Archive for the ‘New Arrivals’ Category

Skunkfunk Arabit Dress.

Skunkfunk Arabit Dress.

This spring we will be carrying several fun new lines, all designed to breathe some fresh air into your wardrobe. Ironically enough, Skunkfunk is perhaps the most exhilarating — the designs are sporty, colorful, and utterly unique. A Spanish line, there are definite European influences present in the fun frocks we’ve stocked. Skunkfunk’s irreverent designs are imaginatively captured by this great behind-the-scenes video.

Knitted Dove is fun, feminine and flirty, with unexpected design elements that are delightfully whimsical. Take the Sail Away Jacket, for example — the vivid hue and excessive quantity of buttons pretty well sum up the bright and playful mood evoked by these charming garments. For a peek at more by Knitted Dove, enjoy this absolutely lovely video, inviting you to Step Into Spring… croquet, anyone?

Prairie Underground is one of our nation’s foremost sustainable fashion purveyors. Designed and created by a network of creative women in Seattle, Washington, each garment is a blend of hemp and organic cotton. The line is characterized by fashion-forward updates on tried-and-true classics. Peruse their Spring 2012 lookbook and stop by soon to try them for yourself!

If you aren’t able to visit the shop, keep an eye on our website as we list new items each week. Be sure to “like” our Facebook page to see sneak peeks of fun new pieces as they arrive in store! We can’t always contain our excitement long enough to blog about it.

The "Keep" Tote: Reusable Cotton Canvas, $15

The "Keep" Tote: Reusable Cotton Canvas, $15

As you know, we promote sustainability and conscientious shopping in everything we do. Over the years we have struggled with the environmental burden created by the paper shopping bags we use here in the store. Originally we used a bag that was saturated in black dye, a brand advancement technique that was soon outweighed by the thought of all those needless chemicals. In an attempt to further incentivize conservation, each time a customer uses their own bag or declines to use one of our plain kraft bags, we donate twenty-five cents to DonorsChoose, a charity organization that helps fund education programs. This past summer perhaps you were one of the lucky few to pick up a limited edition Tree Tote created from salvaged tees.

Our latest effort is perhaps the most exciting: a reusable, washable tote, made from raw cotton canvas. Emblazoned with an original design featuring words of inspiration and encouragement, this tote makes a powerful statement – literally! The attractive shoulder straps leave plenty of room to sling it over your shoulder, even when you’re bundled up in the cold. Two small tabs at the opening serve to snap it shut when toting, or to secure it in a compact roll when not in use – perfect for throwing into your purse or back seat.

You will want to keep this spacious tote handy – not only will it be endlessly useful in your daily errands, it will also save you 15% on any full-priced in-store purchase through February 28th, 2012. Come grab yours soon, quantities are limited!

Arm Candy Subscription: three bracelets a month, stack them high!

Arm Candy Subscription: three bracelets a month, stack them high!

Ready or not, the holidays are here! Whether your gift-giving style is to procrastinate and scramble or shop early and gloat, we’ve got just the thing for the ladies on your list. For a few years now we’ve delivered our Scarfscription to overwhelming enthusiasm from both recipients and givers. This year we’re very excited to unveil a brand new subscription service: Arm Candy!

Designed much like the original Scarfscription, the Arm Candy Subscription is sold in 3 month increments, up to a year — and at only $20 a month! Each month the recipient will find a package on her doorstep containing three new bracelets to adorn her wrists. Best of all, just what she finds in that box is up to her: she can fill us in on her tastes to receive a custom combination, or enjoy the anticipation and surprise of our own hand-picked favorites.

For us, the joy of the holiday season is in helping people find the perfect gift for those they love and appreciate. Let us help you give the gift that truly keeps on giving!

November 2nd, 2011

cubist-blog

What do a couple of flea market finds and American costumer Gilbert Adrian have in common? Both served as inspiration in the creation of the most recent Design Lab Collection: Cubist Tryst.

When Christina, owner of Substance, spotted the ruby red suede shifts at a NYC flea market, she recognized potential in the beautiful material and in their classic a-line silhouettes. To bring new life to these forgotten treasures, she turned to Sarah Ivancic, fiber artist, costumer extraordinaire and a designer of past Design Lab collections.

Sarah holds a BFA in Fiber with a concentration in Experimental Fashion from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Primarily focused on exploring through fashion the ways in which cultural and material constructs interact, Sarah was a perfect fit the project. Sarah’s skillful hands have brought new life to found materials, imbuing them with a purposeful abstraction and constructed with the female form and the concept of femininity in mind.

The dress that served as inspiration for the collection was created by Gilbert Adrian in 1944 for his wife, actress Janet Gaynor. Adrian incorporated elements of Cubism in his work, arranging the fabric in abstract shapes and patterns, playing with color blocking and creating looks that were stunning in their originality and whimsy.

Sarah has done just that with Cubist Tryst. The ruby shifts are reborn — deconstructed, analyzed and created anew as pieces of wearable art. Planes of suede are abruptly interrupted by contrasting fields of a soft linen/cotton blend, in forms that echo the original Adrian. We love these fun and unique frocks paired with tights and boots.

Serving as a beautiful accompaniment to our Cubist Tryst frocks or your existing wardrobe, the belts created for this collection play on the motif of contrasting elements and imaginative construction. Tie them at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette, or slide through belt loops to add an unexpected detail to your favorite jeans. Each belt is a one of a kind piece — just the thing to add a touch of artistry to your wardrobe.

Indigenous Designs Travel Coat.

Indigenous Designs Travel Coat.

Well, let’s face it. Autumn is here to stay — or at least until Winter takes her place. Let’s make the best of things: let’s sip on pumpkin beers, shuffle through leaf-strewn sidewalks, and swaddle ourselves in some gorgeous sweaters.

We have stripes, ombre, and polka dot holes. Cuddle up with mohair, organic cotton, or alpaca. Coconut buttons, shawl pins and waist sashes change the drape to suit your style.

Winter, bring it on.

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- mohair -
- organic cotton -
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- coconut buttons -
- waist sashes -

adele-blog

First appearing in the store over the summer, the Adele Clutch has become a fast favorite. Designed by the prolific vegan-friendly handbag line, Melie Bianco, the poly-synthetic faux leather is soft enough to rival our leather bags. Adele first made a splash in bright summer hues, but now she’s back in the beautiful, rich shades of autumn — each one making a beautiful statement in contrast with the dark painted wood frame. It might be the frame that is most alluring — the smooth, curved wood fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, hard and empowering like a chunky boot or a big statement necklace. Now here’s the clincher: it’s only $50.

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The Nyack Snorkel Jacket by Spiewak

Every fall we rummage through our basements, attics and closets, unpacking our beloved sweaters, blazers, jackets and coats, thinking of all the cozily chic days ahead. Until we get to that one coat. You know the one, the enormous puffer coat that you both love and hate — it’s the only thing that keeps you warm on those most bitter winter days, but it’s the most unflattering and unfashionable thing in your closet.

But no more! Enter the Warren Coat by Spiewak: a quilted down coat that is warm, cozy, and sleek. Yes, you read that right; it’s sleek. Available in either Noreaster Gray (a beautiful pewter) or Deep Purple (even prettier than it sounds), this is a cold-weather essential.

Still not sold on the quilted coat look? We have several other Spiewak styles, ranging from ladylike to Après-ski, from melton wool to satin. Spiewak has a long history of excellence in outerwear, stemming from their roots in military uniforms. The high quality craftsmanship of their uniforms is carried through to their fashion collections for women and men.

Click through to see more Spiewak or stop by our store to try them on for yourself!

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Michael Gaines knows jewelry. A geologist and jewelry industry veteran, Michael creates one-of-a-kind pieces – “as unique and individual as the woman wearing it,” he says in his mission statement – out of gemstones found in the US and purchased through Fair Trade abroad, sustainable silk and reclaimed wooden materials, and re-worked vintage pieces. His beautifully made pieces are classic enough to wear forever, but are also a gorgeous take on current movements in artisan jewelry.

Because of the process he uses in acquiring his materials and the care put into each piece, every necklace we feature by Michael A. Gaines Jewelry is one-of-a-kind or very limited edition, making any of these pieces a unique and special gift. Michael is interested, he says, in supplying an alternative to “homogeneity in fashion,” giving the women who wear his jewelry the great feeling that they’re wearing an item that no one else in the world will have, as well as the satisfaction of supporting an independent artisan whose focus is not only wearable art, but sustainability.

Handmade in the southern US, Michael’s jewelry-making process involves the use of renewable resources without toxic or environmentally hazardous chemicals. For example, unlike many jewelry artisans who use plastic-coated steel wire (which requires hazardous chemicals to produce), Michael uses hand-knotted silk to string his necklaces, and also will re-string your piece on the rare occasion that re-stringing is required.

We love working with independent artists who take such pride in their work, and who are as passionate as we are about natural materials and hand-made heirlooms. These items are something to treasure – some of our favorites here in the store include the mixed-metal chain necklace with coral, turquoise and 18th Century Ethiopian beads, and the bold statement necklace made from hand-carved reclaimed maple and walnut discs. Stop in to take a look, and pick your own favorite – after all, Mother’s Day is just around the corner!

March 17th, 2011

sunburst-blog

We’re loving all the new styles in store for spring, and when so many of them are sustainably made from organic materials, it’s even easier to think about bidding winter adieu. One label that’s just arrived on our shelves is Synergy, an organically made line of fun and elegant tops and dresses that won’t break the bank.

First, we’ve got three dress styles made from a deliciously lux organic cotton hemp weave. Now I know you might be thinking, hemp? Itchy! But the soft weight of this cotton fabric is lightweight but still substantial, and it hangs beautifully. Our favorites include an absolutely elegant black wrap dress with blue trim–slimming and sexy and oh-so-easy to wear–and a simple shift in brown or blue, that’s the perfect piece to throw on with a chunky necklace and boots, for any season.

If you’re craving something more lightweight for the spring mid-season, then check out the “Three Little Birds” dress, in rich plum or soft gray. A simple long-sleeved silhouette, this will work beautifully with leggings while there’s still a chill in the air, but transitions so well into late spring. And with such a fun, springy print and a price tag under $60, who can resist?

One thing we’ve noticed about the dresses from Synergy is that they’re a slim cut through the waist and hips, but that they give a little more room in the shoulders. This is great for our customers who like to have plenty of room for movement in the arms, but don’t get discouraged if you need to try a size up in order to get that perfect fit through the torso.

And last but not least, the incredibly fun and flattering Sunburst tee. This black embellished tee can be worn either (get this!) frontwards or backwards, featuring the red and brown sunburst embellishment either on the neckline, or as a cool surprise across your shoulders. It’s alluringly low-cut, but not so low that you’ll have to worry about showing too much skin, and the color combo gives it just a hint of rocker chic.

And the best thing about Synergy: not only are all these pieces made from organic cotton jersey or hemp weave, but they are refreshingly affordable. So often we find sustainably made lines that we absolutely love, but that we know are a bit too much of an investment for our economically-savvy customers. With Synergy, you can feel good about adding a beautiful piece to your closet that’s easy on the wallet and the environment.

As we get more and more spring styles into the store, we’ve started thinking about warmer days ahead…and that means getaways! Resort styles have already come and gone on the fashion week runways, but here in the store, we’re just getting started, imagining the places we’d go if we had our pick.

Some say New York, some say Budapest, and some say…the moon? Why not, as long as we’re just pretending! Our newest Design Lab collection is a group of easy-to-wear tops inspired by travel and the starry skies above, with a dash of vintage flair. We almost can’t describe it without a visual aid:

moonpeople

This whimsical portrait is like something you might discover during spring cleaning in a shoebox that belonged to an ancestor, along with some trinkets and buttons from long ago expeditions abroad. In “Over the Moon,” we imagine what you might wear in your own sepia-tinged souvenir photos, on your own journeys this spring–clean color-blocked silhouettes with whimsical details like scribble-stitched stars and flowers, and delicate vintage buttons, hand sewn here in the store, just for you.

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