Enhancement Secrets Revealed {Giveaway Wednesday!}

 {pictures by Kim Purdy}

I hate to give away all Erin's secret's {and mine}, but then again, that is why I'm here!

Secret #1 - Maria Brower.  Amazing hairstylist.  I've been using her for years, so this is the hardest one to divulge...  A former New Yorker who takes beauty and style seriously {now you know why I love her}, but the best part is she wants YOU to be happy.  She sits with you to discuss lifestyle and how much time you can realistically spend on your daily hair routine {ponytail not included}.  She spent years working for Redken selling their products to salons, but always kept her hands in hair - her first love {sorry Chuck}.  She knows product and how to execute the best current cuts and colors.  Interested?  E-mail me and I'll get you set up!  Pass it on... 

Secret #2 - Spa Cascada.  OK - I haven't been so good at keeping Amy and her hacienda style spa a secret.  It's made a few posts here and my spirit has been rehydrated there plenty of times.  Amy and her dedication to her craft continues to be an inspiration to me.  Her eyebrow designs, skin care treatments, facials, and makeup knowledge has enhanced many Saratogians.  Add Erin to that growing list.    

Secret #3 - You can experience some enhancement for yourself.  This week's giveaway is a free hair consultation from Maria with a complimentary Redken Shade's EQ Conditioning Crystal Clear Glaze treatment {I've had a few and love them!}.  As Maria says, "this will give the winner exceptional shine and condition without any color change to the hair.  It's ammonia free {gentle to the hair}, acid balanced, and fortified with wheat amino acids".  What's this mean to you?  A better conditioned, full of body, shiny mane!

I'm not done yet.....  the second part of this brilliant giveaway is a free make up consultation with Amy at Spa Cascada.  Amy will discuss make up trends with you, check out your skin, apply a little Glo Minerals and fill you in on what colors work best for you.  Another secret you will walk away with - Blinc Mascara.  The newest {and greatest} mascara on the market.  You'll be ahead of your friends by "tubing" your lashes instead of the passe way of painting them!

Free hair consultation, hair glaze treatment, make up consultation and the newest mascara on the market - you will be on your way to the enhancement you always dreamed of!  Make a comment on this post to make that dream come true!  Winner announced on Friday!  Good Luck! 

Meet the ENHANCED Erin!!! {Enhancement Week #2}

Taaa dahhhh!!!!  Doesn't she look great?! 

Nothing says summer better than white.  Crisp, clean and light is just what we are looking for on hot summer evenings.  But, when the sun goes down it's best to be prepared with a soft light weight wrap.  This is the perfect summer evening outfit for Polo, a dinner party, or a night poolside with friends. I love how the all white layer adds length to Erin, while the wrap when tied defines her waist.  Silver chain necklace and matching earrings add length but are light weight and don't over take the outfit.  A bold cuff and fun beaded bracelets complete the look.

{Pants, tank and wrap from Violet's of Saratoga.  Earrings and Necklace from Frivolous.  Silver cuff, beaded bracelets are from Erin's closet!}

Erin raves about how comfortable and easy this outfit is to wear.  The truth is you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.  Erin can easily chase after her three boys in this cool cotton black swing skirt that shows off her great legs!  We paired this with her white tank {above} layered with a light weight blue tank. On cooler days or evenings at the baseball field she can layer on her blue wrap {above}, and a funky bright scarf to brighten up the ensemble.  Dainty jewelry adds just the right detail.

Having key pieces in your closet will make mix and matching easy.  This blue wrap will get tons of wear.  To show how different it can be I tied it in the back for the second look and it gave it a much different look and feel.

One of these essential wraps can be yours!!  Stop by Violet's of Saratoga, tell them DTSB sent you and they will give you 20%  off a wrap in the color of your choice - they have a plethora of colors to choose from!!  Run don't walk... 

{Skirt, white tank , and scarf are from Violet's of Saratoga  Blue tank from  Old Navy  Jewelry is Erin's own} 

Meet Erin {Enhancement Week #2}

{Before - coffee at Saratoga Coffee Traders to talk strategy}

Mother, wife, Saratogian, all around do-gooder.  Great laugh.  Loves to hang with her family and friends.  Enjoys the simple pleasures of life - BBQ's, watching her boys play baseball, Blue Moon, walks through town, gardening, her husband's quirky sense of humor, but best of all...  embraces change.

{the unveiling party - picture by Kim Purdy}

We shopped her closet and downtown.  We consulted Amy Snider at Spa Cascada and Maria {my favorite hair stylist} for make up, brow, skin care and hair suggestions.  Did we find a look to match her lifestyle and personality?  Come back all week and you be the judge...

Pucker Up.... {Giveaway Winner Announced!}

 

Who:  I'm not that easy {see below}

What: Kissable Sun Protected Lips by KaplanMD

Where: The ever hip and cool DTSB {thanks to the Sanctuary Spa}

When: Today.... But you are ALWAYS a winner in my eyes...

And the winner is......................

Dora "Spa me up!" 

{please email me at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com to receive your giveaway!}

 
Grab your sunscreen & sneakers and come out for the Cantina Fun Run Sunday Morning to benefit Saratoga Hospital's Emergency Department!!!

Have a great week end!!!

How about a SPA-cation? {Giveaway Wednesday}

Known as the Spa City - we take our spa's seriously.  It's our history.  It's part of who we are.  One spa that doesn't mess around is Sanctuary Spa {72 Railroad Place}.  The minute you enter you know you are some place special.  The sophisticated and soothing atmosphere allows you to start to decompress and wipe the stress away.  {What job? What kids? What wedding plans?}

Treat yourself to one of MiMi Roy's Signature Mani/Pedi's {complete with a sugar scrub and paraffin treatment} and you'll quickly turn off the Blackberry and relaaaaaaax....  MiMi is an amazing nail technician who takes pride in her craft, but her talents don't end there.  She has a classical music background {you can find her songs on itunes}.  If you are lucky, she'll break out a little song while your tootsies are made sandal ready.  She'll lull you with a sweet tune and the message chair calm your tight muscles.  You will never want to leave...

So don't!  Slip on a pair of Oka b. flip flops and head back to the relaxation room.  Sip on some water {add some Pure Inventions for a healthy boost}, or Tea forte tea.  Nibble on some nuts and fruit.  Embrace turning off the stress.

Next try a Signature Spa Facial.  75 minutes of pure bliss....  It's all natural using Jurlique {so natural and pure the company runs it's own farm to source it's ingredients to ensure purity} and Yonka products.  The aromas of citrus are so pleasant.  Combine all this with a with a scalp, arms, hands and feet message and you are reduced to a puddle. 

Wake Up!!  

Duty calls....  The boss is wondering where you disappeared to {is that possible in this PDA era???}.  The kids will be off the bus soon.  The dreaded table assignments for the wedding.... 

Just say... Spaaaaaahhhhhh.............

Before you leave don't forget to get your SPF for you face and lips.  Now you are ready for the SUN and whatever else life throws at you.

This week's giveaway...  KaplanMD Lip 20 Treatment {pictured above}... "the first complete, dermatologist formulated lip treatment created to moisturize, contour, plump, and protect".  The 3 colors - sheer ruby, sheer berry shine and natural shine add just enough color to give your lips a nice glossy glow.  

Make a comment on this post for your chance at this week's giveaway!  Winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday!!!

Let's say it together....

 Spaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! 

 

  

You Are What You Wear or in Sylvie's case... EAT!

The cute and adventurous Sylvie, in the childrens book of the same name, won my kids and me over with her whimsical style and daring taste!  The risk-taking little flamingo is tired of being pink {and eating shrimp}.  She wants to try something new {a girl after my own heart}!  A paisley flamingo? Green? Stripped?  That just won't do... So back to eating shrimp and being pink for her, because it's important to love who you are and to take care of your body too. I won't give the end away... But, trust me when I say - this little flamingo will find her own style and stand out {either on one leg or two} in a crowd!

Written and illustrated by the very talented and LOCAL artist Jennifer Sattler.  You may remember another of Jen's childrens books, Bella's Saratoga Summer.  Her new character will steal your heart and Jen's zippy animations will make you want one book to read and another to rip out the pictures and frame.

Meet Jen and get an autographed copy of the book!  Friday, June 12th, 6:30 at Barnes and Noble {Rt. 50}.

80 West Grand Opening Celebration

The adorable and fashionable owner of 80 West, Barbara Macina, wearing one of the many great dresses she carries at the store now located at 510 Broadway.

 

I'm a huge fan of Barbara's baubles.  A great way for you recessionistas to liven up your summer wardrobe.  Look cool and current in last year's dress when you add these trendy and affordable accessories.  Your secret is safe with me...

 Oh, did I mention she has hats?  For the track, pool, or street.  The ever stylin' Tiffany in one of my favorites.  Love the classic plaid on the cowboy style.  Giddy up!!!

How cute is this dress?  Clearly this 80 West fan knows how to wear it and the shoes were perfect.  Yes, 80 West has shoes too!!!

 

What's you favorite fashion term?  Guests had fun filling a wall with words that describe their favorite fashion term or expression.  Savvy, Sophisticated, Stylish...hmmmm those sound familiar.. {the beautiful interior design of the new location was done by Beverly Tracy Home Design - oh so Elle Decor}.

Much luck, Barbara in your new location!!! 

A gift to all DTSB readers... Mention this post and Barbara will give you 20% off your next purchase at 80 West! 

Now that's a good way to start the week...