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Ali Alford & Sallie Glover in Cloudveil & Mammut

Kit Meyer and Jennifer Meyer in Patagonia Nano pullover

Black Squirrel Sightings were found on the Montana ski trails and NY bike trails.  Whatever the temperature or activity we can help you look and feel good.

Recent Article in Pelham Patch

Alex leaving the Alma boutique in his new BSQO outfit!

I spent the weekend at the Alma Holiday Fair in Rye, a fundraiser for St Vincent's hospital, where I watched hundreds of people, mostly women, shopping for Christmas gifts.  During a quiet moment I was struck by how much fun these women were having trying to find the perfect gift for their loved ones.  Likewise, I could tell the other vendors and I were having just as much fun helping the shoppers select the best gift. Helping someone find that perfect gift is one of life's simple pleasures for me.   Now I shop on-line as much as anyone. BUT when you really need to find the right gift – there is simply no substitute for working with a live person who knows and loves the products they are selling.  In these last frenzied days of shopping I encourage everyone to get out from behind the screen, meet the people you are buying from, eavesdrop on other shoppers conversations, enjoy some laughter and try to take a moment to think about how excited your loved one will be to unwrap your present this year.  I promise it will be more fulfilling.

This week's email for Black Squirrel is titled “G.I.F.T.S.”  

I have highlighted a few BSQO favorites at diverse price ranges.

Gortex shell by Arc'teryx is the best in its category.  Color is hot this season and I am a big fan of the yellow.

Ibex Zepher has been a stand by since we opened in 2007.  Owning two is not considered extravagant. It gets our vote for the most versatile item we sell.

Flannel shirts and flannel lined pants by Mountain Khakis are great price points, practical products and good looking.

TailorByrd shirts give any outfit some pop.

Sherpa pullover and pants can’t be beat for price and quality.

$1600 Raised in Four Short Hours at Friends of Pelham Sports Fundraiser

 

Secret of My Success: Anne Ainslie

Inspired by her love for the outdoors and fashion, Anne Ainsle opened the Black Squirrel Outfitters shop in Pelham more than three years ago.

   

Anne Ainslie opened Black Squirrel Outfitters at its first location on 15 Fifth Ave. in Pelham on September of 2007 and has lived in the community with her family since May 2005. In May 2010, the store opened up at larger retail space located on 525 Fifth Ave., Pelham, NY.

As a small business owner, Ainslie has used her position to give back to the communities that have supported her.  For example, she recently hosted a shopping day for Friends of Pelham Sports, an organization aimed at investing at the recreational facilities for the Town of Pelham.  In a little more than four hours, the store was able to donate nearly $2,000 to the organization.
 
What drew you to your profession?What do you find interesting about the work you do for a living?
I think Black Squirrel Outfitters started with my families love for the outdoors.  I have a husband and 2 boys and we love to be active and we are always outside, whether we are playing or just watching. My family needed good looking, functional clothes that worked for our active lifestyles, and I felt there was a real void in the marketplace.  There are plenty of high end fashion houses and mass market men's shops, like J Crew, Orvis, LL Bean, but I believe I fill the niche in the middle -- I  marry fashion with the outdoors to create the Black Squirrel look which we call outdoor chic. I love finding the merchandise, meeting new people, helping customers find the appropriate outfit or gift.

How do you balance your career with family life?
I chose to open my shop at 15 Fifth Ave., Pelham, NY so that I could still be a part of my boys' daily lives. My first location was very close to our home and schools.  Now that they are a bit older, the bike ride to 525 Fifth Ave is easy. I work hard when the boys are in school and doing their homework so that I can be there for them when they have free time and games.

If you could change one career decision you’ve made, what would it be? 
Take more chances.

What are some key lessons you've learned in your professional and personal life that you think everyone can learn from? 
I think one needs to be passionate about what they do. I think treating all those around you with respect is of utmost importance. Lastly, surrounding yourself with people smarter than yourself, all of whom have different strengths and weakness is the key to success.

What is your definition of success?
Having a strategy and fulfilling it. Enjoying your daily routine.

Heading South

What a fantastic day at Black Squirrel's Friends of Pelham Sports event yesterday. In four short hours, Black Squirrel raised $1600 for FPS! I love this organization. FPS' goals are to be a long-term presence in the community and to fund needed recreational improvements throughout the Pelhams, with a turf field being the first step. At Black Squirrel, I am all about promoting healthy and active lifestyles, just like FPS. As a business owner, I am all for organizations that want to enhance the amenities in our town and make Pelham a desirable destination for families. As a parent, I am all too familiar with the disappointment of games being cancelled due to damp fields and of fields being closed all summer. I am proud to be associated with this organization and I want to thank everyone who came out yesterday to support the cause.

If you couldn't make it, you missed a great cross section of our wonderful town and surrounding communities. We had loads of kids in soccer uniforms. We had youth coaches. We had high school coaches and teachers (thanks James Rogers). We had high school students who volunteered to take pictures, greet customers and bag merchandise (thanks Cassie Fox, Lily DiPaola and Will Kavanagh). We had families from Larchmont and Bronxville supporting the cause. We had FPS board member Ellen Tuttle's indefatigable energy serving customers and making the shop fun. We had the Krups "beertender" which was quickly deemed a great gift for dad's (unfortunately I don't sell these). We had constant girls volleyball updates (congrats on a great season). And last but not least, we had my beloved Dallas Cowboys overtime victory over the hated Redskins (sorry Giants' fans).

Think Snow

Our trunk is packed with Outdoor Chic!

One of the really fun parts of my job is when I get to take Black Squirrel on the road.  Tomorrow I head south for our first "trunk show" of the season.  On Wednesday, November 2nd,  Black Squirrel will be showing the best of its best at Sallie Glover's beautiful house in Raleigh, NC.  It always so much fun for me to re-connect with old friends and customers, and to make new ones – it is truly inspirational and what makes my job rewarding.  I like to Facebook and text as much as anyone, but nothing beats seeing people face to face, catching up with their lives and seeing what BSQO items they like. 

Spread the word to your southern friends.  If you are not in Raleigh, don't sweat it.  Shop bsqo.com, or wait for news on our next trunk show stop.
 

Trilogy Lacrosse and Black Squirrel Sightings

I know I am going to sound like the biggest hypocrite in the world since, as many of you know, I hate the cold as much as anyone, but I am really psyched for the foul weather headed our way tomorrow.  Here’s why.  I just got in a shipment from a new vendor for us – Mammut – and I love, love, love it!  I can’t wait to take it for a test drive.  Mammut is Swiss company that is primarily known for their great climbing gear, so I know the quality will be there.  But the real reason I am excited and the reason the brand always catches my eye when I go to the Outdoor Retailer show is because it is so good looking.   I always think of the brand for its fun colors, simple lines and great fabrics.  I know I will be ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out tomorrow – will you?

I know I will live in the Snow Zip.  It feels great and the colors are vibrant and fun.  Yes, the snow zip was made for outdoor wear, but I also like it with my jeans and cowboy boots.  The purple and guava are the perfect shades and the snow white can't be beat as it is a pure white which is so hard to find for winter wear.

The Polar Pull in bark and black are so rich in feel and customers are already commenting on what a "nice alternative" it is to a sweater.  

The Plano soft shell jacket is uber col with the red mammoth on the sleeve.  Works for the young and old.

Black Squirrel Sightings & Amazing Fall Colors

Trilogy Lacrosse Clinic in Pelham draws over 100 kids and 

Black Squirrel Sightings to boot.

Ned Crotty

Max Quinzani

Pelham's Ingall's field was filled with over 100 boys learning lacrosse tips from two of the best -- Ned Crotty and Max Quinzani -- two former attackmen that led Duke to a 2010 National Championship. Ned is currently working for Trilogy Lacrosse, an organization that prides itself on being the leader in lacrosse education. With its unique teaching philosophy Trilogy Lacrosse has created a first-class reputation for personal commitment to every student-athlete.  Those of us who watched Ned and Max conduct yesterday's clinic, and many who have attended Trilogy's camps, would agree with the Trilogy statement that, "First and foremost, we are educators."

On the sidelines I had several Black Squirrel sightings.

Patagonia Coaches Jacket

Patagonia Coaches Jacket

Cloudveil Jacket

Native Sunglasses & Cloudveil Jacket

Mk Shorts and Island & Co. Belt

Don't forget to post your sightings on Black Squirrel's Facebook page to receive a 25% discount code to shop on-line at bsqo.com.

Columbus Day Weekend

Columbus Day Weekend in the Catskills was spectacular.  Saturday, Sunday and Monday were blue bird days making the fall foliage seem even richer in color.  Our days and nights were filled with good friends, fun activities, delicious food and BLACK SQUIRREL SIGHTINGS!

Rab Pullover

Like father like son in MK Alpine Shorts

Papa d' Anjo Rugby hard at work

New TailorByrd Shirts

ChappyWrap

New Sherpa Pullover

MK & Ibex

Fall for Suede

If you are lucky enough to be going way for the upcoming Columbus Day weekend, I offer a few packing tips.

Start with the appropriate size duffle.  We love the color and size options of our Patagonia duffle.  Remember, it is just a weekend, so the small or medium should suffice, unless you are packing for the whole family and then the large is a perfect option.  Garth much prefers one big bag to several small ones.  Simply a matter of preference.

As for contents, naturally it depends on where you are headed, but the temperatures do seem to be dropping.  We think in terms of base layer, mid layer, outerwear, shirts, pants and accessories.  So my picks would be:
base layer -- Ibex Zepher
mid layer - Rab Fleece
outer layer - Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket
shirt - Saltaire or TailorByrd
pants - Mountain Khakis - any style: original, cords or flannel lined
accessories - Ibex gloves and Patagonia beanie

Keep it simple and have fun!

Suede is the new, hot texture this fall and we absolutely love our NEW suede belts from Torino. The navy with red stitching is great looking and my personal favorite. The $75 price point is not bad for a good looking and well constructed belt.

A few customers of recent have been uneasy with the navy and asked about what shoe to wear. Just as brown, black, and gray are neutrals, navy can be too. Wear the navy belt with brown suede loafers for a stylish, sophisticated look, if you have them, but otherwise don't sweat it.

Still not sold on the brown and navy combination? Look at the fabrics and wallpaper from this handsome, yet fun room (http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=84327). Navy and brown can be paired together to create many different (and great) looks.

This year's mud run proved to be just as much fun as last year's, and even muddier!  While I missed having Quinn along, Davis Allen, Sammy Mueller and Hayne were great company.  Well, actually, they were inspiration as I only saw them at the starting line and then again when I finished.  They were amazing as they produced great times and attitudes. 

Nearly 2400 people ran in the 2011 Merrell Down and Dirty 5K Mud Run, and I am pleased to report that all of us finished in the top 100 overall: Hayne 35th, Sammy 79th, Davis 82nd, and Anne 95th -- not too shabby for 13 year olds and an old lady.

Think about participating next year.  You will not regret it.

starting line

mud pit

Davis, Anne, Hayne & Sammy

muddy running clothes and shoes

running clothes sand shoes soaking in tub 

Alec Bidwell enjoys COLD water from his Hydro Flask at yesterday's Pelham modified cross country race. Alec is doing his part to save the environment by being green while hydrating.

Be sure to post your Black Squirrel Sightings on our Facebook page to receive a 25% discount code for online shopping.