...you want a rope bracelet for bracelet stacking.

I stopped at a great store in Kennebunkport called Spaces.  Mostly an interior design store, they have some great home accessories, Roberta Roller Rabbit tunics, and some other fun stuff.

As I walked it, I spied this on the front desk:

Image from Jennifer Houston.

"What are THESE?" I squealed.  The sales people (who were completely delightful and knowledgable) told me they were the 'new' Nantucket rope bracelet.  They were from a company called 'The Ropes', all handmade in Maine using marine ropes and accessories.  They also told me that the bracelets had been featured in Elle.com and in other online magazines.

I loved them, their chunky hardware, bold colors, and easy wearability.   Check out the clasp on this one:

Image from Jennifer Houston.

The multi-strand ones were adorable too.

Image from shop.spaceskennebunkport.com.

I tried a few on and fell in love with a navy and white with a red band.  And, as if I was 5 again in the Stride Rite store asking to wear my new shoes home, I asked the sales person to cut the tag off so I could wear it home.

Image from Jennifer Houston.

I'm not as gifted as Lisa is at stacking bracelets, but I'm getting closer!  And, between $30 and $70, they are the perfect 'to me, from me' self-gift.

If you are interested in these little gems, you can see where to purchase them on The Ropes site, or purchase them online from Spaces Kennebunkport.  Happy stacking! ~ JH

W2WW On the Road - Kennebunk, Maine

Each summer, we escape to Maine for a bit.  And each summer, my FIRST stop (after the grocery store and the farm stand) is at Green Tangerine.

I seriously make a BIG shopping list and stock up on lots of summer goodies.  I wait until I get here to purchase my 'beach basics', from updated ("clean") beach flip-flops to cotton dresses and shorts to tunics.  I love the store and have shopped it for years.

Monday morning was the morning.  Dropped the girls at a little day camp and by 10:30am, I was ready to shop.  Caroline, the owner, was there, and after a big welcome and hug, I got down to business.

The beauty of Green Tangerine is that it has a range of price-points, the friendliest staff ever, as well as a HUGE amount of stock.  The array of brands is staggering and deep.  There was a full table of Michael Stars tops, an entire wall dedicated to Vineyard Vines, tables full of t-shirts and shorts, and this sweater table filled with sweaters by August Cashmere and 360 Cashmere. (Oh, and by the way, that Missoni-looking sweater in the middle is now mine.)

The selection of summer tops is the real reason I go nuts.  I always have a tough time finding a good non-t-shirt-t-shirt and Caroline stocks so many different brands (Michael Stars, Mystree, Splendid, Vince, Velvet, Lilla P, Triple Dot, etc.) and styles with such depth that I am bound to find something.  Today I scored an Ella Moss cotton top, a Lilla P cotton top, and a EMU Australia fine merino wool navy sweater (for the cooler nights in Maine).  I had no idea until this week that EMU made anything other than an Ugg-like boot.

I always say I'm not going to get anything but summer tops, but that rarely happens.  The cute summer dresses in all lengths (mini, knee, maxi!) beckon from their racks.  The dresses on this one rack are from Juicy Couture, Milly, Lilla P, and a host of others.

I couldn't help myself - I know, shocking.  I found this Velvet dress (in a slate blue rather than red) and had to pick it up.  With a new belt.  Super cute and wearable.

Image from shop.velvet-tees.com.

I wasn't in the market for tunics today, but there were lots of Gretchen Scott Designs and Barbara Gerwit tunics available.

And Caroline doesn't forget about your feet!  There are about a dozen, if not more, buckets and baskets of flip-flops all over the store, including Havaianas in the new 'braided' style.  See the gold ones in this photo?

And for those ladies liking a bargain, Caroline keeps a great sale corner in the back of the store; it's always fun to dig through and find a nugget!

Each winter, I think about taking a day trip to see what the winter stock looks like.  Maybe this winter will be the one.  If you find yourself in Kennebunkport or Kennebunk, it's worth a trip in Green Tangerine! And if you have a favorite resort boutique, please share with us! ~ JH

Unless noted, images from Jennifer Houston.

...you want a hands-free bag for summer.

One of our readers asked us this question:

"I headed to the Museum of Science today - the perfect escape from the heat and the summer crowds weren't there yet! I grabbed a trusty Coach backpack I've had for years and realized I didn't like the styling or size at all anymore. For one, now that my kids are older, I don't need to carry as much. I ended up grabbing my pre-teen's cross-body purse (or mini-messenger bag, not quite sure what to call it). Although the size and wear of the purse was great I knew it looked lousy. Any advise for small, hands-free bags/purses when running around with a family this summer?"


We always love a hunt!  Here are a couple of things we gravitate towards when looking for a hands-free bag.


I think number one on the list has to be the Longchamp Pliage backpack.  Lightweight, not too big, folds into a square for packing, and somewhat water-proof, comes in a rainbow of colors (visit a Longchamp store for the largest selection; in Boston, it's on Newbury Street) it's a great option for summer museum trips or mini-golf.  It's a classic that will never go out of style, and at $118, not a huge investment.  (Hint!  Summer colors are on sale at $97 at Longchamp stores and online right now!)

Image from bloomingdales.com.

If you are looking for leather, I really like the look of the Marketplace Day Bag from Madewell.  The english tan color is so versatile and the cross-body look is in.  It's $168, but it's something I'd watch to go on sale.  And, it has a TASSEL!  (You know how we go nuts for tassels!)

Images from madewell.com.

If you want more of an investment bag, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q - Hillier Hobo bag is it.  At $428, it's one you'll have to fall in love with, but the super soft leather and hidden magnetic closure make it stylish and easy to carry.  Comes in several colors (and sold in many places), so you can go neutral or get that pop of color you might be looking for.  

Images from nordstrom.com.

Let's go back in time to the late 70s and early 80s to LeSportsac!  They are still around, and some of their designs are fun, affordable, and completely wearable for summer.  (Lisa has one that she uses on serious shopping trips.) I found a large selection on Zappos (free shipping!) and some of their neutral cross-body bags are just what we're looking for!  This Shellie Crossbody is $42.

Image from zappos.com.

If you are looking for more of a tote, Lisa found this neat one on Piperlime.  By KDNY by Kelsi Dagger, the Jaycee Dome Tote can be both hand-held and over the shoulder.  At $95, it looks like a good deal.

Image from piperlime.com.

Finally, one more cross-body bag from Lisa.  Love the lines of this 'saddlebag' by Lauren by Ralph Lauren.  Hands free, and neutral to go with everything!

Images from piperlime.com.

Hope that helps solve the hands-free problem.  You are now free to move around the museum! ~ LB & JH

...you need a bathing suit.

One of my friends will tell me that this post is coming about 4 months too late.  This friend starts in February looking for the perfect suit, ordering multiple sizes and shapes from different department stores, and returning what she doesn't need.  She's done by March.

I, on the other hand, wait until summer, and scratch my head every year.  Maybe one year, I'll have success like she does.  Until then, here I am.  Late June, and as of yesterday morning, no new bathing suit.

I think I can speak for Lisa too to say that if you are looking for advice on string bikinis or monokinis, you won't find it here.  We are moms, chasing kids, tide-pooling, and serving lunch on the beach.  Occasionally, we'll be at a resort, but what is most important to us in finding a bathing suit is that it is flattering, with an updated style and fit.

So, where do I find bathing suits?

Image from beachfrontswimwear.com.

For retail stores, one of my stand-bys is going to the store, Beachfront Property, in Newton, MA.  Not unlike Lady Grace or Intimacy for bras, the ladies at Beachfront Property can take one look at you and tell you your bathing suit choices.  They carry a couple of lines that I personally love - Sunsets (you can mix and match tops and bottoms  - great tankinis), Karla Colletto (REALLY pricey, but fashionable suits with underwire support - 2 things I look for in a suit).  They carry almost 60 brands of suits in all shapes and sizes.  Additionally, they have all the necessary flip-flops and coverups you need to accessorize your suit.

There is another retail store dedicated to swimwear called Everything But Water; they just re-opened at new location in the Natick Mall (2nd floor next to Nordstrom - they used to be near J.C. Penney).  They have stores across the country, from Arizona to Virginia.  Online, they have a 'Perfect Fit' tool; take the quiz, and it makes swimsuit suggestions for you.  I just took it, and it told me to shop the Karla Colletto collection.  Good to know that it works.

Image from everythingbutwater.com.

Last night, I visited Everything but Water, and came away with not one, but TWO new suits (including the black version of the one above).  They have a ton of selections, the store is really clean, the sales people were helpful and friendly, and you have to love a store that had individual packages of 'disposable undies' in the dressing rooms.

Online, I like to shop at several stores.  Neiman Marcus has a great selection of suits online in their 'Swim Shop'.  The selection is definitely more 'I'll-have-another-pina-colada-by-the-pool' than 'Mom-at-the-beach-with-small-children', but they have a great selection of suits by Splendid, Marc by Marc Jacobs, La Blanca and Spanx (just to name a few of their more moderate priced suits, and personally, I have a La Blanca suit).

Image from neimanmarcus.com.

Also, Neiman has a great return policy - no need to run back within 30 days for returns, which are inevitable with online bathing suit purchases.

Also online, I have to say that I really like Lands End for suits.  You can mix and match tops and bottoms and they have a wide selection for many body-types.

Image from landsend.com.

As a piece of advice, I recommend a suit from here if you plan to head to a water park, whether that's Canobie Lake Park or Atlantis in the Bahamas; you need a suit that does not move.  The resort suits, while cute, are no match for the Leap of Faith slide.

Image from atlantis.com.

Last Thanksgiving holiday, I witnessed one too many ladies 'readjusting' after a slide with their kids.  Not pretty.

Finally, Bloomingdales does a really nice job both online and in their stores of carrying a huge selection of swimwear.  You can find brands like Profile, Gottex, Juicy Couture (yes, they have some cute suits), and Tommy Bahama alongside Diane von Furstenberg, and Carmen Marc Valvo.

When shopping for a suit, remember these final tips:

• Be your most sleek and shop or try-on before eating lunch. 
• Be clear about what it is you want.  I always want underwire and rarely stray from that.  If you want a one-piece, only try those.  If you want a tankini, ditto.  Before you shop, think about your favorite bathing suit, and list the things you like about it.  Stick with suits with the same features.
• If online, order as many bathing suits as you like, but check the return policies of the online retailers.  
• If in a store, try on anything and everything.  Don't be afraid to take piles into the dressing room with you. 
• If in a specialty swimwear shop like Beachfront Property or Everything but Water, talk the advice of the sales people.  They've seen it all.

Good luck.  It's a tough world out there.  Let us know if you find any great sources!  We're always looking.  ~ JH

Foundation garments

This is a delicate post about delicates.  A few weeks ago, I made my annual visit to Intimacy in Boston to replace and replenish undergarments.  No, there will be no images from that trip.

However, that shopping trip made Lisa and I want to discuss the importance of foundation garments.  They are IMPORTANT.  You know it too; you've seen those poor women with so little support going it's a wonder that they are even wearing a bra!  Or, bra straps hanging out everywhere.  And, if you don't pay attention to the condition of your delicates, it's a slippery slope, if you know what we mean.

So, let's start up top. We believe in an annual bra shopping trip, picking up at least 4 new bras that you would wear on a daily basis, plus others as you need depending on the tops you have (racer back, strapless, sports, etc.).  And if you have not done so in recent times, we also HIGHLY recommend starting at a specialty store, where the ladies working there have seen it all and can take one look at you and will know what fits.  For us in the Boston area, that means making an appointment at Lady Grace or Intimacy.

Image from ladygrace.com.

Lady Grace is the old school bra store.  They do all delicates, but the sales ladies are really well-versed in fitting bras and it is a great place to start.  They have several store locations (MA, ME, and NH) and usually have the same model bras (until manufacturer design changes) from year to year, which makes replacing them as easy as a click to your online shopping bag.  Lady Grace has sales at times too, and if your timing is right, you can save a lot.

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Intimacy is an updated Lady Grace and the company has stores across the country, from Atlanta to Scottsdale.  Intimacy carries more expensive European lines that you will have a difficult time finding elsewhere.  The good news there is that they have some great lines that fit unlike anything else.  Personal favorites are Simone Perele, Lou, and Marie Jo.  You can make an appointment online and a saleswoman will be dedicated to finding you the right garments for your hour.  It's fabulous.  They carry sports bras too, and the Anita line of sports bras are fantastic.  

I personally have shopped at both, and continue to return to Intimacy because the brands they carry fit me better.  But that's me.  I know of friends who have found great fitters at Macy's and Bloomingdales and swear by those establishments.  The key is to find a great fitter who puts you in a great product.  Once you have worn your new delicates for a while and know the style, size, and brand of bra that works for you, you can surf online to find the best prices for future purchases.

We aren't done yet.  There is more than just shopping for delicates.  You have to care for them.  Rule #1: do not use normal detergent.  Put your delicates aside in a lingerie bag or the Tide Bra Bag, and use Forever New Fabric Care Wash.  Here are some images of the tools of the trade:

Image from containerstore.com.

Image from containerstore.com.

Image from amazon.com.

The Forever New wash is AH-MAZE-ING.  It completely restores the elasticity in your delicates with just one 1/2 cap-full per each wash.  Yes, you have to do a separate load of laundry, but it's worth it.  Rule #2:  Drip dry. Also a pain in the you-know-what, but your dryer will kill any elasticity quickly.  Trust us.

Let's make our way down the path, shall we say, and focus on other delicates.  To thong or not to thong, that is the question.  The bottom line is (no pun intended) that none of us want VPL (visible panty lines), so what's a girl to do?

If you on Team Thong, here are a couple of options to think about.  First, the classic Hanky Panky thong.  One size fits almost everyone.  Seriously.  There's just one size.  The classic is an original-rise, but they have low-rise, mid-rise, and they come in every color under the rainbow.  The con is that they are about $20 a pair.

Image from barenecessities.com.

Gap Body has some great and super affordable options too, in all rises and plenty of colors.  Lisa got a fabulous pair in Paris but can't find the brand domestically.  They were nude color, modal and seamless which is perfection under white pants for summer. Gilligan & O'Malley is the closest to it shown here in a white in a 3-pack for just $9.99.  

For those on Team Not-to-Thong, Lisa and I just heard of a great option at a softball game.  Yes, sitting on the sidelines talking about VPL.  No joke.  Anyway, another mom turned us onto Target briefs by Gilligan O'Malley which have a 'rubber' or highly elastic band around the legs which completely diminishes VPL, according to the mom.  Might have to test drive these to see, especially since they are $6 a pair.  After researching on Target.com, I wonder if they are the Gilligan O'Malley seamless brief:

Image from target.com.

Another option is a type of boy-short or 'hot pants'.  These Cosabella ones 'virtually eliminate lines' and are light as a feather.  At $25 a pair, I would test one before replacing all undergarments in your drawer.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

I know, I know, the next topic we should tackle is 'shapewear'.  We'll save that for another day and another post.  Until then, it's time to tackle and refresh your delicates! ~ LB & JH

W2WW Around Town - MiniLuxe is Lux

The most important thing about getting a mani/pedi is that my heels are buffed smooth, cuticles tamed and that the polish is flawlessly applied to last for the duration. I frankly don't care if the chair vibrates or if insence is burning. Normally, I close my eyes or read a magazine most of the time, so decor is secondary.

Well, that all changed when I stopped by the new MiniLuxe in Wellesley for a quick pedi.

Far from the dark hole in the wall, MiniLuxe was bright, clean and sleek.   The first order of business was to pick my polish.  Behold THE WALL, arranged not by brand, but by COLOR.

Image from Lisa Bida.

Brilliant!   'tis the season for festive toes so I picked out by Essie "My Private Cabana", my nod to the beginning of summer.

Image from essie.com.

No electronic massages here just a simple cushioned bench and pristine white basin below to receive my eager feet.  

Image from Lisa Bida.

The nail technician pampered the tired feet with what seemed like extra care and attention and a scrub of some sort on the heel, followed by a slathering of lotion and foot and leg massage.   So far, perfection.  Polish application next.  She carefully applied polish to each nail, using a brush to clean up stray marks and voila!  My toes are coiffed perfection!  I waddle over to the foot driers and settle in with People magazine (cliche, I know) to dry.

The pedi was a last minute decision and I came from work so no time to grab flip flops.   Fortunately, MiniLuxe sells a selection of brands, including Havianas and their own MiniLuxe branded line, if you forget. 

Image from Lisa Bida.

Pricing was comparable, mid thirties for a pedi, which is OK by me.  I can't wait to go back again.  The wonderful moms of KM/G (Kindergarten class) gave us room parents a dozen red roses and mani/pedi at MiniLuxe.  So generous and very much appreciated!  My new favorite nail salon. give it a try and let us know how you like it. ~ LB

To flip-flop or not to flip-flop?

There seems to be an current debate about flip-flops.  Just yesterday morning, the Boston Globe published 2 articles, one in favor of and one opposed to flip-flops.  Personally, I don't think it's a 'yes' or 'no' question, just a matter of 'when to wear'. Since this seems to be a polarizing article of clothing, I thought I'd outline my parameters for when to wear flip-flops.

Rubber Flip-Flops

The most basic version, from your $6.94 Old Navy flip-flops...

Image from oldnavy.com.

...to your $50 Tory Burch rubber flip-flops...

Image from toryburch.com.

...and everything in between, like Havaianas, which range from the $20s to $30s...

Image from us.havaianas.com.

...these useful shoes can be worn to lots of places.  The White House to meet with the President?  No.  Dinner in the city?  No.  Any place of work?  Not really.

Rubber flip-flops, in my book, are best limited to the beach, parks, errands runs (grocery store, drycleaner, etc.), hanging around your house, gardening, school pick-up, etc. - basically those times when you are most casual.  Oh, and keep a pair in your car for sneaking in a pedicure!

Non-Rubber Flip-Flops

The 'dressier' version of flip-flops can have a slightly wider reach.  My personal summer go-to are the Capri sandals from J. Crew.

Image from jcrew.com.

Every spring, I purchase 2 pairs for the summer and wear them to death.  At $49.50, they are a little pricey for basic flip-flops, but are the perfect summer neutral with shorts outfits, summer skirts, maxi dresses.  The leather thong and bottom give a little classier look to the sandal.

Some people are huge fans of the Jack Rogers sandal, which come in every color under the sun.  Another great neutral and a summer staple, these can go from the grocery to lunch and an afternoon of shopping.

Image from nordstrom.com.

On the very high end of the flip-flop world, the K Jacques St. Tropez flip-flops are the cream of the crop (along with some fabulous Prada croc ones I saw at Nordstrom today).  These are a European go-to; don't go to the French Riviera without a pair.

Image from net-a-porter.com.

All of the above sandals are best for errands, a ladies lunch out, strolling around the shops in places like Chatham, MA or Kennebunkport, ME, a summer BBQ, family dinner with friends, and taking the kids for ice cream.

Flip-Flops Really Don't Belong Here

There are times when I see people wearing flip-flops (LOTS of people) and I cannot understand WHY they are wearing flip flops.  Here are those occasions and why I feel they are so inappropriate.

1. Walking around a city.  Yes, city dwellers deserve the right to wear flip-flops too.  However, city streets are D-I-R-T-Y.  There is nothing more disgusting than walking around New York City simply in ballet flats, and seeing just how dirty the tops of your feet are at the end of the day.  Imagine how bad they would be with flip-flops?!  Ick. 
2. Walking around amusement parks, movie theaters, or other similar public places.  Again, the dirty-factor really gets me, but there's also a safety issue for me.  Amusement park rides are metal and not well cared for.  Keeping your feet in closed shoes is a better option for avoiding a potential tetanus shot.
3. Restaurants that take reservations. If you are making a reservation, leave the flip-flops at home.  
4. Business meetings or similar events.  Nothing screams 'I'm really laid back' than the slapping noise of flip-flops.  Unless you are at Facebook headquarters, in which case, flip-flops are mandatory.
5. Nice social events, like cocktail parties, baby showers, weddings, first communions, etc.  Put a heel on and dress the part.

This is not what I'd want to see on a wedding day.

Image from merrybrides.tumblr.com.

Hope that helps clarify any flip-flop debate that might be raging out there!  When do you wear flip-flops? ~ JH

Milestone.

Image from realsimple.com.

Sometime last night, our little blog hit a milestone of 10,000 page views.  It's not a lot over it's short life, but it's something.  Thank you to all of our readers, for reading, commenting, and asking questions.  Lisa & I love to help with fashion crises, both big and small.

Over the next few months, we'll have posts relating to favorite boutiques, pre-fall shopping, and hopefully great W2WW news flashes, giving you any inside scoop that we can.  And if we can answer any questions, please fire away.  You can reach Lisa at lisa@what2wearwhen.net, or me at jen@what2wearwhen.net.

In the meantime, find out how Lisa and I met and how our little blog came to be.  And thanks again for reading.  ~ JH

...you want free shipping.

Image from asos.com.

Our informal poll of fabulous lady shoppers at a recent softball game brought home the fact that no one likes to pay for shipping.  So much so that we will purchase elsewhere rather than fork over for shipping.  You've been there, haven't you?  You carefully fill your cart and complete your shipping information only to find a $15 dollar shipping fee, and no in-store return.  Frustrating!  Here are some of our favorite places to shop online and ways to get around paying good money for shipping:

J.Crew - Forget free shipping with a $150 purchase or trekking in to use the instore red phone!  Call J.Crew at 1-800-562-0258 and make a friend with the Customer Service professionals.   My Customer Service friend, Kevin, and I have been together  for a little over two years now.  He can help me with anything I need – tracking down hard-to-find items, tips on size and styling, putting outfits together, sneak peeks at upcoming collections, you name it. Just about everything shy of balancing my checkbook and watering my plants.   It's all about service and Kevin takes care of me in spades, plus free shipping.  All the time.

Net-a-Porter - For the latest designer women's clothing, shoes, jewelry and much more from over 350 of the world's leading designers.  Free shipping all the time.  (And, as an aside, they have complimentary gift wrap too.)

Image from net-a-porter.com.

Amazon - Feep your eyes on this powerhouse as the company finally recognizes the opportunity and refocuses to fashion.  Amazon PRIME gets you free shipping. 

Asos - Over 850 fashion labels, and offering free shipping, both ways.  Everyday.

Under the heading of obvious:  Nordstrom, L.L.Bean, Zappos, Gap family (Piperlime, free shipping all the time, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic, free shipping on orders over $50), Neiman Marcus (usually with a code, but NOT Bloomingdales or Saks), and Kate Spade.  

I got a fabulous leather t-shirt (which you'll see more of this fall) from Topshop.  And it came with....free shipping (on orders over $100).

ShopBop has one of the best selections of Diane von Furstenberg I've seen, and has a  limited edition collaboration with Current Elliott.   They feature familiar brands like Rachel Zoe and more obscure, coveted ones like Soludos.

If you're like Jen, in the eternal search for T-shirts, try StyleMint from Mary Kate and Ashley. You complete a fun profile and then voila! The Olsen sissies put together a ensemble of tees to choose from. All $29.99 and shipped free.

For men, Bonobos is at the top of my list.  Featured in the NY Times, Bonobos was started to solve a simple problem: men’s pants just don’t fit well. They’re either too tight to be comfortable or too baggy to look good. But, by innovating in a few key areas, they’ve developed a fit that they say actually looks and feels great for a wide variety of men.  They have sweaters, jackets, accessories, golf, swim, outerwear and boast "Fast and Free shipping.  Insanely easy returns."  Keep talking 'cause I like what you're sayin'.

What are your favorite shopping sites that offer free shipping? ~ LB

...your hair is in a ponytail.

Disclaimer:  This might read like an advertisement, but trust me, it's not.

I have had short hair for a major portion of my life.  My mother thought it would be easier for me to take care of short hair when I went away to Girl Scout camp in 1979 and that started my long career in short hair.  (There was junior year in college when I briefly grew it out, but I looked like I had a wig on.)

A few years back, I decided I needed a change, grew my locks out, and now, I have shoulder-length hair.  What I didn't realize is that I missed YEARS of fun hair accessories!  Granted, we should have all skipped the 'scrunchie' years, but there are some great accessories out there.

With my hair ready for ponytail action, I approached a friend one day last year to ask about her oh-so-cute-but-simple hair elastic.  It was a neutral color and had a knot in it, with the ends of the elastic sticking out about a 1/2".

Image from emi-jay.com.

She told me they were called 'Emi-Jay' hair ties and they wouldn't 'dent' your hair when you removed the tie.  Fabulous!  Must try.  Where do I get them?!  Bella Sante (spa in Wellesley, Boston, Lexington, MA) has them.

The next time I found myself at Bella Sante, I purchased one 5-pack of the 'pearl' hair ties.

Image from emi-jay.com.

They were great!  Worked well and looked cute on your wrist when you weren't wearing them.  My older daughter even wore one.   I did a little online research, and found that the company was started by TEENAGE girls in L.A.  Great work girls.  These were the fun hair accessories I missed all those years.

But, as it turns out, people are still trying to figure out where to buy these.  When I wear one, I usually have someone ask me where I got it.  In fact, it happened again last week.  Therefore, this post, and a mini-list of where to get these delightful hair ties since they are not widely available in retail stores.  Nordstrom carries a 3-pack of classic colors for $6.50.  Amazon has a large selection of the 5-pack sets, $10.99 each.  Bella Sante spas carry them in the Boston area.  The Wellesley outpost had this selection on their counter last week.  Aren't the animal print ones fun!?

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Or, simply go to the source, Emi-Jay online, for the entire selection, including these sets below, the Classic 5-pack set or the Summer 2012 set.  Enjoy! ~ JH

Image from emi-jay.com.

Image from emi-jay.com.