A favorite blog of mine, A Merry Mishap, recently drew my attention to an interesting article called 'The New Minimalism' from The Spaces. It discusses minimalism in the digital age and how this influences what we choose to acquire. The idea that we use "the absence of things to enhance the meaning of what we choose to retain" speaks to me on a personal level and can be translated in a number of ways. The piece also discusses how we choose those things we hold dear and the growing desire to bring handcrafted, personalized items into our lives that maintain their quality over time.

I feel very connected to this practice of consumer behavior and perhaps it has a little something to do with how I was raised. My Mother shopped for our family with this same mindset and wouldn't you know, decades later, we now have lovely clothes and toys that my own children can enjoy. These dresses stood the test of time and look like they were purchased yesterday. They epitomize the definition of heirloom.

With Elise in one of my favorite childhood dresses, it felt fitting that we visit a special place that I've been going to since I was her age. The towns of Warren and Waitsfield Vermont haven't changed much over the years. Institutions like the Warren Store and All Things Bright and Beautiful help maintain a small town charm that is hard to top.

All Things Bright and Beautiful (pictured to the right below) is every child's fantasy. It was a tradition in our family to visit this unique store year after year and on occasion to come home with a special bear friend. The owners are a delight. If you wander in with some extra time to spare, they'll tell you wonderful stories of the bears that live here.

Elise is wearing another favorite dress of mine which has a classic floral appliqué on a simple silhouette. If you're on the lookout for vintage, please check out Mary Beth Hale's shop. She has a discerning eye for timeless pieces that have little to no signs of wear.