Tomorrow is the day for drawing the winner of the $10 gift certificate for the July giveaway. If you want to be in on it, post anywhere on this blog between now and midnight (Pacific time) Tuesday night, July 8, 2008. This is the last giveaway until September as I’ll be taking some time off for vacation in August.

New kimono are arriving at Chez Kimono from Japan every week and I am preparing them for the two upcoming fashion shows this month in Oregon. I’m busy working out the details for securing some wonderful saké from SakéOne for the fashion show at Between The Covers in Bend on July 17, and there will be plenty more at the Second Annual SakéOne kimono fashion show in Forest Grove on July 26. If all you’ve ever had is hot saké at a sushi bar, then you’ll be in for a real treat. SakéOne never heats their saké, as heating is generally used to mask off-flavors that lower grade saké picks up during the fermentation process. Higher quality sakés are typically served chilled, allowing you to experience the full body and flavor of the beverage.

Okay, I admit it. I’m drinking saké as I write this. I made sushi and tomago for dinner tonight and it seemed appropriate!

Progress continues on the noren, and I am starting up production for the KimonoMomo autumn line of accessories, including scarves, clutches and messenger bags. These will be available at the upcoming shows, as well as online after the shows. I’m really excited about the impending holiday season (yes, I know it’s only July, but in retail that means it’s nearly Christmas, believe it or not). If you have any special requests, please let me know.