Nut of the Month

Our new silk/cotton short just introduced by TailorByrd is my "Nut of the Month." I love the feel, detailed stitching, length and color choices (light khaki and chambray). The soft hand of the fabric comes from the silk/cotton blend -- don't be afraid of the "silk." They are still machine washable and not dressy like your grandmother's silk dress. The detailed top stitching is a great touch; very classy. The length is a smidgin shorter than what we have seen in past years. Just like women's dress lengths that vary, men's short lengths vary too. Above the knee is much more stylish for a more refined look, which is where these shorts take you. The colors are simple and straight forward pairing well with anything in Black Squirrel, and most likely in your closet too!

Dress yourself or your man up a bit in a pair of these. It is almost summer!

Nuts of the Month

My youngest son and I are crazy about the new ChappyWrap blankets. You may associate blankets with winter, but think again. Spring is time to be outside watching a game, having a picnic or listening to a concert. This cozy blanket will keep you dry and warm when you are sitting on the cold damp spring grass and double as a wrap to protect you against those not quite summer yet cool breezes. How many times have you sat on the sideline of a spring sporting event and found yourself freezing? Or, you venture out for an early summer boat ride or beach outing, the wind picks up and you are cold? Black Squirrel has you covered with the perfect spring blanket – a ChappyWrap. You will want to keep one in your car, boat and beach bag.

We discovered these comfy blankets at the NYC gift show. Here is our attraction:

1. they feel great
2. they are practical
3. they are oversized
4. they are easy to care for
5. they are way “cooler” than other stadium/beach blankets

ChappyWraps are 60% cotton to provide extra fluffiness, 33% acrylic and 7% polyester to prevent shrinkage and pilling. Reversible, machine washable, and extremely durable, ChappyWraps are sure to become your everyday blankets ($105). They certainly have for me.

So far our ChappyWraps have seen our couches, beds, hockey rinks, and sidelines. I can’t wait to use a star ChappyWrap at this year’s July 4th fireworks.

ChappyWraps make great gifts. Stay cozy.

The Case of the Missing Fall

With the temperatures dropping, these “Nuts” are an easy pick – one is new and one is just a long time BSQO staple. The new arrival from 66 North is their kid’s Baldur Jacket. While I am never sure how my new products will be received – I was really excited about the reaction to the Baldur. It is an extra thick and cozy fleece – warm enough to be outerwear on most days. More importantly it has received rave reviews from my young product testers and has been a hit with the Moms at recent shows in NYC and Greensboro.

A close second and long time favorite is the Cloudveil Run Don't Walk pullover. This item was part of my first collection when BSQO opened in 2007 and has remained part of our inventory every year. This is a really nice performance piece made from Polartec Power Stretch fleece; It is warm and light with a great fit. It is extremely versatile and can be a mid-layer or worn by itself. I take mine running, skiing just or lounging around the house.

Nut of the Month

Fall is definitely one of my favorite times of year. I love watching the kids on my block walking to school with their loaded backpacks. I love getting my kids back into their school routine. I love that the weather starts to cool down, but does not get too cold. I love the fall sports and especially sitting around watching a football game with the men in my life. I also really love a new season at Black Squirrel and unpacking the fall merchandise I ordered last winter.

For some reason this fall has been particularly discombobulated. I don’t know if it was because Labor Day was so late, or because school started so late, but for some reason, it is almost the end of October and I am not sure where all of the time went. As I sit down to crack the case of the missing fall, I realize it has been far too long since my last blog and I have lots to share.

Most importantly, I am so excited about BSQO's new ecommerce site. I hope it will finally be live by the end of the fall month. This site is

the primary suspect in my missing fall investigation. Had I known what an effort it would be to get all of the details correct, from photography to inventory - I am not sure I could have tackled it. The next time someone at a cocktail party tosses off the casual advice of "Oh, why don't you just try selling online" as if it were as simple as flipping a switch - I will have a good answer for them. Nevertheless, the site will look great and I, as much as anyone, knkow how much the web has changed my shopping habits, so this is  project I am very excited about.

Another big project for me was “Martha’s Market,” a three day show I did in Charlottesville, Virginia. Even though I am not a big Virginia

Cavaliers fan, I really love the city and that area of the Shenandoah Valley. Martha’s Market is a fundraiser for the Martha Jefferson hospital and in particular women’s health issues. It was a lot of work getting all of my merchandise down there, but I had a little help (thank you Hank Cochran), and it was a very successful show – I saw old friends, met some new friends and overall I think Black Squirrel was very well received. I also was able to contribute nearly $2000 to the hospital, so I am very pleased. 

Last, but not least I want to share my “Nut of the Month.” This month’s selection is the Rab Shadow Hoody.

Although the brand is still new to me, Garth and I “discovered” Rab last winter in Utah and are crazy about the line. Rab got its start 30 years ago making sleeping bags and now makes all types of outdoor gear and clothing. Few of their offerings are revolutionary, rather they simply make great looking, very functional gear that is at the heart of what Black Squirrel is trying to do. I was so excited when their shipment arrived last week that I have literally been living in my Shadow Hoody ever since. Its fit, color and comfort are all to my liking.

As I think back to my missing fall, I better understand where the time went. Looking ahead I know it does not get any easier between now and the holidays. So I am resolved to get my site launched, enjoy the last of my children’s football games, keep exercising and get myself ready for the madness that makes the holidays so much fun.

What could possibly be cool, new or different about a reusable metal sports water bottle? We all have them or have seen them everywhere. Unlike most plastic water bottles, they don’t end up in landfills and users don’t have to worry about chemicals from the plastic. But still – aren’t water bottles a bit boring?

Well, the Hydro Flask is not your typical water bottle, and with our recent hot weather, it is this month’s must have “Nut”. The Hydro Flask is constructed of stainless steel, is 100% BPA-free, and is 100% recyclable. But the real benefit is that the double wall insulation keeps your cold liquids cold for at least 24 hours, and your hot liquids hot for at least 12 hours. Hydro Flask bottles won’t sweat with condensation and come with a lifetime warranty.

Enough of the facts, the real benefit was realized a few weeks ago when we had a 90 degree day in Westchester and lots of lacrosse. Hayne, my 11 year old, filled his Hydro Flask with ice and water, and took it to his game to put it to the test. At half time, he took a sip and, yes . . . the water was cold. A teammate needed some water so Hayne let him have a “water fall sip.” Hayne’s buddy was amazed that Hayne’s water was cold. Again after the game, the friend asked for more water and . . . same thing. The friend then called over all his other teammates, shouting, "Hayne still has cold water!”

The other anecdote worth sharing is a friend who has already purchased three Hydro Flasks for her children, bought a fourth on Saturday for her husband. He had been requesting store-bought plastic bottled water, and she finally told him, “It's time for you to have a Hydro Flask like the kids.” It IS better for the environment, and the water stays cold.

The other cool component is that with every purchase you can direct 5% of the proceeds to a charity of your choosing through FivePercentBack.org.

Try one and taste it yourself.