Father's Day Fashion

If you follow this blog, you've probably learned a little bit about my husband, Torrey, and his - let's just call it  "unique" - sense of style.  He is all about dressing for the occasion - we have the largest Halloween costume assortment of anyone I know.  During Oktoberfest you'll see him in his "town drunk" hat, during Christmas lighting he sports a scrooge top hat, and most recently has become OBSESSED with wearing lederhosen.  (we are in "Bavaria" after all...) 

So on this particular Father's Day, Torrey prepared to go golfing by putting together golfing attire reminiscent of Payne Stewart meets Rodney Dangerfield.  Knickers - yes.  plaid - uh huh.  Patriot - indeed.  Crazy - fo' sure. 

Those of you who know me well - know that I like to analyze EVERYTHING, so here I am analyzing my husband's obsession with unique "look at me" fashion.  The attention must be a big part of it - it's as if he's performing some sort of role (like when you visit Disney World and everyone is "in character") and wants to make sure the crowd is pleased by his performance.  He certainly gets a reaction out of people, which I KNOW he loves b/c he is always trying to get some sort of reaction out of me.  Whatever the reason - I've come to appreciate this side of him and have taken a "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" approach" on many occasions.  (although you will not see me in knickers anytime soon!)

"Investment" advice from a college student...

By: Elsa Wagner

Every summer I get the chance to come home from college at Western Washington University in Bellingham and work as a sales associate at Mapel in my hometown of Leavenworth. One of my duties at Mapel is to bring my "college-ish" style to the products we offer. So for those of you who don't mind taking style tips from a 21 year-old, here goes!

Here I am (hard at work) wearing our gorgeous Water Color Wrap Dress.

As a college student, I have been fighting the sweat-pants everyday look that most gradually adopt. I am a relatively rare commodity at Western-a student who actually LIKES fashion! My love of fashion (some might say obsession) combined with my financial status as a college student makes shopping somewhat difficult. I have found that if I buy what I like to call "Investment" pieces, I can satisfy my cravings for fashion while paying for school.

So you might be asking, what are these said "Investment" pieces? My lovely friend Alex graciously agreed to model some looks to show off three investment looks that I am loving at Mapel right now.

Here Alex shows off three great investment pieces: Mapel's Boyfriend Blazer from Tulle with our ever-popular Burnout Tank in Kelly Green and our newest 7 For All Mankind style, the Gwenevere Skinny Shaia. 

Every girl needs that perfect summer dress! Alex perfectly models our Flora Dropwaist Maxi from Veronica M. Who doesn't love a maxi dress silhouette?

And last-but definitely not least-Alex shows off Mapel's Malina Silver Dress. If you're schedule looks anything like mine, you're going to need a great dress to wear to all of those summer weddings! This gorgeous number by Mahtab Azimi is timeless for women of any age. 

Walk, Drink, Repeat

Wine Walk Pictures provided by Earth & Sky Studios

The 8th Annual Leavenworth Wine Walk was a huge success with the biggest turnout to date! That news wasn't at all surprising to me since I watched the crowds come into Mapel all day long.  I'd like to pretend that the crowds were all in pursuit of fashion, but I have to be honest (darn) and admit that Mapel was a tasting location at this year's wine walk. 

Knipprath Cellars came all the way from Spokane with 3 of the most amazing wines.  The winemaker himself, Henning, brought in the cases of wine and provided tastings to the eager wine walkers.  Next time you're in Spokane, I highly recommend visting Henning at Knipprath Cellars (Henning DID let me take home the open bottles of wine at the end of the night, but that's not the only reason I love Knipprath!).  Rumor has it that Knipprath's wine was one of the most popular at this year's event.  (it's a small town - people talk)

My darling friend Niki drove over from Seattle to help me at Mapel for the day.  Of coarse the customers bought everything they saw Niki wearing since she is so adorable.  Doesn't this Tulle sheer printed top look amazing on  her? I thought it looked so cute that I let her take it home w/ her at the end of the night.  She deserved it after slaving all day on Mapel's behalf!

Niki and I were so busy running around helping all our fabulous customers that we didn't have time to eat, so our endlessly helpful neighbors at Haus Dog Kaffeehaus brought us some homemade mango salsa later in the afternoon.  (don't worry - there is a point to me telling you this random info) As I was ringing up yet another satisfied wine taster, I saw that the crowds had started "sampling" our chips and salsa! "Hey, that's my dinner!" I thought, but only smiled at them as if to say "Enjoy".  One guy who was a bit more

sober than the others finally said to his wife "I think you're eating this girl's supper".  She looked terribly embarrassed and turned bright red and all I could do was laugh. 

At the end of the day, Henning gave me a bottle of my favorite "Au Chocolat" flavored port style wine with pure chocolate extracts and grape spirits. (doesn't look like i'm about to fall asleep gazing at it?) It is the chocolate lover's ultimate dessert wine, which is why I think it's the perfect wine for Mapel! Perhaps Staci and I should start passing out tastings of "au chocolat" in addition to our mapel truffles?!

Here comes Summer

Like clock work Memorial Weekend kicks off the summer season in Leavenworth.  It's funny how that works- it's like a curtain is lifted and our customers immediately shift from large convention like work groups to families with 2.5 kids. I like it though.... it's nice to have various "seasons" of customers to suite various "seasons" of weather.

The other nice thing about retail seasons is the product change. Honestly- after you have folded the Same Stack of jeans or steamed and re-hung the same sweater dress you get very anxious for new new new product to feast your eyes (and merchandising fingers) on.

Building up to the holiday weekend I cracked the retail whip and hustled in some new summer treats. So glad I did because we had surprisingly sunny (no rain) weather in Leavenworth. With the sunny weather comes an appetite for summer dress', light weight tanks, and sandals - all of which Mapel had full stock in.

Don't despair if you missed out on Memorial Weekend in L'worth..... If you know anything about "The Little Town that Could" you know we have as many festivals as we do beer steins. Lucky for you this coming weekend is another "Fav'sies Festivals" of ours. Wine Walk. Enough said- right?

Next weekend will be the 8th annual wine walk- and for the first time- Mapel is hosting a winery!!! Yes.... you read that correctly. This Saturday you can find new summer dress', havaianas sandals, premium denim, signature chocolate truffles + Wine!!!! Briilliant.