The TEll// By Thrift & Tell
Welcome to THE TELL//BY THRIFT & TELL: a celebration of fashionable women who dress as smart as they shop.
This week’s guest on THE TELL// is Nicola Bathie McLoughlin, interior designer and owner of Nicola Bathie Jewelry. As you will see below, Nicola’s aesthetic is ladylike but fun. Her impeccable style, however, does not mean she only shops high-end retail. Instead, she mixes high street brands like Zara and H&M with her beautiful coats and accessories. Like many T&T followers, she is also a frequent shopper and consignor with The RealReal, which is definitely T&T approved.
If you don’t know Nicola yet, it is only a matter of time before her eponymous jewelry line is a household name. Just last week, Nicola’s beautiful earrings debuted on Anthropologie’s website (see selection at the bottom!). Her intricate jewelry is also available at price points within reach. Smaller pieces start at $40 and most are less than $250, so with a few less lunches out you can have a Nicola Bathie bauble! As a fan of both her interiors and her jewelry, it is a pleasure to have Nicola be part of this series. Enjoy!
//Your style in 3 words: Classic, interesting, regal
//Staple Outfit: Mini dress, black tights, booties, camel coat
//Style Icon(s): Laura Santo Domingo, Laura Wills, Kate Middleton
//Your First Big Purchase: Cartier Tank watch
//Do You Still Have It? Yes!
//Best Fashion Advice You Ever Received: Choose between high high heels and a super short dress. Wear either but don’t wear them together.
//Types of clothing you invest in: Coats and shoes.
//Types of clothing you save on: I save on staples, such as dresses.
//Your greatest extravagance: I’m always overdressed.
//Brands That Will Stand the Test of Time: Ralph and Russo, Giambattista Valli
//Favorite High Street Brands: Zara, Cos, H&M, Sister Jane
//Favorite Designer Brands: Alessandra Rich, Brock Collection, Markarian, The Vampire’s Wife, Zimmerman , Molly Moorkamp
//Favorite High-Low Brands to Mix: Zara mixes with everything.
//Favorite Places to Shop Consignment: The RealReal
//Favorite Places to Consign Your Own Closet: The RealReal
//Currently Collecting Dust in the Back of your Closet: My wedding trousseau (wedding shoes included!)
//Your Closet Tried and Trues: Nicholas Kirkwood Beya flats, Mother jeans.
//Best investment you ever made in your style: A nice coat.
/Style Choice From Your Past That Haunts You: Denim mini skirts + C&C tank tops.
//Closet From Which You Would Like to Borrow: @thefashionbugblog
//Last Time You Splurged? A piece of art.
//Currently Saving Your Pennies For: More art!
//A Deal for the History Books/Your T&T Personal Best: No. 21 chinoiserie dress for under $200.
//Advice to someone looking to define their own style: Dress the way that works for you. Don’t size down in dress or pants to hold you in, don’t wear styles you aren’t used to or comfortable wearing. If you don’t feel comfortable, no matter how good your outfit looks, you are not going to feel good.
///Trend you wish would go way? Big logo bags
//You feel great. What are you wearing? A dress, flowy, cinched at the waist and my favorite shoe of the week.
//Occasions when you splurge: There are certain designers I don’t mind splurging on!
//Occasions when you save: Whenever I can!
//Most prized possession: Judith Leiber clutch
//Home Decor Style: Transitional
//Favorite place to hunt for home decor: France
//Go-to for unique items, whether it be clothing, accessories, home or art: Blue Print Store, Sarah Bartholomew Home
//Your fashion motto: Always overdress.
//Your life motto: Be honest and be kind.
Fill in the blank:
//A woman should invest in- shoes. //You’re never too old to—feel pretty. //A woman can never have too many— shoes. //Bury me in- the cream de la cream. // True or False: More is More- duh!//Fashion is- an art. //Style: is a way to express yourself and tell a story with out talking.
Currently Loving:
//Music: Jonas brothers (it’s a nice break and a compromise from Baby Shark!)
//Print: Little Fires Everywhere
//Food: Mexican
//Drink: Water and homemade gingerale
//Film: Haven’t seen a movie in a long time!
//TV: Waiting for The Crown to come back on!
//Podcast: Royally Obsessed
//Instagram Handle: @nicolabathiedesigns
//Designer: Crazy for Markarian right now
ABOUT NICOLA
Nicola was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has lived in England, Ann Arbor, Michigan & grew up in San Antonio, Texas. Nicola graduated from Texas Christian University in 2013, majoring in interior design. Her beads come from a multitude of places she has traveled to such as, Florence, South Africa, London, Dubai, Canada, France, & all around the USA. Her jewelry designs are inspired by her various travels around the world as well as her young and energetic spirit. Her pieces have the perfect balance of timelessness and uniqueness.
FIND NICOLA
//WEBSITE
The Tell//By Thrift & Tell
