Life in Pastoral New England: Featuring Charlotte sy Dimby

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For most of my years, I’ve settled in New England, cursing our bitter winters and unpredictable weather. But these distinct seasons, however unpleasant at times, display a magnificent Autumn and Spring. A temperate fall day was the perfect persuasion to visit Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum depicting life in 19th century New England.

Stepping back in time, the girls try their hand at the Game of graces, an activity borrowed from early 19th century France, with two ribbon-clad hoops and dowels to send them air bound. While we didn’t quite master the game, the reinterpreted play was fun nonetheless. In the theme of French influence on our pastoral New England home, the girls travel effortlessly through the seasons in Charlotte sy Dimby, a timeless favourite.

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Pettiskirts, hand-smocking and covered buttons are graced by Charlotte sy Dimby’s signature back tie, adding to the elegance of these fine garments. Mila’s Princess Charlotte dress is the reincarnation of a dress worn by Her Royal Highness on her debut trip to Canada. Elise shines in the brand’s Constance dress. A chic style in a subtle blue textured fabric, it moves beautifully through endless adventures in our bucolic New England home.

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Life in Pastoral New England Clothing Credits:

Elise and Mila’s dresses by Charlotte sy Dimby

Elise’s shoes: Pom d’Api

Elise and Mila’s bows: Eva’s House

Return to Pooh Country

We welcome you to visit our friends at Junior Style London for the full contribution.

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We first visited the Hundred Acre Woods two summers ago and often reminisce fondly about those precious few hours.  The magic of these woods is something of a trance.  Without hesitation, we found ourselves back for another romp through this storied land.  Retracing the steps of Christopher Robin and his beloved Winnie-the-Pooh bring life to our treasured bedtime tales from A. A. Milne.  Paying homage to the nostalgia of these woods, Mila wears a vintage find from the London-based brand, Marlon and Little Friends.

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The team at Marlon and Little Friends continues to surprise and excite us with an exquisite range of French and English vintage clothing and linens (much of which is unused deadstock).  A strong focus is placed on creating and sourcing heirloom pieces that link generations, a timeless essence that encapsulates the stories of Winnie-the-Pooh.  Alongside vintage pretties, we swoon over hand-knit creations that are thoughtfully produced in France and finished with the knitter’s name.

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A game of ‘Poohsticks‘ commences on the legendary Poohsticks bridge, deep in the Ashdown forest.  This scene has been recreated time and again on the silver screen and whenever we catch a glimpse of the bridge, it is hard to suppress our delight.  As we dream of another return to these woods, we’re eagerly awaiting a new Winnie-the-Pooh film and perhaps a glimpse of this fabled spot.

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Return to Pooh Country Clothing Credits:

Mila's dress: Vintage by Marlon and Little Friends

Elise’s dress: Vintage

Elise’s shoes: Pom d'Api

Elise and Mila’s hair accessories: Eva’s House

Elise's Winnie-the-Pooh:

View the Junior Style London contribution featuring our first adventures in Hundred Acre Wood, here.

Home for the Holidays with Charlotte sy Dimby

Be sure to check out our latest post on Junior Style London featuring French brand Charlotte sy Dimby.  Link here.

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As we approach another year-end and the festivities that await, we retrace familiar steps that lead us back to my childhood home. Much like the calm before a storm, everything here is serene and our minds at ease.  Once pampered and feeling refreshed, we're ready to tackle the holidays with a bit more glee.

The brilliant collection from Charlotte sy Dimby brings us even closer to that festive feeling with a gorgeous selection of holiday dressing that has us spellbound.   And truthfully, there is no time like the present to add a bit more fancy to your day.

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As we stand watch at the shoreline, an early December breeze gives movement to hemlines and hair ties.  The girls engage in a Regency style dance, evoked in part by the classic styles of Charlotte sy Dimby.  The incredible detail on Mila's Smocked Poule Dress lends itself to the season.  Made with the most luxurious winter cotton, it feels wonderful to the touch and impossible to resist wearing daily.

Like Mila, Elise's Smocked Dress carries with it a signature handmade quality that folks have come to know as Charlotte sy Dimby.  A now international brand, these beautifully handcrafted garments have a rich history with smocking pioneer, Monique Ramahay.  Local to Paris's 6th arrondissement, Monique's flagship boutique, L' Île aux Fées, is an institution in its own right.  Covered buttons, handsewn hemlines, and handmade petticoats are just a few of the reasons we adore the elegant childrenswear label, Charlotte sy Dimby. 

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Home for the Holidays Clothing Credits:

Elise and Mila's dresses: Charlotte sy Dimby

Elise’s shoes: Pom d'Api

Elise and Mila’s hair accessories: Eva’s House