halloween is just around the corner and i’m so excited that i actually have an excuse to go trick-or-treating after a hiatus of at least 20 years.  yes – i have a little gnome who will adore candy-givers in the neighborhood as he collects each tiny candy for his mama (poor guy – he’s allergic to peanuts – likely can’t eat a darn thing!).

my point is:  people love treats.  so it’s always a nice gesture to have a little bowl of sweets. candy kisses or custom-colored M & M’s are two of my favorite classy looking candies.  Sixlets are great too  – and you can buy them in bulk in the color of your choice. 

i love them in a pretty glass or crystal bowl, flower vase  - or even a snappy apothecary jar (i love this one from SaveonCrafts for only $23!). 

heck – it might even be fun to do a dorky little “guess how many are in here” contest which (when clients provide email) can win a gift certificate to your store!  easy and fun.

i guess my biggest problem with candy jars at ooma was the temptation to eat them all myself (and yes – often a much larger share than anyone else).  remedy?  put them a little futher than your “station” (and make sure you at least have to walk to get a candy!).

Enjoy Halloween!

if you know me, you know i have a thing for bright colors.  my closet looks like a wild rainbow of colors.  my drawers are stacked with every color, stripe and polka dot.  i have a stack of thank tops that look like they could be in a display – one of every possible color.  it’s my thing.

i also happen to love classically tailored clothing – timeless looks that never go out of style and so long as i don’t change sizes – i should be able to wear for the next 20 years if i so choose. 

take your classic styles + heavy doses of bright colors = Jennifer Reale Designs.

she’s chic, modern and always appropriate.  trends don’t exist in the line – only happy, fun, girlish creations that are perfect for gals who always wear a gigantic smile.  i imagine the resort/spring collection works well while lunching al fresco, at a summer wedding, or an afternoon of shopping.

buyers:  the resort/spring collection consists of 5 deliveries beginning on 12/30 and spreading through to 4/30.  there include many items that are available the entire season.  great cotton sateens, fluid jerseys and dreamy silks round out the fabric choices.  prices are better contemporary.  hangs well with Trina Turk and Nanette Lepore.  contact sales@jenniferreale.com for linesheets and lookbooks.

shoppers:  though you’ll have to wait awhile until you see these preview items in store – you can always shop online now for current collections.

oh sweet little buffalo!  how you charm me!  such sweet, simple drawings – obviously created with love.  the messages are concise and to the point and the colors are a little off-beat – but in a happy way.

there are lots of different creations made by mylittlebuffalo – including single cards, note card sets, personalized cards,  artwork, invitations and business/calling cards.  many of which can be personalized or customized to your liking.

all cards are printed on eco-friendly stock (naturally) & arrive with a coordinating envelope.  and guess what?  lil miss buffalo is diving into the letterpress!  be on the look out for more amazing paper yums.

for buyers:  cards are sold in sets of 6 – two sizes available:  A2 and cute mini’s.  Contact lisaanner (at) gmail (dot) com for more details and any custom requests you have for your shop.

for shoppers:  if you’re in the market for some pure adorableness – check out the etsy shop to see all the goodies.  darling artwork for kids room or kitchens – and if you don’t have your own calling card – perhaps these are the inspiration you need!  price range:  $2 – $25!

i just adore the line Saffron Rare Threads from San Francisco.  it’s sassy, original, and timeless.  a really great look for the modern working gal (or general chic dresser).  their clothes fit really well and they create a nice mix of tailored looks and sexy jersey numbers.

and they’re celebrating FIVE years in business!  YAY!  i remember when they were just starting and the line just keeps getting better.

buyers:  i’d check them out.  they have a great price point, a great mix of basics and items, and everything is locally made.

shoppers:  they’re having a SALE until November 1st.  Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% off (includes sale items too). Enter the code weare5 when checking out online to enjoy your discount.

Congratulations Saffron Rare Threads!

hello – just a quick little excited squeal over my interview with the lovely Cecilia from CRAVE Portland - which was posted today!  CRAVE is an amazing company which empowers women entrepreneurs, hosts parties to showcase the wonderful things that women make (and provide a great girls night out of shopping), and they publish an awesome book called The Crave Guide:  The Urban Girl’s Manifesto.

it’s a wonderful organization to know about – whether you’re a small business person or a gal who loves to shop!  they have coffee chats, parties and more.  check to see if there is a CRAVE in your city!