Maxi Dressing for Summer

Some like it hot. Dahlias and zucchini thrive in the heat. But when the mercury tops ninety degrees here in Oregon, a bit of relief is in order. During the hottest of summer days, nothing is more comfortable than a breezy sundress. Feel the tropical spirit in Joaquina's batik maxidress. Made of soft, 100% cotton for airy breathability, this long, colorful frock with bursts of fuchsia, violet, aqua, teal, and a dab of marigold is like the sunset on a Caribbean beach.  With an empire-style bodice and a side zipper, our maxi is easy to slip into. You'll stay elegantly cool at a garden party, wedding reception, or any outdoor occasion that calls for glasses of mint juleps. Do you hear ice cubes clinking?

Handbags Filled With Passion

February, a month of bleak skies the color of gunmetal, is briefly and happily interrupted each year with a day that sets hearts aflame and temporarily thaws winter's icy grip. What is it that stirs so many to make sentimental Valentine displays? Affection, desire, love? Certainly all of these emotions, as well as friendship and romance are celebrated on Valentine's Day. Perhaps we also find reason to celebrate the lengthening daylight and the hope that the worst of winter's harshness is behind us. Or maybe, Valentine's Day simply gives us the impetus, the boldness to declare what is the object of our passion.

Joaquina Design Studio is passionate about red ... the saturated hue found in pomegranates, roses, and cinnamon red hots. So when we acquired a precious cache of vintage scarlet suede remnants from a coat factory, we grew dizzy with ideas! It didn't take us long to turn out some of our sweetest handbags to date. Here we share with you a couple of those: the Winter Rose messenger bag, and the Red Blossom saddle bag. Distinguished by a black leather rose nestled into felted wool leaves on the front flap, the Winter Rose bag looks fabulous with an elegant lace blouse or a simple silk sheath. The Red Blossom saddle bag, with its suede petaled flower, sports an iridescent vintage button on the center closure. Pair it with jeans for the hippest of retro looks. The skins of these suede bags have a velvety soft hand irresistible to the touch, and easily maintained with gentle brushing. (Use a suede brush made specifically for this purpose).

This Valentine's Day, curl up with the object of your affection and express your passion, whatever color that may be.