Where The WHY Louisville Tee Shirts Are

There's nothing better than a well lit, well composed photo of Max Records, star of the feature film Where The Wild Things Are, wearing one of WHY Louisville's exclusive Robot Kids' Shirts--especially if that photo is taken by none other than the film's director, Spike Jonze.

Unfortunately, we don't have a photo like that.

What we do have is a blurry, back-lit photo of Max's little brother Sam wearing a Robot Kids' Shirt taken by none other than director Spike Jonze himself. (Don't worry. What Spike lacks in cell phone camera photography skills he more than compensates for in film directing skills.) Getting Spike Jonze's own amateur photo of Max Records' little brother in a WHY Louisville tee is second best. But according to the LEO Weekly Reader's Poll of 2009, so is WHY Louisville! So here's to being a silver medal winner, Sam!

Spike's photo of Sam and Max comes to us thanks to the folks behind We Love You So--a blog highlighting some of the Wild Things encountered by the crew of Where The Wild Things Are during production of the film.

Build Your Lomo Arsenal

The next time Louisville gets a Big Snow, you know you're gonna want to fill your Facebook page with picture after picture of dreamy winterscapes. You could use the new fancy-pants digital you got from Santa, but why not take some shots with something a little different this Winter? How about a re-issue of a classic film camera from the late 20th century? WHY Louisville has a wide selection of Lomography cameras and film in stock. We've got Red and CMY Holgas, Diana F+s, Diana Minis, and even the Diana F+ Qing Hua. Be the envy of your Facebook news feed the next time Old Man Winter unleashes his worst upon the Derby City.

An Open Letter To Kathleen Lolley

Oh, nationally renown Louisville-based artist Kathleen Lolley. Is there any holiday you can't conquer with your whimsy? You've already stunned and delighted us with your Lolley Land window display during Halloween. Now you've gone and turned Christmas into a Burton-esque dreamscape of nightmarish wonder.

Just look at what you've wrought upon the holidays this time:



A beautifully hand-crafted, limited edition Strawberry and Bee Christmas Tree Ornament. The anthropomorphic bee creature on the front is obviously up to no good and should be kept far away from innocent people's Christmas presents. On the back side of his strawberry home are a couple of bee minions on their way to do his dirty work. Gosh dang, Kathleen Lolley. The ornaments are adorable, captivating, and irresistible. And since they're only $25, no Christmas tree will be safe from your magic! How DO you do it?



As if the ornaments weren't enough, you had to go and make some amazing holiday cards, too. It's well known that more and more people are befriending and giving holiday gifts to Yetis this year, so obviously you jumped at the chance to make your "Friends With A Yeti" card as widely available as possible. It's as if you knew that I, personally, have an uncle who is a lovable Tree Being, and I'm always looking for the right way to wish him a happy Hanukkah. I really have no choice but to send him your "Owl & Tree Hug" card. And how did you know that my sister constantly has an owl friend perched upon her right shoulder? How can she resist your "Happy Holidays" card that features none other than an owl perched upon a girl's right shoulder? Truly you are a warden of magical beasts.

The most maniacal part of your whole plan is that your ornaments and cards, as well as your T-shirts, pillows, and other accessories, are conveniently available at WHY Louisville. Hell, most of them can even be ordered online. Like the Grinch before you, surely you will not be satisfied until you've either conquered Christmas or the Whos down in Whoville have made your heart grow three sizes.

Stellar Sweets: They'll Do In A Pinch

"Okay, just one more store and we're done shopping for the day," she said.

"You've been telling me that all weekend! I've been carrying your bags since the crack of dawn on Friday morning, and my legs hurt, and I would kill for something to eat. We better make this stop a quick one."

"I carried your son in my womb for nine months!" she retorted. "The least you can do is carry some Christmas gifts down Bardstown Road for an afternoon!"

She had me there. But man, was I hungry. We walked into WHY Louisville and my spirits drifted even lower. So many things! So many cute things! My wife will spend no less than all afternoon in this store, I thought. I'd give anything for a piece of chocolate right now. I wandered over to the checkout counter in hopes of sending her that "hurry up, woman" signal. My eyes passed over the jewelry case and the curiosities on display behind the counter, but all I could think about was my alarming hunger.

But what luck! There on the counter sat the answer to my prayers. Locally made Fleur-de-Lis chocolates and chocolate owl suckers from Stellar Sweets! Each one was handsomely wrapped, beckoning me. There were dark chocolate, white chocolate, even orange chocolate Fleur-de-Lis! And I could swear the little owl sucker winked at me. I immediately grabbed one of each and thrust them at the clerk. "You've saved my life!" I exclaimed as I handed over my money. Locally made, and only $2.50 and $2 each! They gave me just the energy I needed to survive the rest of the afternoon. And just in the nick of time--my wife had discovered the onesies. There was no way we were getting out of there any time soon.

Chocolates by Stellar Sweets:

• Stellar Sweets is Louisville owned and operated and uses high quality, local, and some organic ingredients for all baked goods
• Chocolate Fleur-de-Lis come in dark chocolate, white chocolate, and orange chocolate varieties and are individually wrapped for $2.00 apiece
• Chocolate Owl Suckers are individually wrapped and are $2.50

Keep Your Friends Close And Your Owls Closer

These flashy little owl friends flew all the way from exotic climates for the express purpose of getting very, very close to you. The 28" Copper Metal Hinged Owl Pendant Necklace is particularly interested in clinging to your chest and greeting your friends and neighbors with his black bead eyes. His segmented body is 2½ inches of die cast copper and he hangs from a copper metal link chain. He can become your very close personal companion for a mere $22.

And he has friends.

Silver and Gold Metal & Rhinestone Owl Rings flew in from the same latitudes as their necklace buddy and they're equally as excited to begin being your personal fashion trademark. Each inch-wide ring is covered in eye-catching rhinestones. For $15 apiece, you could very well display an entire owl colony from your own two hands.

We've got these owl guys and a lot more new jewelry items down in the storefront. Come feast your eyes upon mustache, deer, and octopus necklaces, just to name a few.

Flasks and Coffee Mugs: Two Peas in a Drunken Pod

If you've looked at your calendar lately, you may have noticed that Thanksgiving is in three days and the 2009 Holiday Shopping Season is to follow immediately after that. I don't know about you, but I think that sort of combination calls for a little drink. And not the "celebratory Happy Hour cocktail" kind of little drink. I'm talking about the first-thing-in-the-morning, dear-Lord-how-do-I-make-it-to-January kind of drink. But why on Earth would I want to use last year's played out flask-and-mug combination to make my highly coveted Hair Of The Dog Special?

Thank The Maker! Now I can head to WHY Louisville and pick up an all new Fleur-de-Lis Flask and "Coffee Tastes Better In Louisville" mug. The flask is made of high quality stainless steel, the mug is made of environmentally friendly US corn plastic, and they're both under sixteen bucks. That leaves me enough cash to head to Old Town Liquors and pick up some of my favorite "non-dairy creamer."

"Coffee Tastes Better In Louisville" Mug - $12.99

* Jumbo size 16oz mug
* Made from 100% US Corn Plastic
* Microwave safe, hand-wash recommended

Fleur-de-Lis Flask - $15.99

* 6oz stainless steel
* Double wall insulation
* attached screw-on lid

A Stamp Set For The Rest Of Us

Say, friend. Do you often dream of the glory and adulation so lavishly bestowed upon talented artists? Do you, too, want to feel the tingle of joy when someone says, "Hey, that's a fine looking cityscape you drew, there", or even, "Hey, that's a fine looking Winter wonderland you drew there." Are you afraid you'll never hear those tender words because you lack even the slightest degree of artistic talent?

Well, we can meet you half way.

New at WHY Louisville are these awesome stamp sets from Yellow Owl Workshop. No talent is required to create a beautiful cityscape scene complete with financial sector, city park, and residential neighborhood. Or perhaps you'd like to be known for your lush Wintery landscapes, adorned with Alpine mountains and realistic wildlife. Create your own (quite limited) artistic niche with a little help from the art of block printing.

• Each stamp set comes with five stamps made from reclaimed maple and natural rubber
• Beautifully packaged in a hand-finished birch box
• Winterscape and Cityscape sets are only $29.99!

Like what Yellow Owl has to offer? Be sure to stop in and check out our assortment of Yellow Owl cards and paper goods.

Fleur-de-Lis Necklaces in Assorted Colors (Not Edible)

We're now serving up a veritable rainbow of Fleur-de-Lis necklaces. These fancy little darlings feature a 2.5 inch epoxy resin Fleur-de-Lis charm attached to a sturdy 30 inch chain. Available in orange, blue, green, yellow, and purple for $12 each.

And don't forget about our line of sterling silver Fleur-de-Lis jewelry. It would be downright foolish if you forgot about our line of sterling silver Fleur-de-Lis jewelry. We've even got some new styles of cuff links, tie clips, brooches, bracelets, and necklaces up for grabs. Does it go without saying that our jewelry would make a great holiday gift?

You from around here?

We've got a new shirt that will make it perfectly clear where the hell you're from. The WHY Louisville LOCAL tee is printed on a %100 pre-shrunk cotton unisex tee and will only set you back $17.99. Happen to be local to St. Louis, Montreal, or New Orleans? You can go ahead and grab one too. We won't tell your friends where it came from.

Also available in the ol' Web store.

Country Music Fun Time Activity Book

We just got these little gems in stock yesterday and thought the world should probably know about them. From California-based author and illustrator Aye Jay comes the Country Music Fun Time Activity Book! Country music fans and foes alike will enjoy spending hour upon hour busying themselves by:

Helping Willie evade the taxman!

Giving Lyle his hairdo!

Having a field day with Dolly Parton's full figure!

The Country Music Fun Time Activity Books are only $9.95! We're going to recommend you put on your favorite George Strait record, grab a six shooter of crayons, and go to town circling the seven missing parts of Tim McGraw. Also available online.

President Lincoln's Celebrity Endorsement

Our nation's sixteenth president, The Great Emancipator himself, made a surprise visit to WHY Louisville on Saturday. Apparently he caught word about our Lincoln Pillow Heads, handmade with love by Big Stone Head, and just had to grab a few for Mary and Willie.

You too can own one of our handsome Lincoln pillows, each with a little secret Lincoln tidbit buried inside. Do your part to preserve the Union of States for a mere $24.

Lincoln is also available online.

Ghost Brigade 2009!

On the night of October 24, 2009, a dozen brave souls in poorly constructed ghost costumes (and a few of their tiny dogs) took to Bardstown Road, cranked up the radio, and danced. Oh, did they dance. Behold, actual video evidence:



Special thanks to Olivia Fangman for preserving the occasion in pictures. Here are a few snaps of what went down. You can head to our Facebook Fan page for the whole photo album. (And why not become a fan of WHY Louisville while you're at it?)

Just In: Halloween Cards by Kin Ship Press!

Screenprinted by hand on Kraft cardstock, with matching envelope.

"Mischief" by Skeleton Royal, "Apples" by Hillary Harrison, and "Ghostie" by Biscuit.

Available for $3 at The Kin Ship, WHY Louisville, and online!

Festive!

Cardigans! New in Our Fall Fashion Lineup

Try as we might, we can't get Fall to stop turning the weather so darn cold. Our plan B is to provide Louisville with more and more outer layers. In addition to our scarves and hoodies, we're now tossing stylish cardigans into the mix. Available with tiny gold owl buddy on navy or tiny black Fleur de Lis on grey (silver, if you will). All of our cardigans are printed in-house on 100% cotton American Apparel brand cardigans. Stop in or order online to claim yours.

WHY Louisville Presents: Ghost Brigade!

Join WHY Louisville and the Ghost Brigade this Saturday (10/24) in haunting the crap out of Bardstown Road as we celebrate Bardstown Bound Boofest! If you're a member of The Facebooks, head over to our Facebook event page and RSVP now!

Here's the low down:

From your friends behind the Santa Brigade, comes an opportunity for you to take a perfectly good bed sheet, cut holes in it and wander up and down Bardstown Road in a pack of similarly poorly crafted ghost costumes haunting and entertaining the shoppers enjoying Bardstown Bound Boofest.

Sheets will be provided, however, we do encourage you to Bring Your Own Sheet (BYOS).

All ghosts will be given a lovely plastic pumpkin filled with candy to disperse.

Ghosts may also accessorize if they so choose including but not limited to hats, glasses, scarves, bindles, etc.

If you plan to attend the Ghost Brigade this Saturday (10/24), please meet in front of the WHY Louisville store located at 1583 Bardstown Road at 6pm.

If you can't make it at that time, you can surely catch up to us later as we make our way down Bardstown Road. We should be easy to spot.

RSVP so we know how much candy to prepare. Please indicate in the RSVP if you will need a bed sheet.

Tell your friends, the more ghosts the merrier!

Anyone with extra white sheets please bring them along as we may convert ghosts along the way.

Dinosaur Jr. Frontman Reps Louisville On Stage

Which does Dinosaur Jr. frontman J. Mascis like better: Louisville or Werewolves? The answer may be obvious, but we like to kid ourselves into thinking it's the former. Mascis is pictured here on stage wearing WHY Louisville's exclusive Louisville Wolfman Tee (designed by Adrian Wright). Those among us who were not high school outcasts in the early '90s may not be aware, but Dinosaur Jr. are a legendary indie rock power trio of the '80s and '90s who have recently reunited to record new material and tour. During their stint in Louisville this past Friday, Mr. Mascis paid a nice little visit to the store prior to show time. He left with a brand new Adrian Wright Wolfman and incorporated it into the band's stage show. It's a good endorsement for Louisville, and an even better endorsement for werewolves. Thanks for giving Louisville some props, J!


(And as always, you can order your very own Wright-designed, Mascis-approved Wolfman Tee at our Web store.)

These photos come courtesy of the fine folks at Buzzgrinder.

Scarves! Fresh off the presses!

When the wind starts to pick up, the rain comes a-tumblin, and dead leaves are pelting you in the face, it's time to wrap yourself up from toe to tooth. A stylish owl, argyle, or fleur de lis scarf is just the article of clothing you need to give autumn the business.

Hand-printed on soft American Apparel 100% cotton scarves. Come and grab yours for $14.99, or head over to our webstore.

We Love Lolley!

WHY Louisville is proud to present some awesome new wares designed by local artist, Hollywood legend*, and conjurer of mythical beasts, Kathleen Lolley.

Kathleen was raised in both the Derby City and the iron hills of Pittsburg, learned her chops in Los Angeles, and has been rapidly gaining national and international attention for her talent ever since. Her artwork fuses elements of storytelling, mythology, mechanical whimsy, and a liberal dose of creature beasts.

The talented Miss Lolley has been featured in art galleries from sea to shining sea, and WHY Louisville is lucky enough to have her on board as one of our featured product designers. Available at the store and online is a slew of Lolley designed shirts, Giclée prints, cards, and accessories. You might even find an entire nest of owl throw pillows, sewn by Kathleen's own two hands! (Or were they conjured with a spell? We'll never truly know).

On your way into the store, be sure to check out the Lolley Land window display by Breonna Rossi. It's almost like a Kathleen Lolley painting came to life and took up residence at 1583 Bardstown Road!

If you can't make it to the store, head over to our new webstore to get your Lolley goods.

* Lolley's status as a Hollywood Legend depends on who you ask.

Wolfman of Louisville shirt by Adrian Wright!

You no longer have to wait for the full moon.



The handsome Wolfman of Louisville shirt by Kentucky artist Adrian Wright is yours if you dare.

We ain't skeered.

New Hoodies and Jackets at WHY Louisville!

Fall is officially here, and WHY Louisville is happy to arm you against its harshest winds and grayest skies. Defy the elements while simultaneously declaring your love for Louisville in our new line of hoodies and jackets.


Pop your collar with confidence, knowing you'll stay both warm and stylish in this navy blue track jacket featuring our classic circled fleur de lis emblem and printed on a 100% combed cotton American Apparel Track Jacket.



You, too, can look as Fall Savy as WHY Louisville's own Hunky Brucester when you stop by and pick up an ash gray Fleur de Lis Zip Hoodie. It features the circled fleur de lis and is printed on a 50/50 American Apparel Zip hoodie (which, like all American Apparel garments, happened to be manufactured in these very United States).



If you're like Ashley here, you want to stay warm, fashionable, AND show a little color while you're at it. Our Fleur de Lis Zip Hoodie is also available in red!

As always, you can pick up your brand new hoodie or jacket from our brick-and-mortar digs (1583 Bardstown Road) or shop online at our Web store.

New Designs by Skeleton Royal

Louisville's own Skeleton Royal has been hard at work on some new designs, available exclusively at WHY Louisville! Feast your eyes upon these gems, then head over to our new Web store and toss 'em in the cart.

Camp Kentucky -- Where the children learn to properly handle twigs.

Show Your Books Some Love -- Those books need love too, y'all.

Primpin' Ain't Easy (Mens) -- Little known fact: this is what Big Daddy Kane meant to say.

Primpin' Ain't Easy (Ladies) -- Primpin' gets no easier for the ladies.

The Kids Are Alright, alright!

Congratulations to all of the kids who entered WHY Louisville's first ever Kids Are Alright T-shirt Design Contest. All of their drawings will be on display in the WHY Louisville window for the month of September!


1st Place (tie):

"Tobin Monster" available on tri-blend unisex shirt
by Tobin Kreft

Age 6

"Louisville Weather" available on kids shirt

by Ella Stillwagon
Age 4

2nd Place:

"I am Horse"

by Abe Stoess
Age 10


2nd & 3rd Place Winnders: Luke & Abe Stoess

3rd Place:

"Cardinal"
by Luke Stoess
Age 7

First place designs are now WHY Louisville t-shirts and are available in the store and online. First place also received 5 free shirts, a $50 shopping spree and art supplies. All finalists received art supplies, including The Indie Rock Coloring Book, Ed Emberly's Drawing Book, Food Coloring Book, Facebox Stencil Set, Big Pencils for Little Hands & a wooden folding ruler. All available in the store or at WHYLouisville.com.