It’s an excellent sign when you walk into a shop and get a whiff of your favorite scent. Out of the thousands of candles available, Apotheke Vetiver is mine, and apparently, the gals at Homeward Collective love it, too. We’ve been oh-so patiently waiting for the opening of their new digs in Old Lyme for a number of reasons. Firstly, Rachel and Kate are master merchandisers, and if you love one thing in this airy space, you’ll likely love it all. A combination of great taste, exquisite merchandising, an eye to price-point, and a way with floral swags makes this my new go-to gift shop (and, of course, the fact that it’s just down the street!).

They’ve filled the former quarters of E.F. Watermelon with stacks of art and cookbooks, block-printed pillows, cozy plaid throws, handmade ceramics, lots of intriguing cooking tools (the cheese grater on a marble block is just the ticket for the person who has everything). I snagged a bunch of Camp Craft Cocktail mixes for the gift closet. Just add booze to the infusion of dehydrated fruits, herbs, and citrus or bitters-infused sugars and spices, and mix up a party batch.

After you’re done perusing the shelves, move on to the well-edited selection of cozy clothing: C.P. Shades shirts, Kut jeans, American South Side sweaters, Alashan cashmere, and bags by Able and Shore, filling your wardrobe with easy pieces you’ll reach for all winter. You’ll find a corner filled with an apothecary, too. Yup, a mini department store, and just what we needed in Old Lyme.

24 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homewardcollective/