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Hail to the Capricorns! December 22 - January 19
Well, this birthday found me. And just like that, I am SIXTY-FIVE.
Holy Crap!
Throughout our youth, we understand this age group to be Senior Citizens! Let me say that again, I am officially considered a Senior Citizen. Legit Medicare recipient. While I am fully embracing it and glad to be here, it is still such a mind bender that I am, well, a senior citizen. I am sure I am not alone when I declare how strongly I still feel like my younger self in all the various forms: sassy, capricious, curious, impressionable, playful, energetic, adventurous... all of it!
I also also acknowledge how those same traits helped me get to HERE! Sixty-five and still full of the girl that I used to be, and the woman I have become. Forever grateful to arrive at this wondrous place; right HERE, right now, Looking backward to propel me forward. Oh my, the future looks Bright!
This season's playlist has a bit of softness to smooth out a rough day or to listen to with a friend and a cocktail. Enjoy it Baby!
Everyone thinks we are crazy for packing up our store and taking it on the road each season. However, this dynamic and flexible business model allowed us to pivot quickly and re-imagine how we bring retail to the customers we have cultivated throughout our time in the marketplace. We made a deliberate decision to meet the customers where they were in the PNW region and beyond from Seattle, Portland, Sun Valley, LA, and now San Francisco.
There is something both scary and exciting about seeking out new areas to pop up because you never know if people will make an effort to seek you out and find you. However, we can honestly proclaim that the theory that says if you "build it, they will come" has proven correct!
We usually seek the advice of some savvy locals to help us choose a neighborhood. From there, we come with open arms and commitment to bring the Baby & Company charm and playful energy to the area we select to bed down and pitch our stakes.
The rewarding part of the whole process is that along with the customers who know us, we always meet so many NEW ones along the way. We can share our story in conjunction with our hand-picked wares, and sooner than later, we feel like locals.
Throughout the journey from point A to B, we get to know the landscape and personality of each state we visit. Cities and counties, both big and small. Rural and urban, bleak and beautiful. Each place tells a story that helps us discover something new about our part of the world and gets us out of our bubbles to understand the changing forces of the times we are living in.
For example, when we announced we were going to San Francisco, people would meet us with a "BE CAREFUL" or "Aren't you nervous about all the crime?" or "Are you sure it will be safe?" and "I hear San Francisco is a mess."
These proclamations came from people who were not from San Francisco and had been to the city for a while. Even more unsettling was the negative attitudes of the locals themselves.
To be clear, like Seattle & Portland, West Coast cities suffered greatly through the pandemic and a summer of protests. And yes, it was scary, dangerous, and, in our case, a reason to leave. 3 years into the fight to bring our cities back, the road has not been easy or certain. The problems of crime, homelessness, and drugs will take a lot of time to solve and get under control. HOWEVER, we have witnessed first hand the seeds of hope taking hold and the innovation and resilience of our cities' residents and leaders seeking change and solutions for the many broken pieces to bring our urban centers back from the brink. It IS happening. We see it and we feel it. While the road back will be hard-fought and bumpy, it is our belief that the turnaround is beginning. San Francisco has a palpable buzz and renewed energy. The parks, museums, public places, farmers markets, and, yes, the downtown business core feel engaged and lively. New projects are in the works. Residents old and young are enjoying their city and all its amenities. Fillmore Street and Union Square are ablaze with lively cafes and restaurants. Indeed, change, hope, and the reimagination of urban centers is happening. However, if we want our cities to come out of this and not just survive but thrive, the citizens and residents need to stay engaged and support the change.
Let's vote for city leadership that supports the vision for our magnificent American cities. While these times for many residents have been excruciating and challenging to endure, keep your eye on the prize – to bring back our beloved cities.
There are plenty of famous quotes that tell us not to run back to the past but instead go toward the future - in other words, whatever you do, never run back to what broke you.
The systems running our infrastructures broke down and need fixing – may we pledge to stop the hostile rhetoric and come together to improve the broken. The negative SPEAK about our cities needs to stop. It begins with us, the residents of those cities. We must begin to highlight the positive, beautiful aspects of those cities we love and choose to live in. Let's reiterate those fantastic features of our hometowns to others choosing to visit and perhaps relocate. The rebuilding begins at home, with us.
Last Call San Francisco - We sure have loved being in the city by the Bay! We could not be more grateful for the incredible reception we received from our customers, friends, and neighbors who welcomed us with open arms!
We will most defiantly be coming back next Spring - (Look for us to be popping up again in late April)!
A Special Thanks to our local partner, Susan Kim and My Dear Tejas for helping make the San Francisco Pop Up come together so beautifully!
She has been wonderful!
We had a ball, Baby!
Aside from the brilliant transitioning leaves, The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is the highlight of Sun Valley’s fall season. Celebrating sheep and sheep herding traditions, the Trailing of the Sheep Festival offers a unique glimpse into a part of Idaho’s past. Five days of dancing, music, wool classes, lamb dinners, sheep dog trials, and the famous Big Sheep Parade will tantalize the spectrum of senses. The Festival celebrates 27 years, Oct 4-8, 2023.
Come join us in welcoming back Susan Kim to Sun Valley with her showcasing her upcoming winter collection of SHEARLING coats and much much more.
October 5-8 in the Galleria!
Baby Hits the Road: Fall / Winter PopUp dates
Here we come Baby!
Because it is not so easy for many of our most ardent B&C fans to come to us, well, we are always excited to come to YOU!
October 28 - November 6
Baby hits the Bay along with Susan Kim of My Dear Tejas.
3454 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118
September Quote – "Another Fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year's mistakes had been wiped clean by summer” - Wallace Stegner
Ah yes, fall is most definitely in the air here in the northwest – the mornings have a sharp crispness in them only to be met with the satisfaction from the warm afternoons. A whisper of color change is starting to come to light and an extra blanket is added to keep bedroom windows open for a bit longer.
Add some color to your fall/winter wardrobe - the response will really surprise you!
To be clear, while Fall is one of my favorite times of year, saying goodbye to summer is always a bit of a let down. For those of us who live in the Northwest, ,we know that the shorter days will soon be upon us. Frosty mornings are just around the corner, and the gap that takes place between fall and the promise of a white winter remains in the future. For this reason, I was naturally drawn to the colorful and happy spirt of the Barcelona born collection from Dr. Bloom. We naturally get license to wear bright colors in summer months, and often fall and winter colors are more muted and toned down. But this charming collection attracted me like a fish to a beautiful fly cast. I took the bait and am delighted to have these colorful gems filling up the racks, only to begin flying right out the door.
Dr. Bloom has launched with a BOOM.
That certain touch of quirky charm and playful mood is an important ingredient that has made Baby & Company so iconic and beloved over all these years. Discovering new brands that help us keep Baby true to her nature is always what I am on the hunt for. Dr. Bloom fit the bill and the proof is in the amazing reaction we have had for this bold and colorful collection.
I promise you, if you put one of these little charmers on your back, you will be treated with a host of compliments. Just like the joy of seeing a rainbow, wearing color creates a very positive feeling and response.
Give one a try and let me know what kind of reaction you receive.
All summer long we tend to eat lighter meals as we journey through the long summer days and hot summer nights. Fruits and vegetables are ripe and plentiful. Seafood, chilled soups, and crisp cocktails are offered up with great demand. I just bloody love it! However, I come into the changing season looking so forward to that smell of food roasting, fruit baking, and indulging in cheeses and saucy concoctions that require one to ramp up the cardio to offset the calorie disregard.
Big hearty meals, a table of friends, a game of Yahtzee, come on!, it does not get better than that.
Soooo, below are some of my favorite dishes I love to eat come fall!
I do admit, the Chicken Pot Pie is a bit labor intensive, but well worth it. That’s why you make it for your favorite peeps who will love and appreciate all the effort you poured into the fantastic meal! It’s so satisfying.
This is one of my most requested dishes friends ask me to make for them. It will make your house smell so good too!
I love all the flavors and textures in this dish. Tart apples with melted cheese and potatoes? Come on.. so damn delicious and easy to make.
(I don’t like goat cheese so I substitute with Feta) - This is a terrific salad to pair with a heavy main meal (like Chicken Pot Pie for instance) - Be sure to massage the Kale with Olive oil and lemon juice first. It makes such a difference in the texture of the kale leaves.
OK, this beauty is super easy and a huge crowd pleaser. Now, baking this baby really makes your house smell fantastic!
As mentioned, the Chicken Pot Pie dish is time consuming to prepare. I LOVE digging into a high-prep recipe by putting on a great playlist so I can get to chopping and cooking to my heart's content.
Thus, we have made you a cook-along Fall Playlist. On it, we have honored the many artists we lost this summer: Tony Bennett, Sinead O’Connor, Gary Wright (Dream Weaver), Steve Harwell (Smashmouth)...
We hope you like it, Baby!
Burnt Sugar owner, and our dear friend Kathy Faulk, has been an important and generous ally to both Wayne, myself and Baby & Company all up.
It was a tough and scary time for ALL of us, and having the love, strength and unyielding support from a longtime friend was critical to help us make the decision to move out of our once beautiful downtown Seattle location, and transition into our new life here in Sun Valley.
Kathy was more than willing to host us in both her fabulous home and her charming and eclectic store: Burnt Sugar. It was the perfect collaboration of two well known small businesses that had to lean on one other in order to help us navigate the turbulent waters of COVID, and protests that changed our city for evermore.
Kathy Faulk opened Burnt Sugar in 1997, after a successful career as lead designer of junior girls wear for several companies: Generra, Obermeyer, K2, and Hannah Anderson.
During her time as a design director at Genera, Kathy traveled the globe searching for design inspiration and product development. Her design team would do their research and development in the best cities and stores from around the world. Her travels helped develop and inspire her keen eye for interesting and unusual products and design. After years of research on the road, Kathy had collected an impressive assortment of everything from home accessories, vintage treasures, clothing and anything else that peaked her creative lens for beauty.
However, when she would try to find interesting and impressive gifts and items locally, she always came up disappointed and wanting more. As well, her home became a curated marvel of color and design filled with a collection of things that inspired her throughout her travels. Vintage lamps, Italian pottery, Japanese Tansu cabinets, different colored walls, unknown painters, and velvet and leather furniture filled her home. Everyone ALWAYS wanted to know: “where did you find that”?
So, when she tired of the clothing business, Kathy decided to open a small Home Store filled with gifts, furniture, vintage, shoes, pottery, jewelry, books, leather goods, and all the things that she loved in her own home and life.
That small store has become a mighty and an iconic fixture in the heart of Fremont, and Burnt Sugar has an eclectic vibe unlike any other in town. The store is a marvel of visual stimulation due partly to the creative aspiration of long time sales associate Jerry Dehan. Jerry does not like idle hands, so he is constantly creating colorful displays of paper and paste. I think Burnt Sugar has the BEST ceiling displays of any store of its category.
It’s no wonder the store became the perfect fit for several Baby & Company Pop-ups that allowed us to keep a store presence in our native Seattle, after moving to Sun Valley.
Along with the amazing assortment of accessories, home, gifts, books, beauty and everything else in-between, the Baby & Company eclectic charm and vibe fit in beautifully .
We did our last Seattle photoshoot inside the store, which gave us a visually rich backdrop to showcase our colorful Fall opening collections.
We want to Thank both Kathy, Jerry and her terrific staff for always making us feel so welcome. The friendship and support of our longtime friends will never be forgotten.
I hope you will enjoy the photos from Inside the shop, and next time you're in the area, pop in to Burnt Sugar and indulge the visual feast. Do some shopping, buy something for yourself of for someone you adore.
But don’t wait too long…. Nothing lasts forever!
Check out the Website, word is there is a SALE going on!
For inquiries about the products from Burnt Sugar DM or email the store directly.
August : The Bittersweet Month.
Oh August, while we love the hot sunny days and action packed schedules you present us, we also notice the days are getting slightly shorter, the mornings a little cooler, vacations wrapping up, garden work becomes garden clean-up, and teachers are getting their classrooms ready for students to return.
It’s time to squeeze every activity out of these last days of summer's final calling. Cities and towns, big and small, are bursting with summertime celebrations and entertainment. Fairs, parades, sporting events, concerts, parties and weddings. To be clear, more stuff to do than one will ever have time to take part in. All in service to celebrate Mother Nature's Last Call for our favorite season.
So grab your sunnies, some sunscreen, a Power Bar, and get your summer fill before Fall comes a' calling!
I will take a humble "curtsy “ for the incredible season we achieved this season. From Portland to Seattle, and our small Ketchum outpost, the outpouring of love and kindness for the efforts we made to present an exciting season were answered in spades!
Our Trunk Shows and events all made this the best season we have had since Pre-Pandemic Days. The season rivaled our best days in our gorgeous 3000 square foot Seattle flagship store. Our mighty little 750 sq. ft. Sun Valley Outpost showed that small and scrappy can still win the day.
But truth be told, it was our amazing customers, new and old, that proved that staying true to the magic formula that has been our legacy for 47 years can still cast its wonderful spell on all those we serve, admire and adore. We never lose sight that without YOU there is no US!
Oh! Baby, you’ve never looked so good!
We have kicked off our Summer Sale and we remind you, there is still a lot of Summer Fun to partake in, and celebrate in style!
Here are some of my Favorites of the season!
August 12
Isabel Jewelry Trunk Show
Join us Saturday, August 12 and meet Sun Valley native Kate Thorson.
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On a journey that merges faith and fashion, Kate gracefully ventured into the captivating realm of jewelry design around 10 years ago. Embracing each endeavor with natural ease, she draws inspiration from the enchanting landscapes of her home in the Kit Carson National Forest. Her work unveils a harmonious dialogue between inner devotion and outer beauty.
Thorson carries her creative calling with her across the globe, acknowledging the profound significance of her own hands and boundless imagination in bringing her exceptional creations to life. Having cultivated an enduring passion for jewelry as a lifelong collector, she embarked on her career by designing a highly coveted collection of rings.
Infusing every piece with the essence of both nature and the divine, Kate's jewelry is an exquisite testament to her artistic vision, merging timeless elegance and a connection to the divine.
August 18-19
This will be a quickie so don’t miss us! Two days in Fremont!
Friday, August 18th and Saturday, August 19th at Burnt Sugar in the heart of Fremont.
We can't wait to see you, Baby!
August 20
Sunday, August 20th in Georgetown, in the parking lot next to Susan Wheeler Home: Flea Market Style with Susan Wheeler Home, Red Lemons Vintage, Kirk Albert, Matthew Culbert, Fogue Studios and Gallery, and more!
We are cleaning house from our Closet Sale Storage - We will have great STEALS and DEALS to lighten our load back home – Don’t miss out Baby!
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OK summer.. ready or not, here we come.
Whoa! Goodbye Seattle, Hello Sun Valley!
While indeed the effort to bring our show on the road takes long hours and a lot of elbow grease, the opportunity to spend time in our favorite towns and cities, and reconnect with our Baby & Company customers makes it all worth it!
We like to think of ourselves as your Out-of-Town sweetheart who pops into town with regularity, to stir up a little fun and mischief when they come-a-calling!
We love to create welcoming spaces to showcase our favorite wares, to bring some surprise, and remind you why WE are your Baby!
It is a motivating challenge to keep you coming back with curiosity and excitement. We are conscience to give you a true Baby & Company experience each and every time we come to town. We operate like a movable feast, or as Wayne likes to call us: a Traveling Circus.
A big hearty and humble MERCI for always showing up for us, and for your continued support for what we do. We always leave with a glow of gratitude, and a plan to come back - Just like a vacation sweetheart should do!
We keep saying it, 'cause we mean it. “We love to love you, Baby!"
The Pacific Northwest served up the most beautiful weather! From Portland to Seattle, the sun shined warm, the days got long, the trees were blooming, and it was the perfect way to leave our long winter behind.
While in Seattle, we woke up daily to the glistening waters of North Lake Union in our favorite neighborhood of Fremont. Every morning the lake was a buzz with activity. Rowers from the Lake Washington Rowing Club (just next door) were out in force, practicing their skills and slicing through glassy water. The geese where teaching their goslings how to navigate the busy waters, and avoid curious pups from messing up their lessons (Trout wanted to show off his swimming skills to a hissing group of goose parents). Sea planes and boaters sharing the waters.. From yachts to canoes, everyone made great use of this active city waterway, and this made for great daily viewing.
Yep, when the weather is sunny and warm, Seattle is truly a most spectacular place.
We have presented and bright, fun, and easy to wear summer season that we think you will enjoy! From the mountains or the sea, city to country, stateside or abroad, I think we have something for everyone. Silky shapes from Jaga and Louiza Babouryan, Crisp cottons from Hannoh Wessel, bold patterns from Odeeh and Chloe Stora, fresh and easy to wear shapes from LA designers: A Shirt Thing, Lost & Found, and Wear Cisco. Charming and colorful tops from Japanese brand Antipast, easy comfort and gorgeous cotton knits from Italian-based MJ Watson, and colorful accessories from Épice Paris.
Seriously, we really have it covered.
The Sun Valley store feels especially happy and bright this season. Our 'Smile Baby, Smile' theme will do just that. I guarantee it bring out your beautiful SMILE.
This summer, we will continue our Meet the Makers Trunk Shows. We continue to showcase our commitment to representing Slow Fashion; the Makers and Creators of the brands we present are true artists and craftsmen in our industry. We give great reverence and respect to the term 'Made by Hand’. This summer we will bring you a wonderful line up of some of our favorite artists and makers.
Trunk Show: July 5-7
Introduction: I was introduced to the stunning collection from Susan Kim by several of my favorite taste makers from the San Francisco area, where Susan has built her career and reputation. Before starting her brand: My Dear Tejas, Susan was the proprietor of the retail store: Workshop. My Dear Tejas represents the artist's focus on craftsmanship and reverence to her "made by hand” label. Each piece from the small, but poignant collection is exquisitely detailed, and made with an elegant hand of perfection. Susan Kim will present her refined pieces in the Galleria for three days only. Take this opportunity to meet our very special guest.
Trunk Show: July 14-16
If you have been following our Popups, and in-store collaborations and installations over the past several years, you have come to know and love the special taste and talents of this mother and daughter duo: Susan and Lauren Wheeler. Susan Wheeler has one of the most well known, and best curated selection of Vintage home furniture, home accessories, jewelry, and clothing in the Pacific Northwest. Stylist and collector Lauren Wheeler specializes in vintage fashion and jewelry with a nod to a rocker's sense of style, and edgy cool. The Wheelers travel the country and abroad to seek and find the precious and the unusual.
Back for a second summer, the Wheelers will focus on Vintage clothing, objet and jewelry to showcase their selection of swagger and cool.
Trunk Show: July 14-16
Trisha Alden Showroom will present the GORGEOUS ethereal silk collection from Louiza Babouryan, plus vintage one-of-a-kind belts from Kelley Cole.
Never a dull moment at Baby & Company!
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Turn your home into a restaurant this Valentine’s Day. Make Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Honey and Lavender.
When our kids were growing up, I made this every Valentine’s Day along with a seasonal salad and dessert. Sea scallops are quick and easy and really don’t need any embellishments. My motto with all seafood and shellfish is K.I.S.S- Keep It Simple Silly! Follow the tips below and watch my video @lick.the.plate to learn how to make this restaurant worthy dish.
PAN SEARED SEA SCALLOPS WITH HONEY & LAVENDER
Makes 2 servings
Gather the ingredients:
Instructions:
Blot scallops dry with paper towel. Season one side of the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron pan over medium high heat and enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Add scallops seasoned side down in the pan and sprinkle with more salt and pepper. Resist the temptation to move them around. Turn the heat down to medium and let them sit for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Flip over.
Quickly add butter, honey and lavender buds. Baste. Watch closely so butter does not burn. If you are dairy free, use olive oil instead.
When scallops are done (remember 2 minutes per side), take the pan off heat and transfer scallops to platter or individual plates. Using a rubber spatula, scrape up all the brown bits. The sauce should be thick and buttery. If you prefer more sauce, just add more butter/olive oil and honey and heat briefly.
To assemble, drizzle sauce over the top and sprinkle with more lavender buds for garnish.
TIPS:
Serve with a crisp bubbly like Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Saint Anne or Gaston Chiquet Blanc de Blancs or Brut.
The original recipe for this sip was custom created for a Follower who asked for a alcohol-free sip to celebrate birthday. She loves earthy, herbal and floral flavors. I’ve adapted the original recipe specially for Baby & Co. Called BABY LOVE, Caribbean Dark Rum gives it a nice kick while keeping it refreshing.
This recipe might seem daunting, but it’s versatile. Omit the saffron from the simple syrup if you must (but add to the garnish). Don’t have Pistachio or Basil Oil? No prob, it’s delicious without it. I prefer using Cara Cara oranges as they are tart and delicious. However, Blood Oranges work well and will gift you a beautiful pink hue. Just remember, it will be MUCH sweeter.
Find my videos @lick.the.plate in Cocktails Highlights to learn how to make a pretty pattern on your cocktails. The original Mocktail recipe is under Mocktails in Highlights. Cheers!
Makes 1 drink
ORANGE SAFFRON SIMPLE SYRUP (Make 1 day ahead)
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
.06 oz Cara Cara orange rinds w/o white pith (1 Cara Cara)
6 strands saffron threads
Bring water & sugar to simmer and stir. Add orange rinds & saffron. Remove from heat, cover for 30 minutes. Pour into a jar and refrigerate overnight. Strain the next day. (Reserve orange rind for cooking.)
*Wash a coup glass with 1 tsp Pistachio Oil or Basil Oil. Swirl it, letting the excess drain all the way to the rim.
1 1/2 oz fresh Cara Cara juice
1/8 tsp rose water
1/2 oz fresh Meyer lemon juice
1/2 oz Orange Saffron simple syrup
1.5 oz Ten To One Rum Uncle Nearest Bourbon Cask Finish Dark Rum
1 oz aquafaba
Dried rose petals and saffron threads for garnish
Aromatic bitters for garnish
Add all ingredients, except garnishes, to a shaker. Dry shake (no ice, minimum 30 sec). Add ice and shake. Double strain into the washed glass, using a Hawthorne strainer and mesh strainer. Garnish with rose petals and dashes of bitters to make a pretty design.
*Optional
L.T.P. STEAMED CLAMS (1-2 Ibs/ person as a main)
2 Ibs manila clams, rinsed
1 small leek, white part chopped
3 green onions, chopped
6 sweet mini peppers, seeded, diced ½ bulb fennel bulb, shaved.
8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
Mushrooms (optional) shredded, I prefer to use maitake or queen oyster.
½ cup dry white wine
3-4 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters (SECRET INGREDIENT)
2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
Heat olive oil in stock pot. Sauté the vegetables except garlic until soft and sweet smelling. Pour in wine, add bitters and garlic, stir. Add clams. Cover and cook over medium heat until clams open. (5-7 depending on size). Shake the pot once or twice during cooking to give the clams space to open up.
Pour into bowls and slurp up all the yummy broth!
Ah yes, winter has a very special spirit that is only just getting started.
We have a well chosen Winter Capsule to keep you cozy, warm and looking fabulous no matter the conditions!
Introducing the Winter 2022/23 Lookbook
We discovered this unique and special perfume house two years ago, and the fan base has been growing ever since. Each fragrance was created with vision and style to fit the many moods and occasions to make your scent remembered.
I am currently in love with Dear Polly by day - Black Citrus by night.
Check out the selection and choose one that fits the mood.
Available in three quantities: 20 ml, 50 ml, and 100ml.
We just got FRESH New Arrivals from our favorite Italian knit makers: MJ Watson, just in time for the Holidays!
Classic with a twist that fits almost any wardrobe - felted cashmeres, and soft wools are the perfect for winter wear.
Location: The Olympic Sculpture Garden - Seattle, Washington
Photographer: Peggy Washburn
Stylists: Jill Donnelly, Lauren Wheeler
Talent: Kati Staudt, TCM Models
Urban Yoga Spa
Oliver's at the Mayflower Park Hotel
Roche Bobois
Lola
Hotel Ändra
Serious Pie Downtown
Dahlia Bakery
Assaggio
Nordstrom
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Even after being priced out of the neighborhood we helped establish and anchor, Baby & Company stays committed to supporting the city we will always call home.
The unraveling of our once vibrant and booming downtown center has created a positive shift and growth of neighborhood commerce opportunities and community identity. Neighborhoods like Ballard, Fremont, Queen Anne, Columbia City, West Seattle, and Madrona are booming with small businesses committed to representing the identity and enhancing community needs and engagement. People can work in and around where they live. This creates a healthy environment to help support and get involved in issues important to the neighborhoods they represent.
However, this trend has allowed the residents of Greater Seattle's 206 to understandably turn their back on downtown and retreat to the safety of shopping malls and neighborhood shopping zones. While it is entirely understandable, I wish we could have harnessed the power of our outrage and protest to demand accountability from the city officials and our "do nothing" city council. These elected officials have developed absolutely no roadmap for recovery or vision for any solutions. The apathy of the 206 residents has let political officials sit by and watch the decay of our once-thriving downtown neighborhood. Now, I understand first hand the frustration of residents who watched helplessly as our communities became meccas of crime, homelessness, mental illness, and filth. But those of us working and living in the city were not enough to combat the overwhelming effects of the multiple issues driving the decay and safety on our streets. We need ALL the people in the Seattle Metro area and bedroom communities to have our backs and fight this fight along with us. Those who did not have to work or live downtown took on a "Not my neighborhood, Not my Problem" attitude and moved away from the problem instead of leaning in to force change. While I understand that, how can we ALL not see the need for and importance of all Washington residents' cultural and financial benefits to having access to a world-class city? We need our museums, theaters, waterfront, tourism, and convention centers to showcase our state's incredible beauty and cultural identity. We all benefit from our waterfront, performing arts halls, cultural centers, and civic pride of what used to be called as early as 2015 "The Jewel of the Pacific NW." Our incredible lifestyle filled with lakes, mountains, islands, and forests need a commercial center to offer the benefits to all Washington residents. Every neighborhood and zip code that makes up the incredible identity of the Pacific NW should consider themselves stakeholders who will benefit from Seattle's success.
It will take a commitment from our local officials, state officials, law enforcement, and the private sector to push for new ideas and innovations to find workable solutions for the deep and systemic issues destroying urban centers around the country. We simply can not accept the current status quo winning the day in our once vibrant and exciting downtown centers. It is a fight we must all be willing to take up.
For this reason, we will do our part to shine a light and contribute to the revival of our downtown retail core after a devastating 2 years.
Baby & Company Presents - The 4th Avenue Collective - Located at 1908 4th Ave. in downtown Seattle from April 30th - June 4th
Featuring:
Susan Wheeler Home Red Lemon Vintage Easy Street Records Tune Hi-Fi
Baby & Company comes back to Seattle for their bi-annual seasonal Pop-up.
We will collaborate with retail partners and present a specially curated selection of Spring / Summer goods and services.
Just back from a buying trip from Italy and Texas, Susan Wheeler will present a fantastic selection of home & jewelry that will not disappoint.
Easy Street owner Matt Vaughan will hand pick a selection of new and used vinyl to spice up any record collection.
Red Lemons curator Lauren Wheeler has been hard at work buying designer vintage from Italy to Texas and anything in between.
Tune Hi-fi will have a home listening display to inspire the need for a great home audio system for any space, large or small.
Opening day Saturday, April 30th through Saturday, June 4th Tuesday - Saturday 11-6. Sunday 12-5 Closed Monday
We hope you will journey to our downtown location to discover a plethora of style and design from all of our retail partners.
Here is a list of local businesses that make up this 4th Ave corridor. We hope it will motivate you to come back and rediscover and support these local downtown businesses:
Urban Yoga Spa - Best downtown yoga studio
Olivers at the Mayflower Park hotel - Known for their killer Martini's
Roche Bobois - The legendary Euro-chic French house still holds the crown
Lola - A great representation of Tom's love for bright flavors and a Mediterranean inspiration - It's a favorite Sunday Brunch spot
Hotel Andre -A well-tended and stylish boutique hotel. It's just perfect for a Seattle staycation.
Serious Pie Downtown -Tom Douglas has re-imagined the former Dalhia Lounge space. It now blends an assortment of Tom Douglas brands.
Dalhia Bakery - In a word.... YUM! I am a huge fan of everything served up on this mecca of bakery delights - They also serve up the Oh! Mochi donuts ...
Assagio - Classic & authentic. This neighborhood charmer makes you feel like your having dinner at a friend's house
Nordstrom - Store #1 - This OG of Seattle's retail core deserves our respect and support, Baby. I ( and I know many of you who are reading this) am a Nordstrom Alumni (1977 - 1987 ), and I have a strong affection and admiration for the last remaining anchor of downtown Seattle. The public must rally around this local institution and commit to ensuring it survives the difficulties it has faced in the past 2 years. The Nordstrom Family has done so much for our city and community since it opened its downtown Seattle Flagship Store in 1901- It's time we give that love right back during their time of need.
Parking:
Nordstrom - Valet
U park - Corner of 5th & Stewart
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We are two years into the continued feeling of abnormal. We all keep proclaiming to be exhausted, unsettled, frustrated, and basically, "Over it." We have all said it and thought about it over the last several years of political unrest, social unrest, and, oh yeah, a fucking pandemic! I have allowed myself a few too many pity parties, feeling worn down, frustrated, and challenged with reinventing our careers and lifestyles. Until, on a fateful Thursday evening, a war started, and the world seemed to unravel even more. We would all witness a brutal, unnecessary takeover of a sovereign country in the name of power and greed for one person's vision of the world order. Once again, one guy gets all psycho and invades a country because he wants it for himself. The same old story of an Emperor who wants to rule ALL the land. To be clear, this has been happening throughout history, however this time, it is playing out in technicolor, 24/7 in our living rooms and cell phones. We watch helplessly with grief and horror at the absolute slaughter and destruction of an entire country of 41 million people. Imagine, one day you wake up, and just like that, the life you had, your career, family, lifestyle is over, completely taken from you. Again, history has shown us too many of these atrocities to recount and reflect on. We witness this one playing out through all the social media and technology advancements. It's everywhere, all day. As the world slowly tries to come out of a devastating pandemic, all this. Perhaps this will prove the great equalizer that puts us all at the same point of weariness and exhaustion. Maybe it will find us collectively humble and grateful that we are currently safe from a devastating takeover of our country. Again, stop and think about that. An aggressor who thinks "might makes right" storms your country with the intent to beat it into submission and ultimately its surrender.
However, we have also witnessed what sheer endurance, strength, patriotism, honor, pride, and resolve look like in the face of destruction. It has been inspiring to see such courage and bravery play out alongside the horror of this decimation of a country. The Ukrainian leadership and strength come from the solidarity of its people, heritage, independence, country, and flag. Then I ask myself, "How would Americans react to a hostile invasion of our country? Would we disparage and try and weaken our leaders? Would we divide ourselves into Red Americans and Blue Americans? Black/brown Americans and White Americans? Rich Americans and Poor Americans? This is the picture of the current Divided States of America, not the proud symbol of The UNITED States of America. So instead of the USA, we should rename ourselves the DSA. And to tell you the truth, that is what I am OVER! Enough of the hate that has poisoned the body of our government. Enough of the toxic people in leadership that are actively working and fundraising on the concept of tearing our people apart and pitting us against each other in these culture wars. We The People, must tell them to STOP IT!!! We must resist getting pulled into our corners and bubbles and remember what we ALL have in common. We are AMERICANS. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The red, the blue, the black, the brown, the white, and rainbows. Rich and poor. We all have that one thing in common. We are AMERICANS.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Ukraine would have fallen by now if it were divided. Their solidarity is their strength. They are fighting as One United Ukraine, willing to lose everything to save their country and countrymen. For this reason, they have defied the odds and shown the world what true courage, strength, honor, faith, and unity look like.
May we at least take this lesson of solidarity to heart and decide who we want to be, The Divided States of America or The United States of America -
Our Future Depends on it......
We have sourced the following organizations that currently have boots on the ground throughout the regions for donation.
They are:
Mercy Corps Ukraine – link
Global Empowerment Mission – link
Razom Ukraine – link
World Central Kitchen – link
Let's all help...
Humbly,
Jill
Since 2012 the Sun Valley Film Festival has invited fans and filmmakers to America's first ski resort to celebrate the magic of storytelling. The year-round Sun Valley Film Initiative develops professionals and illuminates the process of filmmaking, propelling emerging voices with grants and education. Every spring, the Festival celebrates with a slate of cutting-edge films and TV premieres, industry panels, engaging Coffee Talks with entertainment luminaries, a Screenwriters Lab led by award-winning writers, and a series of parties culminating with the spectacular SVFF Awards Bash. SVFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
The Sun Valley Film Festival invites guests to be a part of the legacy of storytellers, artists, and filmmakers that have defined the town's rich cinematic history. From screenings in the snow to an unforgettable reception at Hemingway's restored hunting lodge, SVFF captures the spirit of a bygone era: one that comes alive for one magical weekend each March as we celebrate the shared wonder of film.
In tandem with the town's cinematic past, the Festival's intimate accessibility attracts industry icons who return year after year, creating a community of artists that define the Festival's unique atmosphere. Festival guests include Hollywood legends such as Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geena Davis, and Oliver Stone, and avant-garde writers and filmmakers like Stephen Gaghan and Mark and Jay Duplass. With over 4,000 yearly attendees, SVFF is quickly becoming known as the Festival for Filmmakers: a boutique event beloved by film fans and auteurs alike.
Schedule: link
Films: link
We love celebrating the Lunar New Year as it creates a wonderful reset once all the business of the Holidays are finally behind us!
This year it seems so very fitting that the Spirit Animal of 2022 is the majestic and mighty Tiger!
We all get an opportunity to visualize and absorb all the powerful virtues that are attributed to this mighty beast. For me personally, I try and remind myself that I can always choose strength over weakness, courage over fear as we slog ourselves through the unknown, to realize what is waiting for us this coming Spring. For now, we will dream for warmer days, flowering trees and the offering of green beginnings!
So let’s get a tiger in our tanks and wish ourselves towards reality!
Once again, we find ourselves shaking off the spoils of another year that we could not wait to say "Good Riddance" to. 2021 held those same promises we summon up with each obligatory toast we make at midnight, which implores us to make the new year better than before. But we were quickly reminded that hope, change, and eternal light at the end of what appears to be a very long tunnel will take a lot more time and effort than our exhausted collective souls had wished for.
I will not try to sugarcoat the anxiety and doubt I have in our ability to come together as a Collective Society to conquer our nation's ills and our global community at large. I will continue to hold out hope and remember the strength and spirit of those generations and societies that came before us, who fought through incredible struggles and challenging circumstances to land on the other side of hardship and grief. They provided us a roadmap for the lessons learned when we employ strength over fear, love over hate, and democracy over tyranny.
We have an opportunity to honor the struggles and hard work of those who came before us and learn how to avoid our past mistakes from history. To use history as a roadmap for creating a kinder, less violent society that benefits the many and not only the few.
I realize we are all exhausted and "OVER IT."But, the" IT" is not over us. Weariness is not an excuse to retreat from the battlefield.
I ask you to summon the great hopes and wishes you have for better days ahead to help conquer your fatigue and rise up and lean into strength and resilience like all those who have beaten tough odds. Let's keep those dreams alive for brighter days ahead.
We simply must....
It's exactly what Baby will do!
I accept that for as long as our founders' name, Baby, lives in our brand's legacy and heritage, it will always be confused with an infant.
Therefore, as the owners of this 45-year-old fashion house, it is our responsibility to help the public understand that the word Baby is something OTHER than a noun ( a person, place, or thing ), but rather an adjective of the word Baby which describes a mood or feeling. We like to say, " it's the way you FEEL when the right person affectionally calls you Baby . "
We get asked daily What, Who, and Why is it called Baby & Company?
We have come to treat the concept of Baby as a MUSE that our customers would like to emulate or admire in themselves and those we would like to keep company with.
Baby & Company is where fashion becomes personal. Here you gain a greater understanding of your own style.
You come to understand why you've fallen in love (again!) as we share stories of the craft and intention of the designers you admire. And, whether online or in-store, we make it effortless to discover those items you treasure and wear for years.
To do this requires our customers to have the self-awareness, desire, and qualities to help the world know WHAT, rather than WHO Baby is.
We try to demonstrate and describe our muses with those people in our community that represent what it means to be Baby.
This season, our Muse is local artist Jodie Stejer - Jodie spontaneously found our store by following her visual instincts and curiosity. Jodie almost immediately connected to the brands' ethos, spirit, and, most importantly, STYLE. One of my favorite experiences as an owner is witnessing when the store CLICKS with the customer's imagination and sense of discovery. To watch as they find themselves immersed in the sensation of knowing they have ARRIVED in a place they love, as they discover what it means to be Baby!
After spending time with Jodie and seeing how her work is produced and conceived, she was a force to behold as she emerges as a formidable player in the art world.
The MUSES I discover every day and the continued discovery of Baby & Company drive my passion and enduring love for the career that has given me a sense of joy and accomplishment for the 45 years I have devoted to my craft and the fashion industry.
Sooooo.... When someone asks you, "Who or What is Baby and why is it called Baby & Company?" we hope that you feel the love and spirit of our beloved brand by proclaiming, " I am Baby! "
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Our last day in our Seattle location was September 26th, 2020. We packed up our extensive and beautiful store, packed our bags, and set off to start something new in Ketchum, Idaho. On October 15th, we opened Baby & Company Sun Valley.
While we had built an excellent local following after doing multiple Pop-Ups over the last 8 years in the area, we still get asked the question–(wait for it), "is it a Baby store?" Unfortunately, most of our local clients never knew that Baby was the founders' name. They never got to experience what made the store on 1st & Virginia so damn special. They never got to experience the magnetic spark that made the store a beloved fashion institution to a whole generation of customers near and far. The magical formula of avant-garde and kitsch offered up a selection of some of the most innovative up-and-coming designers from the late '70s to today. Kenzo, Comme Des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, Vivienne Westwood, Isabel Marant, Fiorucci, Marithé + François Girbaud were just a few of the designers represented on our racks early in their careers and before they exploded into global brands.
So, when I get asked the common question "Who is Baby?", I must answer as a person who has lived her whole fashion life through the lens of Baby. I express that Baby is not a thing, but a personality. The personality of the type of muse that drives my passion for dressing and bringing beauty to those we serve. I would like to think we all have some Baby in us. Baby to me is resilient, dynamic, optimistic, spirited, wishful, curious, mischievous, adventurous, and knows what it feels like when the right person calls you BABY - In a word, Baby, it's YOU!
So, as we look to celebrate the First Anniversary of Baby & Company Sun Valley, I proudly proclaim that if we did not have the qualities that made us Baby, we could not have made it through the most ominous storm that drove us to discover this beautiful and exciting new time in our lives! And as I like to say, “Nobody puts Baby in the corner!”
A big thank you to all who remain on this journey with us as we seek the new and undiscovered one day at a time!
We would love to hear from you–tell us in your words what you feel when asked "Who is Baby?"
Oh! Baby, you're looking good!
In 1997, the Peaveys met with the local Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber & Visitor Bureau (CVB) to discuss the idea of creating an event based on the sheep trailing. Seeing the potential to turn a conflict into a celebration of cultural heritage and a unique fall event to attract visitors, the CVB quickly jumped on board with support and the Trailing of the Sheep Festival was born. Working with the Peaveys, the CBV provided staff, ideas, and the funding to create and promote a multi-day event that featured the Sheep Parade down Main Street in Ketchum, the Sheep Folklife Fair, Sheep Tales Storytelling, Lamb Dine-Around, and other elements that remain an integral part of the Festival. The CVB, along with the Peaveys and a dedicated committee of volunteers, produced the event until 2003, when the non-profit Trailing of the Sheep Cultural Heritage Center was created to take over the reins and continue to develop the Festival into the future.
Celebrating its 25th year in 2021, the Festival has expanded greatly from its humble beginnings, yet the goals and objectives of the Festival remain the same—preserving the stories and history of sheep ranchers and herders, celebrating the rich cultures of the past and present, and entertaining and educating children and adults about the production of local food and fiber that have sustained local economies for generations.
The Festival has garnered some well-deserved accolades over the years, including being recognized as one of the Top Ten Fall Festivals in the World by MSN Travel, Top 7 Fall Festivals by National Geographic, Top Ten US Fall Festivals by SmarterTravel, Top Animal Festivals in the World and Top Ten Fall Festivals by USA Today, Top 7 Fun Fall Festivals by AARP, One of the Greatest Cultural Events in the West by Northwest Travel, and is a recipient of the Society of American Travel Writer’s Phoenix Award for best in cultural tourism as well as the Idaho Governor’s Award for Cultural Heritage.
LEARN MORE: HERE
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A Beautiful Distraction - The power of scent to change the mood and the mindset.
One evening at home, as we sat down for dinner, Wayne leaned over to hand me the bowl of pasta. As he handed it off to me, he stopped to comment on the fragrance I was wearing . He took another more deliberate sniff of my neck, and told me I looked beautiful. It felt like a 1st date with my boyfriend-turned-husband 25 years later.
I share this with you to make the point that scent informs one of our most primal reactions and should be utilized whenever possible. It adds a very sensual element to ones presence, personality, and style.
The ancient Egyptians were the first to incorporate perfume into their culture, followed by the ancient Chinese, Hindus, Israelites, Carthaginians, Arabs, Greeks, and Romans.
Perfumery came into Europe as early as the 14th century. France quickly became the European center of perfume and cosmetic manufacturing.
Perfume came into its own when Louis XV came to the throne in the 18th century. His court was called "la cour parfumée" (the perfumed court). Madame de Pompadour ordered generous perfume supplies, and King Louis demanded a different fragrance for his apartments every day. The Court of Louis XIV was even named for the scents applied daily to the skin and clothing, fans, and furniture. Perfume substituted for soap and water. The use of perfume in France grew steadily. By the 18th century, aromatic plants were being produced in France's Grasse region to provide the growing perfume industry with raw materials. Even today, France remains the center of European perfume design and trade.
After Napoleon came to power, exorbitant expenditures for perfume continued. Two quarts of violet cologne were delivered to him each week. He is said to have used sixty bottles of double extract of jasmine every month. Josephine had stronger perfume preferences. She was partial to musk, and she used so much that sixty years after her death, the scent still lingered in her boudoir.
Along with this brief history and my affection for a fine perfume, I thought it was the perfect time to introduce you to our new Perfume Bar at Baby & Company. We are proud to introduce the launch of a stunning new perfume label out of NYC called Vilhelm Parfumerie.
I was introduced to the Vilhelm Parfumerie Label when an unexpected package showed up at the store one day. The ambitious sales rep cold-called me with an expansive box full of the Vilhelm Parfumerie samples. She was familiar with our store and acknowledged our love of fragrances given our past offerings, such as Saint Rita Parlor, Fiele & Mad et Len.
I opened the box, and my curiosity went to work. One by one, I sampled the fragrances. I went wild for each one. The names, descriptions, and ultimately the complex fragrance notes turned me into a fervent fan.
It was with one of those fragrances, Dear Polly, that I snared my husband's attention at dinner that evening. Together with his verbal proclamation, the intoxicating fragrance made me FEEL beautiful.
We hope you will read through the descriptions and explore each of our featured fragrances' scent profiles to find one that piques your interest and makes you a Vilhelm fan yourself!
We have samples ready to send out for examination and experience to enable you to find your own beautiful distraction from a world gone berserk!
Look for the Vilhelm Fragrance Bar at our Sun Valley location or at our Seattle Pop Up Collective coming this May! We will be hosting a series of Sip & Sniff fragrance events to create a much-needed dose of vivacity, combining perfume sniffing and champagne sipping. This may not be everyone's idea of fun and pleasure, but it sure is for this Baby!
PS: If Cleopatra, Coco Channel & Louie the XV were alive, they would surely be in attendance!
Born in Sweden and now living in Paris, Jan Vilhelm Ahlgren is a polymath who leaves no stone unturned. He continuously pursues a specific idea of luxury, from photo studios and perfume organs to leather goods workshops. His style: impeccable. Tailored suits, a custom blend perfume – Vilhelm Parfumerie, of course. His lifestyle: simple pleasures and lavish times – always with friends, always with laughter. His home: Paris, Lake Como, the French Riviera but also wherever the wind takes him. Consider him a modern Mr. Gatsby, one for whom charm and playfulness are the keys to getting ahead in life. Everything done with elegance, gentleness, and heart.
More than a perfume, Vilhelm Parfumerie is a library. If some scents are silences, these are tales. Within identical bottles, fragrances are narratives that call to all senses. Housed in a hefty bottle of spun glass, dressed in a yellow saffron label that nods to a piece of Bakelite found in a Parisian flea market, Northern lights, or Hollywood highlights. North and South. Freshly cut grass and caressing oud. Bracing freshness and burning summer warmth. Simple pleasures and luxurious times. Each fragrance is the culmination of a broad, creative and collaborative process – a rare blend of vintage and new that sparks recognition but not familiarity. From its dynamic, innovative scents to the heritage design and timeless prints, Vilhelm Parfumerie is a nod to the past, expressed in our contemporary olfactory language and aesthetic.
As we have made you aware through our previous posts, there is no shortage of exceptional landscapes and backdrops in this valley to present our seasonal editorials. We chose a place Wayne and I have hiked out on Muldoon Canyon Road just past EE-DA-HO Ranch for this latest photoshoot.
We chose the arid backdrop to signal a retreat from the cold and snowy weather that was finally on its way out.
We caught the perfect afternoon light to show off the latest Spring/Summer outerwear from OOFWear.
Baby & Company Spring / Summer Pop-up coming this May!
While our Sun Valley Outpost is to remain our fixed location, for the time being, Seattle is still our hometown!
We plan to come back seasonally to host a series of dynamic Pop-ups that will include collaborations with various local businesses and colleagues to create new and exciting retail experiences.
We have something inspiring in the works, but before we make a formal announcement with exact dates and location, we still need to work out the logistics to ensure we can provide a safe and welcoming environment for all to gather and enjoy.
We hope to bring a sense of community and fellowship back to our fractured city and beloved neighborhoods so severely bruised by the previous year.
Stand Tall, Seattle!
Hope to see you all very soon!
xxoo,
Jill & Wayne
The Thaw of Winter
"When one has faith that the spring thaw will arrive, the winter winds seem to lose some of their punch" - Robert Veninga.
Every year I look forward to that first awareness that spring is indeed on its way.
Subtly, we recognize the dark of winter is in retreat. Bit by bit, the days begin to get a little longer.
Gradually, we recognize a change in winter's typical chill as the sun begins to feel a little warmer.
Eventually, the dull and brown of naked gardens reveal the approach of crocuses, tulips, irises, and blooming camelias promising the return of color to our surroundings.
The anticipation of what waits for us on the other side of winter is just so damn hopeful. It's a glorious RESET that we all get to anticipate. The feeling of what is possible is exciting and stimulating. We dare to look forward as days become longer, warmer, and brighter, and the sweet smell of spring's bloom lingers in the morning air to remind us that better days are coming.
While I will admit, it is sad to see our once pristine snow-covered yard start to disappear, like many of you, I long for the replacement of soft grass and barefoot days.
Perhaps even a new puppy will find its way to our side to dream of the summertime we are waiting to enjoy.
Buyer's Eye SS21 - Say goodbye to those winter blues- HELLO blue skies ahead!
I was drawn to soft colors and supple fabrics in my "buyer's eye" for the SS21 collections for obvious reasons—nothing harsh or severe for the eyes to rest on or our skin to feel.
A traumatized world order's mood would not allow me to indulge in dramatic shapes or forms, harsh patterns, or bold color palettes. My senses seemed to repeal anything too forceful or overdone.
My eye only wanted to rest on things that portrayed a sense of playfulness and joy. Nothing so severe or moody.
I am confident you will see this come through in the Spring/Summer collections we have curated for this coming season as we continue this new journey of the Baby & Company adventure.
You have all carried us through the most challenging times of our adult lives and careers. You stood by us when everything seemed to be falling apart. Your support, love, and encouragement fueled and motivated our dramatic shift and pivot towards this new chapter.
Stay tuned, and remain by our side Baby, the best is yet to come....
With humble gratitude and our sincere love,
Jilly & Wayne
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The Rebellious Flower of Marimekko
If you’re reading this, you are Baby. You love what we love — bold patterns, women-owned businesses, clothing as a form of self-expression, or better yet, protest. The story behind our latest installation — The Rebellious Flower of Marimekko — combines these elements in a collection as vivid and imaginative as the brand’s best-selling designs.
Founded by Armi Ratia in 1951, Finnish label Marimekko has blossomed into a beloved household name. Instead of following the trend of restrictive clothing for women, Ratia introduced “liberating dresses in abstract patterns and vibrant colors.” Early on, this foray into rebellion attracted some noteworthy fans like Georgia O’Keefe, Jane Jacobs, and Jacqueline Kennedy — women that needed clothing to work with and for them, unconfined and intentional. Writing for the New York Herald Tribune, fashion critic Eugenia Shepherd described the brand as “a uniform for intellectuals.” Does it get more Baby than that?!
Marimekko’s visionary patterns, like the famous Unikko (poppy) garnered worldwide attention. The playful sentiment found in oversized petals or hand-drawn stripes has proven to be a powerful tool of expression. Since the label’s beginning, these patterns “spoke to a growing class of working women with a finely-honed taste in design, looking for some color in a post- war world.” Each motif has a history of its own attached to it — their Lenny design tells the story of “an angel who takes to the skies in fast and colorful flight”; the Maisema pattern shows how “the nuances of color and light in Finnish nature change with the seasons.”
Our appreciation for this trailblazing brand is brought to life in The Rebellious Flower of Marimekko. Peruse timeless accessories and clothing made to bring out your most fearless self. Trust, if we love it, you will love it.
Xoxo,
Jill Donnelly
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‘Fill in the blanks!” Joanne would say. She was always encouraging the people around her to use their minds. She was an avid crossword puzzler and somewhat of a life coach to her friends and family. As her soul sister Janet would say “She was never pushy and she loved the process.” This wasn’t just for the New York Times crossword puzzles, but for everything that she did in life.
Through a consistent combination of an effortless grace and dedication to excel at everything she tried, Joanne was a force to be reckoned with. “When she did anything, she did it all the way.” says Janet. Whether she was working as chef at The Pink Door, sculpting in an art studio, or owning and operating the High Spot Cafe with her partner Mike Walker, Joanne excelled. She didn’t subscribe to a label. She was a renaissance woman, she could do practically anything she put her mind to. She taught others around her to live with care and passion.
Read the entire piece here.
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