Richard's COMING OUT! {Enhancement - part 1}

Richard's new "drop off" ensemble is a welcome update. He's now a retro dad wearing black EB Tek pants from Eddie Bauer, a cotton zip sweater from Banana Republic and Adidas Samba Sneakers.

Cutting the Rug with his beautiful wife, Deborah. Richard made it clear that his clothes had to be stylish yet comfortable enough to wear dancing {another great love}. He and his wife currently dance with Tango Fusion Dance Company.

More amazing Tango Fusion dancers.

As a software developer, Richard doesn't have a big need for lots of stuffy suits and ties, but wanted a more put together casual look that he could wear when traveling. The khaki sport coat is from Macy's. Sweater, shirt, and jeans all from Banana Republic.

Every well dressed man needs at least one good suit. We got his at Brook Brother's. Tie from Jos. A Banks. Deborah {wearing a flirty dress from Violet's} is his best accessory.

Who is that Dapper Man??? {Enhancement}

{photo by Kim Purdy}

Could it be??? No - it can't be.... No sweats, no baggy jeans, no p.j. bottoms with a faded tee??? No one could believe it... But it happened... I transformed Richard.

It was a great night of new stylish looks, dancing, cocktails, laughs, good friends and an enhanced Richard.

Stay tuned for all the sartorial fun...

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!}.

Jeep + Lilly + Horses {Giveaway Winner Announced}

Equals one fun filled summer weekend in Saratoga.

Lilly and Jeep Wrangler, two American classics and summer favorites have combined to celebrate the Jubilee of Lilly Pulitzer. Yes, Lilly, turned 50 this year and is capping of the year-long celebration here in the Spa City. The event starts at the Gideon Putnam at 6:00 and Jeeps will be on hand to transport their Lilly fans between the Pink Paddock and the Gideon Putnam Hotel. The celebration continues all weekend at the Pink Paddock store and finishes at the Whitney Cup Tournament at Polo Sunday night.

Lilly, who 50 years ago was told to "get a hobby" {sounds familiar} has done much more then that! She has developed a classic summer look that is here to stay. Her zest for life is celebrated in her vibrant prints.

Grab your favorite Lilly dress and your Jack Roger sandals and join in on the fun!

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

EAT1217

with the comment "my little ones will love this!"

Congratulations!

Have a great weekend. Shopping night highlights to come next week {had a photo issue this week :-) }

Week End Recap

Pretty hats at the track on Opening Day... The rain didn't deter Annette from wearing her Anne Sawyer Hat {a Kentucky Derby Favorite}.

After lunch at Deirdre's {an Opening Day tradition} the stylin' ladies head to the track for some betting!

Shopping Night was a huge success {thanks to this sassy shopper and 70 plus others and the participating stores and spas - more to come later in the week on this fun event that truly showed off the best that Saratoga has to offer}. Liz embraced the sales and all the amazing promotions our local stores and spas offered.

My little helpers dropping off my car load {back seats down and filled to the roof} of donations to B.E.S.T.

Julie Cobello, the Community Liaison Outreach Worker, receiving our donation.

I received an email from Julie after the girls and I dropped off our donation. I wanted to share it with all of you who made this event such a success. "Susan, I had some time this afternoon to organize the donations you brought. I hope you make sure to pass along to the readers of your blog, that their very generous support of the backstretch workers is much appreciated. We filled the shelves with toiletries and towels and blankets. The workers will be happy when we open the doors on Monday. I don't know how you heard about B.E.S.T., but we are really excited about being the recipients of your idea."

Caring for the people who care for the horses.

{there is a continued need for donations for the track workers all during the meet and beyond. They work with the horses and live here in Saratoga Springs until November. Warmer clothes for the colder months will be needed. If you are cleaning out those closets - remember B.E.S.T., 267 Union Ave.}

Make a Bold Statement

Jennifer Fischer necklace found at Lucia. A favorite designer of celebs and the girls from Gossip Girl and Sex in the City.

A great piece from one of my favorite local designers, Shari Silverman Voce. Found at Aggie's.


Add some citrus punch to your summer outfit!

Found at 80 West on Broadway.

Find these great pieces and much more on Shopping Night this Thursday, July 30th from 5-9.

NYRA'S got nothing on me...$650.00 worth of shopping sprees given away at the end of the night - but you have to be in it to win it. Join the fun and bring a donation for B.E.S.T. to Speck Boutique and you will receive your ticket to a fun filled night of shopping, savings, fashion shows, trunk shows, and spa treatments! Shop 'til you drop and then join me at Tiznow {84 Henry Street} for some libations and food specials {make a reservation if you plan on eating - lets not forget it's track season!} where I will announce amazing shopping spree giveaways! Bring your girlfriends, moms, daughters, sisters, husbands, boyfriends {you know they want in on it too} or come alone and see how great shopping in Saratoga can be!!! RSVP today susan@downtownsusiebrown.com.

Take a Walk on the West Side ... {giveaway winner announced}

... and discover Mimosa Gallery and much more. The West Side has had a major revitalization the last few years, trust me, I used to live on Grand Avenue. I have been amazed at what has transpired. My husband and our young family lived in a townhouse at the start of the new millennium until 4 years ago. We were pioneers moving over to the West Side. Having lived in NYC - we were ready for the challenge and were committed to living close to downtown. A townhouse on the West Side was what we could afford. I'm proud of to say we were there when it all began. We left when our family began to grow and needed a yard and more space {but we are still walking distance to downtown}. We often wish we had stayed! We go to dinner at The Local often with the girls and share stories about our first special home where they were just babies. Stopping on Beeckman and walking up and down the street that is now littered with artist galleries, neighborhood pubs, great restaurants and very cool shops makes me very proud! It's our own SoHo {should we call it WeBro?}. A walk on Beeckman Street and you get the feeling that you have stumbled on something very special. Enjoy it this weekend for First Saturday {galleries are open until 9. The neighborhood galleries and restaurants have music and specials all evening} or on Shopping Night, Thursday July 30th. Mimosa Gallery is a participating store and is a shop you won't want to miss. Everything item {art, jewelry, pottery, vases} is unique and many are designed by local artist and designers. Michelle and Michael LaLonde {owners} themselves are artist in their own right. They are designers of handbags which are, like so much on the West Side, one-of-a-kind works of art and should not be missed!

Today's Giveaway winner is....

Sal with the comment ...

"I definitely need to get out of my scrubs and into some new clothes!"

Congratulations!!!

Have a great weekend !!!

There's Those Shopping Bags Again!!! {Giveaway Wednesday Returns}

Updates on DTSB

1.) Shopping bags {above} = giveaways or shopping events {this week we are talking both!}.

2.) Shopping night details. Thursday July 30th , 5-9. Bring donations {pillows, blankets or toiletry items} for B.E.S.T. to Speck {353 Broadway} to receive your punch card {and ticket to savings at Saratoga's finest stores}. Visit 10 stores and get you card punched to be eligible for raffle prizes at the end of the evening! Return your completed punch card to PaperDolls {80 Henry Street} by 9pm and head next door to Tiznow for food and drink specials along with fabulous drawings {must be present to win}. RSVP {space is limited} susan@downtownsusiebrown.com.

3.) Subscriptions {scroll down lower left to sign up} and DTSB will be sent directly to your email address. Why miss out on a cool giveaways, the latest fashion trend in town and where to find it, or another fabulous GNO? Sign up now.

Let's get to it... Today's giveaway is a mini-shopping spree to get you track ready and armed with more shopping power for next Thursday! The shopping spree giveaway is a $50.00 value. It includes a $20.00 gift card to Violet's {find the perfect dress}, a $20.00 gift certificate to Spa Cascada {you really have no excuse for those eyebrows now}, and a $10.00 gift certificate to PaperDolls {plan your track party and send only the best invites}.

Leave a comment here to enter to win. Winner will be announced on Friday!

Are we having fun yet?

The Suitcase Packing Challenge...

4 days away and only one airline regulated carry-on suitcase allowed. Can you do it? After all the makeup, toiletries, hair essentials, shoes and enough outfits to take you from the pool {or lake or beach} to the track {well, it is that time of year} and then to dinner. YES YOU CAN! My packing essentials are dark denim jeans, a cotton wrap, ballet flats, one pair of heels, a stylin' scarf, shorts, a great fitting tee {love Vince}, a bathing suit, and a dress. The dress is the key piece. It should be able to be dressed up or down, must be in a current cut and style and can't wrinkle. The solution? The above dress by Perfect Pouch Wear. Allison and Susan the founders of In The Clutch who designed these dresses are women on the go who didn't want to sacrifice style for their busy lifestyle. Not only are these dresses easy to pack, they can be folded into a small pouch that will fit in your purse! Perfect for weekend get-aways or for a quick change after a work out and before a date!

{check them out for yourselves on July 30th. Speck will host an In The Clutch trunk show during the shopping event to benefit B.E.S.T!}

July 30th Shopping Night to benefit B.E.S.T.

As a Saratogian, I love the track. I love the buzz that takes over our town for 6 weeks. I love the pageantry. I love getting dressed up and wearing a hat, opening day, betting my favorite exacta numbers {even if they don't always win}, cheering on the ponies and the people watching! The styles from the picnic area to the club house never disappoint. Thanks to the backstretch workers, my day at the track is filled with thoroughbreds who are well trained, beautifully groomed, and well taken care of. They are the backbone of the track. On July 30th I am asking shoppers who will participate in the shopping event to donate slightly used or new bedding {blankets and pillows} or toiletries {shampoo, soap, toothpaste, shaving cream, etc} for B.E.S.T. Shoppers bring a donation to Speck Boutique, 353 Broadway, starting at 5:00 p.m. and you will receive a DTSB punch card. The card is your ticket to savings {for that night only} at some of the best establishments Saratoga has to offer. It will be a fun-filled evening of shopping, dining, spa treatments, drinks and giveaways. Come out and enjoy all our beautiful downtown has to offer and show you care about the people who take care of the horses!

R.S.V.P. today at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com.

Come Celebrate My New Look {Save The Date}

Yes, folks, DownTownSusieBrown has been enhanced! Thanks to the very talented Elisa Sheehan of Lis Designs my site was transformed in a make-over of it's own {see - we all have room for improvement} and I want to celebrate with another shopping night. Last time was such a success and left everyone wanting more... Here is your chance! Come be a part of the Saratoga buzz. Grab your girlfriend, wife, mother, daughter, whomever for a very special night in our gorgeous downtown. Find that stylish track outfit you've been wanting to buy, or get that special gift for him, her or that special pooch in your life. Their will be plenty of stores to shop in. Specials running for that night only, trunk shows and SHOPPING SPREE giveaways at the end of the evening. Plus it will benefit a very worthy cause. The date???

THURSDAY JULY 30 FROM 5-9

More details to follow next week.

Have a great weekend!

{can't wait to RSVP ? Leave a comment here or e-mail me at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com . Don't forget to sign up for my email subscription so you don't miss any of the details - lower left side of blog!}

Browns Weekend Buzz...

Feature Presentation: NYC Ballet performing Americana, Saturday July 11th at 8:00 {support the arts while having a good time.  It's a win-win}. 

Dress: by Milly at Hunt, Ltd {style name - Summer Gala Dress - how perfect}.

Bling: David Yurman ring at Frank Adams Jewelers, gold leaf earrings at Lucia Boutique {wear your own fireworks}.

Lawn essentials: a ticket, champagne and chairs {cheers!}

Don't leave home without 'em: Flip flops for showing off YOUR dance moves {I'll show you, Peter Martin!} and a wagon {for when you've proved your point}.

Enjoy the Sun!!!  Have a great weekend! 

 

Gala Week!

Busy week.  Girls are back home {yipeee - missed them so!}, family visiting {love sharing our town with our loved ones even if it keeps me from blogging!}, working on an exciting project, and it's Gala Week!  The New York City Ballet opened last night {another yippeee!} and The Gala is Saturday.  Thanks to my creative and witty friend, Molly,  she makes the ballet gala stress-free for many of us.  Find a dress {I'm here to help!}, get the nails done, line up the sitter, make an hors d'oeuvres or dessert to share, make sure my significant other is sufficiently suited {in my case - don't forget the cane!} and off we go to what is always a memorable {especially if you keep the cocktails to a minimum} night. If it's your first time experiencing the ballet gala on the great SPAC lawn... Here are some tips from my friend and a gala picnic pro... "Buy performance tickets after confirming forecast.  Bring some rolling device for transport.  Prepare for conditions, high heels get stuck in the mud, bugs bite and glass breaks.  Blankets are nice on the slope to watch the ballet and chairs help ease tired toes".  And a few disclaimers {she is a lawyer}... "Satisfaction Almost Guaranteed.  Not responsible for lost or misplaced items including significant others.  Injuries incurred on the dance floor or elsewhere are due to an act of God and are signs that it may be time to switch drinks or dance floors..."  This is an event that cannot be missed in Saratoga.  It appeals to everyone and you will see everything {best of all - the amazing NYC Ballet}.  Ballet, friends, good food and drink, fireworks, and dancing for the common folks - not just the ballerinas - in 3 different tents.  Grab your picnic blanket, a bottle of champagne, put on that LBD and kick off the summer season SARATOGA STYLE! 

 

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...

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...

Sassy Downtown Shoppers...

Here are a few more shots from the shopping night. I'm still riding high from the successful night and wanted to share a few more pictures with you. A friend and local artist, Deborah Neary, was kind enough to take my camera and take a few candids for me. Enjoy!

OH, What a Night! {Shopping with DTSB}

I'm tired, girls...  You wore me out!  It was a great night!!!  I have so many people to thank!  First of all, PaperDolls for putting together an amazing coupon book filled with savings from the best stores Saratoga Springs has to offer.  If you need stationery or any type of paper product {invitations, wrapping paper, pens, scrap booking supplies, etc} PaperDolls is your place.  All the stores: Aggie's, 80 West, Violet's, Compliments to the Chef, Lucia, Pangea, Speck, Frivolous, Impressions, Dawgdom, Twinkle-Studio, PaperDolls, Saratoga Saddlery, Spa Cascada, Saratoga Beads, Shari Voce Jewelry Designs, Beverly Tracy Home Design, Ever After, and Sanctuary Spa for offering great deals and providing amazing giveaways!!  Thank you, Cantina for serving delicious food and {maybe too many?} margarita's!  We have stocked Franklin Community Center's pantry with tons of baby essentials and raised money too!  See, doesn't it feel good to support our local  non profits and brick and mortars?  We were all winners last night!

Whew....  I need some more coffee.....  Have a great week end and come back next week for more DTSB!!! 

Sneak Peak to Shopping Night...

 

Beautiful stationery, the latest trends, the classiest classics, funky jewelry, unique items for your home and kitchen, cool bags, the latest toys for kids, make-up tips, the best dog products on the market, shoes {indulge your inner Carrie Bradshaw - a few of the stores now carry a nice selection of sandals, pumps and flats}, quality time with your favorite friends {it's so much more fun to shop with friends and it is for a good cause}, drinks, good food and GIVEAWAYS!!!

To recap how the event will flow...  First stop is PaperDolls of Saratoga, 80 Henry Street.  Drop off your donation for Franklin Community Center's M.O.M. program {diapers, wipes, formula, any essential baby staple suitable for a food pantry} and Sarah Keefe or I will give you your passport to savings {good only for May 13th, 2009} at some of the best shops Saratoga Springs has to offer.  For you serious shoppers, empty nesters, and singletons... Kick off is at 6 bells.  No need to leave work early to miss rush hour traffic, hurry the kiddies off the field or into bed because the stores will stay open until 9:00 p.m.  But, you do need enough time to shop, hit at least 6 out of the 18 stores, and get your punch card punched at each of your 6 stores in order to be eligible for GIVEAWAYS at the end of the evening...  Yes, Friends, I have more amazing giveaways to share with you.  You must be at Cantina, 430 Broadway by 9:15 {grab a drink and some food - you are going to need to re-fuel after all that shopping} when I will start announcing the first winner of the giveaway drawings.  Think spa treatments, summer dresses, funky totes, sassy panties, interior room re-design by a local and very talented interior designer, and much, much more!

Let the shopping begin!

I am DOWNTOWN Susie Brown ...

 

 

 And a Saratogian.  I was interviewed for the "Who, What, When, Where, Why?" by our local paper, The Saratogian, today.  Many thanks to Paul Post for taking time out to interview me and get the word out in print about my shopping night on May 13th.  During these rough economic times it's important to support our brick and mortars as well as our non-profits.  That's just what next Wednesday, May 13th will do.  Looking forward to seeing many of you next week!

Some crucial details left out of the article... 

Top: Violet's

Skirt: Aggie's

Earrings: Twinkle Studio

Gold Cuff: Lucia

Hair by Maria

{Participating stores: Aggie's, 80 West, Violet's, Speck, Dawgdom, Lucia, Saratoga Saddlery, Spa Cascada, Paper Dolls, Pink Paddock, Compliments to the Chef, Impressions of Saratoga, Twinkle-Studio, Frivolous, Pangea, G.Williker's, and Ever After...}