Summer Simple

LACAUSA Shift Dress - $64 at Lady Pickwick's

I love simple. I've always had something of a ramrod frame, so the body-con trend was never going to work out for me. LACAUSA has designed the perfect summer dress- unbelievable soft, beautiful clean lines, and made in the United States. It is the absolute epitome of lazy (yet chic) comfort.

Best Summer Stacks Ever: $39 at Bobbles & Lace

The simplicity of the dress begs a little bit of fun when it comes to other elements, so I picked up some adorable subtly-heeled sandals from one of my favorite shops, Bobbles & Lace, located right on Congress Street in Portsmouth. Everything in there is so cute and well-priced that it can be dangerous to visit. I literally walked out in these shoes! Paired with this dress, they are my favorite purchase of the summer!

Earrings from Ganesh on Market Street!
Best summer accessories!

The light always seems to have such glorious nuance in the summer in Portsmouth. All of that red brick lending its rusty kiss to the golden hour- it is so dreamy. I cannot help but lean out the door of the shop when the light is this way and be thankful, thankful, thankful.

WILL Deerskin Bag: $550 at Pickwick's at the Banke

 I have been excited to showcase this WILL deerskin leather bag from the moment it arrived. We lifted it from the box like some mythic holy grail among purses. I only wish that the pictures could show you how supple and beautiful this bag looks and feels in person. The only way to truly understand its incredible allure is to hold it in your hands. WILL produces only the most beautiful of quality. My own day-to-day bag is WILL and soon, my wallet will be as well. I can't get enough of their addiction to quality, lifetime guarantee, and unique pieces.

One of the fun things about this dress are the low sides. If you're more fearless than I (by which I mean, if your wardrobe actually contains colors), Any shade in this dress (sage, ballet pink, slate, or white) could be spiced up with a funky bandeau. I love the flexibility of a neutral tone pairing. It means I can wear this to shop around downtown or to grab a meal at Martingale on the Wharf.

It's been a summer full of goodness- great shows in the park (did you see Houndmouth? Amazing, I left a little musical Easter egg below) , good food, a plentiful Farmer's Market, storms and sun. Portsmouth is a city of simple pleasures. I like it when my style reflects that.

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Can't come in? 

 Send me an e-mail at thistlejones@gmail.com

and we will make sure your goodies come to your doorstep!

Summer Stacking with Celebrity Stylist, Derek Warburton

Our friend and ultra-chic style adviser, Derek Warburton of Derek Loves Shopping fame, swung by to give us some visual summer stacking tips and make some hot picks for the season. It's such a treat whenever he comes to town and even more so when he gives us insight into his killer sense of personal style. If this guy offers style advice, you'd better listen up!

Fingertip to Elbow
Sea Glass: $22 at Pickwick's Mercantile
Yellow Maine Glass: $24 at Pickwick's Mercantile
KJP Vicker's Bow: $36 at Pickwick's Mercantile
KJP Leather Wrap: $56 at Pickwick's Mercantile
KJP Rope: $42 at Pickwick's Mercantile
KJP Atlantic Pearl: $68 at Pickwick's Mercantile

Stacking Tip One: Be Fearless

Don't be afraid of stacking the bright and the beautiful. Use your favorite statement pieces together and don't save them for special occasions. Like you, they're too cute to hide away.

Stacking Tip Two: Build a Color Story

Nothing thrills the heart or renews the spirit like a rainbow. Carry one on your wrist and push away summer storms from the inside out.

Stacking Tip Three: MiX iT uP.

Break up bracelets of similar shape and size with a bold shape, size, or texture. The green KJP Vickers bow looks so content, nestled in there between a strand of bright yellow glass from Maine and a Kiel James Patrick rope. While on display, it also creates a frame for either side of the stack.

Prince & Bowery Bracelets: $60 at Pickwick's Mercantile

Stacking Tip Four: Switch It Up

Bracelets are easy storage. Tuck them away in a pocketbook and transition into darker shades for going out to dinner or seeing a show in Prescott Park. 

Stacking Tip Five: All Hail Prince & Bowery

Prince & Bowery bracelets are perfect stacking material, whether mixed with completely different companies or dressed up together.

Stacking Tip Six: Monochrome is Cool

This bracelet stack is a crimson slick of lipstick. It's a car chase. A strobes-only light show. It's steel and asphalt and absolutely, impossibly cool. Black and white will never go out of style and, if you're going to make an investment, you will be able to use such a piece over and over again.

Derek's first summer pick is this gorgeous Campomaggi bag. One of a kind, we've never had another Campo piece with this unique silvered burnish to it. Handmade in Teodorano, Italy, this is a piece that will last you summer after summer, for the rest of your seasons.

Innouitoosh scarf: $130 at Lady Pickwick's

Innouitoosh 100% cotton scarves from France have an effortlessly chic design, with an equally effortless weight. Somehow their colors manage to go with everything- bright and curious shades that pull an outfit together by being the center of it.

Pomegranate sarong - $40 at Lady Pickwick's

 Sarong? Scarf? It's too cute to bother yourself over it, either way. One of the best things about summer is getting away with white all season long. I say, take advantage of that! The bright tassel keeps the look from getting too boring. Keep the clean lines for winter- summer is all about organized chaos and  whimsy.

We love a visit from Derek and, just seeing the chic and funky scarf action happening on my shop girl head, you can guess that the pictures from this visit aren't quite over. Keep an eye on this space for a tutorial on how to wear turbands and head-scarves in fresh and lovely ways!

Skirts and Straw First Day of Summer

Breezy in the breeze

Welcome to summer, lovelies! This is the season of sunhats, harbor gazing, and humid, person-packed nights in Prescott Park. In fitting homage to this most enjoyable of times in our lovely port city, we styled the stunning GeGe, who proved a picture in lace-detailed floral and straw.

Umgee Dress: $64 at Pickwick's Mercantile

A loose-fitting dress has a relaxed and youthful air about it. We celebrate those clothing pieces that not only compliment how we look, but how we feel. I don't know how one could feel anything but languid and lovely in this little Umgee number. The playful belled sleeves drift lazy at the elbows and the splashes of color are neutral without being boring. 

Flying away...

Sunhats will never go out of style; of this, I am absolutely convinced. Originally designed for functionality, they have become an enduring symbol of effortless summer style- worn by women with the power to make things grow as well as the power to turn heads.

La Vie Parisienne Bracelet: $75 at Lady Pickwick's
Be You Fashion Hat: $30 at Lady Pickwick's

Locket: $48 at Lady Pickwick's

Everyone knows that the French have corner on the lifestyle market- their discerning noses have shaped the perfume industry for centuries and Chanel chic remains the most immortal of looks. With that in mind, it is no wonder that La Vie Parisienne jewelry bears all of the class and understated elegance that has come to define the look of the arrondissements. One of the things I love about these pieces are the fact that they can be worn by folks of fifteen or fifty with the same enduring sweetness.

Thank you so much to GeGe for a lovely morning in the park and for risking it all by walking on that little fountain rim. And to our readers, may the summer bring blooms and sunshine your way- in the form of shaking out those floral frocks or simply in walking about. The crowd strolling past the store front at 9:45 yesterday evening tell me that Prescott Park has officially kicked off the season. Portsmouth is humming. I don't know about all of you, but I think it's going to be one hot, busy, wonderful summer.

Spot the Pickwick's sign!
This picture is a cross-over from this photoshoot
with a sneakpeek at next week's!

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Can't come in? 

 Send me an e-mail at thistlejones@gmail.com

and we will make sure your goodies come to your doorstep!

The Darling Buds of May

Just in time, it feels like summer. The bricks have begun the simmering oven cycle that will continue until the ides of September and, as evidenced by the swarms of people out and about, I know I am not alone in my relief. It seemed that it was just about time to bust out something chic and fun, to match the spirit of release that comes with long awaited sunshine.

Thursday Island cotton dress - $80 at Lady Pickwick's
Gold heart necklace - $80 at Lady Pickwick's
Beaten gold heart bracelet - $75 at Lady Pickwick's

I am besotted with this cute baby doll style dress from Thursday Island. It is 100% cotton, top and lining, so it feels beautiful against the skin and looks beautiful where it hits the open air. Cotton is the go-to for the humid summer months in a port city. It is most beloved among materials for a reason.

Hailing fictional cabs

I'm 6'4" in these heels.
Just sayin'.

I am loving this socks and heels trend- it's adorable and a little ironic. Use a patterned sock to separate yourself from the lace and frills twee movement. I love these new Davco socks. They are unbelievably soft and the patterns vary from classic to edgy. Not to mention, they're $6. That blows my mind.

Bumper Kitty-Cat Wedge Heels
$30 at Lady Pickwick's (I kid you not)

Annabel Ingall Cross-body in Saddle

$265 at Lady Pickwick's

The Pickwick's love affair with Annabel Ingall pieces continues. These crossbody bags are perfect for weightless strolling. This piece has three isolated compartments that you can attach or detach by snapping them on and off. Supple leather clutch or supple leather bag- your choice! I am a New England girl by birth and nature, so it's hard for me to let go of good neutrals. The honeyed tones in the saddle toned bag keep me from getting too beige and navy.

Lady Pickwick's is officially open, as you can see, and we have the sign to prove it! It's even more darling inside than this outfit and you have to come by. I look forward to seeing your sunburnt faces in person. Enjoy your long weekend! And an enormous, everlasting thank you to those who have sacrificed (and continue to sacrifice) so that our Memorial Day (and everyday) can be so free of worry and care.

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

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!

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?

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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.