color and community

color: new scarves from LemLem, fine cotton gauze made with love and fair trade in Ethiopia

Today I find myself with the unenviable task of hitting up my friends and neighbors to contribute items, gift certificates or services to my son's school's Spring Silent Auction.
I am on the receiving end of countless of these local solicitations as well, of course.
All of this leads to ruminations on community... what it means, and ours here in Park Slope in particular. For me, community is knowing my neighbors, friends and customers, the pleasure of sharing our local stories, our favorite places, our pet peeves and our colorful eccentrics. It's watching our kids grow up.
Lately, sadly, it has also meant seeing some fantastic stores throw in the towel and bow to the current economic climate, which is touching even our amazing little enclave of local support and fervor. I can see the stores here, mine included, tightening our collective belts, and looking for creative ways to keep our spirits up. It's a time of re-dedication, and as Spring always inspires, a time to refresh both our stock and our mindsets.
In that vein, I invite you to recognize anew what our local mom and pop shops offer to the fabric of your community... how they enhance your life, how these finely edited collections of everything from greeting cards to killer dresses to superhero capes make our community the amazing, diverse and desirable home to us that it is.
And, happily, every single establishment I have approached today has given its support to our excellent public school... further proof that through it all our community is as dedicated as ever to pulling together, and keeping us great.

Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I admit, Valentine's Day can feel like a made up holiday to me... but somehow this year it feels like a good time to reflect on the people in our lives whom we love. Yes, our sweethearts, but also the people whose friendships and support make our lives fun and fulfilling.
And I'm happy to have figured out how to offer special discounts on the web, as well as in the store. So, now through Valentine's Day, take 20% off all our lovely jewelry, both in the store, and online. Send out some love! Enter "bemine" at checkout.

Spring Tease...

Yesterdays balmy mid 50's inspired me to brighten up our window...

Matta silk cotton Puja dress, Hartford turquoise linen tunic, Aki Kano Mari Hobo in pewter..
Sunny yellow Havaianas

and refresh some sale prices as well! Stop in to see what's been further reduced...
Of course the day has gone a little icy again, but here's to dreaming of Spring, or maybe that tropical vacation.

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Yes, it's that time... The store is full of great deals on splendid things. Had your eye on one of Armand Dirdourian's cashmere scarves? Or maybe it's a last lucky find Steven Alan reverse seam shirt. Or could it be the shrunken wool blazer from Hartford? Come in and see for yourself!
10-70% off thru the end of January.

Additionally, the spring trickle has begun. With the longer days we have started to receive some new choice goodies. New linen from Hartford in crisp white and bright turquoise, French striped tees from Velvet, and sweet silk-cotton wrap dresses from Matta are leading the pack.

And a little local shout out- A nice profile of me, and the ever excellent Alice Cheng.
Thanks, Park Slope Reader, your magazine is truly an incredible local resource, and a great read.

traditions, and a sale.

My family and I have been reading this book aloud on Christmas Eve for about as long as I can remember. When I was little my mother would read it to us, and as we got older we would pass the book around, each taking turns. I've gifted it more times than I can remember... passing along something that epitomizes the season for me. This year I managed to bring it into the store. I'm so happy to be able to share it with you all.

Additionally, our gorgeous scarf collection is all on sale. Enjoy a 25% discount on Epice's gauzy wools, Armand Diradourian's cashmeres, and Matta's cotton silks.

getting into the mood...

Two days before Thanksgiving, and the last dry leaves have fallen and are scuttling along the avenue. The store feels festive: pretty little glass ornaments in many colors, warm winter tights, and lovely new crackled metallic leather cases from Barbara Wiggins adding some sparkle. Seems like a perfect day to start playing our '09 Holiday mix....
Which leads me to my favorite new sounds, a new Holiday album from the Harlem Parlour Music Club. The album features warm acoustic versions of my favorites with a splash of good 'ol funk, and some new ones too, played by an ensemble of incredibly skilled New York musicians... You've heard these guys on millions of recordings, or possibly in the orchestras of the biggest Broadway shows. I'm happy to have a stack of cds in the store... come get 'em, they're hot.

wine, words, and wicked discounts...

This is going to be fun...

Come meet author AMY SOHN, peruse lovely new pieces from local designer Ellen Astrachan and her beautiful BatSugar collection, enjoy delicious wines from Picado y Vino, and take advantage of a one night store wide*
20% discount.

This is a great opportunity to jump start the holiday shopping season, or finally pick up that special something you've been dreaming about...

Thursday, November 19
reading at 7:30, Shopping and sipping until 9.

*not including sale items

229-b Fifth Avenue, between President and Carroll
Brooklyn NY, 718-638-6520
www.dianakane.com