Fourth of July

It has almost been a year ago when I discovered that my dog gets spooked.  I was writing about it here.

Back then, I had no idea what made her tuck in her tail, lay back her ears and head straight back to home.  I know a lot more today.

It is the fireworks.  Any type of banging scares the hell out of her.  First, I learned that the Portland airport uses scare guns to get the birds off the runway.  I learned about that when our airport was quoted for having an effective system of deterring the birds from the planes by blowing up those guns.  Good for the planes, bad for my dog.  We live too close to the airport and when the wind is blowing just so – well, she hears it.  Trembles and heads for home.

The other bird guns are on the Interstate bridge to Washington.  I guess the city does not want them to build thier nests in the lofty steel.  Can’t blame them – the view is beautiful.  But heck, when the wind is just so – see above.

Now it is THAT TIME OF YEAR.  I live in THAT TYPE OF NEIGHBORHOOD as well.  Days before the 4th, when it is not even dark, the kids send off the fireworks.  And for days after they will do it, too.  Poor Bella knows it, knows it in her guts.  Even when it is all quiet.  She knows.  They can go off ANYTIME.

Now, I am a good dog owner.  I stay steadfast on our walk.  I do not coo all over my dog and hug her to tell her that everything is allright.  I know that the best strategy is to keep calm and walking.

Happy Fourth of July!

I’ll go to the country.  And take the dog.

The shop will be closed.

Morning Walk: Cheap Fashion Statement

I assume you rather adorn yours:

Milinn Spady Glass

Or one of Naomi’s adorable creations:

Life is better WITH a neck.

Morning Walk: Cement God

Plastic Goddess.

Available at the store – Elizabeth Rohloff hat, Sofia scarf.

Passion Confession: Great Authors, Good Books

Last night I had the distinct pleasure of attending an interview with Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  He is the author of ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ (Der Schatten des Windes), which I read just before a trip to Barcelona. Not only is this one of the most compelling stories I read during the last few years, it is also written in a most beautiful language.

What made lat night’s event so memorable is mostly due to Carlos Zafon himself.  He speaks very good English with this slight Spanish tinge -  and he does it with ease, wit and compassion.  The college professor (I forget his name), who interviewed him had good questions to which Zafon responded in at least twenty minute answers.  A comment that stuck with me was the following:  Zafon refuses to have any of his books made into a movie.  He states that he has revised, edited and rewritten his stories at least a ‘million times’ and this is as good as it gets – there will be no movie version.  If he had not before, I won me over right there and then.  I love a book that sucks you in, transports you into its world and keeps a firm grip on you while reading. If I ever see the movie after reading the book, I am mostly disappointed.  The images are not what I had in my head when I read the book.  The story takes a different turn AND it is over WAY to quick.  I prefer to have my own ‘movie set’ in my head.

The event was held in the Bagdad Theater, put on by Powell’s.  I love the Bagdad, its darkness, its decorations, and I try to sit in the very first row to get the most of the presenter’s presence.  Just like a good book.  And of course, Powells!  Zafon thinks this is the best bookstore in North America.  I agree.

His new book ‘The Angel’s Game’ is now sitting at home.  I can’t wait to crack it open!

Neighbor Frank

I think it is highly unlikely that Neighbor Frank is reading my blog – but if you do:  Thank you so much for letting me pick flowers from your front yard.

Frank seeded his strip next to the sidewalk with wildflowers last year.  He diligently watered them until they grew vigorously.  And then he offered for me to pick them for my shop.  This last winter we had this furious big freeze and lots of things died.  Not the wildflowers!  They came back more beautiful than last year.  I am so lucky to be able to pick them again.

Now, I do not know whether Frank is a father.  If he was a dad, I’d give him a pair of nice socks for Father’s Day.   He seems like the person who would enjoy a pair of fun socks under his slacks.

These are the incredible SmartWools. While they almost look like ordinary dress socks, they have a hidden fun side to them!  Check out the cuff and the sole!  The very best part about SmartWools is the fact that they wick moisture, you will never sweat in them even in hot summer days.  You can walk in them for hours without the danger of a blister! (this from a tourguide who walks all day long!)

These are cotton and plain fun on the outside.  just imagine crossing your legs and getting a peek at those under your boring blue or black pants.  I do not even want to go to the bermuda/shorts wearer who has NO style whatsoever wearing WHITE socks.  That is an abslute no-no.  A turn-off, guys.  Do these instead.

I might juts get Frank a pair, father or not.  He deserves it.

The Host of Hats

It is such a good fortune to have such good sports to support the store.  I had invited ElizaBeth Rohloff for a trunkshow at my store, and as luck would have it, the weather did not cooperate at all. Downtown had lost power, it looked like the next storm was just around the corner and I assume that made people stay home.  Oh well, we had fun anyway and downed the Mimosas ourselves.

That is why I say that I have such good sports in my life.  My regulars turned out. My staunch supporters.  I am so lucky to have them in my life!  We had so much fun, it took me half the night to wind down from all the excitement.  Happy chitter-chatter.  Armloads of clothes to put away after.  Hats to sort out.  Photos to take and then post.

Well, here they are:

A HAT makes the LADY, don’t you think?  My mother would agree.

The next cool event

is just around the corner!

I have hosted a trunk show this last weekend and we had so much fun!  Especially since this was Memorial Day weekend and almost no one was in town.  We had the store and the clothing all to our few selves….

The show was by Autumn Teneyl, a designer from Colorado who designs and makes her clothing all there.  Feels good.  It is a small company but WAY BIG on style.  I had seen some of her pieces on various people I ran into over the last six months and was contemplating to carry her in the store.  I now will for sure.  When you go to her website you will see some Fall styles that she will bring back in different fabrics.  I am especially in love with the reversible dresses and shirts.  It seems like she has discovered a style and pattern that is simple yet absolutely stunning.

Here a just a few pictures of our having fun last weekend!

T. is wearing the Becca top (halter top, tunic length) under the Matarria shrug (ties, double fabric on hood).

Again, the becca top, Dionne pants (they have a long flowing slit on the side) covered with the Luna top, which doubles as dress!  doesn’t she look fabulous?

Now that I have this one trunk show down, I am gearing up for the next one.  This one is with local hat designer ElizaBeth Rohloff.  Show coming up this next Friday June 5.  Didn’t you always want to wear a fabulous hat?

I have a three-day weekend

This January, I created a job for someone.  I hired a lovely lady to help me in the shop part-time.  Adding an employee was a first to me but I feel good;  in this economy I was able to create a job and it feels like my business is ‘growing up’.

Another reason for this hire was also that I needed some time off.  The shop is closed on Mondays and giving someone just one day to work did not seem fair.  I now have a weekend form Sunday through Tuesday.  I work four days and have three off – does that not sound wonderful?  It is, and yet, I feel the need to ‘do something for the shop’ at least one of those days.  The plan was to work (design and sew) at least for one of those days so I can justify three days ‘off’.

Well, it has taken me from January until YESTERDAY to finally make good on that plan.  I mean, I did draw up patterns AND sewed the entire day.  It felt GREAT.  And here is the result:

I made this top.  This Anni Kuan skirt beckoned for a top in that rusty, spicy color.  I had ordered it with the teal paper silk top but it seems teal does not look great on every skin tone.  I needed something warmer.  On Monday, I ventured out to the fabric shop and they had this beautiful Tencel fabric in just the right color!

I am pleased with my ‘weekend’ and how productive I was!

The cat (deep sigh) and the Wedding Dress

… is NEVER a good combination.

I’ve had this beautiful vintage wedding dress in the shop for a while.  For a ‘while’ because a few things needed to happen before the bride actually will wear this dress.

a) the wedding isn’t until June

b) the bride needs to loose some weight in order to properly fit into it.

and c) the cat had gotten into the closet and took the dress for a scratching post

This dress is handmade and the lace rather delicate.

Above:  BEFORE

Below: AFTER

And while you can see my thread running through, I think it turned out pretty well.

Now just keep it away from the cat until June.

waiting….patiently….

This morning I woke up to another chilly one…while there are a few sunspots, it never gets warm enough.  I wandered out in the garden, coffee in hand, checking on my greenery and flowers.  Everything seems to be ‘on hold’.

The yellow Iris has a little coat wrapped around her.  Holding on tightly.

The blue Iris seems to be leaning towards the sun- when I can I spring open?  I’m almost ready!

I can’t wait.  I want the sun to warm my skin.  I want to wear sandals. Capri pants.  Sleeveless T-shirts.  Dresses.  I want to leave the coat at home.

How about you?