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Custom Bags: Creatures from the Sea

December 23, 2011 4:00:00 AM EST

Sea Creatures come in many shapes, color & sizes. I think everyone has a memory of drawing sea creatures as a kid because there is so much mystery about the creatures that live under the water. Here are a sampling of sea creatures we have made into bags.

Mermaid Whale

0 Comments | Posted in General Custom Bags By Amy Vintinner

A View From Bow Street: Like Attracts Like

July 12, 2011 8:00:00 PM EDT

Friends in PinkThere are many theories on the laws of attraction. In my humble opinion and based on my window to the world (or at least Bow Street in Freeport), it appears to me that like-attracts-like.There are contests for pets that resemble their owners. Over the years sometimes married couples may seem to look similar. But have you ever noticed how friends look like each other, too? Coincidence? Perhaps. But I think not. Somehow it happens.

Take notice. Look at friends huddled around a table in the coffee shop. Check out friends meeting in the hotel lobby before going shopping. Odds are pretty good that they will strongly resemble each other. Now it is not the physical features. Instead pay attention to the style of clothes or the type of accessories.This is not to mean that friends wear the exact same item (we all know what kind of commotion that would cause if true) but they often wear the same style.

I have witnessed dozens and dozens of folks shopping Bow Street. Most often I can easily match friends to friends. A few weeks ago, three women entered the store looking like Charlie's Angels. Long legs and short skirts. Bangles clanking and flip-flops snapping. They could not have been more exact than if they had coordinated a uniform. This is a careful observation – not judgment – of the beauty of friendship.

Whale Tail PinkI realize some folks will declare to be the opposite of their friend. And yet, from my perspective, most of the friends shopping together are bound by similar ways of wearing a ponytail or a scarf. So, I merely suggest take a minute to look across the table at your friend. You just might see some object quite familiar reflecting back at you.

Of Note: As I was writing, Alex and Sam (note the pretty neck scarfs) came into the store. They graciously agreed for their picture to be taken before each purchased a pink, whale tail wristlet for themselves.

0 Comments | Posted in General By Jennifer DeChant

Save the Whales

April 16, 2011 7:28:34 AM EDT

The high-waisted jean is back! This is a look that has been desperately trying to re-validate itself after years of merciless scrutiny. We are glad to see this trend come back, because this will decrease the “dreaded whale tail.” For those of you who don’t know what we are talking about, we mean when low riding jeans are lower than the underwear beneath, creating the vision of what looks like a whale tail coming out of the water.

The Hawaiians see whale tails as a symbol of freedom, strength & joy within a beautiful spirit. Have you ever been on a whale watching tour? It is absolutely amazing to see one of these giants of the sea show their tail. And, did you know that half a whale tale is called a fluke?

We think that there is a place for the whale tail in fashion. Although, perhaps it is best to wear it on your tote bag, your necklace, shirt or ring. Embrace the high-waisted jeans and let the large, majestic creatures of the sea be the only ones showing their tail.

Whale Tails

0 Comments | Posted in General Fashion Fridays By Shana Aldrich

Finding Your Inner Animal

April 8, 2011 2:33:47 PM EDT

Animal print is not a trend in fashion; it now considered a fashion standard. In the past, furry fashions and animal prints have been considered high, expensive fashion - after all, a leopard coat is the classic, timeless fashion piece. Today, animal prints are more affordable, making it easier to add a single piece to complete an outfit. A leopard scarf or shoes can really update or complete an outfit.

Designers have continued to push the gamut and testing the limits of what is acceptable & breaking down so-called, "fashion boundaries." We've noticed a lot of color chances being taken with the animal print. For instance, a turquoise and tan zebra is not realistic but creates a more modern look - it’s fresh. These bold moves with color and persistence using animal prints are the reasons that this has become a fashion standard. 

How do we brake through to the wild side in Maine?  We can take creatures native to Maine like lobsters, seashells & whale tails and incorporate them into our designs. If nautical is hot right now, why not add some nautical creatures to push the envelope a bit further. And, its exciting that designers are branching out and trying new & fun ideas.... as I've said before balance is key.

Find your inner animal with some fun, new prints. 

Animal Wild Fashion

0 Comments | Posted in General Fashion Fridays By Shana Aldrich