My first trip of the summer was to Argentina, many would ask why I would travel to the Southern Hemisphere right when the sun was starting to shine in the land of the free (haha, that was a joke).  But my older sister’s son Charlie was turning 1 and how could I possibly miss a 1 year old’s Winnie the Pooh themed birthday party?  Kid got more presents than he knows what to do with…. Anyway, while on my adventure, I toted my mother around with me on some very high energy shopping tours.  What blew us both away was the colors that were everywhere, the graffiti, the clothing, the restaurants….everything was vibrant even in the drabness of the fall weather.  I felt very at home with all the neon every where

My kind of front door…

Louis Bourgeois exhibit…a little disturbing but very powerful

Dapper gentleman

NEON store front

When i think of the word ISLA, a few things come to mind, the obvious- ”island” in spanish, which triggers the beach, the ocean, good times, sisters, friends, nostalgia, and travel…. my childhood summers were spent on various beaches and every where that I would travel, from Montauk to Menorca, I would always love to discover the beautiful trades of each destination.  Bead work, hats, bags, sarongs, you name it, I was taking it all in.  I am fairly pale, so after a few days on the beach and an inevitable sunburn, I would wander the streets and the markets and discover treasures.\n\nJust a few months ago, I paired with a close friend of mine, Joey Wolffer, the talented woman behind the Styleliner (www.TheStyleliner.com).  We both had a vision of starting a line that resembled our parallel childhood experiences, roaming the streets and markets and treasure hunting, with our European mothers in tow, showing us the ropes.  Together we have collaborated to form ISLA for ROARKE, a unique line of kaftans, embellished handbags, Tees and other beachwear.  Here is a little sample of our line to come…. it will be available soon.

We are having a Sunset launch over memorial day in the Hamptons, stop by if you can.

FRIDAY MAY 27th 4-8pm

WOLFFER ESTATE WINESTAND

3312 Montauk Highway

In late January, I spent a week in Paris with my older sister and my 7 month old nephew.  Above is a photo of one of my favorite places in the city. It”s fabulous for sitting, people watching, drawing, ”bavarding”, and having a glass of wine. I get so inspired by the french sense of style.

STEP 2: DESIGN 

My most prized possession is my notebook- any of my friends can tell you that.  I love having something to write and draw on hand at all time. Here is the drawing I drew in January at the Bar du Marche

THE PRODUCT

And here is our newest style : The BUCI on one of my best friend”s Mary Brittain in Florida last week.