The name says it all -

Darling is darling! Today Shannon and I had a little field trip to see a store we sell to - Darling - in the West Village. This was the first store we sold to in Manhattan and we have always enjoyed visiting Anne and the girls who work there. They're full of good feedback and the store is adorable - always pretty dresses being blown by a fan in the window. Next time your meandering around the Meatpacking district or the West Village, check it out at 1 Horatio. They're super friendly, have great taste, and right now a chock full of adorable dresses and tops.

And the Award Goes To

Far and away the best dressed at the Oscars this year was Kerri Russell. I'll admit that I've always been obsessed with her, but I swear this has nothing to do with my bias. It was unanimous in my apartment and here in the office - she looks absolutely breathtaking in this Nina Ricci gown, simply jewelry, and naturally swept back hair. She is feminine and simple -- as I always prefer - Kerri is wearing the dress, the dress is not wearing Kerri. (photo courtesy of flickr)

Ford Models - You Tube!

Annapolis Warehouse Sale.

Along with the spring cleaning, and new inventory comes the clearing out of the old. If you are in the DC area this sunday from 1 to 6 join Dakota Martin and 15 other vendors as we give you the best deals in town. What better way to spend your sunday afternoon than snagging some killer deals on clothing, shoes and accessories. Up to 80% off?! Who can ask for more than that... Please pass this along to any friends that may be interested as well! Thanks!!

Snow Angels.

I went to buy my 25 cent newspaper yesterday and walked out of the shop with a $15 "Elle Collections" review of the spring shows - NYC, London, Milan and Paris collectively - by British Elle. I just couldn't help myself after I thumbed through a page or two. Research is my eternal excuse. Anyway, I must have missed the Sonia Rykiel show online, because I turned to this page and was blown away by this beautiful spread. This mass of boas, ruffles, sheerness, and simple delicate pale color comes together as the ultimate femininity. Each girl looks like she would float down as softly as the snow outside, each precious piece unique from the next like those dear flakes. I admire the bravery it takes to commit so firmly to one look or one feel (even with such a proven name). While I've always liked her, I think this spring collection is fabulous. Kudos, Sonia!

Annette Messager

I chose this image not because I know much about the piece, but because as soon as I came upon it I imagined a beautiful ball skirt. Feminine and ethereal. And then I saw something hidden beneath the skirt. Something not readable at first glance (at least not in a photograph) and I wondered what is hiding or being hid. Interestingly, this already draws on a lot of Messager's themes in her work. As the Moma website puts it Messager "fragments images and language to explore the concept of fiction, the dialogue between individual and collective identity, and the social issues of normalcy, morality, and the role of women. In her work she forcefully illustrates the idea that all things -- a child's beloved toy, a photograph, a piece of embroidery, a word with seemingly unambiguous meaning -- can be transformed into objects of potent expression."

This morning I knelt infront of my book shelves rearranging. There wasn't enough room for my December and January issues of Martha Stewart Living (I kid you not) on their designated shelf. In my shuffling I came upon my senior thesis for the english department of Bates. My thesis was titled "Multiplicities: Image, Text, Woman As found in Virginia Woolf, Barbara Kruger and Annette Messager. It reminded me of how much I used to enjoy looking at these artists, and any new ones that came my way via class. I wish I still had a classroom to bring these things to my attention, and I kick myself that I dont use New York City as my own self motivated classroom more. So I thought today I would share an artist with you whose work I find incredibly interesting which you might not have heard of. I think if you check her out you will agree that there is a lot to think about in these pieces.

Sun Sun Mr. Golden Sun.

Can't you just feel this light on your face? I know I'm a little preemptive. We are supposed to get snow tonight. But I'm on the edge of my seat for spring. I am counting down to March 9th (spring forward), and I incessantly (if not oddly) check sunrise and sunset times on the web. In case you were wondering, it rose today at 6:44 am and is setting at 5:34 pm. That is past my insanely early dinner reservations! (early movie, I swear). Monday on our return from Vegas Shannon and I did a little spring cleaning in the office. It's a whole new space...meaning you can't write your name in the coffee table anymore. And spring is popping up on the website too - monday was office spring cleaning, today has been web. You can check out the beginnings under tops - and tomorrow we'll have dresses too! It won't be complete though, because we have a few delivery dates. I've been so anxious for spring that I bought daffodils for the office. What is a bigger sign of spring than these sunshine flowers? They appear at delis and I can instantly smell melting snow, see crocus bulbs sprouting at the top of my childhood driveway, feel the chill of wearing warm weather clothes a bit too soon, and see girls with buckets and buckets of them as they raise money for cancer research in the Penny Lane pick-up line at AIS. I stop and smell the daffodils every time I walk by them and they lighten my mood. So as I wrap myself up in my scarf and hat tonight I'll be checking off one more day until March 20th (first official day of the season), we're less than a month away! And in the meantime - check out the lunar eclipse tonight - they say it should be visible from Manhattan, and the next one isnt until 2010.

Cradles to Crayons

My dear friend Maggie Norrett is hosting the young friends Cradle to Crayons event this weekend. We know what you’re thinking: “I wish someone would hold an event where I could help homeless and low-income children, meet and network with other Philadelphia-area young professionals, and have a great time, all in one night.”

Well, your prayers have been answered: the Young Friends of Cradles to Crayons will be holding their annual fund-raiser extravaganza this Saturday, February 23rd at J.D. McGuillicuddy’s in Manayunk from 8 – 11 PM. A mere $30 gets you in the door, and buys you:

• All the food you can eat
• Access to an OPEN BAR (which means
this is a 21+ event).
• The chance to win awesome door prizes and
bid on some amazing items in our silent
auction
• Live music by the celebrated Brian Aglira,
and a DJ spinning later in the evening

On top of that, you’ll get to mix and mingle with a group of great Philly young professionals, make some new friends and possibly new business connections.

Most importantly, by funding Cradles to Crayons in its mission to provide everyday essentials to children in poverty, your ticket purchase will directly benefit some of the neediest kids in the greater Philadelphia region.

Buy your tickets now; they’re selling fast, and if you wait to buy at the door the price jumps to $40.

To reserve tickets, call Maggie at 484.213.7011 or 215-836-0958 x203, or e-mail Maggie@cradlestocrayons.org.

Date:	Saturday, February 23, 2008
Time:	8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:	J.D. McGullicuddy's
Street:	111 Cotton Street
City/Town:	Manayunk, PA

For more info on the Young Friends and Cradles to Crayons, visit the C2C website at www.cradlestocrayons.org

Circus of The Sun.

Friday night in Vegas Shannon and I were fortunate enough to see the Cirque du Soleil show Love, at the Mirage. Love is one of the newer Cirque shows and is set entirely to Beatles music. This was both of our first Cirque experience, and let me tell you - if you've never had the opportunity to see one of these imaginative and spectacular shows, put it on your list. With the Beatles as the base, you already know youre in for a musical treat -- all those wonderful feel good songs, I hear them and ask myself why you dont listen to them more. Love, a collaboration between George Harrison and Cirque founder Guy Laliberte, earned itself two Grammy's. It was truly mezmorizing to watch this multifaceted performance. No matter what acrobatic I watched in one corner, I was simultaneously completely taken with it and nervous that I was missing something else going on. I don't think I flinched once during the hour and a half performance. The music of the Beatles is so dynamic in the different sounds, and changes in beats and tone, that the hectic stage was the perfect match. And as a great tribute to these four artists, they used originally recordings from the Abbey Road album studio time - including talking between the four men. When they used these chatting clips, they had 4 huge banners with a shadow of each man, and the shadow danced around the banner as the Beatle spoke. They were poignant interludes to the madness of the music and dance, and showed these larger-than-life men as just that. Definitely an awesome experience - two thumbs up from us!

They Lust for Us!

Our apologies for neglecting the blog this week, but when in Vegas... Anyway - this Intermix ad was just brought to our attention, and we wanted to share - check out these two scarf tops (the fucshia exclusively there) at Intermix boutiques nationwide!

Vegas

Dakota Martin is heading out to Vegas for the week. We will be showing our Fall 08 collection for the first time at the Project trade show. The show is February 13-15th at the Sands Expo. Come stop by booth 7050 7th Avenue!

Here we come Vegas!

Brussels Sprouts + Sangria = Heaven.

Someone said recently that they liked when we suggested favorite places around NYC. Well, I have a favorite spot that I found with my father about 3 years ago when either NYmag or Time Out (can't remember - oops) suggested it as a "cheap eats" winner. The name is Alta, and it is on W10th between 5 and 6th. Since discovering it, I have brought countless people back there and every last one has given it rave reviews. It is no exaggeration that I have never seen someone taste the brussels sprouts and not flip out about how they are the best theyve every tasted (who knew you could flip over sprouts?). They also have amazing Tuna Tartare, eggplant dip, lavender infused fried goat cheese...I could go on and on. It is all small plates, and each new taste is unusual and a party in your mouth. I even did the "whole shebang" once where they serve you everything on the menu for an extremely reasonable price and it was all great. Beyond the food, the service is great, the ambiance inviting (grrrreat fire place in the back) and sangria killer (and I sort of mean that literally). I try not to be too much of a repeat offender in this city since there are countless options, but this is one I always come back to. I go for a quiet glass of wine with a friend at the bar, or this saturday we did a dinner for 18 there and it was seamless, delicious, and fun. Can't ask for much more than that! Definitely try if you haven't yet (and invite me)!!

Shameless Plug.

Shannon and I are home today shipping, organizing, photographing. I thought Id take Super Tuesday to share my sister's Journey and what you can do to help... Here is a recent email I sent with a letter she wrote (here she is in the center teaching Kathryn and I to fly fish in wyoming this summer).

Hi all,
First I want to apologize for the mass email. Since many of you heard from me this summer as I raised money for Robin Hood, I hate to be sending a similar email out so soon, but I’m so proud of my sister and what she has undertaken, I wanted to at least share that piece of it with you. If you are financially unable to contribute (as we all have our causes), I hope you can at least be inspired by her quest – and perhaps pass this along to those who may be interested.
As many of you know (because I can’t stop talking about it) Jen has been training for the last few months for the Ironman South Africa. For all of those who know her, you know that she has dedicated her life to helping others. While she herself would never describe it that way, when she is not skiing with disabled students she is helping people grow as an instructor for NOLS. Similarly, she has the kindest heart in her private life, so it was no surprise that she took this huge personal goal, and made it yet another experience of giving back. For those of you who where never fortunate enough to know Suzanne Stack, Suzanne was (as Candice and her brother and sister are) an extension of my family. Suzanne is one of the only people in my life I can say I truly strive to be more like in every way and am a better person for having known. She was the most generous, humble, thoughtful and gracious people on this earth – truly an angel. It makes all too much sense, that Jen raise money for this cause and in her name.

Please read her letter below and thanks for taking the time!
xoxo, Lizzy

From: Jen Sall

In June of last year, my good friend planted the seed of my joining her in an Ironman competition. Initially I would not hear a word of it. I could barely swim, I had never done a sprint triathlon much less one of distance, and I was well aware of the time commitment such an undertaking would necessitate. Yet somehow by August, I had paid the entry fee and started my 30-week training program for Ironman South Africa. On April 13th, 2008 I will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles.A short time into the training I decided to put more meaning behind this effort– both in my training and the actual race day. I want to take this opportunity to honor an individual who has been one of my biggest inspirations in life and in doing so help to raise money for a cause that she was highly invested in. In light of this, my South Africa challenge is being done in the name of Suzanne Stack and her commitment to the Gesu School.I was in 5th grade when I first met Suzanne, the mother of my newfound best friend Candice. What I didn't realize then that I would learn over the next 17 years is that Suzanne is the most selfless, kind, humble, and angelic human being I would ever meet. If you knew Suzanne, you know that you are a better person for having had her in your life. Suzanne touched anyone and everyone she came in contact with. She greeted everyone with a smile and truly saw the sunshine in every situation and every human being. Her love of people, of life, and compassion for others was contagious. Whenever I spent time with Suzanne, I left a happier person. I honestly felt more alive. Suzanne was undoubtedly one of my favorite people on this planet and she also became a mentor to me in ways she never knew. Due to her humility, it was not until Suzanne passed away a year and a half ago that I learned of all she gave not only to those she knew and loved but also to the community at large. Suzanne was very active with and dedicated to helping the Gesu School, an independent Catholic school serving 450 pre-k to 8th grade inner-city children in North Philadelphia. She served on the Board of Trustees, helped orchestrate the annual symposium on inner-city education, and underwrote taking the entire school (10 busloads!) to a Christmas play. She also sponsored two children by funding the full cost of their tuition at Gesu. About 80% of Gesu's students live in single parent households, and most in very low-income families, against tremendous odds almost all of Gesu's alums succeed in high school and beyond.I am often asked what I'm thinking in taking on an Ironman? There is an inherent appeal in challenging myself. Any growth, mental, spiritual, or physical, comes first through challenge, comes from time outside of my comfort zone. Although I did not realize it upon signing up, it has become a celebration of life. It is taking advantage of an able mind and body that affords me such an undertaking. Taking this endeavor and trying to follow in the selfless footsteps of Suzanne, I am looking to create opportunities for others as I have been so fortunate to experience in my lifetime.It is in Suzanne's honor and the spirit of athleticism that I write you. I am aiming to raise over $5,000 for the Gesu School. Much of this will be used for the track and basketball programs, both of which are extremely under-funded with hundreds of passionate students participating.I understand that contributing to my race fund may not be something you can comfortably do. I understand, and thank you for taking the time to hear my story. If you want to help, please donate directly to the Gesu School. Make the tax-deductible donations either online or by sending a check in the mail.

Online:

1. Go to http://www.gesuschool.org/

2. Click on "make a Gift" on the top left hand side of the screen

3. Scroll down to "Donate Now"

4. Under 'gift information' please select 'on behalf of' "Jen Sall" OR 'in memory of' "Suzanne Stack"

5. Please select 'acknowledgement of this gift to' jen.sall@gmail.com (unless you would like it to remain anonymous)

6. When making the donation, please name 'Jen Sall's triathlon' in "how did you hear about Gesu School?"

Via check:

1. Send to Christine S. Beck, President Gesu School - 1700 West Thomspon Street, Philadelphia, PA 191212.

Please write "Jen Sall" in the bottom left hand corner of your check.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this! I hope this finds you well in the New Year. With love,Jen Sall

New Tag.

Shannon and I are headed home for some shipping/receiving action (we wear all hats). Here is a look at our new scarf top tag we just tagged on maaaaaany black and fuchsia scarves. Special thanks to Vanessa, Alana, Ginger and Kel for this one ;).

PS. Yey for the Giants!! Cant help but love seeing a New York team and a serious under dog come out on top. Let this be a lesson that trying to copyright "19-0" before that 19th game is probably an unwise decision.

Happy Birthday Dakota!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lizzy! I love this picture - taken in Nantucket this past summer. Everyone over here at Dakota Martin wishes you the BEST birthday. I hope all your wishes come true. XO