The Gift of the Magi at The Player's Ring

 'Tis the season! I know, I know. There are a few folks out there yelling "It's not even Thanksgiving yet!", but the time really does creep closer and it is important to start it off right. 

Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing The Gift of the Magi at The Player's Ring on Marcy Street. The Player's Ring is a black-box arena, home to a very intimate viewing experience, but don't let the size fool you.  Throughout the year, they prove themselves a fixture in the Seacoast arts scene and a fearless powerhouse, producing many locally written scripts and never shying from the shows that get audiences buzzing and debating. Last night they demonstrated their flexibility with a musical version of  a classic Christmas tale, The Gift of the Magi.

If you've never read the short story by O. Henry, you're missing out. It's a classic tale with a surprise ending- a reminder of the gifts of love and hope and why we come together to celebrate them every year. I work at Pickwick's Mercantile, so I know a lot about finding the perfect gift, but there is no substitute for something given with love.

The Player's Ring was the perfect platform for the story. The small theater, an ode to a Portsmouth of yore, put you right in the middle of the unfolding excitement. The music was catchy and well-executed, there was much humming on the way out the door, and the two leads, with their lovely voices, definitely did it justice. I appreciated the honesty of the production- it stuck to a simple set, simple costuming, and relied on the emotional investment of cast and crew to bring the heartache and triumph to life. They did so beautifully- my compliments to director, Deb Barry.

Emily Karel (Della) and Ben Bagley (James)
bring the love-birds to life!

At $15 a ticket and $12 for seniors and students, I recommend that you bring the whole family. It makes for a great date night and is completely appropriate for the gaggle of little ones, as well. There are six more opportunities to go down to the Players Ring to jump-start the holiday season with The Gift of the Magi. I will be very surprised if you do not come away with your heart thoroughly warmed.

Click here for The Player's Ring!

RosA Tones

I am always looking for excuses to dress up, but who isn't? Some of the allure of wearing a particularly beautiful outfit is in the rareness of it, that you really have to wait on the special occasions that require hair, heels, and that dress that you scrounged for and will wear only twice, but by God it will be worth it. Restaurant Spotlight is an exciting addition to the blog, not just because we get to bring some attention to the great work of our neighbors, but because it's a chance to go out to eat and get fancy.

I call them Paris shoes, but that might be wishful thinking.

It's nearly time to retire the light chiffon for the season, but I had one more chance to wear my favorite lightweight before the nights got too cold. I love the asymmetry in the dress's hem, but also the fact that it's not so dramatic as the hi-lo trend of the last couple of summers. The uneven line, paired with the champagne tones of the dress, hits a demure note, without being boring.

Prince & Bowery - $60/each at Pickwick's Mercantile!

Halcyon Days Salamander - $130 at Pickwick's Mercantile!

 Okay, let me rant a little. That bottom picture is a Halcyon Days Salamander enamel bracelet. Halcyon Days make the most beautiful gold and palladium plated jewelry and they're all new to the shop just in time for the Christmas season. I'm only wearing one type of the collections we currently carry, there is also a grouping of beautiful color-blocked bangles and one remaining piece with a leopard's head clasp. I think it juxtaposed nicely with the peaches n' cream tones of the Prince & Bowery bracelets on the other wrist.

Necklace: $48 at Pickwick's Mercantile!

Earrings - $38 at Pickwick's Mercantile

 I wanted the bracelets to be the centerpiece of the outfit, so I used very simple accessories for throat and ears. I love the shine in the little drop earrings and I'm starting to warm up to the idea of gold on blonde. I've always been a silver girl, but maybe all of this exposure to gold-tones in the shop is starting to rub off on me.

Tweed lovin'

I really loved the lighting in The Rosa, it was very cozy.

What can I say? I'm blazer crazy. They're great because they create a wonderful shape through the shoulders and back and can keep an outfit feminine, without making it girly. A nice blazer that fits just right is a good investment, in my book (I recommend making a trip to J. Crew). It's an essential wardrobe piece. As you can see, I love the tweed variant. It's a very classic, recognizable material that has stuck around all of these years for a reason.

Matt & Nat clutch-size wallet - $60 at Pickwick's Mercantile

My personal wallet is a Matt & Nat, so I have nothing but love for this ethical Montreal company. They make beautiful products out of recycled leathers and other materials, like plastic bottles and re-worked tires. It's kind of cool to think of- the things we leave lying around in this life coming back as a lovely mauve piece like this one. 

An enormous "Thank you" to The Rosa for letting us take pictures in their beautiful space. Check out our Restaurant Spotlight on them to find out more!

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Love something in this post, but can't come by to pick it up?

Send me an e-mail: thistlejones@gmail.com and we'll send it right to your door!

Restaurant Spotlight: The Rosa

The Rosa; a State Street main-stay

Welcome to our newest feature! Here and there we will be covering a local restaurant, giving a peek in to what they offer and what we loved about our community eateries and their cuisine. It only seemed right to kick off the Restaurant Spotlight feature with our next door neighbor, The Rosa.

I'm all about the mood lighting

Totally loved all of the classic, sweet wall art

The Rosa has been a mainstay in the Portsmouth community since 1927. My own parents have been coming here for dates for a decade. They advertise affordable Italian cuisine and a lovely atmosphere which is both perfect for family or a sweet date- on those fronts they definitely delivered.

Rocking the Prince & Bowery bracelets...
See more of this in tomorrow's post!

We started off with the Garlic Knots, which were a phenomenal way to start a meal, so buttery, soft, and perfectly seasoned. For our entrees, I ordered a Caprese Salad, seeing as I get weak in the knees over tomatoes and mozzarella, any day, and the gentleman ordered a Gnocchi Bolognese. Chris is the tough critic when it comes to Italian food, seeing as he gets it homemade whenever he's with family, but both of our dishes got a thumbs up despite some pretty high standards. For my dish in particular, it was nice to have such good tomatoes even when the vegetable is out of season. I was tempted to ask where the chef got them!

If you have kids, or are just more of a simple eater, all of us at Pickwick's have to recommend the pizzas from The Rosa's menu. They are light and completely delicious. I've had them a dozen times, probably, and never get sick of them. It's wonderful that they offer a pizza option, because it gives their menu a lot of depth. They offer everything from classic Bruschetta to homey Garlic knots and then back up the elegance scale to Veal Milanese (Breaded veal with arugula, capers, red onions, and a lemon sauce). 

We really had a lovely evening and you should make a stop by. It will be the perfect place for a Christmas season meal, because Pickwick's Mercantile and Edgehill's Common Threads are situated right next door and you can come and hang out with us while you wait for your table! Stay tuned for our style follow-up from our evening out, to be posted tomorrow!

The Rosa's Website

Poncho Madness

Senor Tyrone poncho in Burgundy Classic
$115 at Pickwick's Mercantile!

Okay, I'm totally sold on ponchos and capes. My wardrobe obsessions are seasonal and not necessarily in keeping with what the look-books are preaching, but this time Trend and I are totally in sync. I've never worn a poncho before, and I love spacious, warm cardigans, so I was happy to discover that a poncho is cozy like a cardigan, but that it kicks the grandma bit right out of the equation. 

These earrings are possibly the favorites in my collection.
I got them at Serendipity for New Year's last year.
You know me- art deco anything! 

While a cardigan is a homey staple, I am in love with the lines created by a poncho. Our Senor Tyrone selections are no exception. With their beautiful detailing and rich colors, they fall and fold in all of the right places, no matter how you wear them. Toss them over a tucked-in button-down and channel your inner ranchero, or make your v-neck T look put together and sharp with some contrast and fringe. We (the Pickwickians, including myself) all got a little crazy and creative with our many "Variations on a Poncho" in the quiet store that morning. 

Levi's belt and Swedish Has-Been boots!
What a pair!

A nice mid-western leather belt and some laced up boots keep the look grounded, solid  basics to pair with your funky new piece. The Senor Tyrone ponchos are perfect gifts, because your lady (or gentleman!) won't have to go out and stress over finding something that goes.They match and spice up everything, even my thrifted shirt (true story) and well broken in Levi's (only denim brand for me).

Swedish Lace-up HasBeen Boots
$260 at Pickwick's Mercantile!

Which is your favorite look of the three? I have to say. I'm a big fan of the dramatic side-scarfing technique. It's nice with a leather coat and striking. I wish I'd done it with a side-braid to the opposite shoulder. We like our ponchos so much that we shared the fun around. Bryan and Bronte, fellow shopkeepers, rocked the Persimmon and Creme.

Slightly reluctant model to my left.

Bronte, looking sweet as her smile...
Our wonderful photographer , Chris D'Amore,
was enchanted by the meeting of angles in this shot.

So that's the verdict. Ponchos are chic, and Senor Tyrone's are especially so! These pieces will be much beloved members of our closet for many years to come. We're all about looks that never go out of style- and since clean lines, beautiful colors, and sweet prints never fail, we'll never be let down when we open up our closets to these classic bad boys. But, of course, one perfect center piece at the heart of an outfit, does not excuse the need for good accessories.

Wrap Bracelet/Necklace - $24 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Matt & Nat Tablet Case - $38 (!)

I love the cluster and chaos of this wrapped necklace as a bracelet. It keeps people on their toes when it's paired with an outfit that is otherwise so simple and sharp. Add on a sleek, minimalistic tablet case like Matt & Nat to contribute to all that sweet contrast. Finally, a Besame lipgloss for sweet and the Bendelirious scent (one of my two new favorites!) full of cherry, wood, and a sweet leather accord to tie it all together.

Besame Cherry Gloss
$18 at Pickwick's

L'Etat Libre's Bendelirious
$110 at Pickwick's Mercantile

 'Tis the season to start hunting for pretty indoor spaces in which to do photoshoots. The sunsets have been particularly stunning from our end of State Street and I hope you're catching them. Fall is fading, believe it or not, but we're ready for a beautiful winter. Here's to plenty of snow, lots of love, and that the coming long dark nights will be nights without want.

The Good, The Bad, and the Sassy

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Loving Tyrone or something else seen in today's post?

E-mail me @ thistlejones@gmail.com and we'll make sure that your treasures come right to your door.

Uncle Vanya in Maine

John-John (Brent Askari) and Sonny (Rebecca Rudolf)

 Holding down the homestead in turn-of-the-century Maine

I'm terribly sad that I am only getting to share with you about Uncle Vanya in Maine on the morning of its final performance. Last night, I ushered for Kittery's Star Theatre in Maine as they presented Kent Stephens' Stage Force's retelling of one Anton Chekhov's master works. I was expecting a wonderful show, being a little familiar with Chekhov from a theatre "geek" adolescence, but from the second I walked in and saw the lovely set waiting in the half-light, I knew I was in for something truly special. 

                                    

  The show exceeded my expectations in every way. The writing itself completely transported every one of us in the audience to the heart of rustic Maine and into the conflicted household of Uncle John-John and his oblivious nemesis, the Professor. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but  I will tell you that it will break your heart and then mend it, bringing laughter and sorrow in turn. I left with my heart incredibly light. Not only had I been renewed by a visit to the theatre, but I had the unique joy and privilege of committing a new and wonderful story to heart. My deepest thanks to the crew for their beautiful work, the actors for their eloquent, authentic performances, and to Kent Stephens' Stage Force and the Star Theatre in Kittery for giving us all the opportunity to take part. 

Fun Fact
I wore these shoes in high-school musicals.

So if you're reading this on Sunday, go go go! Your life will be greatly enriched by the passionate work of those who brought us Uncle Vanya in Maine. Pickwick's Mercantile was glad to sponsor this show and I was glad to attend!

The Star Theatre's
Kent Stephens' Stage Force
NHPR reports on Uncle Vanya in Maine

                                         

Vin-tea-ge

Hair ribbons never go out of style

You may have noticed that I am in love with anything that has a little bit of the old-timey clinging to it. The vintage movement is an exciting thing because it reveals universal trends, things that stand up to the test of time. Some things stick culturally because whatever it is that makes them special has an appeal that transcends trend. Some things come back around because they were never really gone. So now that you know that's how I feel, imagine how excited I was when my dress came in from Bitter Root Vintage and it was absolutely perfect! Bitter Root was wonderful- the dress was exactly as I hoped it would be and came in record time. Once it arrived with its sweet little note from the proprietress, I began scheming over what I could pair it with from the store.

Mustard English Kit-bag - $95 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Hunter scene scarf - $24 at Pickwick's Mercantile
English Wool Cardigan - $60 at Edgehill's Common Threads!
and, of course,
Box Hem Dress - $28 at Bitter Root Vintage

Lucky Feather rabbit necklace - $13 (!!) at Pickwick's Mercantile

 One of the things that I really love about autumn is dressing in all of the gorgeous, rich tones that the season inspires. When you live in New England, it's not uncommon to wish you were as brilliant as the fall foliage. Merlots and mustards, deep grays and dusky blues are all such wonderful choices that I couldn't choose, so I tossed them all in. I was surprised at how beautifully the mustard and cranberry shade went together. I will definitely be repeating the pairing in the future.

Lucky Feather Bracelet - $6 + $5 charm at Pickwick's Mercantile

Forever in brogues

I am in love with this box hem and this bag.

I recently purchased the Downton Abbey Cookbook (recipe review coming this week!) for my mother's birthday and will confess, that it was a little bit for myself as well. I made the Apple Charlotte recipe and it was an absolute treat, perfect with a cup of tea. As for tea, my cousin Chelsea enjoyed the Chocolate Mint tea from Harvest Thyme so much that she sent me in with some pocket change to buy her own packet!

English leather kit-bag - $95 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Emma Bridgewater mugs - $36 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Apple Charlotte - free at Thistle's kitchen!

The whole family agrees-  it's a keeper!

Hunter Scene scarf (LOVE!) - $24 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Emma Bridgewater Love mug - $36
Emma Bridgewater "A Useful Mug" - $28
Lucky Feather Bracelet and Charm - $11/set
Lucky Feather rabbit necklace - $13
Vintage Tea Party Year - $ ___
Chocolate Mint tea - $2.50 (includes 6 bags, made in Dublin, NH!)

I am very lucky to live in such a beautiful state. The best accessory you can ever hope to have are your surroundings and the people you love. It was a beautiful morning full of sweet, little things and I was so glad to have it. Which reminds me- are you keeping up with our ThxThxThx project on instagram?

Thank you, Chris of Chris D'Amore Photography!
(and congratulations on 3,000 tumblr notes!)

I recommend that you check out Bitter Root Vintage to stock up on new clothing pieces for the season and then swing by Pickwick's and accessorize! What am I recommending at Bitter Root? Well, it changes all of the time, but for now, I'm in love with:

Tumble and Twirl Dress

Tiny Steps Dress

Charm School Dress

Happy styling!

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Love something in the post, but can't come in and pick it up? That's okay! Contact me at thistlejones@gmail.com and we'll make sure your treasure makes it to your doorstep!

Happy November!

Just to let our instagram/twitter followers know, I'll be doing a little project for the month of November based on a sweet book that we sell in the shop:

Leah Dietrich's mother told her to write thank you notes to the every-day things in life as an exercise in gratitude. And that is just what she does. This book is filled with dozens of sweet thank you notes that will remind you of just how sweet it is to be alive and kicking in this wonderful world. Better yet, it may inspire you to take up your own "thx" project, which is just what I'll be doing for the month of November. From now until Thanksgiving, I will be posting a different thank-you note on the instagram (@pickwickstyle) every day. At the end, I'll be tossing them together into a little collage to keep around for grouchy days.

Would you like to add to this project? Feel free to send me your own little note by e-mail! I'll be sure it gets put up on the instagram and, ultimately, here.

thistlejones@gmail.com

                       
Dear Words from thxthxthx on Vimeo.