Saturday, April 17, 2010

Baby let me love you down

Local gems I have recently fallen in love with:

*image courtesy of loveandtoast.com all rights reserved

Love & Toast
 
First of all, my initial run-in with this wonderfully marketed brand was not in Colorado, my good 'ol home state, but in Seattle... weird right? 
My best friend and I were shopping around in a wonderful little suburb of Seattle called Fremont (def worth a visit if you can make it!) and stumbled upon two wonderful, tasty, well-designed boutiques... yes this story is going somewhere, I promise.
The boutiques (all about 1/4 of a block away from each other,) were owed by the same wonderfully offensive, brash, and charming man who we got the pleasure of meeting. BTW the boutiques, if you are interested were 
Bliss
Dream
and
Finch & Sparrow

My aforementioned best friend purchased some roll-on perfume at one of the boutiques and both of us, being the nerds we are, were obsessed with the packaging, and how attractive the product was (even without smelling it!) TA-DA! Love&Toast.
I don't recall if we realized this was a local (Denver) production, but I sure did when my hair salon began to carry their hand cremes and lip balms... I put on their Mandarin Tea and was sniffing at my hand for most of the day. Delish. 
With a small amount of internet research, I learned the brain behind the great product and packaging is Margot Elena, whiz-woman behind Lollia and Tokyo Milk, look them up. This girl obviously loves smell, pretty things, and graphic design JUST about as much as I do. Kudos. I did I mention that practically everything is ridiculously affordable?! Cherry on the top of a very enticing sundae.


*image courtesy of loveandtoast.com all rights reserved  

 
Elizabeth's Embellishments

This little gem has been around (very, very, embarrassingly close to where I live) for aahh... maybe seven/eight or so years and I just now discovered it! To tell you the truth, from the outside, it looks like one of those places that would cause me to spontaneously break out into a mixture of hives/headache/heat flashes. It looks like it's frilly, with lace, pink, smelly things that mix until you're nauseated, and more pink. BUT, lo-and-behold... one should not judge even a store by it's cover, because I ADORED it.I visited it on a whim, and I am glad I did (although my bank account might not be as glad.)
They have a lot, and to some, it might be a little much, but if you have hours and a hugeeeeee budget, its perfect! 
I found the most adorable stationary, quirky and original clothing, boutique-style accessories and home goods, great little do-dads and gifts, charming ambiance, and the most adorable selection of 'baby things' I have ever seen. Might be enough to induce labor. Get this baby out and put one of those cute little bear hats with ears and blushing cheeks on it ASAP!
Anyway, if you are in Lafayette or you are a savvy online shopper check it out, although I admit the website definitely does not do the whole place justice.

*final image courtesy of elizabethsembellishments.com all rights reserved

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Bring 'em to me

Gosh I've been working SO much!!
So it's been interesting to work with an 'older' crowd, no offense ladies! and I have noticed some challenges in helping them put together outfits that are hip/up-to-date/age appropriate/flattering etc...
I realized us young'ns have it easy! Firm upper arms, can look at least moderately attractive in almost all colors...
Anyway my question to you, fellow fashion bloggers and readers is, what is the greatest mistake women of a 'certain age' make when trying to dress simultaneous their age and in style?
And side note: is it a worse if you 'know what works for you' and stick with that and only that, or if you take fashion risks and sometimes end up looking like you're trying too hard/are too old/aren't doing yourself any favors?
I have my pointed opinions, of course, but I want yours.