May Days

Now that it's May, we feel like jumping with joy! The sun is out, the smell of the ocean is intoxicating and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate with some bright accessories.

 

Luckily, our new arrivals from an old favorite Catherine Andre are just what we were craving!

 

She mixes color with pattern and texture in a way that is completely irresistible, don't you agree?

 

In addition to the lovely scarves, we have gotten some new socks in as well! What is happier than a little color peeking out of your shoes this time of year?

We are eagerly anticipating some clothing pieces from Catherine Andre into the Portland shop soon, so come in soon to check everything out!

Creatures of Comfort

The Creatures of Comfort boutique is always on our must visit list when we are in New York, and we are so delighted for the emergence of their in-house line!

True to their name, these pieces are comfortable. Constructed mostly of light cottons and silks with slightly boxy and airy silhouettes, these are the pieces you'll continue time and time again to grab out of your closet without thinking.

Creatures of Comfort dipped back Maxi Dress in organza

We love the prints on these pieces as well, sure to get you noticed in a crowd! This "Eden" print may be our favorite (yes, those are snakes!), in either the dipped back maxi dress or or the short sleeved blouse. Both are constructed from organza, and they achieve feeling both dressy and relaxed. Truly show-stopping!

In addition to fun prints, we have some lovely basic black pieces. The pleating detail on both of these pieces is unexpected and feminine!

This geometric print is another favorite of ours this season, in either a sweet and subtle jade/gray or a stronger turquoise/black, this print makes the basic "top" and "dress" a little more exciting!

Our newest arrival- the striped tee! Classically constructed in navy and white, the twisting stripe detail on the neck and the thick nubby cotton make this a little more unexpected than your average tee shirt.






Come on into our Portland shop to try on these fun pieces!

Spring in Your Step

Here in Maine it feels as though we have been waiting forever for Spring to finally arrive. We've gotten a few glimpses of how it feels to shed the heavy weight of our Winter coats and have even donned sunglasses and sipped on iced coffees, but the fickle temperatures always dip down again the next day and we are back to thick jackets and hot beverages.

Now that we are in the middle of April we are eager to transition our minds (and wardrobes!) to a lighter and happier place. While it may still be too chilly to bid adieu the jackets altogether or expose those bare legs, it's about time to ditch the Winter boots in favor of something lighter.

Luckily here at Black Parrot we have a slew of fun footwear options for the warmer weather!

From Coclico, two pairs of amazing wedges that will give you a little height, but also hold those ankles in securely as you navigate walking cobblestone streets:

Also from Coclico, a great leather slip on loafer in a fun tye-dye print!

From Accessoire, our favorite sandal to get a little lift without feeling like you are wearing a "high heel". We love the woven straps that cover the toe! The cream pebbled leather is amazing but if you are looking for an "IT" sandal this Summer, the Jade leather is simply stunning!


 


Also in from Accessoire are these ankle tie wedges. Oh so lightweight and a constructed in a navy leather with a subtle sparkle, you can bet these will be glued to our feet all Spring!

Our favorite Italian shoe line Gidigio is back with a new take on the everyday gladiator sandal. The straps on these shoes have been designed -ingeniously- as rounded leather straps so they won't dig into your feet as you wear them-- no cuts or blisters from these amazing sandals!

Lastly, from Marchez Vous, we are taking our beloved suede into the warmer months. This black wedge is insanely comfortable but dressy enough to wear throughout wedding season!

And what's better than a comfortable chic flat for running around? These taupe suede flats are a staple in any woman's Spring wardrobe!

Just a reminder that if you don't live near one of our shops, we are able to ship to you! Please don't hesitate to call and place an order over the phone!

Layering with Pip-squeak Chapeau

Is there anything more enviable than a perfectly put together outfit that also looks (and feels) effortless? We don't think so. Layering pieces is key in making these outfits come together, and just in to Black Parrot Portland are new arrivals from the experts in layering: Pip-squeak Chapeau.

L to R: selvedge edge snap front raw linen jacket, linen cropped pant, red toned linen top, back high slit detail of linen coat

 With contemporary yet ageless pieces all handmade in Brooklyn, NY, the goal of Pip-squeak Chapeau's designer Sveta Dresher is less about "fashion" and more about "the way one feels in life". How refreshing!

raw edge detail of silk/cotton reversible skirt

crisp white linen tunic styled with reversible skirt

Pip-squeak Chapeau's garments are all constructed from 100% natural fabrics and can be worn on their own or layered together. We love the interesting looks that can be achieved by playing with layering the pieces in different ways (also a nice trick for getting more mileage and versatility from each piece!)

 

wear this snap front piece as either a tunic layered with a cropped pant and long slip or a simple standalone dress...

The combinations are endless, come into Black Parrot Portland and try on some some of these beautiful Pip-squeak Chapeau pieces before they are gone! 

or... wear it open as a vest layered with a long sleeved tunic or as a fitted top layer!

Yoshi Kondo returns!

As the Spring arrivals continue to roll in, we are excited to announce the return of Yoshi Kondo to Black Parrot Portland! 

Based in Paris and trained in Japan, Yoshi Kondo takes pride in timeless styling and high quality fabrics that transform "basics" to a whole new level.

sweater detail

striped swing sweater in blue/cream

Yoshi Kondo began his fashion career working for Issey Miyake as a menswear designer. After he moved to Europe, he began designing womenswear collections for Olivier Lapidus Paris and World France Paris. He has since developed his own line and has earned quite the following. 

Yoshi Kondo navy/white polka dotted cardigan with Yoshi Kondo A-Line navy skirt
styled with Hache belt

We love every piece for it's ease, versatility, and unique detailing - but a personal favorite among the pieces is this leather sleeved A-line short trench coat. Sublimely chic in a navy body with a black leather sleeve, we are confident that this coat can anchor your entire Spring wardrobe!

These pieces won't last long, stop by Black Parrot Portland soon to check them out!

pas de calais returns!

We are so happy to report that pas de calais has returned to Black Parrot Portland! pas de calais is one of our most covetable lines with good reason - the silhouettes are simple yet interesting , the fabrics are airy and light, and the fit is spot on.

detail of embroidery on the sheer top

pas de calais embroidered top styled with
pas de calais pleated linen cropped pant

Their Spring collection is no exception--

featuring intricate embroidery and luxe detailing, we are loving every piece!

The detailing on this simple hi-lo top is so chic, the addition of the silk hem and the contrast of the black and navy takes it to the next level!          

pas de calais crepe dress with black slip

Perhaps the loveliest piece in the collection, this embroidered dress is the epitome of versatile, and that's why we love it!

The dress comes with a detachable black slip that can be switched out for something lighter when the temperatures start to climb, but wear it now with black tights and boots as well for an edgy but romantic look.

If the thought of wearing a cream dress without tights against your Winter legs frightens you, we also have this dress in a complete black.

embroidery detail on dress

                                            Bonus: We also received a reorder of the gold accented scarves, so if you missed out the first time, now is your chance!

Gold Rush: pas de calais

Back for another Spring season by popular demand, we are excited to report that our latest Spring shipment of pas de calais accessories has arrived!

pas de calais cashmere scarves in cream, mauve, and pistachio

These beautiful gauzy cashmere scarves are accented with a few subtle gold sparkly stripes that really make them stand out.

gold detailing on pas de calais cashmere scarf

Warm enough to bundle up in now, but we think they'll be the star of our outfits on warm Spring evenings...










We love that pas de calais has gold on the mind this Spring and we gasped with joy upon opening the packaging to reveal this beautiful metallic leather tote!

pas de calais bag and belt styled with
stewart+brown dress and mizuro-ind cardigan

pas de calais metallic leather tote

This is a perfect bag: simple in design but with enough glamour and style to take us easily from day to night.

If one gold accessory isn't enough for you, try on the matching metallic leather belt to really pull your outfit together!

Stop in to Black Parrot Portland to snag one of these gold-accent accessories before they fly out the door! And for pas de calais lovers: Spring clothing arriving shortly!