Merry Christmas!

Thank you Menges & Curtis for your beautiful window and reminder of what this season is really all about.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas in New York

Christmas in New York by downtownsusiebrown featuring Vince

I'll be spending more time in the city in 2010. So I'll need to get my edge back. I'll need to stock up on more black clothes and zippy accessories. So, honey, if your reading {like you should be} - high on my wish list is this Vince sweater {at Aggie's}, Big Buddha Bag {at Violet's} and zippy gloves by Kate Spade to make hailing a cab that much easier - I can't be too serious down there!

Go Shop Downtown For Christmas {Giveaway announced}

Shopping with DTSB Nov 09 by downtownsusiebrown
Finish up your shopping downtown this weekend - you will find amazing and unique gifts for your loved ones! I hope to see you on Broadway, Beekman or Phila!

The winner of this weeks giveaway is....

Michelle her comment was "Can't wait for the next shopping event--soon please! Thanks for all you do for our vibrant downtown, Susie".

Send me an e-mail at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com and I'll get your prize out to you ASAP!

Shopping with DTSB Video {Giveaway Wednesday}

DTSB Shopping in Saratoga from DreamBig Media Group on Vimeo.

Here it is!!! The first {of many} videos! Many thanks to Justin and Adam of DreamBig Media Group for making this happen.

As you saw in the video - the shopping event was a lot of fun and a big success. Saratoga has many fabulous stores to shop in. What a great time of year to take advantage of these stores and their amazing assortments. Go in, tell them DTSB sent you, find that special gift you've been searching for and WILL NOT find at the big box stores.

Today's giveaway? A $50.00 gift certificate to Miss Scarlett! The perfect boutique for any babe or babe of a babe! Great merchandise from clothing {for fashionistas or mini fashionistas}, to jewelry, to home accessories!

Leave a comment here and I will announce the randomly chosen winner on Friday {just in time for week end shopping!}.

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree!

Holiday parties are in full swing. It's a bit bitter sweet this year. The celebrations may not be as elaborate as years past, but the friendships remain. We've endured a lot this year and have learned much about ourselves and our country. The good news is the focus is back on the true meaning of the season, friends, family, and health - so for that we must brave the storms, get dressed up and embrace the merriment of these weeks. My hubby and I had his company party Saturday night and my look was all found downtown from my head to my toes....

Cut and Color : Maria

Eyebrow Design: Spa Cascada

Sunless Glow: Spa City Spa

Dress: 80 West {$30 bought with my Shopping with DTSB coupon at the event - a steal!}

Boyfriend Blazer: Hunt, Ltd

Necklace: by Shari Silverman Voce found at Aggie's

Tights: Violet's

Night out with my husband and friends: priceless!

It's crunch time, so I will have a giveaway on Wednesday to assist you and your check list. It may be just the boost your wallet needs to help you get your shopping done! I will also reveal the video from the last DTSB shopping event. Don't miss it!

Ho Ho Ho.....

Wishes, Champagne, Fashion, Violet's and a Good Cause

Sounds like a perfect night to me! If you are a Violet's fan {like me}, you won't want to miss this night. December 15th from 6p-8p. It's the perfect time of year to make your own wish list and to make others wishes come true. Violet's is hosting a night to make many wishes come true. This is how it will work... You come, make up your own wish list for your own personal Santa. {hopefully there will be lots of pens and paper - something tells me these lists will be loooooooong}. Purchase a glass of champagne to enjoy while you shop {is there anything better?}. The glass of bubbly will have a ticket attached to it for your chance to win a pair of designer jeans {think Paige Denim or Hudson Jeans} along with a fashion consultation with the very knowledgeable Violet's team to be sure you choose the perfect pair for you. The more champagne you buy the better your chances of winning {best leave the car at home}. All proceeds from your consumption and ticket collecting will go to the Make-A-Wish foundation. an amazing foundation that helps make terminally ill kids wishes come true. But, wait! There's more! Violet's is really in the giving mood.... come dressed in your favorite Violet's ensemble, be voted best dressed and win a sneak peak for you and two of your friends to check out Laura's newest baby - Stella's in Spring 2010 before the Grand Opening. You and your BFF's will get first dibs on the most stylin' shoes in town.

Hmmmm.... Now to figure out what to wear???

See you there!

Put a Lid On It

It's official. We've had our first snow fall of the year and the temperatures have gone down into the 30's. Time to bundle up. Last week I was saying it didn't feel much like Christmas because of the warm temperatures , but that all changed this past week end. The snow came just in time to make our tree selection festive and white.

My favorite hat that keeps me nice and toasty warm while at the bus stop, out for walks with Ginger, or strolling downtown is a hat by e-ko logic. I got mine last year at Aggie's. I was happy to see they have them again this year {in great colors} along with scarves and gloves by the same company. It will make a great gift for someone on my shopping list {who doesn't need a hat?}. Best part about it? It's made out of recycled clothing. This hat is 100% recycled cashmere. What that means exactly is that moth eaten cashmere sweater that you love and have worn to death can be reborn as a hat or a glove or a scarf or many of the other amazing designs this Troy based husband and wife team dream up. It's local, it's green and it's cashmere - it's perfect for the next winter storm.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

This is one of the many beautifully decorated Christmas trees the girls and I saw on our recent visit to Manhattan to kick off the Christmas season. We saw the snowflake over 57th Street, the angels at Rockefeller Center {and the tree of course}, the windows at Saks, Barneys, and Bergdorfs. Now we are ready to deck our own halls. Off to Bob's for the tree today and a day of eggnog, carols and a few broken ornaments!

Have a great weekend and Merry Christmas!

For the Tween in Your Life

My daughter turned 11 last week. She is officially a tween. High on her birthday wish list were things like iPhones, laptops, and a flat screen t.v. for her room {gotta' a love a girl who can dream}. No more dolls, bikes, and puppies. Nope, we've moved on to the next level. Thankfully, she is very girly. She also listed hoop earrings {we compromised with small glittery ones from Silverado not the large Jennifer Lopez style ones she envisioned!} and the above necklace. We saw it one day while shopping for a birthday gift for another friend at G. Willikers. It's the coolest piece of jewelry for this age group. It should be. The design by M3 Girl Designs is the brainchild of another tween from Texas. She came up with the idea of recycling bottle caps {very green}, paints cool designs on them and turns them into magnets so they can be interchanged as often as your little tween's mood changes {yes - they offer that many charms}. The choker necklace comes in a few different colors {black, pink or bright blue}, has a small metal pendant that the charms attach to and costs around $8. Charms {also about $8} have all different themes {birthday, peace, love, animals, holiday, etc.}. It's the perfect birthday gift or stocking stuffer for your tween, it won't break the bank and is age appropriate!

Happy Thanksgiving! {Black Friday Deals}

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. I will be taking off to spend it with my family, but wanted to leave you with some great Black Friday & weekend deals to get you started on your holiday shopping...



Rockabella: 6a-7a 50% off, 7a-8a 40% off, 8a-9a 30% off, 9-close 30% off.



Violet's - Customer Appreciation Sale. Doors open at 6a. Details at the store on 11/27 only.



G. Williker's : 10% off all weekend. Regular store hours.



Miss Scarlett: major discounts on Anthropology bedding. 10% off on all other merchandise all day.

80 West: 6a-7a 50% off, 7a-8a 40% off, 8a-9a 30% off 9a-close 20% off.



Reform Pilates: 6a - 8a buy one WE Pilates shirt get the second 1/2 off. 6a - 12p 10% off LuLulemon



Lucia: 20% off all vintage jewelry, Skeem candles, all handbags, Pink Dutchess Footwear, Winter Hats and Sale Clothing.

Aren't we so thankful for our amazing local retailers?

Get you Hair Ready for the Holidays {beauty tips by Maria}

{The beautiful and talented Ann-Marie Flores at her salon on Broadway} {Ann-Marie and her team made the Violet's girls more fabulous for the kick-off party}

American women love their shampoo. We shampoo everyday, sometimes twice a day. Our chic European friends only shampoo once a week {think of all that time saved}! Americans also love a lot of lather. Here's a little known fact... Shampoo doesn't need a high lather content to cleanse properly. It's actually more gentle for our hair and scalp to have a low lather content. American women have a hard time purchasing shampoos that don't lather, therefore, the companies add detergents for us lather-head obsessed Americans.

Let's talk about pH. Proper pH for hair, skin and scalp should be between 4.5 and 5.5 acid balanced. Water is neutral at 7 pH, as is baby shampoo. So are tears. This is why baby's don't cry when they get baby shampoo in their eyes. Works for the little tykes, but not for us because it is not the best for our hair and hair color. Some retail brand shampoos are as high in alkalinity as pH of 9. Ouch! Think cleanser or perm solution. Not what you want to use to keep your hair color from fading. I highly recommend professional salon shampoo and conditioners and products which are acid balanced and won't damage your hair or scalp.

Warning: I'm sure you've noticed your favorite salon brand {Redken or Bumble and Bunble} in CVS alongside the Suave, Pantene and the others? Before you think you've found a deal, here's the skinny. Those salon products are "diverted", or black marketed. Diversion is a billion dollar industry the beauty business is fighting everyday. Those products can be up to two years old, and could have switched hands six times before you purchase it for your use. They are not any less expensive than in the salon, and are not guaranteed. Please, STOP and put it down. Purchasing that product hurts your local salon/stylists/business owner. When visiting your local salon for your haircut or color, ask your stylist for their personal recommendation for your hair type. They will be more than happy to give you consultation for home haircare.

I've known Ann Marie Flores for 15 years. She owns the Ann Marie Flores the Salon on Broadway. Not only is she highly skilled in her craft, she commands perfection from her team. She stocks an abundance amount of Redken products for you to pamper yourself at home with. You will have beautiful, shiny hair just in time for Christmas. I can promise you! For an extra treat - book an appointment for an up-do or a blow out for you next Holiday get-together.

High on my Wish List

Dear Santa,

I've been really, realllllly good this year {well, I've at least really tried}. I've nursed my husband back from a hip replacement, I'm on week # 3 of the flu {3 kids = 3 weeks} and I've only mildly complained, and as a follower of this blog - I've even helped YOU to find the best fashion, gift ideas for everyone from kids, teachers, girlfriends, boyfriends and dogs to beautiful accessories for home or garden in Saratoga Springs {why weigh that sled down too much - buy local}.

While window shopping yesterday, I saw in the window at Hunt, Ltd. an original HERMES KELLY BAG IN CROCODILE! Now, this is every fashionista's dream bag. A classic named after the fashion icon Grace Kelly in the 50's. I had never seen one before - let alone hold one! It had all the details the Kelly bag is known for - the timeless tailored design, the handle, the clasp, and the lock. It was love at first sight. I would use it every day. Take good care of it. So, please Santa - could you please put this under the tree for me on Christmas Day? Something tells me my husband won't like the $10,000 price tag - so you are my only hope.

Much love,
Susie

Pre-shopping Kick Off Party at Mimosa Gallery

{coupon books for everyone!}
{the gorgeous girls from Violet's. Hair and make-up by Ann-Marie Flores (mine too)}

{party goers}

{80 West chats it up with Miss Scarlett}

{the ORIGINAL Miss Scarlett}

{shoppers trying on some of the gorgeous mimosa jewelry - true works of art}

{future blogger and tweeter}

{stylin' Aggie's girls}

{watching the ballet}

{Saratoga City Ballet performs Coffee and Hot Chocolate from their upcoming Nutcracker}

Happy Birthday to ME!

{yummy cupcakes from Putnam Market}

My husband surprised me with long {and needed} weekend trip out of town. He lined up some very gracious and patient friends and my in-laws {it takes a village, people!} to come and care for the girls and the dog while we get-away to celebrate.

I'll be back next week for more shopping and blogging! In the meantime check out these other local bloggers for your daily blogging fix... Beverly Tracy Home Design, Twinkle-Studio, and Deliciously Determined.

Blog {and Shop} on!

Thank you!

Feeling a bit exhausted after the shopping event this past week end and the weeks of planning it took to pull it all together! Thank you to all of you who came out and shopped in support of Saratoga City Ballet's Scholarship Fund. It was a beautiful day to be out downtown, shopping, seeing friends, trying out new stores and spas and supporting our local community. Please look for a full recap later this week in both photos and video of the entire event.

A special thanks to all the participating stores, spas and restaurants: Aggie's, Beverly's, Circus Cafe, Compliments to the Chef, Dawgdom, Flores the Salon, Frivolous, G. Willikers, Gaffney's, Hunt, Ltd, Impressions, Lucia, Mimosa Gallery, Miss Scarlett, New Leaf, Pangea, PaperDolls, Pink Paddock, Props, Putnam Market, Putnam Wine, Reform Pilates, Rockabella, Saratoga Coffee Traders, Sloppy Kisses, TizNow, Violets, and 80 West!

I"m off to catch up around the house and take care of a sick child {thank God not H1N1}.

Don't forget to come see Saratoga City Ballet's Nutcracker the week end of December 18, 19, and 20. You won't be disappointed. No Christmas season is complete without the Nutcracker! For ticket information click here. Public sale tickets available Nov 21st.

Game Plan {Map it Out}

View Shopping with Downtown Susie Brown in a larger map

{play around with the map to see all the stores participating and what they offer inside}

While the boys are watching "the game" or the Breeders Cup, we need to have a game plan of our own. So map it out! Decide where your 12 places will be ahead of time. It's been a long week of H1N1, elections, work, kids, school, and just life in general. Time for some good-'ol escapism. Art, dance, fashion, community support, good food, cocktails, laughs, and friends. Come out and remember just how good life can be and celebrate our killer shopping town. Plus, it's all for a good cause. Join me Friday night at Mimosa Gallery for the kick-off party to see what you can shop for on Saturday, take in some art, and see a little ballet. Can't do a two - nighter? That's OK - you can still shop and join the fun on Saturday. Pick up your coupon book Saturday at Aggie's Boutique or Mimosa Gallery then spend a glorious day in the Spa town. DON'T MISS the GIVEAWAY party at Tiznow. Drop off your validated punch card at PaperDolls, 80 Henry Street then go next door to TIZNOW for a huge GIVEAWAY PARTY!!! I will begin raffling of prizes that include handbags, sweaters, goodie bags, jewelry, AND MORE SHOPPING SPREES! Hunt, Ltd will be offering a $500.00 SHOPPING SPREE! I have a total of $2000.00 worth of prizes - but you have to be in it to win it!

Come out and play!!!

What will YOU be shopping for this Saturday???

Jeans, sweaters, a dress, a jacket, jewelry, unique gifts, something special for your kids, your dog, your home, or YOU?!?! Whatever you will be shopping for on Saturday - you will not be disappointed. Only the best of the best to choose from! Even if you don't shop and just visit (at least 12 of the participating stores) and get your coupon book validated by each store you visit - you will still have a chance at AMAZING GIVEAWAYS at the end of the day at Tiz Now!! I will be giving away $1300.00 worth of merchandise PLUS A $500 SHOPPING SPREE at Hunt, Ltd., spa treatments and gift certificates to some of Saratoga's best restaurants! All this for a $25.00 donation to Saratoga City Ballet's Scholarship Fund. Pick up your coupon book on Friday at the kick off party or Saturday at either Aggie's boutique, 454 Broadway or mimosa gallery, 70 Beekman street! Click here to get all the details and reserve your spot!


Tah Dah... Here is the list of participating stores, spas and restaurants...

Aggie's, Beverly's, Circus Cafe, Clothes Line, Compliments to the Chef, Dawgdom, Flores Art Gallery and Salon, Frivolous, G. Willikers, Gaffneys, Hunt Ltd., Impressions of Saratoga, Lucia, Mimosa Gallery, Miss Scarlett, New Leaf, Pangea, PaperDolls of Saratoga, Pink Paddock, Props, Putnam Market , Putnam Wine, Reform Pilates, Rockabella, Saratoga Coffee Traders, Sloppy Kisses, Tiz Now, Violets, and 80 West.

All Souls Day

{botanical photography by Heaven Scent}

Today is All Souls Day. It couldn't come at a more perfect time. A time when I need to remember those who were taken too young and too soon. I hope and trust they are in peace. To be a friend and a sister to those left behind.

I share a poem with you today by Mary Oliver.

When Roses Speak, I Pay Attention

"As long as we are able to be extravagant we will be hugely and damply extravagant. Then we will drop foil by foil to the ground. This is our unalterable task, and we do it joyfully."

And they went on.

"Listen, the heart-shackles are not, as you think,

death, illness, pain,

unrequited hope, not loneliness,

but lassitude, rue, vainglory, fear, anxiety,

selfishness."

Their fragrance all the while rising from their blind bodies, make me

spin with joy.

Happy Halloween!

{from Accents at Allerdice}
{hoping I won't be....from Props on Broadway}

Pumpkin carving tonight, lots of Halloween parties tomorrow and a fun filled day on Saturday!!
Happy All Hallows' Eve everyone!

Gossip Girl Look Saratoga Style

Yes, I'm coming clean. I'm old enough to be Serena and Jenny's mom and I watch Gossip Girl. I like it. It's a bit 90210 {the original series - and yes again, I'm old enough to remember and have enjoyed that show and I am a little depressed that those characters now play the parents on the remake!} meets Sex in the City. High School angst meets Big City fashion. Plus, I'm a sucker for anything fashionably New York. Monday's episode had a great Prohibition-era Halloween party scene celebrating the opening of a club. Now that's a party I could truly embrace! Love that flapper 1920's look. You look great {no scary green body paint to remove after too many scare-tini's}. In addition, it can double as an amazing Holiday party dress. The Gossip Girl bunch was decked out in Chanel {of course}, but that is a look that is easy to duplicate. I found the above short black sequence cocktail dress at Frivolous Boutique, 18 Division Street {participating in the upcoming Shopping Event}. I paired it with some grey, black and pearl strands - the more the better, a headband with a flower motif, and a killer cocktail ring and voila... Gossip Girl has nothing on DTSB! So whether you are looking for a great Halloween costume, a Holiday party outfit, or both - this is a look that is both classic and stylish!

A little more gossip on Gossip Girl: Saratoga's own Chris Riggi {yes, that Riggi} is on the show. So, watch it for the drama, the fashion or to support our own local celeb.

turn over a New Leaf ... {plus giveaway winner announced!}

... and shop Beekman Street. Especially if you like wearing, giving, or receiving unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art. New Leaf is a boutique that recently opened that offers just that. Contemporary, cool pieces that won't be found any place else. It's our hands-on Etsy shop. Jeromy {owner} consigns pieces made by local artists who may have a home on the web - but needs a place where locals who like to see and feel what they are buying can do just that. A couple of my favorites are the above. Penny pinchin is very in these days - why not keep your coins in this mod yet zippy change purse? Be fru-cool. A big trend right now are feather headbands. For those of us who are a bit more earthy, but want to embrace their inner Gossip Girl - this headband is the perfect balance. This trendy, pretty felt headband has just enough sparkle to stand out in the crowd. Check out New Leaf at the Shopping Event and see all the great handbags, jewelry, art and much more they have to offer from local crafts people. I'm very excited to have them as a new addition to the list of participating stores!

The winner of this weeks giveaway is...

Wendy ... with the comment "Have fun with your girls! And, my girls (Chloe and Maddie) would love these clips! Hope I finally win!!"

Email me at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com and I will get these Pretties out to your pretties!

Pretties Please {Giveaway FRIDAY}

Yes, you may.... have a chance at this weeks giveaway for your favorite mini fashionista. These clips by Pretties Please are adorable and have been worn and tested by my girls {all hair types covered. Thick, thin, and in-between}. The girls love the bright vivid colors and felt flower topping, I love the retro ribbon prints and we all love the fact that they don't slip. They've actually come home from school with the clip still in their hair - now that's a true test of endurance! They come in two sizes: petite 1 3/8" and grand 1 3/4". Perfect gift idea or stocking stuffer for your little pretty...

Leave a comment to win 3 pretties {clips, worth $7.00/each} and one holder {$3.50}. Clips are sold at Scissors of Oz and Saratoga Dance.

I will announce the randomly chosen winner next Tuesday {10.27}.

Love Fridays and Giveaways! {I'm diggin' the Friday giveaways - do you? Or do you prefer Wednesday? I'd love some feed back! Leave it with your comment}.

Yippeeee...I'm off to the city for a girls weekend - Have a great one!!

Mondays & Mimosas ...

{Paper+Cup}

Could there be a better way to start your week? I think not. And, yes, it's that time of year again - so get going, mark your calendar, and start off the season ahead of the game. Stop by PaperDolls, 80 Henry Street, on Monday {October 26} between 11a - 3p for a little bubbly and sweets while you flip through their books filled with only the best quality and most creative holiday cards for 2009. 15% off all holiday card orders and 10% off all in stock merchandise.

Now to get the girls and the dog to sit for a picture.... More champagne, please!

Living in... {Shop Local + Giveaway Announced}

Farmony (Harvest Fest trailer) from DreamBig Media Group on Vimeo.

Farmony... As you all know, I am in total agreement of buying local. This documentary due out in 2010 is the brainchild of Sarah Pendinotti of Railbird {our local indie artist who performs regularly at One Caroline - love her voice and bands cool vibe} and Justin Cerone and Adam Morrell of Dream Big Media Group. Their hopes are to encourage people to buy local and support local farmers through music and film. Add blogging {they already have plenty of style} and I'm hooked. Check out their blog and BUY LOCAL. It's good for your mind, body, soul and wardrobe...

This week's Giveaway winner is...

Anonymous {posted October 16th 2:23}... your comment was....

"I love anything chocolate! Hope I win!"

Please e-mail me at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com and I will get this right out to you!

Don't forget to reserve you spot on the next DTSB Shopping Event!

The Quest for Lushes Lashes {Beauty Tips by Maria}

Lushes lashes by downtownsusiebrown on Polyvore.com

Mascara Facts: Did you know that Maybelline sells a tube of Great Lash mascara every 1.9 seconds somewhere in the world? It continues to be the number one selling mascara of all time. My First? Maybelline Very black. Mascara is still the product of choice for me. I wouldn't walk out the door without wearing it. I've tried them all… from retailer and department store brands, from high to low end. It all comes down to finding the right wand/brush for your lash type. The most cutting edge product out there currently for mascara is a product called Blinc {a favorite of DTSB}. Blinc mascara forms tiny little water-resistant tubes around each lash. So, you can cry your eyes out, go from work to the gym, have an allergy attack and your lashes will look just as good as they did when you first applied it. Blinc will not smudge, flake or run… How cool is that? Find it at Spa Cascada.

Mascara Tips:

1.) When you first open the mascara. Don't pump the wand to prime it every time you use it. This pushes air into the tube which causes bacteria, and dries the mascara out.
2.) For a daytime application I prefer mascara to the upper lashes only. If you're applying to the Lower lids, hold the brush vertical for an easier application. Keep Q-tips on hand for quick clean ups. My pet peeve...mascara dots. If you have wide set eyes apply more toward the nose when finished, close set eyes more on the outer 1/3. Eyes too round? Mascara only on the outer 2/3.
3.) Mascara should be tossed away after 6 months anyway.

There are a new field of products out there that actually grows and enhances lashes. And you thought you had to be born with long and lushes lashes! These products promote the growth of new and healthier lashes. I recommend the natural, over the counter approach found at Spa Cascada. Amy carries Neulash. Neulash is a cosmetic grade protein in liquid form that when applied at night to the lash line this product will promote a healthier, longer, darker and stronger lash in just 4 weeks. Set up time with Amy to learn more about this product and check out http://www.neulash.com/ to see if this product is right for you.

Can't wait 4-6 weeks for lash growth, and need lashes NOW! There's always extensions, tints,fills,and faux lashes. Extensions are quite pricey and are a big commitment. But aren't all Diva's? If you want a quick, less expensive way to get lush lashes, faux is for you. You can purchase them anywhere. Sally Beauty Supply, Target, and Rite-Aid. They come individually, demi's, and full strips depending how demure or dramatic you want to look. Practice makes perfect. Use a white glue that dries clear, this won't show mistakes. Toothpicks will allow for guiding the amount of glue on each lash. A Tweezerman slanted tweezer is a sure and steady grab for placing. Always start on a clean oil free lid. You may want to add a pencil liner first. This help's the glue stick to the lid. Our natural oils break down glue. When using individuals or demi's, a pencil liner works best. A liquid liner can be applied after the full strip of lashes has been placed for the most dramatic effect.


One more tip before I end… I told you I am lash obsessed…Do you want a better way to make your lashes stay curled all day? Warm your lash curler! You wouldn't curl your hair with a cold curling iron! Simply run your blow dryer a few seconds on your lash curler. (test first on the back of your wrist a few times). Always curl a clean lash, prior to mascara, otherwise lash curler may pull lashes. My picks for lash curlers are: Laura Mercier. Try her pinch free version it's new for $16.00, or Tweezerman's Pro-Curl curler for $20 @ Sephora.

I will continue buy the latest mascara's and gadget's. I will always be in search of the perfect mascara. I will always have on hand a tube of Maybelline Great Lash mascara in very black just in case the new ones don't work out - the classics always do...

- Maria

TGIF... Lets Celebrate with a Giveaway!

I'm all off because of the short week. I usually do my giveaways on Wednesday, but why not switch it up a bit??? Plus, I am so excited about this giveaway I couldn't hold off! Shari Voce makes bold contemporary jewelry which is sold at Aggie's Boutique on Broadway. She has a great talent for taking all sorts of different stones, woods, metals, and beads and crafting them into beautiful statement pieces. I have given her earrings and rings out as gifts many times. They are unique and add enough panache to an outfit without going overboard. I especially love this piece. The chocolaty brown smooth wood beads hand knotted on silky smooth ribbon can be adjusted to wear long over a t-neck sweater or shorter and worn around the collar bone with a crisp white shirt and jeans. These textures and the color is perfect for Fall! {$48.00 value}

Make a comment on this post and the above could be yours. I will announce the randomly chosen winner on Tuesday - so you have all weekend to pray, hope and dream that this piece will be yours come next Friday! {please note... I know some of you without a Google account have had trouble leaving comments in the past. I believe I have fixed the problem. If you are still having a problem today pleeeese send me an e-mail so I can get to the bottom of this! I will include email comments in the drawing if this problem still occurs! THANK YOU!}

See more of Shari's amazing jewelry at Aggie's or at the Shopping Event on November 6 and 7. Don't forget to reserve your spot!!

We Have A Right To Shoes!

We Have A Right To Shoes! by downtownsusiebrown

Now this is a fashion statement I can stand behind. Thankfully, Laura Farrar owner of Violet's of Saratoga has heard our plea. We have amazing clothing boutiques to shop in all over town. Some of them have started carrying shoes to make up for the lack of choices we have had lately thanks to the Shoe Depot's dwindling stock. But, Ladies, I am hear today to tell you that come Spring 2010 we will have one store fully stocked with pumps, flats, booties, wedges, and kitten heals in all colors and sizes! Who better than Laura to take on this endeavor? She already owns and operates one of the most successful stores in town - so I'm sure her venture into shoes will be done right. A free standing store offering all the best styles at the right prices ... Downtown! Thanks, Laura for hearing us and delivering! Good Luck!

Vows

Peter and I made ours 13 years ago today. We've had our ups and downs, but our commitment to each other and the sacrament of marriage has not wavered. He was and remains today my best friend, my first and only true love, and my prince charming {although that one I now share with our 3 girls}.

We are entering middle age and must face the challenges that go along with it. As my brother said in his homily {reflecting on the gospel reading from the Wedding Of Cana} that day 13 years ago "...We live with the hope of the future. We know Jesus is more ahead of us than behind us. Peter and Susan may Christ who transforms our lives continue to change yours in the years ahead. Where there are waters of doubt be changed to wine of faith, where there are waters of of despair be changed to the wine of hope, where there are waters of brokenness be changed to the wine of healing and reconciliation, and where there is the water of selfishness be changed to the wine of love."

I lift my glass to my husband and our marriage today and all the days to come! Happy Anniversary, Peter. I love you.

I am Woman ...

{Picture from the Sartorialist. One of my favorite blogs. You must check it out. Found this shot after I wrote this post but needed to share it with you... Now that's what I'm talkin' about!}

Hear me roar... And watch me shop.... For the latest trends....Downtown...

I found the above fabulous leopard printed faux fur vest by Adrienne Landau at Hunt, Ltd. {ridiculously cheap - but not cheap}. A perfect statement piece. Hunt, Ltd. is having a huge clearance sale in order to make room for new arrivals. Run don't walk. This vest is perfect for our Upstate weather. I plan on dressing it up for upcoming Holiday parties with all black or creamy winter white or dress it down with a tee and jeans, add some funky baubles and some red {yes, red} lipstick to follow the trends and the look will be complete. Animal prints when worn as an accent can add enough roar to an outfit, so don't over do it {no matching shoes or belt or purse - just one of these pieces will make your outfit spot on}.

The booties {although not my every day Mom wear} were hard to pass up {at 40 bucks why should I?} from 80 West. How perfect are they with this vest? This is another trend that I sorta' love. These boots can be worn with skirts, jeans or slim pants. Looking forward to a trip to NYC with my gal pals - this outfit will release my inner Carrie Bradshaw!

A few other places not to miss this weekend...

Speck Boutique is having a big sale... 20%-40% off store wide. As you all know, October it breast cancer awareness month. Clothes Line is offering 20% off every bra. For every bra sold a portion of the sale will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Miss Scarlett is also celebrating Columbus Day with a week end sale. Jump over to here site to print a coupon for better deals.

Don't forget to mark your calendars and save your spot for my next shopping event!

Have a great lonnngggg week end!!!

It's time to Shop and Support the Arts!!! {Fall Shopping Event}

{photo by John Sullivan}

It's that time again... Time to come out and shop! This event will be bigger and better then the last two. More time, more stores, more spas, more restaurants, and more giveaways... Could it be possible to have more fun??? We'll certainly try... Mark your calendars and reserve your spot. November 6th and 7th are the dates. Yes, people... 2 days... I'm just nuts... Here are the details...

Kick Off Party :Come join me at Mimosa Gallery, 70 Beekman Street, on Friday November 6th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fashion is Art - so why not take in some of our local artists before we shop-til-we-drop the next day? Make a $25.00 donation to Saratoga City Ballet's Scholarship Fund and you will be treated to 2 days of the finest art, dance, food and fashion our town offers, plus receive your coupon book/punch card for shopping the next day. Saratoga City Ballet Company is a non-profit organization that offers scholarships to local kids to take ballet lessons. This scholarship fund allows kids who otherwise could not afford dance instructions the opportunity to experience a classic art form. To see how amazing the company is Saratoga City Ballet will present excerpts from Act II of their upcoming Nutcracker at 7:00 p.m. at Mimosa Gallery. Mimosa Gallery aside from having the most exquisite handbags, pottery, jewelry, and hand blown crystal also hosts paint exhibits for local artists. On top of that {I know, I know - I'm spoiling you}, participating stores will preview some of the great fashions you will be shopping for on Saturday. Models wearing what best represents the collections the stores are currently carrying. Of course there will be wine and nibblies {it is a party}.

Can't make it on Friday night but still want to shop.... That's OK. You can pick up your coupon book/punch card from either Mimosa Gallery or Aggie's on Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m. Make the $25.00 donation and you will receive your passport to savings for the day. Shop, eat, shop, spa service, shop, drink, shop, {you get the point}. There are more restaurants getting involved to help you stay hydrated and well fed during the day. The same rules apply as the previous events. You must visit half of the participating stores or restaurants to be eligible for the the giveaways at the end of the day. And you know how fabulous these are!!! Drop your punch card off at PaperDolls, 80 Henry Street, by 6:00 p.m. Go next door to Tiz Now where they will be serving up drink and food specials for all of us lovely DTSB shoppers. We'll exchange shopping stories, owww and ahhh over each others amazing finds and anticipate who will win the the GIVEAWAYS!!! Personally, my favorite part of the experience. I feel like Santa. Giving away spa services, restaurant gift certificates, handbags, hats, store gift cards,etc.... But - you must be in it to win it!!! So, grab your friends, make a week end out of it, support your community, get a head start on your holiday shopping, mark your calendars and RSVP... susan@downtownsusiebrown.com.

It's our own stimulus package....

Meet Maria {Beauty Tips by Maria}

I am thrilled to announce that Maria {one of my enhancement partners and dear friend} will be a guest contributor on DTSB. Maria has years of experience in the beauty industry. She worked for Redken/Pureology as a Salon Development Manager, Regional Sales/Education Trainer, Color Specialist, and worked behind the scenes at numerous hair shows. Maria is married and has a daughter. Like me, she may have left the working world but her passion for fashion and all things beautiful lives on... I asked her if DTSB could tap into some of her beauty secrets. She agreed. So listen up girls while we uncover exactly why she looks so darn {kids reading} good and how we can too. She has a plethora of tips to share and will tell you how to find them locally... Enjoy her first installment!!!

THE BIG BANG THEORY

My beauty budget is spent primarily on my face. Every 3-4 weeks I painstakingly get a TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel or an oxygen facial. I follow up at home with Retin A and vitamin C cream. I do all this just to combat the signs of aging. Sound familiar? Lately, I've noticed the trends of celebrities in the 40+ category with their bangs cut. They look fabulous! Whether you like Kathy Lee Gifford or not, adding bangs has taken years off her looks! Sooooo, I grabbed my shears and I started cutting. I haven't had bangs in yeeeears. VOILA...done. I looked younger instantly. If I had known it was that easy I would have done it sooner. My smile lines seemed to wane. Even a neighborhood kid said I looked like Selena Gomez {Hello...She's 16! I'll take that as a compliment, thank you very much!} The bang theory was catching on. After my hair colorist saw my new look, she decided to cut hers. Yes, I can cut my own bangs, but the rest I leave to my own favorite stylist Shannon DelGado, owner of Sanctuary Salon on Railroad Place. DTSB has embraced the trend too.

Will I continue with the peels and facials? You bet. But if you are like me and looking for a quick inexpensive way to take years off your looks without breaking the bank - try the big bang theory for yourself and look years younger today...

The Car Coat

My fall shopping continued over the week-end. Check out my Twitter Updates {lower left} for pictures of other great discoveries I found along the way {the video was a mistake - still an iphone novice - but aren't those booties from 80 West fabulous??? And how about the new home store on Broadway - Props??? Love it! More about that later}.

I'm a big fan of the car coat. I like the length and the fact that it can easily be dressed up or down - perfect for my lifestyle. I found the above coat by Tulle at Violet's. Mine is in navy blue. I love the urban flare. The details are what got me. Scalloped front, exposed brass zipper, slimming waistband, and the zippy stripped lining. I've had my eye out for a new coat for the season and Violet's did not disappoint. They have lots to choose from {car coats, puffy coats, short, long, plaid, solid}. I happen to like a lighter weight coat because I'm always in and out of the car. The price sealed the deal... $123.00.

Shop now or wait until the big shopping event on November 6 {kick off party} and November 7th {shop all day Saturday people!}. Look for all the details on Wednesday. Grab your moms, sisters, girlfriends, husbands, or boyfriends and get ready to shop!!! Make a week-end out of it or just the day - it's up to you. Everything you've liked from the past - shopping, deals, spa treatments, trunk shows and giveaways!! Only this time I'm adding more restaurants, more time {why rush?}, and the art community, because Fashion is Art.

Do you Tweet? Follow me on Twitter - downtownsb where I will continue to post more finds along the way that may not make it to the blog. Why miss out???

Also - please subscribe {left column} to Downtown Susie Brown to have my blog fed to your e-mail address.

It's going to be a great week... See... Shopping puts me in such a good mood...