Boutique Fabulous

Enter Saint Valentine & Bring Us Good Chocolate

Boutique Fabulous — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:40:04 +0000

Here it is almost Valentine’s Day. In the past I’ve had mixed feelings about it—I love the idea of taking a special day to celebrate love yet I am bothered a bit by the over-commercialization of the holiday. I suppose that can be said about any popular holiday, and so I find it best to take what I like most from holidays and exploit only their most beautiful attributes. In the case of Valentine’s Day, I love the signature colors of red and pink (which is a personal favorite combination), those adorable vintage Valentine cards replete with cartoon hearts, loads of chocolate and an excuse to eat tons of it, and fresh flowers (especially roses and pink carnations!).

Another way I keep holidays more personal and less commercial is if it’s a holiday that requires giving gifts I try to seek out locally-made items and stay out of the malls and drugstores (no drugstore chocolate ever, please!). Boutique Fabulous has the right idea with their plans for the week surrounding this year’s Valentine’s Day! They’re working with local flower designer Laura Jean who is creating special flower creations– these will certainly make perfect gifts. I would buy flowers for myself if I knew my cats wouldn’t destroy them! They’re also hosting a chocolate tasting with locally-made Taza chocolate (& Bailey’s, champagne, & red wine for pairing) on February 9th from 5-7pm, and I plan to be there nibbling away on samples. As if that wasn’t enough, the BF girls are also hosting a Victorian Valentine Party (with more champagne) on February 11th from 6-8pm and will be decked out in Victorian dresses! In addition, you can swing in on the evening of the 14th between 5-8pm with your certain someone for a sip of complimentary champagne.

The holiday of Saint Valentine is truly about thoughtfully considering your feelings towards those you love and letting them know. It shouldn’t take a holiday for you to remember to express what’s in your heart—although a cute Valentine and a Mexican chocolate treat certainly won’t hurt in getting your message across. Please remember: say I love you every day.

Until next time,

redbird

My Favorite Inman Square Haunts

Boutique Fabulous — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:19:05 +0000

It’s no secret that I think Inman Square in the coolest square on this side of the river. Having lived here on and off since 2004, I have really come to know and love the local businesses, the food, and just the overall charm of the ‘hood. There are just so many good things happening here these days, perhaps more good things than ever before. I wanted to take a moment and share my favorite Inman outposts.

If you are in Inman and you find yourself hungry you can literally get anything you could possibly want within a one-mile radius. Tacos? Check. Indian? Oh yes. Asian? We got it. Amazing sandwiches? Uh huh. Italian? Oh my goodness yes! My personal favorite haunts include Trina’s Starlite Lounge for good cheap burgers, Sloppy Joe Wednesdays, and fab classic cocktails. My spot for Italian food is City Girl Cafe– they serve these Currant & Sage Sliders that will make you cry with delight. I can’t not mention All Star Sandwich Bar who whip up some of the best homemade French fries you have ever had– to go with their enormous awesome sandwich menu of course. 1369 Coffee House has been my go-to for over 7 years and they get it all right all of the time.

Then there’s the shops! Of course Boutique Fabulous is at the top of my list, how could it not be? Just the other day my bestie and I were there visiting and oohing and ahhing over all the goodies and she snagged a pair of white bunny earmuffs that are both adorable and warm. Score! My other favorite Inman store is Lorem Ipsum Books. I could sit for hours on one of their convenient couches and read. What is better than being surrounded by hundreds of books while you lounge or browse? As long as you’re very careful you can bring your tea in with you– bonus! The kids that work there are lovely and knowledgable, and the ambiance is relaxed and easy.

If you have somehow never ventured off the red line to check out Inman Square, you are seriously missing out. A mere mile from Central Square, it is worth the walk. I suggest taking Inman Street in from Central, as it’s a much nicer walk than taking Prospect. I hope to see you soon in our square, do say hi if you see me out and about!

Until next time,

redbird

PS- I have been cooking up some new exciting subject matter for the blog, so check back bi-weekly for treats!

Sparkle, Love, and Celebration

Boutique Fabulous — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:41:49 +0000

This year when I came home for the holidays, I was reminded how much I love to visit houses that are true homes– cozy and comfortable spaces built around the tastes and desires of their inhabitants. Homes where there are beautiful accents such as a special glass lamp, a selection of a grandmother’s hand-me-down tchotchkes, a pile of love-worn books, interesting dishes, or a colorful rug. Items that really give a home its personality and mood. Both my mother’s, aunt’s, and dear old friend’s houses in Maine were like this: warm, inviting, decorated, charming, and all very different from the other. Again, I bring the blog back to collecting, but I think it’s incredibly important to curate your own collection, to build an archive of treasures. Doing do creates visual stimulation and pleasant memories for you and for others who live in or visit your space. When I am out shopping, I am always keeping my eyes open for an item that would fit nicely in my home, or in a friend’s. I search out thrift stores, antique shops, and charming boutiques like BF to find such things. I buy the particularly special items to pad my lair with beauty. Beauty is essential to a happy life, I am fully convinced of this. Ugly things create ugly moods and squelch creativity and inspiration. This time of year I want nothing more than sparkle, love, and celebration– with some reflection in there too, of course, I can’t forget that.

Happy New Year to all of you fabulous people!

Until next time (and next year!)

redbird

vintage new year image

Escape the Malls: Buy Local, Support Local

Boutique Fabulous — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:39:53 +0000

December is by far my most favorite month. I know for certain it has something to do with my birthday, which falls mid-month, but it’s really because Christmas has always been my most favorite holiday. I love searching for and buying gifts, and crossing each recipient’s name off of my list– and I especially love the wrapping and the giving! I simply adore watching the eyes of my loved ones light up when they see the gift I’ve carefully chosen for them. I’ve spent most of my life working at Mom & Pop stores and have learned from the inside the value of shopping at and supporting your local small businesses. I was thrilled when I was reminded about the upcoming “Shop Inman by Moonlight” annual event that is happening tomorrow night (12/8) in Inman Square from 6pm until midnight. Businesses participating in the event include Boutique Fabulous, Lorem Ipsum Books, Inman Oasis, and 1369 Coffee House. Take my advice and swing by Inman for gifts from any and all of the ‘fabulous’ businesses in the square. BF has some stellar gift options right now like CUTE knit cupcake ornaments, baby socks from Trumpette, the most scrumptious Thymes fir-scented candles, and really cool homemade soaps with images of shoes and skulls and other cool things on them. If like me you are an Inman Square resident (or enthusiast), then you just might need a set of Screencraft Tileworks marble coasters designed by BF’s Mara and Jilly for yourself or for someone you love.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Until next time,

redbird

Don’t Overlook the Art of Collecting

Boutique Fabulous — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:28:33 +0000

A new friend of mine decided to start collecting old records. His initial idea was to buy some with particularly fantastic covers and turn them into a collage for his living room wall. He started flipping through piles of records (coincidentally at BF) and not long after realized he wanted to start collecting some records just to have. And thus began a small obsession. I have been a collector since childhood, collecting dolls, books, cassette tapes, and beach glass. Once an adult I began innumerable collections: vintage blue Ball jars, old bottles, cookbooks, hats, silk scarves, Whiting & Davis chain mail bags, cowboy boots, and old cameras just to name a few. Upon a recent trip to the infamous Brimfield Antiques Fair, I saw gads of people collecting, whether they were interior designers scouting out goods for clients, or my girlfriends who were scooping up etched glass boxes or tiny statues for their own homes– while I snagged some great hats to add to my growing collection. Collections add dimension, character, and beauty to your home; they create a way to showcase your interests and tastes. Boutique Fabulous is another go-to spot for finding items to add to your shelves, it’s always rife with choice goods, be it old records, vintage jewels, hats and magazines, or a yummy new bag. Stores like BF are truly treasure troves of items worthy of your collections. Here’s to the beginning (or expansion) of your beautiful collection!

Until next time,

rebird

Boutique Fabulous Nominated for ‘Best Gifts!’

Boutique Fabulous — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:08:16 +0000

Boutique Fabulous has done it again! The Dig has nominated them for Best Gifts, and I have to say I couldn’t agree more with the nomination! BF has been one of my main go-to gift stores since I first moved to Boston back in 2003. I have always found amazing things there. For instance, I bought my friend Monique and my Mum some terrific printed scarves for their birthdays, and I also found a pair of cool novelty socks for a guy friend. Every year for my birthday I buy myself a commemorative “investment piece”, a timeless piece I will keep forever. Two of these gifts to myself have come from BF. One was a stunning 30s dress clip of filigreed silver and turquoise beads, and the other was a 50s fur capelet. In addition, an old beau of mine once got me some fabulous 50s-style earrings there, and a reproduction poster of a 20s French perfume advertisement. The choices are endless and are always things you never knew you wanted but just HAVE to take home, whether for yourself or for someone you care about. Plus, it’s so nice to go into a store where the staff is so lovely, charming, and ready to wax poetic about their latest products. BF is truly a gem of a store, and I am so proud of them for being recognized by The Dig! If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to vote! You can vote more than once too!

Until next time,

redbird

Creating Unique Halloween Costumes

Boutique Fabulous — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:24:47 +0000

It’s time for Halloween! I’ve always loved Halloween because it’s a chance to be someone else for a night and to use your creativity to create a unique costume. I am a big fan of combing my regular wardrobe and repurposing everyday clothing, then adding a store-bought item or two to create my Halloween get-up. For instance, last year my best friend Amanda (yes, another Amanda!) was Frida Kahlo and used items from her closet to create her outfit, finishing the look off with a vintage shawl from a local shop, and the floral bustle I had made a decade earlier for my the back of my wedding dress as a headpiece. This year I am going as Ronnie Spector, one because I am currently obsessed with the 60s, and two, because I can create almost an entire costume with clothes from my own closet. The only thing I will need to buy is a giant brown beehive wig, although I am seriously considering splurging on a slinky 60s dress. You have to keep your eyes open for a ‘fabulous’ find, as you never know when one will appear. For example, when I was at Boutique Fabulous this week I fell in LOVE with the newly-arrived tutus! Tutus! I immediately thought of costumes one could make with a tutu: princess, flower, Can-Can dancer, showgirl, circus performer, or ballet dancer. SO much fun! There’s also an ample selection of vintage clothing and hats in here too. In fact, I have a vintage fur capelet that I found here a few winters back that I still wear all the time on chilly days, it’s just the perfect elegant layering piece!

Well, good luck with building your own unique costumes! Get creative and have an amazing time at your Halloween gatherings!

Until next time,

redbird

The Charm of ‘Old-Fashioned’ Correspondence

Boutique Fabulous — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 01:10:12 +0000

When was the last time you received a card or handwritten letter in the mail? I bet it’s not very often, maybe a Christmas or birthday card, and the occasional wedding invitation? How happy would you be to receive a note written inside of a stunning card? I know I light up when somebody sends me a card just because. As I’ve mentioned before, I keep a box full of charming cards I see along my travels to send out when the time is right. The thing is, there doesn’t have to be a right time—it’s as easy as buying some amazing cards, sitting down with a cup of coffee and some stamps, and writing some thank you notes or love letters. When I stopped by BF this week, they had just had a major stationary delivery. I was thrilled to see so many cards pretty enough that they could easily become wall art. I really loved the cards from Le Clair, a company who dolls up vintage images (like French fashion ladies and the Eiffel Tower) with a dusting of subtle glitter—there are three Le Clair cards in particular that I indeed plan to frame for my new bathroom. Another line I really liked is called Old School—they make letterpress cards with aliens and owls and other cute things on them! Love! My third favorite is a line called Screech Owl, their cards are eco-friendly and covered with the most adorable drawings of old radios, birds, vintage chairs, and the like. Swoon! Now, go write an old-fashioned note why don’t you!

Until next time,

redbird

[Photos courtesy of the respective product's websites. Thankfully I was able to find them, as my camera simply refused to download tonight!]

Be a Conscious and Fashionable Consumer

Boutique Fabulous — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:53:26 +0000

If you are like me, you NEVER have enough bags, whether they are totes, clutches, or wallets. In the last few years I’ve bought tons of bags for different purposes, and in particular I have a slew of what I call “everyday bags” that are waterproof, fit all of my daily gear, and also fit in my bike basket. I came across a particular line of bags about 2 years ago called STOPstart who make bags in Cambodia out of recycled rice and seed bags. I am a huge fan of buying recycled or repurposed goods, and was additionally pleased they are also visually appealing as well as durable and waterproof. In addition, STOPstart’s vision is to support and empower former trafficked women; this includes giving them hope for the future. Monies from the proceeds go directly towards ending human trafficking. The large totes make perfect “everyday bags” and the company also makes a wide assortment of other styles. I was thrilled when I found these bags at Boutique Fabulous. I really want the large green tote; hopefully it’s still there when I go by next week!

Until next time,

-redbird

Found Style: Decorating with Vintage & Used Furniture

Boutique Fabulous — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:21:34 +0000

As luck would have it, I too am like the gads of students returning to Boston this week—I must move and decorate a new apartment. Of course I think of using vintage furniture first, as it’s economical as well as environmentally friendly. Plus, I adore the vintage aesthetic. I’ve been decorating with thrift store and yard sale finds for years; some of my favorite pieces were scored from tag sales or craigslist, i.e.- my 60s tapered-leg desk I re-furbed with some bright green paint. Somehow I had overlooked the fact that Boutique Fabulous carries an assortment of vintage and used furniture. I recently found out the basement is chock-full of a revolving selection of furniture from kitchen tables to side tables to vanities. Many of the pieces have been lovingly restored, others are ready for you to slap a coat of thick paint on them and move into your new apartment. Below you’ll find some pictures of great ways to decorate with used and/or vintage furniture. In fact, years ago, I purchased the amazing book these pictures appear in from Boutique Fabulous called Found Style, which I continue to use as inspiration. You should get a hold of a copy if you too love to decorate with vintage and found items! (I may have snuck in a picture of a kitchen item from BF I want: the Rainbow Cappuccino Tower! How I long to see that on my counter every morning!)

Until next time,

–redbird

* Above dining room and bathroom pictures courtesy of ‘Found Style ’ by David and Amy Butler