Branding 101

My Global Design Director says "Branding is everything," however, I think today's visit to a local skin art parlor was going a bit too far. All kidding aside, it's a good thing Photoshop tattoos aren't permanent.

Made in the USA

Allow me to present one of the major forces behind Utton Bay: sewing contractor Salome Furtado. Based on my original designs, our line of boatnecks was born in her well-appointed New Bedford, MA workshop. Home-grown talent at its best.

Construction Zone

I'm adding a bigger boatneck to my line by popular request. With S, M and L already in place - what to call it? L-plus? SUper? R-for-roomy? Caution, you may enjoy a wonderful fit!

Choices

Starlet or witch? Life seems to come down to choices, especially deep in the aisles of the Concord 5 and 10, where there is no end of such dilemmas. The bounty of products on display -- from invisible ink to speckled tin cookware -- is simply astounding. Why decide between devil or angel when you can have it both ways. *Hey kids! Spot the hidden message in the photo and win a prize!

Let's Play Chicken

My basic business philosophy is inspired by Aretha Franklin: drop the pedal and go. Once in gear (on the retail freeway) I'll aim Utton Bay right at the headlights of the fashion industry and see who blinks first.

'Cause that's how I roll!

No Pain, No Seine

Planning a trip to Paris is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Will there be time to visit my favorite Impressionist paintings and sample the best of Berthillon ice cream? Where are my maps and guidebooks? Can I fit 23 pairs of shoes in a carry-on bag? Pain in my heart is one thing. Pain in my feet quite another!

Happy as a palourde

In case you haven't guessed, here's a definition: palourde.

And, unlike une palourde, I'll tell the world why I feel like Queen of the May. My boatnecks, black division, are now sitting pretty at two nearby shops I admire no end for what young Helen, my worldly 7-year-old neighbor and muse, calls their crativity: Clothware, in Harvard Square, and Perceptions, of Concord.

Not bad for a newcomer to the rag trade.

Will Utton Bay find favor with The Public? Here's hoping...

Ain't Superstitious

I'm not known to be unduly cautious. Black cats or Friday the 13th don't bother me none. But I've decided not to reveal Utton Bay's next product design until the prototype is ready. Yes, it'll be unique. No, don't ask: my lips are sealed!

Window of Opportunity

As of 5PM today, fine cotton is a-flyin' in the window of Cambridge Trust bank at 353 Huron Avenue in Cambridge, MA. The bankers at this branch lend their customers more than money. They offer depositors free use of their windows for a limited run each year.

The unique black/white reverso display for Utton Bay was inspired by images on playing cards and brought to life with foam core, double-sided tape, and a box of pins. Is it art? We don't know, but we like it.

Bemused

Fans of our unfortunate dental signage series can never get enough, so here's our latest find. We've heard of painless dentistry, but super beds and booths? What on earth are they drilling for these days, and why (on appointment day) must we recline? This is a disturbing "new era" for the profession indeed!

Wired!

Much machination goes into getting Utton Bay firmly wired into the web. Who would have thought I'd have to do the wiring myself? Hand me a 50 foot spool of Belden RG-6/U and a crimping tool!

Huron a Roll

What am I doing measuring the outside window of a bank in the quaint little Huron Village neighborhood of Cambridge?

All will be revealed come this Saturday -- when a long awaited Utton Bay window display is installed, thanks to the kind folks at Cambridge Trust. Stay tuned.

There IS Such a Thing as a Free Launch

What a lovely day for a pre-launch of Utton Bay to the public. In this case, a select few of my closest friends. We gathered in the afternoon on a patio not far from my own Cambridge studios. Perfect weather and perfect company. A big thank you to my best dressed favorite clients!

Sun of a Gone

Where's the sun? Certainly July won't stint on sultry summer weather. Or will it? This tanning parlor's window display tempted me to get my quota of sunshine by artificial means. But I confess to wondering what "it" refers to, if not one's own pale self!

Just Beachy

I am back from a holiday weekend trip to a secret beach resort on the Chesapeake Bay, where I enjoyed perfect weather for back to back summery surprise 40th, 86th and 96th birthday celebrations for the Firecracker Girls, with nears and dears from far and wide. A lovely roadside snack of native crabcakes en route to Manhattan, arriving just in time to hear fireworks boom on the Hudson.

Sea of Buttons

Uncharacteristically quiet because I've been sewing like mad. I embark on a trip this weekend with a stop in NYC on the way to a secret destination.