Sure, he brought us the best show ever about Boston and female insecurity. But he also brought us this, which quite possibly put people off Lake Placid (and horror-comedies) for the next decade. But, all is forgiven, David E. Kelley, not in the least because the new and improved Lake Placid Lodge is now luring back visitors.

After a fire ravaged the historic site in 2005, the lodge was forced to operate as a lakeside inn during reconstruction. But the Relais & Chateaux property announced its return to luxury resort status with a new layout, featuring a 25,000 sq. ft. main lodge, a new dining room (manned by Chef Kevin McCarthy), and 11 renovated and enlarged guest suites. Each room offers gorgeous views of Lake Placid and White Face Mountain, includes its own fireplace, and comes stocked to the brim with antique furnishings and an artisan-crafted bed. (more…)

In a concerted effort to divest October 31st of its slutty-costume focus, we’re bringing you a new Halloween angle: charity. Yeah, Christmas is still a few months away, but just because there isn’t snow on the ground doesn’t mean you can’t get a jump-start on giving to good causes.

Tomorrow’s holiday offers ample opportunity to give back to the local community while having a safe, enjoyable—and demurely costumed—time.

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Bostonista is not one to jump into bed with just anyone, but, let’s just say, if this anyone happened to have the linens showcased at Frette’s grand opening soiree last Thursday night, his chances may have possibly increased a couple notches.

Not that we’re that shallow or anything, we just have a weakness for potential sleeping-in-past-twelve-quality sheets. And another for high design. And another for a good party. (more…)

Last week, Bostonista jumped at the chance to watch the Bruins-Maple Leafs game from The Lofts, part of a $4 million renovation project that was recently completed at the TD Banknorth Garden.

After taking the elevator to the sixth floor, we entered the space that was formerly Banners Restaurant to find that it had changed dramatically.

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EquiFit owner Alexandra Cherubini has fused two of her passions—riding and yoga—with the AgSilver CleanMat, a yoga mat that incorporates AgSilver, a powerful antimicrobial ingredient used on horses (yes, horses) to rid them of infection and rash.

Woven throughout the entire mat, and not just on the surface, the CleanMat is guaranteed to withstand even the most rigorous power yoga-going routine, and prevent the growth of bacteria from your sweat or any one else’s. Unsavory image, sure, but that’s the facts. Hot rooms breed bacteria. This way, you don’t have to take it home with you. (more…)

She’s been a Bostonista favorite ever since her sleek ballerina flats and bohemian tunics evolved in the fashion world a few years ago, and after Tory Burch’s appearance Wednesday at Saks Fifth Avenue to support the Cambridge-based philanthropy New Profit Inc., we seriously love her.

Amidst chic Bostonians sipping minty cocktails, models presented Burch’s Holiday and Resort 2008 collection—two very different collections that are distinctly Burch. Her muse for the brightly colored Resort threads resulted after flipping through photos of her parents on tropical vacations in the 1970s. Filled with beachy tunics with unexpected embroideries (which could easily double as cover-ups), black espadrilles, and sundresses, the line had us itching to flee to the Bahamas. (more…)

Tuesday night, we primped and preened for the opening party for the new Mizu salon at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The local elite squad was out in full force, dressed to kill, and showing off their most fabulous fall numbers with the chic coifs to match.

Once through Mizu’s entrance, we tunneled into a bright white cavernous space that made us think of an Arctic igloo. Evocative of the Swedish Ice Hotel, the futuristic aesthetic and minimalist decor is like no other salon we’ve ever seen in town.

Mizu is the first of two new salons by Elan Sassoon—one here, and one in New York—and yes, he’s the son of Vidal Sassoon. He takes after dad, for sure. Reknowned architect Niall McLaughlin designed the place, which is equipped with incredible technology like eyewear that allows guests to watch TV while getting revamped in the stylist’s chair. As for the services, they offer cuts, color, and makeup application—all of which promise to compliment each customer’s bone structure and individual style. (more…)

As Madonna was gearing up for her concert last week, her long-time makeup artist Gina Brooke, who doubles as Shu Uemura’s artistic director, took time from a very busy tour schedule to teach a master class at Shu’s Newbury Street location. Here, she weighs in on a few of our most pressing beauty Qs:

Bostonista: We’re junkies suffering from true makeup addiction. Should we weed down our beauty products to a few basics? 

Brooke: “There are no rules to makeup. And there’s nothing wrong with have a whole trunk full of it.”

Bostonista: Good answer! So, when should we wear false eyelashes?

Brooke: “Everyday! Why should we wait to look our very best for a special occasion?”

Bostonista: Hooray! Well, in that case, we want to look just like the Material Girl! How do we do it???

Brooke: “It’s flattering for people to want to imitate Madonna’s look, but what will work for her won’t work for you. Every woman should approach makeup as an individual because everyone has different complexions and skin tones.”

Bostonista: Yeah, yeah, fine then. Earlier, you really drove the point home that “beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin.” Is it okay for us to just use inexpensive drug store facial cleansers?

Brooke: Sorry! There’s no comparison between regular cleansers and Shu’s cleansing oil. I even use the oil for shaving and as a hair product substitute.

Bostonista: Wow– that’s serious devotion. What else in your makeup bag?

Brooke: Phyto-Black Lift Renewing Firming Night Cream, Drawing Lip Pencil in Red 192 liquid eyeliner, High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil (Advance Formula), Brightening Cleansing Oil, eyelash curler, Face Architect Remodeling Cream Foundation
– EMILY A. BROWN

Shu Uemura, 130 Newbury St, Boston, 617-247-3500, www.shuuemura-usa.com

The past months of mud-slinging ads, nationally televised emotional breakdowns, and the revival of the Saturday Night Live political skit have Bostonista alternately grinning, groaning, and feeling decidedly patriotic.

You already know about our favorite political dessert. Now, we’re sharing a few hot new accessories for fall. (more…)

More from the annals of local pride…

Newburyport eco-chic boutique The Studio—Best of Boston winner for shopping on the North Shore—has introduced an exclusive hoodie coat from Prairie Underground. Available in store and online (and in long and short versions), the Plum Island coat is a greyish, bluish green, “like the ocean water on Plum Island in the fall,” according to the store—not to mention a nice reminder of warmer days. (more…)