W2WW Around Town - Sisco and Berluti Trunk Show on May 27th

You may recall my day trip to Martha’s Vineyard last summer to meet the Sisco and Berluti sisters and scoop up some summer wrist candy.   Impulse in Wellesley is hosting the sisters Lisa and Caroline and their trunk full of goodies on May 27.  Shop the latest styles for summer or work one on one with the designers to create your own custom bracelets.  Heaven!  For someone with small wrists like myself, having the bracelet custom designed and sized is reason enough to go.  Will I see you there? ~ LB

Image from trustyourimpluse.com email.

...you want an alternative to conventional deodorant.

Yes, I know.  Very strange post title.  Not our normal wheelhouse of topics.  Put your seatbelt on.

Have you ever had one of those days where a certain piece of information is presented to you over and over, so much so that you feel like you are being tapped on the shoulder to check something out?  Well, that's what happened to me, starting two weeks ago.  

It started simply.  A friend emailed me about a new pop-up store in Wellesley center - Follain.  

Image from shop.follain.com.

Follain has stores on Nantucket and in Boston, and are trying out a space in Wellesley. She told me about their natural products, from deodorant to make-up.  I have to admit, I deleted the email.  But something about that email stuck in my head...

...BECAUSE, the next day, this post from Erin Gates and her Elements of Style blog showed up in my inbox.  An entire post about 'What's in Your Products?'.  Read it.  She discusses what elements in beauty products people should avoid if possible. I read it, and the information lodges in my brain next to the Follain tidbit.

AND THEN, I ran into that friend who emailed me about Follain and she circles back with me about it, telling me how she's swapped out her deodorant for some more natural product from Follain.

Something about these 3 interactions triangulates in my brain, and the next time I found myself in Wellesley center, I wandered into Follain.  Lovely shop.  Clean, pretty, smells great.  I am greeted by the saleswoman, and tell her about my interest in experimenting with some more 'natural' deodorant.  She gives me a brief 'tour' of the shop, and points me in the direction of their 2 choices for deodorant.  One is this cute little jar and the brand is Meow Meow Tweet. 

Image from meowmeowtweet.myshopify.com.

She tells me it's the more gentle of the two products (the other was more 'gritty') and I say, what the heck.  And according to the Follain website - "The cream does not use the unsafe ingredient aluminum zirconium, so it is not an anti-perspirant, but it does effectively absorb moisture". Let's try it.  She warns me as I'm checking out that some people notice some perspiring when they start to use it; all of the 'build up' from using conventional deodorant.  Ick.  Great.

(Full disclosure - I also purchased a tinted lip conditioner by Ilia, which is ah-maz-ing.)

It was with great trepidation that I put away my usual deodorant and start using this.  First, there's no roll-on here. The jar says "Gently rub a pea-sized amount into each armpit with your fingertips".  Ok, a little ick.  After a few days, I get used to it.  I learn that you just wipe your fingers with a towel or tissue after applying; washing my hands was a sticky mistake.  Second, I warn a couple of my girlfriends and ask them to please tell me if I smell.  I find myself sneaking pit-sniffs after working out and when I'm changing clothes.  So far so good.

After a couple of weeks, I think I really like this stuff.  I'm not a sweaty mess, I'm not smelly, and if it's supposed to be a better product for me, why not?  And a benefit that I didn't realize?  No accidental white marks on your clothing!  Seriously.  That alone makes my day.  

I have to say, I'm impressed with both products I purchased.  Consumer satisfied!  Give it a try if you are looking for an alternative.  Just a little research for your day!  Enjoy! ~ JH

Lisa takes to the high seas for fashion!

Not one to let a small thing like the Atlantic Ocean stand in the way of a good trunk sale,  I ferried over to Martha's Vineyard 2 weeks ago for the Sisco + Berluti trunk sale at the very vintage/modern/funky home store Brickyard in Vineyard Haven.

These are my new favorite stacking bracelets this summer.  Think turquoise, pyrite, red coral, white coral, antiqued bone, blue sodalite, brass porcupine - the semi-precious gems and bead combinations are endless - punctuated with sparkly gold stardust or pave beads. I could easily create an elbow-length stack.  Their trunk show was full of their amazing signature bracelets and since I'm in full-blown summer mode, my choices were true to the season:  White coral, double wrap turquoise, gold pave stack, plus an unusual brown bead speckled with gold as a transition to fall.   Lucky me the lovely Lisa Sisco was on hand to customize each bracelet for my tiny wrist and voila, perfection!  

Best of all was a sneak peak at some gorgeous - and I mean GORGEOUS - necklaces for fall.   Each was handmade by Lisa or sister Carolyn Berluti and were unique, one-of-a-kind creations.  I love, loved the tassel theme, especially the brown beaded one you see here.  Layer a few over a simple sweater and you are done.   I was on a mission for bracelets and did not shop the necklaces as hard as I should have.  Lisa Sisco told me that we'll see more necklaces for fall and a trunk show at Impulse in Wellesley this fall.  Hooray! 

Lisa and Carolyn were troopers about the littles creating stacks.  Kids bracelets are the rage at Impulse. 

~ LB

All images from Lisa Bida.

Cheap & Cheerful - Splendid Sandals

While perusing my local Moxie store last week, I picked up a really cute sandal.  No, I really don't NEED a new pair, but these were good.  And a matte gold metallic.  And, when I turned them over to see how much they were, I was shocked.  $68.  I immediately asked for them in an 8 1/2, tried them on, and almost walked out of the store in them.

Image from nordstrom.com.

The Splendid Edgewood sandal is adorable, completely useful and really affordable.  Moxie just received a shipment, so they have tons of stock.  They also come in black with the cork wedge at Moxie.  If you don't live near a Moxie (Wellesley or Boston), try nordstrom.com where they show them in white, coral, and the gold.  Enjoy! ~ JH

Who loves a sample sale?

I do!  Lisa does!  And that's why we are REALLY excited this week.  Because, in just one week, the W by Worth Sample Sale comes to Wellesley!  Our good friend, W2WW reader, and W by Worth guru, Heather Steele, will be hosting a W by Worth sample sale with over 400 items from the spring and summer 2014 lines. The biggest sample sale EVER.   Everything is 50% off!

And it's not just the dreaded (i.e. tiny) sample sizes on sale.  Every size from 0 to 14, x-small to x-large will be represented.  

So, mark your calendars!  There's a special sneak-peek for friends and family on Sunday, May 18th from 2:00-6:00pm.  W2WW readers are welcome at the sneak-peek!  The sale continues on Monday, May 19th from 8:00am to 3:00pm and on Tuesday, May 20th, again from 8 to 3.  No appointments needed!

And where is this event?  At the home of Heather Steele, 1 Orchard Street, Wellesley, MA. 

Here are some of the items you MIGHT see at the show!

Images from W by Worth.

And who knows, you might see Lisa and I there! ~ JH

W2WW Newsflash - Alex and Ani Store open in Wellesley.

The Rhode Island jewelry company, Alex and Ani, has opened a gorgeous little shop in a sliver of the old Paper Source space at 1 Abbott Street in Wellesley Center.   

If you don't know their jewelry, then check the wrist of any random high school or college girl and you'll probably see 1 to 10 of Alex and Ani's charm bangles stacked and layered. 

There are literally hundreds of charms - collegiate, sorority, football, and your basics, like initials, flowers, etc..   Something for everyone.  We particularly liked the Red Sox ones.

They make perfect little girl birthday gifts or stocking stuffers! ~ LB

All images from Lisa Bida.

W2WW Around Town - W by Worth Spring Show starts Friday, January 25th

I know we've been a little slow this month.  Lisa's had the flu and I have no excuse.  But what it comes down to is that we're between seasons.  Resort is rolling out and the fall/holiday stuff that is left on the sale racks is sad at this point.

That all changes on Friday!  Time to roll up our sleeves and start digging into Spring 2013 starting with the W by Worth show.  

I have an appointment on Friday afternoon and I've already had a sneak peak at some of the goods.  I'm particularly interested in the color jeans (really, any bottoms that are not white), a black silk scarf, some long-sided tunics that might be fun over skinny pants, and a couple of jackets.  Take a peek at these images below.

Images from Heather Steele.

The show runs in Wellesley from Friday, January 25th to Monday, February 4th.  Contact Heather Steele (who is very low-key and easy to shop with) by email or phone (617.519.6810) to make an appointment.  Let her know you just want to check it out.  In the meantime, check out the Spring 2013 lookbook online for more details. ~ JH

W2WW Around Town - The Sartorialist was in Wellesley!

On Monday night, I was amongst loads of college students in the Alumni Building Auditorium at Wellesley College.  Scott Schuman, the Sartorialist, was speaking that evening with a book signing after.  Who is Scott?  To say he is a 'blogger' would be selling him short.  Photographer of street fashion, keen eye, artist would be better titles.  One of the first, if not THE first, photographers of street style.  If you haven't checked out his blog, please do.  Lisa and I are fans, maybe not of the street styles for us (some of the outfits of his subjects would raise eyebrows at a PTO meeting), but for inspiration and the beauty in his work.

Things I learned on Monday?  

• To feel the pressure of having to post on your blog, and yet at the same time, not feel the pressure.  Don't write or blog just because you haven't posted in a while; write about what you feel passionate about.  Actively look for inspiration and write.
• Be vulnerable in your blogging.  Ok, we're not going to let it all hang out here, but we'll try to continue to be personal.
• Don't let advertisers influence you.  Not that we have any, but one day, Lisa and I will have a business meeting and discuss.  I'll be sure to keep this in mind. (Lisa and I have NEVER had a business meeting about this blog; it's kind of a joke that we haven't.)
• Use your voice.  Be the person you are in person, in your blog.  

And, of course, I couldn't help but have a book signed and have a picture taken.  A little star-struck I must admit. 

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Hopefully this brush with greatness rubs off on us here at W2WW. ~ JH

Holiday 2012: Hostess Gifts

Image from marthastewart.com.

The first holiday party invitation arrived in the mail last week!   Besides the fun of putting together festive holiday outfits, I love to put together fun and festive gifts for the hosts.   But what to get??   Think special treats for the hosts that they might not otherwise buy for themselves!    This year, I’m leaning towards personalized, if I kick into gear early enough, and edible.  Yum!

See’s, an old fashioned chocolater since 1921, makes the most delish candies and mints.   Just for the holidays, the California confectioner, opened a shop in Burlington, MA at Wayside Commons which I stumbled into on a girl's night out with an old friend.  The sales gals were generous with samples and all self-control when out the window.   $75 later, I walked out with a bag of assorted treats. These old fashioned peppermint candies need only a red ribbon.  Done! $10. 

Images from sees.com

Pair these mints or any other edible with a bottle of amazing vino!   If you're looking for  a great wine with a great story, look no further than 90+ Cellars, a Boston-based wine brand that brings fine wine from all over the world to you at a fraction of the original price.  The idea is this: they bottle the excess from highly respected wineries with a history of high ratings. I first heard about 90+ on Chronicle last year and had to try it.   The Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is fantastic and we have a case in the wine cooler.  Available at Nine East Wine Emporium.  From $15.

Image from ninetypluscellars.com.

I'm a sucker for decorative plates and CWonder has a fantastic selection.  Perfect for jewels, change or keys!  Better than the junk drawer.  And the one on the bottom? We could all use a little zebra in our lives.

Images from cwonder.com.

Jen and I both love personalized stationary.  Who doesn't, really?  Especially when you can place the order with your Christmas cards!   I like this classic design from Tiny Prints. 

Image from tinyprints.com.

Laguiole France is known for its Languiole cheese, which has an Appellation d'Origine Controlee (label of guaranteed origin) and as the birthplace of the Laguiole knife.  I bouth this Laguiole cheese knife at Anthropologie last year and couldn't be happier with it.  The French know how to make cheese and cheese knive sets, let me tell you.  It comes in a lovely box ready for wrapping.  Pair with a gift certificate from Wasiks or your favorite fromagerie for a little apres-party wine and cheese love fest.

Image from anthropologie.com.

An adorably cheeky way to serve guests on this solid wood serving board, flanked by twoadorable silver mice. $28 at CWonder.

Image from cwonder.com.

There's lot of good hostess gifts to be had locally in our home town of Wellesley.  Try these monogram coasters from Papers & Presents for $40...

Image from paperspresents.com.

...or these initial notecards for $13.

Image from paperspresents.com.

I am always looking for a good book to read and forever asking my friends to share their lists.  Stop by Wellesley Books and pick up one of your favorites from 2012 and inscribe the inside cover with a little holiday happy.

What about a summer story by Nichole Bernier, Wellesley author?  In 'The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D.', Kate's peaceful summer is anything but when she inherits a trunk of journals by her deceased friend.  The journals reveal a woman far different than the cheerful wife and mother Kate thought she knew. 

Image from wellesley.indiebound.com.

Shout out to my formidable rival on Words with Friends (you know who you are!) for your recommendation for 'Gone Girl'.   I got the book on CD and listened during the commute.  It's about a marriage gone awry so consider the audience when giving. :-) 

Image from amazon.com.

One of my favorite reads this year!

Image from goodreads.com.

This book is on my Christmas list.  If you don't follow Deb Perelman's blog, SmittenKitchen, drop everything now and check it out.   She creates simple delicious recipes in her shoebox kitchen in NY and has just published her first cookbook.  Great hostess gift!

Image from smittenkitchen.com.

If you are local in Wellesley, a newcomer and local favorite shop perfect for gift-giving is Pine Straw in Wellesley.  Owner Tracy Cranley has a great design eye and her perfectly curated gift store won't disappoint.  She's pointed me to her favorite hostess gifts this year.  First up, the Corkicle..chill the rod attached to the cork and voila, instantly chilled wine!  

Image from Lisa Bida.

Love, Peace and Joy candles luminate from within.  She has cute, decorative match boxes to go with.

Image from Lisa Bida.

Your host will want to ditch the Trade Joe's liquid hand soap for these beautifully wrapped and fragrant soaps from Claus Porto.

Image from Lisa Bida.

No, this is not wine.  It's dishwashing soap!   The pretty bottle would look right at home on my counter next to the real bottle of wine.  

Image from Lisa Bida.

How about these hometown coasters for the man-cave or den?

Image from Lisa Bida.

If I'm going to a party where the kids are invited, I like to throw in a little giftie for the children.  These straw drinking glasses were a HUGE hit last year and kept the kids occupied the next day while Mom and Dad were recovering.  $3.99 at the Container Store.

Image from containerstore.com.

Or how about these cool old-school, low-tech, high-fun trinkets I found at Pine Straw?

Image from Lisa Bida.com.

Happy Party season, one and all!  ~ LB

W2WW Around Town - Moxie now carrying clothing!

The kids were back in school for all of 3 hours and where was I?  Moxie, a fabulous shoe store in Wellesley (with location in Boston's Beacon Hill also).

Image from moxieboston.com.

I was really on a mission to pick up some more Foot Petals and found myself browsing as I walked past the shoes.  I looked up to the back of the store and noticed silk blouses, dresses, and some really cool jeans.  Was I still in Moxie?

Turns out that Moxie, in the Wellesley location only, is now carrying a couple of clothing lines like Rebecca Minkoff, Charlie Jade (New York designer with well-priced items), Chan Luu, Amanda Uprichard, Sold Jeans, and Yumi Kim (with C&C California basics coming soon).  They had a lovely array of silk blouses, dresses, and tunics that would be great transition pieces for fall!  

Images from Jennifer Houston.

Their new tagline says it all: 'Dressing you from the ground up'.  And for our readers, Kristen, manager of the Wellesley store, gave me some coupons for 20% off of one clothing item from Moxie!  The first 5 readers to leave comments on this post (with your email address so we can contact you) are the lucky recipients; we'll mail the coupon to you.  Happy back-to-school & shopping! ~ JH