Marsha's Cottage in Oriental

I took a solitary bike ride this weekend and rode, as I often do, by Marsha's Cottage, a darling little boutique down by the town harbor.

Marsha's Cottage is housed in a snug little bungalow. What drew me to the shop immediately was their choice of billowing white curtains along their front porch. Doesn't that just say whimsy and charm? I always love to see these little "sails" filling with breezes from the river.

It's a ladies' boutique -- small, cozy, friendly, elegant but not pretentious. They sell clothes that a salt-sticky woman right off a sailboat would feel comfortable in, if she needed something to wear to a restaurant, and was tired of her boat clothes. I found their clothes perfect for my nearly-50 sense of style (such as it is - ha!).

Christmas tapers in the windows. Soft lamplight on little tables. Soft white blouses, soft billowing skirts, simple sandals, light jewelry with a nautical feel. Comfortable clothing for women who are past the busy, hectic time of life, and ready to close their eyes in the sun.

Yes, that's my bike :) Marsha's Cottage is a lovely local spot.