Introducing Nostalgia by ROSE & IVY, Goods Anchored in Time

Photography & Words by Alison Engstrom

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with anything old, the more coated in time the better. Whether that be a fabled destination, a grand building punctuated with gilded architectural details, a crumbling plaster facade, a remarkable piece of furniture, or a mirror that could hang in a French castle, I’ve been transfixed.

I go by the adage that older is always better. There is magic in knowing that an object has been cherished by someone from another place in time.

Through my travels, I always make a point to scope out antique and charity shops, as well as open-air flea markets. I love discovering a place through this lens.

It’s worth noting that just like the perils of fast-fashion, fast-home, if you will, is wrecking havoc on the planet. According to the New York Times, “Each year, Americans throw out more than 12 million tons of furniture, creating mountains of solid waste that have grown 450 percent since 1960, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Bits of tossed furniture can be recycled, but the vast majority ends up in landfills.”

I’d see this firsthand in New York, when the curb would be crowded with IKEA pieces of other mass produced retailers that never saw the possibility of a few years use. That’s one of the things about the city, it’s residents are always in transition. Moving is expensive, it’s sometimes easier to just buy something new. But boy have I discovered amazing curbside finds when I walked my dog. More times then I can count, I’ve hauled—more than a few blocks—a table, a lamp, rugs, dishes, terracotta planters, and chairs.

From my experience, I’ve learned that newer is not always more affordable, in fact I’ve found that things are just cheaply made. Plus, there is no hand-touch, except for brands who pride themselves on employing and utilizing the talents of skilled artisans.

This new endeavor has been a longtime coming. ROSE & IVY thrives on telling inspiring stories of women in their creative pursuits and this will be a lovely addition. Rather than sharing new products, there will be a showcase of objects found. You can expect to discover one-of-a-kind home goods, table top items, and other curiosities to make your home unique and personal.

Here we will fashion a world where we sit down and enjoy our tea or coffee in a floral decaled French cups, enjoy a tablescape adorned with eye catching napkins, beautiful glasses, and equally impressive plates. You’ll also come upon home goods to decorate your space like beautiful mirrors, original painting, and more.

Check back regularly and keep your eyes peeled on Instagram for new discoveries.