traditions, and a sale.

My family and I have been reading this book aloud on Christmas Eve for about as long as I can remember. When I was little my mother would read it to us, and as we got older we would pass the book around, each taking turns. I've gifted it more times than I can remember... passing along something that epitomizes the season for me. This year I managed to bring it into the store. I'm so happy to be able to share it with you all.

Additionally, our gorgeous scarf collection is all on sale. Enjoy a 25% discount on Epice's gauzy wools, Armand Diradourian's cashmeres, and Matta's cotton silks.

getting into the mood...

Two days before Thanksgiving, and the last dry leaves have fallen and are scuttling along the avenue. The store feels festive: pretty little glass ornaments in many colors, warm winter tights, and lovely new crackled metallic leather cases from Barbara Wiggins adding some sparkle. Seems like a perfect day to start playing our '09 Holiday mix....
Which leads me to my favorite new sounds, a new Holiday album from the Harlem Parlour Music Club. The album features warm acoustic versions of my favorites with a splash of good 'ol funk, and some new ones too, played by an ensemble of incredibly skilled New York musicians... You've heard these guys on millions of recordings, or possibly in the orchestras of the biggest Broadway shows. I'm happy to have a stack of cds in the store... come get 'em, they're hot.

wine, words, and wicked discounts...

This is going to be fun...

Come meet author AMY SOHN, peruse lovely new pieces from local designer Ellen Astrachan and her beautiful BatSugar collection, enjoy delicious wines from Picado y Vino, and take advantage of a one night store wide*
20% discount.

This is a great opportunity to jump start the holiday shopping season, or finally pick up that special something you've been dreaming about...

Thursday, November 19
reading at 7:30, Shopping and sipping until 9.

*not including sale items

229-b Fifth Avenue, between President and Carroll
Brooklyn NY, 718-638-6520
www.dianakane.com

housekeeping...

One of my favorite recent finds, Yoshi towels from Japan, have just come back in. Still at the 2009 pricing (they're going up in January) and with a broader assortment of colors, I am so happy to have them back in stock. Feeding right into my passion for stripes, the palettes are soft, gently graphic and the towels are exceptionally soft, lightweight, 100% cotton. Produced in an environmentally friendly factory in Japan, this line really meets my aesthetic, qualitative, textural, and value standards. Bath towels $35, wash cloths to match $7.

various and sundry

New and noteworthy in the store this week include Tatine's candles, in recycled glass, with great packaging, and clean burning soy wax. My favorite scent has got to be the woodsmoke, followed by the creeping moss, both of which are especially appropriate on this cool and rainy day.

Also, perennial favorite Sven's clogs are back, shearling lined boots and pewter clogs included.
Matta's gold perforated bag is a dreamy complement to the clogs, no?

Warm and playful hats from New Scotland are great, as are Erica Tanov's gauntlet style fingerless gloves, in both bright and earthy shades.


Rounding it all out are a terrific assortment of cheap and cheerful bits and bobs:
recycled rubber bracelets from Africa, $2 each,
Beeswax hand salve, $8, and multicolored bracelets $12 each.

introducing Aki Kano

A new local handbag designer has been making an impression on us, and our customers. Aki's beautiful bags are crafted here in New York out of supple full grain cowhide, soft but long wearing and durable. Her bags really fill a niche: simple, useful, chic, and incredibly well made. I am always surprised how hard it can be to meet these criteria. We've sold out once and are happy to have a new shipment in the store now.
Additionally, thanks to Rebeccah Welsh for the nice interview on the All About Fifth blog.

happy to report

that Matta's fabulous and much coveted dupatta stoles are back! Colors include bark, mauve, raspberry, bay, and new ombres: fog (shown above) and stone (shown below). Soft and semi-sheer, the 50/50 cotton silk blend is smooth, warm and durable. Simple and irresistably beautiful.