November 6, 2007 Coat or Dress or Both!

Sienna_coat
Sienna_coat

About two years ago the classic women’s trench coat was resurrected and design houses began offering it in shorter lengths and in a rainbow of colors and fabrics. When I saw Sienna Miller’s coat (above) it reminded me that the charm of a shorter, dress-length coat is that it instantly becomes less of a piece of outerwear, that covers your trendy style beneath, and more of the style statement itself! When you wear a fabulous coat that drapes like a dress you are lent immediate versatility. You can wear them with skinny jeans and boots for the casual city-look as Sienna has, or wear it WITH a dress or AS a dress with tights and your favorite heels. Either look is flattering and certainly timeless.

My favorite dress-coat, similar to the stylish outerwear option that Sienna is wearing, is our Gathered Back Coat. It shares the same spirit in the back with gathers that fall from the waist while maintaining a flattering narrow silhouette in the front. It’s everything I want for this season: The perfect blend of quality fabric and tailoring with the refined style of a 7th Avenue dress-coat. I feel prettier already!

Posted by admin on November 6, 2007
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November 5, 2007 Biddy Hurlbut: 1926 – 2007

Biddy
Biddy Hurlbut, Peruvian Connection co-founder

Biddy Hurlbut, Annie’s mother, was not only the co-founder and owner of Peruvian Connection but also the very heart and soul. We sadly lost her this year and while we miss our beloved Biddy we are comforted by the heart-felt condolences, fond memories and shared emotions expressed to us from friends and customers.

This thread is for her.

Posted by admin on November 5, 2007
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October 31, 2007 Knitting: Lessons Learned

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My first scarf!

(Right – My first scarf!)

If you are like me, after browsing through the beautiful array of art-knits offered at Peruvian Connection, you may become inspired to make something for yourself. I have some hard learned "purls" of wisdom for the new knitter:

Beginner Knitting Tip #1: Make a scarf. A scarf is a practical first choice because one size fits all and it becomes useful in a short amount of time. It’s a low-risk way to hone basic stitches and experiment with new ones as you develop your skill. I recommend a skinny scarf in a stockinnette stitch.

Beginner Knitting Tip #2: Knit something for yourself first. It’s inspiring to wear your own handiwork. Once you’re hooked, you’ll produce more than enough scarves (or hats, or socks) for your friends and relatives.

Beginner Knitting Tip #3: Choose yarn you love. You’ll be looking at it for a long time. Buying cheap yarn to "practice" with is fine but choose spectacular yarn for your project and you will stay motivated and actually wear what you make.

Beginner Knitting Tip #4: Heed this cautionary tale. A friend asked a yarn store clerk to help her pick out the perfect yarn for her first scarf project. When she got to the register with two lovely skeins, her bill was over $70! She was too embarrassed to tell the enthusiastic clerk she no longer wanted it.

Posted by admin on October 31, 2007
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October 30, 2007 The Witches Market

Witch_market
Witch_market

It is certainly relevant this time of year to entertain ideas of magic, divination, spirits and concoctions.  These may seem too dark or even silly for you but the witches of La Paz, Bolivia, and their patrons, take it quite seriously. 

Read more about the Witches Market of La Paz, Bolivia in our latest e-Newsletter.

Posted by admin on October 30, 2007
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Menzzzzwear!

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Img_3717_2

Men: You are not mediocre so why should your clothes be?!? Whenever I put away my husband’s clothes after a fun-filled weekend laundry session, I can’t help but think of how lucky I am as a woman to have so many choices in clothing styles. We have tops, jackets, skirts, dresses, trousers and can change any look with an endless selection of accessories. My husband’s conservative closet singularly consists of long-sleeved button down shirts in your basic woven cotton blend. (yawn)

At PC we are always trying to find new ways to breathe some life into our menswear collection. In the past, we have successfully offered men ethnographic and bold patterned options as well as the more subtle knits and textures. But we admit we are still trying to capture that perfect formula of quality, comfort and the unique character we are renowned for.

One of the many jobs that I have here at PC is casting the models for our catalog. (A pleasant task indeed – see above.) While models always look good in our men’s designs I’m curious what some of your suggestions might be for our men’s collection. What would you like to see? Please feel free to share!

Posted by admin on October 30, 2007
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