Thursday, September 23, 2010

we are nothing if not subtle

We have a smallish storefront.  My parents can never find it when they visit.  "Mom, there is a chicken machine out front!" I say.  But they still drive right by.
Well, I think we have put a stop to that. 
It took four coats to get the yellow solid enough.  Even as I was painting, we were getting the ususal "where are you located" calls and Josh was responding "Its the yellow store, you can't miss it."  Indeed you cannot. 

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

New Toy Cameras

We have added three new superstars to our toy camera line up. 

First up is the Blackbird Fly.   It comes in an array of awesome colors and is probably the most visually striking modern camera I have seen in a long time.  Everything down to the packaging is well executed, which is a nod to how this camera performs.  If you can't tell by looking at it, it's a twin lens camera.  Basically that means you look down into it and shoot from the waist (there is an option to shoot "normally" too) which I think is like the photography equivalent of taking the bus or riding a bike if you are used to driving a car.  You end up seeing things in a totally different way and ending up with a new vantage point.  Most remarkable, it is a 35 MM (most twin lens cameras are 120) so you can get your rolls developed almost anywhere.

Next is the Baby Holga.  Yes, it is a 110 Holga that you can put on your keychain!  Totally portable Holga quality photos.  It's also only 20 dollars.  I can't wait to see what I get out of this one.


Finally is the Wide Slim camera.  Also available in a bunch of cool colors.  This is a super wide angle 35MM that gives you awesome vignetted shots with unbelievable color saturation. 

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

PASTE

 Jason Laurits puts in a lot of hours, and logs a lot of miles, as the designer, shipping manager, social media manager, sales rep and every other position of the line PASTE.  You may have met him a little over a year ago when he came to Columbus for a trunk show at the shop.   We recently sat down with Jason to talk to him about how excited we are about the new pieces we just got in for fall and how super excited we are for his swimwear we'll be getting after a short and mild winter. 

1.From what I can tell Paste is a one man operation. You design, sell, rep and stay on the road a lot. What do you like about running things alone. Is there anyone else in the company or do you wish there was?
Yes, as of now it's just me.  I do hire out a bookkeeper, but that's about it.  I am certainly ready to start handing some duties over to someoe else, and I think (HOPE) that's going to happen within this year.  I would like to return somewhat to my life outside of this.  But it's been nice to have a hand in every aspect of my business.  It's sort of like boot camp right now, just paying my dues, that's what keeps me going.  I just hope I haven't gotten addicted to the hard-working pace that I run at right now, where I won't be able to stop, slow down, and relax a little bit if given the chance.  My grandma's 93 years old, and there isn't a day she doesn't have vaccum tracks in her rug.  God, I hope I don't end up like that. 
2. What was your favorite city on your summer tour and why haven't you been back to Columbus yet?
Sorry Columbus, Tigertree has yet to invite me back.  I've been sitting by the phone for while now waiting for your call.  My fave city this summer was once again Chicago.  They are just great supporters of Paste and indie brands in general.  They get it, love it, and I love the city.  It's beautiful, clean, and people are really nice.       
3. You seemed pretty proud of that free buffet you won at the Wynn, did it meet your expectations?
I actually haven't cashed it in yet.  I kept putting it off each night, until it was the last night and I was catching a red-eye home.  I went, stood in the long line, didn't move for 20 minutes.  There's really nothing more embarrassing than standing by yourself in a buffet line with a "Free Buffet" coupon in your hand, especially at the Wynn.  I didn't want to miss my flight, so I had to bow out.  Fortunately, I have six months to use it, and I am there twice a year so I will keep you updated.
4. You used to have two brands Plaster and Paste but are now doing the tees and menswear under the same name, why the change?  Plaster was a contemporary line with a higher pricepoint, while Paste was its more affordable option consisting at the time of just graphic tees.  It was tough enough to juggle them both, then the recession hit and stores weren't taking on new lines at Plaster's pricepoint.  They were, however, interested in Paste.  So I decided to focus on the tees with the hopes of expanding it into a contemporary line.  Slowly but surely, button-downs are out this fall, and swimwear is coming out next summer.
5. I am really excited about your swim-wear we'll be getting in for spring. I guess that isn't really a question but if you want to respond to that you can.
No it wasn't a question, but I'll respond and save you from embarrassment.  I'm excited about the swim, too.  It was one of those things that just made sense for me to do.  I love doing graphics, and thought it would be great to work with swim.  And it came out exactly how I pictured it in my head!  I mean, how often does that happen for us perfectionists!

Fall Styles:
  See more at http://www.pastetshirts.com/

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Jansport Heritage

Jansport started in the late 60's during a time when many companies with hippies at the helm were changing the way companies were run and what they sold.  I struggle to use the word hippies because it conjures up images of some baggy pant, birkenstock, route 420 tee shirt, hemp necklace, Dave Matthews Band following 17 year old.  They had engineering degrees, well at least one of them did.  Like many companies of the day, they turned product design and business on its head and were creating revolutionary products.
The Jansport Heritage line reproduces their original bags down to the smallest details like their amazing old logo and hang tag and we are excited to have them in the store!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Snoozer Loser

We are so excited to  have our first shipment from Snoozer Loser in the store!  Every piece they make is hand screened with love in care in rural upstate NY.  Eco-friendly pigments are individually crafted for each oder.
The Chatelaine blouse is made from light as a feather organic silk with a fresh water pearl back closure.

The Glandelinian skirt features hand screened bird cages on bellfast linen.  
Okay, I'll just say it- our store is amazing right now.  Stop in.
We just scored another great set of deadstock vintage enamel pins.  As they are vintage, supplies of each are limited, but we have literally hundreds to choose from!  This newest set includes a lot of great music finds:




As always, more are available for your viewing (and retailing) pleasure on shoptigertree.com

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

toms toms toms toms toms (are in)

When people ask me if Toms are comfortable I always say that they are insanely comfortable, but I wouldn't go hiking or anything in them.  Well, I did.  In the Puerto Rican rain forest.  And they WERE comfortable!
No need to be super jealous, though.  We just got in a new shipment of toms (including the Ash canvas that I am wearing above) so you can pick up a pair for yourself.

For women, we have the following styles:





And for Men:






Friday, September 3, 2010

I am a summer person.  But even summer people have to admit that summer clothes are not nearly as exciting as fall clothes.  The amazing styles and fabrics that are rolling into Tigertree for fall more than make up for the dropping temperatures that we are about to start experiencing.  Here is a sampling of my favorite pieces that came in this week:

Anna Sweater Blouse and Tudor Blazer, both by Dear Creatures
Cashmere Cardigan, LA MADE Linen Stripe Racerback Tank, Ace & Jig
Veronika Jacket, Eryn Brinie
Blossom Dress, Dear Creatures
Travel Case, Orla Kiely

As always, you can check out the website for pricing and photos of clothing on models (instead of our chalkboard). 

Also a reminder,  Galley Hop is tomorrow!  I will bake up some special treats for the occasion and we will be at the store for a good 12 hours.  Come see us!