Stuff Boston : Boutiques

A look ahead: Futuristic fashion for the new year

Michael Diskin — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:07:00 GMT

SLIDESHOW: Click here to view photos from the "A look ahead" slideshow.

In Recovery: The holidays are finally over. Here’s how to unwind and chill out, stat.

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:54:00 GMT

ALL THE THINGS we love about the holidays - the expensive bottles of wine, the multi-course meals, the fancy soirées that end with breakfast - are also the things that leave us bleary-eyed, pudgy, and hating ourselves come the season's proverbial "morning after." As much as it pains us to admit it, even we find ourselves craving a few nights in, a simple salad ... in a word, a little detox. So here's a roundup of nightspots, spa treatments, classes, and cultural activities that give our puffy lids time to shrink and our livers a chance to regenerate. Trust us, after a few calm days and quiet nights, you'll be yanking your Louboutins out of the back of your closet rejuvenated and ready to make your re-entry onto the social scene.

raising the bar on relaxing
Yes, we said we wanted to chill out - but we never purported to swear off drinking entirely. Instead of heading to the city's latest hotspot only to endure long lines, cramped bars, and far too many air kisses, we recommend a low-key hangout where you can disappear into a corner with a well-mixed drink and - if you're feeling social - a chatty friend. We love the way the low-lit, bookish Washington Square Tavern (714 Washington Street, Brookline, 617.232.8989) quiets us upon entering; once the bartender slides us a glass of wine from a well-chosen list, we've all but melted into our stool. There aren't many bars in this city where we'd hang solo, but this is one of them. A quick cab or T ride down Beacon Street is Audubon Circle (838 Beacon Street, Boston, 617.421.1910), where we can't help but feel as relaxed and casual as the clientele - no buttoned-up business types here. Cambridge Common (1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.547.1228) has always been a comforting spot to grab a post-work beer without the nuisance of eager, chatty singles, and we've always felt at home at Clery's cousin Brownstone (111 Dartmouth Street, Boston, 617.867.4142), with its slightly older, slightly more sober crowd. Another option? Hit your favorite nightspots when it's - the horror! - still light out. Alibi (Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles Street, Boston, 617.224.4000), still new and hot enough to be mobbed at peak hours, envelops us in its basement calm on off nights, and 28 Degrees (One Appleton Street, Boston, 617.728.0728) is an early-evening treat.

lose the booze
If your holiday revelries have left you unable look at another alcoholic beverage without needing to hightail it to the restroom, plenty of local bartenders have created mocktails with you - and your hard-drinking reputation - in mind. Want to enjoy Sushi Teq (InterContinental, 510 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 617.747.1000) without indulging in the latter half of the restaurant's moniker? Pair your spicy tuna rolls and salmon sashimi with booze-free margaritas offered in lush, fruity flavors, including Blackberry Mango ($6) and Blood Orange Strawberry ($6). Meanwhile, the doting bartenders at Eastern Standard (528 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.532.9100) have devoted a whole section of their cocktail list to non-alcoholic tipples. The Stormy Monday ($5), a ginger-beer-based beverage, can assuage even the queasiest of stomachs, and the Sophisticated Lady ($5), which melds cranberry and cucumber, is just that. And we love the connotations of the Lemmy Tum Tum ($5), described as a "cure for what ails you." If even those are too close to the real stuff for comfort, find solace in a pot of peppermint tea - or another of more than 25 varieties - offered at the 1369 Coffee House (1369 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 617.576.1369; 757 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.576.4600), with locations in Inman and Central squares. They're open later than most coffee shops, too, boasting hours until 10 or 11 p.m. nightly.

weighty issues
If it's sustenance you desire, we can only assume that it's the light, low-fat stuff you're looking for after the gluttony that is December. Forgo rich, creamy dishes for tastes from the raw bar at Neptune Oyster (63 Salem Street, Boston, 617.742.3474) or East Coast Grill (1271 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 617.491.6568), and sate your sweet tooth with the super-fresh Watermelon and Feta Tidbit appetizer ($7.95) at Vlora (545 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.638.9699). Eateries like Harvest (44 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.868.2255), Garden at the Cellar (991 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.230.5880), and Craigie Street Bistrot (5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, 617.497.5511) are known for their natural, wholesome takes on fresh, simple foods with big flavors, and we've long admired the merits of the salad selection at the Metropolitan Club (1210 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, 617.731.0600). And as we reported earlier in this issue, keep an eye out for the ultimate in detoxifying dishes with the opening of Alissa Cohen's new raw restaurant, Grezzo (69 Prince Street, Boston).

gym dandies
We've always subscribed to the idea that the best way to cure a hangover (no matter that this one has lasted weeks) is to sweat it out. We all have our favorite trainer - or the neighborhood gym to which we've vowed to devote our lives come January 1 - but there are other ways to supplement those hours on the elliptical machine. To get the booze oozing out of your pores quickly, turn up the heat, literally, with a Bikram yoga class. With the average temperature cranked up to 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity, you won't leave the class dry - but you will emerge incredibly clear-headed and cleansed. A number of classes are offered daily at Bikram Yoga Boston (108 Lincoln Street, Loft 1A, Boston, 617.556.9926) and Bikram Yoga Harvard Square (30 JFK Street, Second Floor, Cambridge, 617.54.SWEAT). If you're in need of a little extra oomph (i.e., you'll talk yourself out of that workout with the slightest provocation), we suggest plunging in headfirst with a session at Ultimate Bootcamp (www.ultimatebootcamp.com; 617.787.1224). The program kicks off '08 with a six-week class held outdoors on Boston Common Monday through Thursday mornings beginning on January 7. For less hardy folk, indoor sessions begin on January 7 and February 25. After a few workouts, you won't even think about sleeping through that early-morning wake-up call. Finally, mixing things up with your gym's group fitness classes is always beneficial. Not only will you work muscles you likely never knew you had, you'll also be less inclined to allow yourself an out when the going gets tough - especially when the post-menopausal woman with Madonna arms next to you is crunching her abs double-time. Each gym has its own roster of offerings, some more creative than others (think stripper-pole workouts, samba dancing, ass-class); one of the more innovative and imaginative of the bunch is Equinox (131 Dartmouth Street, Boston, 617.578.8918), which debuts new classes including "Hardbody Meltdown" (exaggerated step-training), "Red Carpet Ready" (covering cardio and toning, plus confidence, poise, and grace), and "Temple Dance" (sexy, exotic moves to world music) in January.

spaaah!
If your definition of "sweating it out" involves a stint in the steam room after a spa treatment, we have some less active (yet still rejuvenating) options worth exploring. Heat up with a 75-minute Hot Stone Massage ($100) at Inman Oasis (243 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, 617.491.0176) - the rocks work wonders on a fatigued body - followed by a soothing soak in one of the wellness center's hot tubs. If you'd rather scrub away your demons, try the Urban Renewal Exfoliating Facial ($125) at G Spa (35 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.4772), which incorporates cleansing enzymes; exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids; and hydrating cranberry, pomegranate, and green-tea moisturizers. If your eyelids are puffy from too many carbs, too much booze, and too little sleep, head to Pyara (104 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, 617.497.9300) for the Revitalizing Eye Treatment ($35; $25 as a spa enhancement), while people looking for a full-body experience might do well to invest in the Sea Foam Head-to-Toe Body Ritual ($265) at Bella Santé (38 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.424.9930), featuring two hours of re-mineralizing, oxygenizing masques, scrubs, and creams.

it's academic
Don't be afraid to get studious about your detoxing. The Cambridge Center for Adult Education (42 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.547.6789) offers evening and weekend classes in subjects as diverse as "Introduction to Decoupage" (beginning January 15) and "Greek Philosophy" (beginning January 16); visit www.ccae.org to browse the winter course catalog. If you've been itching to put pen to paper and engage in more literary pursuits, enliven your prose with one of the themed writing workshops at Grub Street (160 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.695.0075). Updated listings are posted at www.grubstreet.org. Food and wine education more your speed? The latest addition to the Barbara Lynch empire, Stir (102 Waltham Street, Boston, 617.423.STIR), offers classes with a sophisticated take on both, including an introduction to chenin blanc on January 7 and, on January 8 and 9, instruction on how to assemble Lynch's "No. 9 Classics" such as prune-stuffed gnocchi and steak tartare. And the Boston Wine School (1354 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.784.7150) leaves no bottle uncorked in its quest for vino wisdom.

art attack
If you crave culture's more social side, Boston has a wealth of opportunities. The ICA (100 Northern Avenue, Boston, 617.478.3100) offers date-worthy programming that swaps late nights at the bar for lectures, films, and performance pieces that inspire discussion. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (280 The Fenway, Boston, 617.566.1401) appeals to a young, savvy crowd with its "Gardner After Hours" events every third Thursday of the month; on January 17, attend "People and Portraits," which includes a drawing session, tours of the museum's portrait collection, and, for an additional fee, the Boston debut performance of the International Contemporary Ensemble in "Composer Portraits: Music of Magnus Lindberg." And cultural veterans like the Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.267.9300) and the Museum of Science (Science Park, Boston, 617.723.2500) have also stepped it up in an attempt to appeal to more than just big-name donors and grade-school field trippers. The MFA has made a name for itself as an edgy live music venue, and it also sponsors mfafirstfridays cocktail events and "Winesday" wine tastings on the last Wednesday of every month; the scientifically minded can find romance in the Museum of Science's planetarium or rock out to Zeppelin, U2, the Beatles, and Metallica at a laser show. And there's always the cool, dark, hangover-dulling sanctuary of a movie theater: the Somerville Theatre (55 Davis Square, Somerville, 617.625.5700), the Coolidge Corner Theatre (290 Harvard Street, Brookline, 617.734.2500), the Harvard Film Archive (24 Quincy Street, Cambridge, 617.495.4700), and the Brattle Theatre (40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.876.6838) all have eclectic offerings. @

[Photos by Kelly Davidson]

Gifted: Find out what local notables are hoping to get - and give - for the holidays this year

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:26:00 GMT

Greg Pic, DJ/producer
Last year I got: an incredible number of Starbucks gift cards! I’m seriously addicted to the iced mochas — can’t start my day without one.

This year I want: I hate to be a “band geek,” but since I spend more time in my studio than I do sleeping, I really want a new set of Mackie 824 studio monitors.

My fantasy gift: a summer on Spain’s island of Ibiza. Not just a week or two — the entire season! Seems to me it would be the only way to really experience it.

I’m buying myself: a trip to the March Winter Music Conference in Miami. If you’re into clubs, parties, and house music, this is a MUST!

My workplace needs: people who understand that I am not a morning person — never have been and never, ever will be! Just let me have my coffee and be miserable ’til lunchtime rolls around.

I’m planning to give: way more than I can afford, I’m sure; somehow I always end up doing that!

Aldo Velaj, chef/owner of Vlora (545 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.638.9699)
Last year I got: an Audi Q7.

This year I want: a ticket to Las Vegas.

My fantasy gift: having my mother come from Albania to my first restaurant in the US.

I’m buying myself: a new membership to the gym.

My workplace needs: a really cool sign that would reflect what it looks like inside.

I’m planning to give: a ticket for my wife to Las Vegas.

Crystal Carlton, director of public relations at Neiman Marcus (5 Copley Place, Boston, 617.536.3660)
Last year I got: a trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

This year I want: Stella McCartney gray patent side-zip boot.

My fantasy gift: Michael Kors three-quarter-length sheared mink coat with leather patch pockets.

I’m buying myself: Ippolita bangles.

My workplace needs: less paperwork!

I’m planning to give: Fresh’s Sugar Star Treatment.

Brandon Keith, owner/head stylist of BrandonKeithHair (161 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.536.9843)
Last year I got: clothes, a pasta maker, a few DVDs, and a book or two! And a little bit of money!

This year I want: an iPod Nano, a healthy family, and maybe a little money.

My fantasy gift: an iPhone.

I’m buying myself: nothing! It’s the first year of business!

My workplace needs: tons and tons of happy clients.

I’m planning to give: lots and lots of hugs and kisses and holiday cheer! And maybe a few presents if I can afford it!

Kyla Moore, event and marketing manager at Saint (90 Exeter Street, Boston, 617.236.1134) and Domani (51 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.424.8500)
Last year I got: a gorgeous black pea coat with a removable mink collar.

This year I want: to watch my little nephew open his presents. Priceless!

My fantasy gift: a round-trip ticket around the world.

I’m buying myself: a trip to Costa Rica to relax after event season.

My workplace needs: a longer December to accommodate more holiday parties.

I’m planning to give: I should have that figured out by the 24th.

Ernie Boch Jr., president and CEO of Boch Enterprises
Last year I got: my wife bought me a copy of Eric Clapton’s Blackie guitar.

This year I want: underwear.

My fantasy gift: a Boeing Business Jet.

I’m buying myself: a new pedal board.

My workplace needs: a new office building. It will be completed fall of ’08.

I’m planning to give: lots of stuff to my friends and family.

Nancy Haas, store manager, Shreve, Crump & Low (Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, 617.965.2700)
Last year I got: diamond swirl earrings.

This year I want: a trip to Saint Barths.

My fantasy gift: Bentley convertible.

I’m buying myself: donations to charity.

My workplace needs: a great holiday season.

I’m planning to give: gift certificates to Capital Grille, one-hour massages, and the original Shreve, Crump & Low Gurgling Cod pitchers.

Frances Rivera, News Anchor, 7NEWS/CW56
Last year I got: yet ANOTHER Juicy Couture track suit (it’s my family’s good ol’ standby when they don’t know what else to get me!).

This year I want: as many holidays off as possible.

My fantasy gift: a personal assistant.

I’m buying myself: a gym membership (I tell myself this every year but have yet to do it!).

My workplace needs: parking in the building.

I’m planning to give: more compliments to people all year round.

Stephanie Sokolove, chef/owner of Stephanie’s on Newbury (190 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.236.0990)
Last year I got: a convertible.

This year I want: a diamond watch.

My fantasy gift: to play golf with Lorena Ochoa.

I’m buying myself: a luxury week in Mexico.

My workplace needs: to continue to be successful.

I’m planning to give: a bigger bonus to my managers.

Dante de Magistris, chef/owner of Dante (40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard, Cambridge, 617.497.4200)
Last year I got: my brothers gave me an extra day off.

This year I want: Ratatouille on DVD; a personal assistant; and for my friends, family, and guests to always eat well.

My fantasy gift: to receive or give?

I’m buying myself: a firehouse/restaurant in Belmont for my brothers and me.

My workplace needs: a glass-wall partition in one of our dining rooms to host more private events, there’s always room for kitchen updates, and a retractable awning and heaters for the patio.

I’m planning to give: more time to my family outside the restaurant.

Mohamad El Zein, general manager of Masa (439 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.338.8884)
Last year I got: an LCD screen and some clothes.

This year I want: a new laptop.

My fantasy gift: a plane ticket to an exotic destination.

I’m buying myself: clothes.

My workplace needs: always more improvement.

I’m planning to give: money and charity to the poor and hungry.

James Cochener, co-owner of Coda Bar and Kitchen (329 Columbus Avenue, Boston, 617.536.CODA) and Common Ground Bar & Grill (85 Harvard Avenue, Allston, 617.783.2071)
Last year I got: a pair of Persol sunglasses.

This year I want: socks and underwear.

My fantasy gift: a 24-foot Boston Whaler.

I’m buying myself: two weeks on the beach in the Caribbean.

My workplace needs: less stress.

I’m planning to give: my wife a piece of custom-made jewelry by Emily Scott.

Kevin Troy, owner of Dharma Group (Gypsy Bar, Liquor Store, Match, Jillian’s, Tequila Rain, Lucky Strike Lanes)
Last year I got: a coloring book.

This year I want: crayons.

My fantasy gift: dinner with Steve-O and the president of Mensa.

I’m buying myself: the new edition of An Idiot’s Guide to Running a Nightclub.

My workplace needs: an abacus for accounting.

I’m planning to give: my body to science.

Me Soon Ellis, makeup artist/store manager at Beauty and Main (30 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.868.7171)
Last year I got: I can’t remember. I must not have been a very good girl.

This year I want: world peace ... and two tickets to somewhere warm and on the water for me and my man. (I think I wished for a pair of these gorgeous YSL shoes over world peace last year, thus the unmemorable presents.)

My fantasy gift: a house somewhere warm and on the water for me and my man ... and the cat and the dog, too.

I’m buying myself: I couldn’t help it, I already treated myself to a couple of the holiday gift sets and palettes from Laura Mercier. God knows I already have more than enough makeup, but I did pick up some for my mom and sister too!

My workplace needs: Christmas decorations! We’re all pitching in and decorating.

I’m planning to give: I can’t tell you that. It would ruin the surprise! @

[Photos by Mitch Weiss]

Better to receive: Having trouble forgetting the worst gifts you've ever been given? Purge your memory with these cooler alternatives

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:05:00 GMT

Worst gift: Rocking the reindeer sweater won’t win you any style points. And if Rudolph’s nose blinks, all the worse.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: SNUGGLE UP IN THE PRINGLE CABLE-KNIT SWEATER ($175) FROM INTERMIX (186 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, 617.236.5172). IT’S SIMPLE, COMFORTABLE, AND REASONABLY PRICED — I.E., IDEAL FOR OUR STILL-DEVELOPING WINTER WARDROBE.

Worst gift: Air fresheners, license plate frames, floor mats — you know the drill. It’s as if people think that getting you tacky car ornaments is nearly as good as pulling up in that new car you’ve been yearning for.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: IF THE LEATHER-AND-STEEL DETAILS OF THE P’3150 BALLPOINT PEN ($350) EVOKE AN AUTOMOBILE MUCH SLEEKER THAN YOURS, THEN PORSCHE DESIGN STUDIO (COPLEY PLACE, 100 HUNTINGTON AVENUE, BOSTON, 617.424.1400) HAS DONE ITS JOB. WE’VE NEVER BEEN BIG ON PRICEY WRITING UTENSILS, BUT THIS ONE? UNABASHEDLY SEXY.

Worst gift: Who’s really wearing that horrendous themed tie emblazoned with cartoon characters or animated music notes? It’s a go-to gift that we’ve never understood.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: WE SWOON OVER THE FASHION-FORWARD BRITISH STYLE OF THE REBEL KNIT TIE ($95) FROM REISS (132 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, 617.262.5800). ITS TEXTURE LENDS JUST ENOUGH DETAIL TO MAKE IT INTERESTING WITHOUT GOING OVERBOARD.

Worst gift: Picture poor Ralphie from A Christmas Story schlepping down the stairs in those tragic snowman pajamas. Whether your own PJs were covered in cows, dogs, or pigs, we’re willing to bet that you feel his pain.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: WHEN IT COMES TO PAJAMAS, THE LESS FABRIC, THE BETTER. WE CAN SEE OURSELVES SLIPPING INTO THE EBERJEY CHEMISE ($70) FROM FRENCH DRESSING (49 RIVER STREET, BOSTON, 617.723.4968) IN ANTICIPATION OF A LITTLE POST-HOLIDAY CELEBRATION.

Worst gift: There’s nothing worse than bringing a party hostess a cheap bottle of wine, especially when it’s presented in one of those chintzy printed bags.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: TRY SOMETHING YOU WON’T BE TEMPTED TO GUZZLE MID-PARTY. WE LOVE THE CRYSTAL BOTTLE STOPPER BY CREATIVE GIFTS ($20), SOLD AT FIREFLY JEWELRY AND GIFTS (270 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, 866.834.7335). IT LOOKS LIKE A FLASHY COCKTAIL RING, BUT ITS PRICE IS COMPARABLE TO THAT OF A MID-RANGE BOTTLE OF WINE.

Worst gift: That homemade bead bracelet took, what, four minutes to string together? And it’s cute only if you’re under five years old.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: GET A WARM, FUZZY FEELING FROM YOUR GIFT WITH THE PAGUS:AFRICA BEADED NECKLACE ($24) FROM AUNT SADIE’S (18 UNION PARK STREET, BOSTON, 617.357.7117). EACH ONE IS MADE BY (AND BENEFITS) SCHOOLCHILDREN IN GHANA.

Worst gift: A scarf-and-mittens set in plush cashmere is one thing, but it’s tough to feign appreciation for a lumpy handmade scarf that could’ve been knit by your eight-year-old cousin.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: GO WITH A GOOD-NATURED PATTERNED PAIR OF KNIT-COVERED NOTEBOOKS, LIKE THE BUNDLE UP JOURNALS ($12) FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE (799 BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON, 617.262.0545).

Worst gift: Ever received a stocking full of golf balls? And did you have a sneaking suspicion that they just might have been gently used?

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: SPLURGE ON THE GIALIODORO PELL GOLF BAG TAG ($135) FROM LOUIS BOSTON (234 BERKELEY STREET, BOSTON, 617.262.6100) FOR A TRUE GOLF-LOVER. SCULPTED FROM RICH LEATHER, THE TAG INCLUDES SNAPPED-IN BALLS, TEES, AND A DIVOT FIXER, ALL ORGANIZED AND EASY TO REACH.

Worst gift: You know what it is before you even open the box: the dreaded Yankee Candle smells more like an old lady’s drugstore-brand perfume than the “Cheerful Apples” or “Heartwarming Sunshine” that’s advertised on the label.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: THE LE LABO CANDLE ($70) FROM BARNEYS NEW YORK (COPLEY PLACE, 100 HUNTINGTON AVENUE, BOSTON, 617.385.3300) BRINGS CHIC, MINIMALIST STYLE TO ANY URBAN ABODE. ITS UNOBTRUSIVE, CLEAN-SMELLING SCENT IS AN ADDED BONUS.

Worst gift: Besides its “eww” factor, the lucky rabbit’s foot is a plain bizarre gift. What are you trying to tell us with that?

Better alternative: The Marc by Marc Jacobs Spinning-Dice Necklace ($6) is a super-inexpensive way to snag a designer piece, and it’s sure to prove lucky next time you’re into an intense game of Yahtzee. Find it at Marc Jacobs (81 Newbury Street, 617.425.0404).

Worst gift: It was probably either a gas-station freebie or free-gift-with-purchase; either way, that cheesy mug isn’t getting anywhere near the Italian espresso that drips from your imported machine.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: PICK UP A SET OF FIVE HANDMADE JAPANESE TEACUPS BY YIXING ($39.99) FROM TEAVANA (PRUDENTIAL CENTER, 800 BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON, 617.262.8327). THEY’RE BOTH UNIQUE AND FUNCTIONAL.

Worst gift: There’s nothing more embarrassing than opening up a box of giant granny underpants, especially when you’re surrounded by expectant onlookers, including the new guy you just started dating and, coincidentally, Grandma herself.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: IT’S STILL MILDLY EMBARRASSING TO TEAR THIS ONE OPEN IN FRONT OF YOUR DAD, BUT AT LEAST THE HANKY PANKY THONG ($18) HAS STYLE — AND IT’S FLATTERING ON ANY BODY. PICK ONE UP IN EVERY COLOR AT MATSU (259 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, 617.266.9707).

Worst gift: You’ve got to love that friend of your parents who still buys you stuffed animals. Too bad you graduated from elementary school decades ago.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: THE IGE DESIGN PILLOW ($189) FROM BLISS HOME (121 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, 617.421.5544) IS COVERED IN BLACK CRUSHED VELVET THAT’S EMBOSSED WITH A CRACKED-GOLD PRINT OF A DEER. AND IT’S FAR LESS LIKELY TO BE RELEGATED TO THE SPACE BETWEEN YOUR BED AND THE WALL.

Worst gift: Just because they’re labeled with unpronounceable names doesn’t mean sickly sweet French bath products smell good.

BETTER ALTERNATIVE: NOT ONLY DOES THE DECOUPAGE PLATE ($90) LACK THE QUESTIONABLE AROMA, IT’S ALSO EXCLUSIVE TO HUDSON (312 SHAWMUT AVENUE, BOSTON, 617.292.0900). THE PLATE TURNS AN ANTIQUE FRENCH PHARMACEUTICAL LABEL INTO A DISPLAY PIECE. @

[Additional reporting by Melissa Cronin]
[Photos by Tim Gray for Furnald/Gray]

Socked in: Stocking-sized holiday treats for all kinds of people

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:10:00 GMT

WHENEVER WE’RE desperately seeking inspired gifts for those random people on our holiday shopping lists, we inevitably settle on the themed stocking — with unanimously positive results. Want to do the same? We’ve put together six stockings for the personality types you’re sure to find on your list. And if you’re tempted to pick up a few of these items for yourself, your secret’s safe with us — and Santa.

preppy girl
lives: on Beacon Hill
shops: at Queen Bee
wears: pink and green
eats: at Stephanie’s on Newbury
drinks: Cape Codders

CK Bradley Change Purse, $58 at Queen Bee (85 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.859.7999). Vera Bradley Stationery, $13.95 at Copley Flair (583 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.247.1648). Ame & Lulu Tee Belt, $26, and initial ornament, $16, both at Flat of the Hill (60 Charles Street, Bos-ton, 617.619.9977). Shearling Mocs in Wild Berry, $59.50 at J. Crew (Copley Place, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.236.5950).

party girl
lives: in Back Bay
shops: at Intermix
wears: slinky tops, sky-high heels
eats: at 28 Degrees
drinks: Red Bull and vodka

Benefit “Justine Case” Mini Beautifier Kit, $30 at Macy’s (450 Washington Street, Boston, 617.357.3000). Party Girl Ice Pack, $15 at Queen Bee (85 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.859.7999). Giant cocktail shaker, $32 at Motley Home (652 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.266.5566). Flask, $26, and Hangover Survival Kit, $14, both at Urban Outfitters (11 JFK Street, Cambridge, 617.864.0070). Again NYC Clutch made with vintage fabrics, $172 at Envi (164 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.ENVI).

eco chick
lives: in Cambridge
shops: at Envi
wears: rehabbed vintage
eats: at the Beehive
drinks: organic vodka

Christy Fisher Studio recycled-glass earrings, $28 at Envi (164 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.ENVI). Rescued paper notebook, $16, and Envirosax reusable shopping bags, $7, both at Greenward (1776 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.395.1338). ‘e ko logic recycled cashmere mittens, $78 at Fiddlehead (292 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.247.1120). Josh Dorfman’s The Lazy Environmentalist (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2007), $14.95 at Motley (623 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.247.6969).

hipster guy
lives: in Allston
shops: at LAB Boston
wears: skinny jeans, thick glasses, tattoos
eats: at Alchemist Lounge
drinks: PBR

Cool Jazz Ice Cube Tray by Fred, $7.99 at Newbury Comics (332 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.236.4930). Rotorcaps necklace made with recycled bottle cap, $52 at Greenward (1776 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.395.1338). Colab Afrika/Islam Sunglasses by Perks and Mini, $180 at Technical (230 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.0003). Painless Tattoo Parlour Body Art, $9 at Motley (623 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.247.6969). Snooze City designer pillowcases, $25/pair at Motley Home (652 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.266.5566).

outdoorsman
lives: in Brookline
shops: at REI
wears: hiking boots, 24/7
eats: at Henrietta’s Table
drinks: Vitamin Water

Cabin Scented Candle, $15 at Aunt Sadie’s (18 Union Park Street, Boston, 617.357.7117). Sigg water bottle, $19.99 at EMS (855 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.236.1518). Facial Fuel Energiz-ing Scrub, $15, Energizing Face Wash, $17.50, and SPF 15 Sunscreen, $24.50, all at Kiehl’s (112 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.247.1777). Light My Fire Spork 4 Pack, $9.95, and Back-packer’s Pantry freeze-dried cuisine, $2.60 to $5.90, both at REI (401 Park Drive, Boston, 617.236.0746).

metro guy
lives: in the South End
shops: at Riccardi
wears: Pricey graphic Ts,
designer jeans, Prada shoes
eats: at Stella
drinks: Peroni

Motherboard Coasters, $24 at Fiddlehead (292 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.247.1120). Ping Pong Paddle Cover, $65 at Jack Spade (117 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.2632). Watch, $200 at Marc by Marc Jacobs (81 Newbury Street, 617.425.0404). Rolf Pilsner, $12 at Motley Home (652 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.266.5566). The Refinery Face Scrub, $34; Body Wash, $30; Eye Gel, $47; and Shave Oil, $39.50, all at Barneys New York (Copley Place, 100 Hunt-ington Avenue, Boston, 617.385.3300). @

Where were they then?: Local notables recall their lives a decade ago

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:59:00 GMT

WHEN Stuff@night hit the streets for the first time in 1997, Boston was a very different place. The Red Sox still sorta sucked, M-80 was the place to see and be seen at night, and Kenmore Square was its old, scuzzy self. But what about the people? What were Boston’s notables doing a decade ago, and where were they doing it? We asked, they answered. Some were doing pretty much the same things they’re doing now — only in tighter pants and tackier haircuts. Some were working in completely different industries and patronizing then-hotspots no longer on our radar. And some — well, some haven’t a clue. But no matter how fuzzy their memories, all were game to predict what their lives will be like 10 years from now.

MP3: Stuff@Night editor Tamara Wieder talks to FNX about turning 10

Todd English, chef/owner, Olives, Figs, Bonfire, and others
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was in between opening Figs in Wellesley and preparing for the opening of Olives Las Vegas at the Bellagio. I was living in Charlestown and splitting my time between working and family — my youngest son, Simon, was about a year and a half, so he was getting into fun stuff like crawling. My first cookbook, The Olives Table, came out, which was very exciting. I was always busy, but I found time to spend at Biba. One of the cool spots at the time was the Plough & Stars. I used to stop in to hang out and listen to my friend “banging on his axe.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be traveling across the globe, experiencing different cultures and cuisines — hopefully with my children. Nothing inspires me more than traveling, and then hopefully returning home to enjoy the magnificent view of my vineyard in the south of France or somewhere in the Italian countryside.

Peter Fiumara, owner, and Marisa Fiumara, owner and function coordinator, the Good Life
Where were you 10 years ago?
Peter: I was living in the North End, finishing up at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston as a painter. [I was a] carpenter by day and DJ by night (mainly at house parties only). I was running down to New York City just about every weekend, because I was getting ready to move there, which I did the next year. I spent a lot of time in the North End/Cambridge/Back Bay. In the North End, I was living with three (sometimes four) of my best friends, listening to the Doors and drinking way too much. [I] needed a change — NYC was it. Although I miss New York every day, Boston is home and always will be; I just felt very comfortable here.

Marisa: I was 20 years old — young and wild, sneaking into all the bars in Boston, because I was a year shy of 21. Still in college, Hartwick College. When I was home in the summer, waitressing at two restaurants while working for free in the corporate world, interning. [I was] young and busy, always looking for the best parties in town. I was a social butterfly. I was living in Boston in the summer, and then during the winters I was up at school.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Peter: I’ll be 45 — I hope to have helped the music and nightlife scene in Boston to gain more respect and exposure. The talent in this city is amazing, and I want Boston to be looked at as a city of serious DJs, producers, and bands. I want Beantown to be noted as one of the great cities for music, and hopefully I can help provide a few more venues for that. Otherwise, I will be painting in my studio and listening to the Doors with a few drinks, I’m sure.

Marisa: I’ll be 40. I’ll still want to be young at heart, owning, hopefully, four more restaurants. Different types of restaurants and bars. An eclectic group: maybe one high-end restaurant, one funky bar, stuff like that. In Boston, and possibly in New York. Hopefully married and having a family, having a wonderful husband that supports me on my career. And always having two German shepherds.

William George, owner of James Joseph Salon and James Joseph Studio
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was just getting started in the beauty industry. I opened James Joseph Salon in April 1997, and the first couple years were really tough. I was living in the South End but didn’t have much of a social life except for summer weekends in Provincetown and an occasional party in the South End. The gay house-party scene had peaked in the early ’90s and was on a steady decline, so I was happy when Stuff@night asked me to cover the greater Boston social scene as the first “party pics” photographer. It was a really exciting time for me.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to have 10 salons in the Boston area and a couple in California. My product line will be in Target, and I’ll be really exhausted.

Max Toste, bar manager/owner, Aaron Sanders, general manager/owner, and Josh Velazquez, chef/owner, Deep Ellum
Where were you 10 years ago?
Max: I was working downtown as a busboy/back waiter at the 125-year-old Locke-Ober restaurant, pre Lydia Shire. There I learned from some of the most experienced waiters and bartenders I’d ever seen. (Most of the staff had worked there longer than I’d been alive.) I had just moved to Allston a year earlier. Like most twenty-nothings, I was looking for a good time all the time, and Boston had the food and the booze. Besides my neighborhood haunts in Allston Rock City, I spent some time at the much-missed Tar Bar, where I probably stumbled unknowingly into my future partner Aaron.

Aaron: I was working at Division 16 — it’s not there anymore. Division 16 was there for probably 16, 17 years, and I was there right on the brink of when they started to kind of close down. It was a restaurant-bar; it was a big hotspot. I had just moved here from Texas, so I was kind of getting used to Boston’s scene. A lot of my restaurant experience was from Division 16.

Josh: I was in Knoxville, Tennessee. I was sous chef at a restaurant called Tuscany, a northern Italian restaurant. And I had begun learning about beer at Knoxville’s first beer bar, called Union Jack’s. That was it: working and drinking.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Max: Considering where I was 10 years ago, I would be hard-pressed to try to speculate the future. But I will say that our new business is far beyond what I could have hoped for in the past.

Aaron: Probably sitting on Deep Ellum’s deck. We just got approved to build our deck out back at Deep Ellum, so we’re going to be building that this winter. There’s no decks around in the neighborhood, so probably in 10 years, I’m going to be sitting back there.

Josh: I hope to still be working with Max and Aaron on a project. I’m sure we’ll always have some project going, but personally I think I’d like to also — I love talking to people about food and culinary things, and I’d like to somehow work that into my life. Before I was a chef, I was a writer, and I’d like to bring those two things together.

George Regan, president/owner of Regan Communications
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was working really hard to try to keep our company afloat, trying to head in the right direction, and I obviously made a lot of sacrifices to do that. The company has grown a lot in 10 years, so I probably work harder now than I did 10 years ago. I used to go hang around a lot of times at Daisy Buchanan’s, but now that I’ve gotten older, I go to Ciao Bella instead. I used to go to the Hard Rock Café a lot, but I think I sort of grew out of that one, too. Ten years ago [at Regan Communications], we just had this office, and we had just opened up an office in Providence. We probably had, back then, maybe 40 [employees]. Now, we have seven offices and an advertising agency we just bought down in Barnstable. It’s much more corporate clients [now]. We’ve really grown.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, settled down. Married to somebody, not just my company. I would hope [Regan Communications] would continue to grow. I would hope that we continue to play a bigger role in the community. I really insist upon, we have to give back, and philanthropically, try to get more involved, because it’s a wonderful opportunity, in a city with so many issues and problems, for us to play more of a role philanthropically. And I’d probably try to get involved in a couple more boards, too. I’d like to continue to strive to be a better person — I’ve got a ways to go, but I’m hopefully heading in the right direction.

Darryl Settles, owner of Bob’s Southern Bistro, co-owner of the Beehive, and foun-der of BeanTown Sounds
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was doing what I’m doing now: real-estate development and owning Bob’s. And so the only change is, I founded the BeanTown Jazz Festival, and opening the Beehive. And I got married and had two lovely and wonderful kids — that’s what I’ve done since 10 years ago. Ten years ago, my life pretty much centered around Bob’s Southern Bistro, or, at the time, Bob the Chef’s — building that business.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I can see myself owning additional nightspots in and around Boston. I can see myself doing more real-estate deals with partners. I can see myself spending more time with my wife and kids than I am today. And I can see myself going back to traveling more, like I used to.

Lesley Carvalho and Allison Levangie, co-owners of Casa di Stile
Where were you 10 years ago?
Lesley: We were both juniors in college. I went to Bentley College, and Allison went to Syracuse University. At that time, we were both focusing on school and our socially active sorority lives. Junior year in college, you start preparing your resume and start thinking about what jobs you’re going to apply for and what jobs you might be able to secure when you graduate, so that was definitely a focus, too. Allison was in the retail management program, and I was business communications. We’ve been friends since the sixth grade, childhood friends. Our evenings and weekends 10 years ago were filled with sorority meetings, mixers, and community service.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Lesley: We see ourselves both as co-owners of two very successful stores. Two Casa di Stile stores — one in the Boston area, and we’re exploring [opportunities] outside of Massachusetts. But just kind of expanding our store, expanding our name. Ten years from now, we’ll have a much larger following. More consistent, repeat customers. Ten years from now, both with happy, healthy families. Children, husbands, both truthfully probably living in the city still. We’re really happy with our city lives, living in the North End, and just being part of a close-knit neighborhood. I see myself with investment opportunities, a real-estate portfolio, owning some buildings, doing a few things in real estate in addition to the store. More entrepreneurial things, because I think now that it’s really almost been a year of being on our own, there [are] definitely more entrepreneurial things we can do.

Dylan Black, bartender/owner of Green Street
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was a bartender at Redbones during the day, in Davis Square, which was probably the hub of my social life. I had friends at the Someday Café, I had friends at the Somerville Theatre. I would also drink at Sligo’s Pub in Davis Square, and I lived in North Cambridge, so that was kind of where [I was], along the Red Line. And, being a bartender, most of the weekends and evenings, I was working. I started bartending during the days, and at night I was still waiting tables and doing takeout, other duties like that. At that time, I was 23 years old. I didn’t realize, but my life was about to change a bit. Shortly after that, I was hired at the B-Side Lounge, and that’s when it went from kind of a job ... it became a legitimate career when I started at the B-Side Lounge.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would say, hopefully, celebrating my 12th year of Green Street being open, is one goal. Working a little less. Fishing more. But 10 years from now, I see myself still in Cambridge, where I grew up, still in Central Square, where I grew up, and hopefully with a family and more friends.

Mario Russo, owner of Salon Mario Russo and owner/creator of Mario Russo product line
Where were you 10 years ago?
Professionally, 10 years ago I was just starting to strategize my own line of products. Networking with elite chemists, listening to my clientele basis, and researching the health benefits of olive oil on the scalp (like my grandmother used for me, as a child). My line was just a twinkle in my eye back then. My salons were truly prospering, and I was beginning to differentiate myself as a “non-conformist” modern and contemporary trend-setter in Boston. This is the time I started to become known as a celebrity stylist with [clients like] Rhea Perlman, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, et cetera.

Personally, I was buying art and building my collection. Some things never change! Weekends are always spent with friends and family and my true love, Tessa — my dog. Summer weekends spent at my home in Provincetown. Winter and fall, skiing in Vermont and Colorado.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I envision growing and re-vamping my product line and salons — lots of innovative products and services on the horizon. [Also], enjoying the emerging art scene in Boston and the ICA.

Lydia Shire, chef/co-owner of Locke-Ober, Blue Sky, and Scampo
Where were you 10 years ago?
My last son, Alex, was born in 1990, so he was seven years old. I owned two restaurants then: Biba and Pignoli. I had just moved out to Weston, Massachusetts, in a beautiful old home; my daughter, who’s an architect, she designed it. Moving out to Weston was very special — it’s a beautiful town. I was having fun in my two restaurants. Traveling a lot. I love to travel, go to China — I’ve been to China four times, and love to eat.

[Locally, I spent time at] Olives, for sure. I think what Todd English does is pretty fabulous. I think he’s one of the best cooks ever to have been in Boston. I’m always amazed at his food and his menus; they’re great. So I would say that was one good place. Peach Farm, which is in Chinatown — that’s a very special restaurant. I love the food there. They taught me how to make salt-and-pepper beef short ribs. Of course, I always loved to go over and visit Gordon Hamersley — he’s my good buddy. These were all restaurants that were happening back then, and still happening.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would be 68. So, I will have my three restaurants, which are Locke-Ober, Blue Sky on York Beach — that’s in Maine — which I’m opening next week. It’s very exciting. And we have a bakery there that I named after my granddaughter: Clara’s Cupcake Café. So, hopefully my granddaughter, she’s nine years old, so she’ll be 19, and I’m sure she’ll be working there in the summer. She loves to cook. And my son will have taken over my mini-restaurant empire, and he’ll probably be based at my newest restaurant, which is Scampo, at the Liberty Hotel. I’ll be there writing menus, the same thing I’ve done for forever. I’ll be writing menus and basically helping my son. Personally, just more traveling — I love to travel. As long as in 10 years I continue to be surrounded by beauty, I’ll be a very happy person.

Oh, and by the way: I think I’ll be old enough to own a Jaguar by then. I love BMWs and all that, but I’ve always kind of wanted a Jaguar, but I always think of them as old people’s. But I’ll officially be old by then, and I think I can have a Jaguar. So you’ll see me tooling around in, probably, a dark-green or a red Jaguar.

Bill Emery, managing partner of 28 Degrees
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was just moving to the South End. Professionally, I was consulting with interior designers and architects on the business aspect of that industry. I still do that, actually. Besides owning a restaurant, that’s what I do professionally. Socially, probably pretty similar to what I’m doing today. I think Mistral was around about 10 years ago, if I remember correctly. Tim’s Tavern, for some reason that comes to mind. Bomboa. Used to go to the Tar Bar all the time; loved the Tar Bar. I had just started in the consulting, so that was kind of a big thing. I was just starting it at that time.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Pretty much doing the same thing. Hopefully I’ll be doing some other venture in the restaurant or lounge industry 10 years from now. I think the Seaport area is a great up-and-coming area, so possibly living down there or working down there in 10 years, I would think. I’m very happy with the way my life is right now, so hopefully 10 years from now, it will still be in the same capacity. Just more of the same, I guess.

Julie Salickram, director of marketing at Gypsy Bar, Liquor Store, Match, Tequila Rain, Jillian’s, and Lucky Strike
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was still in college. I went to Northeastern, so I was out on co-op at the time. I was working as the executive assistant at WBCN. I had just turned 21, so the whole Boston nightlife scene really opened up for me then. There really wasn’t anything for under-21 at the time. And I was also living on campus for the first time, because I had been commuting. So all of that, all at once, really opened up a lot. One of the girls I worked with introduced me to Bombay Sapphire martinis, and that became my drink — I really went all for it, right at the beginning. And I remember Pravda 116, which is now Gypsy, had just opened right around the same time. I remember going there — the food there was fabulous — and just sitting at the bar, and getting all dressed up. Just turned 21, all grown-up. I wanted to be 31 when I was 21; now that I’m 31, I want to be 21.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
My first thought is, I’ll probably be pulling out my hair, as my son, who’s three now, will just be hitting his teenage years. I’ll probably be Boston-based. I lived in New York for a while, but I really like Boston. And probably still something in hospitality, promotions, marketing. But exactly what, I’m not sure.

Deborah Hughes, chef and co-owner, and Mary Catherine Deibel, co-owner, Up-Stairs on the Square
Where were you 10 years ago?
Mary Catherine: I decided to take a summer-long sabbatical to ready myself to repair a long-standing injury to my knee by having a knee replacement. So for the first time, I actually was free to travel, which I did all summer, to visit Vancouver, New Brunswick, Texas, Colorado. It was a time of great growth for UpStairs at the Pudding, when the “secret garden” had really caught the city’s imagination for outdoor dining, so it was the busiest year we’d ever had, and was challenging but exciting for Deborah and me. Biba on Friday nights was where you could find us and our crowd. Deborah and I really took the time and effort to get out and about at events and parties that year and had a blast. By 1997, UpStairs at the Pudding was celebrating its 15th year in business!

Deborah: 1997 was the year of great men in my life: I had a great general manager, a great boyfriend, a great property manager, great people in my kitchen. It was the year I had bought a condo, and I was painting my floors, and I spent a lot of time on flowers — it was the year of peonies for me. I used to go with André Robert, Friday night, to Biba, and that was how I got to be friends with Lydia and Susan Regis. Lots of women chefs used to go out. Mary Catherine and I, in 1997, were just beginning to imagine that we would be changing spaces.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Mary Catherine: I see myself right here in Harvard Square, the gods willing, at the helm of UpStairs on the Square, greeting old friends at the door, making new friends on our lovely pedestrian street. I just hope that by that time, I can count on more time off!

Deborah: I see myself on a farm; I’d love to be a grower. It’s sort of a natural progression. I would love to be a farmer, and I’d love to have a bakery — sell great blueberry muffins and grilled cheese. [I’ll be with UpStairs on the Square], in some fashion, I would imagine, 10 years from now. I love the idea of doing some version of a bakery with great family dinners at night. I love the idea of communal dining, some kind of supper club. And I definitely have products I want to market. I’ve got this great “bad-girl plaid” and “good-girl plaid” in my restaurant on the wall, and I want to make that into fabric and do like cocktail aprons, things like that.

Ken Oringer, chef/owner of Clio, Uni, Toro, and La Verdad; consulting chef at KO Prime
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was settling in at Clio. We had opened in June 1997. And it was right about this time of year, too, when I had my first day off. I was just starting to think about Spain for inspiration — I planned my first trip and went to El Bulli, where chef Ferran Adrià was wowing the world with his creations. I actually got to work in the lab with Ferran and his crew. I was having a lot of fun, working hard and searching for Celine (my beautiful wife). Where was I hanging out? Silvertone and Clio late night. Also, Bukowski Tavern was and is a great place to be. When I had free time, I liked to venture to other restaurants.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Sitting on the beach in Mexico with my family and enjoying the first La Verdad in Mexico City. I also look forward to continuing to provide authentic and unique cuisine for greater Boston.

Marc Harris, owner of Salon Marc Harris
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was in a partnership in a salon called Ecocentrix on Newbury Street. I had one salon. Personally, I was married with one child. Locally, I’ve pretty much always hung out at 29 Newbury, so that was kind of my spot back then. [Professionally], I was fairly established. I originally opened [Salon Marc Harris] in 1990, and I’ve been on the same block on Newbury Street since 1978 [starting with John Dellaria]. I was pretty established in the business at that point. For me, 10 years doesn’t seem like that long.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Based on where my company has gone — we’ve evolved quite a bit — I see myself, in 10 years, probably having a minimum of five salons and a very well-developed product line. Now, I’m no longer in Ecocentrix. We re-branded; it’s called Salon Marc Harris. We own three salons now: one in Providence, one in Andover, [one in Boston]. We’re opening a fourth location in downtown Boston, probably within the next few weeks. We’ve been working on it for a while — we’re hoping to close this week on it. I’ve produced a product line, that is just a phenomenal line, and hopefully in 10 years, the goal would be to really have the product line help us establish the brand nationally. And then make a determination: if that brand’s strong enough nationally, do we follow that with salons? I see five as my short-term goal with the salons, but long-term, I can see it being a lot more.

Right now, I’m not married and I have three daughters, so I guess [they’re] the most important thing on a personal level. My oldest daughter is coming into the business, so on a personal level, I would really like to see her be established in the business and see what happens with the two younger ones.

Tony Susi, chef/owner of Sage
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was living the life of a line cook at Olives — not much money but had connections all over town, so we still had a decent lifestyle. Much like today, [I] was surrounded by great food and wine and people. I was single, and God only knew then where I was heading. I was living in Boston, moved back from San Francisco the previous year. After work or [on a] night out, we would usually hit Joy Club, Biba, Franklin Café, or TC’s Lounge (depending if you wanted chic, casual, or dive).

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Still cooking and creating great food; relaxing and enjoying life with my family and friends; still doing Q&A segments for magazines!

Garrett Harker, owner of Eastern Standard
Where were you 10 years ago?
I was running Scala’s Bistro, one of San Francisco’s most popular restaurants, for the Kimpton Group. Ironically, the same company that, 10 years later, gave [chef] Jamie Bissonnette the opportunity at KO Prime that took him away from Eastern Standard. I was waiting for an opportunity to move back to Boston, where my wife was from. We had met together waiting tables at Legal Sea Foods and moved out to SF for our twenties. Around this time in ’97, I had phone conversations with Todd English about the Olives Group. But it was a friend at United Liquors, Vince Maxson, who twisted my arm to meet a woman who was looking to open a small place on Beacon Hill, a place that felt neighborhood-y but had the highest of ambitions. He said she cooked like your Italian grandmother. Well, my Italian grandmother was 100 percent Irish and bred several of Baltimore’s finest cops. And Barbara Lynch was a lot closer to my grandmother than any little Italian lady. It felt right. That restaurant became No. 9 Park.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I expect my hair to be white, to have two days off a week, and to have successfully fought back from ankle, knee, and hip replacement to run food at Eastern Standard.

Chris Douglass, chef/owner of Icarus and the Ashmont Grill
Where were you 10 years ago?
Ten years ago, I …

•spent my mornings with my one-year-old son, Walker, and my four-year-old daughter, Emma, while my wife Maryellen was busy at work doing landscape design.

•took the kids out to parks (Dorchester Park, Blue Hills) and museums (Science, Children’s, DeCordova, Aquarium, MFA, Gardner).

•lived in an apartment on Ashmont Hill in Dorchester, now live on same street in a house we bought eight years ago.

•worked the line at Icarus four or five nights a week, made a real effort to be home at least two nights a week for dinner with the family.

•conceived, planned, and organized two consecutive annual Chefs Collaborative “chef retreats” at Alyson’s Apple Orchard in Walpole, New Hampshire.

•celebrated Icarus’s 20th anniversary.

•cooked my 400,000th meal (approximate — 16 years x 100 per day x 52 weeks).

•adopted black and white mutt (lab/Dalmatian), Toby.

•bought my first mini-van.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
10 years from now …

•I will probably still be working, although not so much in the kitchen.

•[I will be] celebrating Icarus’s 40th anniversary, Ashmont Grill’s 12th, and Tavolo’s 10th (Tavolo opening spring ’08).

•[I will be] spending more time at the beach.

Frank McClelland, chef/owner of L’Espalier and Sel de la Terre, owner/guru at Au Soleil Catering
Where were you 10 years ago?
My third child, James, was born — it’s really, obviously a big highlight: January 28, 1997. Another highlight was, I was completing in 1997 a major renovation of L’Espalier. Also, I had developed the idea in 1997 of Sel de la Terre, and I traveled to Provençe that year to investigate my idea. That’s really the three large happenings, for me, personally and in business.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully on an island somewhere, in a lounge chair, watching the waves ripple up on the beach. I hope to continue my work chasing perfection at L’Espalier and Sel de la Terre, and just continue to reach for the stars in my profession, with the culinary arts and business, both. Personally, to be fishing out on the Gulf Stream.

Chris Schlesinger, chef/owner of East Coast Grill and All-Star Sandwich Bar
Where were you 10 years ago? I did the same thing 10 years ago that I’m going to be doing in 10 years. We go to Costa Rica, I hang out at the same places, I hang out with the same people. I basically do the same thing. I think I’m kind of boring that way. I wear the same clothes and drive the same car. I was doing the same stuff 20 years ago, too. We hang out, we go to Westport.

Just working. [I hung out at] Green Street Grill, shopped at Formaggio’s, [went to] Santarpio’s. I always kind of had concepts around in my head, always thinking about concepts, but no, [I wasn’t thinking about All-Star Sandwich Bar] at that point.

My partner had left three years before, so I had pretty much made the transition and started taking over more of the business side. Probably had a different chef back then, and a different manager.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I love the restaurant business, and I’m fortunate to have a lot of very different things going on in it. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if I was doing pretty much the same thing. I’ve always wanted to have a bar, so I can see maybe owning a bar or something like that. I like to try to keep things interesting — when I have one restaurant, I want two, and when I have two, I want one. I’m sure that trend will continue. I like the work, so I don’t feel an impending need to lessen my workload. I’d like to travel as much as possible — Asia and the Middle East, I’d like to see more of that. I feel fortunate — I feel like things are going really good, and I don’t feel the need to do anything differently.

Esti Parsons, co-owner of Radius, Via Matta, and Great Bay
Where were you 10 years ago? I’ve been doing this for 20 years. At 10 years ago, we were just starting the process of opening Radius. What was going on personally? Well, when you’re in restaurants, that is kind of what your personal life is. I was not married but was dating my current husband. He was probably on the road an awful lot. And opening a restaurant, as you can well imagine, was sort of 24/7. At that point, we were probably just in the design phase, so it was a lot of meetings and dealing with the construction end of things.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully doing the same thing. Hopefully running restaurants — I really like what I do, so I hope to still be doing it. I’m never bored, even after 20 years, and there’s always something new and challenging, and you get to throw parties and work with great people. And I hope to be as happy as I am right now.

[Photos by Tim Gray for Furnald/Gray]

Now and then: Hot trends from the last decade — and their contemporary counterparts

Heather Bouzan — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:20:00 GMT

WE’RE GLAD that one of the inherent qualities of a trend is its brevity, because if we’d had to endure a lifetime’s worth of leggings, scrunchies, and New Kids on the Block, we’re not sure we’d still be around to talk about it. In the last 10 years, what were once obsessions have trailed off to distant memories, only to be replaced by more contemporary counterparts. (As for the next 10 years, we can’t wait to see what comes next — just, please, not the hot pants again.)

1997
THEN
basic black
Minimalist-chic was in, Calvin Klein was our man, and black was our color. In fact, 1997 was the year black pants became our uniform. Shapes were sleek, spare, and streamlined, so we wore the hue head to toe, with shades of charcoal for a little variety. Might a patterned scarf or something in paisley have brightened our moods? Probably. But we were too busy stomping around like a humorless New York fashionista to care.

NOW
jewel tones
In contrast, the more recent red carpets have been the perfect backdrop for fashion’s latest color craze: jewel tones. Tired of looking dismal, starlets have been gravitating toward lush purples, velvety blues, and vibrant greens for their eveningwear, and designers have used similar shades to make a statement on the runways. Visit American Apparel (138 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.536.4768) for basic pieces in high-impact hues. The current collection at Anthropologie (799 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.262.0545) skews towards brights, and at Wolford (Copley Place, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.236.5070) you can swathe your legs in hues like “True Red” and “Mazarine Blue.”

1998
THEN
boy-band heartthrobs
That bleached-blond hair. Those chiseled abs. Those overalls. Boy bands were hot in ’98, with groups such as the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and 98 Degrees belting out cheeseball love tunes and causing millions of girls — and women — to squeal with excitement. Boy bands, no matter their canned harmonies, cookie-cutter personalities, and dubious fashion sense, ruled the airwaves and, we’ll go so far as to say, the world in 1998. We have the trading cards and ticket stubs to prove it.

NOW
indie-rocker heartthrobs
Lately, a new crush has emerged on the music scene. Indie rockers might not bring us to tears like the boy bands of yesteryear, but their bad-boy personas, nerdy glasses, tight pants, and sensitive lyrics serve similar purposes. Bands such as the Shins, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nada Surf, and Death Cab for Cutie paved the way, and now it’s hip — and hot — to be indie.

1999
THEN
feathered hair
Farrah Fawcett’s locks may have peaked during her Charlie’s Angels days, but her ’do was back in style (with a little less oomph and a lot less hairspray) in 1999, with soft, sweeping layers showcased on stars such as Gwen Stefani. (It might’ve helped that hype for Drew Barrymore’s Angels remake, which hit theaters the next year, was in full swing.) We thought the feathered look made for a smooth transition out of the Jennifer Aniston–inspired Rachel cut we’d been rocking for years.

NOW
movie-star curls
We’re so glad that classic looks — including glamorous movie-star curls with a 1940s flair — are back. Best suited for evening, the full, bouncy ringlets pair nicely with this season’s statement-making red lips. Jessica Alba wears the style with the mix of elegance and sex appeal that we aim for — even if our red carpet is actually the welcome mat outside our door.

2000
THEN
designer jeans
We admit it: we got a little obsessed. We could identify a brand from its pocket stitching a mile away, and though we’re normally a little thrifty, we couldn’t stop collecting pair after pair of designer jeans. It was the year that denim megabrand 7 For All Mankind launched, and dozens of others followed. We bought light washes and dark, wore them with our cutest flats and our favorite heels, and pulled out the credit card whenever a new line appeared on shelves. But with pairs going for $150 to more than $300, our bank account wasn’t such a fan.

NOW
Target collections
When one of Target’s GO designer collections hits stores, we’re among the first lined up to tear through the racks. Thus far, the retail giant has partnered up with superbly credible brands including Proenza Schouler, Behnaz Sarafpour, Libertine, and, most recently, Alice Temperley for limited-edition collections at almost laughably low prices. Following Target’s lead, we’ve seen Vera Wang for Kohl’s and Kate Moss for Topshop. Now if only there was some way to keep the eBay resale value from skyrocketing.

2001
THEN
the Cosmopolitan
From the minute Carrie Bradshaw picked up a delicate martini glass and sipped her first Cosmopolitan, the drink has been all the rage — much to the chagrin of the bartenders who were forced to mix them up night after night for troupes of giggly young women. We won’t deny having once had a taste for the sickly-sweet pink cocktails, but this trend was one that hung on well past its prime.

NOW
the renaissance of classic cocktails
When it comes to cocktails, everything old is new again — and our taste buds couldn’t be happier. Locally, people such as John Gertsen at No. 9 Park (9 Park Street, Boston, 617.742.9991) and Jackson Cannon at Eastern Standard (528 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.532.9100) have been spearheading the renaissance; just reference Cannon’s cocktail menu for a huge listing of classics, among them the Negroni ($9), the Sazerac ($10), and the Jack Rose ($10). And we’ve already told you about the ladies of LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails), led by Misty Kalkofen of Green Street (280 Green Street, Cambridge, 617.876.1655). Theirs is one history lesson we can stomach.

2002
THEN
stilettos
For a while there, it seemed like we were all competing to see who could teeter and totter around the longest on the skinniest of heels. Sexy they were; practical they were not. We can’t even tell you how many times our spikes lodged in the cobblestones and brick walkways of Faneuil Hall and Government Center — and the cobbler fees were atrocious. But armed with handbags full of backup flip-flops, we soldiered on.

NOW
chunky heels
Our poor, pained feet rejoiced when the chunky heel clomped down the runways of almost every fall collection. They’re not the unflattering, squared-off heels of old: these pumps are sexy, sleek, and modern, often with a hint of retro sensibility. Now our toes aren’t throbbing and staying upright isn’t a challenge — even after a few martinis. Habit (703 East Broadway, Boston, 617.269.1998) carries a line called DRU New York that we love, and Marc Jacobs (81 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.425.0707) stocks a range of styles.

2003
THEN
the South Beach Diet
When Dr. Arthur Agatston’s The South Beach Diet hit shelves, even the Atkins-obsessed thought they’d found their miracle. Using three phases (and thankfully reintroducing carbs in phase two), the plan aimed to help dieters make a natural — and actually achievable — lifestyle change instead of yo-yo dieting their way to their goals. The diet was hugely successful, spawning a range of cookbooks, cereal bars, salad dressings, and more. We even considered trying it — until we realized that Phase One requires two weeks of alcohol-free hell. We’ll live with our pudge, thank you very much.

NOW
eating locally
The current eating craze is all about intermingling environmental goodness and overall health: eating locally. T.W. Food (377 Walden Street, Cambridge, 617.864.4745) and Craigie Street Bistrot (5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, 617.497.5511) are known for stocking their kitchens with locally-grown products, and the increasing importance of farmers’ markets has been emphasized over and over in our city. The idea of the 100-mile diet, which sprung from one couple’s realization that most foods we eat travel 1500 pollution-filled miles before reaching our table — see Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon’s Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally — further underscores the trend.

2004
THEN
SUVs
It wasn’t long ago that mammoth sport utility vehicles lumbered with mind-boggling frequency down Newbury Street. (Al Gore wasn’t quite so Inconvenient yet.) When it came to the status vehicle, bigger was unquestionably better, and spacious, tricked-out interiors rivaled the scope of some city apartments. But countless sideswipes and mirror dings — not to mention gas-price increases — later, Boston’s elite started rethinking things.

NOW
hybrid cars
Perhaps it was celebs like Leo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz buzzing around LA in their sporty Toyota Priuses, or maybe we just collectively grew a conscience. Whatever the catalyst, we’re liking the change: stroll Newbury Street now and though you’ll still see plenty of BMW SUVs and Mercedes M-Classes, they’ll look like monstrosities compared with the perky little eco-conscious vehicles scooting by. And don’t you know, less gas consumption means more money for Newbury Street cocktails.

2005
THEN
small plates
For a while there, it seemed like we couldn’t get a normal-sized entrée on a normal-sized platter. Instead, small plates were all the rage, inspiring course after course of two-bite dishes — and the puzzle of trying to fit them all on one little table. (Back in the kitchen, the nonstop dishwashing couldn’t have been much fun, either.) But as much as we loved the creativity that went into so many of these tapas-style dishes, we really sucked at sharing.

NOW
high-end sushi
We know sushi isn’t a new trend. What’s noteworthy is that we’re finally willing to shell out the big bucks for it. The Leather District’s pricey O Ya (9 East Street, Boston, 617.654.9900) is known for its execution and sumptuous flavors. Not too long ago, the swelling popularity of closet-sized Oishii (612 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, 617.277.7888) forced the opening of a South End location (1166 Washington Street, Boston, 617.482.8868) with décor to match its new neighborhood. Back Bay’s chic Douzo (131 Dartmouth Street, Boston, 617.859.8886) is packed on a nightly basis, while Ken Oringer’s Uni (Clio, 370 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.536.7200) is popular as ever with the Black Card set.

2006
THEN
skulls
Johnny Depp rocked his Pirates of the Caribbean look with such flair that we emblazoned everything we could with bony skulls. They dangled from our necks, leered from our knuckles, and sported sinister smiles on our sweatshirts. Then there’s the other Johnny in our lives — Johnny Cupcakes, that is — whose ubiquitous confection-and-crossbones stamp also found its way into our T-shirt drawer.

NOW
snakes
Snakes are the latest icon to appear on clothes and jewelry all over town. They look great wrapped around wrists in bangle form and slithering across trendy T’s. Portia de Rossi even wore a bedazzled snake to help hold up her dress at the 2007 Emmys. We’re crushing on the Antonio Palladino Silver Snake Ring ($465) at Barneys New York (100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.385.3300); for thriftier types, Urban Outfitters (11 JFK Street, Cambridge, 617.864.0070) carries a super-hot snake belt ($28) in gold mesh. @

Master Class: Many in Boston’s fashion community can trace their style education to one place: Louis Boston. Their teacher? Debi Greenberg.

Erica Corsano — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:03:00 GMT

BOSTON IS renowned for a lot of things: universities, hospitals, sports teams. Still, we’ve never been known for our fashion scene. That’s not a dig — it’s just the truth. But thankfully, that’s changing. Gone are the days of pearls, ribbon belts, and conservative spending. We’re now flooded with independent fashion boutiques; major luxury retailers are popping up everywhere, and even Boston Fashion Week has made a respectable comeback.

But what about a decade ago? Rewind 10 years and you’d find an abundance of chain stores, a dearth of high-quality independent boutiques, and one fashion mecca: Louis Boston. The store, pioneered by Murray Pearlstein and then taken over by his daughter, the famous (and at times infamous) Debi Greenberg, was the first to bring European brands such as Marni to Boston, and one of the first local retailers — Alan Bilzerian and Riccardi being the others — to teach Boston women about a European sense of style. The store’s prestige made Louis a fertile training ground for some of the city’s — and the country’s — best young talent.

For Leila Moore and Pam Santorelli, co-owners of South Boston boutique and blooming personal-shopping and custom-design shop Habit, who met in the late 1990s while working at Louis, their time at the store offered an invaluable fashion education. “Debi is the best teacher I’ve had in my life,” says Moore. “She took time to actually teach us about the designers, the fabrics, the cuts. She made us appreciate and love the clothing as much as she did. She taught us to blend together different styles. We learned to mix designers to create unique looks for our clients. It wasn’t about recreating the runway look — she didn’t want each client to walk out with the same exact thing on. It was about customizing a look for each individual client.”

Greenberg smiles — even blushes — when she hears what Moore has to say about her. “My staff has to have an eye,” she says. “It’s half inherent and half training. Leila has that eye. She saw the value in the design and it was a total turn-on for her. When she and Pam go into market to buy, they have that eye. They can zone in on what’s really good, at any price point. I’m really proud of them.”

Though Greenberg is known to be outspoken and tough, she’s gracious and thoughtful, maternal even, when talking about the people who’ve worked for her and gone on to successful careers in fashion.

Tina Burgos and her husband Dave Nauyokas are two such talents. They met while working at Louis and later hooked up with Jon Callahan to open Stel’s, an edgy Newbury Street boutique carrying avant-garde labels and small independent designers such as A.P.C., United Bamboo, Leif & Tooya, and Rachel Comey. Like Louis, Stel’s only carries Boston exclusives; from reworked vintage dresses to perfectly tailored blazers, their merchandise is well-edited and unique.

“What Louis has grown into is amazing,” says Callahan. “Debi Greenberg deserves so much credit for what she has done — not only in Boston, but in America.”

What is Greenberg’s formula for success? Following her father’s lead, she brings in new designers, takes chances, and doesn’t pay attention to price tags. And why should she? Greenberg is catering to people who have money, care about fashion, and are willing to pay the price for high-quality clothing.

Shoe designer Kristina Kozak, another Louis alum, learned to appreciate fashion’s finer things while working at the store. The young entrepreneur creates one-of-a-kind shoes for clients and stores, aiming to offer footwear that not only stands out in a crowd, but is well-made, sophisticated, and reflective of a “lighthearted” approach to fashion. “While always a shoe lover with an eye for fashion, it was my time at Louis that really influenced my love for distinctive pieces, especially shoes,” Kozak notes.

So how does the Louis staff get its education? It all starts at the top, with Greenberg training her management staff, who in turn train the sales teams. Still, Greenberg says there’s no real hierarchy at her store, and when she’s in town, she makes the rounds to every floor, talking to her staff about new products, why she bought them, and what makes them special.

As she speaks about the Louis Boston philosophy and the thinking behind the Louis retail experience, Greenberg sounds more like a political or religious leader than a store owner. And though she has her critics, she comes across as genuinely passionate about what she does and the people who’ve learned from her. “Creating an idea and executing it is the whole idea — that’s why I do this,” she explains. “There’s integrity in it. Integrity is a big word that no one really uses, especially in retail. For me, it’s the guiding light, and if you believe [in] it, you stick by it.”

That light is what guides the entire Louis staff, including the salespeople working on the floor. “If they are on the front lines, they better have that feeling, that substance behind what they are doing,” Greenberg says. “No one comes back here and says ‘You are charging too much for that item.’ Everyone in the store needs to understand that quality and value. We are not sales-oriented here; in fact, there is no commission.”

The Greenberg school of fashion is so renowned that John Erickson, a former banker, accepted a job as a stock boy/fitting-room assistant, making $10.50 an hour, in order to get in the door at Louis. “I’ll never forget, the HR person at Louis tried to talk me out of wanting the position, but the more she spoke, the more I wanted the job,” he remembers. “The things she considered to be bad, I was totally attracted to.”

The decision eventually paid off. Erickson went on to work for Italian luxury suit makers (and Greenberg favorite) Kiton. The label, first brought in by Pearlstein, Greenberg’s father, is still a top seller at Louis. Erickson is now an aspiring writer specializing in men’s fashion; he was recently published in T: The New York Times Style Magazine.

Stephanie Seeley, another Louis Boston alum, went on to become head buyer at Los Angeles–based American Rag Cie and is rumored to be opening up her own retail shop in Los Angeles soon. Greenberg smiles when talking about Seeley. “Stephanie suffered through this, she loved the creativity but not the business,” she recalls. “She had to grow up and she did. She’s done well for herself.”

So has the Stel’s team — and Jon Callahan thanks Louis Boston, in part, for that. Now, he says, it’s time for Boston’s fashion world to band together as it moves forward.

“We need to form more of a fashion community here,” says Callahan. “We can all approach fashion in a different way and learn from each other, but who better to learn from than the masters? And that was/is Louis. We all came out of the road that they paved for us, and we formed our own paths or takes and interpretations on fashion.”

So what lies ahead for Louis Boston? And for that matter, other local style pioneers like Alan Bilzerian and Riccardi? With the expansion of fashion in Boston comes competition. Will the local fashion revolution and influx of luxury retailers help or hurt the Louis cause? @

[Photo (of building-front) by Michael Khachadorian]
[Photo (of high-heeled shoe) Jeff Smith]

Style council: Local experts share their fall must-haves

Erica Corsano — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:14:00 GMT

WHILE I love department stores as much as the next girl (here’s looking at you, Saks!), there’s nothing like the rush I get from uncovering a hidden treasure at a local mom-and-pop or specialty boutique. So after you’ve thumbed through Vogue, Nylon, Elle, or wherever you go for your style fix, check out a local take on fall fashion from the experts who get the first crack at seeing (and buying) the season’s coolest pieces.

Amy Gubellini, co-owner, Hazel & Grace (254 Washington Street, Wellesley, 781.235.2313)
“I’m very excited about a few up-and-coming designers who are doing really great things for fall. Jenny Jen, former Chloe denim designer, is doing her own take on the collegiate look that’s really hot for fall. Great blazers with whimsical details like collegiate patches. I can’t wait to get it in the store!

“I’m also thrilled about Richard Kidd, an edgy Canadian designer with a rock-and-roll vibe. I’ll be carrying his version of a motorcycle boot with attached leg warmers. Very cool! I’m also very excited about Shelly Steffee. The line is very modern and unique. I love this hand-knit chunky sweater coat that’s coming in. I’m really excited about the chunky knits for fall.

“Regarding personal fall must-haves, I love the color palette for fall. Really rich jewel tones that just make you feel decadent. I always buy a new bag each season, so I’ll be scouting a deep purple or blue bag. I’m also shoe-obsessed. I always gravitate towards Miu Miu — I loved a black python bootie I saw the
other day!”

Photo: Shelly Steffee hand-knit sweater, $685 at Hazel & Grace
[Photo of Amy Gubellini by Ian Barnard]

Alison Barnard, owner, Injeanius (441 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.523.JEAN) and Twilight (12 Fleet Street, Boston, 617.523.8008)
“This fall I like the wide-leg jean thing. I love them. They’re slimming and just so easy to wear. At Injeanius, we carry Jbrand, Odyn, Goldsign, Joe’s. All priced between $164 and $198.

“I also think cropped jackets are a total fall essential. Of course, a coat is an obvious one to buy for fall/winter; but this season, designers also delivered so many stunning cropped jackets. I bought an adorable Beth Bowley leopard-print jacket, which is totally different, daring, and ultimately just plain fun — which is kind of the point: to have fun with your wardrobe by adding touches of color to staple looks you already feel comfortable with. Do it with anything jewel-toned. It really makes a statement and adds some new life to fall’s neutral colors. We have a sparkly rhinestone bangle from NAILA that adds a fun splash of color to any look. Or you can even throw tights with fun patterns into the mix.

“I’m personally dying for two things this season. First, a great coat! I have a super-cool, two-toned, gray adam+eve coat coming in; a bold take on a fall/winter staple. Second, I definitely want a fabulous new handbag from Botkier!”
Photo: Jbrand “Malik” wide-leg jean, $218 at Injeanius
[Photo of Alison Barnard by Ian Barnard]

Martha Hilfinger, co-owner, Dress (221 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.424.7125)
“Short-sleeve lightweight sweater dresses are a big trend for fall. They’re great pieces to add to your wardrobe early because you can easily transition them for wear later in the season by adding tights and boots or a sweater over top.

“Like always, we were blown away by 3.1 Phillip Lim, adam+eve, and Vanessa Bruno. Each of their fall collections was stunning. 3.1 Phillip Lim introduced many new shapes with interesting details, like his ‘lantern-hem dress,’ which is a wool sleeveless shift dress in navy with a contrasting cream lantern hem. Other details he incorporated into his collection this season were knots and exposed zippers.

“We also have beautiful leather bags from Vanessa Bruno. Sold throughout the world, Vanessa Bruno is known for her chic, fresh, and definitely French take on fashion.

“Since gray is very big this fall, I have my eye on a pair of Fiorentini + Baker tall gray leather boots with a modest two-inch heel. They’re gorgeous and will look as great with jeans as with tights and dresses.”

Photo: 3.1 Phillip Lim “Faux-Bow” city dress, $595 at Dress
[Photo of Martha Hilfinger by Ian Barnard]

Storey Hieronymus Hauck, owner, Turtle (619 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.266.2610)
“We’re focusing a lot on the waist this fall, with slim skirts, more voluminous tops, and good belts. I have some great pencil skirts in right now, and a beautiful cloud-gray cardigan with lampshade sleeves. We also have a new wrap dress in a pretty red wool or a heather-gray jersey — paired down and sleek.

“We have some interesting transition and fall jewelry: really bold pieces, some crafty and urban in nature. There is also a T-shirt delivery we’re really excited about. They are plain, not printed, but really cool, edgy shapes.

“These are some key trends I’m seeing for fall: volume (mostly on top and in sleeves) with a slim waist, sleek minimalism, tailored menswear-inspired looks — kind of on the severe side, edgy streetwear, crafty accessories, Alpine-chic and sporty, and metallic and patent-leather clothing and accessories.”

Photo: Audrey Jacks necklace, $80 at Turtle, Soia & Kyo belt, $80 at Turtle
Photo Storey Hieronymus Hauck by Ian Barnard]

Tina Burgos, co-owner, Stel’s (334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348)
“There are always a few pieces that make the transition from summer to fall relatively easy. This season, I’ll swap my flip-flops for ankle boots, my shrunken cotton cardigans for cashmere wrap sweaters, and my eclectic bracelet collection for fingerless gloves.

“The use of accessories is the easiest way to transform an outfit. Particularly if one is on a budget, I would focus on updating these each season. Whether I’m shopping at Target or Barneys New York, I am constantly on the lookout for fantastic scarves, jewelry, shoes, and handbags. If money were no object, I would purchase a dark-brown leather tote bag by Henry Beguelin. And I just purchased a great silk scarf from the Libertine for Target collection.

“A few fall must-haves from Stel’s this season include a Tom Scott hand-knit, ecological wool scarf; lightweight cashmere
layering pieces from Voeu, and anything from Rachel Comey’s collection. I’ll be purchasing quite a few of Rachel’s pieces for this upcoming season.” @

Photo: Tom Scott knit scarf, $565 at Stel’s
[Photo of Tina Burgos by Ian Barnard]

All dolled up: Playing dress-up with the new fall fashion

Michael Diskin — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 21:26:00 GMT

Photographed by Eric Levin
Styled by Erica Corsano
Directed by Michael Diskin
Models: Katrina B., Marle Cordeiro and Kate Lovering of Maggie INC.
Hair by Kathleen Sullivan of Vidal Sassoon Salon
Makeup by Airline Photo Assistant: Ian Barnard
Production Assistants: Angelina Berardi and Dan Djordjevic

>>SLIDESHOW: See the individual images from the "All dolled up" shoot.

Quick fixes for fashion emergencies

admin — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 22:59:00 GMT

Fashion emergencies and wardrobe malfunctions can ruin a perfectly fabulous evening. Thank goodness for quick fixes. Here are some of my favorites.

A classic wardrobe-emergency scenario: sweat overload. Luckily, just in at Queen Bee (85 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.859.7999) are Garment Guards ($11.50), disposable underarm shields. Just peel and stick inside your favorite dress or shirt and the thin, Band-Aid-like pads will soak up embarrassing underarm wetness.

What if your dress is backless and made of superfine silk? Your tatas aren’t huge, so you can skip the bra, right? Sure … until drunk Uncle Charlie plants his eyes on your headlights, causing quite the stir at your best friend’s wedding. Time to head to LIT International (223 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.421.8637) for Hollywood Cover Ups ($15) — reusable nipple concealers that actually work. Peel ’em off, stick ’em on, and voilà: byebye, peep show.

When you need a backless, strapless, and invisible fix, the Seamless U ($40) from NuBra is a great option. Designed to work with dresses that have a deep plunge, it’s a sticky bra that actually lifts and shapes. Pick one up at unVeil (264 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.437.0700).

Next up is cult favorite Commando invisible underwear, which now comes in a teeny, tiny thong version ($22), available at Queen Bee. After all, watching Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver discover Bridget Jones’s gigantic grandma panties was funny in the theater, but not something you want to happen in real life. While you’re at Queen Bee, pick up some Match Sticks ($11) doublesided fashion tape. Just tuck, tilt, and tape your way to outfit perfection.

And nothing is worse than looking fantastic from head to toe while wearing a mean sourpuss on your face all night. Why the frown? Because all you can think about are your throbbing, swollen feet! Thank heavens for Foot Petals. Their Tip Toes ball-of-foot cushions ($7; $19/3-pack) will save you from the effects of your drunken table dancing. Check out the newest version in fun and sexy animal prints, sold at Luna Boston (286 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3900).

-- Erica Corsano

Sale alert

admin — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:18:00 GMT

Casa de Stile (371 Hanover Street, Boston, 857.233.4885): through August 31, 20 percent off all merchandise for members of Healthworks Fitness Centers.

Firefly (270 Newbury Street, Boston, 866.834.7335): through August 31, 20 percent off all merchandise for members of Healthworks Fitness Centers.

Intermix (186 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.236.5172): while items last, 75 percent off selected merchandise.

Mint Julep (1302 Beacon Street, Brookline, 617.232.3600): while items last, 25 to 70 percent off selected spring and summer merchandise.

Stil (179 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.859.7845): ongoing, up to 50 percent off summer shoes, clothes, and accessories.

Email sale news to style@stuffatnight.com.

-- Sarah Faith Alterman