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!

Stella & Dot Style Session + Complimentary Make-up Applications by TWIG Cosmetics

Save the date - August 20th

Where: Show Pony, 702 N. 35th St., Seattle, 98103

When: Friday, August 20th from 4-8pm

Stella & Dot's newest Fall collection gives the ordinary moments of your life the extraordinary style they deserve—with truly wearable, ownable pieces that enhance your very personal style. Grab your friends and check out the jewelry created by Stella and Dot's award‐winning designers that's coveted by celebrities, fashion press, and stylish women everywhere. During our Model & Mingle Style Session, hear all about the design intent and inspiration behind the newest collection, and get fabulous wardrobe tips that will make you fall into style. You'll also get the inside scoop on all things Stella & Dot!

TWIG Cosmetics is a new, local, natural makeup company for the conscious fashionista.  Twig wants two things: to help you show off your beautiful, healthy face and to minimize our impact on the environment.  Products available are Lip Stains, 100% Natural Powder Foundation, and 100% Natural (and 89% Organic!) Liquid Foundations.  TWIG will be offering complimentary makeup applications to anyone who is interested and receive 20% off any product purchased.

Come shop, mingle, get dolled up and just have a Girl's Night!

See you there!! And remember, good friends share even their best style secrets so bring some along!

Extra Bonus - Receive an additional 15% off your Show Pony purchase.

Summer Sale on Fire!

Ok, you guys know how summers are here. Sad, drippy June, finally sunshiny July, glorious August and amazingly perfect September. In honor of the gobs of sunshine left to come, we’re going to keep our Summer Sale kicking for another 10 days until August 15th so you can take advantage of the goods! If you’ve had your eye on a summer frock, now’s the time, ladies – a lot of these little darlings have been marked down (and marked down again, woot!) up to 70 percent off, which is pretty unbeatable. It’s also a great time to get your hands on some summer Suzabelle, which has been marked down 30 percent (think fall weddings!). Shoot, did we say fall? Sorry. We’re not ready to think about that either. See you soon!

Don’t knock the granny sandals + Tom’s wedges - Get 'em before they're gone!

If you have a German granny, she probably has a pair of Worishofer sandals. If she still gets out, dresses snappy and shows people what’s what, maybe she’s got a pair to go with every outfit—because that’s how many different colors there are. And guess what? Your Worishofer-wearin’ granny does know what’s what! You should put a pair on your own feet and see how a cute dress, a little toenail polish and the sound of your feet breathing a heavenly sigh transport them out of grannyland and into ohmygoshimusthavethese land (yes, that’s a real place). They’re SO comfortable. And that’s not code for ugly. They’ve been spotted on the feet of Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Kirsten Dunst and MIA, who apparently wears them over big puffy white sweat socks (though we’re not sure this is a practice we can condone, even in Seattle). The point is, we just ordered a new shipment in black, red, tan, navy, white, bronze, green and yellow, and you’ve got to come in and try them on. They’re only 58 bucks!!

Also this week, we’re welcoming in new versions of Tom’s canvas wedges in cranberry and black ($69). This is a more stylish, dressy version than the classic boat or beach shoe style. They’re light, summery, cute and casual, and seriously, who has ever heard of a company that donates one whole pair of shoes to a kid who needs them for every single pair of shoes that one of us buys?! So cool.

What’s up with the Tuesday scarves?

Why is it that every time a customer leaves the store with a Tuesday scarf, we’re afraid she might never be seen or heard from again? Like she’s got a classic convertible waiting outside, a full tank of gas and a date with destiny?

Well, apparently, designer Rian Robison, a hometown Seattle gal, was trying to come up with a name for her amazing scarves (yes, those brilliant infinity-style numbers that keep flying out of here every time we feel a summer breeze). She put one on and a friend declared that she looked like Tuesday Weld, that adorable biscuit of a Hollywood starlet from the 1960s and ‘70s. No wonder!

Weld herself may have been underappreciated, but her namesake scarves are certainly not. Handmade from gloriously patterned silks and cottons, the lightweight, looping style can be worn as a wrap-around scarf, cowl or hood. They’re the perfect accessory to add a little summer chic and y’all know it!

Seriously, though, next one of you who leaves with that sparkle in your eye better save some room in the back seat – we’re coming, too!

NWsource "Minding the Store" article about our trunk show tomorrow!

Show Pony trunk show on Friday showcases local jewelry designers

By Kathy Schultz
July 15, 2010

Add a little sexy sparkle to your summer sundress with gems and jewelry from three local designers. Show Pony in Fremont is hosting a trunk show on July 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. You'll have a wide variety of jewelry to choose from, including sleekly modern, romantically flirty and edgy vintage pieces. Come and meet the designers, enjoy summery drinks and nosh on savory treats from Flying Apron Bakery.

The local girls behind the designs include Becky Larimer of b. larimer jewelry design, Lauren Harkness of Divine Design and Naomi Campos of YedOmi Jewelry. Megan Leone, a former Seattleite now in Massachusetts, will also have her designs featured during the trunk show. Each designer will present a comprehensive selection of their collections at a 10 percent discount. Prices start at $50.

Each designer offers one-of-a-kind pieces. Lauren Harkness uses precious metals, semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls and silk. Her hammered sterling silver necklaces are modern and versatile. Becky Larimer handcrafts everything from chunky gemstone necklaces to silver hoop earrings incorporating interesting beads. Naomi Campos creates feminine necklaces and earrings with colored gemstones inspired by earth and ocean. Campos uses a metal technique to create tiny "caviar bead" clusters. Megan Leone's eco-conscious jewelry is made with predominantly vintage and recycled materials.

If you don't have a summer top or dress to pair with those pretty earrings or that new necklace, you're in luck. Show Pony is kicking off its summer sale that day, with 20 to 70 percent off of summer clothing and accessories.

Read article here!

Fabulous Jewelry Trunk Show & Summer Sale!

Next Friday, July 16th, we're so thrilled to have three of our amazing local designers all under one roof for a special Summer Jewelry Trunk Show! Becky Larimer (b. Larimer jewelry design), Lauren Harkness (Divine Design) and Naomi Campos (YedOmi Jewelry) will be in the house to showcase their one-of-a-kind artisan pieces. Stop by from 4-8 pm to meet these talented ladies and drool over their work in person (if you get drool on it, that’s ok – you’ll just have an excuse to take it home).

Oh, and treats! Our lovely neighbors at Flying Apron Bakery are kindly providing some savory sweets, and we’ll be pouring refreshing summer spirits. Yummy! Best of all, we’re kicking off our big summer sale the same day, with 20-70% off selected merchandise. Yep, you heard that right!

About the designers:

Becky Larimer, b. Larimer jewelry design: Sterling, fine silver, 14k gold-filled, 14k solid gold and semi-precious stone creations. We’re amazed by Becky’s attention to detail and her ability to surprise.

Lauren Harkness, Divine Design: Wire and semi-precious Desire Rings that say “sha-BAM!” whether you’re dressing up or down.

Naomi Campos, YedOmi Jewelry: Portland gal Naomi translates her love of the ocean into fluid metal pieces with her signature “metal caviar” technique. So exquisite!

Also featured:

Megan Leone, Megan Leone Designs: The former Seattleite who creates our amazing recycled bangle clutch bags also applies her “fashion from the ashes” philosophy to funky jewelry pieces incorporating vintage materials like beads, zippers and leather.

Hope to see you here!

Summer Jewelry Trunk Show - Friday, July 16th 4-8 pm

Show Pony Summer Sale - Friday, July 16th – Sunday, August 1st

b. Larimer Jewelry

Divine Design Desire Ring

YedOmi Jewelry

Megan Leone

4th of July weekend Consignment Sale!

10% off on killer consignment finds!

We know some of you are downstairs gals and some of you are upstairs gals, and a few of you even swing both ways. But for all of you who have never climbed that stairway to second-hand heaven, we’d like to invite you to check it out.

This holiday weekend, Saturday July 3rd - Monday July 5th, we’re offering 10 percent off on all consignment on the store’s upper level, and there are some great pieces up there just waiting for the proper home! We have an amaaaaazing vintage crocheted white dress (it would be the talk of the July 4th BBQ ladies, seriously); a super cute Banana Republic animal print wrap dress (with the tags still on, at less than half the price!); a cream-colored faux snakeskin A-line suede skirt from Sharagano Paris that we know one of you can rock; and some lucky gal is going to score a totally smokin’ pair of black leather ankle boots from L.A.M.B. (Gwen Stefani’s shoe line); and that’s just the beginning! There’s a white and green Fred Perry track jacket that we can’t believe is still on the rack; a Catherine Malandrino orange silk skirt with covered side buttons; an adorable Milly sun dress in blue and brown leopard print chiffon, not to mention tons of denim, Capri pants, layering pieces, and a particularly nice collection of handbags.

Consignment is such a great place to find really unique pieces for your wardrobe. Come check it out!

Show Pony + Sugar Sugar = One Sweeeet Summer!

Ladies, we are not giving up on the sun! Last weekend was just a taste of the summer to come and lord knows we’re good and ready for it, but we are going to be more than ready!

So, on Friday, June 25th we are throwing a summer welcoming party at our favorite salon, Sugar Sugar Skincare Spa! The absolutely amazing gals at Sugar Sugar will be doing demos of some awesome summer skincare and makeup essentials, and Show Pony is going to totally bring it with loads of jewelry, clutches, dresses, dresses and more dresses!

We’ll have super sweet designs from Butter by Nadia, Weston Wear, BB Dakota, Hazel, Suzabelle, She Bible, Prairie Underground, Rebecca Beeson, Ringspun, Raw Earth Wild Sky, Tulle, Divine Wear, Testament and much more. Best of all, everything will be 15% off! Plus some secret specials and a fabulous door prize. Woot!

This is a one-time only event, so grab your girls and come on down for some nibbles, refreshments and serious summer pampering! (p.s., if you’ve never tried sugar hair removal, you must. It makes waxing seem downright medieval.)

How to Look Your Best for Summer

Please RSVP - We want to make sure there's enough goodies and spirits for everyone: Email showpony@showponyseattle.com to add your name + friends to the guest list.

When: Friday, June 25th, 6:30-9:00pm

Where: Sugar Sugar Skincare Spa, 510 NE 65th St in Seattle

Phone: 206.789.1127

Saluting our local designers

Our region is so full of amazingly creative and talented people, sometimes it could make your head explode. We’re very proud to make it our mission at Show Pony to be 50 percent local – which means that at any given day you walk into the shop, at least half the wonderful stuff you see is made with love by a local artist or designer.

Here are a few of the amazing folks from Seattle and Portland we’re currently featuring:

Retro Electro. Yowwwza, these little aprons will definitely make you the hottest thing in the kitchen. Made on Bainbridge Island by Sarah Mortensen with super saucy retro prints, vintage fabrics and pinup-worthy designs. Makes us really want to pick up a spatula!

YedOmi Jewelry. We’re in awe of the exquisite metalwork happening in this unique and heart-stopping jewelry line. Made by a darling Portland husband-and-wife team, you can truly feel the passion in their designs.

Revival Ink. Tara Smith’s silkscreen designs are all her own hand-drawn creations, which find their perfect homes on the sleeves, pockets, hoods or other surprising corners of her garments. We also love to support her because she works with Fair Trade, organic and recycled materials and makes eco-consciousness a central focus of her business (next to ridiculous cuteness, of course!).

Pirouette Essentials. These absolutely scrumptious soaps and perfumes, made in Seattle from natural essential oils and nutrient-rich botanicals, smell so savory and pure you want to just breath them all day. And the handmade paper wrap is so gorgeous, it’s like a present you *almost* don’t want to open.

Divine Designs. Our customers are loving the line of “Desire Rings” we’re carrying from this Seattle-turned-Portland gal. Non-tarnish wire of various metals swirling beautifully around semi-precious stones like Botswana Agate and Mother of Pearl – so fun and versatile!

Come take a look and help us show these hard-working artisans our local love!

We Love Clutches - 15% Off This Weekend Only!

Looking around the shop the other day, we realized that Daaaaaang! We have so many a-freakin-dorable clutches right now, and we want to help you get your paws on them.

We’re huge fans of the pint-size purses because they’re so perfect for busy little bees. When you don’t have time to go home between work and happy hour, then dinner, then-then-then who knows -- do your book, water bottle, extra shoes, snack bars (and good lord, is that a bowling ball you’ve got in there??) all really need to come with you? Toss a killer clutch with the must-haves into your honkin’ day bag, pull it out when it’s time to take a load off and leave the rest behind.

We’ve got about seven different styles and brands, from casual to chic, ranging in price from $20 to $120. Some of our favorites:

Megan Leone bags, made by a native Seattle girl. With amazing vintage fabrics, salvaged materials and a vintage bangle wrist loop, each one is a funky little work of textile art.

Eliza B. bags made from snakeskin leather or cork – the wonderful textures are so nice to hold onto.

100% vegan clutches from Big Buddha. We’re thrilled that vegan can be so glamorous!

Laarni & Tita, water-resistant darlings with all the inside pockets you need and a handy wristlet. Made locally, these are a fantastic value at an excellent price. Great gifts!

All clutches are on sale Friday, June 4th through Monday, June 7th!