Stripes

Years ago, while working in the marketing department at Vail Resorts, one of the “facts” I learned was that most families like to ski the same resort, year after year. It makes sense, right? We all like to be in our "comfort zone" on vacation and get into our routine. It is always nice to know your way around a mountain, whether it is finding fresh snow, knowing where the shortest lines are or visiting the perfect lunch spot.

When I lived in Colorado, my comfort zone was on any mountain that was closest to our home. Since moving to New York, I quickly fell into a comfort zone of skiing in Utah – driven by the fact we had friends there and the OR Winter Show is there. How quickly we became familiar with and loyal to several areas in Utah. It’s an easy direct flight and gets 500" of snow - what could be better?

Fortunately, thanks to family and friends, I just had the wonderful opportunity to visit somewhere new, a place I had always heard great things about, but considered it to be too far away or too much hassle - Big Sky and Moonlight Basin, Montana. Yes, the flight was a bit longer, but I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and found yet another place to fall in love with. Big Sky is aptly named as the vistas are absolutely stunning, the skiing terrain had more than enough challenges for everyone, and it was a very friendly place. The architecture made me want a truly rustic, yet refined mountain home, and gave me ideas for the new Black Squirrel shop (opening soon). I cannot wait to go back to Montana, be it for more skiing next winter or hiking this summer. It was simply -- just awesome.

With spring finally here (sort of), I am challenging us all to step out of our comfort zones. Whether that means not ordering the same thing from your favorite restaurant’s menu, or trying on something new the next time you are shopping for clothes - we all need to break out of the ordinary. Along the way be sure to listen to the advice of friends. Next time you’re in Black Squirrel, don’t be afraid to test drive board shorts with no liners, or a ribbon d-ring belt. I know a change can do wonders for the psyche!

Spring Arrives

No, not the Bill Murray Stripes, but stripes in design. I find the simple design element - stripes - a natural, be it for interior, creative or fashion design. Take the American flag for example. Flags look great when used as a decorating tool in boys' bedrooms, or draped on tables. Look at all the wonderful bed linens that incorporate the basic stripe. They are fun, bold and make a statement.

For men and boys, what is classier than a great looking striped polo? I am thrilled to be able to offer my customers the Papo d'Anjo striped polo for men ($90) and boys ($50).  They are made with a soft cotton jersey which feels great and wears wonderfully well. 

So if you want to "stripe it up",  throw on a Papo d'Anjo polo. Like everything at Black Squirrel Outfitters you can dress it up or down.

Spring fever and other things

It is official; spring arrives tomorrow, Saturday, March 20. For me the signs of spring are March Madness, lacrosse, daffodils, and the simple action of being outside. The signs of spring at Black Squirrel are color and patterns, from bright coral linen shirts to plaid cotton shorts. Overnight, the shop has been transformed by the arrival of my colorful spring merchandise.

March Madness – Our whole family looks forward the annual ritual of filling out the brackets (although it is a little more fun when your team makes the tourney). Personally, I like checking out the coaches and fans attire; what I would give to do a reality show about a coach makeover! I am also not so keen on the kids who dress up in costume and especially the painted chest thing (I hope Quinn and Hayne are listening!). I prefer the well dressed fan who is there to support his team and watch the game in style. So, if you will be in the stands, consider shopping at Black Squirrel first!

Lacrosse - All my boys are involved, so like everything else I either jump on the band wagon or get left behind. Last night I read every word of the latest Lacrosse magazine. I now have enough "cocktail conversation" to last me through the month. And, again, can I possibly persuade the lax coaches to wear good looking spring jackets? I know one who will.

Daffodils - As soon as they show up in the New York grocery stores, I know they are blooming in North Carolina. Ever since I was a child, daffodils have always marked the beginning of spring for me. I bought some this week and they are about the only girly accessory in our house right now. Look for them to brighten up a Black Squirrel photo or window soon.

Outside - Is there anything better than a early morning spring tennis game, a bike ride through city streets, or the sound of kids voices playing tag? It is going to be a beautiful weekend - so please shop early and then get outside!

I welcome you to share your favorite spring awakenings with me, either on this blog, or in person.

Surfing

Winter break is over and yet it is still dumping snow outside; I have a bad case of spring fever. I need to get outdoors.

As I look forward to spring, I am so excited to introduce Black Squirrel’s new “cool gift collection.” I want Black Squirrel to be your preferred stop for outfitting your cool, classic and fun lifestyle.

One of my favorite finds at OR was the Gibbons Slackline – we even brought one home to test drive it. The kids immediately set it up in our basement and now compete on it everyday. Likewise, I attempt to walk across whenever I pass through the basement en route to my car. 



The basic idea behind slacklining is to take some webbing, string it between two fixed objects and try to balance. Hayne says it is like a tight robe but wider. All I can tell you is it is challenging, fun and works your core. Quinn comes up stairs dripping wet after 20 minutes of practicing. Our Costa Rican surf instructor (see last week’s blog) says it is great practice for surfing – must be why I was so good on the board.

So when the weather gets me down, I daydream about spring and all the exciting things happening at the store. I love the new products arriving daily at Black Squirrel. Stop in when you can.

Being the only female in my family, I am determined that I will not be the one who gets left at home when the boys are out playing. As a result, I have to put myself out there, because the boys like adventure and I want to be part of it. So at the ripe old age of 44 I committed to learn to surf. 

Knowing I was out of my league I contacted a friend, Caroline Wallace of Brownell Travel.  Thanks to Caroline the only hard part of our trip was the surfing. She steered us in the right direction and took care of every detail. Most importantly, she introduced us to Henry Aguilera who owns Dominical Surf Adventures. Henry, our surf guide, was awesome; he not only taught us to surf, but he shared so much with us about the Costa Rican culture.



Henry’s business philosophy and passion for his venture are ones that I hope to emulate. While sharing his country and talents with tourists he also employs many young men from his community who need his mentoring. He trains these men as guides while encouraging them to continue their education. His commitment and respect to the natural resources of Costa Rica have given him much joy and he wants his clients to enjoy them as well. Henry truly inspired me.

Since returning home, I have been working on concrete objectives for BSQO for 2010 to further increase my commitment to our community and will find ways for BSQO protect and encourage the use of our outdoor resources. I will keep you posted.

Our surf adventure will be a highlight for me for years to come. I can’t wait for warmer weather and more surf opportunities.