25th Feb, 2010

The Peonies are in Full Bloom

Okay, repeat after me, Peonies, Peonies, Peonies. Good. Now remember that is the name of a fabulous women’s consignment shop in Centerbrook, Connecticut which of course you need to go to and support. Not immediately, you have to read this first, but you can warm up the car as you’re getting the low down.

This darling shop is called Peonies because the owners, Pamela Williams and Laurel Peters both love gardening and their favorite flower is a peonie so there you have it, now you know the history. Well, there’s a lot more, but when you’re there, they’ll fill you in. Suffice it to say these two will become your new best friends, that’s how comfortable it feels when you’re there. They’re warm and friendly and just plain fun.

I’m a sucker for anything vintage, and this place has that but new and modern is the focus. The icing, it has glitz, glamour, but most of all the atmosphere is just adorable. Pam and Laurel grew up in Avon, Connecticut and have been friends for more than 30 years.

Their shopping bags are pink and I walked out with three of them. What goodies did I get? A pocketbook, a stunning dress for my daughter Sarah, to wear to a college shin dig, and an out-of-this-world jacket which I can’t wait to wear on the air. Also some glitzy crystal earrings and a beautiful One Pearl necklace the proceeds of which goes to charity. One pearl will be the topic of a future blog post, the story behind the woman who designed it, is just terrific.
I left Peonies feeling like a kid who had just been in a penny candy store.

I am having a ball getting out there and writing about the wonderful state of Connecticut and all the really cool people that are working so hard to make things happen for them and for others. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to get acquainted with so many trying to push forward in a very tough economy. I am so humbled hearing their stories.

Pam and Laurel are just terrific gals and and I quickly learned how really close they are. In this darling video of them they say the same thing at the same time, perhaps twins separated at both? I know what I’m taking about here on that topic because I’m the mother of 20 year old twins. Anyway, here’s the proof positive.

Do yourself a favor now that you’ve read this, get in your now warmed up car, get a cup of coffee on the road and go see Pam and Laurel. You’ll be helping to support all of these wonderful small businesses which enrich our lives and this state. If we don’t all do this together all of these wonderful shops will go away and quintessential Connecticut will no longer be what attracts so many here in the first place. Think about that.


  Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Ann Nyberg

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Responses

Love this post, Ann! Can’t wait to go…I’ve already checked out their website and One Pearls, after seeing your necklace. Keep bringing us the good places and the great stories! There are so many undiscovered treasures in CT!
Thanks! :o )
- Kathy

Thanks for mentioning One Pearl. All the kind words are greatly appreciated. I LOVE Peonies AND Pam and Laurel. The store is fabulous, beautiful, elegant and brimming with treasures!!

Kathy, thanks so much and have a ball at Peonies!

THANK YOU….for the wonderful post….THANK YOU…..for spending so much time with Pam and I yesterday. We enjoyed every minute of it…but most of all THANK YOU for bringing the state of Connecticut together…one person at a time!!

Can you imagine if everybody worked together what could happen?

Theresa, I can’t wait to touch base with you, this is going to be fun.

Ann, omg, omg, omg: reading this makes ME want to run and shop at Peonies. Thank you for the great piece on our shop. We loved spending time with you and we join the mission to ‘connect Connecticut.’

Love this piece, LOVE Peonies! This confirms I am LONG overdue for a vist to this exquisite shop. Thank you for sharing!

Call me silly, but I think you should get in the car right now!

Annie Mame what a wonderful feature!!!!! Peonies sounds like an amazing place!!!! I WILL get in my car and head right down there!!! Thank you SO much for your fabulous blog!! LOVE to hear about Connecticut gems like Peonies!!!!

Don’t forget to stop by the drive-thru and get a coffee.

Ann, You are too funny!!

But just in case, it is Thursday night and Peonies is open until 7PM. I’m still here so come on over Mary Ellen.

Laurel, THAT was funny.

I’m already a Peonies devotee… was there today dropping off goodies and drooling over the exquisite Moo Roo handbags that are to die for.

I am so glad that I am now in the Peonies loop, I didn’t even know what I was missing.

Sounds like where I want to be!

OH NO-my best kept secret is out! I LOVE this place–I always walk out of Peonies with the most amazing pieces–and yes, with SEVERAL of those great pink bags. This is a fabulous place with amazing quality and value–enjoy!

Yes, the secret is out, let’s hope it’s mobbed in the coming weeks.

Ann-
You missed the best part! Pam cleaned out my closets and I received monthly checks! Pam has extraordinary taste and can make beef wellington out of hamburger meat! She took things I hadn’t worn in years (or ever!) and matched them with things in the store so somebody is looking like a million dollars today. Now I can take the money I made and head for Peonies, too!

Lynda, that is so cool, found money!

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