Nothing Better than a Great Flannel

When I think of classic American style for some reason flannel always comes to mind.  There is something so comfortable and familiar about a great flannel shirt.  My first exposure to flannel came when I moved to Vail, Colorado, where I lived for two years.  I rarely went more than five minutes without seeing someone where a flannel button down.  Guys. girls, and children alike were seemingly obsessed with flannel.  My hasty observations caused me to quickly jump on the flannel bandwagon and I have been on it ever since.  Flannel is a huge part of surf culture and it is something that Whalebone has and always will do very well. I personally think EVERYONE should have at least one flannel shirt in their closets.  Dress it up or dress it down. Wear it with jeans. Wear it with khakis. Wear it over-sized with a belt and leggings. Wear it open over a dress with some ankle boots. Wear it with a blazer and trouser jeans. Wear it on a lazy Sunday when you are lounging on the couch. Wear it snowboarding. Wear it after the best surf session of your life.  Honestly I cannot think of any daily situation when wearing a flannel shirt, or any variation of the former, would not be appropriate.

Billabong "Stormy" Flannel.  $44.50

Flannel shirts are not just for men anymore either.  Many lines are coming out with their own unique take on the flannel shirt for the female customer.  Whether it is a flannel dress or an open front flannel cardigan, these brands know how to make flannel make sense while still be fashionable for the female shoppers out there. You better believe that this Fall you will find me strutting around Whalebone in a Billabong flannel with some skinny jeans and riding boots.  It is my go to look for Fall and it should be yours too!  Roxy makes an amazing flannel and they usually have really fun colors and styles.  I am loving Billabong's "Stormy Flannel" because it gives you the option to roll up and fasten the sleeves.  Quiksilver Girl has come out with probably my favorite flannel of the season.  The Quiksilver "Captain Flannel" has the perfect color combination and blue trim details makes for a unique look.

Quiksilver Girl "Captain Flannel".  $49.50

My absolute favorite way to wear a flannel is over-sized and accessorize it up.  Mary-Kate Olsen is sporting a look I love below in her flannel.

Ask yourself this question.  How do you like to wear your flannel? 

Think about it and let Whalebone know.  I am positive we have the perfect flannel for you.



Confessions of a Denim Snob....


My mom bought me my first pair of designer jeans when I was fifteen years old.  I remember she took me to Nordstrom and she let me pick any pair I wanted.  For me, it felt like a rite of passage.  Most girls my age dreamed of a new car, instead I was dreaming of perfectly stitched premium denim that fit like a glove.  They were a perfectly dyed pair of A-Pocket jeans by 7 For All Mankind.  My first taste of designer denim ruined me and ever since then I have spend an absurd amount of money on high end denim from brands including Paige, Citizen of Humanity, True Religion, J Brand and Joe's Jeans amongst others. I have always been attracted to the fit of these jeans, and no matter how amazing that fit is, I can no longer justify spending $200 on a pair of jeans.

Regardless of who you are or what you like to spend on denim, I have quickly realized through my many hours at Whalebone that everyone is seemingly always on the hunt for that "perfect" pair of jeans.  It is an elusive hunt for many to find the perfect combination of fit and price, especially in the current economy.

After personally trying on numerous pairs of jeans from the various surf brands that we carry, I realized that many of the styles we have a phenomenal fit and a high-end look that I seem to always be reaching for with designer denim.  My overall favorite jean we carry is Quiksilver's "Lorne Skinny Jean".  They have a 11 inch leg opening that make for a comfortable fit and they do not sit too low either.  They have a high-end hanger appeal without the high-end price tag at $78.

Some of my other favorites are:

• Roxy "Skinny Slides" Jean.  $59.50

• Element "Magic Sleeve" Straight Leg Jean.  $69.50.

• Quiksilver "Shipley Straight" Jean.  $59.50.

Ladies and Gentleman, remember Whalebone the next time you are shopping for jeans.  We have a huge selection and our amazing sales staff is dedicated to finding you the perfect pair!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things...

"My Favorite Things,"

Rodgers and Hammerstein

From The Sound of Music

I am and always have been the kind of shopper and self-proclaimed "clothes junkie"  who begins to plan the wardrobe for the next season when she is still in the current season.  I like to prepare and plot out a very calculated attack on my wardrobe in regards to what is essential to have and what I can do without.  This Summer's miserable heat wave has been no match for my desire to cultivate my Fall wardrobe  early.  When most females have been thinking about swimsuits and sundresses, I have been dreaming of chunky knits and military inspired jackets.  I am absolutely, positively crazy for clothes and anyone who knows me, or works with me in the shop, can attest to that.  I may or may not have danced a jig recently when our FedEx driver Badr brought our delivery of Quiksilver Girl Fall.  I was born this way, I honestly cannot help it.


My passion for styling and fashion is something that truly inspires me everyday and I love to share it with others, which is why I have developed a list of five trends for Fall that I feel every woman, fashion obsessed or not, should be aware of and if possible include these pieces in their wardrobes!  All of the items shown below can be purchased at Whalebone Urban Surf!




1.  Military-Inspired Jacket

I absolutely LOVE the Retro Wave Parka by Quiksilver for $99.50.  Perfect paired with a feminine dress and combat boots.  It is a perfect piece if you want to mix a more edgy, masculine look with something more delicate or feminine like a flowy dress or blouse.


2.  Classic Denim Shirt

The Quiksilver Third Bay for $59.50 is pure perfection paired with a bohemian dress or even a skinny jean.  Nothing says casual chic more than a denim shirt.  It is easy to wear, practical and most of all timeless.  This shirt will stay in your closet for years.

3. Boyfriend Cardigan

Quiksilver Girl's Blanket Boyfriend Cardigan, $64.50,  is a necessity this Fall.  It has a wonderful over-sized fit, that looks great paired with a skinny pant and some fun flat boots.  The stripes make it fun and flirty at the same time.

4. Anything and Everything FLORAL

Volcom's floral printed V.Co-Logical Tank for $32 is the perfect transitional tank for Fall.  Great worn under a cardigan or even worn alone with a bandeau underneath.  The muted colors make this floral under stated, thus still staying edgy!

5. Blanket Sweater

Everyone seems to be making a cozy blanket sweater this year.  I have to say that Billabong's take on the sweater is my personal favorite.  The Love Letter open front sweater, $79.50,  with yarn detail is super comfy and great worn with a V-Neck tank and some jeans.

Those 5 items are just some of the many things that I think are vital to have in your wardrobe this Fall.  Whether you are a freak of fashion nature like myself, or you just want clothes that are accessible and wearable, remember that dressing is a way of life, so have fun with it!  Whalebone Urban Surf as well as our other locations in Nags Head and Virginia Beach are ready to have fun with you!


Stay chic always,

Allie

Let Whalebone Get You Ready to Head Back to School!

With July almost over and August quickly approaching, it is obvious that the inevitable start of the school year is here.  The tradition of "back-to-school" shopping is a writ of passage of sorts that has been around for ages.  Whether you are buying school supplies such as pens, pencils and the like, it is vital that you include Whalebone in your back to school shopping plans.

Whalebone Urban Surf, along with our other locations in Virginia Beach and Nags Head, are stocked with an amazing selection of brand new back to school sportswear.  For the male student we have everything from khaki chino shorts by RVCA, to Volcom Polo shirts.  We also have a great selection of walk shorts from brands including Billabong, Hurley, Quiksilver, Rip Curl and more.  For the female student expect to find fun sundresses and tanks by Billabong and O'Neill.  We are also very excited to be carrying a new line called Quiksilver Women.  It is a sophisticated line that consists of more mature and trend-conscious designs.  Quiksilver Women's graphic fashion tees and sundresses are ideal for any back to school wardrobe.  Pieces from this line are great for schools that have a strict dress code!

Don't forget to check out our large selection of backpacks!  We carry bags from Dakine, Volcom, Oakley and more.  Let Whalebone get you or you're loved one ready to start the school year off right!

Next Time You Shop...Make Sure You Shop Local!

In our current economic situation we live in a consumer-driven nation dominated by national chains with complicated corporate structures.  With the ever present recession still looming over most of our heads, it is easy to to feel overwhelmed and conflicted over what and where we want to spend our hard earned income.  Whalebone Urban Surf is very excited to become part of a special group locally owned and independent businesses.  In these difficult times it is extremely important to support these small businesses that in many respects serve as the frameworks for many communities. 

North Hills has proven to be a wonderful and ideal location for our newest Whalebone endeavor.  We are lucky to be in the likes of such unique and special businesses including The Spectacle, Luxe, Gena Chandler, Midtown Oliver Press, Lamb's Ear and many more.  This week caps off Independents Week, sponsored by local organization Shop Local Raleigh.  Shop Local Raleigh is an organization devoted to promoting and supporting locally-owned, independent businesses. It’s about making area consumers hard-earned money go further, thus fueling the local economy.  Benefits of shopping locally include boosting the local economy, preservation of area character, less harm on the environment, creation of more jobs and also encourages future investments in the community! 


Whalebone Surf Shop is and always will be a family owned and operated business.  We are extremely grateful for the continued and loyal support we have received at our Nags Head and Virginia Beach locations throughout the years and are now excited to expand into a new community.  Raleigh is a wonderful place and we have seamlessly become at home in North Hills.

Next time you decide to shop please remember to SHOP LOCAL.  For more information about the benefits of shopping locally and a business listing of other local businesses in the Raleigh area visit www.shoplocalraleigh.org.

Once Upon A Time I Went to Abaco...and I took Whalebone with me!

I recently went on an amazing trip to the Abacos, a strand of islands located in the Bahamas.  When I got back from my vacation I was looking through my many pictures and came to the stark realization that almost everything I wore on my trip came from Whalebone Urban Surf.  I guess that is not too hard to believe being that I am employed by Whalebone, however I also noticed that many things that my best friend wore on the trip were also purchased at Whalebone Urban Surf.  Honestly, if you are going on a summer trip, whether it be to the Caribbean or to the Carolina Coast, one can truly get everything they need for the trip from any of our Whalebone stores.  Swimwear, sportswear, eye wear, footwear, sunscreen, head wear or even any of our amazing hard goods; Whalebone truly does have it all.  I am confident that even if this store was not a huge part of my life I would have still purchased many of the things I needed for my vacation at Whalebone.

There was not a day on my trip that I did not receive inquires about where I purchased my swimsuits from and who designed them.  All of my suits that I wore on my trip were L*Space by the way! Both of my friends suits were from the shop as well.  One Volcom and one L*Space.  Even my Billabong cover up dress and VonZipper "Elmore" Sunglasses garnered attention.  It is just apparent now more than ever how wonderful is it that Raleigh has a full service surf shop to make sure that residents can get everything they need BEFORE they go on vacation!  Below are some pictures of my favorite Whalebone duds.

I am wearing the L*Space Twister Top in Lime and my friend is wearing Volcom's Smock Puppet Bikini in Teal.

 I am wearing Billabong's One Shouldered Lue Dress here!

 Here I am wearing the L*Space Triangle Top in Black and the Tiger Print slit bottoms.

My favorite Whalebone vacation must have is my VonZipper Elmore's in Tortoise with a polarized lense.

While I do not typically blog about myself I did think it was important to let everyone know that Whalebone has some awesome merchandise that is perfect for any summer trip.  If you have any questions about any items I mentioned or are just interested in the store please call us at 919.758.8362 or email us at whaleboneurbansurf@gmail.com.

Graduating Soon? Whalebone has the perfect Graduation dress for you!

With Summer quickly approaching, high school and college graduations are looming overhead.  While the act of graduating and taking that walk across the stage and receiving your diploma seems effortless, for many young girls the task of finding that perfect white dress to wear under their gowns is quite arduous.  It is a day that will be photographed and remember for years to come and for many having that "perfect" dress is almost as important as the act of graduating itself. Luckily, Whalebone is stocked with a vast assortment of white and off white dresses of all shapes, sizes and price points.  We want to make sure that our young shoppers that are about to venture off into the next big chapter in their lives walk across the stage looking fresh, beautiful and happy because they did not have to break the bank to have the perfect white dress for the day.

Here are just a few of our favorite white dresses perfect for graduation day:

 Quiksilver "Sunnie Dress" in White.  $59.50

O'Neill "Chantilly" Dress in White.  $39.50

 O'Neill "Roseberry" Dress in White.  $54

Insight "Free Breeze Dress" in Off White.  $67

Whether you are looking for a dress for yourself or if you are shopping for your daughter, stop by Whalebone and let us find that perfect white dress!