a fresh start

Classic.

Frank. New York. A real kiss at midnight.

May the rest of your life start tonight.

Happy New Year to my old {I will never forget you} and new friends ...

Sparkle this New Years Eve {fashionista}

 

 

Why should champagne and the dropping Waterford Crystal Ball in Times Square be the only things sparkling on New Years Eve? Oh... and your personality, of course... Embrace the metallic trend and add some of that 80's glam to your night out on the town. Silver is HOT right now and it will be going forward into spring. Feeling the recession crunch after the holidays? Liven up your LBD with some shimmering accessories and let your inner fashionista shine!

{black and silver top by pure sugar at Lucia Boutique, favorite peacock pearl earrings at Silverado, french connection chain dress at Speck, clutch at Banana Republic, cuff at Silverado, shimmer dress by alice + olivia at Aggie's Boutique, silver and crystal necklace at Talbots, satin rosette pump at Ann Taylor Loft, silver shimmer trench by alice + olivia at Aggie's Boutique, sequin ruched tank at Violet's, and a recommendation from my favorite wine guru in town, William from Putnam Wine, the sparkling wine of choice for the $20 range is this Parigot - I plan on picking up a couple for my good friend's soiree}

Home for the Holidays {home}

Thank you Tiffany for sending me your JOYful scene. I love all the silver and white - very elegant. I'm also loving Sarah's Winter Wonderland mantle with the big friendly Frosty in the middle surrounded by a bunch of fun little critters. Simple, yet, fun and playful. I appreciate you both sharing your creative holiday decor from your homes.

May you all enjoy your homes and those who enter them during this joyful season.

Merry Christmas!

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7.

check list {eats & gifts}

Tree up and house decorated, check. Christmas cards out, check. Presents bought and wrapped, check. OK - let's be honest, I have a wreath that won't stay up, a few cards lingering that I need addresses for, and a few last minute gifts to get and wrap. Oh yeah, and a bowl of cookie dough in the fridge - can't check "make cookies for Santa" off the list yet.

 

The girls and I made our favorite cut out cookie dough last night from the Beverly's Best cookbook (the restaurant is located on Phila Street and is one of the best brunch places in town - looove their blueberry pancakes). The dough has to go in the refrigerator for at least an hour before it can be rolled and cut. It got too late last night (still on the to do list - ahhh) to finish, so must check that off this morning. This allowed me some time to browse Etsy on line while the girls slept. I found these locally handmade holiday gift ideas. They are whimsical, unique and they are made by local artist. My gift to you last minute gift seekers that want something a little different.

Ho Ho Ho.....

{Beverly's Best Cook Book at Beverly's 47 Phila Street, Tree Key chain at Etsy by Miesmama, Santa and Mrs. Clause pony tail holders at Etsy by Three Dancing Magpies, and Santa Clause mini gourd ornaments at Etsy by PulpArt}

shop downtown {gift ideas}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been a hard year to get into the spirit of gift giving with all the bad news out there. Nothing will put you back in the mood like shopping our great downtown. We are all so proud of our downtown and we should be! We have great shops with quality merchandise and shop owners who are committed to our community. This is a perfect time of year to support them and buy that special gift you've been looking for, say Happy Holidays and let them know we believe in them. They are our DOWNTOWN. Without them Saratoga would not be the town it is. Get an eggnog latte, enjoy the decorations, and go shopping...downtown!

Tie by Vineyard Vines (love their whimsical prints done so right) at Pink Paddock, headbands by Lacoste (perfect for that 'tween girl in your life) at Speck Boutique, tree ornaments by Lilly Pulitzer (perfect for the country club set) at Pink Paddock, gloves at Lucia Boutique (a little edgy yet practical), slippers (on my wish list) at Life is Good, Christmas tree boxers (perfect stocking stuffer for him) at Banana Republic, peace sign necklace (celebrate the 50th anniversary of the symbol) at Silverado, Ruckus game (my whole family loves this game!) at G. Willikers, and thank you notes (because it's the right thing to do) at PaperDolls of Saratoga.

a Snow day {gift idea}

Woke up to gorgeous white covered trees. It all looks so pretty while I'm enjoying my steaming mug of strong coffee and the kids are still nestled all snug in their beds with visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads. Then reality hits. A snow day?? A 2 hour delay?? Do they know what time of year it is?? Best to embrace it. Time to get the snow gear out and let the girls get creative in the snow. It's also time to dig out.

'Tis the season for gift giving and I thought this scraper from Eddie Bauer would be a perfect gift for our friends who live in beautifully restored homes and carriage houses in town. The only thing missing? A garage. Their love for living in town means they are willing to put up with all the elements. Shouldn't they be rewarded? This ice scraper allows them to dig out the car while keeping their hands nice and toasty warm in a down mitt. I saw them at Eddie Bauer on Broadway. Hurry! With all the snow and ice we've been having I'm sure they're going fast....

a Charlie Brown Christmas ...

Let's just say I needed a little reminder. Here is where I got it. While watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special with my girls tonight.

I've been feeling a little Charlie Brownish (no offense to the Charlie's in our family!) this week. Recession stress, broken camera, too much to do and too little time. All of this explains the lack of posts this week. Thanks to my techie sister I was able to retrieve some pictures. I will be back with some gift ideas, fashion, inspiration and more holiday fun tomorrow!

Time to do the Peanuts Dance!

late night Inspirations

Isn't that when we moms do our best work? The day is done, the kids are snuggled in bed finally asleep dreaming of their Christmas to come (in less then 2 weeks - ahhh!). It's time to take a deep breath and look at the ever growing to do list. This time of year it seems endless. But, Christmas will come whether you hung all the ornaments, sent all the cards, made the cookies, or bought all the gifts. Well, my to do list is horribly overwhelming - but last night I did something I enjoy and that I hope my kids will always remember. I decorated the house (well, only the inside, we still have to hang the wreaths and do the outside lights). The kids did the tree over the weekend and had fun drinking eggnog, dressing like elves and discovering their ornaments from past years. I did my fussing over the dining room, mantel, and stairway. I thought I would share it with you in the hopes that some of you might send me your holiday decorating masterpieces. Why not share them? It only last a short time and we could all use a little inspiration!

{email me at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com}

a Christmas classic

{photo by John Sullivan}

The Nutcracker.

We pretty much live and breathe the Nutcracker from September to December thanks to my little aspiring ballerinas. The music is played repeatedly, the dances are practiced until perfection and the story is told and retold many times during this season and it never gets old. Saratoga City Ballet's Nutcracker will be performed this weekend at Skidmore College. Friday night at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m {box office 448-5049}. I took my oldest daughter to this performance when she was 4 years old and that is when she (and I) fell in love with ballet. She enrolled at Saratoga City Ballet 6 years ago. The school is professionally run by the very dedicated Julie Gedalecia and Eve Whelchel. Their passion for dance and excellence is seen in the show. The costumes are gorgeous, the set is magical and the dances are brilliant.

Take a child for the first time or see it again for the first time!

Holiday Outfit #2

My friend Nancy asked me to go shopping to help her find a dress for an upcoming Holiday Party. The setting is the Albany Symphony followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. How classy and elegant is that?

This dress found at Violet's of Saratoga 482 Broadway by Muse, $195, made me very happy. How great are the satin roses at the bottom (shows off those great legs!)? A classic silhouette with a fun twist. I can almost hear Handel's Messiah and taste the Moet!

I thought these Kate Spade shoes would be perfect with the dress.

Add some color with this clutch from Ann Taylor Loft on Broadway.

Loving this classy bracelet from J.Crew.

Just discovered this jewelry made by a local designer Louise M. Jewelry. Original and custom jewelry. The prettiest and unique designs plus she's sweet and easy to work with! You can find her on line or at Violet's 482 Broadway, Mimosa 70c Beekman Street or Lily of Saratoga bridal boutique, 6 Franklin Square.

Here's the scoop ...

In my constant and humble quest for perfection, I've made a few updates to my blog. I'm sure there will be more to follow - but just wanted to be sure you are benefiting from all the DTSB has to offer!

1.) Sign up for my e-mail subscription. By doing so you will be e-mailed when I do a new post. Why waste all that precious time and energy typing more keys then one has to? I'd rather you sign up as a follower or forward it to some friends or make a comment ... You got the hint - right?

2.) DTSB AT YOUR FINGERTIPS : I've added all the stores I frequent and have mentioned in my blog that have websites - just click on their name and off you go! So, if you can't make it downtown, especially with all those nasty snow storms on their way, DTSB will bring downtown to you! I'll schlep through the snow for you... You're welcome... ;-) ...

3.) Like I mentioned - PASS IT ON! Please forward my blog to other friends in the area or out of town. The beauty of the Internet is if they see something they may like they can call the store or order it on line! We are all connected in the cyber world!

4.) Looking for a specific gift? Need some suggestions on where to find a trend? Need some style tips??? I'm here to help. If you have a question and don't feel comfortable making a comment on the blog, please email me directly at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com. I'll answer your questions and either e-mail you directly or do a post on your topic (I can do it annonymously if preferred).

Thanks!
Have a beautiful and productive Monday!

The Secret is Out ...

As you all know, I turned 40. I'm fine with it. OK it took some getting used to... But, what can I do? It happened and the world hasn't crumbled yet. I asked the same question to my friend and esthetician, Amy Snyder from Spa Cascada 487 Broadway 2nd floor. Aside from all the stuff we know we should do ... exercise, eat right, drink lots of water, wash your face every night (that's a tough one at times) limit alcohol (what?!?!) she told me I could try an Intraceuticals Oxygen facial. Now we're talking! Loooove facials. And Amy is the best, so I gave it a whirl. It was amaaaazing. It's all natural. Oxygen along with complex antioxidants, super concentrated Vitamin C and a bunch of other vitamins. All of this is done with the "opulence brightening wand." No needles or scary stuff like that. Just a relaxing 30 minutes of facial massage and rejuvenation. I really could see and feel the results right after. Brighter complexion and those lines I started to fight against were either gone or less bothersome! My make up went on smoothly and I had more of a "glow" (if I do say so myself).

Look Fabulous for the next holiday soiree, upcoming wedding, class reunion, or just because!

Don't believe me? Guess how Madonna looks so gorgeous and youthful at 50!?

Hooky Day in NYC

The girls and I made our traditional Christmas trip to the city (despite a broken wrist - but that's another story!). We saw some very dear friends, went shopping (a bit of time at American girl), checked out the amazing windows, and went to Radio City. I'm ready to take on the season!
I'm hoping they will cherish these memories as much as I cherish them.

Bergdorf Goodman's windows.
A magical winter wonderland of elegance, sophistication and merriment.
Birds bejeweled in diamonds, polar bears playing pool, wolves dressed in tuxes and the ladies in only the finest gowns, jewels and accessories of the season - all of it in white!

I think they got the hang of it - don't you?

Barney's "Have a Hippie Holiday" windows.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the peace sign.
Their windows were fun, full of color and great designers who showcase designs inspired by the peace sign.

The true meaning of Peace on Earth...
(St Patrick's Cathedral)

Kicking off the Christmas Season with a French Flair ...

Crepes and pomme frites after church at Ravenous 21 Phila Street.

Anticipating Santa's arrival.
Give him your wish list on Wednesday December 3rd, 7:00 p.m. when he arrives at his home on Broadway (directly across from Caroline Street).

G. Willikers window.
In keeping with my euro day - this store never disappoints. Wooden toys, games, dolls, puzzles from Europe, train sets, trucks, stuffed animals, beautiful dolls and accessories, animal figures, tea sets, jewelry boxes (can you tell I have girls), model cars, animal figurines and much much more. If you are looking for a shopping experience that will leave you feeling like you are giving a unique high quality gift as well as a toy that will last a life time - it's worth a stop here for your little ones.

After strolling Broadway enjoying the real first snow fall of the season and the Christmas decorations, I treated my daughter (and myself) to a hot drink and an irresistible french pastry at Mrs. London's 464 Broadway. A taste (a delicious one at that) of Paris on Broadway.

Cafe et chocolat chaud.

Joyeux Noel!

Black Friday Deals Downtown ...

PaperDolls of Saratoga 80 Henry Street: 20% off all week end if you tell them DownTownSusieBrown sent you!

80 West 80 West Circular: Open 9 am to 6 pm. 15% off jewelry, 20% off shoes and bags, 30% off clothing and 40% off sale items.

Violet's of Saratoga 482 Broadway: 50% off on items in the store from 6 am to 7 am, 40% off from 7 am to 8 am, 30% off from 8 am to 9 am, 20% off from 9 am on.

G. Willikers: 10% off all week end

Down Street Market Place (Aggie's, Lucia, Pomega, etc) 454 Broadway: sales going on all weekend.

Speck Boutique 353 Broadway: 30% off from 8 am to 9 am, 20% off from 9 am to close. Additional secret savings of up to 50% in the store!

Mimosa Gallery 70c Beekman Street: 20% off all week end.

Have fun getting into the spirit of the season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't think for one minute that my Thanksgiving will be this serene and picture perfect.
No, no.
But, we will try our best.
It will be filled with love, laughter, kids running around grandma, cocktail hour(s) that go too long (we never learn), a few political disagreements, a puppy's first time visit, and everyone truly happy to have 3 generations together again to give thanks for faith, family and good health.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me these past few months and for your continued support. I can't tell you how much fun I'm having. Embrace life and all it has to offer and see beauty every day!
Happy Thanksgiving!
{photo found on Eddie Ross by laura moss photography}