Sportswear.

So this is my last post (for now) of people in DM. This is Erin from "The City" taking "sportswear" to a whole new level. We certainly have pitched the scarf top as wearable in many scenarios... A gun range was never one of them, but hey-if your target practice is improved with some nice charmeuse wrapped around your body and a cool necklace, well more power to ya, and we're psyched to hear it. We love these! Thanks Erin!

A Few More....

Our favorite Trin girls all grown up!

Summa, Summa, Summatime.

Well if Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff's first music video doesn't date me nothing will. Those flat tops and fade-aways were awesome and probably coincided with the age when I bought (and by bought I meas stole out of my sister's closet --the only time in history that act occurred) tie-dye MC Hammer pants (not far from the Harem pants of the moment). Anyway, I digress because whenever I say summertime that song starts playing like theme music in my head. And a few weekends ago was the unofficial start of summer(time) -- memorial day. DM pics start popping up a lot more in warm weather, we're far and away a spring line before we're a fall. Above is a camera phone shot. Erik Schietinger walked out of his bedroom of his Hampton's time share at the same time as Craig Stack, and low and behold, this picture showed up on my phone a few minutes later. Loving everything about double DM.

yeah. About that...

Let's not even talk about how long it has been. I'm all about looking forward not looking back ;). We've had an influx of pictures from customers recently that are too good not to share. Check these out... Above is Andrew Simon (left). He is photographed here on a recent trip to Bangkok. Specifically, he is at Sirocco. Here is a fun fact for every one's Thursday : Sirocco is the world's HIGHEST al fresco restaurant. The view looks gorgeous, but you might want to X it off your itinerary if your scared of heights.

And below is Andrew and friend at a Muay Thai fight. Andrew pointed out that this one might not fit quite as well with the DM "image" but we take all kinds ;). And we like to show the versatility of the classic DM polo. Takes you from fine dining right into the trenches, looking good at all points in between. Thanks for sharing Andrew!! More pics to come.

Happy Friday.

and enjoy the weather. xo

Event Recap.

Look how cute our booth looked at AIS! Shannon and I are so used to the trunk show deal that we never take pictures anymore, but our friend Stephanie was sweet enough to do that for us! And the booth looked even better because we displayed our friend's bags -- her line is Kage (we've mentioned before). I may or may not have walked away with that green one in the middle... Hopefully Trinity pictures will follow as well of all those adorable girls in our clothing. As usual they were fantastic hosts and took great care of us even though it was a beautiful day and the start of their spring weekend. Thanks girls!!

Trin!

So I fibbed a little bit when I said to come see us at AIS Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. You can certainly see Dakota Martin all three days, but Shannon and I will only be there Friday and Saturday. Tomorrow we're headed to see some of our favorite girls at Trinity College for a Trunk Show at Ivy. We love the Tri Delt girls who host us, and can't wait to see them!!

On the Road Again.

Dakota Martin is in Philly once again, participating in Agnes Irwin's first ever "Spring Market." Id share more details, but the women had such a lovely online invite that I thought I would just share theirs... If you're on the Mainline come see us Thursday, Friday, Saturday!!

PS - Check this out.

A friend Shannon and I met in St. Barts recently started this website/blog - PS - I made this. I am totally loving the materials and finished product images so far. It seriously seriously brought me back to my crafting days, and made me sad I don't do anything of the sort any more. My poor patient mother would help me through the countless stocking dolls (yup--made from old stockings and pillow stuffing of my mothers. My grandmother still has them all over her room, poor thing - they're a bit frightening), pillows, skirts, bedazzled anythings. I tie-dyed, splatter painted and glue-gunned anything I could get my hands on (had the mini version of my mom's). Truth be told if I wasn't on the waterfront at camp (my true love) skiing, sailing or swimming, you could probably find me at sewing making scrunchies and pillows. Even through college, I made a mini quilt for one friend and a full quilt for another. Granted these project were all very flawed with love, but it just feels great to used your hands and really make something. I guess these days when I use my hands for projects + gifts it generally involves food (and my mother is still patient as ever answering her cell phone to my endless moronic questions), but this site is really moving me to re-expand my mediums. Thoughts some of you might enjoy Erica's talent too!

April Showers

You know what they say... They bring these guys. And Ill take it, because these daffodils are making my apartment smell sooooo good right now. Happy Friday!

Oh hello, Topshop.

Topshop opens Stateside today here in Soho. For those of you unfamiliar, Topshop is a British chain that is a bit reminiscent of H&M. It is an incredibly low priced store with very current trends. Above is a Kate Moss design -- how hot is this dress? It is $250, which is higher than their average price point, but hey -- it is Kate Moss and it is a serious little number. You're not finding a comparable dress for $250 anywhere else.
And clearly Topshop and Dakota Martin think alike -- how great is this Liberty print (again KM) cami?? Bargain basement price of $70 (again, with the KM name attached it is a bit pricier).

And this might be my favorite -- a poplin bomber jacket. Very reminiscent of something any one of my family members would have rocked in the 80s. In fact it might end up in my shopping cart... And only $70.00 for a jacket! Love. I cant even call these three products the tip of the iceberg because like H&M the options are endless and in every department. Check it out online here, or brave Soho, but I think that visit might be a full contact sport for a few weeks.

Snail Mail.

I just love sending things in the mail. There is nothing better than the quiet surprise of a close friend's handwriting in your stack of bills and catalogs, even if it is just to say hi. I think this love was born being a summer camper for 8 years. NOTHING was better than seeing your name on the package list of having your counselor toss envelopes on your bed during rest hour. Some of my very favorite were from my friend over at Linda and Harriett -- always covered in stickers and written in bright markers (shows that some professions are meant to be).

For some reason in the last few weeks Ive been sending a lot of snail mail. This morning I received my most recent shipment of "Fruit of the Month" club, a birthday gift from my friend. This surprise isn't so quiet, but is fantastic. I've sneaky been a little embarrassed by the excitement that this gift has stirred in me, feeling like it s a little of a granny-in-Boca thing to be excited about. The other day I was at a funeral for a woman I adore and her son was speaking. He had us all laughing about the things this woman would do to go out of her way for her sons to reiterate her love for them. He said something along the lines of "despite my subtle hints that Baltimore does in fact have grocery stores, if I mentioned a steak sauce I liked, I was no doubt driving back from my parents house with a case of it." And so this morning when my beautiful pineapples arrived (and no I wasn't wearing black socks and sandals), it clicked why I love this gift that keeps on giving so much. Just as when I pop york peppermint patties and jellybeans to my sister, its just a wordless reminder that this friend cares about me. I know when I send these things that my sister can run into her CVS and grab a york, but this one is from me because I took the time, and I know she loves them, and I want to provide that little joy for her. Sure, I have a Whole Foods a block away, and I can afford Pineapple. But getting it in the mail, as much of an 80 year old as that makes me, shows how well this friend knows me and my fruit obsession. So pop a "hi" in the mail to your grandfather, cousin, best friend, long lost friend. You don't even have to say how much you care about them (though its never a bad idea), they will know. I promise it has a different effect than an email or a facebook message. And did I mention I only write on Linda & Harriett stationary?

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Thanks NYmag.com!

NYmag.com is featuring our Lilly dress in its shop-a-matic "spring trends under $200" edition this week! I've always been a huge NY Magazine lover (as you might remember from reasons to love New York) and am a religious reader. Even so, when I went on their site to steal these images I couldn't stop flipping through the other editions of Shop-a-matic. Such great products! So of course, we're very honored to be chosen. Thanks guys!

Aye.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I love Guinness posters, I love puns, and I love lobstah. Hope you make it to a pub and drink some green beer.

Thanks Sparkleshelf!

Sparkleshelf.com interviewed us for their "10 minutes with..." section. We're flattered they wanted our two cents! You can read the interview here! (see us in the center bottom there??)

Soho House Trunk Show.

Monday night Shannon and I are participating in a Soho House "ladies night shopping event" from 6-9pm. Unfortunately this one is not open to the public, but we still have a few spots left if you're interested in joining us. As the invite says, special discounts and gifts for buyers! Should be fun, so don't hesitate to shoot us an email. Happy Friday!

Seasonal Bread.

I think you know by now that I like the bake. And since Ive shared seasonal recipes thus far, I have a new favorite. My little sister gave up sweets for Lent so I had to get creative when baking for her lacrosse game this past weekend. I turned to 1o1cookbooks (one of my favorite sites) and found this yummy and savory zucchini bread. I was thrilled when it was gobbled up on the tailgate table by the girls in no time, and already have a list in my head of people to bake it for :). This interesting recipe features curry powder - a very unexpected in a zucchini bread, but a delicious surprise, and perfect for early spring; not aggressively summer (think strawberry or rhubarb), but not heavy and wintry. Above is a bowl of walnuts, poppy seeds, and crystallized ginger. I know, sounds like everything but the kitchen sink, but YUM. You can find the recipe here.

Talib Kweli.

It might seem like a very un-Dakota Martin thing to do, but last night I went to Blue Note Jazz in the Village to watch Talib Kweli perform with Hi Tek. I lived across the street From Blue Not for 4 years and never stepped foot inside. I've always wanted to go -- the long lines of obvious music connoisseurs, night after night under the piano awning always intrigued me. And in my eclectic music taste I have always appreciated what I know of Talib (albeit, limited). We I have to say I highly recommend both. Blue note has the old school jazz vibe you expect it too minus a cigarette smoke filled room (thank goodness). Black and mirror panels in a herringbone pattern on the wall, small stage with nothing to hide, and rickety, packed in little tables (so packed I might add, that a neighbors sneeze showered our table and we were unable to finish our glasses of wine :) ).

And Talib is amazingly talented. There was nothing they performed that didn't impress me. A girl named Reese (don't know how to spell it!) performed with them as well, and she had the most GORGEOUS voice I've heard in a very long time. From Philly of course :). My favorite lyric they repeated for a while at the beginning of a song was "if you can talk you can sing, if you can walk you can dance." Words to live by.

National Jean Love.

We've been carried by National Jean Co. for a while now, but we're loving this online attention and assortment. Plus the tops look great on their models with their jeans - a natural fit!

Bye-bye Fantasy Land!

So we have returned from one of the most beautiful places on earth after almost a week of sunshine, laughter, beaches, and one of the most beautiful and unique weddings I have ever seen. Shannon and I sipped Champagne, danced on tables, ate amazing food, and met more wonderful people under one roof than are commonly under four. And if that isn't a testament to who Marla and Terry are (the bride and groom) than I'm not sure what is. Not only can they plan a creative and fun party, but they are a reflection of their friends/family and vice verse; there were all solid, kind, fun people surrounding them. (which as a side note, just added to how honored we were to be invited).

So Shannon and I were lucky enough to produce the bridesmaid dresses for Marla which you can see below. The colors came out fantastically, and the belts were made from the same material as Marla's custom dress (designed by her dear friend Melissa). And to make Marla's and the wedding parties ensembles pop even a little bit more perfectly on this secluded surfing beach set into the cliff of St. Bart's, where the wind was rustling the palms, the sun was setting, and the bongo was beating, was that all of the guests were wearing shades of white. Could not have looked cleaner or more appropriate for the setting. I could go on and on about each night and every detail, but suffice it to say not many weddings will compare. Last winter when our friend Susan was married I put this quote from Eat, Pray, Love on the blog, but I just love it so Im posting it again:

"I keep remembering one of my Guru's teachings about happiness. She says that people universally tend to think about happiness as a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you're fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don't, you will leak away your innate contentment. It's easy to pray when you're in distress but continuing to pray even when your crisis has passed is like a sealing process, helping your soul to hold tight to its good attainments."

May Terry and Marla keep swimming upward in their happiness forever and may their souls always hold tight to their good attainments. Congratulations guys.

Hiatus!

Not tryin to brag -- but this is where Shannon and I are headed in the AM. You might remember the polo picture on the cover of our website for a while... Well the beautiful girl in that photo is getting married this weekend on St. Bart's and Shannon and I are lucky enough to be included on the guest list. We were also lucky enough to contribute the bridesmaid dresses! So while I apologize for our hiatus until Tuesday, I can't wait to share photos from the weekend. See you all on the other side ;).

Annapolis Again!

Shannon and I are two thirds the way through Coterie at the moment and will wrap things up today. It is definitely a sign of the times when our cookie plate isn't emptied everyday by passers by, and there is no line for the icky bathroom even with one stall broken, but despite the times the show has proven positive for us. It has started the ball rolling in a few different areas that we hope will snowball into greater things. More importantly for you consumers though, (especially in the DC/Baltimore area) is that Dakota Martin is returning to the now bi-annual Annapolis warehouse sale -- This will be Dakota Martin's 3rd time participating in this show and it is always a great one. There are a number of fantastic vendors and AMAZING discounts. If you're anywhere close go! We promise you won't be disappointed.

Oscar Winners.

And I don't mean little statues. I mean dresses. And winners plural is stretching it, I must say I was disappointed. Very disappointed. Above we have Natalie Portman. Her fantastic bubblegum pink/almost purple strapless dress with a lot of bodice detailing (not sure who it is) is fresh and fun, and she looks clean and beautiful. Her hair pulled off her gorgeous face is perfection. But I have to be honest, on better red carpet years, even this might have been a little lost in the shuffle. Instead it is cream of the crop.

However, I think my real winner is one that I am sure no fashion focused show will be talking about. She is our Robin Roberts, Host of GMA. For starters, this orange is stunning on her. The cut looks fantastic on her very in shape bod (look at those arms!), and is a gorgeous cut in it's own right. As someone who finished chemo and radiation less than two months ago she looks healthy, strong and happy. Her hair is far more striking at this length (and I rarely, I mean rarely defend shorter hair on women) than before her treatment began. And without going off on too much of a tangent, I commend her for picking such a simple classic shape and fabric (very similar to this jcrew dress) when SO many red carpet hosts seem to be drawn to very prom-dress/Miss-America-gone-wrong numbers. Good work Robin. YOU get the DM golden hanger award!

Fashion Week.

Fashion week has been in motion, but I've only scratched the surface of fashion shows that have happened. Here are two looks [from style.com] I like - both 3.1 Philip Lim, usually a favorite of mine. I think the fabric on the mini above is just beautiful, and I think my unhealthy obsession with long dresses swayed my choice below. Check out more at style.com .

Suno

So this is a pretty unoriginal post, seeing as DailycandyNY is featuring this company today, but I just liked their product so much I had to share too. These are garments made by a new company - Suno. The founder has spent years researching/buying/creating fabric in Kenya, and brought it back to NYC to create these great pieces. I really really enjoy them. And you can check out more on their site or purchase them at opening ceremonies . Kudos kids! I want one! I want one!

The Stephanie!

I'm trying to motivate myself to put our second round of spring up on the web... So I thought sharing our best seller for delivery #2 would help me. Meet the Stephanie Dress :).

The Gap

Once upon a time (or a pink sparkly dress) I hated The Gap. I was too young to count to 100 but old enough to think those window displays in Suburban Square screamed attack of the nerds.

A few short years later, and I loved the Gap. I even asked, "Mommy, did the Gap change or did I?" Still a favorite line of my parents, and while I don't remember the answer, I do believe in hindsight it was I.

In recent years though the Gap feel off the fashion wagon. They went from being a cheaper option to a bad option, with poorly chosen hues, boring cuts, and misplaced cheap looking detail (sorry guys!). So the last year or so that Patrick Robinson has been at the helm I have loved seeing the changes. On my flight back from LA, I even ripped out a magazine page with great gap bags, jeans, and vests. Could it be? In the midst of our financial woes we can add the gap back into our feelgoodaboutyourself shopping rounds? I hope so. I've been meaning to get to a store and see for myself. And that says a lot, because I haven't been meaning to get to a gap in about ten years... Can't wait to try some of it on!

[photo courtesy of nymag.com]

Because some things never go out of style.

And I'm thinking beyond a classic trench or LBD.

I once asked a friend who doesn't pay much attention to fashion if she remembers what she wears at special events or even just nights when something significant happens to her, expected or not. She looked at me like I had ten heads. I of course do. And probably the less significant nights too. I asked because it occurred to me I partially mark events in my mind by my outfit, and that this may not be the norm. Turns out I was right. And as we got ready to go out this weekend in LA--wide belts, headbands and platforms, or got our nails done in "Lincoln Park After Dark," how much fashions can change, and we can grow, and yet some friendships stay the same. We've gone from middle-schoolers to lawyers and dentists, long blond ponytails to short brunette bobs. When I met some of these girls I was wearing mickey mouse suspenders, braces, or hippie patch pants. We've moved coasts and cities, gotten married, disposed of boyfriends and more.

Whether in navy wool kilts or jumpers though, the same stories are as funny as when they happened. We will still belt every song from the top of our lungs (sorry Greg) and we will still pick on each other relentlessly. Good to know that no matter how many years go by or what happens in our lives, or whether I'm wearing pink nail polish or black, someone has my back and will share a laugh. Here's to the next time we get together (hopefully a more complete group) and whatever zany thing we will be wearing then.

Here We Come...

Team DM and Company are off to LAla land for the weekend! Have a great one, better blogging next week... I swear.

Top Secret

Here is a little snippet of something top secret we've been working on. We'll be able to share more soon!

Newman Can Sort It All Out,

The sky is falling to the point where even something as regular as the USPS is looking to shorten their week. Leave it to the New York Post to think of bringing in Newman as an expert. Just like Seinfeld, Newman made me laugh at the absurdity of being worried about one less day of bills :). Genius.

THE fine people of your New York Post have come to me to find the solution to our national dilemma regarding the proposed cutback of mail service to five days a week.
This, of course, makes eminent sense, because as Newman, I was known as one of America's premier ersatz mail carriers. (I guess John Ratzenberger was unavailable.)
Nevertheless. I digress. What would Newman do? That is what we all ask ourselves on an almost daily basis.
Well, first I think it's important to understand that Newman never delivered the mail on six consecutive days in his life.
The cost in footwear alone would have been enormous.
He would be firmly against the five-day week, which would be an increase in his schedule that would seem draconian.
"Must I brave the elements continually just so that geriatrics can get their precious coupons? I think not!" he would say.
So as not to startle the populace with this change in service, Newman would have advocated his own contribution to the shortened week: "Roll Your Own Day Off."
One day a week, the mail carrier could rest his or her weary legs, acquaint himself with his family, stamp collect or go to a Renaissance Faire for a joint of mutton. But why announce it? People love surprises! After all, that's what the mail is all about: the thrill of opening your box and finding out if it's a bill, a jury summons or an ad for a nifty new adjustable bed.
If there's something in the box every day, you lose your edge.
In conclusion, the mail carriers of this country are fine, upstanding people who work hard for a bureaucracy that rivals Stalinist Russia. They would love to be able to shop on a day when the stores are open.
Besides, any company that goes broke year after year, as the USPS supposedly has, should have closed long ago. Be thankful for its survival. And if you don't like it, write your congressman. Just hope Newman isn't delivering the letter.
Wayne Knight played Newman, a US Postal Service letter carrier, on the sitcom "Seinfeld" from 1992 to 1998.o the point where

I heart KS

I can't lie to you, I've always had a weakness for Kate Spade. I just think she hits whimsical preppy on the head, and while not cheap per say, less expensive than your average designer handbag or shoe. I walked by her 5th avenue store earlier and just wanted to applaud her spring line. Ill take both of these and the about 8 other things I love, thanks :).

RIP Domino Mag.

It is easily one of my favorites. In my top three I would venture to say. A well curated room is like a perfectly put together outfit or a seamlessly orchestrated dinner party. Each feels effortless and perfect at the same time. An impossible combination, yet accomplished often by those talented makers that just get it. To be honest, it is not often I see this in fashion magazines in terms of clothing ensembles. I would say I see it much more often somewhere like the sartorialist than I do on the pages of Vogue. Domino, however, for its little life, did this flawlessly with rooms. One of my favorite contributors is Rita Konig. Above is her bedroom. She took sheets (tough to see here - they have little hearts all over them from one of the most expensive lines known to man) from something I would see and actively dislike, to something I love. I want those sheets. In combination with this all school cabin plaid blanket and the muted granny wallpaper Rita has one of the coolest bedrooms I've seen. And SO effortless looking. Like I might walk into a friend's grandparent's house and see this. She mixed three patterns and made them look simple and good. So how could Domino fold?? What is next?? My heart broke when our PR girl emailed us the news yesterday AM. How will I ever finish decorating my apartment??

Spring?!

I know I know... I haven't posted this week and its WEDNESDAY. Not okay. And I don't have a great excuse. My excuse nonetheless, is that I've been slaving over posting some of spring on our website and it makes me want to look at the computer for other reasons as little as possible. Like I said, bad excuse. So spring. I'm putting spring up for sale and everywhere you look in stores things are white, bright yellow, and pale pink. Is it bad that I took spring dresses out of my closet the other day and tried some on?? So inaprop when I'm pale enough to blend into this snow and cold enough that I have to bump up the thermostat just to get the dress on my bod. Just the same I'd rather be wearing out Carolina top on this dock!

I DO think February is when, unless you live in a ski town, you realize you're done with winter. But enough whining. The snow right now is beautiful. Teacake loves it EVEN if he has to wear these salt blocking booties, and I will start buying spring... Before I know it, I'll need it. So check out our first spring delivery, and keep checking back for the second. In the meantime I'll be over here day dreaming about 7pm sun, the smell of spring as the northeast thaws, and the giddy mood (literally) that these things put it in. It is on its way shortly!