Beauty, and things that make me happy

Today our dear and sublimely talented friend, Denise Kerr, decorated our windows for the holidays. I've long admired her beautiful designs. They are simple and contained, and also free and elaborately architectural at the same time. Somehow she walks a line between ornamental and modern, which is not an easy feat.
We had such a lovely afternoon and the windows are amazing, precisely what I wanted, and what I feel like the store is about: beauty, creativity, craft, local talent and whimsy, with a healthy dash of chic.
So come see in person, 'cause the pictures don't do it justice. Also, some of Denise's designs are in the store- you can get a little piece of her magic for yourself, or for someone who could use some magic.

The season has changed...

All of a sudden, it's actually fall. We're not easing into the season anymore; it's here, and if it's not here for long, it's because even colder weather is just around the corner. Here are a few things to keep you warm:

In addition to the Dupatta scarves that are by now a seasonal staple, we have some beautiful dip dyed scarves from Matta that came in this past week. The fabric is a fine wool/silk blend and the colors are gorgeous:

Caribbean blue fading into elephant grey, dusky purple into olive green, and persimmon into rose.










Also in the store are Carolina Amato cashmere gloves with tiny holes in the forefinger and thumb so perfect, so adorable, (so perfect for using your touch-screen phones and blackberries), that I can't keep from telling just about everyone who walks in the store all about them:


And for something slightly more playful, we also have glittens (gloves and mittens all-in-one!) that have the unusual feature of being able to expose your thumb, too (which means you can wear glittens AND use your iphone AND be adorable all at the same time):

Impact

Now I don't want to get all preachy, but have you looked at the impact of conventionally grown and harvested cotton??!! I've been thinking about choice, and the holistic impact of my choices lately. There has been a fantastic leap in understanding the organic/local food industry, but I don't think people have really wised up to the way they make their garment choices in the same way.
16% of the world's pesticide use is on conventional cotton crops. Shopping for organic cotton supports farmers, and the environment, and is also a consistently better choice for your health and the health of your family; residual pesticides linger in the conventional material for the life of the garment. hmmm...
Additionally, the range of style and fabrics available now is so much greater than ever before.
And- you are often supporting small local designers, thereby sustaining your local environs, neighborhood and country. See, holistic.
Okay, I'll stop ranting, and just say...
Stewart + Brown
Prairie Underground
Organic by John Patrick
Steven Alan
Erica Tanov
Majestic
(yes, they are all sustainable, organic AND available here at Diana Kane :) )

Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips*

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives and the passion that she shows.

The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.

*While widely credited to Audrey Hepburn, and often quoted by her, these words were actually written by Sam Levenson.

Storewide 20% Off!!

This Weekend Only, join us in welcoming Fall with a Storewide Sale.
Hours are 11-8 Saturday, and 11-7 Sunday

cheap and cheerful, simple and elegant

Here are a couple of the little somethings currently available in the store. The bracelets are made out of recycled rubber flip flops, and come in a fantastic assortment of colors. They layer beautifully with more precious bangles, or are a great statement by the armload. And they're $2 each. The earrings are an easy every day complement to just about anything; dove-grey fresh water coin-pearls with handmade 14kt french wires. And they're $55.
Come by the store to see what else we have up our organic cotton-silk-alpaca-virgin wool-cashmere sleeves.
xx Diana

send a little love to someone you... you know.

New mini stackable heart rings. I love them.

fashion

It's the time of the year when my friends, and customers, start asking me: "What's Hot?" (feminine silhouettes), "What are the Colors?" (heather grey, camel, purple, olive, red),"Which Textures and Fabrics?" (leather, cashmere, a wealth of warmth and richness), "What's IN Now??"
It started me thinking...
What is Fashion for me, what inspires? To me fashion is about being true to yourself, being clear about who you are and expressing that in how you dress. It means finding shapes that flatter and colors that illuminate you. It's about being extraordinary in the details.
What I think it's not, is being dictated to. If there is one thing that comes back to me again and again it's that one size -or shape or color-- really doesn't fit all. And what each of us is seeking is an expression of ourselves that enhances us, that makes us feel confident, powerful, put together, and chic, and is still practical and effortless. Fashion shouldn't get in the way of your life.

So if you find something that works, why keep shopping? Because life isn't static. It's always shifting and changing; wearing the same old thing you wore last year may not fit (figuratively as well as literally) who you are now.

Now, as with everything, we look for the magic pill- For someone to say: this sweater will change your life. And you know, sometimes it really will- and I'll tell you when I think it could. And I can tell you what colors and shapes, but please don't take my word for it. Or Vogue's or Bazaar's... or anyone's at all.

Oh yeah, and our new Fall pieces are exceptionally fabulous.
Love, Diana

Last Call on some really killer summer pieces

As summer dwindles, so have our prices on what is still an excellent collection of lucky sizes by incredible designers:
Erica Tanov's hand painted cotton dresses from $220 to $108
Matta's silk wrap dresses from $202 to $98
Virginia Johnson's cotton prints from $265 to $124
And so much more...
And all of it an additional 20% off through the weekend!
Come in, say hi, and maybe get lucky.

planning outfits

If you're anything like me, you're already planning that perfect outfit for the first day of Fall. You know the one - that first day when the air is crisp enough for a scarf and cool enough for your new cardigan or jacket; the humidity finally decided to break, so you can wear jeans again. There's a slight chill to the air so you can wear your leather boots again - that pair that you were more than happy to shove to the back of your closet come April, but can't wait to break out now that you've worn your sandals to death. You've had all your accessories lined up since the beginning of August - and now it's finally time to put it all together.



And if you're anything like me at all, these elaborate outfit plans fall to the wayside when this perfect, autumnal day finally arrives. Despite your best efforts, you end up resorting to a classic favorite like jeans and your most comfortable t-shirt, like the Vintage Slub Tee by Velvet. These cotton t-shirts have an intentionally worn, relaxed fit, and are incredibly soft. I might choose the classic, white v-neck, or the long-sleeved crew neck in deep mauve. Luckily they go with everything in my closet - and are easy to accessorize for when I start to feel adventurous again.

crazy but true-

In the midst of deep summer- with all it's pleasures and riches: watermelon! sundresses! sandals! sugar snap peas! sangria! heat! that delicious sun-tan-lotion-smell-that-is-so-nice-in-little, nostalgic-doses!- I am suddenly really excited about Fall. I look forward to the bounty of warm sweaters, scarves, hats, and deep, rich jewel toned clothes coming our way.
And in the meantime, I will continue to savor airy cotton dresses, especially the organic gauze ones from Perfectly Imperfect, and Calleen Cordero's gorgeous hand tooled sandals while they and the summer lasts.

Your Ideal Summer Bag

Cute and functional - what more could you ask for in a handbag? How about Eco-Friendly! These handbags by Dutzi are created using recycled vintage burlap. Designer Ariane Dutzi hires Mayan craftswomen from the Yucatan to handcraft these beauties, making each bag completely individual. We especially love the rustic quality of the burlap paired with the colorful straps.

Whether you’re running to the beach or running around town, these handbags are absolutely perfect. And at half-price, how could you say no?

Perfect Summer Sandals...

Have you been looking for the perfect summer flip flops? Tkees makes perfectly simple sandals in shades designed to flatter every skin tone, and they're sold out or back ordered at all the online shops! We have them in Sable, Charcoal, Coco Butter, Beach Pearl and Frosty Grey. Come into the store to grab a pair in your size...



while you still can!

Summer Sale....!

Summer is here...
And we're celebrating in the store this weekend with ice cream cone-shaped cookies, lemonade, and seriously discounted prices on tons of your favorite designers. Some of the treasures include gossamer lace open cardigans by John Patrick for Organic, whimsical printed tops, dresses and scarves by Virginia Johnson; and unique pieces from local designer Ellen Astrachan and her beautiful BatSugar collection. In addition, swimsuits from Lisa Curran, Vix and Le Truc are half price, and beautiful airy slips by Erica Tanov!

Most items in the sale bins have been further marked down to 50%-80% of the original price, and there are lots of sale items scattered throughout the store (Matta dresses, Steven Alan tops, etc.). This sale is in store only, so come down and celebrate summer with us!

Yummm...

I realize I haven't put up any recipes in ages, so here is my latest obsession: Banana Bread.
Our family went on a much needed vacation to Mexico over winter break, and discovered some magical local banana bread at the little grocery store in town. It was universally adored, and inspired me to find a good recipe when I got home. Turns out this is easy... and seriously delicious. This recipe is also forgiving, which is unusual in baking. I found that reducing the sugar to about 3/4 of a cup suited me better, as does using four bananas, and adding chopped walnuts and a scattering of semisweet chocolate chips (Chunky Monkey Bread!!). Very very good stuff.

Speaking of good stuff, the store is really truly stuffed with good stuff right about now. Giant shipments from Prairie Underground, including the famous Cloak Hoodie back in black, have come in. Tender tissue silks and Japanese cotton eyelet dresses have floated in from Erica Tanov, lovely and amazing printed swimsuits are in from the Spanish designers at Siyu, iconic flats and lovely coppery dancing heels are in from Repetto, Cydwoq's cult-worthy sandals are in, and so many many more items that our shelves are overflowing and our racks are bursting. Come in and see!

color and community

color: new scarves from LemLem, fine cotton gauze made with love and fair trade in Ethiopia

Today I find myself with the unenviable task of hitting up my friends and neighbors to contribute items, gift certificates or services to my son's school's Spring Silent Auction.
I am on the receiving end of countless of these local solicitations as well, of course.
All of this leads to ruminations on community... what it means, and ours here in Park Slope in particular. For me, community is knowing my neighbors, friends and customers, the pleasure of sharing our local stories, our favorite places, our pet peeves and our colorful eccentrics. It's watching our kids grow up.
Lately, sadly, it has also meant seeing some fantastic stores throw in the towel and bow to the current economic climate, which is touching even our amazing little enclave of local support and fervor. I can see the stores here, mine included, tightening our collective belts, and looking for creative ways to keep our spirits up. It's a time of re-dedication, and as Spring always inspires, a time to refresh both our stock and our mindsets.
In that vein, I invite you to recognize anew what our local mom and pop shops offer to the fabric of your community... how they enhance your life, how these finely edited collections of everything from greeting cards to killer dresses to superhero capes make our community the amazing, diverse and desirable home to us that it is.
And, happily, every single establishment I have approached today has given its support to our excellent public school... further proof that through it all our community is as dedicated as ever to pulling together, and keeping us great.

Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I admit, Valentine's Day can feel like a made up holiday to me... but somehow this year it feels like a good time to reflect on the people in our lives whom we love. Yes, our sweethearts, but also the people whose friendships and support make our lives fun and fulfilling.
And I'm happy to have figured out how to offer special discounts on the web, as well as in the store. So, now through Valentine's Day, take 20% off all our lovely jewelry, both in the store, and online. Send out some love! Enter "bemine" at checkout.

Spring Tease...

Yesterdays balmy mid 50's inspired me to brighten up our window...

Matta silk cotton Puja dress, Hartford turquoise linen tunic, Aki Kano Mari Hobo in pewter..
Sunny yellow Havaianas

and refresh some sale prices as well! Stop in to see what's been further reduced...
Of course the day has gone a little icy again, but here's to dreaming of Spring, or maybe that tropical vacation.

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Yes, it's that time... The store is full of great deals on splendid things. Had your eye on one of Armand Dirdourian's cashmere scarves? Or maybe it's a last lucky find Steven Alan reverse seam shirt. Or could it be the shrunken wool blazer from Hartford? Come in and see for yourself!
10-70% off thru the end of January.

Additionally, the spring trickle has begun. With the longer days we have started to receive some new choice goodies. New linen from Hartford in crisp white and bright turquoise, French striped tees from Velvet, and sweet silk-cotton wrap dresses from Matta are leading the pack.

And a little local shout out- A nice profile of me, and the ever excellent Alice Cheng.
Thanks, Park Slope Reader, your magazine is truly an incredible local resource, and a great read.