This necklace is so bright, you'll have to wear shades.
Neon is officially in this season. While I hadn’t really given the brights a second thought since I grew out of my badass L.A. Gear Flame sneakers in fourth grade, the season’s latest accessories in all shades of eye-searing hotness are really doing it for me. Feast your peepers on Ann Taylor’s acid yellow “Sunburst” necklace, which hits stores mid-month. Call it nostalgia (I definitely am), but adding a wee shock of neon yellow or pink in the form of a patent belt or statement bauble is definitely an easy way to get glowing without overdoing it.
$78, Ann Taylor, Shops at the Prudential, Boston, 617-421-9097, anntaylor.com.
 Photograph courtesy of Ann Taylor
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Anne Vickman pumps up her wardrobe with this personal styling service.
When CakeStyle launched in November, I had a hankering to to try out the Chicago-based personal styling service — weekday mornings generally find me gaping into my cluttered closet, attempting to mix and match outfits. If inspiration doesn’t strike within six minutes, I give up and grab the nearest dress.
Pumped for some personalized fashion advice, I sent in my measurements and filled out a short questionnaire on the website about where I like to shop (J.Crew, H&M, TJ Maxx), what I currently wear on regular rotation (motorcycle boots), and my style goals (adding color to my neutral-heavy wardrobe). After providing my credit card info, all I had to do was wait for a big box of hand-picked goodies to show up in the mail, along with a video link where my personal stylist (Kait) would show me how to put a few different looks together. Afterward, I could keep whatever I wanted and send the rest back — shipping pre-paid.
My shipment contained a selection of tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories neatly packaged in tissue paper and velvet bags—it was like a designer-version of Christmas morning. Prices ranged from $26 (a Shimera Camisole and pair of Spanx tights) to $475 (a Tory Burch “Evelina” blazer). Most of the clothing was priced at over $100 per piece and included brands like Theory, Robert Rodriguez, Joie, and Citizens of Humanity. Accessories ranged from $28 to $215 and included earrings from Alexis Bittar and bangles by Marlyn Schiff. Most of the tops fit me perfectly, though the pants and denim were, unfortunately, off the mark — either too long or not quite fitted at the waist.
While I drooled over both the Robert Rodriguez leather trim skirt ($365) and Valette Vega top ($148), ultimately I didn’t keep anything — a recent ski trip to the mountains all but depleted any extra spending cash I had lying around. But anyone who doesn’t have the time or energy to scour shops for clothing (check) and appreciates a little style advice (check) for no extra cost (check), should give this service a whirl.
Check out the video that Kait put together:
Anne Vickman from CakeStyle on Vimeo.
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This season ditch the cotton for something cozier.
Think wool’s just for winter? Think again. Stylist and Duchess Boutique owner Rachel Sciaba says merino wool is actually great for all seasons because it regulates body temperature and is super soft and chic. She’s stocking up on Emu Australia’s spring lifestyle collection for women, which is hitting her shelves this week: “Styles are clean and simple, focusing on fit,” she says.
We love this sophisticated, sand-colored cardigan paired with the delicate paisley scarf. The lightweight woven scarf is a perfect transitional piece when seasons change, and the top is slightly heathered, adding depth and texture: “Avoid natural hues that are flat,” she says. Here, “the exposed seams add a hint of interest, and the draping is soft and easy.”
Duchess Boutique, 77 Union Street, Newton Center, 617-964-0054, duchessboutiquenewton.com.
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Anne Vickman takes this runway trend for a spin.
 Pretty! But how?! Bright colors are back this season — and I’m definitely digging the electric hues I’m seeing in store windows all over town. So when several new eyeshadows from Make Up For Ever landed on my desk in a variety of searing shades (bright blue, yellow, pink, and orange), I couldn’t help but wonder: how the hell do you actually wear these colors? Throwing on a yellow shirt is one thing, but wearing a matching eyeshadow, as effortless as it looks in high fashion, might give me an unintended jaundiced look. Continue reading “How to Wear Bright Makeup” »
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But, not everyone feels that way.
Picturesque, cobble-stoned Charles Street is home to bakeries, boutiques, nail salons, and gift shops — the strip has something for almost everyone. Except, perhaps, for designer Sara Campbell, who’s closing her storefront there this month.
“There is no way to survive doing commerce in that neighborhood,” Campbell told Beacon Hill Patch, in an article that ran Monday. She cited “ruthless” parking enforcement officers and high rent among the causes of her Beacon Hill demise. (Campbell who owns shops in the South End, Wellesley, Concord, and Hingham, is also opening a location outside Chicago, according to the story.)
I’m a sales associate at a small boutique on the drag, and as someone who lives and works in the part of Beacon Hill in question, I disagree. Charles Street is roaring. And I’m not the only one who feels that way.
Campbell calls Charles Street a “rambling of assorted stuff” — but buyer and manager of Moxie, Kristen Caldon, says that’s just part of the charm. “Everything here is less mainstream. There are all different designers and brands that you can’t find in a department store.” And it’s true. Charles Street is Newbury without the commercialization.
Susan Corcoran, co-owner of gift shop Black Ink, has been on Charles Street for 18 years. Her business has grown and she says the high rent pays off in the long run. “People come here because these stores are idiosyncratic, they are owner-operated. It’s a good thing,” she adds.
The portrait painted by Cambpell is a mischaracterization. Of course we’re sad to see her store go, but with loads of exceptional boutiques in this neighborhood-shopping street, we’ll be back—and often.
— Madeleine Coleman
(Photo by Allie_Caulfield, via Flickr)
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See what the Boston-based designer has in store for the warmer months.
Daniela Corte opened the doors to her Newbury boutique in November — shoppers can now browse her perfectly tailored pencil skirts, silk blouses, and flattering swimwear in a bright, garden-level setting.
Corte’s resort line is full of crisp whites and bright neons, and her playful swimwear collection is called “Fruit Salad” — think bold, fruit-covered suits. The white strapless splashed with pineapples is my favorite:
Spring will bring fresh new florals (“The explosion of colors makes me happy!” she says), soft pastel hues, and lots of shine. Look for color-blocking, prints, and sequins. Check out both collections — and the store, if you haven’t already — at three events next month:
• Friday, February 10: Guys Night
Grab a cocktail and take in pieces from Bodega and Miami-based designer J Urturbey’s spring/summer 2012 collection.
• Thursday, February 16: Fruit Cocktail Trunk Show
Launch of the resort collection, hosted by Paulina Neely and Heidi Price.
• Friday, February 24
Gretchen Monahan will give makeovers at the launch of Daniela Corte’s spring/summer 2012 collection.
(All photos by Lisa Richov for Boston Magazine)
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Eric and Cameron look great, even while running errands in Harvard Square.
Harvard Square is great for people watching, especially when scouting well-dressed Bostonians for Street Style. I took to the brick-laid streets and found Tufts students Eric Wilkenfeld and Cameron Longyear. Eric looked totally rad in a fabulous orange vest by Ralph Lauren; I loved that he was bold enough to pair it with red pants, too — outfits get boring when everything looks like you bought it to wear together. Cameron, who’s from Manhattan Beach, brought the right amount of laid back Cali style to the Boston winter streets with her flannel and sweater. They were buying supplies for this semester, which is why Cameron, an architecture student, had her arms full.
What are you wearing?
Eric: This vest is Ralph Lauren; I got it at Bloomingdale’s on sale. The sneakers are Alejandro Ingelmo, the sweater is Roberto Collina.
Cameron: My shirt is from my best friend’s mom’s boutique in California, Wright’s. The sweater is Rag and Bone and my boots are Steven by Steve Madden.
What are you listening to these days?
Eric: Well my guilty pleasure is Tyga’s song “Rack City.” But that’s not my normal favorite. Make sure you’re clear in the post that it’s my guilty pleasure.
Favorite magazine?
Cameron: I read “Nylon” regularly.
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Tam Lai was a tired medical assistant, sick of the morning commute and fed up with relying on child-care. Then, a stroll into A.C. Moore in Dedham changed her life: “As I passed through the jewelry and bead section, I thought, wow,” she says. “I started buying all this stuff.” Some trial-and-error, experimentation, and a few how-to books later, she was on her way to becoming the designer behind Etsy’s Dangling Jewelry, a shop offering delicate, nature-inspired pieces.
How did you get into jewelry design?
I’m a very crafty person. I was a florist until I became allergic to flowers. After four or five years, I couldn’t do it anymore. That’s when I became a medical assistant, and eventually made jewelry on the side.
What gave you the push to quit your day job?
I had my first baby in 2009. Traveling from Brockton to work [at Newton-Wellesley Hospital] was awful. I had to sit in traffic for two or three hours each way. My husband and I were like, we have to find a better way. One day I was looking online for jewelry stuff and I found Etsy. . . I started listing stuff on the site, and people started buying. From there, I made and sold more. Just last October I quit my job. Everyone was like, “Are you sure? Are you sure?” But I thought if I don’t try, I will never find out.
 So what’s your favorite thing about being your own boss?
I can wake up anytime I want! I used to wake up at 5:30 or 6 a.m., to drag my kids out of bed. Now I can get up and do anything, any time.
What inspires your designs?
I take custom orders and I do a lot of bridesmaids jewelry in the summer. Much of it’s personalized, so a customer can request anything—but I always have designs with flowers. Sometimes in the middle of night I come up with these things, or I look in magazines.
What materials do you use?
Sterling silver, gold fill, and gem stones. I have more than 50 kinds of gem stones — it’s very addictive because they’re so beautiful.
 Are your designs sold anywhere locally, or just online?
I sell my jewelry at Sisters We Three in Newburyport . . . they offer local artist designs. I deliver worldwide. I get orders from Thailand, Hungary, France—I must have shipped to more than 40 or 50 countries since I started my shop.
And, what’s your busiest time of year?
Christmas, especially this Christmas. I had someone come stay at my house to help with packaging and everything, which takes a lot of work, especially if I do 30 or 40 orders a day.
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Arts at the Armory will be hosting SnowMall this Sunday, a holiday marketplace filled with unique holiday gifts from local vendors. Get a preview on the Facebook page, where organizers have gathered profiles and pics from some of the craftsy folk who will be selling their goods. And in case you need a little more motivation to brave the winter weather, we’ve put together a list of five of our favorite vendors, whose covetable items will be available for purchase this weekend.
 Image via Albertine Press Flowerfolk
The herbal-based body products are made from natural ingredients and come in crafty packaging.
Abby Berkson
Abby’s handmade ceramics incorporate whimsical designs that are reminiscent of children’s book illustrations and vintage textiles.
Camla Jewelry
These nature-inspired, silver and gold baubles are feminine and elegant.
Albertine Press
Snap up eco-friendly holiday cards, note sets, and greeting cards from this Somerville letterpress company.
Well Suited Design
Try on one of these scarves made from old suit material for an urban, mix-matchy feel that works for both men and women.
12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville
—Ashley Wood
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If you buy your groceries from the neighborhood co-op, mourn the disappearance of farmers markets in the winter, and think small-batch craft beer is the only booze worth drinking, then the Access card’s for you.
The discount card — from Amanda Knorr, founder of online Boston boutique guide Spreedia, and Liana Krupp, founder of New Brahmin — launched in November and rewards you for choosing local shops over chains.
The purple card costs $40 and is good for one year. You’ll get 10 percent off full-priced merchandise at participating retailers, as well as inside news on area events and new products and members-only discounts. Clothing boutiques like Artifaktori, Wish, Sault, and Flock, and home decor spots like Acquire and J.E.M. are all on the growing roster.
—Ashley Wood
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