Belly Beautiful

For the longest time, ladies who are expecting, have had a challenging quest of finding appropriate fitting clothing here within the city. I've heard from many women who have had to make out-of-town trips in search of quality maternity clothing- which more often than not- don't come cheap. 

Belly Beautiful, Saint John's new maternity apparel boutique, just opened its doors on Prince William Street a little over a month ago. The store is helping to fill the gap for pregnant women looking for clothing that they can feel good and look good in! They deserve to be able to find that without leaving our city.

You can find the shop at the corner of Princess and Prince William, right across the street from Bourbon Quarter and Magnolia Cafe!

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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.

Perfumes Plus Holiday Party

A few weeks ago, you may have caught the announcement about Perfumes Plus' upcoming holiday party via the Brunswick Square Blog. The event date has since changed and Perfumes Plus will now be hosting their annual Holiday party tonight, in-store, at 6pm.  Perfumes Plus can be found on the ground level of Brunswick Square.

As promised, there will sales to take advantage of throughout the day, which include 30% off select products. Perfumes Plus will also be launching the Chanel's Holiday 2011 Collection. Chanel is bringing a lot of beautiful, limited edition products to the table with this holiday line made up of rich golds, festive reds, and beautiful neutrals.

The event will also feature make-up and nail demons, as well as prize draws. Every purchase today enters you in to a draw to win a holiday gift from Chanel!

There will be Chanel limited edition gift sets available for purchase, which include the brush set or lip gloss duo featured above.

Personally, my favourite Chanel cosmetic product (aside from their eye concealer I use daily) would be their nail polishes. They may cost a pretty penny, but they are honestly worth it- it's definitely one of those products that you get what you pay for. Above is my current collection of Chanel polishes. Last night I painted my finger nails with the Coromandel (second from the left above) and it only required one coat! 

If you love Chanel as much as I do, you should pop on over to Barb's blog and enter her giveaway to win for the chance to win a free Chanel manicure from Perfumes Plus! (Contest is open until this Friday, Dec 2, at noon.)

Need to pick up something pretty for your friend or sister, stocking stuffers, or a hostest gift? Be sure to drop by later today for some refreshments, shop the sales, and trial the new Chanel products at Perfumes Plus- I'll see you there!

Will you be dropping by for some time with Chanel today?

a new project in the works...

I wanted to share with you an annoucement on a big project I'll be embarking on within the next month. In early December, the shopping centre Brunswick Square, approached me about collaborating with them on a project. They are looking to revamp their connection with social media and their online presence. With this, you'll be seeing a make-over of their current website. In tune with these changes, they wanted to try something new. I've been asked to write a blog for them.

I'm really excited about this opportunity and I can tell you that I wouldn't take on a project that I didn't believe in...it just wouldn't be authentic. As you may have noticed in my previous posts, I spend a great deal of time in the Uptown Saint John area, and you'll often find me shopping the levels of Brunswick Square.

So you might wondering how or if this will this affect and impact my blogging with Maritime Shopaholic? This blog is still my number one project at heart and I still plan on blogging my little heart out as a Monday to Friday style blogger. I intend to continue to work at evolving and expanding my content. I'm also really excited to take on this side project in which I have been offered the opportunity to exercise creative direction in promoting some of my favourite local stores!

Will content cross over to both blogs? Nope, each will be written and edited by me, but will have it's own focus and content. The blog for Brunswick Square will feature creative weekly posts and is slated to launch in late March!

Some of my (many) blog posts that involved the shops of Brunswick Square over the past year include:

April 2010- Shopping in Brunswick Square

May 2010- Chanel Make Up Workshop @ Perfumes Plus

September 2010- Fall Fashion Preview

November 2010- Je Suis Prest Boutique Fashion Show

If you're a local gal, be you can follow Brunswick Square on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest news and sales! 

P.S. Oh, and have you entered the Silver Daisy Designs Giveaway? To do so click here- today's the last day! Contest closes at midnight AST and the winner will be annouced tomorrow evening (Feb 17)!

black dog boutique's grand opening...

Friday night I found myself at The Black Dog Boutique, a cozy boutique found below the big red 2-4 on Germain Street.

Inside, Jill Kimball, owner of the Black Dog, was hosting the celebratory Grand Opening of her new store, which had opened it's doors to uptown Saint John last month.

Meet Oli. Official greeter and bow-tie clad inspiration behind The Black Dog Boutique.

It takes a special canine to be considered trustworthy amongst racks of beautiful clothing.

I'd describe The Black Dog Boutique's selection as comfortable chic and sophisticated refinery. You have many quality, well constructed garments. I love the variety of prints and rich textures as well.

In the back, where the dressing rooms lie, a group gathered, glasses of bubbly in hand. In attendeance were two of the Mill Rats players, mingling and politely ensuring everyone had a drink in hand from the champagne fountain.

Everyone was mixing and mingling in the dressing room area referred to as "the boudoir"

Here's the lovely and charming Jill with the ever-gentle Oli

Local uptown shop owner Kiera Fraser (Je Suis Prest Boutique) dropped in to browse the latest shipments found on The Black Dog's racks and support Jill in her grand opening.

Jill's current garment selection varies from She Bible, based out of San Fransisco, to the organic, east coast based Toggery. Also in stock are beautiful pieces from Montreal's Valerie Dumaine and Eve Gravel.

Personally, I tried on an Eve Gravel black and cream belted skirt with pockets and fell in love. (Naturally, I had to adopt it.)

If you haven't had the opportunity to check out The Black Dog Boutique, you really should stop in and see Jill and Oli!

the latest boutique uptown....

...is the Black Dog Boutique! Have you popped over to the adorable shop at 24 Germain Street yet? It's right beside the new Relish (old Reggie's).

Formerly a tailor's shop, owner Jill Kimball has transformed the space into a lovely, cozy space with quality garments hanging from the racks amongst the funky yet sophisticated decor.

The Black Dog Boutique is "...equipped with EcoChic fashions from NYC and San Francisico" and features other brands from Montreal and Toronto. All merchandise have been crafted in North America. Jill is as much a hostess as she is shop owner. She was so sweet and friendly when I stopped in to visit the day after she opened the boutique on November 18! She even offered me a cookie (she credits the Batch Bakery for the tastey treats)!

She showed me the boudoir aka the lovely, changing room with soft lights and charming decor.

I even love the script wallpaper!

I'll be going back soon (likely this week) to browse the selection again...I was very careful around the clothing because at that time I was carrying a pesto baguette and bruschetta mix (that I had just bought in the market and was taking to baby shower later that evening).

Check out Black Dog Boutique in person, as well as in the following places:

Website

Twitter

wish list for my fav store...

I  haven't been able to invest in much as far as fall fashions go this season and it's slowly killing me! Although I may be being slightly melodramatic I'm watiting to be able to afford to add a few new pieces to my wardrobe. Check out my wish list I recently added to the right sidebar.

I made a stop by Je Suis Prest Boutique the other day and snapped photos for my ever-growing wish list!

Free People top

I envision this top with a black 3/4 or long sleeved top underneath to make it warm for Fall weather.

 

Free People top

Perfect with a pair of skinny jeans or skinny olive cargos!

(Oh wait, Kiera does have the Free People skinny cargos in...which would be on

my list if I hadn't already sworn myself to the Paige ones...)

Free People top

This heather grey cotton top would be perfect for a casual day in jeans.

Dex blouse

Option to cinch at the waist flatters the female form. You could wear this untucked with

a part of skinny pants or jeggings. Would look fab tucked in with a high waisted skirt.

Dex striped cardigan

Long cardigans are one of my person faves. Cozy for the cooler weather,

they allow you to wear shorter sleeves while elongating your torso

(which is great is you have a shorter one like me!)

DEPT dress

I love how versatile this dress is- wear it with a casual sweater, black leggings,

or strut your stuff in a pair of killer heels and bare legs. Fabulous that it

incorporates some of fall's hotest colours.

 

DEPT top

Again, fabulous fall colours. Perfect with a pair of leggings (grey or black) or a pair of

skinny jeans. I love any excuse to be stylish while wearing loose tops and stretchy bottoms!

DEPT military dress

Right on trend for fall, I love the variety this dress could bring to possible outfits: as is, with a cute pair of heels or flats; with leggings or tights to keep warm with a chilly fall breeze, or top with a blazer or sweater.

DEPT lace dress

Dress up with a pair of pumps or cozy up with a thick cardigan and flats.

I love the gentle feminity that comes with this design.

Alternative Apparel brown leggings

Do you know how hard it is to find a decent pair of brown leggings?

Black and grey, no problem...but brown, not as easy a find.

The plus: I love the soft clothing Alternative Apparel makes!

Coat with faux fur collar

And I wish I could tell you the brand, but it escapes my mind except

that it starts with a G! If you love it as much as I do, just describe it to

 Kiera, Joy or Meg and they can point you in the right direction!

Jack striped coact with faux fur collar

My favourite coat from the Jack collection that I hope to be sporting by the time the snow hits!

Jack faux fur vest

This was one of my absolute favs when the fall line first came in- and I actually own it now

despite the fact it's still a little to warm to be wearing it yet! Since it is on the bulky side,

I will be pairing it with skinny pants- either jeans, black jeggings, or cargos!

Jack floral dress

There's talk of putting a dark top under your summer wears to transition into fall.

I would definitely see this dress being pulled off with a black long

sleeved tee and a pair of black tights.

BB Dakota trench

A brown trench coat is considered a women's staple, and I don't yet own one!

I love this one that can be worn with a dressy or causal ensemble.

Jack p-leather coat

I'm telling you, faux is in this fall (whether it be leather or fur)! But it needs to

 look authentic if you're going to fake it. I love this jacket- goes with the casual or

add a funky edge to an otherwise girly outfit.

Let me know what your must-haves are for fall!

What have you already bought and what's on your wish list?