In 1980, when “The Preppie Handbook” was published, Brett Jones was 10. That explains his style: preppie meets hippie—with a cowboy twist. What matches perfectly with Nantucket summer and Polo? Well, pardner, if you’re the kind of guy who manages to blend needlepoint belts, madras shorts and hippie accessories—and still look like a movie star —you’ve got Brett Jones down. This tall drink of water combines all sorts of crazy elements and makes them mesh. Theoretically speaking, Jones’ outfits should not work, yet his mismatched items go together like bread and butter.
Jones’ style is influenced by his childhood. He grew up on a farm in Chester County and watched cowboys round up cattle. His childhood home, the original Doe Run Inn (circa 1741), was moved off the road in the late 1960s. The Doe Run Village Historic District was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
“I was very fortunate to have such an amazing place to grow up,” says Jones. He remembers fondly the feeding pens, riding ponies and playing Polo. He gave up the sport after five concussions.
Jones has an amazing collection of vintage clothes that he inherited from family and friends. He mixes designer duds with flea market finds. ‘‘I love the boots I found at the dump in Nantucket,” he says.
Jones is pictured in a suit given to him by Bob Strawbridge. The needlepoint vest was a gift from Frolic Weymouth. That mustard petit-point vest? It was made by Deo Weymouth for the Vicmead Hunt Club ball. Jones inherited the Jodhpur boots from his father, another man of style.
The Western look is a current trend, perfect for those guys who don’t mind getting dirty, though Jones is a pretty spruced-up gent. The trend sprung up in the 1960s and the 90s, and, fortunately for Jones (and us), it’s returned.
Jones, a Realtor for Sotheby’s, sells farms. He enjoys spending time at his own farm with his wife and three boys. Farming, you could say, is in his blood; always has been.
“It was an incredibly wonderful upbringing to have—one I want to pass on,” says Jones.
This is one classy guy. —Carroll Ivy Laurence
Page 2: Just in Time… | ……for Father’s Day. What dapper dad wouldn’t want to strap on one of these fabulous timepieces?
Just in Time…
……for Father’s Day. What dapper dad wouldn’t want to strap on one of these fabulous timepieces?
Breitling for Bentley Motors GT Ice Racing, Limited Edition,
$8,420 at A.R. Morris Jewelers, Wilmington and Greenville
Nixon ‘The 51-30’ Men’s Bracelet Watch,
$450 at Nordstrom, Christiana Mall
LUM-TEC Bull 45,
$435 at Orly Diamonds, Independence Mall
Emporio Armani Round Sport Chronograph Bracelet Watch,
$475 at Nordstrom, Christiana Mall
Android Antiforce Power Reserve,
$255 at M2, Rehoboth Beach.
Page 3: Best of the Blessed | Cancer survivor Cheryl Richardson has a bead on creating unique, handmade jewelry.
Best of the Blessed
Cancer survivor Cheryl Richardson has a bead on creating unique, handmade jewelry.
Cheryl Richardson counts her blessings every day. You should count them, too.
Richardson is the creator of Blessings Jewelry, sold exclusively at Lady’s Image in Wilmington. The line includes gorgeous bracelets, earrings and necklaces fashioned of everything from hand-carved beads of agate to pieces of seashell to bits of coral. Works range from dainty to large necklaces that can’t help making a statement. Colors cover the spectrum. “It’s everyday art to wear with everything,” says Lady’s Image owner Jane Strobel.
Richardson named the collection after a struggle with stage IV breast cancer. She attributes her recovery to prayer and beading. Richardson started as therapy for her hands, which shake from nerve damage caused by chemotherapy. “I got tired of knitting scarves,” she says with a laugh.
Richardson travels the mid-Atlantic in search of beads and clasps. She finds ideas in art and architecture, literature and other places. She prays for inspiration. And sometimes, she says, “I just fiddle and fool until it looks right and feels right.” Each piece represents an effort to create something that will be treasured for many years, so each is given an appropriate name—Irish Mist, Merlot Moment, Buckingham—numbered, then labeled with a handmade tag.
If you haven’t counted Blessings among the pieces in your jewelry box, meet the artist at Lady’s Image on June 9-11. A portion of the proceeds from sales of Blessings Jewelry will benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. For more, call 478-7921, or visit
ladysimagefashions.com. —Mark Nardone
Page 4: Fashion Central | The new Nordstrom at Christiana Mall is just what the style doctor ordered.
Fashion Central
The new Nordstrom at Christiana Mall is just what the style doctor ordered.
It’s here. The coming of Nordstrom at Christiana Mall was easily the most anticipated store opening of the past five years, which means—hallelujah—fans will never have to drive to King of Prussia again.
Women will find Burberry and Bruno Magli, Fendi, Fergie and Ferragamo, kate spade and Katy Perry, Vera Wang and Versace. For men, there’s Aramis and Armani, Gant and Gucci, Polo, Prada and Patagonia. There is much more, as well as departments for maternity and kids, shoes, jewelry and fine watches, fragrances for men and women—create your own—and every accessory under the sun.
Browse in sections named and stocked by its fashion feeling. Ladies and girls, dressing rooms are big enough for small parties. Gentlemen, your dressing rooms have large-screen TVs for game time. Children’s World features an aquarium. And when everyone needs a breather from the stunning selection of fashion, they can recharge with an espresso at eBar or with a meal in the restaurant, Sixth and Pine. Call ahead to book one of the 15 personal stylists. Ladies can also book a fitting by certified bra specialists.
A few miles on I-95 or 20-plus on U.S. 202? We thought so—though devotees of Nordstrom Rack will still have to drive.
—Mark Nardone
