Some of you might remember when I purchased some beautiful rubber boots in Sweden this past summer and how I was going all nuts for them. Well, little did I know back then that I, some 5 months later, would be representing this fabulous Scandinavian brand via my own store!

I am proud to tell you that as of today will be offering the best and most stylish rain gear that I have come across. In Scandinavia they have become design icons. I am talking about Ilse Jacobsen of course.

I will sell the coats and rubber boots to start with. Two products that represent everything I like — quality, functionality with a classic and edgy style, and a Scandinavian design twist. I used to import Swedish antiques a few years ago and I am always drawn to unique pieces and design.

So, welcome to my new store — Splendid Willow Avenue!

Visit the store here.

(You will also find my new clickable store button over on the right hand column).

To celebrate the launch I am offering a giveaway.

How about a really great design book? – Danish Modern by Andrew Hollingworth. (I want it myself!). The book highlights the birth and growth of Danish Modern furniture designs (and all the design icons such as Hans Wegner, Borge Mogensen, Frits Henningsen and others) and illustrates stunning and inspirational photos.

I am also encluding a Holdiday CD by Pink Martini, Joy To The World.  (Now this is a surprise. Who would have thought the Portland, Oregon, pop exotica troupe Pink Martini would come up with one of the most diversely designed holiday albums in years?).  The total value for both is $60.

This will be shipped off to one winner on Dec 17th. (I will make sure you get it before Dec. 25th if you live in the US).

To be eligible for the giveaway:

1) Leave a comment about which product in my store you like the most.

2)  “Like” Splendid Willow’s Facebook page (started it today). Click on the Splendid Willow Facebook button here. (Or find it in the right hand column).  

(If you don’t have a Facebook account – spread the word to a couple of your friends who might be interested).

For additional entries (enter them yourselves):

Tweet about the store (Splendid Willow Avenue) = 1 additional entry

Spread the word on Facebook = 1 additional entry

Mention it on your blog = 2 additional entries.

The giveaway is open to all readers. Wherever in the world you may reside.

The giveaway ends on December 16th, midnight, US west coast time.

There you have it. I now have little boutique, Splendid Willow Avenue. I could not be more excited!

To all my friends who have been supporting and helping me during my exercise of putting it all together. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could not have done this without you. And to all bloggers who thought I had abandoned them. Thank you for your patience. I just needed some time to put all of this together. Love to you all.

Images: no. 1 (store button) via Splendid Willow, no. 2-4 via Ilse Jacobsen, 5-8 via Splendid Willow.

Splendid Willow’s  and Splendid Willow Avenue’s images may not be used without permission.