#RepeltheRain #SoleSupport #AmazingAccessories #WhomYouKnow #PavlosShoeRepair #Pavlos Expertly Fixes Peachy's Mud Boots So She CAN REPEL THE RAIN in Style! #UpperEastSide #Manhattan @ManhattanPeachy #PeachyDeegan

They might say that April showers bring May flowers but they also bring wear and tear on your most favorite rain gear.  As you might have heard, Peachy loves her feet and she loves her shoes.  Peachy does not love when her feet get wet even though she is wearing mud boots.  Holes happen when shoes as loyal as this do their job for many years.  Pavlos to the rescue!  They make the impossible possible.  Pictures speak louder than words, and look at our gorgeous Ralph Lauren mud boots now!  It might be sunny outside today but we are ready to face torrential downpours that will surely come.

Mission Statement of Your Pavlos Brand: 

To provide an excellent experience and quality repairs year after year 

Date Brand formed: 1974 

125 East 88th Street, Upper East Side, Manhattan

212 876 8569

We look forward to their X and Website!

 email: shoemakerny@verizon.net 

Mike sat down with Peachy for an exclusive interview for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan: Please share the origins of your brand’s history.

Mike Papoutsakis:

My name is Michael Papoutsakis and I am the son of Pavlos and Stefania Papoutsakis. My parents, after the closing of the shoe factory in downtown NYC where they were employed, used their savings to open a small shoe repair on the upper east side of Manhattan. As was common in those days, the shops were named after the owner. So, in 1974 Pavlos shoe repair began its journey.

What are your best memories of growing up in the business?

My favorite thing to do growing up was going to work at the shop. Whenever school was closed and even on some Sundays my father would take me in and while he made repairs I would watch him move around the shop from machine to machine and on his work bench. He would give me tasks to do like to find matching color polishes or leather and laces so he could complete his work.

What do you admire most both personally and professionally about each of your parents, who started the business?

I have an infinite admiration for what they have accomplished as immigrants away from home with limited language and finances. They are still hardworking and dedicated to their trade, their shop, their family and to each other.

What has changed in the shoe repair industry over the many years your brand has practiced?

Over the years, the quality and quantity of materials used for repair and various machinery for the shoe repair industry have become more available. This allows us to do repairs more efficiently, economically and environmentally friendly.

What has changed in the bag repair industry over the many years your brand has practiced?

Bag repairs over the years have increased tremendously. As our customers have realized, we are able to save their favorite purses, bags, wallets, suitcase, briefcases and not only their leather products but other materials well. This is also where my mother’s amazing talent and experience of color matching and dying shoes and bags have brought our shop to the next level.

What shoes are you proudest to repair and why?

And your mom, and your dad?

Some of our proudest shoe repairs are the ones that we have maintained for years. What I mean about that is that our repairs have maintained a shoe for possibly over 35 years and going.

What bags are you proudest to repair and why?

And your mom, and your dad?

Some of our proudest bag repairs are the ones that we have also maintained for years. Our customers bring in purses, bags, briefcases, duffel bags etc. that have been passed on to them and have sentimental value or one of a kind values and we are able to prolong the life of the article with our leather care.

What should one do to maintain their shoes properly?

Proper maintenance of leather shoes starts by protecting them from the elements and that includes polishing, waterproofing and storage. Our most protective product is a rubber sole which provides the most water resistance and longest wear. Also, a rubber sole is slip resistant and adds to the comfort of a shoe.

What should one do to maintain their bags properly?

Proper maintenance of leather bags, similar to shoes, should be protected, sprayed against staining and stored properly. If they are covered in a breathable fabric and stored in a cool dry room, that is always a plus.

What are the biggest mistakes people make in shoe care and maintenance?

The biggest mistake people make in shoe care and maintenance is not protecting their investment. Shoes can be costly to buy and it only makes sense to care for them from the beginning and repair them in a timely manner when necessary. For example, don’t let dirty, wet, or stained shoes sit around until you need them again or wait for a hole to appear before you make a repair.

What are the biggest mistakes people make in bag care and maintenance?

Bag care is similar to shoe care in the sense that bags should be protected from the elements and stains. Its best to address a stain or spot as soon as possible rather than waiting for more stains and dirt to accumulate.

Are there shoe or bag problems that you have found impossible to fix or address?

Occasionally there are problems that have come into the shop that are unrepairable.

How long should one expect a pair of shoes to “live”? And a bag?

Shoes and bags can “live” for a long time as we have seen them being passed down from mother to daughter and father to son. With proper care and maintenance, we have seen shoes and bags last for decades.

Do you think shoes or bags will ever have a digital aspect to them?

I can see shoes having a digital aspect to them, like syncing with your smart phone and having a more accurate step count or weight measurement. Maybe even toe lights like car headlights to see where you're walking. Bags can join the digital world, maybe by having a gps signal locator or fingerprint reader to open the cash compartment.

What do you enjoy most about your occupation?

I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing my customers reaction to seeing their shoes and bags come back to life after we repair them.

Which shoes and bags are most popular today for women?

In Manhattan, the most popular tends to be the latest trend or designer. Most women change shoes and bags multiple times in a day. They have gym shoes and bag, office shoes and bags, casual shoes and bags and a night out on the town shoes and purses.

Which shoes and bags are most popular today for men?

It is difficult to point out the most popular shoes and bags for men in our shop because the result changes depending on personal styles, age and how they are used. Your typical or classic business shoe has been around forever but today’s style can be a sporty but casual business shoe with a suit. With almost everyone carrying a laptop, shoulder bags are very popular versus a traditional briefcase.

How has shoe and bag popularity varied over time?

I believe popularity has increased for shoes and bags over the years because of ease of access and cost to obtain. Along with the promotional side of which a celebrity can wear something and be seen across the globe in seconds.

What makes your repair shop superior?

Our repair shop offers an amazing repair quality that we believe is second to none. Our attention to detail is unsurpassed. We love what we do and we have been doing it in NYC for 44 years. We have a large selection of shoe care products, fitting and comfort aides. Along with a large selection of leather soles, we have an even greater selection of rubber soles in various thickness and colors. It allows our customers to maintain their shoes to an almost original condition or customize them to their liking. Quality work at a great price is hard to beat.

What should top shoe and bag brands do to stay competitive?

Top shoe and bag brands always have to provide a quality product at a fair price that’s maintainable in order for their customers to be loyal to their brand.

In the shoe industry is there any such thing as an authorized repair shop for a certain brand as there is with Rolex and watch repair, for example?

Authorized repair shops do exist in the industry but we do not depend on one major name brand to keep us going. Our loyal repeat customers are our bread and butter.

What are your favorite shoes and why? And your mom, and your dad?

I don’t particularly have a favorite brand but a pair of cordovan leather loafers with tassels always has been my go-to evening choice and lace-up for business attire. Mom has moved on from stilettos to lower heeled pumps and flats. Dad will also wear leather soled for a formal occasion but will take the comfort of a rubbered sole shoe for the rest of the day.

Can one do business with your shop online or do you need to visit in person?

People do find us online and send in repairs. We currently have customers that love our work but have moved out of the city and will mail us their shoes for repair. It is a rewarding feeling when people go to those lengths to have their shoes repaired by us.

What is the full scope of services you offer?

We repair shoes, bags, wallets, belts, luggage, jackets, zippers and all leather items. We do custom repairs and adjustments. Dyeable shoes and bags to match. We can custom fit boots to fit your calf/leg. We provide a delivery service and many services while you wait in our shop.

When you are done working what are your favorite things to do in Manhattan?

After work I am just like many other hard-working New Yorkers with a family; we have dinner and relax and unwind to try get ready for tomorrow.

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you?

I would like to say thank you to my customers for the love, respect and continued support they have shown us over the years. And a that I will continue work hard and provide excellent repairs and service to our customers. I would like to thank Peachy for her patience and diligence and this opportunity to be interviewed.

As you know, shoes are of crucial importance at Whom You Know, and if you have feet, they should be important to you too. They are a major part of our fashion coverage, and we have four columns on them. One of the best parts of Manhattan is all the fantastic shoe shopping, and living here and meeting the designers is a dream come true for Peachy's feet. This is Sole Support, our shoe repair column and we have found Pavlos to be the Best in Manhattan.

See our 3 shoe columns, for review of new shoes through the brand owner only, bien sur mes amis:

See Manhattan on Your Feet

http://www.whomyouknow.com/search/label/See%20Manhattan%20on%20Your%20Feet

Shoe of the Week-Women

http://www.whomyouknow.com/search/label/Shoe%20of%20the%20week-Women

Shoe of the Week-Men

http://www.whomyouknow.com/search/label/Shoe%20of%20the%20week-%20Men

Read more...

Get Ready for the Weekend with UMBRELLAS HAWAII by ANNIE O'CONNOR HUGHES of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA! April Showers Bring May Flowers, but Too Much Sun Is Not Good For You! So, Whom You Know is Glad to Be Introducing Umbrellas Hawaii: Perfect to Shield You Against Aging and Damage from the Sun and Fashionable As Well!

April is finally here, but in the Northeast of America it feels like winter is coming and then it is going (even both within an afternoon, like yesterday!) and last weekend, it felt like summer with Peachy Deegan peeling off not only her jacket mid-day but also her sweater and only wearing a smart shirt (of course by Mover and Shaker Donna Degnan!) for the first time in 2017.  

Though we're always glad to hear someone mistake Peachy for a college student, compliments like that are not going to come forever....unless you know people like Annie O'Connor Hughes.  And we don't know if she has red hair or not, but since we don't want our haircolor or skin damaged by the sun, we are glad to introduce her to you.

Drumroll please...these are not ordinary umbrellas.

They could shield you from a light shower, however, these are meant for SUNNY DAYS!

And hopefully, those are not too far away but we are thankful that Whom You Know has a strong international reach, so it is always winter or summer somewhere where our readers are.

`Umbrellas Hawaii’ was launched in 2008 by artist/designer Annie O’Connor Hughes. Her mission was to create a tropical styled `sun-umbrella’ to protect the skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure, and she has impressed us.  The `sun-umbrellas’ are made with `UPF 50+ ‘ solid color fabrics, in combination with tropical motif designed fabrics that are both fun and classy concurrently. `UPF 50+’ ( ultra-violet protective factor ) means that the fabrics block 97% of UVA & UVB radiation from the sun. They have been rigorously tested & certified in accordance with AATCC 183, ASTMD6544, ASTMD6603, fabric testing associations. These `sun-umbrellas’ carry this hangtag of rating certification. The `UPF’ fabrics have a durable water repellency also.

They use a lightweight `fiberglass’ frame, which is stronger and more flexible than metal.  It opens and closes well and has not bitten off any of Peachy's fingers, like lesser parasols or umbrellas could and have.  The wooden handle & shaft is custom artisan tooled to resemble bamboo. The canopy arch is 36”, and the length of the umbrella from tip to the end of the handle is 29”. They fit easily into overhead airplane bins for travelers.  

Annie does all the creative design specifications and purchasing of island style fabrics in Hawaii, where she has lived for 30 years. She hand-designed her `Umbrellas Hawaii’ brand logo , which has been made into a colorful woven label which is attached to the `closure strap’ of the sun-umbrella. There is a woven `wrist strap’ attached to the handle for carrying convenience when closed. The manufacturing is done in China.

We are definitely ready for more of a summer feeling, and we bet you are too!

Umbrellas Hawaii is Recommended by Whom You Know!

www.umbrellashawaii.com 

https://facebook.com/Umbrellas-Hawaii

Annie tells Whom You Know:

I launched our brand in 2008 @ `The Great Aloha Run’ in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was a `marathon run’ event for various charities in the islands. So that was my first exposure. I step into the public for just a couple of local events each year such as at ` The Queen Emma Summer Palace’ or `The Merry Monarch Festival’ on the Big island. And i donate my `sun-umbrellas’ to various fund raisers in the islands such as `American Cancer Society- Hile office’, `Habilitat Hawaii’ , `Japanese Cultural Center’ and others.

The idea was originally inspired in 2006 when I was experiencing sun damage skin problems. As a porcelain potter & tile artist for many years, I was naturally drawn to a creative challenge. That being, how to protect my skin from overexposure to the tropical sun, without having to apply sunscreen everyday.

Here in Honolulu, we see umbrellas being used all the time for sun protection. With my research into fabrics, I realized regular rain umbrellas were not blocking UV radiation.

I was fortunate to find in my research the `UPF 50+’ ’ fabrics, and the completed idea blossomed. As an artist I wanted to make a beautiful, but a very functional product that reflects my love of the island life. So, the vibrant tropical fabrics we have here in Hawaii were a natural fit for my idea.

My `sun-umbrellas’ are sold in Hawaii in several shops, but my online presence is the main marketplace. I wear all the hats in my business, and so have direct contact with my customers, who greatly appreciate the personal touch. It means a lot to me as well , knowing that people are enjoying and benefitting from my creation. We have been selling some of our selections on `Amazon’ for 4 years now, and have sold `sun-umbrellas’ to individuals in almost all of the 50 states. Plus we have occasionally sold to other countries, but the cost to ship outside of the US from Hawaii though is a bit much.

Read more...

On Money, by Miss Piggy

"Many people think money is something to be set aside for a rainy day. But honestly, how much money do you really need for a dozen or so hours of inclement weather?"

-Miss Piggy

Read more...

Peachy and her Posh Wellies Navigate Rockefeller Center Christmas Season 2014 & Peachy Puddlehops in Posh Wellies

Read more...

Repel the Rain: Posh Wellies Rohan Black Patent Quilted Knee-High Boots Highly Recommended by Whom You Know-Keep Your Feet Dry For the Gala You Go To! Switch to Shoes When You Get There...

Posh Wellies Rohan Black Patent Quilted Knee-High Boots

Going to a Gala in the rain can be a bit challenging for parts of your outfit.
When you wear Posh Wellies, your feet and legs in Emilio Cavallini are protected!

You can jovially jump in Manhattan puddles galore, and rejoice in the weather more typical of England.  

Speaking of England, no one knows rainy weather better than they do except of course the Irish, Welsh and Scottish who are equally familiar.  They all know how to look fabulous in the rain like nowhere else!  Posh Wellies are part of Lotus Shoes, which is the oldest brand in England dating back to 1759.

The Black Patent is perfect for a dressy outfit.

Rohan

A quilted patent upper and buckle detailing enhanced by decorative studs feature on the equestrian inspired style Rohan from Posh Wellies! As well as being on-trend, Rohan is practical too due to the waterproof foot!

Posh Wellies boot

Ladies’ knee high boot

Quilted effect stitching & stud detailing

Waterproof foot

3cm heel

As always with this brand, the stitching, detailing, buckles and treads are just right.

You'll be Gala-ready in a hop, skip and a jump!

http://www.lotusshoes.co.uk/

Twitter at @lotusshoes

ww.facebook.com/Lotusshoes1759

Established in 1759, the Lotus brand holds an incredible heritage with a wonderful tale to tell. Unfolding the Lotus story and echoing the intriguing legacy of the oldest British footwear brand in existence, the Lotus archives hold an abundance of delightful artifacts from the brand's 250 year history. 

Signature Lotus styling is applied to both timeless classic options and a wealth of contemporary, easy to wear footwear styles. Lotus designs exude sophistication and quality. Many styles from the ladies' Lotus footwear collection perfectly harmonise with a number of co-ordinating bag designs in key shapes for the season, the perfect mother of the bride combination. In addition, Lotus recently introduced a range of formal and casual handbags aimed at the style minded women in search of a chic work bag or weekend option and Whom You Know looks forward to reviewing the bags in the future. Lotus also offer stylish men's collection which we look forward to featuring. The Lotus collection is functional, stylish and distinctive, options range from essential casuals to smart formal options.

We bet Eloise doesn't want to ruin her Mary Janes in a rainstorm.  We hope she's reading today...

Read more...

For the Most Stunning Feet in Town and Country, the Seraphina by Posh Wellies is Essential Style and Comfort For Your Wetter, Chillier Days and Highly Recommended by Whom You Know! Be Posh, and Kind to Your Feet.

Rain, rain, go away say the women of Manhattan that don't have the right boots!

However, on the contrary Peachy Deegan is about to pop outside and rejoice in the puddles because she has discovered the Seraphina by Posh Wellies! In Navy. Tres chic, and so much more stylish than the regular old rain boots we see some sport in America, Posh Wellies are designed in England. Of course any designer in the UK and Ireland will have more experience with rain than us here on the East Coast where a gorgeous day has a blue sky (and not a white one!) so they have raingear down to a T.  At Posh Wellies, they are to be trusted in terms of both style and durable, functional comfortable fit!

Each distinctive Posh Wellies design exudes flair, as styles are lavished with on-trend finishing touches to glorious effect! Think appliqué detailing, quilted panels, decorative studs, cosy faux fur, striking buckles and contrast stitching, all across a colour palette of staple tones. Plus as Posh Wellies is all about the season’s essential trends, the only trait incorporated that remotely resembles a Wellington is the extremely beneficial waterproof upper that is applied to the foot area of the boots.   The Seraphina is intelligently designed with elastic paneling in the back so the problems of fitting a boot over your calf is eliminated if you have calves that are not happy with one-size-fits all.   

A subtle mock croc upper, buckle detailing and Posh Wellies renowned waterproof foot are all incorporated on the ‘Seraphina’ knee high boot. This chic ladies’ riding boot style can be worn with a wealth of everyday looks, keeping your style sophisticated but your feet dry!   Horse not included...

All in all, the magnitude of detailing captured on the Posh Wellies designs has earned the brand kudos for offering truly irresistible, versatile and in-vogue casual footwear that is perfect for everyday informal wear. As with all Posh Wellies boots, styles including Sindri, Oren and Seraphina have a genuine point of difference that makes them extremely lust-worthy! 

To see the full autumn/winter 2013 Posh Wellies collection, visit www.lotusshoes.co.uk. For further information and updates, follow Posh Wellies on Twitter at @lotusshoes and like the brand on www.facebook.com/Lotusshoes1759. 

Previously, we recommended the Sindi model of Posh Wellies:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2013/10/introducing-posh-wellies-truly-unique.html

and the Oren Black Croc model as well:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2013/10/posh-wellies-oren-black-croc-printed.html

We've been so impressed by what we've seen by Lotus and Posh Wellies so far and we look forward to telling you more about their looks in upcoming seasons!

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Introducing Posh Wellies - Truly Unique Footwear! Posh Wellies Sindri Chocolate Patent Quilted Knee High Boot Recommended by Whom You Know

We've been telling you how much we adore the Lotus brand, oldest in England dating back to 1759, and also under the parent company is the brand Posh Wellies!  If you're going to be puddle hopping you should do it in style.  

Each distinctive Posh Wellies design exudes flair, as styles are lavished with on-trend finishing touches to glorious effect! Think appliqué detailing, quilted panels, decorative studs, cosy faux fur, striking buckles and contrast stitching, all across a colour palette of staple tones. Plus as Posh Wellies is all about the season’s essential trends, the only trait incorporated that remotely resembles a Wellington is the extremely beneficial waterproof upper that is applied to the foot area of the boots.

All in all, the magnitude of detailing captured on the Posh Wellies designs has earned the brand accolades for offering truly irresistible, versatile and en-vogue casual footwear that is perfect for everyday informal wear. As with all Posh Wellies boots, styles including Sindri have a genuine point of difference that makes them extremely lust-worthy!  We like how comfortable these boots are, and the stretchable paneling on the side ensures that calves of different sizes will all fit like a glove in these.

Sindri 

With their high shine, quilted effect upper, equestrian style buckle features, a 3cm block heel and practical waterproof foot, ‘Sindri’ from Posh Wellies is the perfect ladies’ winter boot and a knee high riding boot that won’t go out of fashion!  Note they also come in black patent.

They'll always be a classic.

To see the full autumn/winter 2013 Posh Wellies collection, visit www.lotusshoes.co.uk. For further information and updates, follow Posh Wellies on Twitter at @lotusshoes and like the brand on www.facebook.com/Lotusshoes1759. 

Read more...

Repel the Rain with the Pizza Umbrella by Inedible Art! It's Going To Rain This Weekend...Aren't You Hungry for it?

You know we love pizza.  We have not stopped to count the number of times we've featured pizza on this site but you can be assured it would probably number in the hundreds.  You also know we love it in Ireland and the UK and you know a nice day is when the sky is white there (and if you haven't been, that's their way of saying it rains a lot.)  Inedible Art has given us an opportunity to put two things we love together: pizza and umbrellas.  If you can't eat it, wear it and by using an umbrella, you are wearing it, in effect.  Many people in New York can be boring with their black umbrellas which are the kiss of death if you check it at an event-how do you really know you're getting yours back...but if you have the fabulous pizza umbrella everyone will know it is yours.  We think they should even come monogrammed and with the items you want to order on your pizza, but we don't think they are there yet.  A fun idea!  Check it out.

http://www.inedibleart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/InedibleArt/104786582907423?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/inedibleart

InedibleArt designs and manufactures a line of fun and functional products that look strikingly like real food.

The idea began when founder Barbara Fellman created the first soft-sculptured pizza pillow prototype in 1978, initially as a joke, while still an art student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.  It wasn't under years later in 1992 that the humorous idea turned serious and evolved into a complete line of handmade PiZZArt^TM products, including pillows in small, medium and large sizes; pot holders in the shape of slices; hot pads in the form of a round, personal size pizza; and jewelry items, including pins, earrings and ornaments.  Because the products were extremely labor intensive, with each pizza topping individually quilted, making them by hand proved unsustainable as a business. The first mass-produced items were manufactured in 1997 in Bangladesh. This first product line, the “Pepperoni Supreme,” consisted of a slice pot holder and “personal pan” round hot pad, each with toppings of pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers and olives. The initial inventory of 6,000 quickly sold out.  The second production run, made in China in 2003, included the standard Pepperoni Supreme and introduced a new topping style: the “Veggie Gourmet,” with upscale toppings of fresh tomato, broccoli, mushrooms and black olives. The products made their debut at The Gourmet Products show in San Francisco in 2003, winning the “Best in Aisle” award and acquiring numerous gourmet kitchen store and gift shop customers throughout the USA and abroad.  The Pizza Umbrella, created earlier this year, is a lightweight but sturdy umbrella with eight “slices” for support. It also features the four popular toppings of pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers and olives.  InedibleArt products have been sold at Whole Foods, Amen Wardy and hundreds of gourmet kitchen and specialty gift shops around the USA. Numerous pizza parlors have also used PiZZArt as promotional items.

InedibleArt believes in giving back to the community and aims to set a new trend against hunger. The company donates $1.00 from each sale to the Capital Area Food Bank, providing 5 meals for the hungry. The idea is that customers who have the discretionary income to afford items that look like food should subsidize people who cannot afford real food. When you buy InedibleArt, you have hunger covered!!

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Repel the Rain with Lilly Pulitzer Chin-Chin Print Umbrella by Lifeguard Press, Recommended by Whom You Know!

You won't be saying "Rain, rain, go away" when you have your Chin-Chin in place!  Peachy Deegan could not wait for it to rain.  We like the rain...it reminds us of Ireland and the UK where they think it's a lovely day when the sky is white, not blue.  

Remember, it's not who you know...

No matter where you are in the world except possibly the desert, when you whip out your Lilly Pulitzer umbrella by the Lifeguard Press, you will be not only dry but also instantly cheerful.

It auto-opens to a full 42 inches, and includes a corresponding sleeve and wrist strap. It also has a rubber handle for comfort, all while being lightweight and aluminum free. 

The umbrella is manufactured by Lifeguard Press in the following Lilly Pulitzer prints: Chin Chin, Chiquita Bonita, Garden By the Sea, and Lucky Charms. Additional prints will be available in August 2013.  We can't wait to tell you more then!  Peachy is wearing Aigle boots, also essential for rain and made in France, bien sur.

http://www.lifeguardpress.com/product/lilly-pulitzer-umbrella?display=1297

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Umbrella by The Music Gifts Company Ideal to Repel the Rain & Recommended by Whom You Know! We are Pleased to Kick Off Our Coverage of The Music Gifts Company

"I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain!" And I was, really! All thanks to my awesome umbrella, courtesy of The Music Gifts Company! This compact umbrella makes it easy brighten up even the stormiest day. It's black with silver print on it...and the print? Why, the music and lyrics to "Singing In The Rain," of course! During a recent streak of rainy days in Manhattan, I tested my new, musically decorated umbrella out and it did a great job of not just protecting me from the rain, but raising my spirits, as well. This handy accessory is lightweight, easy to carry, and comes with a matching cover. It's would definitely make a terrific gift - whether for a friend or for oneself! 

As we all know, it rains a lot in NYC, especially in the fall! I am one of those people that always forgets to bring an umbrella with me and ends up getting soaked. I haven't been forgetting my new music umbrella though! It is the perfect size for my petite frame! I also love that it fits perfectly in my handbag! I can keep it there at all times in case of rain! It is very fashionable too with its Singing in the Rain music and lyrics printed on it! I've been getting lots of compliments on it and it's keeping me nice and dry! 

I have always been a one-umbrella kind of girl. I know others who go through umbrellas like they are going out of style. Not me, I buy an umbrella and I use it until it doesn't work anymore. This can be a surprisingly long time! I was due for a new umbrella and was so happy with the "Singing in the Rain" umbrella from The Music Gift Company. It is a black umbrella, but is enhanced by having the lyrics and music to "Singing in the Rain" on it. It comes with a nice, sleek cover and is easy to open and close. I have to say, I do enjoy singing in the rain...even more so now with my umbrella! 

This mini black and sliver umbrella is just so cute! I love that you can throw it into your bag and take it with you on the go. The best part is the singing in the rain lyrics that go around it. It is a very durable item I have to say. I have tried MANY umbrellas and this one definitely surpasses any that I have used. It keeps you dry and with some charm. The lyrics on the umbrella could not be more appropriate. It's a must have for your rainy day. 

***

http://www.musicgiftsofengland.com

Robin E. Galison, President of The Music Gifts Company, (sole USA/Canada distributor for The Music 

Gifts Company of England), since 2006, offers one of the largest ranges of unique, music themed, British 

giftware. Everything from stationary, kitchenware, jewelry, men’s and ladies personal accessories 

and so much more is available to the music lover. Robin’s products are available in music retailers, 

specialty gift shops, symphony shops as well as other venues across the United States and Canada.  

Along with the parent company Edwin F. Kalmus, a sheet music publishing company founded in 1926, 

she warehouses and ships from Boca Raton, Florida.

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See Manhattan On Your Feet Continues Our Coverage of Aigle with the Venise-Just Perfect For the Rainy Weather in Manhattan Today and Recommended by Whom You Know in Black!

So many color options, but Peachy Deegan recommends black because it goes with so much and will stay sharp looking in the city of Manhattan, and we continue our Aigle hit parade with the Venise model!  You know what it is doing outside today-RAINING- so we could not stop at one recommendation by this phenomenal brand.  Earlier we featured the Maramu:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/09/see-manhattan-on-your-feet-kicks-off.html

and the Venise is a more practical version for walking all around Manhattan!  No wonder it is a bestseller.  And for our anglophile readers, you may want to call these "Wellies."  These are smart and beautiful, and perhaps you might not want to stop at black.  Order them in every color as they will spice up your look!  And more importantly, keep your feet dry while you walk for miles in them.  

Why do we love you Venise by Aigle?

Let us count the ways:

LACQUERED high quality natural rubber.

Handcrafted.

Jersey cotton lining.

Cotton insole.

Non-slip sole.

Made out of several layers of natural rubber.

Very elegant boots!!!

http://www.aigleboots.com

And, we are absolutely THRILLED THRILLED THRILLED to continue our coverage of such an old and prestigious brand from France.  We just reviewed the history of Chanel No. 5 (http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/09/read-this-secret-of-chanel-no-5.html); perhaps even Coco Chanel herself had a pair.  If she were here we would certainly ask her, however she passed away before Peachy was born.  Check out this amazing history and be sure to watch the video:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCtBNvHv-uI&feature=player_embedded

In 1853, Aigle revolutionised the world of footwear by using rubber as its core material for boot manufacture. Boots continue to be made by hand at Ingrandes, France near Chatellerault. From preparation through to finishing, each stage takes place under the watchful eye of specialists. Firstly, the natural rubber mix endows the boots with all of their characteristics (suppleness, waterproofness, sturdiness, comfort, etc.) Then the parts are assembled by hand on an aluminium last. The 3rd stage in the process involves vulcanisation of the boots in an autoclave at 140° to give them their definitive shape. Finally, each boot is carefully inspected to ensure that a high-performance, high-quality product is obtained.  AIGLE APPLIES ITS EXTENSIVE KNOW-HOW AND 150+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO ENSURE YOUR NEEDS ARE MET IN EVERY RESPECT.

Hiram Hutchinson Founder of AIGLE
Undated picture
(circa 1860)

1850:  USA - Hiram Hutchinson, an American, meets Charles Goodyear who just invented the vulcanization process for rubber. Fascinated by this new discovery and the resulting material, Hutchinson buys the patent from Goodyear to manufacture footwear.

1853: France - Hutchinson establishes 'A l'Aigle' in France ('To the Eagle' to honor the bird that symbolizes America) and starts manufacturing rubber boots for farming activities.

In 1853, 95% of the French population is still working on fields with wooden clogs as it had been for generations. The new Aigle boots became an immediate success as for the first time farmers were able to come back from work with their feet dry and mud free.

Overtime, the company name will just become Aigle (pronounced 'Eh-gleu'), 'Eagle'.

Aigle's creation date '1853' is present as a logo on many boots.

1857:    4 years only after its creation, Aigle manufactures, by hand, 14 000 pairs of boots per day!

1903:    Aigle's collection of rubber footwear and accessories now totals several hundred different items sold internationally.

1932:   The company starts developing rubber and fabric footwear for leisure, and expands its clothing collection (addition of oilskins and reversible gabardines among others).

1953:    Aigle employs 1850 people and manufactures 30,000 pairs of footwear per day.

1972:    The range of watersports boots is launched to coincide with the Munich Olympic Games, in association with navigator Marc Pajot. The blue design with two horizontal white stripes has since become a classic.

1973:    Launch of the Ecuyer horseback riding boot, utilizing an exclusive manufacturing process known as Slush Molding®.

1989:    Launch of the first complete textile collection under the name 'Country' for hunting and other rural pursuits. Opening of the first Aigle owned shop in Paris on Boulevard Saint-Germain.

1991:    Launch of the watersports textile collection.

1992:    Aigle is a supplier to the America's Cup, allowing it to develop nautical products designed to excel in the most demanding and challenging situations.

1994:    Aigle separates from the Hutchinson Group and is introduced to the French stock exchange.

1995:    The company signs a licensing agreement with Japan for the expansion of Aigle shops on this territory.

1998:    Aigle opens its first shop in Beijing.

2001:    Introduction of the Actimum ranges, a technical label for high-performance Aigle products.

2003:    Aigle celebrates its 150th birthday, signs a licensing agreement for the textile range in the US and becomes part of the Swiss conglomerate Maus Freres.

2004:    Aigle grants CaliEagle exclusive rights for the distribution of rubber footwear in the USA.
Today: Aigle is recognized worldwide as the company offering the best quality and design for rubber footwear. 95% of Aigle's collection is still handcrafted in France, benefiting from the company's unsurpassed knowledge in the vulcanization process of natural rubber and its unconditional attention to detail.

Aigle is No. 1 worldwide for the manufacture of high quality hunting boots (Parcours model) and horseback riding boots (Ecuyer model) as well as a European leader for nautical boots (Glenan, Glenan ISO, Skey, Bora and Maramu models are topsellers).

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