Due to some issues with timing, I broke my buying trip into two separate weekend visits so that I didn’t have to take time off from work. With 4-5 trips under my belt, it has gotten a little easier (especially when BJ or Trang go too), but I often still feel like a newbie learning the ropes, being assertive, etc. I’m sure more mistakes will be made along the way, but I’ve gotten more comfortable with taking my time, trying things on, looking at details, and sticking with my instincts. I still think back to my first time buying, wondering why the heck I choose a chunky knit, almost floor length, coat for our Houston winters. I almost did a dance when we sold it – not to a Houstonian, go figure, but a lovely visitor from Germany where I’m sure it would get much more use. This time around, I had a better idea about what does well for us, which of our customers would really love a particular style, and how to filter through all the trends. It’s still hard though, specially for Fall/winter collections where I’m immediately drawn to everything wool, heavy coats (like the one above by Feral Childe), and basically anything that would only get 1-2 weeks wear in Houston. A few things that stood out to me were layering pieces like the denim crop top from Rachel Comey, a 2 piece jumper from Black Crane (the collection keeps getting better and better with new fabrics each season), and pretty prints from No.6 like the one above.

Going on two very short trips was a bit of a crazy idea, but I managed to carve out a bit of time and treat myself to non work related activities (even though my skin, sleep, and body are making me pay for it now). Before it all passes me by, I wanted to write down some of my memories: eating Shake Shack while it’s snowing around us, sitting window side at the Butcher’s Daughter watching the first snow fall do a sort of dance in the wind — it was so beautiful, randomly running into and meeting for the first time Julia from Rennes and her husband while reading at McNally’s bookstore, spending time with my brother in law Jeff, forcing myself to enjoy eating dinner alone, sleeping over with my friend Jen in the loft (the view!) her boss rented and enjoying bombolonis at Bottega Falai before our first appointments, grabbing brunch with Beth, and escaping for a bit with BJ – sometimes it’s exactly what we needed.

I got to try on some new stock at the store this week, and man, I wish I can wear Steven Alan’s spring collection everyday.

Hope everyone has a good week!

***

Looking forward to seeing Mav’s Beauty and Use Collection. In her words …

we don’t want to put more “stuff” out into the world. We want to share our loves and our visions, and in the case of our Collections, our creations, but we want the impact to be gentle … handmade and small … simple … beautiful & useful.

Rachel Comey Doris Lace Up Bootie at Hampden Clothing

MADE HERE – UPSTATE from Jay Carroll on Vimeo.

Nothing beats soft tees and tunics that pass the Houston Weather Test: light, comfortable, and easy to layer.

• My mom & Thuy looking over her illustrations
• Igby in her favorite nap spot
• Block print tank top – first back to school purchase. (From here or here)
• My set of scarves from the shibori workshop
• Summer City zine by Will Byrant + Rand Renfrow

more info on flickr

1. Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 rtw
2. Jil Sander Spring 2011 rtw
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Resort 2010
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 rtw

– C

• Les Givral’s nest of 2×4’s. BJ and I were craving their bbq pork & pâté banh mi .
• Barney’s Co-op is closing their Houston store. I bought one Richard Chai LOVE hooded parka for my sister Thuy and one for me. The drape and details are nice with plenty of room for layering. Plus you can’t beat a deal that is almost 90% off!
• The weather is finally feeling like winter! I think the decorations will have to stay up a little longer.
• Tinsel icicles on clearance + washi tape = a Confetti System-inspired project.
• This watercolor portrait of Baby Bunny is a present from Julia made with the Christmas presents we gave her. I love her background!