Stores have started hauling out their bevy of brightly colored scarves, perhaps as a reminder that spring isn’t far away.
top/ Waterlily Imports bottom/ Asia West
I met up with my pal Kyle, cofounder of Elykssor Clothing, to catch up since we last talked. A lot has changed since we first met back in May. They’ve since launched two new websites (a new site and shop), they’ve started their own web series (hopefully they cover my biopic) and they’ve started doing limited release runs of hoodies, thermals and knit hats, most of which sell out within the first two weeks. In essence, they’ve become a big deal. Their next limited run will be a Portland music hoodie, which will have the signatures of local musicians, that will be on sale in February. Kyle’s a good ‘ole Maine boy and credits all their success to the people in Maine that have supported the brand since it launched. What’s up next? Their first spring collection. And perhaps a web series starring me…(wink, wink, nudge).
More photos below!
Out and about for some holiday shopping today! Found Margo Selby pouches and pretty patterned socks to tuck into Bean Boots. (available at Black Parrot)
For the lazy bum that wants to shop local, but prefers to offer cyber support, some gift picks for him: 1) Men’s Tiger Tee from Pinecone + Chickadee 2) Maine Cologne from Portland General Store 3) Origin and History of Beer and Brewing at Rabelais Books 4) Printed Flannel Shirt from L.L.Bean Signature
It’s easy to buy local without ever even leaving your computer (you lazy bum). Some gift ideas for her: 1) Tote Bag from MayTreeArk 2) Gold Vermeil Branch Charm by Sarah Holmes Designs 3) Vintage Fisherman Sweater from Mustardseed Vintage 4) Cooling Peppermint Soap at Lalo Boutique
On my Christmas list (in case anyone out there is shopping for me), a Eugenia Kim hat from Black Parrot. If I can only choose one, I’ll go with the Cassidy Hat (pictured above).
Join the movement. Support our local businesses. Celebrate Small Business Saturday.
1/ Cotton Poplin skirts you can purchase here 2/ Yoga Bags (email kateomakes@gmail.com if you’d like to purchase any - great holiday gifts!)
1/ Pandora loves to hide in the clothes pile 2/ Fabric collection. 3/ Kate’s Kenmore sewing machine.
Do you know Joe? He’s the guy behind Wool, Wood & Whiskey, the cool blog and shop. I stopped in to visit him at Rogue’s the other day to say hello. And by “say hello”, I mean I went in to buy this vest from him. He’s also one of my favorite tweeters because he uses words like “brethren” and “sistren”.
This coming Saturday marks a very important national holiday: Shop Small. Once you’ve had your fill of Black Friday favorites, make sure you support local sellers (like Joe) and our downtown businesses to fill up those holiday stockings.
An amazing selection of earrings at Merchant Trading from Sara Jean, Kate Sullivan and Blue Birdie Bootique.
Squirrel mania: a screenprinted onesie from Ferdinand and mittens by Georgia Zoo at Merchant Trading Company.
