Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Just when we think we’re done with our Christmas list, we remember the stocking! They’re the first presents we open, and like an amuse-bouche or appetizer to a meal, they set the stage for what’s to come—and even though the gifts are small, sometimes they can be the best ones of all.

At Show Pony our shelves are stocked (no pun intended.. seriously) with stocking-worthy stuffers in the $8-$25, and some even as low as $1!

A few suggestions:

Pirouette Soap Samplers - four combinations of these best selling, beautifully-wrapped soaps - $10

Emilie Sloan Coinlets, perfect for the bare essentials (we suggest slipping in a coffee card for an extra big smile) - $15

Glam Purse Hangers - $12 (try hanging the stocking from it and see if they notice!)

Snowflake Ornaments, carved from birch veneer - $3 each

Rose Lady Real Leaf Ornaments - they’ll go on the tree immediately! - $18 each

Fun, handmade local goodies from Laarni and Tita: Keyrings for $10, Cosmetic Bags for $22, Large Wristlets for $25, and Small Wristlets for $20

Wikkitz Bracelets - a super cool new line of durable, wearable cuffs - $24

Sweet Marcel Over-the-knee socks (trust us, every girl is hoping to pull a pair of these out of her stocking) - $22

Tokyo Milk - Solid perfumes for $18 and eau de perfumes for $28

Cards - It’s always great to get a box of fabulous letterpress or hand-printed cards in your stocking so you’re already halfway to getting Thank-Yous done!

AND... Stretch Rings - $19 each, Stretch Crystal Bracelets in lots of colors - $18 each, Sparkle Reindeer figurines, freaking adorable - $8 each, Nail files for $1 each

Happy Holidays to everyone!

You've been a very good girl!

Enough about everyone else, what do YOU want for the holidays? We love the old trick of leaving the catalog open on the kitchen counter turned to a very particular page... If you’ve got the kind of fella who is good with subtleties, a few strategically placed drops of drool might do the trick. If not, there’s nothing wrong with a big red circle and the phone number for customer service jotted down in the margin!

We’ve decided to make it easy for you to put this strategy into action with some glamour shots of a few of our holiday jewelry favorites (you know, the ones you force yourself to back away from because you’re not supposed to be shopping for yourself?). It’s ok to look now. You’re just helping someone else shop for you.

Yed Omi Jewelry is always popular in here around this time of year. It’s a wonderfully romantic line from a Portland husband-and-wife team that draws inspiration from nature and the ocean.

Carmen de Anguis is a local Seattle designer who uses vintage images, “lost wax casting” and other traditional metalworking techniques to create highly original pieces combining motifs from different cultures and times.

And we’re very excited about a new line: Midori Jewelry from Hawaii, a very sweet and delicate collection using semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver and 14k gold-filled materials.

Now all you have to do is print. Leave on counter. Drool. Write in margin “Show Pony: 206.706.4188 or sales@showponyseattle.com”. Cross fingers. You’re done!

And don’t forget, he can have us mail the goods and shipping is free on orders over $100!

Save the Dates - Holiday Trunk Show + Shop Thursdays in Fremont

There’s so much fun stuff going on in the next couple of weeks! Calendars and pens out? Ok, good!

First up: Thursdays in December are especially festive shopping days in Fremont. Show Pony and many other Fremont businesses are staying open late until 8pm, and on Thursday, Dec. 9, we’re very excited to participate in the Fremont Gives: Shop for a Cause event. We’ll be donating 5% of our proceeds from the event to B.F. Day School’s Tutoring Program. Come help support the mission of a wonderful neighborhood school, show your support for local businesses and score some ridiculously cute holiday gifts all at the same time!

And on Dec. 11, we’re hosting a dream team Holiday Trunk Show with amazing jewelry, body products and cozy knit accessories. The lineup: Lauren Harkness Jewelry — Lauren has been flooring us with her latest creations that are luscious and elegant with the perfect touch of urban edge. Pirouette Handmade Essentials — natural aromatherapy soaps and perfumes packaged so beautifully, to wrap them would be a crime. Scarfcity — adorable knit headwraps, hats, wrist warmers and scarflettes that add instant cuteness to any winter day. All goods, including our featured trunk show darlings plus everything else in the store, will be 10% off and of course we’ll have wine and nibbles!

See you there!

Fremont Gives: Shop for a Cause
Thursday, Dec. 9th, 5-8pm

Holiday Trunk Show
Saturday, Dec. 11th, 12-5pm

Small Business Saturday: Double your receipt coupons!

Happy Black Friday, everyone. If you ask us, it sounds like the best day of the year to curl up with Netflix and leftover stuffing for breakfast (and lunch and dinner) or finally go see the Picasso exhibit, if you’re feeling energetic. Not that we don’t love shopping, but... you know. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a good meal, but not necessarily your last. What we are excited about, however, is Small Business Saturday. This is a day to show your support of local businesses by doing your holiday shopping at small, independent, locally-owned stores where you can find gifts that are truly unique and made by the talented folks in your own community with L-O-V-E! We’re super impressed with how much this movement has picked up steam this year. The Small Business Saturday Facebook page is the fastest growing page on Facebook with more than a million fans in three weeks. Awesome!

At Show Pony this weekend, it’s the perfect time to come in and use your 10% off kickback coupons on your receipts from the month of October. If you mention Small Business Saturday, we’ll double your coupon to 20% through Sunday! It’s the meaty good part in the center of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sandwich that you can feel good about consuming!

Aubrey Summers Bags are back!

Aubrey Summers is a bit of a legend at Show Pony. Back in the early days, this architect-turned-designer brought us her line of handmade leather clutches and purses and they quickly became one of the most coveted things we carried. Picking one up and feeling its imperfectly perfect texture, admiring its hand-riveting and intoxicating color, it was love at first sight and you could never get it out of your head until you owned one. And then tragedy struck—Seattle lost Aubrey to Hawaii. Sure, with the way it’s looking outside, we can’t say we blame her. But we were all jealous and heartbroken nonetheless (what the hell do they need to carry in Hawaii, anyway??).

Well, we’re very happy to say Aloha again to Aubrey! She’s still in Hawaii, but recently paid us a visit while she was in town and the good news is that we are now able to sell her wonderful bags again. We’re the only store in Seattle (and heck, maybe even the upper 48!) lucky enough to have them. So if you never got a chance to own one, you’re in luck now as well.

Just in: Spiewak Jackets

When it’s cold and yucky out, nothing beats one of those uber-insulating poofy down jackets. So what if you look like a jumbo marshmallow and walk like the Michelin Man, right? Wrong, ladies! We just got some wonderful new winter coats in from Spiewak, and one of our favorites is the most flattering and shapely poofy down number we’ve ever seen. It looks great on everyone, and you’re gonna love the hood!

Spiewak has been around pretty much since the dawn of time, but if you’ve never heard of them, don’t be surprised. Since the company was founded in 1904 by a Polish immigrant, it has mostly been making industrial and military wear—and I mean real military wear (not the derivative designer stuff), as in, guys were going into battle in WWI and WWII in these clothes. The company began in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and that’s where they still are today. It only took 100 years, but the rest of the neighborhood finally caught up to Spiewak’s coolness! Their line of street wear has the same enduring quality with a decidedly urban edge, and no, they don’t hold back on the military influence. Phew!

We’ll have a few on hand with us at the Robert Leonard Salon’s Holiday Shopping event this Saturday (along with lots of other goodies), so it’s a great opportunity to try one on at 15 percent off.

Hope to see you there!

Reminder - Suzabelle Blowout Starts Tomorrow + Robert Leonard Extravaganza!

We hope to see you!

Suzabelle Blowout Sale
November 5th-7th @ Show Pony
Friday and Saturday 11am-6pm
Sunday 12-5pm

Robert Leonard Holiday Extravaganza
November 13th, 4-8pm @ Robert Leonard Salon
2033 6th Ave (downtown) - (206) 441.9900

Just a friendly reminder that our big Suzabelle Blowout Sale begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday. There has been an amazing amount of buzz about this, so get here early! Doors open at 11 am. Tomorrow is also the Fremont Art Walk, so come say hello and make an evening of it!

Also don't forget about another great reason to get some shopping done: our Holiday Retail Extravaganza at Robert Leonard Salon & Spa on Nov. 13 from 4-8pm. Wine, snacks and great discounts!

See you there!

Save the Dates - Blowout from the Suzabelle vault + Robert Leonard Holiday Shopping Fun!

The other day we were talking to Suzanne Jaberg, the chic queen behind Suzabelle, and she just happened to mention that she had boxes and boxes of designs from collections past that she had no idea what to do with... but guess what? We did! We offered to help her out in clearing some space, and that, lovely friends, is how we’re able to offer seven of this exquisite local designer’s fall/winter jackets and one fabulous dress to you at up to 75 percent off the original price!!! Stop by next weekend between Friday, November 5th and Sunday, November 7th to make some amazing scores!

Second up, we’re taking Show Pony on the road again, this time to the Robert Leonard Salon & Spa downtown for a Holiday Retail Extravaganza. This is a chance to get a jump start on your holiday shopping the best way there is—with wine, hors d’oeuvres and special discounts, of course! We’ll be loaded up to our eyelashes with great gifty stuff like Retro E Aprons and Glam purse holders; Tuesday, Paula Bianco and Emilime scarves; jewelry from Bijoudally, Grayling, Yed Omi, Wax Insignia and more; handbags, body and beauty treats; killer duds from Butter by Nadia, Prairie Underground, Dru’s Design, Kensie and more of the season’s best styles. If it sounds like we’re bringing the whole store, minus 15 percent off everything, we practically are.

So mark your calendars!

Suzabelle Blowout Sale
November 5th-7th @ Show Pony

Robert Leonard Holiday Extravaganza
November 13th, 4-8pm

Robert Leonard Salon
2033 6th Ave (downtown)
206.441.9900

Wax Insignia Pendants... Confession Time!

We’re total suckers for historical fiction and period movies. I know we should all be glad we live in a modern world with modern conveniences like plumbing and don’t have to worry about catching the Bubonic Plague. But just once I wouldn’t mind running down the corridor of a dark castle lit by torches in a 200-pound gown cinched so tight around my ribs I could faint at any moment but no I must stop my beloved from galloping across the moat to a certain and gory death... That will probably never happen, but that’s why we love our new necklaces from Wax Insignia. These pendants are inspired by the tradition of finishing letters with a wax seal that speaks to who you are or what you believe (like a fair maiden sealing a parchment written by candlelight telling her prince that the King has fallen ill and it’s his most trusted advisor who is poisoning him!). Made from silver and brass, they’re hand cast and antiqued by a family of Italian artisans in Florence using molds that have existed for generations. They’re romantic yet casual, they make a great gift, and you won’t even be beheaded for wearing one.

Ohhh Yes! More to Desire

We’ve been carrying Portland designer Lauren Harkness’s luscious Desire Rings for some time now and already knew this lady knows how to make one bodacious bauble. But with the new line of necklaces she just brought us, we’ve completely lost our marbles (and silly Pushkin is chasing them all over the darn floor!). Her combinations of raw silk, semi-precious gems and chain are a mixed-media party, a melting pot of sweet and savory elements that feel like they were always meant to be together, like chocolate-covered potato chips or when really rockin’ bands used to go on MTV Unplugged and perform so tenderly we’d all cry like little girls. Lauren is a former Seattleite who now works out of Portland, and she’s one of those artists who is always one step ahead of what’s going to turn heads. These gorgeous, tactile pieces look equally amazing layered over a simple cotton t-shirt as they do accenting a silky evening dress. No matter what, they’re a statement no one can ignore!

Happy Weekend + New Revival Ink

It’s going to be a great weekend, we can feel it. For starters, we just got three new designs from Tara Smith, our favorite screenprint goddess at Revival Ink and we pretty much plan to spend the next 48 hours in the comfiest, softest, cutest lounge wear this side of Monday. Her new Rose Petal pullover in eco-heather has the perfect combination of stretch and slouch. And since we’re so in love with this whimsical new design we couldn't decide if we wanted it warm and cozy or light and layerable, so we got both! Tara’s new Butterfly Yoga Pant is just as dreamy—the shimmery butterfly print down one leg adds the perfect little “hi, there!” to your workout (and yes, channel surfing counts).

Revival Ink has long been a staple of our store—Tara’s original design work, handprinted attention to every soft, wearable detail and her focus on eco-friendly materials embody everything we love about the wonderful local talent surrounding us.

Someone needs a gift, do they?

Whew, I don’t know about you, but it sure seems like there have been a ton of birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers and other events to celebrate lately; and before we even have time to count them all up, the holidays are going to be here. Which reminds us here how much we love the touch, feel and sentiment of a really perfect card—especially a letterpressed one!

We have two new card lines that have the perfect mix of style, class and cheekiness.  Ilee Papergoods is a local studio that uses thick, lush papers with elegant, hand-printed designs.  Breathless Paper is a collection from a couple from Atlanta who definitely have a sense of humor (we can only imagine what their dinner table conversations are like...!). Why wish someone a Happy Birthday when you can wish them a Happy Hangover Day (that’s the one that probably needs the wishes, right)? Cheeky apology cards are perfect for when you’ve acted like an ass (but you never do), and blurry, beer-goggled bro cards are there to help the fellas express their feelings.

What, a card isn’t enough? Ok, we’ve also got some great new gifty things to go along with them:

• Bluewick Candles, double-wicked candles in a big glass jar that come in delicious scents like Peony Black Currant and Grapefruit Lime White Pear ($20)
• Yummy Love and Toast hand creams ($9) and perfumes ($32), that come in the most adorable packages imaginable.

• Two Loops Bags, canvas totes and cosmetic bags perfect for carrying things and looking cute doing it.
• Glam Purse Hangers are stylish little hooks you can attach to the bar or table you’re sitting at so that you don’t have to put your bag on the floor (otherwise, yes, my bag does need its own chair, thank you very much). Only $12, and so ingenious we could pee our pants!

Lots of Show Pony News

Wow, there’s so much buzz in the air here, it feels like back-to-school time! Not that we have algebra homework to do or anything (thankfully)—maybe it’s just because this time of year reminds us of being able to go shopping and get fun new stuff.


So first and foremost: Save the Date! October 1st.

We’re having a Trunk Show party with three local, but very different designers: Andrea Bijou of Bijoudally, Rian Robison of Tuesday Scarves and Twig Cosmetics by Cara Hellings. Andrea’s laser-cut leather jewelry pieces are a feast for the eyes and so much fun to wear. Rian has been sewing up a storm, and she’ll be bringing in her new fall line of wonderful infinity scarves in smart plaids and cuddly faux furs. And everyone had so much fun (and just looked so darn gorgeous, we must admit) at our show last month with Twig Cosmetics, we had to do it again. Cara’s eco-friendly skin care products treat both your face and the earth like the queens you both are!

We’ll have drinks and nibbles, and of course some great discounts: 15% off Show Pony purchases, 10% off Bijoudally, 20% off Twig Cosmetics and Tuesday Scarves will be $30 (regularly $35).

Next up: Show Pony is now on Deal Springer, where we list a rotating selection of our merchandise at discounts not found in the store or anywhere else.

Today, among the many other great deals, you’ll find Sven Clogs that were featured in the Seattle Magazine Fall 2010 Style Guide at 20% off; our heavenly, exotic Seda France Asian Lychee Candle at $10 off; and holy schmoly, 50% off Blank Leather Moto Jackets. You definitely need one of these if you ride a Vespa (or hey, even if you just want to look like you do!). Keep checking back to see what else you might find!

Finally, just a reminder to start saving your Show Pony receipts!

At the bottom of each receipt, we calculate 10% of your purchase and put the total on a tear-off voucher that you can bring in next month for that much off of your next purchase. So if you spend $100 this month, next month you’ll get $10 off! Sound good?

Alright, so math is actually pretty fun when you’re calculating discounts!

We hope to see you October 1st!

Don’t throw that receipt away!

The best part about owning a shop is getting to know our wonderful customers who keep coming back again and again. Not only do you brighten up our day when we see your beautiful, familiar face, we hope to brighten yours by knowing as soon as you walk in the door what your personal style is, what’s going to look good on you and make you feel like the stylin' lady you are.

Starting today, we want to say thank you to our regulars for making the world a brighter place with a little prezzie! At the bottom of each receipt is a coupon for 10 percent of the total of your purchase, which can be applied to a purchase you make next month. That means that if you spend $100 in September, in October, you’ll get $10 off. If you spend $200 this month, next month you’ll save $20! If you spend... never mind, you get the point. The gorgeous fall fashions are rolling in, so come check out the new duds! We can’t wait to see you.

Fall fashions -- we’re in the news!

Fall is in the air and Show Pony has been featured in both Seattle Magazine and NWsource.com in articles about which way the fall trends are blowing. We feel so warm and fuzzy already!

Check out Seattle Mag's preview of the sexy clogs (yes, clogs that are sexy) and amazing arm candy (yes, you too – but also the amazing bracelets we’ve got for fall).

        

Stephanie also gave NWsource a sneak peek of the Dru's Design military-style pieces we’ll be carrying from this hard-to-find B.C. designer, and promised ways to make your jeggings look freshy-fresh this season because, woot! – they’re still happenin’.

And if all this puts some wind in your sails, feel free to click over to Evening Magazine's website to vote for us in the 2010 Best of Western Washington contest!

Get Wrapped Up in Butter by Nadia

It slices, it dices! Please just watch this video of all the ways you can wear a Butter Wrap Dress. It’s like when you’re having an insomniac night, sitting bleary-eyed in front of the television, and some info-mercial comes on and suddenly you’re on the edge of your seat, wide awake and amazed, reaching for your purse except it’s all the way across the room and that would involve getting up from the couch.

Butter Wraps (with a much cuter model than the late-night TV variety and wayyy better music, by the way) are super-comfy, soft jersey dresses that can be worn dozens of ways. DOZENS. And every time it’s a completely different dress: strapless, halter, Grecian one-shouldered goddess, kimono, sleeveless, capped sleeved, just as a skirt, and the list seriously goes on. You need something casual and tasteful to wear to work? Something light, summery and barely-there? Something elegant for a soiree? Something that just feels comfortable and looks nice because you’re seven months pregnant? You got it, and it’s all the same dress! (or IS it?) You can show as much or as little skin as you want, and dress it up or down. We got ‘em, ladies. Don’t wait. Call now. Operators are standing by. Just kidding.

Meet our new mascot, Pushkin!

Ok, ok, so he’s not a pony. But come on, a pony–even a small one–would be pretty hard to keep in the shop, don’t you agree? So instead we got this little guy: a foot-long, roly-poly bundle of seriously excruciating cuteness!

We’ve only had him a week, but he’s already turning out to be an excellent shop dog. He rolls around all over the floor to polish it and is always trying to help by pulling bags out of the stack under the counter, even when no one’s buying anything! (Silly Pushkin.) Plus, he’s got great taste. Just yesterday a customer was checking out a pair of skinny jeans and Pushkin pulled the perfect belt out of the basket to go with them. He’s very enthusiastic and thinks every piece of clothing looks great on everyone (though we’re trying to teach him to be a little bit more discerning and constructive). For a puppy, he’s pretty mellow, and above all, sweeter and more cuddly than any pony could ever be!

So a little bit more about him:

• Age: 3 months
• Breed: English bulldog
• Lineage: Russian on one side (hence the name, after Alexander Pushkin), British on the other. His grandfather is a prize-winning show dog named BritishPride the Gambler!
• Sign: Taurus
• Email address: pushkinisabully@aol.com

If you email him, he promises to write back. Heck, he might even send you epic works of Russian poetry!