Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
It's a Retro Revival
St. Simons Island is the perfect place to step back in time. And it’s been an ideal location to vacation since the 1870s. Back in the days of the lumber mills, boats brought mail and passengers from the mainland. When the new lighthouse was built in 1872, the keeper created a small amusement park that attracted numerous visitors. Families from Brunswick, Waycross, and Baxley made the island their summer retreat and by the 1880s the resort industry was thriving. When hotels and a new pier were erected on the south end with regular ferry service available, wealthy northerners began spending their vacations here too. The opening of the Torras Causeway in 1924 marked a new era by making the island’s beaches easily accessible by automobile to locals and tourists alike. A few years later Howard Coffin added to the island’s appeal with a golf course, yacht club, and residential development complete with paved roads.
During World War II, troops stationed in Jacksonville, Savannah, and Camp Stewart enjoyed weekend vacations on the island. Officers and soldiers and their families also took up residence at Naval Air Station St. Simons, the newly designated Navy training facility and radar station located where The King and Prince Resort is today. Because of this increased growth, the military made substantial improvements to the island’s infrastructure, leading to booming development on St. Simons Island in the 1950s and 60s. The setting for the photos you’ll see here was already established at that time. Queens Court Inn first opened its doors to vacationers in 1948 and, having undergone a recent renovation, is more ready than ever to host beachgoers and island explorers today. With a nod to nostalgia, we welcome you to summer on St. Simons Island.
Vintage vibes and old school cool are what you'll find here.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Cabana Girl
Katie Rikansrud isn’t afraid of making some waves in a cute Profile by Gottex bandeau peplum swimdress and cat-eye mirrored shades, both from Cricket Shop! Her earrings and sandals are both available at Planters Exchange, and the vintage travel case is a fabulous find from Olde Town Antiques.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Time to Unwind Island Style
Float with the flamingos and dive into our retro revival at Queens Court Inn with Mackenzie Buckley who channels her inner pin-up girl in a fab polka dot Michael Kors belted swimdress from Cricket Shop. Hibiscus from ACE Garden Center.
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Elegant Island Living/Annalies Kondo
Vintage Vibe
Old school cool is the ambiance as Andrew Altman checks in at the colorful lobby desk accentuated with floral arrangement and tropical plants from ACE Garden Center. Andrew wears classic attire and carries a leather bag from Bullington. The vintage suitcase is from Olde Town Antiques.
And here's the perfect way to get around the island! A throwback classic cruiser from the 1960s, MOKE was initially designed by British Motor Company and Sir Issac Issigonis (father of the Austin Mini) to be a combat ready vehicle that could be air-dropped by the British Army. The open air, low speed vehicles became a beloved car for Caribbean tourists and icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jackie O. St. Simons MOKE America is Georgia’s original MOKE America dealership and sells these electric, street legal vehicles in 11 stylish colors. Rentals also available so you can enjoy fun in the sun. For those looking for transportation of the two-wheeled kind, give Two Brothers Bike Shop a call to rent some beach cruisers!
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
I Get Around...In A MOKE!
The Moke was a popular vehicle with the Beach Boys and the surf community. Dave Walton and Allyson Roberts are certainly on board with this transportation! Dave sports beach attire from Ocean Motion, the sweet Village surf shop that also supplied the colorful skimboards and Allyson’s sandals. Her swimsuit is from Cricket Shop.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
MOKE Up Close & Personal
Initially designed to be a combat ready vehicle that could be air-dropped by the British military, the open air, low speed MOKE became a favorite among Caribbean tourists and celebs in the 60s. You can now rent or buy your own from St. Simons MOKE America.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Surf Style
Ocean Motion has tropical prints and surf styles that are ideal for the island, like this floral shirt worn by Dave Walton.
Queens Court Inn has a secluded outdoor pool with terrific seating and a covered grilling area nearby. Tropical bliss if you happen to be traveling with a grill master who's willing to cook up dinner while you take a refreshing dip. As an alternative, pick up some pizzas or carry-out from one of our delicious restaurant and bring it back to your room!
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Royal Relaxation
Swim style fit for a queen. Ashley VanDonkelaar wears a Kate Spade bikini from Cricket Shop and a Harika Turkish cotton and bamboo cover-up from ALo Naturals.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Just Chill!
Take a page from Ashley’s book and enjoy some pool time with a good read and refreshing drink. Serving tray and glassware from Dutchmans, Tibi sandals, clutch from Planters Exchange, paperback from GJ Ford Bookshop.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
That's Amore on the Island
Marissa Mercer jazzed up her room with a little tropical flair and has invited friends over to enjoy some mouthwatering pies from Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria. Flowers and flamingo from ACE Garden Center, blown glass and driftwood vase from Cunningham Jewelers, Turkish towel and skincare products from ALo Naturals. ROXY beach bag, bathing suit, cover-up, and sandals from Ocean Motion.
There are plenty of things to do and places to see when you want to hit the town too - from eateries to art galleries to historic sites.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Sitting Pretty
In an O2 denim jacket, Shae dress & jewelry from Birdie’s of St. Simons, Keri Anderson is more than ready for a weekend stay. Her pink metallic Rosie cosmetic case & Maggie hanging toiletry case, and Alexis weekender bag, all from Birdie’s, hold the essentials while she keeps her “carry-on” light with a white Tibi Toujours Petit Bag. Her shoes are from Planters Exchange.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Touch Up & Brush Up
Keri refreshes her lipstick before headingout to take in some island history.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Artistic Inspiration
Take time to explore the island's art galleries or take in a workshop. Marden Headley, an instructor at the Artists’ Annex, wears attire and jewelry from Cobblestone Living as she readies to capture the picturesque scene of a bike with a basket full of flowers. Two Brothers Bike Shop can sell you a new beach cruiser or other bikes and accessories. They also offer rentals and repairs. Golden Isles Bracelet Co., is where you can find Marden’s turtle bracelet, designed exclusively for Jekyll Island, whichdirectly benefits the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Get out and catch some live music!
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Rock Around the Clock
Kenzie Patton and Staci Bennett are ready to go twist and shout. Kenzie wears clothing, jewelry, and sandals from Planters Exchange. You’ll find Staci’s look at Tibi from the fishnet macrame oversized T-shirt to her emerald Amari suede sandals. Her necklace is by Bittersweet Designs from Planters Exchange. Candles/holders from Planters Exchange.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Finishing Touch
Staci Bennett puts on a Teardrop ear cuff to complete her Tibi ensemble.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
What a pearl!
Kenzie Patton shows off “Pebble Pearl” earrings by Catherine Canino. Necklace and earrings are both available at Planters Exchange.
Families are welcome!
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Mama Mia!
Mamas Jenny Harris and Mimi Luce are stunning while sunning in swimwear from Cricket Shop. Jenny’s beautiful daughters, Isla and Georgia, and Mimi’s precious Madeline all wear children’s clothing from Bailey Boys. Isla’s rhinestone headband is from Cricket Shop. Nash Hargraves looks on with beach blonde boyish appeal in an ensemble from Frederica Pharmacy. This new pharmacy has all your pool/beach needs covered from sunscreen, mesh totes, sunglasses, to fun inflatables & toys. The pink and orange beach bag from Cricket Shop is big enough to stash it all.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Mini Mermaids
Georgia and Isla show off smiles and shimmering mermaid dolls from Frederica Pharmacy. Their swimsuits are from Bailey Boys and Isla's rhinestone headband is from the Cricket Shop.
Take it easy! Whether you choose the pool or the beach, staying in or going out, make sure you ease into island time and enjoy.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Settle in for a Siesta
Lauren Papich's striped tank and Missy Durkin's floral swimsuit are from Southern Tide, while Katie Rikansrud's blue ruffled suit is from Ronne’s on Market Street. Blue sun hat is from Cricket Shop, hats with bows are from Ronne's on Market Street. ALo Naturals supplied the colorful striped Turkish cotton towels. Poolside reading is courtesy of G.J. Ford Bookshop.
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Elegant Island Living/Annaliese Kondo
Cheers to Summer!
Lauren, Katie and Missy toast the perfect getaway. Katie’s colorful earrings are from her own jewelry line. Insulated drink tumblers are available at St. Simons Drug Co.
Thank you!
Much thanks to Sean Hargraves and Beth Stillwell at Queens Court Inn for the hospitality and inspiring atmosphere. Our gratitude goes out to ACE Garden Center for providing the beautiful flowers and foliage seen in the photos, and to EIL distribution crew Noah Meyer and Sophia Ennis for helping with the heavy lifting. To Mallory Sailors of Coastal Glam for creating the retro looks in hair and makeup. To Max from Two Brothers Bike Shop and Lance from St. Simons Moke America for delivering the wheels. Our appreciation to Tasteful Temptations for providing a tasty spread and 19th Hole Package Store for supplying the necessary beverages to accompany it. And last, but not least, thanks to the lovely models who gave us their time and helped bring our vintage vision to life. All photos by Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop, with on site assistance from Malik Smiley.
Retro Revival Featured Advertiser Index
19th Hole Package Store • 3600 Frederica Rd, Ste. 17 • 912.638.8610 • facebook.com/19th-hole-package-store
ACE Garden Center • 2807 Demere Rd. • 912.634.0523 • facebook.com/acegardencenter
ALo Naturals • 265 Redfern Village • 912.623.0005 • alonaturals.com
Artists’ Annex Gallery • 100 Sylvan Drive, Ste. #170 • Gallery 912.634.8414 • Marden Headley 842.998.4773 • andersonfineartgallery.com
Bailey Boys • 155 Skylane Rd. • 912.638.7700 • baileyboys.com
Birdie’s of St. Simons • 1663 Frederica Rd. • 912.434.9583 • birdiesofstsimons.com
Bullington • 3600 Frederica Rd. • 912.771.8457 • stevebullington.com
Cobblestone Living • 262 Redfern Village • facebook.com/cobblestonelifestyle
Cricket Shop • 102 Redfern Village • 912.638.6262 • facebook.com/cricketpurpledoor
Cunningham Jewelers • 1510 Newcastle St., Brunswick • 912.265.8652 • cunninghamjewelers.com
Dutchmans • 505 Beachview Drive • 912.634.2764 • dutchmansdesigns.com
Frederica Pharmacy • 3603 Frederica Rd. • 912.357.2357 • fredericapharmacy.com
G.J. Ford Bookshop • 600 Sea Island Rd. • 912.634.6168 • gjfordbookshop.com
Golden Isles Bracelet Co. • 215 Mallery St. • 912.638.3636 • gibcobracelets.com
Katie Rikansrud Accessories • 904.508.3216 • instagram.com/katie.rikansrud.accessories
Moke America – St. Simons • Sales and Rentals • 912.493.9444 • mokeamericasaintsimons.com
Ocean Motion Surf. Co. • 210 Mallery St. • 912.638.5390 • oceanmotionsurfco.com
Olde Town Antiques • 1407 Newcastle St., Brunswick • 912.506.0828
Planters Exchange • 26 Market St., Ste.110 • 912.638.9888 • plantersexchange.com
Queen’s Court Inn • 437 Kings Way • 912.268.4966 • queenscourtinn.com
Ronne’s on Market Street • 28 Market St., Ste. 124 • 912.638.5100 • instagram.com/ronnelebow_ssi
St. Simons Drug Co. • 209 Longview Plaza • 912.638.8676 • stsimonsdrugs.com
Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria • 3415 Frederica Rd., Ste. E • 912.268.2328 • salsneighborhoodpizzeria.com
Southern Tide St. Simons Island • 600 Sea Island Rd., Ste. 8 • 912.434.6140 • facebook.com/southern-tide-st-simons-island
Tibi St. Simons • 28 Market St., Ste. 120 • 912.638.1221 • instagram.com/tibistsimons
Two Brothers Bike Shop • 227 Mallery St. • 912.638.6766 • twobrothersbikeshop.com
