Happy Fourth of July! I chose today to feature a young New England couple launching an accessories line as they strive for their piece of the American dream…
What happens when two young entrepreneurs take the road less traveled and defer pursuing an advance degree for an exciting, inspired business adventure? Leo Phylips and Sarah Hillstrom, both natives of Boston’s South Shore, both grew up vacationing in and around Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Warm summer nights, fresh blueberries and a decidedly coastal culture are what resonated with the two who met during college. Their combined passion for coastal-inspired, stylish accessories are what gave them the courage to launch Dock & Harbor, a whimsical, expanding line of preppy-meets-nautical scarves and ties.
The couple acknowledges that simple patterned and bold colored accessories aren’t new to the market, but what sets Dock & Harbor apart is the quality of the pieces and that patterns coordinate. Ties and bowties ($60-$78) are 100% silk and made in Italy. Scarves ($85-$108), also handmade in Italy, are made of 90% Modal and 10% Cashmere; 50% Modal, 42% Linen, 8% Silk; or 100% cotton. Patterns include: sailboats, golf clubs, stand-up paddleboards, lobsters, nautical signal flags, lighthouses, Maine town signs, striped bass, pine trees, compass roses, clamming, and puffins plus custom designs.
The lobster scarf I have in navy is so soft it is going to be a year-round staple. I love it so much I featured it on my monthly feature on the popular blog, The Daily Basics.
Keep an eye out for Dock & Harbor at the Newport International Boat Show later this summer and in local shops in the future!
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