NYC Marathon

Yesterday was the NYC Marathon and I know Lizzy already blogged about my birthday - thank you! :) BUT I just could not wait to write about how amazed I am by Lizzy and Jenny running yesterday. We all gathered on the UES to watch Lizzy and Jenny run past us at mile 17 and they both looked great! We anxiously awaited as thousands of people ran past us. Everyone was cheering for everyone! I just love when strangers in the city all pull together to help others out.




Some runners were dressed in full costumes. I especially like the Paddington bear runner! How did he/she run 26 miles in that costume - I wonder!?!


As Lizzy and Jenny approached us - we were not sure if we should cheer, take pictures, or cry - the whole day was an amazing experience! I almost missed this picture because I was freaking out so much!

Congratulations Lizzy and Jenny - I could not be more proud!

Happy Birthday to Miss Shannon Casey!

Dakota Martin has a birthday to celebrate! 26 years ago today, Miss Shannon Michelle Casey was brought into this world. And what a fabulous job she's done lighting it up since. We're making today senior skip day and playing instead of working, so you wont find us in the office (for much of the day anyway). It may be Monday, but if you have the chance, raise your glass to an amazing friend, sister, daughter and business partner. Love you Shan. xo

back east...

Well here I am on my first day back in NYC after seven years living in Colorado and Los Angeles. Initially, my east coast upbringing made me eager to take on the new challenges of living outside the tristate region. I soon realized that however brilliant the picturesque Colorado mountains and the sunny beaches of Los Angeles seemed, their still was a sullen feeling of unfulfillment. The daydreams I conjured up for the better part of a decade were comprised of beautiful faces and stunning smiles--not the postcard skyline of the greatest city around. While most people are attracted to allure of "the industry" and beautiful weather of Southern California, Los Angeles seemingly attracts both the most talented creative types in the world and the worst cultural sponges imaginable. It is important for all of you out there to know that Dakota Martin embodies the freedom and excitement in which a successful entrepreneurial firm has the unique quality of fulfilling. Every skirt, polo, or mailer (my first job was printing labels today) embodies their true passion and will only continue to drive them to continued successes. It is incredible to see where the rubber meets the road and how two distinctly different spirits can deploy their skills with such fervor and eloquence. I'm uneasy with anticipation as we all wait and see the final cuts on the spring line....but with much assurance, it should be the biggest hit yet. Until we speak again...
gmd

I heart New York

as much as I hate it really. I think most people here have a love hate relationship with this tiny island. When Ive been away hiking, want to go apple picking, or have a legitimate back yard barbecue I think I could leave this crowded concrete and never look back. More often than not however, I have moments where I can't help but smile (all by myself) at things that remind me of why I love living here. By the time I have my second cup of coffee Ive usually had at least 3 conversations with strangers. Before the sun comes up I've walked by groups still out from the night before, predominantly stiletto clad cross dressers. And by the time I get off the subway Ive listened to conversations, watched interactions between couples, and analyzed outfits. If you could look in my head you'd see a running news ticker of everything going on around me. This morning I watched a man on all fours, on busy 8th Avenue, filling blocks of the side walk with "God is Great" and I walked by a man shaving a non-existent beard with a disposable razor as he walked hurriedly down the street. There is nothing like the visual stimulation you get here. People ask Shannon and I where we get our inspiration from, while we always include a piece of us (home) in our work, it shocks me that anyone who walks these streets everyday would ask where a creative New Yorker gets inspiration from. Its all in front of your face.

So today I found myself smiling again at the Javits center in a chaos filled line with no English speakers. I thought Id hop over there from the office and beat out all the other runners needing to pick up their chips and bibs for Sunday's marathon. Instead, I found myself among hundreds of foreigners of ALL shapes and sizes lining up within an hour of the ING NYC Marathon expo opening . We shuffled through for registration and I just smiled as I watched groups, individuals, couples, mother/daughter pairs, take picture after picture of the front lobby of the Javits center. Some must have traveled from half way around the world to participate in this weekends event and they cant get enough, even if for that moment it was an austere characterless box. I love people, and I love interacting with new people everyday. I have a feeling this will be a big weekend of that. I will be reminded time and time again of why I love New York, and I am thankful for that.

Trick-or-Treat.

Happy Halloween! I've already had great treats this morning. As I put on my spirited gear (orange underwear, orange scarf, orange down vest) I found $60 in my pocket from last winter. Hooray! No morning treat like finding forgotten $$ in pocket. Ive already seen some kiddies on the street that have me seriously beat. It doesn't get much cuter than full on furry tigger suit walking up 8th avenue, hand in hand with both parents. Anyway, here is Shannon's and my treat to all of you. This photo is circa 1998. Brookie, Jen, Stephanie, Paige, Libby, Allison, and I went to the Haverford School Halloween dance as mission impossible girls. After running out of water in our guns, and a few death threats in that gym we peaced out to find fun of our own. Let's just say our costumes came in handy for our chosen activities and we still talk about the glory of that high school night.

Lights, camera...

Dakota Martin had a field trip today to a beautiful sunny studio on the way west side. We were invited there by our friend Liz who works at Ford Models. In the studio Shannon and I did on camera interviews (yikes) about Dakota Martin and a few specific looks. Then we had a gorgeous Ford model put each look on for the camera. While neither of us are sure how eloquent we sounded, it was a very fun little morning and everyone we got to work with was great! In a short time you'll be able to view the interview (again, yikes) and looks on youtube. For now you can check out our dear friend Beth of Jewelry by Beth Lauren ( http://www.bethlauren.com/ ) during her interview and modeling of her beautiful jewelry -- Ford Models Youtube clip .

Thanks for having us Lizzie! And congrats on your 60,000 hits Beth! Here was our favorite comment on Beth's video --

"I applaude Beth Lauren for following her dream. She's using the "Ford model" image to promote herself, so good for her. Let her be an inspiration to all of you, that with You Tube, some hot models,and a decent product, your dreams CAN come true. At least she can say SHE gave it a go, how about you?"

We couldn't agree more : ). Stay tuned for our video post...

Good Surprises!

So I just got done telling a friend last week that I dont like surprises. I'm all for surprising others but none for me thanks. And I can say with 100% certainty that Shannon feels the same way. The look on her face when her mother had a 21st surprise birthday party really said it all (no one has dared surprise her since). But today we had a welcomed surprise when an email arrived congratulating us for our pic in WWD... We had no idea!! While the article is completely unrelated to our fabulous Alana in the conch shell Nancy Dress, the picture is huge and it says our name. YEY! We are two very pleasantly surprised girls over here. Maybe we have to rethink the attitude.