Late Summer at the Cottage
Welcome to Summer at the Cottage
By August, the days are warm and full of light, and life seems to hum at a slower, softer pace. The mornings are for opening the windows to let in the cool air. The afternoons call for shade, a tall glass of something cold, and work that can be done from the porch. Evenings are golden and quiet, perfect for listening to the crickets sing.
Here is what I am enjoying this month:
Thrifted Summer Entertaining
Mix-and-match vintage plates, floral pitchers, and pressed glass tumblers from the thrift store make even the simplest supper feel special.
Porch-Friendly Projects
Hand-stitching embroidery, mending thrifted dresses, and arranging flowers from the garden into old enamel jugs.
Cool Kitchen Cooking
Recipes that do not heat up the house: cucumber and dill salad, no-bake berry cheesecake, and sandwiches on fresh bakery bread with herbs from the garden.
Cottagecore Wardrobe Refresh
Light cotton skirts, embroidered blouses, and straw hats—pieces that let the breeze in and pair easily with late summer colors.
Cooling Rituals for the Hottest Days
Sit with your feet in a tub of cold water while reading on the porch, hang damp sheets in a shady breeze to make the air feel cooler, and keep a vintage pitcher filled with ice water and lemon slices within easy reach.
Gatherings with a Purpose
Host a small afternoon tea using thrifted teacups, serve seasonal fruit, and send guests home with bunches of fresh herbs or jars of homemade jam.
August is a reminder that beauty can be found in slowing down, staying cool, and making small, thoughtful choices that bring charm to each day.
Discover the Beauty of Preloved Cottagecore
I have some lovely news to share. We’re beginning a brand new journey in the shop, one that has been close to my heart for quite some time. Starting this month, we will be offering upcycled, embroidered clothing pieces—each one thoughtfully made and one of a kind.
Our first collection will begin with embroidered jeans. These will be vintage and secondhand denim, hand-stitched with charming details that make each pair feel as special as a story passed down. Think cottage blooms, soft vines, and meaningful touches that bring new life to old pieces.
As we step into September, more embroidered styles will begin to roll out. From romantic tops to jackets with hidden beauty in the seams, every piece will carry the quiet charm and sustainability you’ve come to love.
If you’d like to follow the journey from the very beginning, I’ll be sharing sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram. You can find me at @hellogorgeousthreads.
Now is a wonderful time to visit the shop. The store is full of late summer into fall pieces that pair perfectly with the embroidery styles coming soon. Build your wardrobe now with one-of-a-kind finds, and when the new embroidered collection drops, you’ll already have the perfect pieces to style them with.
Currently Loving
Soft summer moments, vintage treasures, and everyday magic I can’t get enough of.
What I’m Loving This August
Cotton Eyelet Skirts and Dresses
Breathable and airy, perfect for the Texas heat, and easy to layer with a cardigan when the first hint of autumn arrives.
Sun-bleached Linens and Quilts
Thrifted and softened by time, ideal for draping over the porch swing or laying out for a picnic under the pecan trees.
Late Summer Peaches
Sweet and dripping with juice, whether sliced over vanilla ice cream or tucked into a simple cobbler.
Vintage Fans and Cool Breezes
A favorite thrifted tabletop fan, turning slowly as I sew or read by an open window in the afternoon shade.
Herbal Infusions
Jars of mint, chamomile, or lemon verbena steeped in cool water, then sipped throughout the day to keep the heat at bay.
Garden Baskets of Okra and Zinnias
A mix of vegetables for supper and bright flowers for the table, all gathered in a well-loved market basket.
Cotton Aprons with Pockets
For baking, gathering herbs, or just feeling a little more like the lady of the cottage while I go about my day.
Twilight Porch Hours
Watching the sky turn violet while the cicadas sing, the air finally cooling enough to breathe deeply and rest.
Thrift With Me
Slow Fashion, Big Finds: Come Thrifting With Me
There’s something magical about wandering the aisles of a secondhand shop—the quiet thrill of uncovering a floral blouse from another era, the perfect worn-in basket, or a dress that looks like it stepped right out of a storybook. I’ve been thrifting for over 15 years, and it never loses its wonder.
This space is where I share my favorite finds, the pieces I bring home, and how I style or resell them—all with a cottagecore heart. Whether you're hoping to build a timeless wardrobe on a budget, learn what to look for at the thrift store, or simply crave that cozy, nostalgic thrill of the hunt… you belong here.
Want to see how I thrift in real time? Follow along on Instagram where I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, when I go shopping, and practical thrifting tips in Stories. Plus All the $1 finds!
Let’s turn thrift store finds into something truly lovely—because living beautifully doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Embark on your journey into cottagecore living with this essential starter guide. From selecting vintage-inspired clothing and home decor to cultivating a sustainable garden, this guide provides the foundational elements you need to begin your cottagecore adventure. Embrace a life filled with tranquility, creativity, and connection to nature.
Featured In Slow Living
Im so glad you are here!
Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! I’m Brooke, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. As a homeschool mom and a lover of all things Cottagecore, I’ve built a life that’s all about creating warmth, charm, and simplicity—and I can’t wait to share it with you! Cottagecore, for me, is about finding beauty in the little things: baking bread from scratch, tending a garden, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea by a sunny window. It’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, and savoring every small joy life has to offer.
One of my absolute favorite things is curating beautiful, unique finds that capture the timeless charm of the Cottagecore lifestyle. Whether it’s a vintage treasure, a sustainable piece, or a handmade item with a story to tell, I love sharing these discoveries with you. And the best part? You can shop these special finds right here! Every item is chosen with care and love, and I hope they bring just as much joy to your life as they do to mine.
This little community of like-minded women makes everything even sweeter. I’m so excited to connect with you, share inspirations, and explore the magic of Cottagecore together. Thank you for stopping by—it means the world to me. Let’s embrace the charm of a simpler, more beautiful life, one lovely find at a time! rewrite and weave my mission statement into it.
Cottagecore Picks
Follow On LTK and Shop Looks
Top Questions About Cottagecore
Embracing the Cottagecore Dream
There’s something truly magical about slowing down and savoring life’s simple joys—walking barefoot through a dewy meadow, baking bread from scratch, or curling up with a warm cup of tea as the rain softly falls. Cottagecore is more than just an aesthetic; it’s a way of life, a return to the beauty of nature, and a celebration of everyday moments.
I created this 130-page journal as a space for you to capture your dreams, reflections, and inspirations. Inside, you’ll find:
Dream & Doodle on Beautiful Note Pages! ✨
Let your thoughts flow freely on delicate note pages adorned with lavender and butterflies—a touch of nature’s beauty on every page. Whether you're jotting down reflections, sketching ideas, or writing poetry, these pages provide a peaceful space for creativity and mindfulness. With their soft, whimsical design, they make every note feel like a little piece of art.
🌸 Write, dream, and create in a space as lovely as your thoughts!
Stay Inspired with a Goals Tracker! ✨
Dream big and bring your Cottagecore-inspired goals to life! This journal includes a dedicated goals tracker to help you stay focused on what truly matters—whether it’s growing a lush garden, perfecting a homemade bread recipe, or embracing a slower, more intentional lifestyle. Setting and tracking goals keeps you motivated, organized, and mindful of your progress, turning dreams into reality one step at a time.
🌸 Write it down, stay inspired, and watch your goals bloom!
Cultivate Joy with Gratitude Pages! 🌿
In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the little moments that bring us happiness. That’s why this journal includes dedicated gratitude pages—a space to reflect on life’s simple pleasures, from the warmth of a morning sunbeam to the scent of fresh-baked bread. Practicing gratitude can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help you romanticize your everyday life.
🌸 Slow down, reflect, and fill your heart with appreciation—one page at a time.
Summer’s warmth hasn’t fully left us, but the evenings already hint at autumn. With just a few thoughtful layers and color shifts, your summer wardrobe can glide into fall. I’ll share how I prep my closet now, so the change of season feels natural and cozy.