We Love Idle Hands Dry Goods, Bandit Brands and Jen!

Jen McMillan, owner of Idle Hands Dry Goods and Bandit Brand T-shirts, and local philanthropist ( more on this later ) introduced herself to us in the cutest way possible.

Christa Martin, fashionista, beauty blogger and cultural arts reporter for the SC Goodtimes wrote a wonderful piece about BlankVerse in the January 28th edition of the Good Times. Jane and i were able to choose our own photographer for the piece ( Kevin Onorato ), and Missy Shnapps, a long time friend of Jane's and a stylist and fashion icon in her own right, helped us by styling for the photo shoot...our first ever
( well, my first for sure..more on this later..)

within the week, we got several calls and e-mails about our work. the most exciting response for me was an e-mailed note from a local, young woman. she said that she had seen our article. she praised our work, and said that, after seeing Jane in a Metallica t-shirt that Missy had cut and tied into a tube-top, she had to meet us....
( how can you not fall in love with a lady that writes that in a note to strangers?)
Jen has been our friend, muse and inspiration ever since.

Jen, the beautiful and magnanimous owner of this store has created a co-op that encourages and supports several other businesses. she has mentored her employees in a way that has allowed them to soak up her business savvy as well as her impeccable style. her generosity seems truly limitless. Jen's presence in this sometimes needlessly competitive town, makes everything seem right again.
plus, did i mention that she's smart, sweet, funny, stylish and cute as hell?


last Friday, we had a second trunk show at her amazing store, Idle Hands in down town Santa Cruz. Idle hands is not only haven for local artists, a wonderland of awesomely cool t-shirts and accessories, but also a community hub in which strangers are encouraged to unleash their brilliant,( sometimes unexpected ) talent on a piano that sits in the open door way..... and the worn wooden floors are lined with vintage cowboy boots, as if we had all just taken them off and settled in to absorb the comfort and absolution of our own home.....

Jen hosts a First Friday event most First Fridays of the month. she features local designers and serves up delicious treats, often accompanied by a surprise guest on the piano or lap steel guitar.

for more reasons to adore this amazing chick, and her wares, check out the Idle Hands Dry Goods or Bandit Brands websites.