Blyth – Pick A Posie Vintage

After four moves within the village, Jennifer Triemstra-Johnston and her husband and business partner, Chris Johnston, are pretty excited to say that Pick A Posie Vintage has finally found a permanent home – and this time, they built it themselves.

Pick A Posie Vintage began as a pop-up shop on Blyth’s main street a number of years ago, selling costumes at Hallowe’en. Eventually, the vintage clothing business found a permanent home in the downtown core, before moving down the street and settling into the front of Jennifer and Chris’s beautiful Victorian home.

 

But gradually, the business was outgrowing its space. With little commercial space available in Blyth, the couple started considering whether Pick A Posie might have to leave the village. Instead, they decided to stay put and build an addition specifically designed for the business.

 

Plans got rolling in the fall of 2024, and on July 30, 2026, the doors opened on a light, airy and completely accessible new space.

For Jennifer, one of the biggest advantages is having everything under one roof. The retail shop and studio flow together in an open-concept space that gives her room to work, create, teach and, of course, sell vintage clothing and preloved contemporary classic clothing. “Watch what I do,” Jennifer says, and it’s easy to believe her.

 

Sustainability has always been at the heart of Pick A Posie Vintage, and that philosophy is reflected not only in the clothing but throughout the property. The couple have incorporated recycling and reuse into the design wherever possible, while the outdoor space received just as much thought as the building itself.

 

The driveway, for example, is constructed using post-recycled plastic mesh filled with stone dust, creating a permeable surface that allows water to drain naturally. Accessibility was another priority, with the entire property designed to be accessible, from the parking area and entrance ramp to the beautifully designed washroom.

 

Outside, a handsome pergola provides a welcoming seating area. Originally envisioned as a space for outdoor classes, events

and concerts, it may also serve another important purpose: Jennifer’s tongue-in-cheek “husband docking centre,” where spouses can relax while their partners browse the racks.

 

Along with selling vintage clothing and accessories, Pick A Posie offers rentals and styling services. For Jennifer, making people feel good in what they wear is an important part of making fashion more sustainable. If something is loved, worn and enjoyed, it has a much better chance of staying out of the waste stream.

 

The new studio also opens up a whole new range of possibilities. Jennifer has plans for classes and events, including bachelorette parties and girls’ weekends complete with fascinator-making classes. She is particularly excited to finally bring her jewellery-making, mending and natural-dye workshops on-site, rather than packing everything up and travelling to rental spaces as she has done for years.

 

And there is plenty of room to grow. A full basement provides space for stock and storage, while the studio offers room for Jennifer to expand her custom builds and eventually launch a line of clothing and accessories made from upcycled materials and natural dyes produced from the property’s gardens.

 

There’s already a full calendar of possibilities taking shape. On October 25, watch for a Witches High Tea, catered by Peter Gusso of Part II Bistro, with some spooky surprises planned.

 

For information on upcoming classes, workshops and events, follow Pick A Posie Vintage on social media or visit pickaposie.ca. 345 Queen St., Blyth