What to wear for the Thanksgiving HOLIDAY

Each month I pick my Black Squirrel "Nut" of the month, which is my little shout out to a particular product, observation, or a customer that has recently piqued my interest. I opened the “Nut” series talking about my love of belts. If you did not have a chance to read it simply scroll down to the October 29 posting.

This month my “Nut” is the Nau Shroud of Purrin Jacket. Nau is a new brand that BSQO began carrying this year. Nau was started several years ago by a group of designers who left Patagonia to form a company that is completely dedicated to making sustainable clothing that marries cutting edge fabrics with great style. I love the Nau approach – sustainability with style! As we head into a season filled with consumer frenzy, I encourage everyone to think about minimizing their waste. Every piece of clothing designed and produced by Nau is made from 100% recycled and recyclable fabric so at the end of its long life it can be sent back to Nau to be recycled once again.

Equally important, Nau makes superior products. The Shroud of Purrin coat is super good looking, yet the simple lined soft shell jacket epitomizes the Nau brand. The inner lining is so soft you may just stop wearing baselayers. Its wind and water resistant outer shell allows it to work equally well as a midlayer on the coldest of days.

Wander the streets of NYC or hit the slopes of Aspen and you will find yourself fitting right in.

Nau is so encouraged by the reception of the metro NY customer it has opened a “pop up” shop in SoHo. Check it out if you are in the area. 

Through December 31, 2009
69 Mercer St
New York, NY 10012

Stay stylish, dry & warm

"It's Showtime"

Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just over a week away. Throughout the years Thanksgiving for me has been about family time, food and some fun activity. Years ago when I lived at home in North Carolina my family’s Turkey Tennis Turnament was always a highlight, filled with competition and lots of laughs. As a young married couple living in Colorado, Thanksgiving Day always meant a day on the slopes – conditions could be iffy, but the crowds were sparse. In New York City, it was all about bundling up and finding a good spot for our boys and me to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade. Nowadays our focus is on ice time, Turkey Bowls or traveling to see family. I think one of the reasons Thanksgiving is such a special time of year is that no matter my age or geography, one of the few constants in my life is that on the fourth Thursday of every November, I will take time to celebrate my family with food and a fun activity. No matter where you find yourself, I hope you too will be surrounded by friends, family, good food, and an activity or two. 

This year we head south to Lynchburg, VA to see Garth’s parents, so Susan Weeks and Katie Franks will be holding down the fort at Black Squirrel for me. Luckily, I will be off the hook for preparing dinner so I really just need to worry about outfitting my boys (including my husband) for the day.

Dressing for Thanksgiving Day can be tough. You need to be ready for all kinds of weather and all kinds of activities, but you want to look put together when you sit down for the Turkey. My guys will all start in their Mountain Khaki pants. They are comfortable and work equally well having a catch in the backyard as they do at the table. Up top, I think it is always best to think about layers which can dress your look up or down and provide extra warmth and comfort. 

Plaids are always a good fall choice. My favorite top mid layers are the Ibex wool pieces, be it a vest, full zip, or pullover (which I just happen to carry). A lot of guys go for a sweater, which is a great look, but I just think these Ibex pieces are a little sportier without being too casual. After all, Thanksgiving is a day to be relaxed.

Stay comfortable, stylish and simple. Eat, play and be thankful! 

Enjoy.

Introducing the October "Nut of the Month"

With the holidays upon us, it's "showtime" for Black Squirrel. We are going to be on the road holding several in-home shows where Black Squirrel enthusiasts (old and new!) will be able to touch and feel our wares and discuss gift ideas with us. I really enjoy traveling to other parts of the country and connecting with customers who cannot make it into our shop in Pelham. 

 These types of intimate, in-home gatherings give me the chance to see many wonderful people, some whom I have spoken to on the phone, some I know and others who are all together new to me. Learning about everyone's lives, their needs, and what they have enjoyed from BSQO in the past brings me great inspiration.

On Tuesday, November 10, I head to Debbie Andrews home in Lloyd Harbor, NY on Long Island. Then, on November 24, Black Squirrel will be in Greensboro, NC at my sister's house – Robin Ragsdale Schenck. Our last show will be at my good friend, Andrea Cuvelier's home in NYC on December 2. {If you are in any of these areas and interested in attending – please call me at 917-882-3566.}

Lots of fun companies and designers are selling their products at gift shows this time of year. Specialty shows provide an intimate shopping experience where customers and shop owners are able to have direct face to face engagement – certainly not what you get at the Mall or while shopping online! These types of shows also provide the opportunity to find fun, unique non “mass merchandise” types of gifts for friends and family. No one can deny that personalized unusual presents are always more special to give (and receive!) 

Consider something different this year. Venture out and explore.

Picture Perfect Columbus Day!

Each month I plan to write a kernel or "Nut" about observations I make while running Black Squirrel Outfitters and connecting with my customers. To crack open the “Nut” series, I focus on my love of belts. Belts for men and boys are like necklaces for women; they can make or break an outfit. Think of a man wearing jeans and an un-tucked T-shirt. If he tucks in his shirt and adds a good looking belt, he will suddenly look pulled together. Line up five men in khakis and polos and their belt will set them apart. A good belt can differentiate you from your colleagues and even hint at your personality.

This month I am "nuts" about Argentinian belts that just arrived in our store.  We’re selling them in a range of sizes suitable for small boys to big men. Among other things, Argentina is known for tango, polo and the Patagonia Mountains. Add these colorful geometric belts to the list.

How Black Squirrel Got Looped In:

- A good friend of mine was shopping in Argentina and thinking about Black Squirrel when he spotted these belts. He felt they would be a good addition to the mix and he cinched it. They are fun and work well with jeans and khakis. And best of all, when we’re all tightening our own proverbial belts, the price is right: $60/men and $20/boys.

A quick tip for young boys; if you would rather wear a T-shirt, as long as you have on a belt you will still look neat and may be able to get past the front door without someone telling you to go back in and put on a collared shirt.

Shop Black Squirrel

We took advantage of this past long weekend to head up to the Catskills for a little family time. My boys, Hayne and Quinn, stood still for minute so I could capture a quick shot. Fortunately, the foliage was at its peak and it was a colorful weekend.

The fall season is one of my favorites – and Columbus Day Weekend is the perfect time to get away for a day or two and re-charge. Since Labor Day, we have been going non-stop with work, school and sports -- no complaining, but a slower change of pace was nice. 

The chill in the air means time for hiking, picking apples, sitting by the fire and visiting haunted houses. For weekend getaways I like to pack lots of layers for my boys and me. When the temperature dips I always start with my "woolies" (the Zepher by Ibex is my favorite) and then I add more layers from there.

Many people have an outdated understanding of wool and think wool = itch. Wool has come a long way since the seventies! The wool pieces I sell are soft, comfortable and warm without being bulky. You can start your morning wearing wool and it will still feel fresh by the time you’re sipping a hot toddy at the end of the day. Wool can keep you toasty if you’re picking apples, taking a run or just simply collecting firewood. It might be time to consider reintroducing yourself to wool. 

Fall into Black Squirrel Outfitters!!

This week I remind you to DO what you always say you’re going to do and Don’t Wait ‘til the Last Minute to buy holiday gifts for all. Those of you who are local in Westchester, shop the Holiday Spree Boutique at the Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, NY -- on Wednesday, Oct 7 and Thursday, Oct 8. Doors open at 9:30. 

Since living in Pelham I have gone to the show and shopped for many gifts for my family. I am now grateful to my friend Kristin Barsanti, who helped me secure a table for Black Squirrel Outfitters at this year's show.

Even though it is a holiday show, Black Squirrel’s shopping theme this year will be all about looking good on the sidelines (at football games, soccer games or otherwise.) 

New Tailorbyrd shirts have arrived just in time for fall; those coupled with the Ibex Scout, Shak, and new Rave down vest deliver supreme sideline style. From sideline to mainline -- all pieces are extremely versatile for the season.

I hope to see you at Shenorock, otherwise please call or email me to get a jump start on the season and let me help you find some great clothes. Remember my favorite aspect about working at Black Squirrel is connecting with all of you, and helping you find the right assortment for your lifestyle. 

I recently had the good fortune to help my friend, Melanie Tolan, and here is what she wants you to know: 

"Anne at Black Squirrel Outfitters has the innate ability to know what type of outerwear a family needs -- before they even KNOW they need it. The best part of working with her is that she does the legwork and presents you with options that always work. You can be confident in her selection -- and, she saves you time while making the whole family look good."

Stay in touch!

IT'S FALL, so think football, friends, fun and of course: FALL CLOTHES -- like flannel, cords, sweaters and fleece! 

Black Squirrel now has items for MOM too!!

Women's Must Haves - encouraged by y'all, this Fall I introduce some essentials for women.  Like everything else at BSQO, I am focusing on items that fit your hectic lifetsyle, but still look great.  One of the new brands I am really excited about is Nau (pronounced "now"), a company that excels at using cutting edge performance fabrics to create great looking clothes.

My Back To School Picks -

Mountain Khakis' Original Mountain pants - $55 -  I love these on my boys, and my boys love wearing them, so getting dressed for school is suddenly easy for everyone. The Original Mountain Pant is soft against the skin, but is plenty tough where it is needed, making it a no brainer for back to school.

Patagonia's Pique Fleece - $80 - When he wants his hoodie and I want him in a sweater, this is our compromise.  I think subtle details on this 1/2 zip fleece - from its textured pique fabric, to its side zip cell phone pocket make this a perfect back to school necessity.  It stuffs easily into back packs and lockers, not to mention your son will want to take it to the slopes too.