Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Shannon and I are back in Nantucket for the long weekend! Hope you all go somewhere as nice!

Cleverness.

A clever advertisement goes a long way in my book. A clever way to make your product memorable or a witty ad is truly impressive to me. Jenny brought this bottle of wine to my apartment for a game night tonight and I think its great. Boarding Pass Wine from Australia, via Grateful Palate Airlines. Simple idea - a wine that transports you right to the vineyard of it's origin, said in a tongue-in-cheek memorable way.

While We're Inviting...

A week of invites here are Dakota Martin. We're feeling like the more the merrier everywhere we go. Next stop? Nantucket. Love this house I spotted over the 4th (and every other house on the island). Thursday we're off to the Island again. Less for play, more for work. Friday and Saturday we are having a trunk show at Eye of the Needle on Federal Street. Come visit us from early in the morning till late at night for summer sales and new fall pieces. Also, Saturday evening Miss Marla Mullen is graciously hosting a cocktail hour/Trunk show for us at her home. We're so flattered and grateful she wanted to share our wears with her friends!

We're looking forward to all of the above, and hope to see you there!

Join Us!

Wild Wyoming Fashion Highlights.

I bought (or was forced to buy) my first pair of $32 jeans since maybe middle school. Did you know such a thing in the adult world existed?? I would have called it urban myth if it weren't for my visit to the Cowboy Shop, Pinedale, WYO. Also turns out these western cats were onto skinny jeans long before J brand. Mine were "shrink to fit" jeans, so I came out of the dressing room with jeans about 8 inches too long and 2 inches too wide, and through their tears of laughter Jen and Nerren approved them as if they fit like a glove. Turns out they would one wash/hot dry cycle later. The clothes are worn for utility though, and how sexy do so many cowboys look? Jeans for thickness against the saddle, boots to protect your toes from hooves, hats to protect your porcelain skin, and sleeves and collars to keep bugs at bay. Below is Ben in his new threads - even cheaper jeans. $22!! I actually think they look pretty snazzy. As does the pearl snap shirt he bought. Both very authentic cowboy, but still a-okay on the streets on NYC. I fully encouraged him to wear them at College this fall. Mine on the other hand...They'll be put away with care for my next trip out west - When in Rome.

Another Day at the Office.

Today is just that - another day at the office. And I'm sitting here in my Tracy Reese dress, freshly showered in flip flops thinking about that phrase because as we rode through the Wind Rivers on horseback Monday my sister Jen and Nerren Pratt (ranch staff), kept saying just that. Half kidding, half not. A 14 hour day starting at 520 am--loading ponies, trailering to the road-head and riding through the mountains for 10 hours - including narrow trails, rocky hills, and streams - to deliver food and supplies to mountaineering groups in need of a resupply. We found them--my sister at the helm with her maps (and two pack ponies) to guide. I mean, really over the river and through the woods here. We rocked out to Sugarland in the car, and I left with a legitimate 1/4 inch layer of dirt on every surface of my body. We watched the sun rise over 3 Peaks Ranch on our way out, and watched it set over the Wind River Region on our way home. Kathryn, Ben, Kid (Nerren's dog) and I shared the back bench of our white flat bed pick up, and the 8 horse, cobalt blue trailer, trailed behind. Kid chased cattle out of our way - every time running back to Nerren for the okay, and as soon as he heard "PUSH 'EM" he heroically took off and swept our path, and we soon found two separate groups in seemingly infinitesimally small points in the universe thanks to nothing but a map. A map. I have trouble finding people with cross streets and cell phones. It sounds corny and dramatic, but I kept thinking about the Eleanor Roosevelt quote "Do the thing you cannot do." Not because this was something I "couldn't do," but more because it is so fascinating to be a part of a completely different world for any amount of time and we forget how different the world can be, and sometimes how easily we can dip our toes into these alternate universes. And do those things we never do. Makes me want to get out there and try many more things. In time I guess. For now I'm thankful for having been an active part of 3 Peaks for however short a time (and however useless I was - thanks again Nerren for being so patient with us!). I wish I could have stayed longer. Stay tuned for some WYO hot fashion tips tomorrow.

Westward bound

This afternoon I'm off to Wyoming to See my sister Jen, and my other sister Kathryn is meeting me there. I'm ontheedgeofmyseat excited to get out there for a bit. We visited last summer, and Wyoming might rival Maine as the prettiest state of all 50 - and maybe they can tie because they are ever so different. What is also so different is my lifestyle in Manhattan, NY (for example below is her house on the ranch... just a little different than w 24th street) and hers in Boulder, WY. There is nothing like a nice change of pace to refresh. I'm looking forward to some nice hikes, maybe another go at fly fishing (above is Jen teaching me last summer), riding a NOLS re-ration on the ponies (!), and hanging out with my favorite two sisters in the whole wide world. My apologies in advance for no blog in the beginning of next week, but I promise to make up for it with pictures of the beautiful Tetons and Winds when I return!! (oh - and I get to meet the dog she just took home from the pound -- Wilbur, named after the pig from Charlotte's Web because she is so fat :) )

Tree Nymphs :)

I found this company - ban.do - recently on the Oh Joy! blog and am obsessed with these head pieces and LOVE hippie feathers & classic navy/kelly green below. Im desperate for one, but am not sure quite yet where Id wear it...it would have to be a formal affair with a simple dress. Kel? Your wedding? Would all of Minneapolis look at me like I was nuts? My guess in New York City is the best place to sport one. I guess for now Ill have to wait. Sigh.

2 Months and Counting...

Monday Shannon and I got our Hunt forms in the mail. Best day of all 365, and for the third year and counting Dakota Martin will be hosting a plot with transportation to The Race at Far Hills in Far Hills, NJ. The first year we rented a party bus (which we didn't even fill when people pathetically bailed last minute in the rain) with one plot, while last year we sold out a real bus and had one plot. Turns out a Greyhound worth of people is a little much for one plot. The recommended "15 people" per space might be lowballing it a little, but 49 was sardines. So this year we are most certainly upgrading to two plots. We're still toying with the idea of two buses. In the meantime, mark your calenders for October 18th and you'll be receiving an invite from yours truly shortly.
And look! It's even cool this season :) Here is a page out of the most recent Women's Wear Daily Accessories. Grab your houndstooth, quail feathers and black swatch plaid (things that are always in, in my mind) and you'll be set for New Jersey and the whole season!

Shout Outs from Around the Country

It warms our hearts to see Dakota Martin represented like this - even when we are not present, our clothes are not present, and the representees are across the country. These dapper gentlemen threw out the old D M at a wedding this past weekend in Lake Tahoe and sent it our way. Phenomenal work guys and thanks for thinkin of us. Lookin good :)

Opening Ceremony Garb.

We all know its my favorite color combination by now, but here are the winners at the opening ceremonies. I think Ralph did a great job with the good old US of A, looking especially dapper in this picture... But I think maybe the UK (not sure who designed for these guys) won. The hat if fun, but it definitely made the US feel a little costumey, which I don't really see to be the point with the athletes -- I think they should look sharp, unified, and proud of who the are. Not sure they need to look like they're about to swing around an old school lamp post on a cobble stone street and break out in "Singin' in the Rain."

eight.eight.oh-eight.

Happy Olympic watching-filled weekend! Shannon and I have been counting down over here! The Olympics and the best looking guy in football (sorry Tom) is moving to our city for me to stalk?! Lots of good sports news in these parts.

Washington Express Shout out!

Here is an eyelet story we were featured in recently from the Washington Express, a local DC paper. You'll notice our ellie top below on the top right.

And they even wanted our two cents about all of this!! We were honored :)

Because I havent said it in a while..

I love New York. I had a rough go at it last night for a bit... I left my apartment at 20 of 6 with the goal of reaching 86th and CPW (that's Central Park West) by 6:22 for an evening run with a friend. That's a whole 42 minutes to get a little over 3 miles, but I'm always early - its a curse sometimes. So minding my own business I jump on an uptown train at 23rd street I thought a C, but hit 7th ave and realized it was an E. No big, quick turnaround and back on the C track waiting. And waiting.... And waiting.... 25 minutes later, already late, I start up the steps for a cab. And of course, in swoops a C train. Frustrated but calming down I reverse and jump on. We go one stop and at 59th street the conductor announces "due to the delay our next stop will be 125th street". I mean, can they really do that?! This is a local train! And what about all those people waiting for the C at 72nd and 81st etc etc?? Now isn't their train going to be REALLY late since they have to wait for a SECOND?! So mad, I disembark and look down the A track. Doesn't look promising so this time I do run up the stairs to a cab and take it up to 86th. Unreal. Miraculously my running date is waiting, but we're totally cut short because he has a dinner reservation. Major bummer and absurd that it should ever take over an hour to make it 3 miles. Annoyed at the MTA and myself I begin jogging downtown. Its the perfect night and there are people everywhere in the park. Couples running up and embracing, families picnicking, lots of runners and bikers. My mood calms and I get the pup out of my apartment for a little dog park time before we turn in for the night. And as we sat on a bench in Madison Square Park we were approached by two of the most beautiful boys I have ever seen. I hear them call the man they are with Spiderman and he says "ssshhhhh! She'll hear my identity!!" Ages 3 and 9, they wanted to know if Teacake bites, and quickly came up to play with him. I sat with the boys and who I learned was their uncle for probably 20 minutes. They clearly did not have much, and their uncle often dresses as spiderman and performs in Union Square. These two boys though were amazingly well behaved and sweet as can be. They were curious and polite, and the love their uncle has for them (he said his sister had passed away) was clear in every word he spoke to them. He had disfigured his face in a construction accident, but was as content and proud as anyone I've ever met. Before we parted Spiderman, with the help of 3 year old Mikey, gave Teacake and I this Mickey balloon and made the dog balloon to hold it. As usual, the only place in the world this would happen to me on a Tuesday night at 9:45 pm. I was honored to be given the gift, and so happy to have met them. I hope we cross paths again - thanks New York ; ).

My my my my...

So music doesn't seem like something that would play a big part here are Dakota Martin, except that as I'm sure many of you would agree, music plays a big part in a long office day. Especially in a creative's office day. Music helps me concentrate and transports me to my own little world. I grew up going to Phish shows and wishing I could see Jerry live, so my music taste is eclectic and extensive. I also always love being turned on to new artists because it gives me a chance to mix up the old dusty playlists on my Itunes. A friend recently ordered me to listen to Bon Iver (recorded the whole album alone in a cabin in Wisconsin!), and then we went to see him at the Bowery Ballroom last week with The Bowerbirds (great couple on stage - she played an awesome drum and the accordian) as his opening act. Both blew me away. You definitely need to be in the mood for something very mellow, but both have unique sounds and were fantastic live (I'd venture to say better live than recorded). One song I cannot stop playing is a cover that both bands did together as an encore. It is called Lovin's For Fools by Sarah Siskind. Listen to it on Youtube (I tried to post the video but am not that tech-savvy). Oh, and my title - My my my - is from his song Skinny Love. Also amazing.

Fall in the Air!

A few weeks ago I was running errands and came across this August-to-August calendar and had a moment of silence for my college career. I'm sure I've said it before, but I just adored college and everything that went with it - from classes to theme parties to natty light to watching lacrosse in the snow. These assignment books started my year off... In August... Every summer. My bookstore/staples trips were not complete without one and I instantly looked forward to listing my daily reading/drawing/writing assignments, blocking off breaks, and forming weekend to-do lists. So when I saw this guy the other day I had to grab one for my little sister who is headed into her first semester of her collegiate career at the end of this month. Made the pang of nostalgia a little less hurtful to be able to pass along the tradition. Because of the heat I didn't give Fall much more of a thought. But walking out into the Massachusetts air yesterday, watching the sun set over Manhattan last night, and the teensy nip in the air this morning made Autumn a reality. I know we have many hot sweaty days ahead this month, and probably next. But I'll be here sneaky counting down to scarves, burning leaves, and football season.

Hoodies and Hats Again.

Again on a friday I'm mentioning our new hoodies and hats... But they are being revisited for a few reasons. First, they are now available to be purchased on the website . So go nuts. Above is the first new hat to be worn on the town by my dear friend Reed last night in Manhattan (I will say he had many compliments on it, and many girls stealing it off his head which I was told by a panel is not "funny" or "cute" so back off from the hat and hoodie stealing move girls).

And more importantly, we received this email from our dear Jenny this week -

I am looking to purchase a "grade set" of novels to teach as my first novel with my 9th and 10th graders. The book is called Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and it has great literary value as well as important moral and ethical ideas that my co-workers and I are very excited about sharing with our students. As many of you know, NYC public schools just took a huge budget cut and our only option was basically to dig through the book room and use "leftovers"since a new set of books costs over $1,000. However, we were really excited about teaching this book, and we've decided that even if we can't meet our goal of getting 90 copies donated, it's worth shooting for this goal because we feel the value the students will get from it will be worth the effort. I'd be so grateful if you could even donate one book---I can promise you pictures, thank you cards and hopefully some stellar essays and projects to follow.

Thanks!! If you wish to give a copy (OR A SET!:) of the book, please visit my donation site at
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=196780&zone=0

We obviously encourage you to visit this site and donate a few books to her classroom. But also in light of this Shannon and I decided to chip in by donating a portion of each hoodie/hat sale to help Jenny buy books. When we become a Prada, we'll go ahead and buy the set without batting an eyelash... but for now it is baby steps. Every penny counts, so buy a book, buy a hoodie, buy a hat, and Shannon Jenny and I thank you!! Enjoy the weekend :).