Simply Santa Fe

I frequently go to New Mexico so today we're doing a little Shop Talk Santa Fe. There are so many wonderful stores for unique clothing, art and furniture, but I'll start with a Plaza staple. Simply Santa Fe was a must-stop on the Plaza long before all the other stores sprouted up and Santa Fe became SANTA FE. (Believe it or not, the famed downtown Plaza was once just a square with a Woolworth's and stores selling beaded belts and souvenirs.) Simply Santa Fe sells unique women's clothing on the main floor, some funky but all fashion forward. I spotted a fabulous white brocade coat and an embellished dress, two of the many things I'm unlikely to find in Bethesda. The top two floors are devoted to whimsical furnishings, dishes and accessories. The Italian porcelain plates I bought here years ago are my entertaining staples. My house-bored husband even gets excited about their furniture; I had to drag him out of a leather rocker, now on the list for our Southwestern someday dream house. This bed makes sleeping under the stars an everyday reality.

MoCo Paused

I admit it. I've flown the coop. I've been enjoying the gorgeous state of New Mexico and just need to share with you some of the sights of Santa Fe. Years ago, when I first came to the capital city, it was nothing more than a traditional plaza surrounded by simple stores for tourists offering not much more than beaded belts and kachina dolls. By now it has exploded into an arts and tourists' mecca drawing an international crowd to its summer festivals, markets and renowned outdoor opera. Here are a few sights from around town. I'll be back in MoCo tomorrow night and will hit the ground running to get you all caught up on exciting, upcoming events.

Sculpture on Canyon Road

Folkloric art in the park

The fabulous painted glass windows surrounding a door at La Fonda Hotel

Folk art

Segways heading toward the Cathedral

Little faces beckon from a window