Design-phan

Letau Designs's ingenious drawstring scarves that I like to think of as Elizabethan ruffs, designed by Maren Reese, above in the red Guatemalan number. She also makes cozy "hoodie scarves" that are basically scarves with hoods attached. When you're not wearing the hood, it blends into the scarf. I couldn't decide between a drawstring or a hoodie or even on a fabric within either category. Maren finds some great textiles that give her collection a wide range of styles, from juniors-department chic to trés elegante. Luckily, there's a trunk show at Letau's studio on the 27th where I'll probably end up buying one of each. Each personality needs a scarf, right? (More info on that show to come later this week—it's going to be a good one, with Letau Designs plus many more designers of jewelry, accessories and clothing.

From: http://design-phan.squarespace.com/design-phan/2007/10/23/post-post-post.html

Agenda Picks: Just Do It - Le Affaire

The plight of the local artist is a noble one, but not necessarily the most lucrative or glamorous. Which is frustrating, especially when you're as talented as Maren Reese, Stefani Threet, Rakia Reynolds and Zivile Pupinyte. Instead of sitting around waiting for Philly to properly embrace them, the women joined together to form Le Affaire, a series of trunk shows showcasing their work. "If you're a local artist, people expect you to put your stuff on consignment and let it sit," says Reese, the force behind Letau Designs. "This isn't a game to us — this is what we do."

Far from your typical Sunday afternoon shopping trip, the first full-scale Le Affaire features DJs John Schenk and Lexx, massages, LUSH goodie bags and refreshments courtesy of sponsors such as Fizzy Lizzy and Metropolitan Bakery. "We wanted this to be a relaxed environment where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces," says Reese. These include her own signature hooded and drawstring scarves, ceramics by Threet, high-end jewelry by Pupinyte and vintage-inspired clothing by Reynolds.

In addition to the organizers, upcoming designers such as Joy Cutler, Kay Louise and Claudia Whittingham will have work on display. Their inclusion isn't a surprise, considering the refreshing motivation behind Le Affaire. "Instead of being each other's competition," says Reese, "we figured, let's team up."

Sat.-Sun., Nov. 17-18, 1-6 p.m., Letau Designs Studio, 621 Reed St., Suite 2R, 215-964-9237

From: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/15/just-do-it

Oh, goodie! Shecky’s girls’ night out

Girlfriends. Shopping. Cosmos.

And lots of all three.

Picture Sex and the City, set in a boutique the size of three football fields.

Shecky’s Girls Night Out, coming Friday and Saturday to the 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia, combines five continuous hours of discount shopping for designer fashions and beauty products with copious complimentary cocktails, not to mention Shecky’s famous overstuffed goodie bag.

A traveling retail extravaganza, Shecky’s brings scores of vendors under one roof, then turns the gals loose. Expect discounts of up to 75 percent, plus lots of dear little freebies. Here’s a video glimpse of girls gone wild. http://www.sheckys.com/video/news.asp?videoid=31

The indie and emerging vendors showcasing their wares will include, among others, Accentuations, All That Accessories, American Laser Centers, Ananda, Arbonne International, Ayazakura, LLC, Baci Jewelry, Bambina di Cioccolato Accessories, Beijo Bags, Bella Oro , Blakely Ink, Boutique Street, Bouvier Designs, Center for Body Contouring, Eda & Betty, El Designs, Enchantress, Eyesave Inc, Five Smooth Stones, Friendz Inc., Good Looking Clothing, Grace Oliver, Hip Chic Couture, Idelle Labs (Epilstop), Idelle Labs (SeaBreeze), Idelle Labs (SkinMilk), Irresistibles, It Works!, Jahanna Martinez, Jockey Person to Person, Kate & Ali Co., KT Collection, Laser Cosmetica, Letau Designs, Lexi Lu, Lolabean, Love Rocks Boutique, Lucid Studio, Marie Elanne Inc., Marzee, Michael Darouiche, Paul Aude, Not Just Jewelry, Queen Bee Designs, Sylvia’s Fashion Imports, Uptown Savvy, Velvetbell.com and Volang.

General admission tickets are $10; $25 will get you in the door, plus Shecky’s renowned goodie bag. Because shopping can be a great team sport, groups will receive a 20-percent girlfriends’ discount on admissions. For more info, go to www.sheckys.com or call 212.242.2566.

From: http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/shop/2007/09/25/oh-goodie-sheckys-girls-night-out/

Fly Girl: Rakia's Tips: Get more wears out of your wares

Ladies you can be just as financially forward as you are fashion forward. Are you one of those kazillion women who are addicted to buying bags? Well, I am! I decided to invest in a bag that comes with a TWO FOR ONE DEAL! Now lets face it, we all can't resist the buy one get one free deals that the ever conscious marketers promote to lure us in. This reversible bag with beautiful prints on each side caught my eye. You can use this bag year round because one side captures those free roaming fabrics and soft colored prints of the summer, while the other side provides you with the richer and bolder textures and colors of the fall. The bag is made with textured upholstery fabric on one side and a light and breathable fabric on the other. Both sides exude vibrant colors and the wooden handle (made of pure pine) gives it an elegant kick. Ladies, do use bags that you can carry year round to get more bang for your buck. This new bag by Letau Designs gives women the option of two bag designs when they can't make a choice. If you are an indecisive hen like me, you'll love the idea of buying something and being able to change your mind from time to time.

From: http://flygirls.typepad.com/fly/rakias_fashion_tips/

Daily Candy: Hooded Bandits

Letau Designs Hooded Scarves two in one!

It was Wanda’s idea to take the road trip of a lifetime. She enlisted her mustachioed buddy, Chip, hoping it would spark some romance.

But 800 miles later, Wanda was fidgety from her failed flirting attempts. Chip was oblivious. She needed a new plan.

So she brought his attention to her Letau Designs scarf (and, more importantly, her lovely neck). She told him about the streamlined cut and vintage fabric. She ticked off the other coveted styles: wool herringbone, tweed, silk noil, brocade.

Suddenly, she had Chip’s attention. Was it getting warm in that RV, or was it just her?

Then she showed him how cute the scarf looked around her head, and he fell madly in love.

Which is when they decided to tie the knot.

From: http://www.dailycandy.com/philadelphia/article/29390/Hooded+Bandits