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Suzi Johnson: Designer + Founder, Souchi Knitwear + GIVEAWAY!

The Queen Of Cashmere Shares Her "Everywhere" Finds and Tours Her Town...Aspen!

ELAINE SAYS: Between the chilly air [yes, even in LA..] and the seasonal gifting frenzy, I think of cashmere more often than not. In fact, I'd prefer to be wrapped in it most days. Knowing you'd likely agree, I thought it the perfect time to gush a bit about SOUCHI a luxury knitwear line designed by Founder, Suzi Johnson [otherwise known as "Souchi," a childhood nickname]. And as great ideas sometimes get even better, Suzi is generously offering A CASHMERE WRAP IN TODAY'S WIN-IT-WEDNESDAY GIVEAWAY! [DETAILS HERE]. See....dreams do come true! Ok...back to the story...Which I think is so charming. Suzi always knew she wanted to be a designer but needed an extra course to graduate college [surprise] and chose knitting. In that class, Suzi knitted a sweater that she wore proudly around San Francisco. One day, a boutique owner asked her where she got it and immediately ordered 10....Souchi was born. I love that story for its decisiveness...it seems there was no other path...An opportunity met a natural talent, right there on the street. Suzi's streets are now in and around the ruggedly luxe city of Aspen where she designs her line and runs her boutique [she has one in Portland as well]. Her beautiful, cashmere basics and organic knits [worn by a celebrity following that includes January Jones & Emma Roberts, to name two] run from about $300-$1000. If you happen to be visiting Aspen over the holidays, most definitely "apres ski" at her shop and "apres shop" wrapped in cashmere. For the rest of us, Souchi has pulled together a list of her own, best Aspen gems that we can shop from wherever we are and a few local favorites for our next ski adventure.

Posted on November 28th, 2012

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A NOTE FROM SUZI...

I'm a city girl living in the mountains & taking advantage of everything that entails. Mountain living in a way, is like being on vacation all the time. Even though I work 7 days a week/12 hours a day, it still feels like vacation. Why? How? Well, it is sunny everyday....even when it's snowing. That much sunshine and blue sky inspires me to get outside: yoga, hiking, running or walking. But being a city girl means i still want to wear my heels & not live in exercise clothes. We all have to adapt...I put textured soles on all my heels so i don't fall. A girl can compromise but should never change. This fall i actually bought 2 pairs of flat boots.....who knew! I hope you enjoy reading about the places & things that I enjoy in a town that makes me happy everyday...Hope you try them and that they make you happy too! -Suzi Johnson

SUZI'S ONLINE FINDS

Winter Shoe Saver: Obernauf's Heavy Duty Feather Preservative VISIT WEBSITE I am obsessed with Obenauf's heavy duty LP (leather preservative)! After moving to Aspen in Spring '11, I destroyed many shoes because of the ice & snow. Now, as most fashion girls know, nothing is worse than your fave shoes dying! Buh-Bye, Isabel, Dries, R&B, YSL, Prada.....The pain both emotionally and financially was too much. Then I was told about Obenauf's and i am so happy. Super easy to work with, smells great & was originally developed for severe conditions endured by wildland firefighters. Incredible & only $13.95!
A Sophisticated Shopper's Sure Thing: Souchi VISIT WEBSITEOk, i'm bias, but I truly believe my site has an eclectic mix of finds from all over. I am often told at market that i'm the only one who purchased a particular item. Many times, they try to talk me out of a selection but souchi.com is my vision & it's what I want to wear in my real life, going out life OR my vacation life!
Go-To Gift: Alpine Avocado VISIT WEBSITEAlpine Avocado is a great, "go-too" gift for yourself, a friend, hostess gift...it is delicious and made by a friend in Basalt, Colorado. It tastes delicious & is vegan, gluten-free & low in sugar....Love it!
If These Walls Could Talk: Erotica Wallpaper VISIT WEBSITEFor inspiration, art projects, home or office....I had to order the 'erotica' for my dressing rooms in the Aspen store.
Seductive Soap: Parmacy of Santa Maria Novella VISIT WEBSITEPharmacy of Santa Maria Novella.......I fell in love with the Almond Soap & Tobacco Soap. Oh, and the Almond Paste for hands is incredible. $50 may seem steep but living in high altitude, you need to moisturize. I go to the yarn shows in Florence once or twice a year and ALWAYS stop by to stock. however, NOW, you can buy on-line here in the states but you must go to the one in Florence if you get the chance.

SUZI'S LOCAL FAVES [ASPEN]

A Relaxing Book Nook: Explorer Books VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Explorer Books 221 E. Main Street, AspenExplorer Books is on Main Street in Downtown Aspen and located in an old Victorian. Beautiful, tranquil & lots of great books, of course. Plus, the Pyramid Bistro is there and serves delicious vegetarian & vegan dishes.
Main Spot for Music: Belly Up Aspen VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 450 South Galena Street, AspenBelly Up Aspen is Aspen's answer to the music scene. A small venue that brings in the coolest acts. I've seen Janes Addiction, Deadmaus, Psychadelic Furs & Hell's Belles (an all girl Ac/Dc tribute band). So much fun and a "must-go" for all things music in Aspen.
Colorado Cuisine and Cocktails: Justice Snows VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 328 East Hyman Avenue, AspenJustice Snows for Salty Dogs & Tempura Pickles, located at the Wheeler Opera House. It's a local's, friendly & affordable eatery & bar that offers Colorado-inspired cuisine & serves pre-prohibition cocktails in addition to 7 beers on tap. The best cocktails I've had in Aspen. Salty dogs in the summer with fresh grapefruit juice. Delicious.
Spa Spot: Salon Tullio VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 208 E. Main Street, AspenSalon Tullio is the go-to place for all your services. Book ahead during high season because it is the salon the celebs go too while in town. If it looks quiet from the outside, could be because all the stylists are out on house calls for private appointments...We are in aspen after all. I like Melissa & Linda for hair cut & color, Kelly for facials and waxing & Mimi for mani/pedi. And if you don't know what to do while you're in town, Molly, who runs the front of the house, is the girl about town and she will have the best suggestions!
The Lung Expander: The Arbaney Kittle Hike LOCATION: Located off co-82, turn at bishop and follow dirt road up to the left.The Arbaney Kittle Hike is my favorite for a quick ass-kicking, lung expander. It is 10 miles from downtown Aspen. This past march I tripped and broke my nose in 4 places and my lip was torn and STILL it's my favorite. it is a 2,000 foot climb from the valley floor that is about 1.95 miles straight up. A great hike 3 times a week with my dog, Jack. Make sure your dog is friendly because there are a lot of people on this hike (unless you go at 7am like me) and many bring their dogs.