What makes Elsie Green special is our people. We've got a few former corporate executives, a floral designer, a former interior designer, a vintage collector, a teacher and a high school senior. But we're all shopkeepers at heart, manning the packing table, giving our signature brand of extraordinarily personal service in the shop, traveling the French countryside looking for pretty things, and playing with the merchandise all day.
Meet Laurie, our Founder and Creative Director. Laurie spent many years as a corporate executive, but much prefers working on the shop displays, editing photos, and shopping the French countryside for treasures. Read on to get to know her better and stop by the Concord shop to say hi.
Favorite way to spend your free time?
When I'm not in the shop, I'm traveling, reading, or strolling through a museum, usually with one or all of my three children. I am always cultivating a new hobby. Sometimes it's working on my French fluency, sometimes it's a boxing class. I have at least two cameras with me at all times, my phone and a Leica pocket camera. So for the fall I am really excited for a RISD online photography class on my calendar.
What are you reading right now?
I am in the middle of reading The Vanishing Half at the moment. But I've always got something going.
Here's my list of my all time favorite reads >
What is your all time favorite movie?
I love movies and soak up all aspects of the movie as I'm watching: costume design, set design, art direction, music. It's hard to choose. But if I had to choose just one, I would say The Red Violin. It traces the story of a violin from its maker in 17th century Cremona to present day through all its owners.
Favorite travel destination you've visited?
Seriously. I cannot choose just one. My sister and I had a wellness retreat in Bali a few years ago and I'll never forget the magic of that island. My daughters and I had a month in Europe a few years ago and spent a week road-tripping through Switzerland, then spent a week in Crema, Italy living like locals. It was the summer after Call Me by Your Name came out in theaters and we were able to see the film on a big outdoor screen in the square where much of the movie took place. More magic.
A follow up question - What is a dream travel destination you would like to visit?
Daily uniform?
Most days you can find me in jeans (my favorite here), boots or sneakers (my favorite here), a t-shirt and a sweater or jacket of some sort. That's when I feel most like myself. I do love a jumpsuit though, or a skirt with a t-shirt and sneakers. And when I'm home, I love a chance to spend a day in my pajamas.
Top Ten Things I Can't Live Without
- Vintner's Daughter Botanical Serum . I use it twice a day.
- Andie Amalfi Swimsuit. It looks chic and simple, and stays on when frolicking on the beach.
- This slip dress for when I have evening plans. It's chic with flat sandals and a cardigan for dinner or a party with friends.
- Moscot Lemtosh Sunglasses. I have worn these frames for years in various colors. I have my optometrist change the lenses to my prescription so I can wear them driving, boating, or walking the flea markets.
- French Girl Lip Tint in Ambre Noire . I've never found the perfect red lip tint, so this is my go to with a light coat of gloss for day or a few layers of the tip tint for evening.
- For a few years I indulged in eyelash extensions. But since the quarantine began, I have found an application of LashFood Lash Serum at night, and a coat of Lancome Lash Primer under my mascara gives me the same impact with much less time and money invested.
- K. Jacques Epicure Sandals . My chic French friend Philippine taught me to invest in these beautifully made sandals and I've worn them all summer long for years.
- Caudalie Lip Balm . I always stock up when I'm in France, but in a pinch I can buy it here in the states.
- Ritual Essential Vitamins for Women. They're delivered to my mailbox every month. I'm no doctor, but I think they give me a healthy, energetic feeling.
- Hobo Belt Bag . This is the perfect bag for traveling. I wear it like a cross body bag, so my money and documents are close, and in the winter I can wear it under my coat.
Laurie's chosen non-profit is Smile Train.
Read other blog posts by Laurie
Meet the rest of the team