The Preppy Stitch is a boutique monogram and embroidery shop focused on elevating the everyday and honoring the tradition of the monogram. Owner Gabi Rogers lives in Marblehead with her mini labradoodle, Bo. She began college at TCU and ultimately graduated Syracuse University with a degree in Interior Design. After working in the interior design field, she left to raise her two boys. She loves all things monogrammed and needed to find a way to continue monogramming after her boys told her to leave their items alone! Gabi enjoys spending time with her boys and pup, the beach (especially summers on Nantucket), a great bottle of Cabernet, fire pit nights, laughing with her girlfriends and believes that everything is better with a monogram!
Valentines Day Gift Guide
Browse and Shop our Valentine’s Day Shopping Guide featuring Hip, Haute + Coastal Cool Finds in and around our community.
About the Author
NE Coastal Creative Conference Mindy Briar Event Gallery
KJP Cocktail Party | New England Coastal Creative Conference
We are so grateful to Kiel and Sarah for opening their flagship KJP store on Bowen’s Wharf to our attendees for a fantastic Conference Eve Cocktail Party. From the gorgeous charcuterie to the copious amounts of local IPAs and wine, we couldn’t have asked for better hosts. Take a tour of our gallery to see all the fun.
Mary DiMauro | ON THE ROAD AGAIN BAGS
When On the Road Again founder Mary was a child, she enjoyed crafting items from the fabric scraps leftover from her mother’s business as a seamstress. Today, she is a proud part of the makers movement in New England. She handcrafts all On the Road Again bags in her studio in Massachusetts.
On the Road Again minimizes waste going into our landfills by upcycling durable materials into handcrafted goods. Their durable tote bags and home goods are fashionably upcycled in the USA.
Bags are handcrafted from remnant mesh, fabrics, and marine grade vinyl, making each item unique in its patterns and colorways.
Mary recently had an exciting opportunity to work with The Profit himself, Marcus Lemonis and his Camping World stores – so stay tuned as Mary and her company expand into a big box retail space later this year.
"I love being part of NECC as Kim does an amazing job of connecting the New England community! From the zoom meeting sessions to working and collaborating with others in the group, it's been amazing and helpful as a small business!
to learn more visit
view gallery
Coastal Crab | A Connecticut Original
Coastal Crab CT was created by Rachel and Laura. Both women are teachers who couldn’t be happier to call the coastline of Southeastern CT their home. Having summers off and hanging out at the beach all day was the inspiration for their designs. With a background in graphic design, Rachel came up with the idea for the crab logo and decided to make a few colorful and comfortable shirts to wear around.
The positive feedback from friends and complete strangers was amazing! They received a lot of requests for the shirts and thought maybe we could be on to something here. Suddenly…Coastal Crab was born!
Their goal was to create a brand that is comfortable, casual, and good for the entire family. Our colors are fun and bright and capture the feeling of being on a beach vacation all year long!
The couple just opened their brand new gift shop Coastal Gifts on Main in the perfectly situated town of Niantic, just steps from the Long Island Sound. It is the official flagship shop for Coastal Crab CT, where you’ll find a generous assortment of branded tees and sweatshirts, great hats and beach gear. The store is also a great destination for coastal gifts such as housewares, soaps, spices and more.
The women hope to continue to expand the Coastal Crab CT brand and will be starting some wholesale partnerships throughout Connecticut. So stayed tuned for more great things from this great home grown brand.
view gallery
Learning the Ropes with Allison Cole Jewelry
Nicole Recomendes grew up selling friendship bracelets in a cul-de-sac near her Hanover home, but she never dreamed that she’d one day have her own jewelry line.
Her first dip in the entrepreneur pond came with the launch of a website that sold handmade fashion jewelry from other small designers. The experience of working with the artisans inspired her to try her hand at designing. Allison Cole Jewelry was launched in May 2015. The line of nautically inspired rope bracelets with a distinct South Shore appeal was a hit and she recently added a collection of leather, monogram and stamped charms, as well as necklaces. She has built a solid following on the East Coast and her line can be spotted at chic coastal gifts shops all over New England.
Her inspiration? “I spent a lot of time on our family boat as a child, so that’s where my eye for the nautical style comes from and why I love working with rope so much,” says Recomendes. Anyone who enjoys boating or lives hear the ocean will appreciate her signature bracelet styles crafted out of strong maritime rope or bungie cord and sleek metal anchor clasps.
view gallery
Amy D’Alessio | JALDENS WOMENS
J. Alden Clothiers opened its doors in 1993 in the historic village of Essex, Connecticut. Their intention has always been to offer the finest clothing and furnishings while providing the highest measure of service possible.
As the need for their clothing and services increased, they found it necessary to move to a larger location on Main Street in the center of the village. Jim and Amy have always been fortunate to have a large clientele from the Connecticut shore and from around the world. The business continues to grow thanks to the influx of new families moving to the Essex area as well as the increased number of visitors through the Internet.
In January 2020, a fire at the adjacent Black Seal Restaurant caused massive smoke damage within J. Alden. A full month’s detailed cleaning and painting inspired their theme of “Refresh and Renew”, as well as a new direction for the brand. Upon its re-opening in spring 2020, J. Alden officially launched a women’s clothing and accessories arm of the business, overseen by founder Jim D’Alessio’s beloved wife, Amy. Together, Jim and Amy remain committed to serving the Essex community with high-quality products and customer service that has been synonymous with J. Alden since 1993.
ABOUT AMY AND JIM
Jim D’Alessio and Amy Wilson D’Alessio have been friends since both attending Franklin Pierce University in the 1980s. Jim had been a manager at Henry Miller in Hartford, CT, as well as Men’s Department Manager at Polo/Ralph Lauren in Farmington, CT.
Amy had been a graphic artist with the Aetna Insurance Company before becoming a stay at home mom. She went on to be a partner, buyer, and merchandiser with “Newbury Place”, a gift shop in Southbury CT. Due to the “magic” of Match.com, the two become reaquainted in 2011, were married in 2019, and are now co-owners of J. Alden.
Both Amy and Jim are past Presidents of, and remain active members in, The Essex Board of Trade/ “Experience Essex.”
I joined New England Coastal Creative in late March 2020 and it was the best investment in my business I have made. I have learned so many skills, like how to use Canva, Shopify and so much more as well as met so many amazing creatives that have supported my small business in ways I never imagined. I strongly urge any small business or creatives to join and if you need more reasons why don’t hesitate to reach out.
to learn more visit
map it
view gallery
Paul Landry | PAUL LANDRY CO
Founded out of a need for t-shirt refinement, Paul Landry Co. emerges as the comfiest, most durable American apparel a prepster can get their claws on. Inspired by the dapper stylings of Paul’s beloved Grampa Pooh, Paul Landry Co. aims to bring the sweet melted butter culture of New England style and values to the everyday adventurer and cool dudes alike. His grandfather, when not working in Boston, would venture up to Maine or down to Cape Cod to enjoy a good hike, a casual rowboat trip in Muscongus Bay, or perhaps hustle down to the local Round Pond lobster pound to get himself a lobstah roll and a beer. Paul Landry Co. embodies his regal charisma and love of the outdoors in our clothing.
He taught Paul the need of owning at least one well made suit, the pride of being a New Englander, the importance of health and happiness, the joy of exploring with picnic lunch tucked in your rucksack and delighting in lupines for just a few short summer weeks. At 86, his social calendar is always full. He shows that real gentlemen dance at parties, tie their own bow ties, can cook at the campfire as well as the kitchen, know charm and etiquette are not lost arts, and can build and design furniture as well as forts. Oh, and don’t forget your basic sailing knowledge, “just in case”. He’s the chivalrous kind of guy who still hand draws his note cards and starts every meal with a raised glass along with a toast referencing his favorite Irish poem.
It’s that spirit that Paul tried to capture in Paul Landry Co. When you wear his clothing, you’re ready for any adventure – big or small.
"Running a clothing & accessory brand, paired with a full time job sailing me all over the eastern seaboard, I knew the only way to grow was through networking education. I was hungry for the inside scoop, and the New England Coastal Creative fulfilled that craving with it’s depth of experienced colleagues eagerly sharing professional perspectives and eye opening inspirations. As we purposely pivoted with the onset of the pandemic, I too, with fresh, mature insight, newly forged connections, and a digital “boost”, was able to navigate a sharper turn toward success. My wholesale base grew by leaps and bounds. I created an entirely new private label side of my work; I collaborated with phenomenal photographers, influencers and content creators. It just ...worked. As the saying goes, “You reap what you sow”. I willingly shared my unique entrepreneurial perspective and received back tenfold both personally and professionally. I am invigorated as I look forward to the growth of my company."
to learn more visit
view gallery
