BLACK PARROT

Show your stripes

2012-01-27T15:18:00.002-05:00

Just in: Striped tees from Oska. They're an easy fit blend of 70 percent cotton and 30 percent hemp.

Heading south? Don't forget to stop by Black Parrot in Portland for a peek at early spring fashions and more warm-weather finds on our sale racks.

Got the midwinter blues?

2012-01-25T12:11:00.001-05:00

While we can't complain about snow and cold this season, we're not immune from midwinter wardrobe blues ... Sometimes all we need is a spot of color to brighten a dreary day.

Our pick-me-up choices include a silk and wool scarf from Wallace Sewell, Carolina Amato long wool fingerless mitts and a stunning cobalt blue Rachel Comey clutch – now in our Portland store.

And don't forget Black Parrot's winter sale: MM6 boots are 40 percent off and other fall merchandise is reduced 25 to 50 percent.

Our favorite new shoes

2012-01-20T12:26:00.000-05:00

Don't miss our favorite new shoes – dip-dyed black oxfords from Gidigio. They're all crafted by hand in Italy and have a vintage (but oh-so-chic) appeal.

Gidigio already has a loyal following in Denmark and Germany ... and we can see why with their soft, glove-like leather.

Now in our Portland store.

Jazz Age appeal

2012-01-19T10:56:00.000-05:00

The lovely cloche is catching eyes again, especially on Bérénice Bejo, above, so fetching as ingénue Peppy Miller in "The Artist." We'd pair our Eugenia Kim cloche hats with ladylike Carolina Amato gloves.

Stop by our Portland store to try one on! They're now on final sale, 50 percent off.

Think apres ski!

2012-01-12T13:04:00.001-05:00

Finally! It's winter in Maine, and we're ready for the slopes, a hot toddy and apres-ski fashions. Our look of the day is a Mongolian lamb fur collar by Hache, YMC wool sweater from Scotland and Rachel Comey's Baxter boots.

Now in our Portland store.

Inspired by Bergman ...

2012-01-11T17:29:00.000-05:00

Stop in soon to see new pieces from Swedish designer Helena Fredriksson, who now lives and works in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Her line, H Fredriksson, draws inspiration from the dark psychology of Bergman films and contemporary European painting. She describes her collection's look as "an air of melancholic beauty, drawn from the austere silhouettes of the Nordic landscape."

Fredriksson embraces sustainable fabric technologies and manufactures her collection in New York City.

At right, we've paired her tunic-length, silk crepe "kimono dress" with a Herff Christiansen heavy cotton jacket, Emu leggings and P. Monjo laced boots.

On sale: YMC sweaters from Scotland

2012-01-06T16:19:00.002-05:00

Brighten a dreary winter day with YMC wool and cashmere sweaters from Scotland. They're available in royal blue, above, red and green. Better yet, they're all 40 percent off at our Portland store!

New to Black Parrot: Issey Miyake

2012-01-05T16:06:00.000-05:00

Just in: Issey Miyake's Cauliflower line. The Japanese designer's clothing is lightweight, compact and recognized for its multi-directional stitch pleats. The easy-to-wear pieces are sure to add a pop of color to your winter wardrobe. This shirt also is available in dark blue with a cobalt placket.

Bundle up!

2012-01-04T13:04:00.001-05:00

Black Parrot's post-holiday sale is in full swing, with 25 to 50 percent off shoes, coats and clothing. One of our favorite sale items is the blanket poncho, above right, from Tara St. James and her eco-friendly Study New York line. It's perfect over chunky sweaters.

Read about the blanket poncho in The New York Times Style section! You'll find it in our Portland store.

Another favorite is Obakki's garnet red Acadia coat, seen here on actress Amber Heard. It's sure to keep you warm with a double front and so-soft blend of wool, mohair and cashmere. It's 25 percent off in our Portland store, and available in sizes 6, 8 and 10.

Call us at 207-221-6991. We're happy to take phone orders!

New hat sale!

2012-01-03T15:58:00.001-05:00

Here's a fashion fix for cold ears: Eugenia Kim, Albertus Swanepoel and MM6 winter hats at 40 percent off!

Take your pick of cloches, leopard-print brims or even feather-trimmed fedoras.

Visit our Portland or Rockland stores, or give us a call at 207-221-6991.

We're always happy to ship if you're not in Maine ...

Just in: Humanoid

2011-12-28T17:02:00.001-05:00

Just in: Humanoid, one of our favorite brands from the Netherlands. This chic label features body-hugging shapes, luxurious fabrics and edgy designs. New offerings include dark gray wool and cotton leggings, wool and cotton tees, wraps and dresses.

Now in our Portland store.

Stocking stuffers ...

2011-12-20T17:17:00.004-05:00

Here's a little something she'll love: Antipast socks from Japan. They're warm, fashionable and sure to add a little sparkle to her wardrobe!

London time

2011-12-20T10:25:00.000-05:00

Black Parrot is excited to introduce Uniform Wares watches to our Portland and Rockland stores. The London firm, established in 2009 by product designers Patrick Bek and Oliver Fowles, pairs classic British design and contemporary styling. Each series of watches is produced in small quantities with movements handpicked from the best Japanese and Swiss manufacturers.

Call our Rockland store at 207-593-9370 or Portland location at 207-221-6991 for more information on available Uniform Wares styles and prices.

Boot sale!

2011-12-17T17:42:00.000-05:00

Stop by our pre-solstice sale to gear up for winter. Coats, Eugenia Kim hats and winter boots are all 25 percent off.

You'll find a great selection of boots, from felted wool Martin Margiela MM6 boots (above and in a tall black version) to P. Monjo and the popular Rachel Comey Baxter waterproof boot.

Call us in Portland at 207-221-6991 or Rockland at 207-593-9370 for size availability.

Art to wear

2011-12-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

Just in: Wallace Sewell scarves from England that will brighten even the darkest winter day. Black Parrot's selection includes silk, cashmere blends, neck scarves and wraps. Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell established the London design studio after graduating in 1990 from the Royal College of Art.

Stop by to see their stunning work – we think they're works of art.

Tip o' the hat ...

2011-12-10T17:22:00.001-05:00

If you're dashing off to "The Nutcracker," don't forget to don your fancy hat. Our choices are from Albertus Swanepoel, the Coty Award-winning milliner. Swanepoel, born and raised in South Africa, trained under a designer who worked for Balenciaga in Paris. He also assisted theatrical milliner Lynne Mackey.

At left is a two-tone dark green and black creation; the hat at right features an attached ribbon and bow.

Procrastinating?

2011-12-08T17:31:00.001-05:00

Maybe our snail ornament is just what you need. Stop in to see our new selection of decorations in Portland and Rockland ...

Just in ...

2011-12-07T12:33:00.001-05:00

Our look of the day, styled by Tess, features a gray, ribbed Herff Christiansen cardigan jacket paired with a Rachel Comey plaid shirt and boots and MM6 brown zip-bottom jeans.

We love the look of this heavy cotton jacket, which can be pinned in front or left open. This style has a waist-length back, perfect for layering. We also carry a longer black version that's great paired with leggings.

Stop by our Portland store to see what's new!

Aromatic riches

2011-12-06T15:21:00.001-05:00

The story of our soaps and colognes from Santa Maria Novella is intriguing as their lovely scents, from almond to pomegranate. Dominican monks began making herbal remedies at the Florence church in the 13th century. Today Santa Maria Novella's soaps are still made by hand; each bar ages for a month before it's carved and packaged for sale.

Read more of the fascinating story in Smithsonian Magazine ...

Santa Maria Novella products are available now in our Portland and Rockland stores.

Pearly whites

2011-12-02T14:30:00.001-05:00

We honestly think this is the best toothpaste ever: Marvis from Italy. It's available in cinnamon mint, whitening mint and classic strong mint. Soon to come: ginger mint and licorice.

Don't forget The Designer Toothbrush from Creations by Alan Stuart of New York.

Now in our Portland and Rockland stores.

Iced to perfection

2011-11-30T16:01:00.001-05:00

We haven't been to Miette, San Francisco's noted pastry shop, but we're charmed by the beautiful images, scalloped pages and recipes in this lovely book. If you're not up for making the elegant princess cake, above, chocolate chip cookies with rolled oats and walnuts might be a good place to begin. A perfect gift for the baker in your family ...

Now in our Portland and Rockland stores.

Ready for the party?

2011-11-29T15:12:00.001-05:00

If you aren't, stop by Black Parrot for your holiday finery. You'll find fancy frocks at our Portland store, from Rachel Comey's emerald flame dress, above, to silks from Hannoh and the perfect LBDs from Obakki.

Cozy cashmere

2011-11-26T15:38:00.001-05:00

Just in: the coziest, 4-ply Mongolian cashmere from Jardin Prive´ – in v-necks, cardigans and figure-flattering drawstring pants. Choose from blue, beige, gray or brown sweaters and gray or black pants. Prices start at $195.

Now in our Portland and Rockland stores.

A toast to chocolate

2011-11-23T13:46:00.001-05:00

Back by popular demand: Fazer Liqueur Fills, vodka-filled chocolates from Finland. They're highly recommended by Tess who offers this description: "They're like a party in your mouth!"

Now in our Portland and Rockland stores (while they last).

Scents for your nest

2011-11-19T14:00:00.001-05:00

Stop in soon to smell the wonderful fragrances from our new assortment of Nest candles. Our current favorite is "Holiday" in its red velvet box: a blend of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber.

Now in our Portland and Rockland stores.

The Gentlewoman

2011-11-17T16:57:00.001-05:00

Hailing from London, this inspiring magazine highlights women in every light.

Smart, sophisticated and now in the Portland and Rockland stores.

Just monkeying around ...

2011-11-16T17:23:00.001-05:00

If you loved your childhood sock monkey, check out Carolina Amato's fingerless wool and angora monkey mitts!

Now in our Portland and Rockland stores.

The perfect pick-me-up

2011-11-15T17:05:00.001-05:00

Sometimes a new pair of socks does wonders to beat a blue day. And what could be better than cushy-soft b.ella styles for happy feet?

Now in our Portland and Rockland stores.

Eugenia Kim hat sale!

2011-11-15T16:54:00.001-05:00

Good news for hat lovers: All Eugenia Kim hats are now 25 percent off in Portland. What's your favorite – classic black with a bow, sage green with feathers or maybe a sweet little cloche? Come find your style!

I Hate Perfume

2011-11-14T11:51:00.001-05:00

For anyone seeking a new perfume experience, Christopher Brosius, creator of "I Hate Perfume" might be just the man. Far from conventional, he's created scents from "Burning Leaves" to "In the Library" to "Roast Beef". A Black Parrot favorite, our Portland location currently has six incredibly unique scents that will fill you with wonder.

The history behind this perfume line is fascinating.

Listen to the NPR interview here, featured last night!

Also new to the Portland store, hand lotion in Glorioso and Red Current, from Votivo.

Known for their candles, Votivo's lotions are an ultimate luxury.

Rue

2011-11-12T11:02:00.001-05:00

Rue Jewelry

from Japan.

"As the name reflects the French word for street and an evergreen Rue (Ruta) in English, RUE reinterprets and gives new values to ordinary, often overlooked things translated through design esthetics woven from differing inspirational strands ranging from the study of botany and ethnography to biology and mathematics."

These delicate and unique pieces are now in Portland.

Wharton Esherick

2011-11-10T12:11:00.001-05:00

Another top choice from our bookshelves,

"Wharton Esherick - The Journey of a Creative Mind".

Get lost in the story of one of the 20th Century's most innovative furniture makers.

Currently in Portland.

Wrap yourself in alpaca

2011-11-09T14:45:00.000-05:00

Soft doesn't begin to describe these baby alpaca scarves from Austrian-born designer Arnold Haas of Wubet. They're hand-woven on antique looms and will keep you oh so warm.

Now in our Portland store.

Need a good escape?

2011-11-08T15:29:00.002-05:00

Our pick for a good read this week is "Far Out Isn't Far Enough – Life in the Back of Beyond" by Tomi Ungerer. The book includes beautiful illustrations that help tell his story of pioneering in the wilds of Nova Scotia.

We were hooked on the first paragraph:

"Yvonne and I left New York City in 1971, head over wheels. We were suddenly fed up with city life: racing along, our lives had run out of fuel, stalled, and so we struck out on foot on the first side road, not even expecting the unexpected."

Now in our Portland and Rockland stores.

Cue the color

2011-11-07T12:01:00.001-05:00

Here's our solution for shorter days: more color. We can't take our eyes off this trio of fringed silk scarves made in England by Wallace Sewell. (And they match everything!) Now in our Portland store.

Looking for new ways to show off your scarves? Check out this super instructional site we found with 37 ways to tie a scarf.

Long, lean layers

2011-11-05T12:36:00.001-04:00

Good news: Our black Emu leggings are back in stock. They're made of premium Australian merino wool – a must for cold days in Maine.

We also have Coven cotton blend patterned leggings from Brazil, above, and cozy charcoal leggings from Herff Christiansen made of recycled wool from Italy with a soft cotton lining.

Now in our Portland store.

Our favorite new jeans ...

2011-11-04T14:21:00.004-04:00

We're mad about the new Raleigh Denim herringbone jeans that just arrived – pop by our Portland store for a peek! We paired them with a Herff Christiansen long white tank top and a black and cobalt blue Rachel Comey sweater.

Raleigh Denim is manufactured in North Carolina – the designers work with local farmers to ensure all materials come from a 200-mile radius. They're even constructed on vintage sewing machines in small batches with a focus on sustainability. Read more about Raleigh Denim on thedailygreen.com.

Now in our Portland store.

Sip a little pumpkin pie ...

2011-11-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

A cup of this amazing Otono Blend coffee from Intelligentsia will warm anyone's heart with flavors of pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup and cranberry combined with orange peel acidity, candied molasses and a tart finish.

We also have the ultimate way to brew this wonderful artisanal coffee: Chemex coffee pots, filters, glass lids and trivets. Not only are the Chemex coffee pots featured in the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art, but we think they make an outstanding cup of coffee.

Now in our Rockland store.

Trio....

2011-11-03T14:27:00.001-04:00

Happy November!

The month of rusty leaves, layers, boots and great feasts.

Enhance fall with our curated pieces from the store.

Mustard

This trio includes our gorgeous Pepe Monjo boots, handmade in Spain.

Wubet cable knit, mustard color hat, 100% baby alpaca.

Catherine Andre wool knit fingerless mitts.

Chocolate

Emu 100% Australian sheepskin scarf in white.

Wubet cable knit 100% baby alpaca hat in brown.

Catherine Andre fingerless mitts.

Electric Blue

Wubet cable knit 100% baby alpaca hat in gray.

Shirley Pinder woven silk/merino wool scarf from Scotland.

Echo electric blue leather gloves.

Pump it up!

2011-11-01T14:57:00.001-04:00

Finally, an Old Port-worthy pump that holds its own on Portland's brick sidewalks! We love the sturdy treads on these striking brown shoes from MM6.

Now in our Portland store.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T10:44:00.000-04:00

SOS ... Redecker to the rescue

2011-10-29T17:14:00.004-04:00

Save Our Sweaters!

These are two of our favorite Redecker brushes from Germany. The stiffer brush, left, has wire bristles that work better on pilling than any sweater shaver we've tried. The softer brush, right, is made just for cashmere.

Try them out next time you're in our Rockland or Portland stores ...

Warm neutrals

2011-10-28T16:46:00.001-04:00

Say it ain't so ... 6 inches of snow? Our choice for cold weather gear is Billy Reid's wool circle scarf, a wool cap from Stewart & Brown and beautiful woven wool fingerless mitts from Hikaru Noguchi.

Now in our Portland store.

They're back ...

2011-10-27T12:52:00.002-04:00

Rachel Comey's hard-to-find rubber Baxter boot is back! Call our Portland store, 207-221-6991, to reserve your pair.

Time for a hike?

2011-10-27T12:02:00.001-04:00

This colorful plaid shirt from Study New York is one of our favorite new pieces in the store. It's all cotton and easy to wear with dolman sleeves, boxy cut and longer shirttail hem in back.

It's a natural pairing with Rachel Comey's sturdy Bayard boot in cognac.

Now in our Portland store ...

We'll take ribs

2011-10-26T16:36:00.001-04:00

So ... we've heard talk of snow this week. What better way to face the cold than in a chunky, double-knit wool and alpaca sweater from Denmark's Popupshop.

Available in black, beige and gray in our Portland store.

Menswear: Check

2011-10-25T12:02:00.000-04:00

We're A+ students when it comes to bundling up in Maine – especially with capes and wraps from Study New York. They're perfect to layer over chunky sweaters or work jackets. This wool menswear topper in our Portland store is a beautiful blend of grays, black, ivory and brown.

Tea time!

2011-10-20T14:19:00.001-04:00

Here's our solution for a rather dreary day in Maine: Kusmi Tea from Paris. The descriptions alone are enough to perk up a sleepy afternoon:

Bouquet of Flowers No. 108 with Earl Grey, citrus, fruits and flowers;

Imperial Label green tea with orange, vanilla, cinnamon, licorice roots and sea buckthorn berries;
Spicy Chocolate black tea with scents of chocolate and spices;

Russian Morning No. 24 with Black China, Ceylon and India teas;

Russian Evening No. 50, a low-caffeine blend of black China and India teas.

Available in Portland and Rockland.

Pick of the Day

2011-10-18T13:55:00.001-04:00

MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela Pebble Flats

Silver and Grey pebble texture, lined with leather and a rubber sole.

Keeping you exceptionally interesting and quick on your feet.

In Portland.

Pick of the Day

2011-10-17T14:03:00.002-04:00

Blue suede gloves by Carolina Amato.

Ultra-soft suede in sapphire blue lined with cashmere.

They'll add a glorious pop to any outfit.

Now in the Portland store.

Stay dry and lovely...

2011-10-14T11:19:00.001-04:00

We adore this amazing rubber jewelry made by artist Tzuri Gueta in Paris.

They're the perfect rainy day accessory.

Cozy equation

2011-10-11T14:53:00.002-04:00

Furry slippers are just the ticket when we want to trade our flip-flops for cozy toes. This fall we have Emu Australia sheepskin slippers in mules, above, dark brown mocs and booties with a cushy fur ankle.

If you're ready to wrap up, check out our wool Humanoid wraps ... and don't forget a spot o' Kusimi Tea from Paris!

Now in our Portland store.

A perfect pair

2011-10-10T15:25:00.001-04:00

Here's our pick for a day about town when fall returns ... Rachel Comey's intriguing gray Saranac ballet flats, baby soft Alpaca chunky knit sweater, black leggings and (of course) our coolest shades.

Now in our Portland store.

Help for furry friends

2011-10-10T14:30:00.002-04:00

This is one of our favorite inventions: a "green" lint brush that works wonders on cat, dog and horse hair. (And no more sticky roller lint sheets to wrestle before your second cup of coffee!)

It's constructed of natural rubber that is charged by friction and and acts like a magnet. When you're done, simply rinse it in water until the next time your furry friend snuggles up against your black sweater.

From Redecker, in both our Rockland and Portland stores.

Love at first sight

2011-10-08T14:14:00.000-04:00

We're in love with these beautiful suede shoes from Chie Mihara. They're gray with a touch of green – perfect with either jeans or skirts and black tights. The stacked heel is just what we need for a stroll around the Old Port. Check them out at Black Parrot in Portland.

Black Parrot celebrates First Friday

2011-10-06T14:21:00.001-04:00

Join us for First Friday and a sip of wine tomorrow at Black Parrot in Portland!

The store will be open until 8 p.m. and owner Sherrie Gibson will be on hand to talk about the latest styles.

Just in: Study wraps and capes, Chie Mihara shoes, Rachel Comey sweaters and Popupshop lingerie.

Black and white and red all over

2011-10-06T11:48:00.002-04:00

Black Parrot offers some red hot choices for fall fashions, starting with a draped-neckline silk blouse from Hannoh, above. Add a dash of dots, below, with a wool scarf from Huit-Huit or opera-length black and white gloves by Carolina Amato.

Top left, go retro with Timo.Weiland's graphic print zipper top, classic with Risto's dark gray cashmere short-sleeve sweater, top right, or add a French touch with Hannoh's drop-waist dress.

Sweet nothings

2011-10-05T16:09:00.000-04:00

Just in: Popupshop underpinnings from Denmark. They're as light as a feather, fashioned from organic bamboo. Stop in to see bras, underwear, tees and three styles of bodysuits in both black and nude.

Shirt tales

2011-10-04T14:57:00.005-04:00

Long sleeve or sleeveless, sometimes a good shirt is all we need to carry us through the work week.

John Patrick's recycled cotton sleeveless shirt can go from casual with leggings and ballet flats to more sophisticated with a wool Huit-Huit scarf at the neck. It also adds a touch of color under a black Herff Christiansen jacket.

Billy Reid's boyfriend shirt in slightly wrinkled, soft cotton is long enough to wear untucked and belted. It has a comfortable loose construction with gathered back yoke. We've paired it with an Oska sweater coat, Mercy blue silk skirt and red Oska corduroy pants.

Osborn hand-made shoes

2011-10-03T12:41:00.003-04:00

"Our mission here at Osborn is to do good with good design. Osborn offers the marketplace a unique collection of handmade footwear cultivated with positivity, hope and dedication."

Desert Boot, $196

"Co-founder Aaron Osborn, whose family runs one of the largest orphanages in Guatemala, stumbled upon the idea for Osborn in 2007 when he met an out-of-work cobbler while doing charitable work in the country. He and co-founder, Carla Osborn, were searching for a way to combine humanitarian efforts with a fashion project. This search led to Osborn Shoes."

Leather Oxford, $173

"With artistic freedom being key, Osborn operates outside the traditional bounds of fashion's seasons, completing many capsule collections throughout the year, each exploring different ideas, but always filled with the inspiration that drives our company: artistic grit, a folk-urban aura, playful unexpected associations, and of course, hardy craftsmanship."

Now in Portland.

Remembering Holly Golightly

2011-10-01T16:49:00.004-04:00

It's been a half-century this month since Audrey Hepburn graced the silver screen as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

We couldn't help but think of her little black dress by Hubert de Givenchy when we saw Obakki's Chloe dress with such classic style in soft, featherweight wool. Its stretchy cotton lining from bust to knee leaves just a little to the imagination ...

Obakki's Chloe dress, now in the Portland store.

Greetings from Portland

2011-09-30T12:02:00.000-04:00

Our racks are full, come for a visit!

Mrs. O in Portland!

2011-09-29T17:09:00.001-04:00

Michelle Obama is visiting Portland's waterfront
Friday and we're keeping our fingers crossed the fashionable first lady will pop into Black Parrot.

Here's what we'd suggest ...
To the right, Apercu's gray and black 100 percent wool tweed dress with a fitted bodice and bubble skirt.

                                 Or ... Hache's soft wool bubble dress with fuchsia flowers on a
                                 brown background and belted in back.

Timo Weiland

2011-09-28T11:29:00.003-04:00

Claiming to be inspired by Marlene Dietrich and Ferris Bueller (among many others), these young and fresh designers are now in the Portland store. Come see their really fun prints, tailored pants, silk dresses and semi-androgynous sweaters.

Timo Weiland from Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

“We believe in ‘what your parents always told you never to wear.’”

So cozy ... Rachel Comey

2011-09-24T16:57:00.000-04:00

The softest ivory alpaca sweater ever, handmade in Peru. Also available in black, woven with touches of cobalt blue.

Hikaru Noguchi

2011-09-22T12:07:00.002-04:00

The rainy day brings some of our favorite fall/winter accessories.

Hikaru Noguchi will cheer up any cloudy day with super-soft, 100% Lambswool scarves, snoods, gloves and fingerless mitts.

Come and try them on in Portland.

Huit Huit Scarves

2011-09-21T11:38:00.000-04:00

We're really excited about a new line of scarves currently in Portland.

The mission of Huit Huit:

"To seek out beautiful scarves and wraps and sell them at an affordable price. We specialize in natural fibers, from Australian wool and Asian silks, to fine cottons and Pashmina made high in the Himalayas. The fabrics created from these fibers are the highest quality found in the world. One touch will let you know you are holding something special. Our scarves are elegant and contemporary, fun and luxurious. Our designs have a sophistication that is right at home draped over the shoulders of the modern woman, whether at work or at play, or simply strolling along the beach at sunset. They are timeless. We know you will agree."

Marie Claire, O Magazine, and even the ever chic tomboy Alexa Chung agree:

Oh my ... Obakki

2011-09-20T16:49:00.002-04:00

Just in: Obakki's perfect little black dresses, tops and lust-worthy Acadia coat.

Herff Christiansen

2011-09-19T15:36:00.001-04:00

Just in time for the cooler-ish weather:

Herff Christiansen's super comfortable, easy to layer pieces are now in.

Ultra Long, Ribbed Tank Top, Fitted Jersey Pants, 100% Cotton.

Ultra Long, Ribbed Long Sleeve Shirt, 100% Cotton.

Long Cardigan, 100% Cotton.

Simple, well-made pieces that will keep you warm all winter.

Risto for fall

2011-09-14T12:51:00.000-04:00

Leather and wool jacket with fur back

Wool coat with elastine

Silk cocktail jumpsuit

These pieces and more Risto are now in the Portland store.

Eugenia Kim

2011-09-09T15:04:00.000-04:00

Exquisite hats by Eugenia Kim are peppering our store this week.

It's difficult to not come in and try them on.

Also, Rachel Comey's Baxter boots are what everyone's talking about.

Our size sevens are already sold out!

Waterproof, durable rubber sole with Cognac leather accents.

$196, Made in NYC.

100 Years of Fashion

2011-09-02T13:49:00.001-04:00

A little treat for your Friday:

Also, new arrivals this week:

Coven

Jaunt

Obakki

Osklen

Images soon!

Rachel Comey

2011-08-26T11:10:00.002-04:00

Oh Rachel how we've missed you.

First shipment arrived in Portland yesterday - more to come soon!

UPSTATE, Santa Maria Novella.

2011-08-20T14:11:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year again - despite 80 degree temps outside, FALL merchandise is coming in daily.

Two designers we're especially excited about right now:

UPSTATE.

Hand-dyed, raw silk, scarves and ponchos.

Created in their apartment (and bath tub!) Brooklyn.

And if you're not already sold, watch their home movie:

Now in Portland & Rockland.

Also in Rockland, and soon to be shipped to Portland:

Santa Maria Novella.

800 year old pharmacy products, created by Monks from Florence.

Why settle for anything less?

HUMANOID

2011-07-28T10:41:00.001-04:00

Now in Portland.

Great transitional pieces. Cashmere sweaters. Linen, Organic cotton, Silk. Amazing textiles.

(unfortunately no shoes)

See you soon, BP.

SALE

2011-07-21T11:17:00.000-04:00

Fall merchandise is continuing to come into the Portland store.

It's time to make some room.

Selected Spring/Summer clothes now 30 - 50% off!

Bathing suits from Lover and Rosa Cha 50% off.

50% off last summer selected items from Lerario Beatriz, Risto, Standard Finery, Rag & Bone and others.

30% off this spring merchandise from Boy by Band of Outsiders, Billy Reid, Obakki, Soyer, Hache, and more.

And 25% off all of our lingerie!

Our Rockland store also always has phenomenal sales going on.

If you are in the area make sure to stop by.

See you soon, BP

NEW ARRIVALS

2011-07-15T13:03:00.002-04:00

The Spring/Summer 2011 Hannoh collection has finally arrived
and it is looking so nice in our window.

It's been a challenge to find decent photos to document this spring line, but I managed to steal some images from www.Hannoh.com (thank you!).
Some of our pieces are sprinkled throughout these images.

Come in for a visit and see for yourself!

We are also excited to share some of the Hache A/W 2011 that arrived in Portland a few days ago.

In mid-July, most of us Portlanders have decided to pretend that Autumn does not exist. That being said, these Hache sweaters and sweater dresses are completely luscious.

I guess Autumn is alright.

Inspiration

2011-07-14T13:42:00.006-04:00

It's always a joy to stumble upon a simply beautiful blog, especially when it's by one of our favorite designers. Apiece Apart Notes from Apart features not only stunning images from Apiece Apart's latest season, but tidbits of inspiration from every day life, people and places.

2011-07-13T16:17:00.002-04:00

RALEIGH DENIM

"We make only small runs, handcrafting jeans using vintage machines and denim from Cone Mill's White Oak plant."

Currently in Rockland.

Coming to Portland soon.

"Raleigh Denim is on a mission to build an ideal pair of jeans"

"Husband-and-wife denim duo Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko own and operate Raleigh Denim. "

Photo courtesy of Nick Pironio

2011-07-07T14:24:00.001-04:00

Glossy #2 - The European Edition

The forever glamorous bible to all things beautiful,

we are so proud to have this on our shelves.

One does not need to know Itialian to experience Italian Vogue.

In Portland & Rockland.

Apartamento Magazine

"an everyday life interiors magazine"

Published in Spain, now in Rockland:

"Apartamento's first issue was released in April 2008 as a magazine interested in homes, living spaces and design solutions as opposed to houses, photo ops and design dictatorships.

The magazine is a logical result of the post-materialist mind shift. People are bored with the ostentatious and über-marketing. There is a real quest for identity in the midst of mass production and globalization, and that quest leads to what is personal, what is natural, what is real."

Last But Not Least:

In Portland.

Glossy

2011-06-30T14:32:00.001-04:00

Aperture Magazine

Currently in Rockland.

Released by the Aperture Foundation- "a leading photography non-profit dedicated to promoting photography in all its forms.." Their Exposures blog is also great.

Wallpaper.

DESIGN INTERIORS FASHION LIFESTYLE

Currently in Portland & Rockland

Gardens Illustrated

Discover the World's Most Beautiful Gardens

Currently in Rockland

Published by the BBC, this is the preferred choice for those involved with the international garden community, as well as the common garden appreciator.

More of our magazines will be featured in the next blog...

2011-06-24T14:49:00.000-04:00

Currently in Portland.

An entire table of Araks Lingerie.

Also a few pieces from Huit.

None from the below photo shoot, but it's so fantastic we just had to post it.

2011-06-17T10:30:00.000-04:00

RISTO - MADE IN MACEDONIA

"The label Risto was created as a family project by Risto Bimbiloski including a privately owned factory and artisanal atelier in Macedonia run by Ristana, his mother, as well as a sales and brand developing office in NYC run by Alek, his brother. It is an evolving project with a strong accent on the sustainable and social aspect helping the local communities of Macedonia."

The Spring/Summer Collection is now in our Portland store.

2011-06-08T13:09:00.001-04:00

Just Arrived: Etten Eller