recently, i ventured into Popina Swimwear to try on swimsuits (yes, i know – i am very, very, VERY brave).  such a darling shop and i was thrilled to find several suits that would work for both Operation Post-Pregnancy Cover-up and Yessirre, I Can Nurse My Baby in this Suit Without Exposing My Entire Rack.  Plus – i’d like to wear this suit beyond the nursing time frame -and my Jantzen Vamp does just that (on a side note – Jantzen originated here in Portland!).

but this post isn’t about my darling, retro-inspired new swimsuit.  it’s about the headband i bought at check-out.  i adore headbands and have a ton made by my dear friend Helen with Cookie & the Dude (another great buy, by the way).  these were different than all my others- they have a little elastic at the bottom and at a retail price of $12.50 – it was a very easy add-on.  i didn’t even flinch.

and did i mention these headbands are reversible? it’s like two in one.  every shop should sell these!!  they’re made here in Portland by Ginza Girl Designs. You can choose your fabrics or Elita can create an assortment to match the flavor of your store.  i wanted dozens of these – all the fabrics are really great.  and they’re comfortable.  she makes them for women and girls  – and no minimums!  you really can’t go wrong – these are a clear winner!!

Buyers: contact Elita to get these darlings in your store:  ehill@ginzagirldesigns.com

Shoppers: tell your favorite boutiques to order these!  they are only available in Portland right now at select boutiques as noted on her website.

Hello lovely proprietresses and style fans!

i have been MIA lately – but for a darn good reason…it’s a BOY!  My 2nd son, Charlie, was born on May 21st (5 days late – little bugger!) and is a pretty dreamy little dude.  My time is haphazard – but the biggest reason i have not posted in some time is my brain has been overtaken by all that is Baby.  i’m awaiting the inspiration and gusto to get back into my groove – and suspect that time is coming soon.

in the meantime – i’d love to know what types of posts you’d like to see!  and if you have any hot tips on new designers – send em my way!!  finally – check out the new store featuring items from indie designers you may have read about here on the Proprietress!

big kisses until we meet again….

~kate

color is my best friend.   but every girl loves black.  i especially love to mix brights (MEGA brights) and black together.   with the weather getting warmer, i couldn’t resist a pair of super fabulous shorts from fave designer, Trina Turk.  the rest was easy – a great black top (i like something with a little slouchiness with shorts this short), some substantial patent sandals (although this would be equally cute with flip flops or converse), a bright bag (any color will do – but i am currently obsessed with yellow bags), some shades and my new favorite style of earrings – bright wood filigree!

(and i tossed in the Jantzen retro-inspired swimsuit because once this baby finally emerges – i don’t think it will be a bikini summer for this mama – and i LOVE this look!)

here are the details of the items shown:
Trina Turk shorts $158
Velvet t-shirt:  $79
Me Too shoes:  $39.95
Pink filigree earrings:  $15
Steve Madden shades:  $40
Boden handbag:  $178
Jantzen swimsuit:  $98

i have so many errands i need to run while my son is sleeping – but i just had to take a moment on a friday afternoon to express my love for plaid pants.  i have two pairs that i love, love LOVE and they both happen to be Trina Turk.  i’ve had them for YEARS and they still look and feel impeccable.  always chic, always a little funky – they are my go-to pants for anything in the fall (sadly – i rarely see a nice spring/summer plaid?  why?).

the last couple of years i’ve noticed an absence in new, geek-chic plaids.  so i was thrilled beyond words to see that Miss Turk has added a little dose of dreamy purple plaid into her Fall III collection.

Behold the magic:

i’m totally getting these.

do you sell handbags at your store?

do you buy buy handbags at boutiques?

i just had a thought that it would be lovely to buy a handbag and find a little lip gloss or nail file or some other purse-related trinket in the bag. 

either a little grab bag when you check out or just slide something into a pocket at checkout and let it be a surprise!  you could add a little thank you note with a coupon for their next visit too.

it’s these little personal niceties that make boutique shopping so much better than the mall!

here are some ideas and resources:
Favor Affair (no logos – but cute designs and low minimums)
Motivators (lots of choices and can do entire logo – 250 min)
Sunfiles (custom nail files in mini and regular sizes)

there are so many ideas – mints, purse hangers, mini notebooks – what would you like to see as a surprise giveaway in a new bag purchase??