December 2011 - "A Season of Gratitude"
"I will hold Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year through." - Charles Dickens
I was on the elliptical this morning at our local YMCA, and John Stossel from ABC was being interviewed about a recent story he had done. "Hey, people, it's not that bad. There is so much to be thankful for." He pointed out how labor saving devices, like the washing machine, have revolutionized our lives and given us time to pursue other interests. Many of us are no longer hauling water for daily sustenance. He is so right on, I thought. I for one am glad to be living in this time and era.
When I start to count my blessings, my irrascible husband is at the top of my list, along with my 3 really cool grown children and son-in-law, who's all grown up too! I am thankful for health, and electricity and modern conveniences, and the sun by day and moon by night and the incredible natural beauty of the world.
Moreover, I am so thankful for our customers who keep our retail clothing business alive and vibrant and thriving. Customers are always looking for something new to make their lives a bit more exciting, no matter what age or gender, in good times or bad. We will do our utmost to provide superior product and service for them each time they step in the door at 539 Main Street or come to shop with us via the world wide web.
I had a phone call yesterday from a woman in Ohio. I could hear the sparkle in her voice as she ordered a pair of DANKSO shoes and a pair of Kenneth Cole boots. She said that was so happy to have discovered our store. It was a win-win situation for both her and us. We look forward to her return visits.
At FL Crooks & Co, we adhere to the Rotary Club 4-tiered mantra devised by Rotarian Paul Harris, known as the 4 way test:
Is it the Truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build good will and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Here's to you, our friends, with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation: Wishing you all the merriest of Christmases and a happy, healthy and hopeful New Year to follow. As I heard in a profound message recently that struck a cord with me - "Shine; don't whine!" I will hold Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year through.
With grateful expectancy,
Lydia Crooks
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
November 2011 - Merry Christmastide!
"Good clothes open all doors." - Thomas Fuller
According to a recent Bottom Line magazine, it appears as though men are dressing for success once again. The men's apparel market grew by 3.3% in 2010 - compared with a growth of 1.9% for the apparel market as a whole and an increase of 2.9% for women's apparel. Sales of tailored clothing, such as suits and jackets, grew by 30% in the three months through February 2011.
With the holidays upon us, dress clothing would make a practical as well as an aesthetic Christmas gift for those loved ones on your list. At FL Crooks & Co, we feature a wide assortment of suits in a wide range of prices, beginning at $299. Some of our top lines include Tallia (established in 1893), Hart Schaffner Marx (since 1887), Joseph Abboud, Daniel Hechter and Calvin Klein.
Jim Crooks stated that "the most popular style of suit at the moment is the 2-button double side vent." He added that many people continue to wear the 3 button suit as well. As far as color is concerned, darks continue to be the predomint choice among customers. Navy is coming on strong. Charcoal is often chosen for its versatility. Pin stripes are ever popular.
In addition to the front button closing and the color, other factors to consider when purchasing a suit are whether one prefers flat front or pleated pants and a straight hem or cuffs for the pants.
To go along with your suit purchase, FL Crooks & Co carries Forsyth of Canada dress shirts, made of 100% cotton 80's 2-ply pinpoint oxford cloth. These shirts are wrinkle free and require no ironing.
Accessories to complement the suit and shirt include Brighton belts which range in price from $30 to $90 and an unbeatable assortment of ties. Some tie lines at FL Crooks & Co include Ike Behar, Hart Schaffner Marx and Private Stock. Prices range from $18 to $98.
Our son had a recent job interview, and his dad offered the following advice:"Wear a suit -- shine your shoes -- smile -- give a firm hand shake and look them right in the eye... Pay attention to your shirt and tie -- it makes you look older if you wear a tie and a good fitting suit!"
An awesome suit, a fabulous dress shirt, a remarkable belt, a terrific tie - you can find them all at FL Crooks & Co - where you never looked so good!
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmastide!
"Look forward and be hopeful.
Look backward and be thankful.
Look downward and be helpful.
Look upward and be humble." - Esther Ann Asch
According to a recent Bottom Line magazine, it appears as though men are dressing for success once again. The men's apparel market grew by 3.3% in 2010 - compared with a growth of 1.9% for the apparel market as a whole and an increase of 2.9% for women's apparel. Sales of tailored clothing, such as suits and jackets, grew by 30% in the three months through February 2011.
With the holidays upon us, dress clothing would make a practical as well as an aesthetic Christmas gift for those loved ones on your list. At FL Crooks & Co, we feature a wide assortment of suits in a wide range of prices, beginning at $299. Some of our top lines include Tallia (established in 1893), Hart Schaffner Marx (since 1887), Joseph Abboud, Daniel Hechter and Calvin Klein.
Jim Crooks stated that "the most popular style of suit at the moment is the 2-button double side vent." He added that many people continue to wear the 3 button suit as well. As far as color is concerned, darks continue to be the predomint choice among customers. Navy is coming on strong. Charcoal is often chosen for its versatility. Pin stripes are ever popular.
In addition to the front button closing and the color, other factors to consider when purchasing a suit are whether one prefers flat front or pleated pants and a straight hem or cuffs for the pants.
To go along with your suit purchase, FL Crooks & Co carries Forsyth of Canada dress shirts, made of 100% cotton 80's 2-ply pinpoint oxford cloth. These shirts are wrinkle free and require no ironing.
Accessories to complement the suit and shirt include Brighton belts which range in price from $30 to $90 and an unbeatable assortment of ties. Some tie lines at FL Crooks & Co include Ike Behar, Hart Schaffner Marx and Private Stock. Prices range from $18 to $98.
Our son had a recent job interview, and his dad offered the following advice:"Wear a suit -- shine your shoes -- smile -- give a firm hand shake and look them right in the eye... Pay attention to your shirt and tie -- it makes you look older if you wear a tie and a good fitting suit!"
An awesome suit, a fabulous dress shirt, a remarkable belt, a terrific tie - you can find them all at FL Crooks & Co - where you never looked so good!
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmastide!
"Look forward and be hopeful.
Look backward and be thankful.
Look downward and be helpful.
Look upward and be humble." - Esther Ann Asch
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
October 2011
"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." -Vince Lombardi, America football coach
We won! FL Crooks has been named the NorthEast Regional winner in a window contest sponsored by The North Face company. One of our staff members, Ben, heard about the contest and our design team headed by Karl soon went to work designing and creating the award-winning display window. The window featured a family, dressed in The North Face apparel, holding kites, ready to take off with the glowing effervescense of strobe lights. Our entire staff received a The North Face Venture jacket. And we're looking forward to a catered lunch as a reward for the winning effort. Kudos to adventurous Ben and talented Karl and our wonderful FL Crooks team!
We at FL Crooks & Co are proud to feature an extensive line of The North Face apparel and products in our inventory for Toddlers, Boys, Girls, Women and Men. The design and quality of The North Face products are top-notch in substance and style. The vibrant colors sing the song of the great outdoors. When we celebrate the 40 years of innovation and exploration of The North Face company, we acknowledge a healthy respect for nature and that it is in the outdoors where character and confidence and clear minds are developed.
Formed in 1966 by two hiking enthusiasts from San Francisco, The North Face company is named for the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain. Moving to the Berkeley area two years later, The North Face company began designing and manufacturing their own brand of technical mountaineering apparel and equipment. By the early 80's, The North Face company entered the ski world, and the 90's saw the launch of Tekware for rock climbers and back packers. The half dome logo proudly promotes The North Face mantra - Never Stop Exploring.
Do take a look at The North Face inventory that is available at and through FL Crooks & Co - Where You Never Looked So Good!
We won! FL Crooks has been named the NorthEast Regional winner in a window contest sponsored by The North Face company. One of our staff members, Ben, heard about the contest and our design team headed by Karl soon went to work designing and creating the award-winning display window. The window featured a family, dressed in The North Face apparel, holding kites, ready to take off with the glowing effervescense of strobe lights. Our entire staff received a The North Face Venture jacket. And we're looking forward to a catered lunch as a reward for the winning effort. Kudos to adventurous Ben and talented Karl and our wonderful FL Crooks team!
We at FL Crooks & Co are proud to feature an extensive line of The North Face apparel and products in our inventory for Toddlers, Boys, Girls, Women and Men. The design and quality of The North Face products are top-notch in substance and style. The vibrant colors sing the song of the great outdoors. When we celebrate the 40 years of innovation and exploration of The North Face company, we acknowledge a healthy respect for nature and that it is in the outdoors where character and confidence and clear minds are developed.
Formed in 1966 by two hiking enthusiasts from San Francisco, The North Face company is named for the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain. Moving to the Berkeley area two years later, The North Face company began designing and manufacturing their own brand of technical mountaineering apparel and equipment. By the early 80's, The North Face company entered the ski world, and the 90's saw the launch of Tekware for rock climbers and back packers. The half dome logo proudly promotes The North Face mantra - Never Stop Exploring.
Do take a look at The North Face inventory that is available at and through FL Crooks & Co - Where You Never Looked So Good!
Friday, August 26, 2011
I, Too, Love Autumn!
"I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its leaves are a little yellow, its tone mellower, its colors richer, and it is tinged a little with sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor of the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and is content." -Lin Yutang
Ah, I, too, love autumn! The vibrant colors, the lush textures and warm fabrics celebrate the season in grand style. According to Brandon Holley, the Editor in Chief of Lucky magazine, the "overriding message this fall is not girly, cutesy or frilly...the look is womanly, mature and tasteful." Metallic sheens, sensational stripes, and animal prints are once again moving to the forefront. Tammy from FL Crooks & Co looks forward to the loose and silky effects, the high waisted pants, and the real jewel tone colors of the season.
What's new for Fall 2011 at FL Crooks & Co? For starters, how about UGG boots for children, in 6 different styles. After a brief hiatus, 525 America is back. We have 525 America sweaters in 3 styles - V-neck, turtleneck, and crew neck - in a variety of colors, priced under $50. The North Face for women and girls has been moved to the back of the women's store while the Men and Boys The North Face continue to occupy its former space. Formerly known as Cloud Nine by Tresics, the brand is now know as Tresics Femme. Michael Stars features some new looks including the off shoulder dolman sleeves, the funnel neck, and the poor boy ribbed long sleeve turtlenecks. Miss Me has some fun, embellished tops. The faux fur vests and coats by BB Dakota add to the lustre of the season. We are offering some Margaret M leggings to go along with our assortment of this fine trouser line for women.
The men are excited about the Thomas Dean spread collar shirt in various prints and stripes. Men continue to rave about Haupt shirts, more beautiful than ever! We have the LEVI 527 in a new wash, 0191, Light Blue also know as Field Light. Moreover, we are now carrying the LEVI 559, the Relaxed Straight Leg Jean in Dark Blue (Blue Frost) and the LEVI 569, the Loose Straight Leg Jean in Dark Blue (Open Rigid).
My hefty Vogue magazine arrived yesterday announcing "Something for Everyone! - 758 pages - The Fall Fashion Extravaganza." And that's the way it is here at FL Crooks & Co. Something for everyone - For inspiring fashion - FL Crooks & Co - where you never looked so good!
Ah, I, too, love autumn! The vibrant colors, the lush textures and warm fabrics celebrate the season in grand style. According to Brandon Holley, the Editor in Chief of Lucky magazine, the "overriding message this fall is not girly, cutesy or frilly...the look is womanly, mature and tasteful." Metallic sheens, sensational stripes, and animal prints are once again moving to the forefront. Tammy from FL Crooks & Co looks forward to the loose and silky effects, the high waisted pants, and the real jewel tone colors of the season.
What's new for Fall 2011 at FL Crooks & Co? For starters, how about UGG boots for children, in 6 different styles. After a brief hiatus, 525 America is back. We have 525 America sweaters in 3 styles - V-neck, turtleneck, and crew neck - in a variety of colors, priced under $50. The North Face for women and girls has been moved to the back of the women's store while the Men and Boys The North Face continue to occupy its former space. Formerly known as Cloud Nine by Tresics, the brand is now know as Tresics Femme. Michael Stars features some new looks including the off shoulder dolman sleeves, the funnel neck, and the poor boy ribbed long sleeve turtlenecks. Miss Me has some fun, embellished tops. The faux fur vests and coats by BB Dakota add to the lustre of the season. We are offering some Margaret M leggings to go along with our assortment of this fine trouser line for women.
The men are excited about the Thomas Dean spread collar shirt in various prints and stripes. Men continue to rave about Haupt shirts, more beautiful than ever! We have the LEVI 527 in a new wash, 0191, Light Blue also know as Field Light. Moreover, we are now carrying the LEVI 559, the Relaxed Straight Leg Jean in Dark Blue (Blue Frost) and the LEVI 569, the Loose Straight Leg Jean in Dark Blue (Open Rigid).
My hefty Vogue magazine arrived yesterday announcing "Something for Everyone! - 758 pages - The Fall Fashion Extravaganza." And that's the way it is here at FL Crooks & Co. Something for everyone - For inspiring fashion - FL Crooks & Co - where you never looked so good!
Monday, July 25, 2011
What goes up... July 2011
I was at a party when a friend accidentally spilled a drink on my chocolate colored top. She apologized high and low while I smiled and said with carefree abandon, "No worries. Don't give it another thought." I nearly exclaimed, "I only paid $12 for this Sugar Lips camisole", but I stopped myself. No need to divulge any secrets here.
Welcome to the era of the cute and trendy top that is super friendly to the wallet. Teri Agins in a recent Wall Street Journal article goes as far as to say that the "cheap top has become a fashion star". She goes on to point out that "tops have taken over the prime real estate on sales floors, upstaging dresses, jackets, pants and jeans." Easier to make than dresses and jackets and pants, tops are "tantalizing and cheap enough to buy on impulse". Agins recommends choosing tops made of jersey and cotton and avoiding those made of acrylic, which don't wear as well.
According to Shelda Harwell-Hale, vice president of Directives West of Los Angeles, "the top is the driving point of the business." She estimates five tops are made for every one bottom. A decade ago, there were "maybe three tops for every two bottoms manufactured." The top has truly become the fashionista's secret weapon.
Beautiful and colorful fashion tops on the floor of FL Crooks & Co include familiarly favorite lines like Michael Stars, Sugar Lips, Tresics and August Silk. Newer to the line-up are Colour Works, Ya, Renuar, Renee C., Alison Sheri, Tango Mango, Sno Skins, and Kische.
Although the economy is a tough one, tops offer a unique way to express one's individuality. Christian from the women's department here at FL Crooks & Co says that you will find yourself "doing things you never thought you would do, like mixing different prints in your top and bottom". For summer, she sees a lot of the nautical look in red, white and blue and color blocking - red shirts with blue jeans or yellow shirts with blue bottoms. Tried and true stripes are a wonderful look of the season as are the new slub tops and hash prints. The metallic look is big and makes a wonderful statement of fun for a festive evening.
Stop in to see a large selection of tops featured on the Penny Sale - buy one at regular price and get the second garment for a penny. It's all here - for your summer wardrobe needs - at FL Crooks & Co - where you never looked so good!
Welcome to the era of the cute and trendy top that is super friendly to the wallet. Teri Agins in a recent Wall Street Journal article goes as far as to say that the "cheap top has become a fashion star". She goes on to point out that "tops have taken over the prime real estate on sales floors, upstaging dresses, jackets, pants and jeans." Easier to make than dresses and jackets and pants, tops are "tantalizing and cheap enough to buy on impulse". Agins recommends choosing tops made of jersey and cotton and avoiding those made of acrylic, which don't wear as well.
According to Shelda Harwell-Hale, vice president of Directives West of Los Angeles, "the top is the driving point of the business." She estimates five tops are made for every one bottom. A decade ago, there were "maybe three tops for every two bottoms manufactured." The top has truly become the fashionista's secret weapon.
Beautiful and colorful fashion tops on the floor of FL Crooks & Co include familiarly favorite lines like Michael Stars, Sugar Lips, Tresics and August Silk. Newer to the line-up are Colour Works, Ya, Renuar, Renee C., Alison Sheri, Tango Mango, Sno Skins, and Kische.
Although the economy is a tough one, tops offer a unique way to express one's individuality. Christian from the women's department here at FL Crooks & Co says that you will find yourself "doing things you never thought you would do, like mixing different prints in your top and bottom". For summer, she sees a lot of the nautical look in red, white and blue and color blocking - red shirts with blue jeans or yellow shirts with blue bottoms. Tried and true stripes are a wonderful look of the season as are the new slub tops and hash prints. The metallic look is big and makes a wonderful statement of fun for a festive evening.
Stop in to see a large selection of tops featured on the Penny Sale - buy one at regular price and get the second garment for a penny. It's all here - for your summer wardrobe needs - at FL Crooks & Co - where you never looked so good!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Through the Years with FL Crooks & Co - June 2011
"Change is the essence of life" said Anatole France. Whether we embrace change or not, it truly is an inevitable part of life. We can certainly see change in the world of commerce, of shopping, in retail sales.
At FL Crooks & Co, we have going what can be referred to as a 'brick & click' establishment, the 'brick' referring to the actual physical presence of the building and the 'click' being our online presence - www.flcrooks.com.
Taking a look back, FL Crooks, our founder, started working as a boy for Arnold Brothers in the building at the intersection across from the Clarion County courthouse. He was industrious, well-liked and affable, and saved enough to start a pants store across the street when he was in his early 20's.
JM, his younger brother, sold goods to many general stores in the area with a horse and buggy in the early part of the 1900's, becoming FL's partner in the 1920's. JM then bought the store from FL in 1929. JM's sons, Paul and Donald, were involved with businesses in the Clarion area, while JM's son, Richard, operated a clothing store in Brookville. Donald's wife, Bernadette, added women's clothing and accessories to the Clarion clothing store in 1969. Donald and Bernadette's son, James, became an integral part of the retail establishment following his graduation from Clarion University.
A lovely new addition greatly expanded the space of the Clarion store in 1991.
Then, along came the internet technology to buy clothing with the 'click' of a finger. James' son, Nathan, developed a website for the store when in high school, and www.flcrooks.com became a viable force, enabling the store to have a national and world-wide presence, to complement our local sales.
Earlier this week, I received a call from a farmer in Dodge, Nebraska, who wanted to buy a few pairs of ALBERTO pants. "I thought that I would buy from you", he said, "because you have a 5-star rating and your business started in 1905. I thought that was a good combination and a place where I would enjoy doing business." He realized what a rarity a third generation family business is in this era.
Shipping for the internet department is handled through the US Post Office, as well as UPS and Fed Ex. Orders over $100 receive free shipping. Orders under $100 are $4.99. UPS Ground shipping will reach most of the areas in the eastern half of the US in only 1 or 2 days.
Embracing technology, embracing change - FL Crooks & Co - "Where You Have Never Looked So Good!"--
At FL Crooks & Co, we have going what can be referred to as a 'brick & click' establishment, the 'brick' referring to the actual physical presence of the building and the 'click' being our online presence - www.flcrooks.com.
Taking a look back, FL Crooks, our founder, started working as a boy for Arnold Brothers in the building at the intersection across from the Clarion County courthouse. He was industrious, well-liked and affable, and saved enough to start a pants store across the street when he was in his early 20's.
JM, his younger brother, sold goods to many general stores in the area with a horse and buggy in the early part of the 1900's, becoming FL's partner in the 1920's. JM then bought the store from FL in 1929. JM's sons, Paul and Donald, were involved with businesses in the Clarion area, while JM's son, Richard, operated a clothing store in Brookville. Donald's wife, Bernadette, added women's clothing and accessories to the Clarion clothing store in 1969. Donald and Bernadette's son, James, became an integral part of the retail establishment following his graduation from Clarion University.
A lovely new addition greatly expanded the space of the Clarion store in 1991.
Then, along came the internet technology to buy clothing with the 'click' of a finger. James' son, Nathan, developed a website for the store when in high school, and www.flcrooks.com became a viable force, enabling the store to have a national and world-wide presence, to complement our local sales.
Earlier this week, I received a call from a farmer in Dodge, Nebraska, who wanted to buy a few pairs of ALBERTO pants. "I thought that I would buy from you", he said, "because you have a 5-star rating and your business started in 1905. I thought that was a good combination and a place where I would enjoy doing business." He realized what a rarity a third generation family business is in this era.
Shipping for the internet department is handled through the US Post Office, as well as UPS and Fed Ex. Orders over $100 receive free shipping. Orders under $100 are $4.99. UPS Ground shipping will reach most of the areas in the eastern half of the US in only 1 or 2 days.
Embracing technology, embracing change - FL Crooks & Co - "Where You Have Never Looked So Good!"--
Forever in Blue Jeans - May 2011
A few years ago, there was a wonderful story on the morning news program Good Morning America. Diane Sawyer traveled the world over and talked with 13-year old girls in many different countries. Naturally, there were many cultural differences between these young women. But one definitive common denominator among the girls was how fond they were of their jeans. Blue jeans, it would appear, truly do make a definitive statement about the person wearing them!
FL Crooks & Co is denim-friendly and denim-strong and ready to meet your denim needs to help you make your own personal fashion statements! On the women's side of the store, our favorites include the following companies: Miss Me, Mavi, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, and Joe's Jeans. Miss Me is all about embellishment; it's full of novelty and fun. Mavi jeans feature clean, straight lines and feature incredibly good fits. They are known for a terrific variety of different washes. Not Your Daughter's Jeans also has many different washes and come in Petite sizes as well. NYDJ's claim to fame is that while wearing these jeans, one looks to be a size smaller! The sizes range from 0 - 18. Joe's Jeans come in Petite sizes as well. They are ultra-contemporary and a high fashion fit. Commenting on whether to wear straight or flair jeans, Darla from the Women's Division of FL Crooks & Co states, "Basically anything goes, but the fashion forecast is leaning toward a strong showing of the flare leg. It's making a strong come-back!. But women are wearing what looks the best on them."
As far as the men's fashion world is concerned, Silver is a contemporary line of jeans with a very up-dated look. Mavi features a fit for every size and has great washes. Heritage 34 is a man's fit and features stretch in the fabric.
How does one care for those cherished jeans in one's wardrobe. According to Carl Chiara, director of brand concepts and special projects for Levi Strauss & Co., the secret is this - rarely wash them! Mr. Chiara, who says he wears jeans every day for both work and play states that "the less people wash their jeans, the better their jeans become. Denim really does shape to people's bodies, and when you wash a jean you lose some of that shape."
To wash jeans Darla recommends turning the jeans inside out and washing them in cold water. She then places the jeans in the dryer for 10 minutes to loosen and get out any wrinkles, and then hang dryes them.
If it's sunny out, Mr. Chiara sometimes likes to wear the jeans when they're "almost completely dry" and sit in the sun. "This final phase of drying them out on my body helps the jeans take on my shape," he says.
Do come in and check out the awesome denim selection at FL Crooks & Co. Whatever age you may be, denim is here to stay!
FL Crooks & Co is denim-friendly and denim-strong and ready to meet your denim needs to help you make your own personal fashion statements! On the women's side of the store, our favorites include the following companies: Miss Me, Mavi, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, and Joe's Jeans. Miss Me is all about embellishment; it's full of novelty and fun. Mavi jeans feature clean, straight lines and feature incredibly good fits. They are known for a terrific variety of different washes. Not Your Daughter's Jeans also has many different washes and come in Petite sizes as well. NYDJ's claim to fame is that while wearing these jeans, one looks to be a size smaller! The sizes range from 0 - 18. Joe's Jeans come in Petite sizes as well. They are ultra-contemporary and a high fashion fit. Commenting on whether to wear straight or flair jeans, Darla from the Women's Division of FL Crooks & Co states, "Basically anything goes, but the fashion forecast is leaning toward a strong showing of the flare leg. It's making a strong come-back!. But women are wearing what looks the best on them."
As far as the men's fashion world is concerned, Silver is a contemporary line of jeans with a very up-dated look. Mavi features a fit for every size and has great washes. Heritage 34 is a man's fit and features stretch in the fabric.
How does one care for those cherished jeans in one's wardrobe. According to Carl Chiara, director of brand concepts and special projects for Levi Strauss & Co., the secret is this - rarely wash them! Mr. Chiara, who says he wears jeans every day for both work and play states that "the less people wash their jeans, the better their jeans become. Denim really does shape to people's bodies, and when you wash a jean you lose some of that shape."
To wash jeans Darla recommends turning the jeans inside out and washing them in cold water. She then places the jeans in the dryer for 10 minutes to loosen and get out any wrinkles, and then hang dryes them.
If it's sunny out, Mr. Chiara sometimes likes to wear the jeans when they're "almost completely dry" and sit in the sun. "This final phase of drying them out on my body helps the jeans take on my shape," he says.
Do come in and check out the awesome denim selection at FL Crooks & Co. Whatever age you may be, denim is here to stay!
Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes - April 2011
Name 3 good places to put your hard-earned money. Because you spend so much time there, how about the tires on your car, the mattress on your bed, and the SHOES on your feet! Yes, the shoes on your feet are an excellent investment in you and a great place to put your money.
Now that spring has arrived, stop in to FL Crooks & Co in downtown Clarion for a tune-up of your shoes. There's no better time.
According to Jim from the Men's Division of FL Crooks & Co, "We just have the best line-up of shoes ever!"
For men, the newest line, Olukai from Hawaii, features three styles with a heel cup that folds down so that your foot can slip right into it. This line is casual and incredibly comfortable!
In fact, comfort is what it's all about for Spring 2011. According to Crooks, 'If you put on a Johnston & Murphy dress shoe, it feels like an athletic shoe that you could go jogging in!" Check out the line Auri which FL Crooks & Co is carrying for the second season. This line personifies where comfort truly meets fashion. Their boots are becoming ultra-popular too.
Merrell continues to be a big one, really key in the market, and a stong-seller. Timberland in another favorite - quality craftmanship and great value. Fratelli, an Italian line, new for Spring 2011, features an all-leather handmade moccasin.
On the women's side, for the active girl, Jambu cannot be beaten for its comfort and durability. This shoe is fabulous if you do a lot of walking. The active lifestyle is also conducive to Merrell, Keen, and Teva. NAOT and DANSKO continue to be strong sellers. For the "artsy" woman, the folk-art lover, FL Crooks & Co carries a nice selection of Birkenstock's and Birki's. Kenneth Cole shoes are wonderful dress shoes - substance and style. UGG sandals range in price from $30 to $90. With clogs and the 70's look gaining in popularity, the Timberland line of shoes is shining brightly for women, a wonderful addition to FL Crooks & Co outstanding collection of footwear.
Perhaps, the brightest star is the Olukai line of sandals from Hawaii, premium footwear with modern designs, technical shapes, and rich materials. The foot bed shapes feature anatomically engineered designs.
Crooks invites you to come to FL Crooks & Co to have your foot measured to be fitted properly. He states, "70% of the people I see are wearing their shoes too short." He points out that the foot expands length wise as you walk, even up to a half of an inch, and you must have adequate length.
Moreover, we may have a tentency to hang on to our shoe for too long. We hang onto our favorites past their prime at our peril. "The shoe wears out in the area where we overload it, so the part where you need the most support isn't there," said Minneapolis podiatrist Paul Langer, clinical professor at the University of Minnesota. "A worn shoe can exaggerate the biomechanical faults you already have," Langer siad. A loss of support and cushioning can cause shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, knee pain and plantar fasciitis, a common form of heel pain. As a shoe's sole and heel wear down unevenly, the likelihood of twisting an ankle increases. In severe cases, old shoes can cause stress fractures, Langer said.
Stop in to FL Crooks & Co, or visit us on-line: you will have over 2,500 pair of shoes from which to choose. Spring has arrived, and it's a wonderful time to invest in a new pair or two of shoes for you. FL Crooks & Co of Clarion will look forward to seeing you!
Now that spring has arrived, stop in to FL Crooks & Co in downtown Clarion for a tune-up of your shoes. There's no better time.
According to Jim from the Men's Division of FL Crooks & Co, "We just have the best line-up of shoes ever!"
For men, the newest line, Olukai from Hawaii, features three styles with a heel cup that folds down so that your foot can slip right into it. This line is casual and incredibly comfortable!
In fact, comfort is what it's all about for Spring 2011. According to Crooks, 'If you put on a Johnston & Murphy dress shoe, it feels like an athletic shoe that you could go jogging in!" Check out the line Auri which FL Crooks & Co is carrying for the second season. This line personifies where comfort truly meets fashion. Their boots are becoming ultra-popular too.
Merrell continues to be a big one, really key in the market, and a stong-seller. Timberland in another favorite - quality craftmanship and great value. Fratelli, an Italian line, new for Spring 2011, features an all-leather handmade moccasin.
On the women's side, for the active girl, Jambu cannot be beaten for its comfort and durability. This shoe is fabulous if you do a lot of walking. The active lifestyle is also conducive to Merrell, Keen, and Teva. NAOT and DANSKO continue to be strong sellers. For the "artsy" woman, the folk-art lover, FL Crooks & Co carries a nice selection of Birkenstock's and Birki's. Kenneth Cole shoes are wonderful dress shoes - substance and style. UGG sandals range in price from $30 to $90. With clogs and the 70's look gaining in popularity, the Timberland line of shoes is shining brightly for women, a wonderful addition to FL Crooks & Co outstanding collection of footwear.
Perhaps, the brightest star is the Olukai line of sandals from Hawaii, premium footwear with modern designs, technical shapes, and rich materials. The foot bed shapes feature anatomically engineered designs.
Crooks invites you to come to FL Crooks & Co to have your foot measured to be fitted properly. He states, "70% of the people I see are wearing their shoes too short." He points out that the foot expands length wise as you walk, even up to a half of an inch, and you must have adequate length.
Moreover, we may have a tentency to hang on to our shoe for too long. We hang onto our favorites past their prime at our peril. "The shoe wears out in the area where we overload it, so the part where you need the most support isn't there," said Minneapolis podiatrist Paul Langer, clinical professor at the University of Minnesota. "A worn shoe can exaggerate the biomechanical faults you already have," Langer siad. A loss of support and cushioning can cause shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, knee pain and plantar fasciitis, a common form of heel pain. As a shoe's sole and heel wear down unevenly, the likelihood of twisting an ankle increases. In severe cases, old shoes can cause stress fractures, Langer said.
Stop in to FL Crooks & Co, or visit us on-line: you will have over 2,500 pair of shoes from which to choose. Spring has arrived, and it's a wonderful time to invest in a new pair or two of shoes for you. FL Crooks & Co of Clarion will look forward to seeing you!
The First Sign of Spring - March 2011
What is the first sign of spring for you? Is it when you see the red, red robin come bob-bob-bobbin' along? Or could it be hearing the bright chipper sound of the spring peepers?
Or perhaps the luscious colors on display in stores tell you that winter is on the way out and spring is being ushered in - wholeheartedly!
A few years ago, while career exploring my son discovered a website called colorwize.com. After choosing from a series of colored balls, it was determined which careers were right for you. Surprisingly, the results did indeed suit the interests and careers of many who took the 10-minute test. Our color preferences tell much about us.
Colors give us a chance to express our individuality and our creativity. Tangerine pants, mango sweaters, cherry-red suits, a lemon-yellow bag - these vibrant colors pack zest into the long-awaited-for spring.
Try various color combinations for added fun. Did you ever notice how well a magenta jacket pairs with a navy scarf? What about a bright orange top coupled with turquoise accessories? Royal purple and emerald green can go together well. White & Khaki, White & Purple, White & Red - simply sensational!
Stop in to FL Crooks & Co to check out the colors of the season. We have Sugar Lips Tank Tops in over 30 yummy colors. Neon shades and Tie-Dyed tank tops are available too. Moreover, we just received a shipment of gorgeous Kersh sweaters in that sing the song of spring. Tresics tops have become a real favorite or our valued customers. Several new lines, including Renuar, Ya, Alison Sheri, and Jack are selling well.
Darla, from the Women's division of FL Crooks & Co, likes to remind everyone - "Always keep in mind that the best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you!"
A favorite poet of mine, Emily Dickinson, wrote a wonderful poem to celebrate the colors of the season:
A slash of Blue-
A sweep of Gray-
Some scarlet patches on the way,
Compose an Evening Sky-
A little purple - slipped between-
Some Ruby Trousers hurried on-
A Wave of Gold-
A Bank of Day-
This just makes out the Morning Sky.
Concerning color, Adam Glassman, from O, The Oprah Magazine says for Spring 2011, "I'm seeing tons of happy, saturated shades - fuchsia, teal, yellow. You can combine contrasting brights... or wear one color in different hues. Anything coral or orange is especially fresh."
To keep in mind:
- Orange, red, and pink look good on everyone. Fair-skinned women look best in warm, rosy tones. Yellow is tough to wear next to your face unless you have dark skin or hair.
- For day, wake up neutral clothes with a vivid shoe or handbag. After hours, pair colorful clothes with metallic accessories.
- Start by adding one bold thing - put a green belt with denim.
- Grey, khaki, and white especially help unite diverse shades.
- Patterned heels or a matches-nothing handbag give an otherwise simple outfit some great personality!
For the colors of and in your life, check out FL Crooks & Co!
Or perhaps the luscious colors on display in stores tell you that winter is on the way out and spring is being ushered in - wholeheartedly!
A few years ago, while career exploring my son discovered a website called colorwize.com. After choosing from a series of colored balls, it was determined which careers were right for you. Surprisingly, the results did indeed suit the interests and careers of many who took the 10-minute test. Our color preferences tell much about us.
Colors give us a chance to express our individuality and our creativity. Tangerine pants, mango sweaters, cherry-red suits, a lemon-yellow bag - these vibrant colors pack zest into the long-awaited-for spring.
Try various color combinations for added fun. Did you ever notice how well a magenta jacket pairs with a navy scarf? What about a bright orange top coupled with turquoise accessories? Royal purple and emerald green can go together well. White & Khaki, White & Purple, White & Red - simply sensational!
Stop in to FL Crooks & Co to check out the colors of the season. We have Sugar Lips Tank Tops in over 30 yummy colors. Neon shades and Tie-Dyed tank tops are available too. Moreover, we just received a shipment of gorgeous Kersh sweaters in that sing the song of spring. Tresics tops have become a real favorite or our valued customers. Several new lines, including Renuar, Ya, Alison Sheri, and Jack are selling well.
Darla, from the Women's division of FL Crooks & Co, likes to remind everyone - "Always keep in mind that the best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you!"
A favorite poet of mine, Emily Dickinson, wrote a wonderful poem to celebrate the colors of the season:
A slash of Blue-
A sweep of Gray-
Some scarlet patches on the way,
Compose an Evening Sky-
A little purple - slipped between-
Some Ruby Trousers hurried on-
A Wave of Gold-
A Bank of Day-
This just makes out the Morning Sky.
Concerning color, Adam Glassman, from O, The Oprah Magazine says for Spring 2011, "I'm seeing tons of happy, saturated shades - fuchsia, teal, yellow. You can combine contrasting brights... or wear one color in different hues. Anything coral or orange is especially fresh."
To keep in mind:
- Orange, red, and pink look good on everyone. Fair-skinned women look best in warm, rosy tones. Yellow is tough to wear next to your face unless you have dark skin or hair.
- For day, wake up neutral clothes with a vivid shoe or handbag. After hours, pair colorful clothes with metallic accessories.
- Start by adding one bold thing - put a green belt with denim.
- Grey, khaki, and white especially help unite diverse shades.
- Patterned heels or a matches-nothing handbag give an otherwise simple outfit some great personality!
For the colors of and in your life, check out FL Crooks & Co!
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