152 posts categorized "Boston"

Tough Proud Brave Free Boston

1There are so many parts of this outfit that I love- I hope that's ok to say! It's an outfit full of favorite pieces- my go-to Kate Spade bag, my new neon cardigan (on sale!), my swapped wide leg jeans, my favorite summer wedges and of course my new Honoring Boston t-shirt.

3The shirt itself is more than just a conversation starter. Rue La La, a Boston-based flash sale site, sold these limited edition t-shirts after the Boston Marathon Bombing- all net proceeds went to the Emergency Medicine Fund at Massachusetts General Hospital. I'm not much of a t-shirt person, but I am definitely a Boston person. It's been so amazing to see this city come together after a horrible tragedy- I truly am proud to be a Boston gal. You know that saying about wearing your heart on your sleeve? Well, I'm wearing mine across my chest- Boston, I love you.

2I'm sure a bunch of local bloggers/readers have this shirt as well. If you do, I'd love to see how you styled it! Feel free to send me a picture via email or leave a link if you've blogged about it.

LOFT Grand Re-opening Party

pom pom wristlets Patterned eyelet striped shorts Ladies shopping at LOFTJust a few snaps from LOFT's grand re-opening party at the Prudential Center, hosted by Blog Better Boston (aka me + Amy) and the adorable girls behind Holly Dolly and So Anthro. We had an absolute blast chatting with local blogger friends, readers and other stylish Bostonians.LOFT petite dressesTheir latest collection is very colorful and on-trend. I love their maxi dresses (available in petite- woo!) and shorts, especially. It was great to see so many of my favorite local ladies, plus LOFT gave all of the hostesses a gift card to buy an outfit for the event. I was immediately drawn to the dress I chose (above left, available here), and Amy helped find a matching belt.

LOFT cap toe neon flatsBecause LOFT always seems to be having some sort of sale, it's always great to pop back in every few weeks to see what amazing deals you can score. In fact, it looks like my dress is now available at 40% off!  I just might have to pick up a new pair of sunglasses because they had so many to choose from! Here's Holly rocking a pair- we had a blast goofing off and posing in different options:

Holly in LOFT sunglassesThanks to Amy for putting this event together and for getting Blog Better Boston involved. On a side note, I'm THRILLED that we finally took a good picture together. In the entire history of Blog Better Boston, we had yet to actually take a nice photo together- this one is from Amy's blog:

Tumblr_inline_mlyyinTe8V1qz4rgpI'm wearing: Dress, Belt c/o LOFT | Shoes c/o Shoeline (similar)

* I was not compensated to host this event, but I was given a gift card to purchase an outfit in exchange for hosting/promoting the event.

Local Eats: Harvard Sweet Boutique

317I was contacted by Harvard Sweet Boutique a few weeks ago, initially because they wanted to share a recipe for Low-Carb Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Of course, if you're a long time reader, you know I'm allergic to nuts of all kinds, so I wasn't about to share a recipe for a food that, as my mom says, "offends me".

Instead, they sent over a bunch of goodies for me to try. My initial reaction? The packaging is so cute! My selection of nut-free goodies, came in a cute green polka dotted box with pink tissue. The package contained an assortment of brownies (salted caramel, mint chocolate fudge, to name a few) and cookies (oatmeal raisin, ginger molasses, etc).

I attempted to snap a few shots, but without opening the individually wrapped baked goods, I couldn't really get across how yummy they looked...so I'm using their shots instead.

Overall, I found the brownies a little too rich for my taste and was disappointed, because they were the desserts I was most excited about. The cookies, on the other hand- they were yummy! The Ginger molasses was definitely my favorite, with the oatmeal raisin coming in at a close second.

About Harvard Sweet Boutique:

"Harvard Sweet Boutique was founded by Harvard, Mass. resident Sue George in 2007 and gained in popularity as an online retailer accepting orders through its catalog and website. This past November, Harvard Sweet Boutique opened its doors for its first brick-and-mortar store located in Hudson, Mass. The storefront acts as a test kitchen, where treats like homemade pop-tarts, fresh granola, whoopee pies and chocolate covered strawberries are offered! The store front is located at 25 South Street, Hudson, MA 01749.

At Harvard Sweet Boutique, we have the perfect gift idea that is unique, whimsical, and magnificent. Our gifts are even more sensational and adorable than roses and teddy bears, and are also mouth-watering delicious. Send our “Sweets for all Occasions” as a wonderful alternative to flowers and traditional candies. Our beautifully packaged gifts are guaranteed to warm the hearts of your friends, loved ones, and business associates.

At Harvard Sweet Boutique, we believe that baking should be done the old-fashioned way – from scratch. Everything is made lovingly by hand, using only the freshest ingredients. When you order gourmet desserts from us, you can rest assured you’re getting the best, most delicious baked sweet available. Our products are all natural, and made with exceptional ingredients, including rich European chocolate with the highest cocoa butter content, pure 
double-strength vanilla extracts, the finest flours, premium grade nuts, and fresh Grade A butter."

I'd give these goodies 3 out of 5 stars. If you're looking to send someone a beautifully packaged gift, Harvard Sweet Boutique is a great option, especially if you're looking for  gluten free or low carb treats. Some baked goods do contain nuts, so if you have a severe allergy, they recommend you don't buy their treats.

Image c/o Harvard Sweet Boutique.

Treat Yourself at MiniLuxe

LogoMiniLuxeThis past week, I had the pleasure of going to MiniLuxe to try out some of their fabulous services. I must say, I was very impressed.

As soon as I entered the Wellesley location, I was greeted by the receptionist and the manager, who found a way to squeeze me in for some unscheduled services. The receptionist added my information to the computer and I immediately received a text confirming my appointment- how cool is that?

Kathy, the manager, gave me a tour of the salon and pointed out a few things that are special to MiniLuxe: the flip flop wall, the clean lab and the nail polish wall!

IMG_2234An awesome selection of Havaianas for purchase, perfect for the gal that doesn't want to wear the paper option (which is also available and totally an acceptable option which is free of charge).

IMG_2227I'm happy to report that MiniLuxe is perfect, even for germaphobes. The technicians use new files/buffers every time (which you can take home at the end because they won't reuse them) and everything else gets super-duper cleaned and disinfected in the clean lab (above).

Plus, apparently the jets in normal foot baths can retain disease causing bacteria (eww), which is why the foot baths at MiniLuxe don't have them! I'll never look at a whirpool foot bath the same...

IMG_2228MiniLuxe offers tons of polish options including OPI, Essie and even their own brand! The bottles marked with white bands are to be used at the salon (they say "try me, don't buy me") and the rest are for sale. MiniLuxe also sells beauty products (some their own line), cute jewelry and fun, girly accessories.

IMG_2223

IMG_2224 IMG_2229IMG_2221IMG_2232MiniLuxe treated me to a paraffin hand treatment (so luxurious!) a manicure and a pedicure. Unlike in many other nail salons, the atmosphere was extremely relaxing. My nail technician, Christina, was so sweet. She even offered to run out to my car to add another quarter to the meter. (Pro tip: if you're going to the Wellesley location, be sure to bring quarters for parking.)

I highly recommend you check out one of the seven MiniLuxe locations in MA, including their newest location in Hingham.

If you're ever in Wellesley (which is the location I visited), you should definitely stop in. They're running a fun mini facial promotion (call for details) that you won't want to miss-$75 value for $30 and you go home with a full sized cleanser! 

Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary paraffin hand treatment, manicure + pedicure in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

#ShineOn with GapKids & babyGap

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.

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Just a fun little post about a cool project going on at GapKids/babyGap stores around the country. I know I'm not a kid (or a parent), but I thought this opportunity was too fun not to share.

GapKids invites you to "unleash your inner artist" with a series of fun craft projects designed by Merrilee Liddiard of Mer Mag. All of the projects are inspired by the fall GapKids and babyGap collections, which is pretty awesome.

Head over to select GapKids locations for Shine On Saturdays, where you (and your kids) can create custom journals and more.  IMHO, arts & crafts are fun for people of all ages, making this event perfect for everyone (My friend Jamie even mentioned she wants to check out this event herself!).

So...anyone want to go with me/lend me your kid for an afternoon?

For those of you in and around Boston, you can attend these events on August 18, 10-1 at the Natick Mall GapKids location or August 25 10-1 at the South Shore Plaza GapKids location.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Celebrating with Tiffany & Co.

image from farm9.staticflickr.com image from farm9.staticflickr.com image from farm9.staticflickr.com image from farm9.staticflickr.comI recently had the pleasure of attending an event at the Tiffany & Co. store in Chestnut Hill celebrating the brand's 175 years and the release of their new Rubedo Metal. It was fun to try on the jewelry (I loved the weight and feeling of a Rubedo bracelet on my wrist), but it was even more fun trying on Tiffany's sunglasses! Yes, I said sunglasses. Some were Tiffany's blue, some had embellished arms and corners and all were super cute. (If anyone has the picture of me and Amy wearing our sunglasses, please send my way- whoever took the photo with my camera didn't focus on our faces, and instead got a shot of some random people behind us- oops! #DSLRproblems).

image from farm8.staticflickr.comimage from farm8.staticflickr.comimage from farm8.staticflickr.comAnd now a little "who's who" of the event in the three photos above: 

1. My lovely neighbor, Sarah and the fabulous Katy Rose of #BostonBloggers.

2. The always stylish Amy and Sarah again

3. Lei Ann (who always wears the best shoes) and the extremely talented Lani.

Special thanks to Tiffany & Co. for including me and for the lovely coffee table book- to be honest, I'm even more excited about turning its box into a fabulous jewelry holder DIY!

Fun Things to Do in Boston this Week

Just thought I'd share a few cool, local events that are coming up. Enjoy!

WEDNESDAY:

Screen Shot 2012-05-09 at 10.39.42 AMI'm heading to Stylefixx tonight. See you there!

575119_432967900048290_116343665044050_1684609_1516331094_nI can't make this event, but it looks like fun!

THURSDAY:

Image001I think this one may be invite-only, but I'm excited.

532792_10151266563767715_561007714_13359390_582425030_nGo out and support local designer Nicole Lebreux at the Liberty. 

SATURDAY:

Image001Because who doesn't like flowers? This West Elm event in Fenway looks like fun!

Designers Circus: an Explosion of Color

image from farm8.staticflickr.com image from farm8.staticflickr.com image from farm8.staticflickr.com image from farm8.staticflickr.com image from farm8.staticflickr.com image from farm8.staticflickr.comLast night, I had the pleasure of attending a blogger event at Designers Circus in Allston. At first, I was hesitant about attending because I'd never heard of it and wasn't looking forward to hanging out in Allston (it reminds me of BU frat parties).

I'm so glad I made the "trek" out there. Though I think I may have been the only blogger in attendance, I still had fun. Lisa, who coordinates all their events, was extremely knowledgeable about all of the designers and the store's history. I scored 3 dresses, a top and a bracelet, all of which you'd swear came from Anthropologie, for under $100!

I'm hoping to partner with Designers Circus to bring more bloggers to their amazing gem of a shop. Sure, a lot of the inventory definitely wasn't me (I think their customer base skews older), but I found a few designers that I really loved. Plus, their accessories are amazing and they're constantly getting new inventory. If you're looking for something a unique piece at a great price, Designer Circus is the place to go.

I can't wait to share my purchases with you!

Designers Circus is located at 1 Braintree St., Allston, Ma. 02134

Sexy Back, Pretty Bow

image from farm4.static.flickr.comLast weekend, Flock hosted an AMAZING sidewalk sale that I just couldn't pass up. Though I'd been following them for a while on Twitter, Eric and I only recently stumbled into the store when looking at an apartment nearby. (FYI, no we are not moving in together, but more on my new apartment soon!)

As soon as we walked into the boutique, I was hooked. The salesgirls were all extremely friendly, and the clothing unique and fun. I love the girly meets bohemian vibe of the boutique. Plus, they have plenty of small sizes, which is a must when you're my size!

So back to my dress. I decided a few days before that I wanted to treat myself to something special. I wanted to find a piece of clothing I loved without looking at the price tag. I'm the kind of girl that immediately looks for the price before even trying something on. If it's out of my price range, what's the point in dissapointing myself?

Are you like me, always looking at the price before buying, and sometimes only choosing things because they're on sale?

Though it was hard for me to step out of my comfort zone, I'm glad I did it, because this dress is amazing. Plus, it happened to be on sale, although it was still out of my typical price range. (If you're interested, the brand is called Sunner.)

image from farm6.static.flickr.comHow beautiful is the back? You may not be able to tell, but it's completely open between the bow and the scrunched up skirt. It's the perfect blend of girly in the front and a wee bit sexy in the back. It totally made me think of Rebecca from The Clothes Horse and I want to wear it to the beach or on a picnic.

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to conceal a bra beneath it. Though the dress straps are thick enough, the opening in the back lays right where a bra band would fall. Any suggestions besides going au natural? Oh, and those stick on bra things scare me. I was thinking of sewing some loops into the inside of the dress that I could feed the back band through, but I'm not sure if that will work.

Outfit details: Dress- Flock; Necklace- Loft; Shoes- swapped.

Photo Diary: Brunch at 94 Mass Ave

image from farm6.static.flickr.comA few weeks ago, my friend Sean tweeted about a brunch event he'd won on Twitter from 94 Mass Ave, a new hot spot in Back Bay. Because I love brunch...and Sean, I knew I wanted to be there. Sean and I first met at a tweetup hosted by Style Boston and became fast friends. He dresses extremely well, likes good food and is super friendly. Plus, he has a really funny tumblr that features some pretty epic fashion faux pas shots from around the city. What's not to like?

image from farm6.static.flickr.comHow cute is Sean? I love that he and Eric shop at many of the same stores. It was one of the first things we talked about when we met!

image from farm6.static.flickr.comBrunch was super fun. I got to hang out with Shanna and met a new Boston blogger friend, Jess. Drinks were endless and the miniature brunch offerings were adorable.

image from farm6.static.flickr.comA special thanks to 94 Mass Ave and Sean for hosting the event. Eric and I will definitely be back soon!