Lauren showed up to work wearing all green a few days ago - almost head-to-toe. Today, she showed up to work with a shamrock shake in her hand.
It made me think about how Lauren and Trish have curated a very 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓷 store. Our logo, wall accents, tissue paper, curtains and so many of our products are green. They're all either a Riley Grae Green or some variation of green like mint, chartreuse, lime, forest, olive, pistachio, or sage.
I like green because it reminds me of spring, nature and freshness. When I think of green, I think of the algae on top of beach rocks, the moss that grows on fallen tree trunks, and the prairie grass that sways under the blue, open sky. It makes me feel happy and calm, so I understand why Trish and Lauren like it so much.
According to legend, the three-leaved shamrock was used by St. Patrick to explain the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to the Irish folk in the fifth century. After his death on March 17, the shamrock became the most significant symbol for St. Patrick's Day. The colour green then slowly dominated the holiday. Historically, the colour blue was used to represent Ireland and St. Patrick (complicated stuff with King Henry IVVV). It's hard to believe, though, since green is just the perfect colour for the occasion.
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𝘈 𝘗𝘐𝘌𝘊𝘌 𝘖𝘍 𝘈𝘋𝘝𝘐𝘊𝘌:
Leprechauns like to pinch people who don't wear green on St. Patrick's Day. If you haven't been pinched yet, consider yourself lucky. So many people wear green for this very reason, as it makes them invisible to leprechauns. If you don't want to risk it, I implore you to don some shamrock-coloured clothes this year.
I probably shouldn't reveal this, but I heard you'll also be invisible to them if you buy at least ONE green product from Riley Grae. It's okay if you don't believe me, but I'm just looking out for you.
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Because of the colour's ubiquity this time of year and its apparent protective powers, I thought I'd showcase some of my favourite green products around the store.
Let's start with the Garden Glow Lip Oil from Kara Beauty:
Spring is making a slow, dramatic entrance this year. The groundhog said one thing and Mother Nature is saying another. I don't know who to trust anymore. All I know is that the weather is still dry and cold, and the north wind hits my face like a fiery ball filled with needles. I feel more hope as we move closer to spring, though. The days of waking up with tiny splits in my bottom lip will soon be over, but in the mean time, I still need to be diligent with my lip-care.
This vanilla-scented, sheer green glossy oil is perfect for my poor, shrivelled lips. It's compact, moisturizing, vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free!
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I also want to feature the Green Bella Top by Les Miss:
Leah Gans founded Les Miss in 2020 in New York City. It's a woman-owned and operated label that carries clothing and jewellery from their own line, specially curated vintage pieces, and handmade items from other woman-owned small businesses. We love their branding, emphasis on sustainable production, and of course their quirky and fun products. Crafted from "the softest cotton", this top is comfortable and stylish for everyday wear. It's also 5% spandex, so it has a perfect amount of stretch if you want to wear it to yoga class or to perform in Cirque du Soleil or something. The best part about this top is that it will absolutely make you invisible to leprechauns.
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NUMBER THREE - Mini Pistachio Storage Crate from Humber General Store:
I own a lot of things, but it was only when I moved out this year that I discovered the benefits of having proper storage for all my things. I didn't realize how often I just throw random things in random places. I bought a storage crate for my junk drawer this summer and it's been perfect for organizing my junk based on what type of junk it is! Y'know, junk I want easy access to, junk I don't want to think about, and junk I can't seem to let go of. Storage crates are easily one of the best sellers in our shop because they're durable, easy to pack away if you ever want, and they sit at a reasonable price. It's also hard to just buy one since we carry three different sizes.
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Now, the Green Hoop Candle Holder from Helio Ferretti:
The best thing about this candle holder is not that it is green, but it is that I can hold it as I walk down the steps of my historic character home in the middle of the night to grab myself a little snack. It's like if Riley Grae was around in the 1830's.
Pretty much everything Helio Ferrettii sells is pure FUN. We love carrying their stuff because it adds a certain, special quirkiness to our shop.
PLUS - It also comes in pink!
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Lastly, I want to show you the Enchanting Hex Ring from Honeycat:
I love rings that make me feel regal. I fell in love with this one when we got it in because of its deep olive gem, soft emerald cut, and 18k gold plated band. I had never really seen a ring like this in Riley Grae before, so I wanted to show it off a bit. It truly is enchanting.
Honeycat is a women-led, California-based brand that strives to make affordable, high quality jewellery for everyday wear. We love carrying their pieces because of their versatility, sensible prices, and impressive quality.
From their website:
"We dream up dainty, understated everyday jewelry that's super wearable, easy to style and layer...Our mission is to provide high-quality yet accessible pieces you never want to take off."
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To conclude: I've reflected on our affinity for green at the shop, given you a brief history lesson, shared secret tips on how to protect yourself from leprechaun pinches, and showcased some cute products I love <3
I've always loved the colour, and I hope I've given you a reason to love it, too. It's ever-present in our world, and an existence without it is one I wouldn't want to imagine. It's the colour of life.
Winnipeg has been void of green for half a year now, and as I write this post during a blistering blizzard, all I can think about is the relief I'll feel once the first blades of spring grass start peaking through the melting snow. The feeling of freeness when you realize you've made it through another winter in Winnipeg is like no other. I'll soon be able to skip, jump, and hop to the bus stop in my t-shirt and not have to worry about slipping on sheets of ice and bruising my bum.
So here's to spring, Riley Grae, leprechauns, and shamrock shakes!
Until next time,
Emily ♣
