John Wind at She Chester

Today, I am most excited to share with you one of the latest products at Just the Thing- John Wind's Signature Collection.

Like many people we support at the store, John has a great story which begins as he began making jewelry while studying at the Salde School of Art in London.

His Signature Collection stems from a visit to the Clingancourt Market in Paris, as he discovered antique monogrammed charms. He combines this with his love of Victorian jewelry and fun fashion.

His pieces have won raves reviews cross the country and beyond- as his work has been featured in magazines and books, as well as in permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris.

And let us not forget one of the biggest honors of all- his jewelry was featured in Oprah's Holiday Shopping Guide! And if it's good enough for Oprah, then it's good enough for Just the Thing.

Come by for a visit and visit our entire collection- from charm bracelets to necklaces!

See you soon,
Mary

Baby Shower Time!

With spring in the air, I can't help but think of the the newness of it all. Everywhere, I find that gardens are starting to bloom, as we finally put away the snow shovels and sweaters for another year.

As we spring forward this weekend, I have no doubt many of my customers' calendars begin to fill with get togethers such as baby showers.

After a little research online, I found that baby showers are not as modern as we may think:

While not a direct antecedent to the modern baby shower, there is evidence that birth celebrations were held in Egyptian and Roman times. When you look at the evidence that remains of these celebrations, most of the gifts that were given to the family were handmade – an idea enjoying a renewed popularity today. These gifts included, but were not limited to, clothing, blankets and food for the new family. Interestingly enough, these same gifts remain popular today.

The baby shower as we know it today started at the end of World War II and coincided with the beginning of the Baby Boom. During that time, it became common for families and friends to come together and celebrate the birth of a new baby in a party atmosphere.

She Chester is a great spot for many of your gift giving and party needs needs-- especially when it comes to the perfect baby shower gift. Fabulous monograms, piggy banks and Mary Jane socks- show your friend how excited you are about her newest family addition with a unique gift.

And the best part? We'll save you the trip from having to drive to another store for the hostess gift!

See you soon,

Mary

Thanks to period-pregnancy.com for the history of baby showers.

Go team!

Whether you're a fan or not, I think we can all agree that sports is in the air as we're fresh off of the Super Bowl (also known as "night with great commercials" to those who may tune in for other reasons!) and March Madness is knocking at our door.

There are plenty of ways to show solidarity for your team- whether a Hokie, Cavalier, Duke Dog, Spider, or beyond!

We here at Just the Thing are excited to offer you another option with our Tervis Tumblers. Made of
high quality polymer, the Tumbler boasts that it is nearly indestructible... perfect for that moment when the home team doesn't quite have the perfect game.

These tumblers are great on the go as well, as they are ready for indoor or outdoor use, and are safe for the microwave and dishwasher.

So this season- whether you're a fan or love one, be sure to stop by She Chester to support your favorite team!

See you soon,
Mary

Jenny Krauss at She Chester!

I love a fun new product, but I especially love it when there is a story behind it. Which brings me to one of our latest products here at She Chester- Jenny Krauss belts.

Jenny Krauss is a company that brings handmade, fair trade and eco-friendly gifts for women, home and baby. Krauss visited Bolivia and Peru extensively, seeking artisan groups who created the crafts one could find in the La Paz and Lima markets. These women have amazing skills and it is through Jenny Krauss, that they are able to find opportunities for themselves.

These belts are hand woven and embroidered by women's fair trade groups in Peru. What's fantastic about each is that no two are the same- they are each unique in their own way.

I'm also excited about their versatility as they can make nearly any outfit work- jeans, skirts, you name it! They are available in typical sizes (small, medium and large) with 5 sets of buckle holes on each for flexibility.

So if looking for something new to add to your wardrobe, think about making your next stop She Chester!

See you soon,
Mary

Monograms- a Brief History

I just love a good Monogram.

Such an interesting history- centuries ago, monograms was an indication of royalty. Among Romans and Greeks, monograms were printed on their money to pay homage to their leaders. It may come as no surprise then, that during the Victorian Era, monograms indicated a person's social class.
Later, artists began using their to monograms to sign their masterpieces.

Every more fascinating is Liz Aull's history from "Monograms: The Early Years," originally published by EMB Magazine:

Personal monograms on fabrics for individuals and families were originally invented to keep linens separate from those of other families on wash days, says Caroline Brackenridge, owner of Monogram Inc., a New York-based custom monogram business. Brackenridge says laundresses usually went to a stream or river together to wash clothes all at once, making it easy to mix up items between families.

Wealthy Americans believed that the sun in Holland and the West Indies was especially good for bleaching linens. They shipped them overseas to be “grassed” – laid on fields to be bleached, dried and sanitized – and often had as many as 10 dozen sets monogrammed because of the lengthy travel time and possibility of getting someone else’s instead of theirs back.

Flashforward to 2010 and monograms are everywhere. We here at Just the Thing are thrilled by our merchandise- from padfolios and travel mugs to a gift for the new addition to your family.

So be sure to visit She Chester soon and see what we have in store for you!

See you soon,
Mary

Going Green- She Chester Style!

I like to think of a new year as a fresh start-- a blank slate. New year's resolutions come and go, but I like to try and find ones that I'm going to stick with, even after the holiday decorations are stored in the attic.

This year, I'd like to go more green.

First step? It's time to abandon those shopping bags and bring your own.

The best news? Going green can look pretty darn stylish. We've got these great bags to get you started.

So come by She Chester this January and start your New Year's Resolution on the right foot!

See you soon,
Mary

Still stuck for Christmas present ideas?!

We all know that the proverbial shopping clock is ticking away- only FIVE more shopping days this holiday season.. or six, if you are the type to try your luck at some stores on Christmas morning.

With the storm this weekend, my guess is you're probably snowed in, and furiously online searching for those last minute purchases.

Have no fear! She Chester will save the day this coming week for any of those last minute purchases.

We all have that friend or family member who has just about everything. Every year, you put your thinking cap on and as the Christmas ends, you ask yourself how you're supposed to do it all again in a year.

Today I'd like to share a photo of our our more unique presents. This apron is for the gal who serves as hostess with the mostess in your circle- always having friends over, always coming up with new and delicious meals. Someone with spunk.

Imagine her delight when she receives this apron- the epitome of holiday cheer. I promise you she won't be receiving another one this Christmas!

For all those last minute shoppers out there, don't forget to swing by She Chester this final week to check the last gifts off of your list.

See you soon,
Mary