Empire Reindeer Style

Empire Reindeer Club Sweater, photographed by Kari Herer at Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, fall 2010.

Few people on this planet have real style. Rarer still is the person who is blessed with the grace and heart on top of it to take care of their tiny corner of the world ~ their friends, their colleagues and those who could use a leg up, a helping hand, a kind heart. Especially at Christmas.

My friend Ken Murphy is this person. First let me say that I am blessed just to know him. And those who do completely understand that underneath his rugged good looks, his uncanny style sensibility and his impeccable eye, lies a man who is humble, determined, funny, fiercely loyal and a giant artistic talent riding stealth-like over the Portland skyline. But if you've ever eaten at Fore Street or Street & Co., had a beer at Oasis, eggs at the Porthole (That huge lobster painting? It's Ken's.) or  shopped at David Wood, Barbour or Helene m., you've crossed paths.

Ken is a designer by day, and by way of festive merriment, a genuine, over the top love for the holidays and throwing a good party, and an even deeper affection for those near and dear to him, he is a philanthropist. Ken would be shocked at this declaration. Yet, it is true. For what else is one who decides to grab a few of his closest buddies, and completely out of pocket put on a lavish, spirited and high style event at the Portland Yacht Club (black tie optional, fellas), design letterpress invitations and send them out to a few more friends, all the while intending to give the proceeds to Toys for Tots here in Maine. Because the idea of a kid without a Christmas present under the tree is just too much for him to bear.

And thus, The Empire Reindeer Christmas Club was born.

No fanfare and no press announcements. Just a lot of hard work, time and passion to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas, in a very old school, authentic sort of way. The lush evergreens that envelope the room on the night of the party? Ken was out foraging for them the day before. The live music selection to set just the right tone? Ken. The Facebook page, the website, styling and production? All Ken. His close friend and cohort Nick Dambrie is by his side every step of the way, handling his own set of monumental tasks to pull off this evening in a smooth, successful and savvy way. Last year's event actually raised $10,230 for Toys for Tots, its largest single gift within the state of Maine. The ultimate hommage to children in need, both in spirit and in deed.

The Empire Reindeer Club sweater, sold exclusively at David Wood in Portland. Photo by Kari Herer, 2010.

If you were not fortunate enough to receive an invitation to this now coveted, and yes, private affair, there is still an important and stylish way you can help. Thanks to David Wood, you can purchase the most sophisticated and let's face it, handsome holiday jumper this side of Bridget Jones (Colin Firth not included).  A rich navy and white lambswool with the Empire Reindeer logo intarsia on the back, this limited edition crew neck is custom made in London, and sold exclusively at David Wood, 75 Market Street, Portland. It retails for $148, and $50 from each sale will go directly to Toys for Tots, courtesy of the retailer. It is available in sizes for men and women, and would make a fabulous gift for the one you love. Not to mention putting a gift or two under the tree of some wide-eyed child filled to the brim with the hope and magic of Christmas.

Let's make it so.

Photo by Kari Herer, 2010.

All Things Nautical...

[caption id="attachment_553" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Shiraleah Nautical Bags, $66, at Motifs in Portland"][/caption]

What a fun, jazzy and affordable way to invite a little summer flair into your wardrobe. These nautical bags from Shiraleah offer plenty of space and style for all of your seasonal necessities ~ sunscreen, cell phone, oversized shades, bathing suit and flip flops. I dare say one could even pull off an unexpected overnight with this tote. The rope handles and bright sea faring colors makes these satchels impossible to resist ~ if the price point weren't enough!

Available at Motifs, 97 Exchange Street, Portland, Maine. For more information, give them a ring at (207) 518-9494.

Rogues Gallery. Cool in a hot kind of way...

Slate Board Shorts by Rogues Gallery

Fellas take note. These Board Shorts by Rogues Gallery are very cool, entirely masculine and yet have a little unexpected pop of color when cuffed that make them all the more appealing to the eye, and therefore all the more intriguing to the female species. Perfect for the beach, for a sail or for an afternoon of fun and frolic.

Just saying.

Available in an electric array of colors from the more low key slate and chocolate brown to lemon yellow and a vivid red with a turquoise cuff, which is also quite nice. The Board Shorts retail for $95. For more information, visit roguesgallery.com.

Cherry Red Board Short by Rogues Gallery

Oprah's Favorite Summer Pics

As seen in the July issue of Oprah Magazine

Happy feet. Gotta love those happy feet...

Leave it to Oprah to discover the jazziest little summer sandals this side of Saint Tropez. The colorful and bejewled  Miss Trish of Capri Splash Koi Fish t-strap thong sandal is a sure fire way to put a spring in your step and take your casual, "everyday" warm weather style to new and exotic places. Even if it is just the grocery store...

The most pleasant surprise is the price tag. At a mere $55 a pair, you can indulge yourself without guilt and splurge on several. Or better yet, surprise a friend with an unexpected little "thanks for the dinner/drinks/weekend," or even a just because....

After all, something so good for your spirits and fun for your feet has got to be better shared.

For more information on the cutest summer shoes I have seen in forever, including where to purchase, visit Oprah.com.

Hats Out of the Bag

Ladies, the hat is finally out of the bag. Many of you have asked me over the last few years where I get my brightly colored, wide brimmed hats, and more importantly, where you might get your hands on one.

Folly 101 on upper Exchange Street here in Portland is a delightful little store full of all kinds of colorful finds. Including, I am happy to report, my beloved hat.

Made by Scala, the Lanikai sun hat is perfect for blocking out those unwanted UV rays of summer sunshine with just the right amount of flair. Available in a broad range of colors from bright yellow to hot pink to navy blue, the 100% cotton canvas cap breathes well, packs perfectly, and is guaranteed to turn heads on a city side walk or a long stretch of sandy beach.

It's one size fits all with an adjustable drawstring inside, and retails for $21. For that price, by all means, treat yourself to two.

For more information, please stop by Folly 101 at 101 Exchange Street in Portland, or give them a ring  at (207) 773-5227.