Halloween is scary, but I think this week has it beat.

Creepy? Makes your skin crawl? Sounds like Wall Street and Capitol Hill. (spider is from Hidden Gardens on Maple Ave, small $15, large $40)

Is it me, or do these little guys have the same expression on their faces many had after the dow dropped 777 points on Monday?
(ghost candles from Shoe Depot on Broadway, small $5.95, large $6.95)

I think we will all need a mummi-tini on Friday.
(martini glass from Shoe Depot on Broadway, $24.00)

Mirror, Mirror on the wall! What are the hottest make-up colors for Fall?

Eyes: earth tones, purple from light to smoky. Cream and gloss shadows. Liquid or cream eyeliner.
Lips: lighter, natural shades of brown, pink and peach, or vintage matte red.
Cheeks: light, natural tones, pink.
Nails:deep brown, vampy red, purple, baby pink and beige.
Amy Snider owner and aesthetician at Spa Cascada (487 Broadway, 2nd floor) has the full line of Glo Minerals make-up. Make-up that is actually good for your skin. Glo Minerals make-up is packed with antioxidants and vitamins - it will give your skin a flawless look while it actually works to improve your skins quality. Now you can be the fairest one of all!

Make a Statement with a Classic

A week end find at 80 West. The best part - it was only $55.00! Kudos to Barbara who has brought high fashion with affordable prices to the Spa City - as you can tell - I'm a big fan!

Animal prints are a classic when worn minimally - on bags, belts, shoes, hair accessories or cardigans. They bring pop to an outfit and make a big statement. The zebra print is crisp and clean. When black and white is added to any outfit it brings a polished, finished look. Bring out your animal side...grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.........
jeans from 80 West (80 West Circular Street) ruffle top from Speck (353 Broadway), blazer from Aggie's (454 Broadway), black dress from Violets.

My New York City day in Saratoga...

Craving a taste of Manhattan? A slice from Pizza on Broadway (mural is from the pizzeria) should do the trick. At $2.50 for a cheese slice, it's a cheap lunch and a quick fix. Craving more? They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner!

No, I wasn't at Bryant Park, but I did make it to Spa Cascada (487 Broadway, 2nd floor) for the Staci Snider Show. She is Saratoga's own Haute Couture designer. To sneak a peak at her other fabulous designs stop by Spa Cascada. They are a true work of art!

Brown's Weekend Buzz

The 2008 Showcase of Homes. Get inspired.

Oktoberfest!
Meet some friends, bring the kids, listen to some music, have a beer, watch some football.
Saturday September 27, It's Confidential, 38 Caroline Street. Jeff Walton from 1-3, Big Medicine from 4-7.

"Tis almost the season.... Order your Christmas cards by 9/30 at PaperDolls and you will get a 10% discount on your order. Check that off your list.

THE color of the Season

According to Wikipedia, the color Violet to Chinese painters represents the harmony in the universe because it is a combination of red (yang) and blue (yin). We can use a little harmony these days - don't you think? The color also often represents royalty and luxury in many parts of the world. So if you want a little harmony, or luxury, or you just want to be trendy (I won't think less of you!) - THIS IS YOUR COLOR.
Dress by t-bags a label sold at Aggie's in the Down Street Market Place. Gold cuff was found at Lucia Boutique also in the Down Street Market Place, she carries a wide variety of hand made and vintage jewelry. Clutch is from 80 West.

Indulge your inner child!

 

"What's up Doc?"

My boss/husband/wife/kids (you fill in the blank) are "driving me coconuts!"

Get yourself a "gob" or a "lady in red" or a "satisfier" or a "twinkie twinkie little star" and that should do the trick!

Don't get the joke? Check out the menu at SpaCityCupcakes.com

We all can use a little...

Ahhhh..... Is it only Tuesday? It can't be. I'm exhausted, stressed and in need of some adult time already??? Better get planning a girls night. Surely someone has something to celebrate? A birthday, a promotion, or launching something new and exciting?!?!? If you are looking for a unique gift idea that's under $25.00 look no further than Frivolous (18 Division Street). They have quirky tee's with phrases and graphics (all PG13) that will make you giggle. They come in vivid colors and have a great fit. Bring a smile to everyone you meet at the gym, grocery store or at school drop off.....

Happy Monday, Happy Fall!!

 A new week and a new season! What a great day to start both.

Now it's really time to put the pool bags, bathing suits and shorts away and bring out the sweaters, fleece and cords. Time to pull out the impatiens and replace them with mums. Put away the porch umbrellas, close up the pools, throw out the used citronella candles and put out the gourds and pumpkins.

Sunny Side Gardens, Hewitts, Schuyler Farms, and The Farmers Market have a bounty all fall treats to choose from. Get out there and embrace Fall!

The Brady Bunch, The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, Melrose Place, 90210, Sex in the City....

 

What do they have in common? We can only watch the reruns. But
while I'm channel surfing if I come across one I will pause and watch. Have a few laughs, check out the styles and remember what I was like back then. Just like fashion - they make a come back! Whether as a movie or a reunion show or an updated version of itself. We cross our fingers and hope it works (yes SITC, questionable 90210). The same goes for fashion. I found this poncho in the very now plaid and cut at ReRuns a thrift store on Phila Street. They have everything from jewelry, to coats, to china, to vintage dresses (great retro LBD's - if you don't know what that means you haven't read enough posts!), to furniture and lights, to purses and hats. It's worth the time to pause and check it out.

Off to the Market!

 

Carrots, potatoes, rosemary, garlic, mesclun mix, arugula, cherry tomatoes, scallions, jam, apple cider, and cookies for the kids. That should do it for today. Is there a better place in Saratoga on Wednesday's between 3 and 6 or Saturday's between 9 and 1 (from May 1st to Oct 1st)? It's natural, it's local, and it's social - need I say more?

Slow down...

 ......and meet a friend for lunch. I did today. I left wondering why I don't do it more often. We are all so busy all of the time that we forget to slow down and catch up with the ones we love, respect and admire. Whether you stay-at-home or work, I encourage you to take advantage of these beautiful days - get out of the house, office or even your head and enjoy a lunch with a friend. We went to Scallions on the corner of Lake Avenue and Henry. I had the Citrus Duck Salad (to die for) and she the Scallop Salad (she raved). Now back to the busy-ness of life......

Recycle, recycle, recycle!

 

Out with the old and in with the new! You gotta make room for all your new stylin' digs. The suits from the 90's just doesn't cut it any more, the over sized sweaters you wore during a couple of pregnancies you just can't look at again, and what about the kids!! They are growing faster than our carbon footprint! Let's slow it down and donate your gently used clothes to the Franklin Community Center. They take donations on Tuesdays from 9 am - 1 pm. The drop off is behind the Masie Center off Washington Street. They have been servicing our community for 25 years and will be celebrating this achievement on Saturday, Sept. 20th from 11 am- 4 pm with an open house and events planned in conjunction with the annual West Side Celebration on Beekman and Franklin Streets.

OK - this could be one of those gifts I benefit from!

Love hand made sweaters, scarfs, hats, socks and don't have a clue how to knit? Or need a new cool "market bag" because the ones from Price Chopper and Hanniford just don't cut the oh-so-chic you? Well, give these great gift sets to your favorite knitter (mine being my mother-in-law) and maybe they will gift it back to you with a hand made treasure. The sets include the yarn, pattern, and buttons if needed! $20 -$30 Saratoga Needle Arts

things that make my KIDS happy...

 playing in the rain, mud pies, splashing in puddles, and fun rain boots! I found these at the Saratoga Saddlery on Broadway. Don't let this rainy weekend dampen your mood! Go ahead and make a splash at the soccer field/football field/baseball field or just doing your Saturday errands - they have them for adults too!

Don't take it personally....

 

Make it personal! Always looking, but never finding the right card or stationary that reflects your style? Look no further then PaperDolls of Saratoga. They offer everything from personalized stationery, wrapping paper, scrap booking supplies, candles, stamps, gifts and more. Yes, I do expect a hand written thank you!

Another look that will work well in HORSE COUNTRY!

 Lucky for us here in the north country the country look is in. Think riding boots and chunky sweaters. This sweater by Free People at Aggie's Boutique in the Downstreet Market Place will be perfect on the first crisp day of Autumn. Who needs those over sized sweaters when you get warmth and style! Pair it off with skinny jeans tucked in riding boots and the look is complete. Apple picking, anyone?

FLOWER POWER

 

 

Liven up your Little Black Dress (LBD) and rich fall tones with this adorable floral cuff from 80 West (address is the name 80 W. Circular Street). Brilliant blooms will be popping up everywhere! On Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, blouses, dresses and shoes. Wall flowers be gone!!

Plaid...Not just for kilts and school uniforms!

Not crazy about Tweed? How about plaid? Plaids will hold their ground this season too. Look for them in unexpected silhouettes. I found this fun bolero jacket in a red, navy and white buffalo plaid by Renee C at Violet's, $75.00

things that make ME happy....

.....my husband, happy kids, sunny days, a great glass of wine, getting on a plane, a good laugh, girls get-aways and pretty home accessories.... Here I will showcase things I love that I must pass on to you. What good is a great find if you can't share it? These pretty votives I found at Pongea in the Downstreet Market Place, $4.50 each, now doesn't that make you happy?

Let's keep talking Fall Trends

What do you think of when we think of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's? That amazing black dress!! This is a must have staple for any woman's closet and Violet's Boutique on Boadway has plenty to choose from. I got a simple boat neck knit dress by Susana Monaco with a slim fit that will do the trick this season and for plenty to come! Dresses range from $150 to $300. You will find simple, tailored cuts in knit and wool to silkier fabrics with the very "now" ruffles that can take you into the Holiday season.

Don't forget your feminine side! Ruffles and Lace are hot this season. Pair it off with a tailored piece and you have a sexy girly look! Speck on Broadway has a ruffle front tank by Parameter $92 that fits great and when paired with a pair of classic wide leg tweed pants $124 also by Parameter at Speck - the look is complete....

Tweed.... a Fall Trend that will work well in the Spa City!

Nothing says Fall or College Town better than Tweed! Look for it on everything from the classic cuts to shoes to bags. Check out this bag from 80 West (address is the name! 80 West Circular). It's a steal at $32. Not that into looking like the Queen of England? This bag can update your look without making you look like you're going out on a hunt!

 

Fall's Hottest trends and where to find them DOWNTOWN!

Time to put the track dresses and hats away. School has started and now it's time to focus on Fall. Where better to begin then shopping our lovely downtown streets? Grab an ice coffee, put on some fab shopping shoes and check out these great finds!

Here are the trends for Fall 2008 and where to find them in the Spa City:

Let's start with the basics today and end with the trends:

Denim: Every woman should have a nice pair of dark denim jeans that can be dressed up or down. J Brand is a classic jean and worth the investment. Aggie's in the Downstreet market Place is now carrying the straight leg $160.00. I've had mine for over a year - they keep their color and look great with a pair of strappy sandals or ballet flats. Another look that is really in right now is the trouser cut. This has a a wider leg and looks good on any size girl! 80 West has a brand Cello that sells for $65.00. Chain stores can't compete with that price and the fit is perfect!