmth and creativity of the old hand-engraved pieces. And, monogrammed items like these plates and silver are much less expensive than their unmonogrammed counterparts. The same goes for table linens.

Often monograms on linen were created by the owner. This damask cloth is a perfect example; you can tell the embroiderer was an amateur, but it's still lovely. Monogram patterns were available for the home stitcher and a large number of monogrammed items were created by young brides and matrons alike. The result for us is a ready supply of antique monogrammed linens - with a little patience you can even find your own monogram on eBay. If we didn't have electronic diversions today, perhaps we'd all be monogramming napkins or sheets right now? Oh well . . . no need to unplug, you can create a beautiful table with vintage monograms and you don't need a thimble or needle.

Why Do We Love Monograms?

Perhaps because they're traditional yet modern - and, let's not forget, profoundly personal. Today I want to talk a bit about the Couple Monogram. A couple monogram is a single monogram, usually consisting of three letters, that combines the initials of a husband and wife. (Sorry, but the couple monogram is technically used only by those who are married.)

Last week someone asked me a very simple question: for a couple's monogram, whose initial goes first? The answer is not as simple as the question - the rules for monograms have gone out the window and basically whatever you want to do is okay. Traditionally the husband's first initial was on the left, the shared surname initial in the center, and the wife's first initial on the right. Today, however, the norm is to put the wife's initial first. If there is not a single, shared surname you can place all four or five initials in the order that you choose. (I have actually seen a monogram that included the husband's first and last initials plus the wife's first and hyphenated maiden surname last initials! Wow, it was busy and confusing; perhaps we need a rule about this . . .) The only real rule though is that a couple should not use their couple's monogram until they are married. So, the earliest you could use it would be . . . ? If you said at the wedding reception, you are correct!

The good news for anyone looking for a great item that features a couple's monogram is that there are loads of cute items available. Here are a few of my favorites:

How happy would a couple be to receive these melamine plates from Neiman Marcus?

Or any of the great monogrammed items from Williams Sonoma, like these colorful glasses or a set of steak knives or even a branding iron to mark your steaks as they sizzle on the grill!

Or this framed monogram (that can include names, date, and occasion) from American Stationery? They also have lovely monogrammed coasters and tumblers. A word of warning about the tumblers, though. Once you see them, you're sure to want some for your next party or picnic!

Now you're ready to purchase the perfect shower, wedding, housewarming, or anniversary gift. Or maybe something for you and the person who's the other half of your couple's monogram!

Etiquette Question of the Week

How many monograms are too many?

Twice recently I've been asked if it's possible to have too many monogrammed items. This is a really interesting question. I love monograms - and can you ever have too much of a good thing? This is not really a good manners vs. bad manners issue - it's not rude to have monograms on everything you own. Perhaps, though, a bit of moderation is in order. After all, one monogrammed pillow on a bed makes a much bigger impact than a roomful of monograms all competing for your attention. What are your favorite monogrammed things?