Upcoming events -

This Saturday, May third, Shannon and I are participating in the second annual Lankenau Boutique along with other lines such as KEP designs, Vineyard Vines, and Robert Redd. It begins at 630 PM in the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Conference Center (PA!) and is "an evening of shopping, food and fun for the benefit of the Mother/Baby Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lankenau Hospital. Thanks to the young friends of Lankenau for inviting us!

And Next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Dakota Martin will be sharing a booth with other lines from our showroom - The Great Room - at the ENK Intermezzo Show at the Show Piers along the Westside Highway. If you are a buyer and are interested in meeting with us to see our Fall '08 line, please contact Shannon at shannon@dakotamartin.com . Thanks!!

Monday Morning Cheer.

Shannon and I love feedback and we love when someone lets us know they have discovered us. Yesterday Shannon received an email from a Miss Tanya Sharma who writes a blog for Top Button the "fashion democracy." We don't always get a chance to mention these sorts of write ups but this was was just so sweet and flattering that we can't help ourselves. You can read it here. Thanks Tanya! What a great way to start a rainy Monday.

and the photo above is the first recipient of a free polo after sending us this great shot of the original scarf top that we've never seen! It is Mrs. Katie Oppenheim on her Honeymoon this Past September in Las Venatas, Mexico. Thanks Katie! Perfect picture of for a new shout out to the scarf top.

Basta Dresses??

Allison sent me this nymag fashion blog about the New York Times article which lays into an Elle editor for claiming that this coming fall the dress is out. New York Times writes a very one sided article (though they did have many votes in their favor including major buyers and forecasters) for why the dress will stay in. Here is a Lizzy Sall history of the dress and why I think it isn't going anywhere for now. Growing up (once I moved past the pink-and-purple-sparkly-dress-only-phase) I tended to steer clear of dresses. I always loved making a statement and felt that limiting my statement (whether loud or quiet that day) to one article of clothing was too confining and claustrophobic, and as if I was letting the label make the statement instead of making it personally. I swear, these thoughts actually crossed my mind and I wore more pants and skirts. However, my post collegiate years coincided with a huge return of the dress in mainstream shopping. At 23 I had less time to lay out an outfit, I was in significantly warmer temps post Lewiston, ME, and the dress was everywhere. And I began to warm up to it. I filed my first few dress purchases into my closet and in spring and summer they became staples. I realized as long as I chose wisely in color fabric and form (and with so many options now out), they could be totally me, and they are the easiest thing in the world when I am running out the door. 3 years later I have a bit of a dress addiction. And worse, a long dress addiction. And the more dresses I have, the easier it is to rotate a bunch all summer long and never feel like a slob. I think most women agree with me. Of course we will always see more pants in winter and I'm sure the skirt will gain some attention its been denied for the past few years (especially because it is easier to play up the high waisted trend with a skirt than a dress), but for every mom running to take her kids to school, woman just a few minutes late to the office, and weekender wanting to look put together and be comfortable, the dress will remain a staple. In defense of Elle, I am also obsessed with high-waisted pants and the runway could tend this way, but let's be honest - the runway is much more extreme than your average Sally and anything on the runway takes a while to hit the streets. And I haven't even mentioned traveling - one cannot pack so easily with multi part ensembles as they can with dresses - totally my go to in South Africa. So while they're not easy on the wallet, they make life, and stylish life at that, much easier. What consumer is going to deny themselves a slice of that?

Nothin Like It.

I was raised on Quik. It was a staple of my diet during my formative years. I had it every day with my after-school snack in our big plastic cups. The economy size yellow cylinder sat tucked above the counter to the left of our fridge with back-ups in the pantry. It was the cure-all for headaches, the perfect any time pickup and, best bonding drink with my sister and friends. Most days I could find another girl already in our kitchen when I got home mixing herself a glass. There was an art to stirring enough to flavor the milk, and little enough to have a treat at the end. Syrup was unheard of. Powder or die. Maybe I'm wrong, but its not every day that Quik is advertised any more, and its no longer a staple of my diet. I love that the bunny, the font, and the 70s-ish yellow, blue and brown haven't changed an ounce. So this morning as we walked up 9th Ave to work I smiled when I saw this billboard, and curbed TC to take a picture. I could hear the spoon clanking against the cup, and see the powder abyss in the barrel. Wishing I had something to honk with.

Shoulder shaking funny.

Yesterday I sent out my South Africa pictures on ofoto. Without a careful inspection, the one above appeared to be break-time on the top of Table Mountain (of course there was no missing Jen shoving a kit kat in her mouth, looking a bit like the baboon we had seen two days before). That was until I got it back in my mailbox from Liz titled "we could just title this one STUFFING FACE". And my eyes wandered from person to person realizing that, yup- count 'em - all four are absolutely chowing. And I started laughing out loud. And have been since. It's like in middle school when you started laughing with a friend - the tears rolled, the shoulders shaked, and teacher wrath was no match for the giggles. That's how I feel when I look at this picture. I love things like that. I laughed about it on the street walking to work and probably will on the way home. Im laughing now.

G&Ts

I love gold with this soft yellow. It caught my eye when I put on even such a fine chain against this buttery cashmere. Makes me think of a perfectly put together grandmother - her hair perfectly curled under her chin - a barrette perhaps, and lots of gold jewelry. Probably sitting watching the sun set with a G&T in her hand. Hope I'm her one day.

Home again, home again.

A man on our plane from Tennessee who was in South Africa to go large game hunting with his son said to my mother and I, "they say there are three bad things about traveling to Africa. They are: the flight there, the flight home, and paying for them." And I think he is right. While it is always nice to return home to family and friends and routines, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and would sign myself up to go back to South Africa in a heartbeat. So no more daily views like the one above from their wine country, or tasting the locally brewed corn beer like below,

it isn't so bad being home - I love hearing my favorite voices on the phone and picking up projects where I left off. So on a very American note, I came across Alabama Chanin in one of the many magazines I read on one of the many planes. I am loving their website. It has beautiful photography and great products. The company was founded when Natalie Chanin returned to the US after working abroad to create a "road movie through rural America where the old-fashioned quilting circle represents the road we travel." I can't lie I'm very tempted to buy it. Doesn't get much more apple pie than that.

Day 4.

This morning we hiked up Table Mountain in the morning and then went on a tour of some of the local townships, guided by Ronnie. Together Ronnie and his wife started the first tour company to take foreigners through both Black and Colored townships, and teach about the history of the people's oppression. I don't have the name of the group at the moment, but will be sure to post it in the next day or two for anyone traveling to Cape Town. Truly and incredible experience. I'm embarassed about how little I knew and know about the situation here.

Cape Town.

I'm obsessed with this place. Everything is beautiful, there is wildlife everywhere and the people are so nice. This is the back of our Hotel's main building - it is one of the more beautiful hotel's Ive stayed in, and every turn in its lush forest of a backyard is like a nook in a secret garden. I feel as though you could come up with a cast of characters and write a play just based on this facade. I love the stark white with the deep wood shutters and the brilliant purple flowers. I'm off to have breakfast there right now :) - including the freshest fruit I have ever had in my life.

The wildlife is incredible! We very unfortunately dont have time for any game parks but here are some Penguins from a beach on the coast - South African penguins - who knew right?! These little guys are kissing. I decided not to post the X rated picture of what they were doing a minute before.

And we had a baboon sighting driving away from Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve thanks to Nance's eagle eyes. He had the sweetest face (though they say thanks to humans unlawfully feeding them they're not so nice), and really blended in with the straw grass behind him - we were sad he was alone though - where are his buddies???

Today we're off the Stellenbosch - a wine region here - should be tasty :) More on that tomorrow.

Ironman South Africa 2008

Swim start!

As the announcer said, what makes the Ironman competition the most amazing athletic competition in the world is that it is ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Most of these athletes are not professionals - during the week they are wearing suits to the office, working regular jobs, with regular families and lives. If it weren't for all the training hours the log, they'd be just like you or me. They are out there for the love of the game.
My highs of the day (and there were no lows!) -

1. Watching husbands throw their bags at their wives, wetsuit yellow swim cap clad, as the kissed them goodbye and headed down to the beach.

2. Jen's first run by us on the road (post bike and swim), she clasped her hands and said "How are you guys doing?

3. Children joining their dad's for the final run to the finish and infants being carried through the finish line.

4. There was a blind ironman athlete.

5. Watching Jen cross the finish and saying "That was the most fun day I have ever had!"

6. A runner on his final lap handing john a partially drank bottle of beer and saying "Thanks"

Jen Running by!

Back at Camp Trin Trin!

Sexy is back - hooray!

I'm Off.

This is where we are headed after Port Elizabeth -- Cape Town, South Africa (picture courtesy of nytimes.com). To be completely honest, I don't know much about it, besides that I am going to want to move there (according to those who have been). I can't wait for fantastic views like this. Seeing a completely unfamiliar culture for the first time is always so fanscinating, and I hope to be posting all the colors, fashions, and creative inspiration we come across -- I probably should know about the fashion over there, but I don't. Perhaps it'll change our current plans for spring 09? Stay tuned for what we find...

Jennifer Anne Sall was Born Ready.

We could see it from an early age. She was racing big wheels with the neighborhood boys (hers a bad ass black, mine yellow big bird). She grew up tossing footballs, riding horses, playing wall-ball on the bus circle at Gladwyne Elementary. In high school she dominated on the basketball court and lacrosse field. She even "picked up" being a soccer goalie her senior year when Agnes Irwin first put together a team. People thought she had been playing her whole life. She lead both the basketball team and lacrosse team as a captain, and got a standing ovation when she won the coveted student voted athletic award at her senior year athletic banquet. She repeated it at Bates College when she played four years of lacrosse and led her team as captain her senior year. She got her introduction to NOLS doing a semester in Kenya her Junior year - climbing mountains and fighting parasites - enjoying herself all the while. Post Bates she earned a not-so-easy to score spot on the NOLS instructor course, was awarded with work shortly thereafter, and has been leading children and adults through the wilderness of the US - guiding and teaching, even since. She even added (as you may remember from this winter) teaching adaptive skiing to her roster - which had her on the mountain every day of the week for the past two winters. And this Sunday she will compete in her first ever Ironman in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, after 7 months of grueling training - always brushing it off like it was no big deal. Of course, if you've so much as used a public restroom stall next to me in the past 7 months you know she is doing this. Tomorrow I will board a plane with my mom and our best friends Liz and John, and we'll meet Jen, Chris, and Peebee (two NOLS friends also competing) over there to celebrate Jen's Birthday (Saturday) and watch her compete on Sunday.

I don't think I've ever been more proud of anything in my life. I bragged about it to a friend this fall that I don't see often, and he said "look at your face light up when you talk about it!" I wouldn't miss this for the world and can't wait to watch her excel at yet another athletic endeavour. And if this quest wasn't courageous enough she added fundraising to the challenge. Jen more than doubled her goal of $5,000.00 for The Gesu School in Philadelphia - an awe-inspiring-ly successful school -- all in name and memory of our very very dear friend Suzanne Stack. So Sunday as you stroll to brunch, do your laundry or take a jog in the park - picture Jen, Chris and Peebee as they give this super-human venture every ounce of heart, body and soul the have ever used in anything they have done up to this point. I know they will all finish with flying colors - as they say, "the journey is the thing" and each has completed their training, flown across the world, and sit ready in anticipation. I could cry thinking about it, and I know I will Sunday as we try to catch a glimpse of her at any stage -- my necklace from Suzanne around my neck as we cheer knowing she is watching over Jen and smiling at all she has done.

Go get 'em guys.

AIS Love.

We had some unexpected DM sightings in the most recent AIS Magazine and thoughts we'd share. Above you'll note the sporty DM polo on Miss Kathryn Montana Sall - front row, left - in the cover shot of this year's National Merit Scholars. Note that Kathryn manages to stay in uniform and be unique. Smart and stylish - doesn't get much better... And below we have a photo of the AIS alum that attended Mrs. Annie Casey Milligan's wedding this past September. With, as I'm sure you remember, the bridesmaids in the blush Eva skirt, AND Miss Dory Hamilton (though not so visable) in the fucshia Liza dress. A little small to see here, but its a beautiful shot of Annie, a few of the Maids and Dory! Thanks Irwin's for sprinkling us throughout!

April Showers

I'm staring up at my lovely L&H calender with rain drops covering the April page and looking at the gray sky outside. I know the sun seems to be a bit of an obsessive topic for me - but I found this product in this months Domino Mag and think its awesome. I love this shape jar to start - the rubber buffer in the glass lid, and metal clasp remind me of my kitchen cupboard growing up. Add real sunlight? I'm sold. Sign me up for enough to cover a back patio (that I dont have), and outdoor table, or a pool deck. As the Charles and Marie website describes it - by Tobi Wong...this jar stores the sun light. Have it sit in the sun during the day and see it radiate at night. All made possible by modern technology – some LED's, a solar panel and some ingenious thinking. The kind of thinking Tobi is famous for. This is a wonderful effect and the sandblasted glass makes it seem as if it truly emits warm sun light. It is a great little idea for an outdoor summer dinner, where you have the jars scattered around the table, or an evening at the beach where they will provide just the right amount of light, or as garden illumination..."

And a completely unrelated tidbit: I was emailing with my friend Rosy today. I knew we would be best friends our freshman year of college for many reasons, but one big one was (get ready for some major nerd points) when she told me that her favorite book was William Faulkner's The Sound and The Fury. My absolute favorite, but no one had ever agreed with me till I met her. We were emailing about TC today and she reminded me of the best line of Their Eye's Were Watching God on Teacake and Janie: "She looked down at him and felt a self crushing love, and her soul crawled out from it's hiding place..." Its quotes like that that remind me of why I love literature -- when statements evoke feelings and explain things that you would never think could be put into words. I think I need to go back and reread it now. Thanks Rose.

DM at Recent Weddings.

Does it get better looking than this? Becca Schettler found our watermelon colored Liza dress at Darling in the West Village, and we helped her locate a few extras so that she could use them as her bridesmaid dresses. We certainly think this a great idea - adorable (rewearable) cocktail dress + sweet color + summer wedding = great match. But she just sent us pictures and its better than we could have imagined! (for more look at our "photos" section of the website). The couple is gorgeous and so is the entire wedding party. I'm not sure I would have been smart enough to dress the groomsmen in black in the summer, but it looks fantastic with this pink! I can't get over what a perfect set-up this orchard looking setting is with these colors and styles. This should be in Martha Weddings!!
And this past weekend I was at a wedding in Naples Florida for my friend Denise Yerger who married Drew Tyler. Look at this adorable shot of them on the beach as the sun set (courtesy bridesmaid of Deirdre Lydon).

I had a super fun time dancing the night away with friends old and new, and in the action shot below you can sort of see the one-of-a-kind DM dress I wore, using the Liberty silk we used for other pieces this spring. Keep your eyes peeled for a similar body next spring. (and P.S. Check out the fancy dip of the bride and groom stage right, my father doing the "Elaine" which left him sore the next day, and my sister in a bridesmaid dress - this could be the last time she agrees to it).

Monday's Fashion Emerg Lesson

Dont leave home with this...
Without these...

Monday was an "Open call" day at Bendel's. Or as our showroom more appropriately called it, a "cattle call" where designers of all sorts of goods, are given approximately 60 seconds to put on their selling tap dance (lots of Jazz hands) for one buyer... in a room filled with buyers and designers doing their own routines. Shannon and I arrived on the chilly cloudy Monday morning shortly before 9am. Much to our dismay there was a line wrapping an entire block (who knew people would be there at 5am with thermoses and wool blankets? what's is this, a Dead Show?), and we plopped ourselves at the end. Both in far too springy clothing we paced around and chatted with others in line. When we knew this line was going to take its sweet time I decided to hop on the subway and take TC for a walk (his first morning in the crate alone!), grab some extra layers and meet Shannon who would still be patiently waiting in line.

Right?

Wrong.

I rushed out of the apartment with the pup, plopped him on the sidewalk, heard my front door latch and felt for my keys. Phone, check. Plastic baggie, check. Doggie treat, check. Keys? Nope. I checked again. Still not there. I reached through my pocket holes (oops) and felt the whole bottom hem, heart pounding. Nothing. No roomates home. I was penniless, with a dog, with the brown and white stripes waving on 5th Ave beckoning me back up town. Panicked I jumped in a cab, met Shannon who paid, and TC, Shannon and I huddled under one umbrella in the freezing rain with our awkward hanging bags for over 2 hours. TC cried, Shannon lost feeling in her toes, and I continued to dread the moment we got to the door and they said "wet dog in Bendels? Take a hike lady"... As luck would have it they ushered all three of us through and I prayed and prayed and prayed that he not pee on their floor. Okay, Ill be honest - I even crouched in the corner of the waiting room with him on paper towels hoping he would pee so it wasn't in front of a buyer. As luck would have it a second and a third time he did not pee and a girl organizing the line fell in love with Teacake and offered to hold him while we spoke with a buyer. Disheveled and frizzy haired we may have been. We may have kicked half our samples on the floor, bumbled over broken wooden hangers, and thrown our linesheets at the buyer, but she was nice. She was receptive, and she was complimentary. We've learned not to hold our breath in these situations but we're glad we did it and still have a hope something will come of it. And as miserable as we were I just managed to come up with three lucky things that happened. There is always a silver lining. The girl behind us and her boyfriend were stuck with $200 worth of tickets because of a parking mistake. Monetarily it just cost us a few cabs and gave us a good hindsight laugh... So cross your fingers for us and don't ever leave your walk-up apartment without keys in hand - especially when Henri is calling.

Hot Pink in Cloudy April

I guess these color forecasters checked their farmers' almanac before setting the current trends. Fucshia is everywhere and this is predicted to be a very rainy spring. Who doesn't like a pop of color on an eeyore kind of day. Here is our second order going out to Intermix. We were a little skeptical that they wanted the same colors as last time, but there is no denying the fucshia madness everywhere -

here it is on 3 spring covers - a WWD story, Miss Hill Duff on Lucky, and even less trendy Real Simple has little pops of it. Its looking great with orange too - perhaps you need a Fuschia scarf top with some orange linen pants for the shore this summer. I think its a great combo, and trendy enough to show you are clearly aware, but classic enough to be preppy - our most favorite mix.