Happy New Year!

In 10 days, Garth and I head to the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. This will be our 4th year attending what, in the industry, is known as “OR” and we are just as excited as ever. It is heaven for anyone who loves the latest in outdoor gear, fashion and gadgets. It is always a very busy trip for us (although we seem to manage to sneak in a few days of skiing), but we come home inspired by and enthusiastic about the cool products we see, the great people we meet and the new trends we spot.

A couple of years ago, I remember noticing that almost every in-the-know guy or gal was sporting their “shiny” insulated coats (made from down or primaloft) and I quickly discovered how essential these pieces are. Lightweight, warm and compressible enough to stuff anywhere, I now never leave home without one. Some of you have trusted us and purchased some personal sheen; my bet is that others will soon follow.

Here is what I need from you – some quick feedback. What do you want to see more or less of from Black Squirrel? Are there any brands or items you think BSQO should be checking out? Post a quick comment on this blog and you will be ELEGIBLE to win a Patagonia Down Sweater. BSQO will select randomly from all those who post comments to the blog or send e-mails directly to me at anne@bsqo.com. Please enter “BSQO January Feedback” in the subject line if you’re sending an e-mail. The Patagonia prize will be awarded next Tuesday, Jan 19 – so respond quickly!

My "Nut" of the Month

My last blog posting kicked off the Holiday season and it is now 2010; so, yes I am very delinquent in sharing news with you. December is filled with parties, shopping and cheer, and all that fun can be very demanding. I prioritized my shop, family and friends – so my blog got lost in the frenzy. Nevertheless, after a very relaxing and exciting Christmas and New Year vacation I am back to work, but also reminiscing about the season.

I have received numerous emails from new customers and thought sharing a few of their thoughts about their personal Black Squirrel experiences would be meaningful.

“My family and I so enjoyed shopping at your store! I anticipated that your store would be too expensive for us and that we would end up buying just a token hat or a scarf. Such a pleasant surprise!! We are so pleased with the purchases we made in your shop and will definitely be returning. The merchandise in your store was just perfect for us!” - Pelham, NY resident

“I wanted to let you know that EVERYTHING I bought was a huge success but mostly the mountain khaki cords I bought for my husband. He wore them almost everyday over this vacation (we went to Colorado).” - Washington, DC resident

Lastly, I hope these pictures of my New Year’s Day fun will inspire you to get outside and enjoy winter. Stay stylish, dry & warm
 

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.

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.