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...

Cozy up to Fall {Giveaway winner Announced}

It's here girls, whether you like it or not. I know it feels like yesterday that we were wearing bathing suits for that 2 week summer we had, but it's time to move on and remember how incredible this season is. Football games, apple picking, pumpkin carving, mums, red wine, trick-or-treating, a cozy fire, Oktoberfest, and sweaters. I treated myself to this sweater today. Found it at Aggie's. Totally love Vince. Will live in this sweater all season and I'm sure many seasons to come. I have a few Vince sweaters from seasons back and they never disappoint. Stylish yet comfy. If we have to wear sweaters and we must in the North East then we might as well look good in them. This one as a jacket with a scarf or belted with skinny jeans and booties can go from the football field to the Wine Bar without a problem.

The Winner of this week's giveaway is....

bmolavi

"Beautiful! Blue and gold look quite nice together!"

{please e-mail me so I can get these out to you susan@downtownsusiebrown.com}

Don't worry if you didn't win, you still have a chance to win the bracelet on Sara's blog!

Cuddle up and have a great Fall week-end!