Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Citrine

If you've not been to Citrine on State Street, Madison recently, consider stopping in to take a look.  This dress boutique has some fantastic holiday styles, with new designers coming in every day.  I was just there, and I think I'll be stopping back soon to take a closer look. 

Monday, November 29, 2010

SHOO B-Day Sale!!!

Happy Birthday, Shoo!  From December 3rd-5th, everything is 30% off at Shoo on State Street, Madison (excludes Fiorentini and Baker Boots...sorry) .
Online shoppers use code:  BDAY5.

www.shoostore.com

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Fa.la.la.la.la. and Fishnets

Fishnets.  So many people associate this type of nylon with hookers and Halloween, but fishnets (depending on the type) can be an elegant addition to your holiday attire.  

When purchasing fishnets, I prefer a tightly meshed nylon.  I am not a fan of thigh highs, diamond-net or wide mesh fishnets, as I think the smaller loop is a bit more classic.  Also, (and I feel I shouldn't have to say this),  I would not wear white or red fishnets unless I am attending a costume party as a "naughty nurse" or perhaps "naughty pirate"???    I don't know...nuff' said there.

I found a website that offers fishnets in 51 different colors, and I highly recommend you check it out.  I ordered them in pale gray and brown at $9 per pair.  I'll keep you posted as to the quality and comfort.  If I like them, I will probably order a few more shades (steering clear of yellow, orange, etc., and leaning more towards the neutrals...again, do I need to say that??).  


Sometimes, it's the accessory that makes the outfit.  You can choose a normal, run-of-the-mill pair of nude nylons, or you can accentuate your legs by adding a bit of texture and style to your hosiery.  You make the call.


www.welovecolors.com/Shop/Fishnets.htm   (I went for the "nylon/lycra" fishnets).

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Ann Taylor

Take 40% off your entire in-store and on-line purchase!!  I took advantage of this yesterday.  This offer applies to sale items, too!


www.anntaylor.com

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Fontana online Thanksgiving sale!

If you're bored waiting for the turkey, and it's too early for a glass of wine, check out the online-only sales at Fontana Sports! 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

fontanasports.com

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Lady Moxie Black Friday Sale

Lady Moxie on Odana Road is offering 30% off a single item per person on Black Friday!  Designer clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry and more just waiting for you!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Let the Faux Fur Fly!

So I am in love with the faux fur craze.  A client of mine bought a faux fur vest from Ann Taylor yesterday, and she looked fantastic!  Talk about a way to add a bit of attitude to any outfit!  

The beautiful thing about this new craze is there are so many different varieties to choose from, and all cruelty-free.  Depending on where you go, you could be looking at anywhere from $50-$900+ for the accessory piece, so do your homework before buying the first one you see (or shoot for several in different textures and colors of fur).  
Also, don't worry about "owning this look", because you can.  Depending on the type and quality, this piece can be dressed up or down, and can look feminine and sophisticated, or rock-star chic. 


My only gripe is that I haven't seen any for men.  That's right, I think a rugged faux fur vest, fitted crew/turtleneck long-sleeve, jeans, maybe a scarf, and boots would be so freakin' sexy...caveman casual (I think I see a trend coming on).  






http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28901&N=0&Ntk=KeywordSearch&Ntt=fur+vest&Nty=1&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&found=1&defaultSizeType=Regular







http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=513486&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results







http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=500064&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

Friday, November 19, 2010

REI

REI Winter sale starts Nov. 19th (today) - Nov. 29th.  Save up to 30%!

http://www.rei.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

Coats-in-a-bag


Yep. Apparently it's what's hot.  I think the concept is cool (although I'll say it right now, I do not, in any way, support fur).  Gerard Darel's new puffer coat-in-a-bag is kindda cool.  If you need to pack light, especially this Winter season, or know you'll be traveling where the temps fluxuate, being able to pack a down coat into a sac the size of a make-up bag is genius. 
I have fallen victim to the extra airline fees for heavy luggage, so I think this idea is practical and, well, I'll say it again, kindda cool (sans the fur).  If you're like me and won't buy a fur jacket, check out the DKNY at Bloomingdales. 

I know this isn't a local Madison thing, but it could be.


http://www.gerarddarel.com/en/product/L0597-L305-0073/Down-jacket-with-detachable-raccoon-trim





http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=484714&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results






















http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=484715&CategoryID=

Friday, November 12, 2010

Holiday attire making you nauseous??

If you are one of the many who have a multitude of holiday functions to attend, and the thought of shopping is making you a little panicked and sick?  Take a Tums and relax...that's what I'm here for.  

I don't work on commission, so you'll always know for certain if that dress, "makes you look hippy", or whether or not those trousers, "make you look poochy?" becasue I will tell you...in a nice and supportive way, of course.  

Check out my website for a list of services and schedule a free consult today. Don't wait until you're stuck wearing that bedazzled holiday sweatshirt...again.

www.bonnieraimy.com

Monday, November 8, 2010

SHOO

Just a quick FYI that Shoo received a recent shipment of vintage clothing just waiting to find a new home!  I know that oftentimes when we hear the word "vintage", we automatically assume it has a hefty price tag.  Not always so.  The vintage garments at Shoo are reasonably priced and so, so fun and funky.  Stop in if you're downtown.

109 State Street, Downtown Madison, WI
608.467.6325

Context #3 on GQs 2010, 10 Best Independent Men's Stores in U.S.

West Coast? East Coast?  uh uh...midwest, baby!

http://www.gq.com/style/best-stores-in-america/201011/gq-shops-best-independent-mens-stores-in-america#slide=4

Folk from London at Context Clothing

Damn, I love the English.




http://www.contextclothing.com/item.php?id=1847

Have you looked in your closet lately??

This weekend I had a client take advantage of my "closet coordinating" service.  Since this is a new service, I was anxious to see how valuable it actually was (or wasn't) to a client. 
I discovered a few things:

1.  My client is steadily building a very comprehensive and high-end wardrobe, but putting all the pieces together is not always an easy task.   I forget that once I drop my clients off,  they are on their own.  Although many remember that this shirt goes with those pants and belt, they may not realize that the shirt also goes with another pair of pants and blazer already in the wardrobe.  

2.  I see the value of encouraging clients to take a tour through their closets, revisit the items they purchased, and spend some time trying on clothing, checking the fit, style, and brand to make sure money isn't wasted on repeats (which I keep a pretty close eye on as well).

3.  Experiment.  Play dress-up.  No one can see you, so try different trousers with different shirts and blazers, or check to see if that patterned skirt also goes with another blouse tucked away in the back of your closet (that you purchased but never removed the tags).

When I was with my client, we took digital pics of every new outfit I pieced together, so now he can refer to those photos when he feels he's getting himself into a "wardrobe rut". 

As the Winter season approaches, take some time to "shop" your own closets.  Make a list of where you see "holes" on your wardrobe, and concentrate on filling the holes before you add yet another pair of black dress pants to your repertoire.  In the long run, this will save you money, and it will also help you add variety and spice to your day to day ensembles.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Fontana-Winter Adventure Sale!!

Fontana Sports is having a Winter sale from November 4th-November 14th, both downtown Madison and west side locations.  If today is any indication, Winter is arriving with a vengeance here in Madison, and you do not want to be left out in the cold! 


www.FontanaSports.com

J. Jill

Free shipping on orders of $150 and up from now until November 8th.  Enter code:  HBMK689

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Banana Republic Sale Tonight

Banana Republic is offering 25% off purchases of $100 or more (30% if you use your Banana Card) for online and in-store purchases tonight after 5pm.  Use promo code: BR25AFTER5 (or BR30AFTER5 if you use their credit card).

BananaRepublic.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Context Clothing-Stay Warm.

 Wings + Horns Wool Fleece Collar Cardigan


 Wings + Horns Handknit Sweater


 A.P.C. Merino Wool Pea Coat


Engineered Garments Cable Knit


contextclothing.com 

Karen & Co.




























karencomadison.com

Madison loses a great boutique.

Patrica Shoppe on Johnson Street, Madison, has closed its doors.  I wish the former owner the best of luck with her future plans, and I hope she knows how saddened I am for the loss of such a unique boutique.    
Let's not keep losing these little gems, Madison.  More and more frequently I see vacant store fronts that once housed a locally owned retailer.  We can't let what makes Madison, Madison, slip through our fingers.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Keep it to a dull roar, please.

Many of you may have noticed the current animal print trend for both men and women.   Fine.  If you like that stuff.  I, personally, can't quite wrap my head around wearing zebra, leopard, or cougar (ok, maybe cougar :) print clothing, but that doesn't mean you can't.  I think I have some leopard print heels somewhere; I'm pretty sure I have a clutch in giraffe, but know that with wearing these patterns comes a certain amount of  responsibility. 
Do not strut your stuff in head to toe zebra...please.  With this trend, less is more, so if you like animal prints, wear them sparingly, perhaps as an accessory (scarf, purse, shoe), and stick to neutrals for your garments...you'll get that "wild" vibe you were searching for without looking like big game.  Just sayin'.

Have a GRRRRRRRRReat day!

Monday, November 1, 2010

J. CREW -CHIC WEEK

J. Crew is offering 25% off all orders of $150 or more (on-line only), today through Saturday.  You must use the code:  FALLSALE to take advantage of the discount.