Monday, April 28, 2014

Derek Warburton Visit

Derek Warburton rocking the supple Annabel Ingall tote in saddle, Rebecca Ray wrap bracelet, and his new Innouitoosh scarf!

We passed a truly delightful Saturday in Pickwick's Mercantile this past weekend, as we welcomed a visit from friend and celebrity stylist, Derek Warburton. He swept through the store searching for special items to toss in that ever-active traveling bag, rummaging expertly through all of the unexpected fabulous pieces that fill our shop's every nook and cranny. He certainly uncovered some gems- here is just a preview of what filled those well-stuffed shopping bags when he finally made his way back to the bricks.

Derek Warburton Visit


Derek Warburton Visit

Aqaba: Jewels of Blu- $80
Jewels of Blu gets serious love on Fragrantica for its unique and gorgeous blend of uncommon notes. Elements such as peach, apricot, Egyptian Jasmine, and Tibetan Musk bring you back to the prosperous Mediterranean coastlines of yore- riddled with fruit trees dripping with fragrant treasure and great stone structures inlaid with gold and precious jewels.

Etat Libre d'Orange: Afternoon of a Faun - $80
This spicy, balsamic scent pulls no punches when it comes to celebrating its herbal heritage. Bringing to mind the pungent halo of crushed flowers and lingering autumn that occurs at the edge of a wood, it features bergamot, pepper, cinnamon, orris root, leather, and then interrupts their heady rampage with the brazen unfurling of rose and jasmine. Debussy knows what I'm talking about.

Santa Maria Novella Anti-Wrinkle Eye Countour Oil - $__
This gel is packed with ginseng, grape seed oil, and echinacea, all grown without the use of pesticides and does absolute wonders for puffiness. With all of those early flights, Derek can attest to how wonderful and useful such a product can be for the sleepless traveler!

Skin Apothecary Soy Body Whip - $20
I was excited to see Derek take this home, because I sing the wonders of this body whip all day long. A healthy dose of Vitamin C, soy, and coconut oil makes an enormous difference for even the most tortured patches of dry skin and, for the cost, it works wonders.

Innouitoosh Scarf - $___
Innouitoosh is a Parisian line and their scarves are incredible. It is difficult to impart it through text- you can really only get the effect by coming in and unfolding and feeling these materials yourself. Exquisite quality with immortal designs!

Bronte, Derek, and Thistle!
Loving that Janessa Leone hat- can I wear it next?
Parting was sweet sorrow from our chic friend, but we look forward to getting our continued style fix from his many spots on television! See you soon, Derek- thank you for bringing the sunshine on a day that may have otherwise meant rain!
Derek and Julep, getting silly!
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Can't come in for yourself? 
 Send me an e-mail at thistlejones@gmail.com
and we will make sure your goodies come to your doorstep!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Thistle's Prom Night Necklace Picks

If you ask many adolescents out there what the season is, they may voice spring, but be thinking prom. Unless you've been pulled out of school to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous on the red carpet or runway, it is likely that the grand promenade, as it were, is one of an elite handful of events for which you get to don gown or tux and generally look spectacular.

To make your day just a little more glamorous, enlist Pickwick's! No matter how lovely the bodice or intricate the seam, it always helps to have a beautiful necklace to make the outfit. Isn't that right, ladies?





Elizabeth Taylor and Anne Boleyn concur, from across the ages.

All jokes aside, we have some beautiful, simple pieces in the shop that will add to your ensemble without overshadowing whatever gorgeous gown you have chosen for the special night.
$48 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Claudia Rowe's rope of roses comes in gold or silver. I love the miniature detail of the flowers and where the necklace lies. Even better, it has a nice little heft to it for so delicate looking a piece. At first, it appears so simple, but many will certainly find it worth a second look and probably a compliment, as well!

$40 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Our Anna Koplik drop necklaces come in two shades- this beautiful opalescent stone and a more aquamarine variety of blue for those who are sporting mermaid gowns! We carry the matching earrings for both choices, as well.

$60 at Pickwick's Mercantile
I love this necklace. It is so elegant and classic- eye-catching without pretension.  The vine and vaguely wrought iron styling of this necklace are designed to accentuate that gorgeous dip in the throat, one of the most beautiful and under-appreciated parts of the body. Wear this necklace with your hair up, so that no one misses a single glittering stone.


$45 at Pickwick's Mercantile
I love the look of slender layered ropes- especially if there are pearls involved. Because this sits so high on the neck, it would look best with a sweetheart or portrait neckline. Give it a little breathing room to mesmerize. Match with a basic pearl or gold, rounded stud and unassuming slim gold chain bracelet to complete the look.

I remain grateful for the wonderful memories of my proms and I hope that you make many of your own. May you stumble across your necklace from prom night many years later, perhaps one of those shown above, and have it bring sweet thoughts to mind of a night when you danced, and laughed, and felt as beautiful as you looked.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Washing Off Winter

All pictures from kalastyle.com
Winter is making a swift retreat (huzzah!), but it leaves hibernation grunginess in its wake. As we step blinking into the sunlight, our sense of self-care reasserts itself. Now is the time for hair cuts, freshly painted nails, and revamped beauty regimens. I say regimen, but for Pickwickians, daily rejuvenation processes are pretty straightforward. This is mainly thanks to the Kala soap products that we carry in the shop and all take advantage of. 

For the Shower:

$7 at Pickwick's Mercantile

This Seaweed Soap smells beautiful and is packed with active marine algae that moisturizes, protects, and delivers nutrients straight to your skin. A very gentle soap, it's perfect for sensitive skin and the soft oceanic scent is a nice precursor for summer. And yes, I'm already planning for summer. Who can blame me?

$7 at Pickwick's Mercantile
This soap flies out of the store and if you've ever used it, you know why. This bar is packed with natural sea salts and it exfoliates gently. This is the absolute worst part of the year for dry skin and, unfortunately, it is also the time when it is most important to get rid of those irritating fish scales for the sake of shortened hemlines and sleeves.The Sea Salt Soap is perfect for bathing, but is also a great alternative to thick creams for a clean, close shave!

$8 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Is there a choosy gentleman in the house? He may prefer what we call "Sexy Man Soap" and Kala refers to as "Cedar Wood Soap". Bearing a classic odor, cedar wood oil has actually been used since ancient times for the way it clarifies body and soul. This also makes it a great choice for yogis and runners- almost time for sun salutations in Prescott Park!

We all know our faces need a little bit of extra lovin', so once you jump out of the shower, arm yourself with-

Face Soaps:
$6 at Pickwick's Mercantile
The greatest testament to this soap's success is the fact that every woman in Pickwick's uses it religiously. We swear by it, as do our many customer converts and their friends. I had a woman come in this past weekend who purchased six bars at once. Belgian Egg White soaps are no new revelation- the basic formulas have been around for generations. Where egg-whites are well known for clarifying the skin, chamomile gently conditions and moisturizes. Use everyday or a few times a week as a mask, and notice a huge difference!


If you are prone to dry skin, as I am, I recommend alternating between the Belgian Egg White Soap and the Sunflower Facial Soap. The blend of sunflower and evening primrose oil softens and cleanses as effectively as the Egg White, without irritating oversensitive skin.

These soaps zip out of the shop with increasing speed as more and more people discover them, so come in before they're all gone! Smell and feel amazing as the spring blossoms all around!

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Can't come in for yourself? 
 Send me an e-mail at thistlejones@gmail.com
and we will make sure your goodies come to your doorstep!