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!

Pickwick's Reads: The Gospel According to Coco Chanel

Artistic revolutionary Jean Cocteau said of his friend Coco Chanel, “Her spectacular liaisons, her rages, her nastiness, her fabulous jewels, her creations, her whims, her excesses, her kindness as well as her humor and generosity, all those were part of her unique, endearing, attractive, excessive, and very human personality…. She looks at you tenderly, then nods her head and you’re condemned to death.”

I’m a Chanel girl. Simple lines, classy cuts, and colors that can be found somewhere between a summer sky and the shade of rich soil- she put all of the pieces together when it came to dressing independent women and wrote the book on what we consider a “classic” look today. Still, Chanel is the legend, and “The Gospel According to Coco Chanel” gave me a peek into the world of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the individual, instead of just the Chanel-lore, a deep well of fashion mythology. I was so grateful for Karen Karbo’s little book. Her writing was zippy, honest and so clearly heartfelt that I was as much enamored with her as I was with Chanel by the conclusion. She gave wonderful and unique insight into Chanel and created a very sweet homage to a complex and, of course, utterly fabulous woman.

Queen Coco (credit to Fashion's Collective photo archive)

I recommend this to any catwalk watchers, but more importantly, to those interested in a great underdog story. Filled with sweet personal anecdotes from the writer and testaments to the passion and self-made nature of Chanel’s empire, it will inspire you and add a touch of lovely to your day.

Check out Karen Karbo's website!

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What great women inspire you? Tell us about it!

Send us an e-mail at: thistlejones@gmail.com