Isaac Hers Closing

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the closure of Isaac Hers.  I have been in this business for 6 years and have truly loved all the amazing customers and industry people I have met.  Also, during this time I have had a couple of awesome kids and watched them grow and develop from babies to young boys.  Over the past couple of years work has crept increasingly into my family time, and it is only because I have such a supportive and loving husband that I have been able to work 6 days/week.  Having said that, as my children have gotten older, their needs have changed, and the schedule I have been working is no longer workable or prudent for my family.  I will certainly miss the store and my customers, but it is important for me to put family first right now.  As for the Isaac Hers collection, it is on hold for at least six months.  During this time, I will evaluate which projects fit into my personal schedule.  I (personally) am not going away or retiring, I am just resetting and reprioritizing.

In the meantime, there will be killer sales at the store! Starting Saturday  August 11^th everything will be at least 50% off!!  The exact closing date is not set, but expect final closure to be around mid-September.  I want to thank the fashion community, the press and all my beautiful customers for all the amazing times and support.  It means the world to me.  Please come by and see all of us before we close.

XO,

Barbara

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Megan

This little lady is sooo bubbly and fun, her presence is like a ray of sunshine.  I met Megan through her sister, Jillian Rabe, and have grown to know her over time.  She has been an instrumental member in the production of my fashion shows.  She is the back stage lead and always makes sure the show runs smoothly.  We have shared many stressful and ridiculously silly moments.  Good memories, so happy to know her!  Being a true renaissance woman, Megan also designs a line of jewelry called Luca and owns Rococo Waxing Boutique .  This girls keeps herself busy!  Clearly, she is never bored.   She is also very beautiful – some girls get it all, I guess.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Name: Megan Rabe
Age: 25
Occupation: Esthetician and Owner of Rococo Waxing Boutique , Backstage Manager, and Retail Manager at The Space- Jillian Rabe Productions.
Any pets/kids? Currently an adopted house cat named Knox, he’s a ladies man with wild ways.
Hometown: Hillsboro, Or

Do you have any knick-names? Meggie-Doo has stuck around. It refers to the outrageous Mohawk I had when I was a baby.

What are your go-to accessories? A turqoise ring from Mexico, black walnut pendent from the Walden collection in my jewelry line LUCA, and a sterling silver cuff my sister bought for me 2 years ago. It doesn’t leave my wrist and reads, “she believed she could so she did.” It is my “power” bracelet, and I think of her. I want every woman to wear one.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

What is your power outfit? On show days, backstage gets exciting. All black is the way to go- pants, leather boots and leather jacket- it gets me amped for the event. To keep it real, I sport a black fanny pack on my hip that holds all my day of show goodies.

Do you have any sentimental/heirloom pieces? A pair of gold set diamonds my grandmother gave me, they were hers. She’s been an incredible inspiration in my life, and it reminds me of what it means to work hard and take care of those you love. I wear them every day.

What was the best style advice you received and who gave it to you? “Wear what makes you feel fabulous, because you are,” my dear friend John Gest.

How has your style evolved over the past 5 years? My style has sort of recycled itself, and along with common trends, I’ve been having fun bringing back styles that I wore years ago. Anything goes now!

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

What would you never be caught wearing? Socks and sandals. Haha

What new trend are you excited to try? At the photo shoot I tried on Jeffery Campbells for the first time and am in love, they’re so comfortable! I want to get the American Flag Litas.

Heels or flats? I don’t wear heels much in the winter, but love to the rest of the year.

What attracts you to Isaac Hers? The clothes are all so hot, with cohesive designs for easy mixing and matching, its awesome and fun.

What are you wearing? I wore the Isaac Hers Playa Top in red, with a pair of amazing denim from Level 99, Necklaces from my line Luca and Jeffrey Campbell Litas from Solestruck.

Photos:  Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup:  Jennifer White Webb – Prima Salon 

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Purdy stuff in the store

Chambers Show: Behind the Scenes

Wow!  What a good time!!  It has taken me a week to gather pictures and to just recover.  I just cannot thank everyone enough for all their hard work and contributions.  Mostly, I owe a big thanks to Jillian Rabe and her hardworking team for pulling off an awesome show on a shoestring.  It was such a pleasure to have Planned Parenthood of the Columbia Willamette as our beneficiary.  The event was well attended, fun and for a good cause!  We raised about $2000 for them!  Thank you everyone for coming out and for your generosity!

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

The week leading up to the show was certainly stressful on every level.  With this show, we took on much more work.  Jillian’s team built the backstage area by hanging black plastic and by painting/constructing backstage panels.  Also, her team hung the lighting and ran all the lines themselves.  I think the effect was amazing, mostly because it was unexpected. I cannot state enough how much their commitment, efforts and professionalism made this whole show a success.

Jillian Opening the Show - Photo: Meredith Adelaide

Also, a critical partner in the event, and overall great guy, Crispin Argento, was instrumental in pulling off the silent auction!!  His efforts made the fundraising effort!!  His line Pino didn’t look too bad on the runway either!!  Just cannot thank him enough.

PINO Models Getting Ready - Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Our sexy neighbors, Solestruck, also pulled out the stops in their efforts!  My models were fully outfitted in the most amazing shoes this town has to offer.  Melissa Lachance, the manager at Solestruck, did all the styling for the show.  Couldn’t have done it without her.

Melissa Getting All the Shoes Ready! - Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Another instrumental partner in the show was Prima Salon.  Woot!!  These ladies know how to get it done.  They are probably the most efficient backstage hair and makeup team I have ever seen.  Not kidding, they killed it!  12 female models, a few male models in just a couple of hours.  They were finished well in advance of the show, having time to get a drink and mingle before the show!  When does that ever happen?!  Thanks so much!!

Ladies from Prima - Photo: Erik Sohn

There are so many other partners to thank.  Woodlands, we love you guys so much!!  Thanks for participating.  Tavola catering provided the most delicious treats pre-show.  West End bikes donated that awesome cruiser that we raffled at the door.  Also, Martine made a custom leather saddle bag for it.  Wow, everyone wanted to win that bike.

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Lastly, I want to personally thank all of my beautiful models.  You made the show and looked absolutely stunning.  Libby Boggs, Cora Benesh, Meredith Adelaide, Tiffany Luckcuck, Dayna Wilks, Courtney Bryant, Zoe Sherman, Malene Jensen, Kate Troedsen, Heather Reider, Clarke Flowers, Jessica Smith and Katie Greiner, you made the vision come to life!!!!  Love to you!!  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!  I leave you with more behind the scenes images.

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicolas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Isaac Hers Presents: Chambers – A Benefit Fashion Show.

Portland based fashion line, Isaac Hers presents, “Chambers,” an exclusive runway premier, showing this April.  Featuring both in-store looks for Spring, as well as the reveal of Isaac Hers’ Fall 2012 collection, the evening will be a fun, fashion filled event for all ages.

Special guests, The Woodlands and How to Talk to Girls presents PINO, will open the show with menswear looks on the runway.   Enjoy the silent auction, shopping and mingling both pre-show and after.

Proceeds to benefit Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/Willamette.  Support fashion, indulge your shopping habit and enjoy the party, all for a great cause!

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

When:  Saturday April 21, 2012. Doors at 6:00PM, Fashion Show at 8:00.
Where:  610 SW 12th Ave (corner of SW 12th and Alder); Portland, OR 97205.  After party onsite to follow.

Tickets:  $40 for seating, $20 for standing and $15 for students with ID.  Availability is limited. Purchase tickets right here on the blog side bar, or please visit www.isaachers.com.

 Special thanks to our sponsors Solestruck, Prima Salon, Bridgeport Brewing, Tavola, Catering, The Woodlands and How to Talk to Girls.

Event and fashion show produced by Jillian Rabe, LLC.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Chambers the collection:

The past couple of seasons, Isaac Hers designer, Barbara Seipp, has found inspiration in the world around her, through physical locations that inspire both memories and feeling.  With the Fall 2012 collection, however, Seipp looked inward to channel the psyche and subconscious.  “The Chambers collection rests in a mysterious, unknowable, dreamlike and sometimes haunting place,” states Seipp. Using dreams for inspiration, she chose mostly darker fabrics as the foundation for the collection, and softly tailored classic shapes. By then adding pops of color, tribal and vintage themes, the collection mimics the unpredictability of the subconscious and marries the comfort of a happy memory with the edge of psychological unrest.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Isaac Hers began from designer Barbara Seipp’s drive to create a directional clothing label that still possessed a timeless, classic appeal.  With this balance in mind, she founded the Isaac Hers label in the Spring of 2008. The collection incorporates soft tailoring, directional feminine silhouettes, and a minimalist sophistication.  Seipp’s design aesthetic paired with her keen eye for quality and construction make Isaac Hers a quickly growing and sought after label.  Approaching the 1-year anniversary of the flagship store (this May,) Isaac Hers proudly welcomes shoppers to its brick and mortar location  at 415 SW 13th St. in Portland’s up and coming West End.

Press Contact: Jillian Rabe; jillian@jillianrabe.com; 503 307 8273

Photo Credits:
Photography – Lavenda Memory
Hair and Makeup – Jennifer White Webb, Prima Salon
Model – Meredith Adelaide 
Styling -Melissa LaChance, Kayla Rekofke

Buzz Siler Art Opening Tomorrow!!!

We are proud and excited to present the artwork of local artist Buzz Siler!  Come by tomorrow, Saturday March 10th from 2-5pm and meet the artist.  We will have wine, snacks and good cheer.

Carlotta and I had the pleasure to visit the Siler studio and watch Buzz in action.  His technique is eccentric, as is the man himself.  He paints with highly watered down paints, often standard acrylic house paints.  That watery appearance is his signature and creates a dreamy, other-worldly feel.

In the artist’s own words:  ”I paint for two reasons. The first is to communicate. I want others to see and appreciate this incredible imaginary world that exists within me…images and beings which, once painted, become immortal. The second is to escape unbearable, overwhelming anxiety of being insignificant. Painting allows me to pretend…to be young again, invulnerable and God-like. It soothes my boiling creative core, grants my least significant wish, and unconditionally honors my most bizarre thoughts. I paint with the canvas laying flat on a table so that I can overlay
oils on acrylics. These two mediums interact so selfishly when applied wet on top of each other, each seeking to dominate the space. The oils are attacked at the edges, with pieces breaking away and floating across the canvas on a sea of watery acrylic. Theirs is a destructive fight and romantic dance at the same time…until my hair dryer or space heater evaporates both to a sluggish acceptance of their static end. This is the excitement of every work. “

Simply gorgeous.  Stop by and see us tomorrow!!  Can’t wait!

Isaac Hers Style Behind the Scenes

We are starting the Isaac Hers Style shoots up again!  Yay!!  We had our first style shoot for the spring collection last month.  It was great to take a month off, but I am so happy to get back at this.  As usual, it was one of my favorite nights.  It just makes my day to pamper customers and have them feel special.

Jen and Anna Ham it Up!

Well, there are the usual suspects, like Jennifer White Webb from Prima Salon.  She is back doing hair and makeup!  So much fun having bubbly personality around.  Above Jen and my rep, Anna, smile for the camera.

Jen in action!

My left and right hands, Jessica and Carlotta.

And, of course, the Isaac Hers gals were there!  It IS our favorite night of the month!

Stella!!!

Anna brought her cute little dog Stella!!  The dogs ALWAYS steal the show!

Lavenda get a shot of Essie

Also, the awesome Lavenda Memory is back too, getting hot shots of real women!!  She is so good behind the camera and shines light with her bubbly personality.  So glad to have her!

Lavenda is always smiling, ya know.

Thanks everyone for an awesome night and for your participation!  Can’t wait to show you the photos!

Enter Maison Scotch

We just received our first shipment from Maison Scotch.  It is just two styles, but many more are coming.  Maison Scotch is the 1 year-old women’s spinoff from the men’s line Scotch and Soda.  The Amsterdam based company has been around since the ’80s and largely centers around casual items than can be worn with denim.

Don’t be fooled though, the garments are definitely ahead of the curve design wise and have an attention to detail that surprises me.  They do what I love, create directional apparel that maintains its easy-to-wear-ness.  This line is perfect for Portland.

The collection has things like breezy lightweight summer tops you can wear with denim, dresses that will be your every day throw-on, jackets and denim.  It is young, but not too youthful for women with a grown up sensibility.  They offer some really forward pieces, leather jackets that really blow my mind, but being cautious about a new line, I started in the safe zone.  This spring, I brought in a lot of playful tops and casual dresses, but starting in August, expect denim,  and more adventurous selections from the collection.  I leave you with some more photos from their Spring 2012 campaign.  So excited!

It’s starting to ECHO in here

We are full of Echo gloves and scarves!!  Cold weather, we are not afraid of you!  The itouch gloves are selling fast.  The first batch is already gone, but lucky for you, we just got a new style.  So nice to use your smartphone while keeping your fingers warm!

This super  chunky neck muffler is AWESOME and is also selling fast.  Wear it around your neck or you can pull it down over your shoulders for a shrug effect.  So toasty!!

Another gorgeous scarf from Echo.  End to end, this scarf is color blocked asymmetrically, making for a beautiful color blocked effect when tied or draped.  We have this number in brown/grey/yellow and black/grey/cream. LOVE!

Cute litte gloves right?!  Well, the secret here is that the printed part unfolds making the glove very long.  It becomes a glove and arm warmer all in one!  No cold air is gonna get up your sleeve here!  Available in forest green, pink and purple.

If these don’t scream Portland, I don’t know what would.  Chunky knit arm warmers with thumbhole, make a stylish alternative to the very popular fingerless glove.  Stop in and add a pop of color to your winter wardrobe!

It’s starting to ECHO in here

We are full of Echo gloves and scarves!!  Cold weather, we are not afraid of you!  The itouch gloves are selling fast.  The first batch is already gone, but lucky for you, we just got a new style.  So nice to use your smartphone while keeping your fingers warm!

This super  chunky neck muffler is AWESOME and is also selling fast.  Wear it around your neck or you can pull it down over your shoulders for a shrug effect.  So toasty!!

Another gorgeous scarf from Echo.  End to end, this scarf is color blocked asymmetrically, making for a beautiful color blocked effect when tied or draped.  We have this number in brown/grey/yellow and black/grey/cream. LOVE!

Cute litte gloves right?!  Well, the secret here is that the printed part unfolds making the glove very long.  It becomes a glove and arm warmer all in one!  No cold air is gonna get up your sleeve here!  Available in forest green, pink and purple.

If these don’t scream Portland, I don’t know what would.  Chunky knit arm warmers with thumbhole, make a stylish alternative to the very popular fingerless glove.  Stop in and add a pop of color to your winter wardrobe!