Saint John on the web

I"ll be honest- I don't know what I'd do without the internet. It's my source for catching up on the latest trends, tuning into world news, making plans with friends, or find out what's going on in Saint John this weekend. Here are some of my favourite links I've encountered this week that have local content:

1. Professional photos by Kelly Lawson and Mike Capson from the Urban Glam Party posted.
2. Perfumes Plus shares a sneak peak at the new Chanel Spring 2011 cosmetic line. 
3. The Urban Shoe Myth is offering 25% off their holiday shoes for the remainder of the week.
4. An article I stumbled upon that lists many reasons why it's important to shop local.
5. Manchester Shoe Salon and Pseudio are both offering tax free from now until Christmas.
6. Market Square is giving away a $500 shopping spree each Friday until December 23.
7. Profile written on shop owner Kiera of Je Suis Prest Boutique.
8. Brunswick Square is also doing a giveaway promotion titled $1000 reasons to shop locally
9. Beat the Winter Blues Facebook Competition involving multiple uptown Saint John businesses.
10. Fusion is hosting Merry Martinis, a cocktail party in support of Romero House, next week.

What was the best or most interesting thing you saw on the web this week? (Let me know in the comments below!)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'm kicking it off with a Christmas party tonight at the Delta- can't wait to wear a new dress! (It has sequins.)

gift guide for her

By now most people are full into their holiday shopping (I've even heard a select few say they are actually finished!) I actually haven't even started. Well compared to the last few years, this might have me concerned, I remember as a student I used to leave my Christmas shopping until after exams, not even making my list prior to the 20th.

I am always committed to getting my friends and family gifts that I know they will love and use. The most important thing to me is getting something I know they will appreciate. I've been out browsing the shops in Saint John over the last few weeks, and here's my suggestions on where to shop for the women in your life!

Uptown Saint John 

Shoes

Depending on your budget and who you're buying for, no girl is going to turn down a beautiful pair of shoes. Support local, purchase quality, and consider a classic pair of pumps or flats from The Urban Shoe Myth (King Street) or Manchester Shoe Salon (Market Square). If you're not sure of her footwear tastes or what she has in her closet, a gift certificate to use towards a new pair of shoes or a quality wallet is never a poor choice. It's common to hear gift cards are impersonal, but I don't agree. A generic gift that she may or may not like is impersonal, but if you provide her with a little credit towards something she really likes, that will be greatly appreciated. And for a cute pair of comfortable Toms, I believe Je Suis Prest Boutique may still have some in stock!

Clothing

If you know her size or clothing preferences, there are many uptown boutiques to consider shopping. If you know her favourite store, a gift card is an option in this department too. Je Suis Prest Boutique (Brunswick Square) and Envy (Market Square) cater to a crowd of early 20s to 40s, depending on her personal style. If you know she shops at Je Suis Prest Boutique, be sure to ask the Prest girls if she has a shopping list there- they actually keep a list of their customers favourites to make holiday shopping easier! Kiera and Joy make a point to get to know their customers' tastes and give honest feedback so asking their option is always a great lead. For a girl in her teens to mid-20s I'd recommend checking out Pseudio (Brunswick Square). For the mature woman, try Collectables and Colwell's- it may be a little more expensive, but you can't go wrong with good quality. I'd say Silver Daisy (King Street) falls somewhere in between, serving unique and stylish clothing for girls in their 20s and 30s.

Accessories

Accessories are always a great affordable choice for a gift. Baubles (Brunswick Square) and Silver Daisy Designs (King Street) are my favourite go-to locations for pretty earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.

Cosmetics 

Make-up choices like a lip gloss or nail polish are always fun gift ideas as well. Visit the girls at Perfumes Plus (Brunswick Square) and get them to help you pick out a fragrance, Chanel product, or OPI nail polish for the giftee. Did you know that aside from Halifax, this is the only location you can purchase Chanel products? Though you may not be able to afford a Chanel suit or vintage purse, the cosmetics lines is much more accessible price-wise. Their nail polish is my absolute favourite for quality and wear.

Purses

Get her a new purse from Je Suis Prest Boutique (Brunswick Square), Silver Daisy Designs (King Street), or Walsh Luggage (Market Square). For a modern shoulder or crossbody bag visit JSP or for a fun party clutch, try Silver Daisy. For something classic and long-term, try popping into Walsh Luggage.

Home Decor

If you think she'd appreciate something for the home, I'd recommend Decor 8 (Brunswick Square), English Butler (Brunswick Square) and Handworks (King Street). Especially if you don't know the inside of her closet as well. chances are you've gotten a better look at her living room or kitchen. A beautiful piece of pottery (Handworks), a unique kitchen tool (Decor 8), fun cocktail glasses (Decor 8), or a Yankee candle (English Butler) are always great choices.  

Hair and Spa 

If you think she'd enjoy being pampered and doesn't spend enough time on herself, try purchasing a treatment or spa service from Element5 (Market Square) or Perfumes Plus (Brunswick Square). You could also browse Element5's selection of Aveda products for a great quality shampoo and conditioner. Speaking of hair care products, you could also try Hairacy's (Brunswick Square) selection of Redken products.

What I like about shopping uptown in general is that these locally owned shops give much better service. They are interested and invested in their customers' wants and needs, so asking their opinions might help point you in the right direction. Familiarizing yourself with the uptown is a great personal shopping experience and you're supporting local! Remember, when in doubt, choosing to purchase a gift certificate from a store you know she likes to shop at is never a fail.

Also, if you haven't seen it yet, check out the blog post I wrote last week for the Brunswick Square blog featuring the top 5 reasons for shopping at  the Uptown shopping centre.

wedding by the sea...

Last weekend B and I headed down to St. Andrews by-the-Sea for his cousin's wedding. Talk about beautiful settings for any event, especially nuptials, this adorable sea side town hosts charming houses with character along streets with copious greenery; a street full of cute little shops right up against the ocean; opportunities for whale watching; an awesome marine research centre (with aquarium, touch pool, and an up close visit with seals!); and a gorgeous historic resort (that may be haunted). I spent a lot of time in the summers of my childhood visiting this town. So an opportunity to get an extra visit to St. Andrews before  the winter, combined with a celebration: sounds like a pretty good Saturday to me!  

The Outfit  Dress (Pink Martini, Je Suis Prest) | Necklace (Aldo) | Belt (Old Navy) | 

Glitter tights (gifted) | Shoes (Guess, Manchester Shoes) | Purse (Coach) | Coat (Soia & Kyo, Envy)

Just this past weekend, I went the opposite way on the map to meet up with friends in Moncton for a wine fair. Sipping vino, laughing with friends, and just hanging out in our hotel room at the casino made for an excellent weekend!

colonel mustard...

It seems a lot of my fall purchases have incidently been from the brand Pink Martini (they're a Canadian label!)- this sweater being one of those items. I'd have to say this wrap knit cardigan is easily winning out for my favourite sweater right now. I love this mustard colour that seems to be going with anything in my wardrobe lately- it definitely tops my list of favourite fall colours.

The Outfit  Sweater (Pink Martini- Je Suis Prest) | Shoes (Aldo) | Blouse (Mink Pink- Je Suis Prest) Purse (Fossil- Manchester Shoes) | Necklace (Maison Scotch- Envy) | Earrings (Joe Fresh)- similar 

Jeans (7 for All Mankind- Envy) 

I can't believe it's Thursday already! This week has flown by- which is just fine by me since I have plans I've been really looking forward to! I'm heading to Moncton this weekend to visit my sister and attend the wine fair with some of my very lovely girl friends (who are travelling from over from Fredericton and Halifax). My weekend is going to be all about catching up, laughing over inside jokes, and sipping some wine- can't wait!

What's your plans for the weekend? 

Indian Summer...

A couple of weeks ago the heat spiked and we went from autumn back to summer weather. With my summer wardrobe already packed away, I was left with limited choices. I was also probably one of the few people in the city who wasn't particularly appreciating this border-line heat wave. You couldn't even enjoy a walk around the Irving Nature Park without practically dehydrating yourself. After all, I was geared up with new fall items I'd rather wear! And this sheer striped blouse would be one of my favourites.

Click the links below to see where you can the find some of these items online.

The Outfit  Shirt: Mink Pink- Je Suis Prest Boutique | Shorts: Old Navy | Sandals- Sam Edelman

Purse: Fossil- Manchester Shoe Salon | Bracelet: ESquared- Silver Daisy Designs

Scarf (as headband): Coach

The next big walk I plan to take is uptown this Friday for the Gallery Hop! However, walking from gallery to gallery might require a few more layers now that the temperatures are starting to drop below 10 degrees (Celsius). 

Will I be seeing you Friday for the last gallery hop of 2011?

Please comment below if you will be out and about Friday night for the Gallery Hop in Saint John. If you aren't from Saint John, any comments are welcome and appreciated, so please do feel free to drop a note just to say hi! I'd love to hear from you.

Sex & the City...

I wore this outfit to Silver Daisy's Sex & the City themed fashion show fundraiser a little over a week ago. My originally planned outfit didn't work out as planned, so I threw this ensemble together in record time. I remember the time when it was a faux pas to mix black and brown, black and blue and especially black and navy. Truly a thing of the past-  there seems to be an almost "anything goes" in fashion- what matters is how you style it and having it come together tastefully!

The Outfit  Dress: Valerie Dumaine- Black Dog Boutique (SJ, July '11) | Belt: Old Navy (SJ, Aug '11)

Tights: gifted from Barb | Shoes (similar): Guess- Manchester Shoe Salon (SJ, Oct '11)

Clutch: Kate Spade (ordered online, July '11) | Bangles: Aldo (Moncton, Aug '11)

Check out my photos from the event here:

• Photo album: Silver Daisy SATC Soiree

Thanks to Kate for snapping my photos!

more on NBFW...

One thing that will stick out in people's minds from the NBFW event will be Andrea Cyr's impressive chainmaille skirt that paraded the runway. After 65 hours of work and 12 000 little rings, Andrea's creative show-piece was captivating.

Photo credit: Alicia Robichaud Photography

Following this show-stopper were other jewellery pieces created by Andrea. You can get a better, close up look of her work via her Etsy shop. (The dream catcher earrings are my personal favourite!)

Chainmaille Obsession by Andrea Cyr

Samuel & Co. and Envy were two of the Market Square shops to fit the runway and showcase their fall fashions. My apologies to both stores- I do believe I had mixed them up in the photo album I posted on Facebook, as could be the case in the photo strip below. Nonetheless, they both featured pieces that could that many women were likely to put on their shopping list.

Clothing: Samuel & Co. | Shoes: Manchester Shoe Salon

Kelly Ethridge, Silpada representative, also had her jewellery featured on the runway. Models were dressed in simple, but elegant black outfits that let the jewellery take centre stage.

Jewellery: Silpada

Rowena's, located in Uptown Saint John, also gave a visual show of what's inside their independent boutique on Prince William Street. The beige dress below on model Stephanie was even sold through the Facebook photo album I posted! This is definitely a spot that I plan to visit in the near future- besides their affordable price range, what makes it even more appealing is that fact that they are next door to a cupcake shop (Piece O'Cake!)

Clothing: Rowena's

Silver Daisy featured some of their latest pieces that had a colour pallete that popped! These items arrived in store just days before the show. To see these and even more fashionable pieces, be sure to join us tomorrow at the Lily Lake Pavillion for the 1st annual fashion show, a Sex & the City Soiree, to be hosted by Silver Daisy in which all proceeds are going to Hospice. You can get your tickets at the store on King Street! (There are a limited number of tickets left!)

Clothing: Silver Daisy Designs | Shoes: The Urban Shoe Myth

Another Market Square store that displayed their wears on models strutting down the runway was Walsh Luggage. Among the goods they showed were hats, purses, scarves, gloves, and even an umbrella, as carried by model Vanessa below.

Accessories, bags & hats: Walsh Luggage

A newcomer to Saint John, Jockey also brought along their fall pieces to share on the runway. They also had a table set-up at the afternoon tradeshow. 

Clothing: Jockey

And of course, I could recognize right away pieces that belong to the ever fashionable Je Suis Prest Boutique. A combination of looks that were business, cocktail, and causal on trend, there were numerous items that had me tempted.

Clothing: Je Suis Prest Boutique | Shoes: The Urban Shoe Myth

During the retailer portion of the fashion show, the gorgeous footwear were a mix of beautiful shoes from Manchester Shoe Salon and The Urban Shoe Myth- both uptown favourites of mine.

The focus of a fashion week is always the designers, but the looks put on the runway by local merchants demonstrated how Saint John is on top of its game in offering on-trend fashion to women. To check out more looks on the runway from these retailers, be sure to check out the photo album I posted:

• Photo Album: New Brunswick Fashion Week- Retailers on the Runway.

Early next week I'll be sharing one of the most interesting moments of the NBFW event...

labour day wedding...

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So what to do when you have a closet full of dresses but none seem to do the trick..? Go shopping of course! I've been trying to keep "just because I want to" shopping trips to a minimum as of lately to ensure I can afford my must-have list for Fall. Yet, despite the fact that I have plenty of dresses, all seemed too casual, didn't fit, wrong season, white (eek) or were just too serious (black). Also, here brought forth an opportunity to add that something burgundy from my fall wish-list... 

 

 

 

The Outfit

• Dress: Pink Martini- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Sept '11)
• Belt: Old Navy (SJ, Aug '11)
• Sandals: Guess- Manchester Shoe Salon (SJ, Feb '09)
• Necklace- Splurge (Halifax, Spring '08)
• Bracelet- Le Chateau (Halifax, Fall '07)

Whoa, does the natural light ever bright out the pale in me! I assure you, I haven't been hiding in a cave all summer as my complexion might suggest.

This was an outfit I wore to my friend Kate's wedding this past weekend outside in the Rothesay Commons- gorgeous location and I'm so glad our tempermental climate decided to cooperate for her that day! She looked absolutely gorgeous- there's just something about friends in white dresses that makes me a little misty eyed. (This was also the first wedding I've attended where I didn't have to get up to catch that bouquet at the reception.) 

 

Thanks to Joy for helping me pick out this dress the night before!

 

 

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