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 

Down and Dirty Mud Run

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.

As Sunday approaches I grow excited and anxious about participating again in the second annual Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run.  My boys and I had so much fun last year that we convinced Garth and a few friends to join us this year for the mud run. It takes place at Orchard Beach in the Bronx which is part of Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in NYC.  The 5K race is filled with obstacles and tons of mud.  Last year I found the race challenging and hysterical at the same time.  I look forward to running, jumping, crawling, and hurdling the 5K race this year with Garth & Hayne Ainslie, Davis Allen & Sammy Mueller (the other girl willing to get dirty).  Enjoy the 2010 pictures and stay tuned for the 2011 ones to come.