I was lamenting the closing of so many wonderful stores in New York with my followers on Instagram Stories yesterday. Luckily, retail is still alive and well at the insanely chic Plain Goods store in New Preston, Connecticut.

I got to know owners Michael DePerno and Andrew Fry after writing about their homes and they invited me up to visit Plain Goods last weekend. The store originated across the street in a space that’s the size of their current store room in their building from 1897. The Harry O’Erickson Pavilion Hall was a gathering place for the community that had sat empty for 13 years before Michael and Andrew set about bringing it back to life and creating a new gathering spot. When I arrived on Friday, the store was packed with shoppers who’ve become friends.

The name Plain Goods refers to a simple aesthetic and dry goods stores of yesteryear but there is really nothing plain about Plain Goods. It’s filled with a carefully curated selection of beautiful new and vintage items for the home that includes tabletop pieces, furniture, objects, books, and more downstairs and clothing and accessories for women, men, and children upstairs. The store also has a large selection of items specifically created for the store under the Plain Goods label. The color palette is generally subdued with subtle pops of color interspersed throughout but everything is made of “exquisite materials”. I must have touched every single item of clothing in the store and then read on their website that “our collections are meant to be touched, worn, loved and lasting”. Mission accomplished.

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, the Litchfield County area of Connecticut is a wonderful area to consider. While Michael held down the fort at the store, Andrew took me on a little tour of the area including Lake Waramaug and Washington, Connecticut. I really appreciate when someone cares so much about their area that they want to make sure you see the best places.

The closest hotels are the Mayflower Inn and Spa and The Hopkins Inn. Father afield is Troutbeck which is owned by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud and son Anthony and daugher-in-law Charlie. Andrew picked up lunch for us from Nine Main Cafe which was delicious and they also recommend Community Table in Washington, CT.

It’s such a wonderful area that many New Yorkers have bought homes in the New Preston, Connecticut area and after visiting, I can see why. It’s an idyllic area and the shopping at Plain Goods is top notch. But if you can’t make it to the store in person, they also sell online.

Plain Goods
17 E Shore Road
New Preston, CT 06777
Wednesday to Monday 11:00am – 5:30pm
Closed Tuesdays
860-868-0280
info@plain-goods.com

All photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic.