Soleil Toile — the Post Road East lingerie/swimwear/accessories/and more shop — is closing soon.
They started in 1990, with 1,400 square feet specializing in fine lingerie from the US and Europe.
A 1997 move to their 3,400-square foot store enabled them to expand into swim and resort wear.
They opened a second store in New Canaan. It closed last September.
News of the closing — at the end of July — has disappointed many longtime customers.
Until then, many items are 30-60% off.
PS: If you have forgotten your French, Soleil Toile means “sun canvas” or “sun cloth.” (Hat tip/Sal Liccione)
==================================================
Of the 6 agenda items for tomorrow’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), the one with the most direct impact on most Westporters is a proposal by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee to lower parking limits on Main Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Bay Street and Jesup Road from 3 hours to 2.
The change would affect on-street parking only. Parking lots — including Parker Harding Plaza, the Baldwin lot, and the Taylor and Jesup lots near the Library — would remain at 3 hours.
Parking lot limits would not change. But street parking would.
==================================================
Pride Month is over. But Bill Shakos is back, with a podcast focusing on LGBTQ+ youth.
The Westporter — who dives deep into important topics, in his “What Do I Know?” series — speaks in Episode 10 with Kayla Ianetta. The Staples High School science teacher chairs the Westport Public Schools’ Pride Coalition.
GenXer Bill and Millennial Kayla chat explore the world of GenZ queer youth. Kayla discusses her own journey, along with the importance of safe spaces, DEI backlash, and much more.
Click here for various ways to download the podcast.
Kayla Iannetta
===============================================
What can be better than a morning coffee and treats, outside at The Blondinit?
How about a chance to play mahjong too?
The Church Lane restaurant has partnered with the Haus of Mahj. They’ll host a “Monday Morning open play” next week (July 14, 10 a.m. to noon; experienced players only).
The $30 fee includes coffee or soft drink (food is available for purchase). Grab your quad or sign up solo. All materials — including tiles, racks and mats — are provided. Click here for more information, and to reserve a spot.
================================================
One last look back at the holiday weekend — specifically, the Levitt Pavilion.
On Sunday, Westport’s outdoor entertainment venue featured Jake Swamp & the Pine.
The Americana/folk/pop/country/and more band was joined by Kaliloops, and emerging folks artists Simon Robert French and Harrison Goodell.
Jake Swamp recently played the Greenwich Town Party — the same festival as Alanis Morissette.
Looking ahead at the Levitt:
- Tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m.): Westport Community Band
- Wednesday (7 p.m.): Children’s Series, with Joanie Leeds
- Thursday (7:30 p.m.): Richiman and Groove Nice (7:30 p.m.; American-style blues band from South Korea).
All 3 shows are free, but tickets are required. Click here to reserve tickets, and for more information.
Jake Swamp & the Pine, and friends, on the Levitt Pavilion stage.
=================================================
Jazz at the Post swings into summer with pianist/composer Sarah Jane Cion. She’s joined in a classic trio with bassist Alex Safy and drummer Mike Camacho.
It’s Thursday (July 10, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students). Click here for reservations.
==================================================
Former Westport resident and store owner Michael Nappa III died June 30. He was 75, and lived in Milford.
Michael helped run the family business, Nappa Sales, with his father Michael Jr. and brother Robert from 1971 to 1981. After their father died, Michael and Robert ran it until they closed their doors in 2018.
They also managed 15 apartments behind the storefront on Main Street in Westport, which served low-income tenants. Some kept in touch even after moving away.
Michael enjoyed movies. He also rescued cats, and nursed them back to health.
He is survived by his sister Marion of Westport; brother Robert (Linda) of Wilton; nieces and nephews Linda and Diana DeMattia, and Katherine and and Robert Nappa Jr. and great-nephews and nieces Daniel Landan, and Emma and Louis Parnes.
The Family will receive friend in the Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (July 10, 10-11 a.m.). A graveside service will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road at 11:15 a.m.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences for the family can be left online here.
Michael Nappa III
==========================================
Most “Westport … Naturally” photos are gorgeous, inspiring, cute or fun.
Occasionlly, they’re all of those in one shot.
Today’s image is none of the above.
Spotted lanternflies can be seen all over town.
Tammy Barry “spotted” this scene on Hillspoint Road. Neaby, the invasive bugs can be seen all over the trunks of another invasive species: trees of heaven.
Ugh.
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of Soleil Toile (story above):
(What does “06880” need? Well, not lingerie. But we really could use a tax-deductible contribution or two, to support our 24/7/365 hyper-local work. Please click here. Lizzo and I thank you.)
I know it seems futile, but every action helps – consider equipping yourself with a spray bottle of white vinegar to spray on these nymphs when you see them. In addition to Tree of Heaven they like grape vines, rose bushes and figs. I sprayed some on my fig last week and no new ones have appeared. Earlier I had found some on the siding of my house and was able to just squish them against the hard surface, but they are fast and the spray bottle is more likely to get them.
Also, I’ve recently discovered that coffee kills aphids. I do a second pour over my morning coffee grinds and spray it on the aphids on my asclepias (milkweed).
Leave downtown parking at 3 hours. Hard to eat and shop a little in under 2 hours. Gonna write a lot of tickets 🎟️ 😜
I do remember my French: Soleil Toile is a portmanteau, combining soleil (sun) and étoile (star).
so sad about soleil toile! the best ladies there, especially Janine!
it was not their choice to close they landlord did not renew their lease!