elen and tuka logo
Summer Sun Robert Louis Stevenson 1850-1894
Great is the sun, and wide he goes
Through empty heaven with repose;
And in the blue and glowing days
More thick than rain he showers his rays.

Though closer still the blinds we pull
To keep the shady parlour cool,
Yet he will find a chink or two
To slip his golden fingers through.

The dusty attic spider-clad
He, through the keyhole, maketh glad;
And through the broken edge of tiles
Into the laddered hay-loft smiles.

Meantime his golden face around
He bares to all the garden ground,
And sheds a warm and glittering look
Among the ivy's inmost nook.

Above the hills, along the blue,
Round the bright air with footing true,
To please the child, to paint the rose,
The gardener of the World, he goes.
                       

May 2012

MAY. Spring is finally here in all its glory. After several days of wonderful, gentle rain, the woods and fields are green and full of spring flowers. I see busy gardeners everywhere and forget it if you want to get in and out quickly from a nursery or garden center! But what joy in these mild, sunny days - the weather is almost sinful to be so easy. We need to soak it up now to remember in the hot days ahead!

We went to yet one more Accessories The Show in New York City for the fall and winter showing. Lots of chunky, clunky jewelry everywhere, scarves with jewels attached, high platform-type heels, and still the big top/small bottom styles of tights and shirts. Tie-dye seems to be returning in a not-so-flashy style: gradual shades of color in soft pastels. Lots of mix-and-match prints and solids, lots of texture. It will be interesting to see what develops. The next show (and the last until July) is Fashions a La Mode in Atlantic City and we are heading there next week, hoping to find clothing and other items to fill in our collection. We have some new, lovely festive coats and jackets, but still are looking for those versatile separates in natural fabrics to stretch your wardrobe.

We will be showing our new and classic items THIS WEEKEND! at the MUM show at the Agri-Plex in Allentown. (see schedule below), but don't forget, if you want to see any of our merchandise in a private showing, just email us to set up an appointment. We also can create a fun fashion party for you and your friends, featuring wardrobe advice and how to accessorize. We will be adding the latest merchandise to our slide show as we get it in. Meanwhile, this link will show you what we currently have in stock. Click here

Updated fashion news from our industry newsletter

• Fedora Hats Top off your look this season with a fedora hat. Designers incorporate their own spin on this classic accessory, making it appropriate for any occasion.
• This fall exotics become more, well, exotic, as designers introduce colored snake, python, crocodile and dragon skin to accessories. The bold splashes of color paired with the exotics make a strong fashion statement.
• Tortoise This fall tortoise resurfaces as a leading trend in accessories. Designers use this blend of browns and black in jewelry, eyewear and hair goods.
• Color Oxblood Fall fashion will get your blood pumping with the color trend of oxblood. This deep red hue embodies hints of brown, making it more demure and versatile than traditional red
• Menswear Prints The boys are back in town and making quite a statement in accessories. This fall designers find inspiration in menswear prints, adding unique tweed, houndstooth and gingham prints to shoes, hats, scarves, jewelry and handbags
• Collar Necklaces Don’t let your fashion frustration get you hot under the collar. This fall the key to a great outfit takes the form of a collar necklace.

photo of tuka wearing a sari

Tuka update . Tuka's daughter is arriving from England this weekend to be in a close friend's wedding. She and her British husband make their home in England, but, like Tuka, daughter Joy is a globe-trotter touring from Hong Kong to Iceland. The couple usual visits “home” in November for Thanksgiving, another special occasion. Tuka herself is currently occupied with gardening and decorating her home for spring. Tuka's children's book, When the Shadbush Blooms continues to be used for multicultural children's programs and ESL classes. Click here to read more on Shadbush. Tuka's Web site As always, Tuka is available and happy to give fashion consultations on stretching your clothing dollar.

dividing bar
Our Schedule for 2012
Elen and Tuka's 2012
Show Schedule
Show Dates and Hours Place Address City Directions  Description
9th Spring Spiritual Holistic Expo Sat. May 19 and Sun. May 20
10 am - 7 pm (6 pm Sun.)
Agri-Plex (Ag Hall) Allentown Fairgrounds 17th and Chew Sts. Allentown, PA 18104 Directions The Expo that Opened Another Door!
Belly Dance Time Machine Saturday, June 2, 2012
7 - 10pm
Third Street Alliance 41 N. 3rd St. Easton, PA 18042 Directions Embers and Emeralds Troupe
Divine Light Holistic Expo Sat. June 23 and Sun. June 24
10 am - 6 pm (5 pm Sun.)
Gilbertsville Fire Co. #1 1454 E. Philadelphia Ave. (Rte. 73) Gilbertsville, PA 19525 Directions Spiritual and Holistic Expo. Admission $5.
20th Fall Spiritual Holistic Expo Sat. Sept. 15 and Sun. Sept. 16
10 am - 7 pm (6 pm Sun.)
Agri-Plex (Ag Hall) Allentown Fairgrounds 17th and Chew Sts. Allentown, PA 18104 Directions The Expo that Opened the Door!
Inner Light Holistic Expo Sat. Nov. 3 and Sun. Nov. 4
10 am - 5 pm
Sunnybrook Ballroom 50 Sunnybrook Road Pottstown PA 19464 Directions Spiritual and Holistic Expo.