Thanks to reader Sue for commenting on Friday's Daily Distractions: We were misinformed that Ben Sherman is moving into the old Dyptique space on Newbury Street. Agent Provocateur is actually moving into the Dyptique space and Ben Sherman is moving nearby Karmaloop between Dartmouth and Exeter.
Good friend, and stylist, Marci Duarte hit the town for New Brahmin for Via Matta's "Greatest Party On Earth" last Friday. She sent us some pictures of a few of the beautiful people in attendance, including her lovely self. With upwards of 500 people there, here are a few of her favorites. Boy, I wish I was there! We heard the party was incredible.
Don of Patch NYC with Marci of TEAM
Mariolga of TEAM and fab photographer Kim Kennedy
Don and John of Patch NYC (so handsome!)
I was forced onto one of those Duck Boat tours by my
visiting boyfriend this weekend and all I have to say is….never again. In
addition to the embarrassment of the touristy-ness of it all; it was
ridiculously hot, the tour guide was the cheesiest man I’ve ever encountered,
and the prison sentence tour was so long that by the end I was weighing the
pros and cons of jumping ship. One good thing that came from the experience
though was that I spotted this very cool looking hat shop at about the time I
was visually estimating the distance from my seat to the ground and how that
distance would translate pain-wise.
Anyway the cute looking little shop reminded me of how I’ve meaning to be more adventurous in my millinery endeavors. I’ve always been a little wary of hats, but Toppers (151 Tremont St) seemingly wide selection might help remedy that “can’t find a hat that fits my head and face shape” syndrome. I couldn’t find a lot of info online, so hopefully at some point in my last week in the city (I know crazy right?!) I’ll find a second to check out the head wear hot spot.
I had the privelege of attending the Improper Bostonian's "Boston's Best" party last night at the EMC Club in Fenway Park. I don't think there was much of a dress code and that confused the majority of the guests. Lots of maxi dresses and cocktail dresses as if this were a balck tie event. However, there were just as many people who were dressed for an afterwork open bar. The two winners in my book: Michael Prince of Converse in white linen pants (unfortunately, I didn't get a pic) and Jo Swani of Moxie in a Daniela Corte dress.
Of course I forgot to bring my USB for my camera to work with me and the few pics I took last night are trapped in my camera. Check back later, I promise to get them up this evening.
Over the weekend, I headed out to Newton Center to check out Tess & Carlos. I had the pleasure to meet Tess Enright, who along with her husband, Carlos Pava, own 3 Tess & Carlos stores throughout the metro Boston area. Tess, who's keen eye and incredible customer service skills were honed at Bonwit Teller and Bloomingdales before opening the first store in Harvard Square in 1995, is essentially the heart and should behind the store. Name aside, she is the store and the store is her.
Keep reading to see some bits and pieces of the Tess & Carlos store in Newton Center...
...I'm confused. Several months of passing by the old Jasmine Sola locations had me wondering what was going on...yes, most of us probably remember the (hot pink and lime green!) Jasmine Sola signs in Harvard Square and on Newbury Street. Once staples of the Boston boutique scene, carrying unique lesser known brands and interesting jewelry, the JS stores had disintegrated over the years into purveyors of crappy rayon strapless dresses and cheap shoes. Then came the buyout, then came the sexual harassment lawsuit, then came...the end of Jasmine Sola. Now, like weeds in a graveyard...they're back. However, they don't seem to be totally in accordance about their name. They have 2 different websites (one for each name). And the store? Well, quite frankly...it only took me about 5 minutes to scan the 1st and 2nd floor of the Newbury Street location and make my deductions. The clothing is cheaply made (I didn't see any of the slightly higher end labels they carried at one point,) the racks were lightly stocked, there was already a fairly large clearance section taking up the rear of the store, and the salesgirls are as vapid and aloof as ever.
The merchandising is exactly the same as it used to be in the old store, and if you were a fan of Jasmine before it closed then perhaps you will like its replacement. I, on the other hand, would much rather take my hard earned dollars and find something unique and well made at Dress, Matsu, or my favorite challenge...
The last bit of my shopping experience in Central Square was definitely one of most interesting I've had yet...
My next and last stop (I really wasn’t kidding when I said three stores) was a shop called Tellos. The details after the jump...
If the looks from the street alone aren't sweet enough to get you to step into ROUGE, then well, maybe you should reconnect with your girly side. Driving by, this place looks like a little piece of heaven and when you go inside, you realize it just may be. At the very least, I had stumbled upon a makeup lover's paradise.
ROUGE hosts everything from your common favorites, like Nars and Paula Dorf to exclusive names like Australian-based Model Co (which I am writing an entirely separate post on because there are so many unbelievable products in their line that they don't fit in just one).
As if having in house makeup artists isn't enough, they also offer "Girls Night Out" parties, so bring your friends! I had the pleasure of meeting 2 of their resident artists (Marlo & Manda), as well as the owner (Ann Massey), and they could not have been friendlier or more helpful. They know their products!
Yes, Salem is a bit of a hike from Boston. And yes, I am also weary of the witches. But brave the commute and the monsters, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
ROUGE
322 Derby St
Salem, Ma 01970
(available by commuter rail, too!)
www.rouge.com
978-740-1044
I ventured to Cambridge for some more shopping. Today, I'll share with you now my fashion finds in Central Square.
After a slightly messy commute via shuttle bus across the
bridge to
We've reached the end! Read on for the last of my Beacon Hill fun.
