My Latest Bling...

I had a wedding to go to a few weeks ago. I planned on wearing my LBD - but wanted to spice it up a bit. I remembered seeing the above lovelies at Silverado. Perfect.... I now had a reason to splurge! Why is it we ladies need a reason to treat ourselves to something special? I did all the female psycho analysis. Do I need {translation: deserve} these? I did have some conservative hoops or pearls to wear - but, hey! I didn't buy a new dress {more rationalization}, I got my shoes at Marshalls {pre-Stella's} and I don't go to weddings at the Carlyle {in NYC} that often {ever}. So, even though Mother's Day is around the corner, I decided to go for it. And guess what? They not only go with my LBD - but look great with my new David Kahn jeans {from Violet's} paired with my black jacket {from Aggie's} and a white tee {by Vince from Aggie's}. Come to think of it these babies would look good with ANYTHING. Why? Because they are made by a Parisian designer {Catherine Popesco}... And we all know how well those Parisians dress. They can take a basic outfit and turn into something spectacular. Their secret is kick butt accessories. Jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc. So during these rough economic times when you can't splurge on a new outfit - don't skimp on the accessories. They stand out and make an impact. Plus you can get miles of wear out of them long after the big event....

and sometimes we just have to treat ourselves....

Hers {Valentines Day Part One}

Valentines Day 2010 by downtownsusiebrown featuring David Yurman jewelry

OK guys. listen up! You want the girl? Or you need to re-kindle a little of that romance from years past? Here are a few of my favorites that are sure to win her over. Roses are a nice, but what we girls really want are things that can be enjoyed and reflect what it is you love about her.

For the gardening enthusiast or eco friendly gal check out Heaven Scent Floral Art for unique and absolutely stunning eco-friendly bouquets. True master pieces.

She's a Lilly girl? This cashmere wrap in every preppy girls favorite color, PINK! Found at Pink Paddock . It will keep her warm and cozy {like she feels in your arms}.

Jewelry a must? David Yurman from Frank Adams never disappoints.

For the hopeless romantic {with a naughty side}. Vueve Clicquot Rose Champagne {Putnam Wine has a great selection of bubbly}, cupcakes from Betties Cakes and Hanky Panky panties found at Frivolous.

She's fun, a little quirky and her style reflects her zest for life {that's why you fell in love with her}. Shoes by Irregular Choice (!) found at Speck Boutique.

You admire all the hard work she does. Spa Cascada or Spa City Spa has tons of Valentine's Day specials for mani/pedis, facials, and lots more!

For the Fashionista who is looking forward to Spring. This dress by French Connection at Violet's is perfect {why not plan a get-away to some place warm for her to where it... now?}

Find the perfect Valentine card and unique wrapping ideas at PaperDolls.

Now get DOWNTOWN and start shopping!

Christmas in New York

Christmas in New York by downtownsusiebrown featuring Vince

I'll be spending more time in the city in 2010. So I'll need to get my edge back. I'll need to stock up on more black clothes and zippy accessories. So, honey, if your reading {like you should be} - high on my wish list is this Vince sweater {at Aggie's}, Big Buddha Bag {at Violet's} and zippy gloves by Kate Spade to make hailing a cab that much easier - I can't be too serious down there!

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree!

Holiday parties are in full swing. It's a bit bitter sweet this year. The celebrations may not be as elaborate as years past, but the friendships remain. We've endured a lot this year and have learned much about ourselves and our country. The good news is the focus is back on the true meaning of the season, friends, family, and health - so for that we must brave the storms, get dressed up and embrace the merriment of these weeks. My hubby and I had his company party Saturday night and my look was all found downtown from my head to my toes....

Cut and Color : Maria

Eyebrow Design: Spa Cascada

Sunless Glow: Spa City Spa

Dress: 80 West {$30 bought with my Shopping with DTSB coupon at the event - a steal!}

Boyfriend Blazer: Hunt, Ltd

Necklace: by Shari Silverman Voce found at Aggie's

Tights: Violet's

Night out with my husband and friends: priceless!

It's crunch time, so I will have a giveaway on Wednesday to assist you and your check list. It may be just the boost your wallet needs to help you get your shopping done! I will also reveal the video from the last DTSB shopping event. Don't miss it!

Ho Ho Ho.....

Wishes, Champagne, Fashion, Violet's and a Good Cause

Sounds like a perfect night to me! If you are a Violet's fan {like me}, you won't want to miss this night. December 15th from 6p-8p. It's the perfect time of year to make your own wish list and to make others wishes come true. Violet's is hosting a night to make many wishes come true. This is how it will work... You come, make up your own wish list for your own personal Santa. {hopefully there will be lots of pens and paper - something tells me these lists will be loooooooong}. Purchase a glass of champagne to enjoy while you shop {is there anything better?}. The glass of bubbly will have a ticket attached to it for your chance to win a pair of designer jeans {think Paige Denim or Hudson Jeans} along with a fashion consultation with the very knowledgeable Violet's team to be sure you choose the perfect pair for you. The more champagne you buy the better your chances of winning {best leave the car at home}. All proceeds from your consumption and ticket collecting will go to the Make-A-Wish foundation. an amazing foundation that helps make terminally ill kids wishes come true. But, wait! There's more! Violet's is really in the giving mood.... come dressed in your favorite Violet's ensemble, be voted best dressed and win a sneak peak for you and two of your friends to check out Laura's newest baby - Stella's in Spring 2010 before the Grand Opening. You and your BFF's will get first dibs on the most stylin' shoes in town.

Hmmmm.... Now to figure out what to wear???

See you there!

Put a Lid On It

It's official. We've had our first snow fall of the year and the temperatures have gone down into the 30's. Time to bundle up. Last week I was saying it didn't feel much like Christmas because of the warm temperatures , but that all changed this past week end. The snow came just in time to make our tree selection festive and white.

My favorite hat that keeps me nice and toasty warm while at the bus stop, out for walks with Ginger, or strolling downtown is a hat by e-ko logic. I got mine last year at Aggie's. I was happy to see they have them again this year {in great colors} along with scarves and gloves by the same company. It will make a great gift for someone on my shopping list {who doesn't need a hat?}. Best part about it? It's made out of recycled clothing. This hat is 100% recycled cashmere. What that means exactly is that moth eaten cashmere sweater that you love and have worn to death can be reborn as a hat or a glove or a scarf or many of the other amazing designs this Troy based husband and wife team dream up. It's local, it's green and it's cashmere - it's perfect for the next winter storm.

For the Tween in Your Life

My daughter turned 11 last week. She is officially a tween. High on her birthday wish list were things like iPhones, laptops, and a flat screen t.v. for her room {gotta' a love a girl who can dream}. No more dolls, bikes, and puppies. Nope, we've moved on to the next level. Thankfully, she is very girly. She also listed hoop earrings {we compromised with small glittery ones from Silverado not the large Jennifer Lopez style ones she envisioned!} and the above necklace. We saw it one day while shopping for a birthday gift for another friend at G. Willikers. It's the coolest piece of jewelry for this age group. It should be. The design by M3 Girl Designs is the brainchild of another tween from Texas. She came up with the idea of recycling bottle caps {very green}, paints cool designs on them and turns them into magnets so they can be interchanged as often as your little tween's mood changes {yes - they offer that many charms}. The choker necklace comes in a few different colors {black, pink or bright blue}, has a small metal pendant that the charms attach to and costs around $8. Charms {also about $8} have all different themes {birthday, peace, love, animals, holiday, etc.}. It's the perfect birthday gift or stocking stuffer for your tween, it won't break the bank and is age appropriate!

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!

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!!

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!!

Gift Ideas for the Fashionista in your Life {local Etsy shops}

Holly Golightly - the Fashionista Icon.

{12x12 acrylic pop art style painting based on the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Natalie Sena. Check out her Etsy shop goldenelephant for more great art}

What fashionista doesn't love a peep toe pump? Best of all... This one looks great and won't hurt after wearing it alllll night!

{By AnOriginalJewelry visit her Etsy store or website for more details}

Every Fashionista wants to be in Paris or must live like she is. These great note cards by FantasticFigments on Etsy will let her do just that.

What is Etsy? It's "your place to buy and sell all things handmade". You can search locally if you want to check out local artist or go far beyond. It's a place for designers and artists to showcase their art or designs and sell to people who appreciate one-of-a-kind pieces.

3 Kids + 1 Husband + Blog + House + Dog + Me = Time to get Organized

I'm all for my smart phone and google calendar - but sometimes {a lot of times} I just gotta' write it down! This binder by Russell and Hazel from PaperDolls of Saratoga lets me do just that in a very cool and stylish way {v. important}. Love the black and white mod binder, but the accessories is what keeps me on top of who needs what, where and when. Or, where did I see that great top? What website did she say to check out? I needed what at Price Chopper? His appointment is when? You get the idea. They have great inserts for the binder to make it work for you and your needs. Card holders, calendar, line paper, graph paper, recipe pages and much more. Get some school supplies of your own, get organized, and look good doing it!

Check that off the list...

Summer Camps

3 Kids = 3 different camps..

Ballet, gymnastics and horse back riding.  They may be all girls, but they are all have their own personalities and interests.  Like all good parents we embrace their passions even if that means we turn into a glorified cab service!   

Thank God for our amazing downtown.  I was able to get them outfitted in two stops.

Stop One: Saratoga Dance for all the ballet needs and a new gymnastic leotard and stretch pants.  They are knowledgeable, friendly and extremely helpful. 

Stop Two: Saratoga Saddlery helped me get my youngest outfitted for the stables and for riding.  They have beginner level boots, cute jodhpurs, and helmets {oh yeah, it's not about the outfit} that will keep her safe{r}.

Off I go....  Duty calls...

Happy Week End!!! {Giveaway Winner Announced}

I leave you this week with some shots from Balet Flowers and Design {how brilliant are those peonies?  I just can't get enough}.  I've been a big fan of Balet for some time. Suzanne and her team have a great love for horticulture and it shows. Their bouquets at the Farmers Market are gorgeous and their greenhouse {5041 Nelson Ave Ext, Malta NY} has a bounty of beautiful blooms awaiting your next landscaping project!  Their enthusiasm is contagious {even for a novice like me}.  They are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful - they truly want the best for you and your garden.  Treat yourself to trip out of the rain and into a floral oasis.

Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there {a special one to Peter - who is a wonderful father and husband}.  Have a great weekend.  The sun will come out again soon {I hope!}.

This week's giveaway winner is....

Peg

 "I adore the lost art of correspondence!" 

Congratulations!

 

Adirondack Dad {Father's Day Gift Ideas #3}

Life is Good for this outdoors lovin' guy.  Comfort and function is high on this guys list.  He likes the softest tee's, the more worn in the shorts the better and he refuses to wear big boy shoes on the week end.  Nope, it's all about being on the lake, in a tent,  getting his hands dirty in the garden, or just lounging in the back yard for this guy.  Embrace his casual style with a new tee from the Gap or Life Is Good on Broadway - they have so many fun tee's, hats, sweatshirts and much more great gear with snappy sayings on them.  Of course I love the one's that play with words and phrases like "All Those Who Wander Are Not Lost".  Jake's simple message of optimism will lift your spirit and Dad's.   New Reef flip flops from Saratoga Shoe Depot and he's good to go.  Looking for a special gift for this dad?  How about a sporty watch by Swiss Army found at N Fox Jewelers.  Now he's comfy and stylin' {just don't tell him}!

Retro Dad... {Giveaway Wednesday!}

 

He lived it - you love it.  You just can't get enough of Mad Men, mod graphics, or Kate Spade.  Well, this is your lucky day!  Bring your Father's Day gift into Paper Dolls of Saratoga, pick some very cool wrapping paper and the girls from PD will give your dad's gift a very retro look.  They will wrap it up to resemble what he wore in the 60's or 70's {as seen above}.  They might be able to do the 80's but that Gordon Gekko look is not very popular today given the state of the economy... 

Today's giveaway?  A kate spade {no one says retro better than kate} all occasion gift card set {above}.  Need a birthday card?  Your covered.  An interesting thank-you for that fab dinner party you attended last week end?  It's there.  Auntie Jane is under the weather?  You have a kitchy card that will lift her spirits.

Leave a comment on this post and you will be entered to win a gift for yourself this week!!!  You deserve it.  You've been a good daughter and/or wife - right???  Winner announced on Friday! 

Gourmet Dad {Father's Day Gift Ideas #2}

He likes to cook, you like picnics.  He cooks, you take the kids for the day while he is the master of his universe, or at least the kitchen.  He cooks, you clean {again}.  It's Father's Day.  Don't pull a Kate Gosselin {I'm nothing like her!} - let him have his fun.  Supply him with a Putnam Market gift card to get the hard-to find gourmet cheeses, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, meats, pastas, WINE, and so much more...  Then get him a great cooking tool {Le Creusent pots} or one of these very cool picnic essentials by Gourmet Getaway {wine carrier} or Picnic Time {picnic basket} from Compliments to the Chef {it is picnic season and you are due for an updated picnic tote - you'll - I mean - he'll love it!}.  Add some tickets to a SPAC event {he loves the ballet - right?} and you'll have another picnic to look forward to.  A Vineyard Vines seersucker button down along with some crisp new shorts from The Pink Paddock will give him that polished summer look you feel in love with.  Sounds like a win-win gift to me... 

Track Dad {Father's Day Gift Ideas #1}

All Spa City dad's look forward to Opening Day {July 29th} and spending some time at the track...  Make sure he's ready with all the essentials for a winning day!  A subscription to the Daily Racing Form and a nice pen will make sure he's more informed when he does his handicapping {let's face it enny meeny miny mo can only go so far}.  A cool linen shirt from Banana Republic and a dapper straw hat by Scala found at La Sartoria on Broadway will make him look like he's heading to the winners circle instead of hanging out on the rail {nothing wrong with that}.  A few cigars from James & Sons Tobacconists and a cooler filled with a 6 pack of his favorite beverage and some snacks from Putnam Market will ensure a good time whether he wins or loses {although he's a sure-thing in your eyes}.  This is the perfect gift for your track loving dad!

{the inspiration for this board?  My own dad who loved the track and a good cigar}

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}