Author: Desirée Marie Townley

  • I heart Porta Portese

    I heart Porta Portese

    Rome is a city of wonder:the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and still, one of my favorite landmarks is the iconic outdoor treasure trove of Porta Portese. But the reputation of Rome’s biggest street market has suffered, particularly since 2020. Online reviews are brutal: “a waste of time,” “not worth it’,” “a disappointment,” “cheap,…

  • My Top 5 Thrifting Tips

    My Top 5 Thrifting Tips

    KEEP A DETAILED SHOPPING LIST on you at all times.  A list in your phone is often easiest, the more detailed the better (e.g., black pants/ high waisted /wide leg/ natural fiber/ +measurements). This list is your safety net and will keep you from buying things that are unnecessary. Shopping secondhand can be a labyrinth of…

  • Repairing in Rome

    Repairing in Rome

    Hi Y’all, I’m Desiree, the human behind The Pewter Thimble.  When I’m not sourcing vintage in the Eternal City, I’m home tinkering with a new skill to clean or fix objects and textiles. In my many years of working in costumes and wardrobe styling I learned a thing or two. So now, when I’m rehabilitating hand…