American City Girls

The Ladies, whom we’re inviting you to meet, are a collection of captivating paintings by Rosellen Howell, Jessie’s aunt. Zell, as she was often known, was then a 17-year-old design student in New York City.

Now, some 60 years later, these Ladies are ready to be officially presented to Society in the form of “distinctive 1940s fashion-design cards and prints.”Please stop by to receive your complimentary note card and to browse our handsomely packaged Series 1 Collection: Grace, Innocence, Sass, Confidence and Charm. The Ladies make perfect hostess gifts for the holidays, unique stocking stuffers and elegant gifts.

We hope to see you on Sunday. If you are unable to come by and support us in person, please visit our website and consider making The Ladies part of your holiday shopping list.

Sunday, December 3, 2006
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
at Jessie’s home

RSVPs not required, though your attendance is certainly desired.
Casual weekend attire suggested.
Please call Jessie at 443-794-7521 with any related questions.

“Find your way to me. It’ll be worth your while.”

For men:

Her back may be to you, but she’ll turn and face the right man with the right call. And that man will be the one who can grab her attention and distract her from where she is focused now. She wants this more than anything, you know, but will only respond to the man whose directness speaks to her.

Observations:

The back of her dress is open, revealing and very sexy. The criss-cross sequined string requires some careful maneuvering, intelligence and care to undo properly, that is to say: to get access to her, without causing harm to the dress (or her).

Her hips have a delightful and classic “come get me” tilt.

Ladies, The Mystery Lady is found in the Sass collection.

“Now!” is her quote.

The Rider is so sassy, she graces (or is that commands?) the cover of our Sass Collection.

This Lady takes names. She knows what’s going on around her. She’s skilled. She speaks up immediately and addresses any issues in real-time. She’s present. And she has no tolerance whatsoever for inaccuracy or insubordination.

She takes power and control seriously, as she must. She treats her horses with respect and care, always providing the strong leadership they need — direction she must bring — as The Rider.

She knows that if she doesn’t address a problem now, she won’t have anyone to blame later.

Observations:

The details in her outfit are smart! Just like her.

The buckle theme is thorough, and found on her chest, wrists, calves and feet.

Her outfit is tight and controlled, yet her hair is loose and flowing.

Her sharp facial features speak to a temper not to cross, while her beauty and femininity is undeniable.

Hands akimbo, she means business.

The whole outfit is smart and includes everything in her outfit: style, functionality and elegance.

The Rider is found in the Sass collection.

This Lady is a full-scale flirt: body, mind and soul.

“Tell me about it, Big Boy,” are the words we think she’d say right now.

She is approachable, she knows what she wants and she most certainly doesn’t settle for less.

For Men:

You better have something good — and genuine — to say.

Observations:

She is a mix of being open, and yet obscure. Her hair is up, revealing her neck and face. Her arms are exposed. And her cigarette here is more accessory and an invitation to a conversation.

Her top piece is also crossed high and protectively across her heart. It is both a soft piece and formal attire. Her billowing skirt and many layers of cloth speak to a depth of character and an inner stillness.

Let the Lady in the Black Gown inspire you to integrate your body, mind and soul in all you do. The Lady in the Black Gown can be purchased in the Sass collection.

The Lady in the Green Gown is not afraid to face her life and make new choices.

She is not a young woman, nor has her life been one of smooth-sailing. Yet she has a strength and grace about her that is honorable, noble and palpable.
For men:

Make sure your Lady gets enough love. She needs it.

Observations:

The top half of her gown is jeweled, sequined and luxurious. And her hair is just gorgeous, coiffed and the perfect style for her outfit.

Her shoes, though, are mismatch with the outfit: clunky and thick. Perhaps she figures she’s old enough to know what that rocky terrain exists in life. She’s already done things the conventional way, including wearing heels, which can sometimes make for a feeble-footed journey and cause unnecessary pain.

Her neck is rather long and tilted upward, poised for Life and all that comes her way.

Inspired by her stance?

We find that many of our customers buy the cards and keep them for beauty and inspiration. The Lady in the Green Gown is a reminder of all that’s been and inspiration for what’s yet to come. Put her next to a candle. Post her in your office. Frame her and place the art in a meaningful place. She can be purchased as part of the Grace Collection.

“Aaaaah.”

The Mini is about winding down and allowing space and time for renewal. She’s sexy in a natural and easy way. Stripping away the day and getting to the bare essentials of Life, The Mini reminds us all to take care of ourselves.

Her long, bare legs invite the self-loving attention of scented lotions and gentle massage. She is all about relaxation, pampering and feeling good.

For men:

This Lady can help you “leave your day behind.” That is, as long as you can give her the strength of your body, mind and soul.

The Mini is found in the Grace collection.

We got a laugh out of this beautiful young lady. She almost seemed to be saying, “Oh my! Just what have I gotten myself into?” She appears to be in new territory (and who wouldn’t be with shoes like hers in 1946?). She’s just a little bit out of her comfort zone, yet she shows no signs of turning back and even feels a bit curious, bright and ready. Groovy Shoes reminds us that Life begins beyond your comfort zone. You can still be graceful and poised when you are uncomfortable and unsure.

Steppin’ Out?

Is there someone in your life — perhaps it’s you — who is stepping out to a new adventure, a new experience, a new job, a new school, a new business? Send them Groovy Shoes and show them where you see them now. Remind them of the gift of innocence — of not knowing exactly where they are going. To purchase Groovy Shoes, find her in the Innocence Collection.

“Step by step. I’m not in a rush.”

Baby Blue is a girl becoming a woman. She’s fresh, naive, blossoming.

She has both a well-trained and natural foundation upon which to build. She’s learning to balance herself and to recalibrate to each new experience.

Observations:

Her dress is an “Easter color” of spring and fecundity … is unadorned, fresh.

Her eyes are closed (or “not open yet”), somewhat like a chick just coming out of an egg. She’s close, but not quite ready yet, to meet the world.

Her arms are balancing herself, steadying as she moves.

Her hair is in a ponytail, like a child’s, yet utterly elegant.

On her dress, half of the hip area is bigger, more expressive and fuller; while the other half is undeveloped.

One shoulder is bare; the other is covered and protected. She is half open … half out of and half in her shell.

Notice how much is in these cards

What can these cards really say when you give them as a gift? When you send a Baby Blue card to a woman, you’re showing her the grace of being and becoming, of naturally growing more into what she already is. Baby Blue is found in the Innocence and Grace collections. She can remind your friends that we are all, always, becoming, growing, developing.

This Lady is “Mom by day. Wife by night.”

This Lady looks just as beautiful in the kitchen wearing an apron or about the house with a toddler on her hips, as when she’s out for a special event.
To us she looks as though she’s out on the town for a big night out with her husband, possibly an anniversary celebration.

She might say to a dear friend, “My love for our children and my desire for a warm home are strong. So is my joy in celebrating with my husband and enjoying the intimacy we share.”

Some observations:

One hand is on the wall, on something firm and strong. The other hand is reaching out for more. She is a celebration of the contained, well-run and nurturing home and the capacity to reach out, to go out and to “stand by her man.”

Do you share this value?

Acknowledge the women you know who hold and maintain a homefront, by sending them a Hearts Lady. You can purchase The Hearts Lady as part of the Charm and Innocence Collections.

“Listen carefully. Act wisely.”

The Lady and the Veil is consciously clothed, with a hat, veil, a neckline that is high, gloves and a structured outfit. She’s professional, stylish and statuesque. For as purposefully and appropriately covered as she is, she is also fully receptive, able to receive all incoming information. Hands held high, the veil positioned behind her head, eyes closed, her head slightly tilted, she looks as though she’s receiving a message.

She has a capacity to receive, to filter and to hold only the information that is relevant and salient. What you get from her is clear, certain and pure.

For men:  Forget lying.  Give this Lady nothing but your truth.  She’ll see through anything less.

The Lady and the Veil is found in the Confidence collection.