The Providence Boutique With A Cotswolds Like Exterior And Lotsa Chic Merch

The cottage-like brick and mortar (technically a forge), tucked away on Richmond Square over on the East Side of Providence, is a classic capture in Rhode Island Instagram circles.

It reminds me of a shop you might stumble on during a trip to a cozy village in the Cotswolds.

In case you wondered, they — Simple Pleasures, that is — are indeed open Tuesday through Saturday (11am to 5pm) for all your shopping needs rn.

And yes they still have their signature impressively curated mix of distinctive gift-y things and buy now/wear now apparel.

For the record I have been known to swoon over their understated yet luxe scarves and sweaters.

All Simple Pleasures Photos Are Circa 2021 And Courtesy Of Me.

In business for over 30 years — and founded by a mother-daughter team (I also understand the mom is a graduate of RISD) — SP is a local go-to for everything from tiny take-a-long packs of freeze dried ice cream (perfect for that friend who always wanted to be an astronaut or who follows Space X and Elon religiously) and french cotton socks (for the snazzy dresser in your circle) to statement scarves and bags.

I imagine that being a regular at this boutique kind of feels like scoring entry to Amy Sacco’s Bungalow 8 in Chelsea (NYC) back in the early aughts. (PS — I don’t know what the RI equivalent of Bungalow was back in 2001, but if you do, feel free to email me the scoop.)

As always, if you bop over to Simple Pleasures to shop after reading this, please let them know you were inspired by PattyJ.com and Patty J.

This post has been updated from one that has appeared previously on this site.