Crocs.."I am not ugly anymore!"

Crocs are not just for fashion idgets anymore! They are actually making some cute shoes. My 8 year old turned me on to this...

You know I love a local store and these can't get much more local, they are made right here in Colorado. I have been wanting to support them but just hated those hole top models. Now that they are cute, I can get behind these.

By the way, the new Boutique in Castle Rock named Bling carries these shoes.

I also have them listed on my amazon store:

http://astore.amazon.com/bellatthebout-20

check them out...

Christmas List

What is on your Christmas List this year?

Me??

Ugg boots. I was incredibly jealous during our last bit of cold weather of girls wearing these warm and cozy looking boots.

Prada perfume in the pink box. It is beautiful and not overwhelming.

Acupuncture. I believe that if I get more acupuncture I will feel and look like a million bucks.

Add your list! Comments please..........

Grey Boots

I want a pair of grey boots this year. I saw these cute Uggs in the JJill catalogue with black legging pants and a grey sweater and I have been fixated on them ever sense.

Kiddo Style

Check out the style of little Shiloh Jolie-Pitt. Thanks Dorothy Snarker for posting this on her blog: Dorothy Surrenders.

What does the mall got going on?

Victoria's Secret (not in the mall, probably only in catalogue sales) has a very cute wrap sweater that can be worn in three ways.

Kate Spade

I told you yellow is in big time! I love this Kate Spade shirt. I don't think it would look good on the bigger chested women like myself, but it is still super cute. Steal it, ibtc gals!

Donna Karan

Super cute! Sweater Dress from Donna Karan.

Wanna Write for Bella?

Do you visit Boutiques? Do you know about good sales? Do you want to review a Boutique? Email me at bellajade@gmail.com!!!

Guest writers from areas other than Denver are welcome.

Force yourself to review your closet!

cute outfit from Coldwater Creek

I love the belt with the jeans and the vest. Perfect for fall, will carry over for winter!

Pitaya in Boulder

I was impressed with the selection and price (most things under $40.00) of Pitaya in Boulder. However, the clothes are sized small and it is such a small little building that I suggest going during an "off" time like Tuesday when they open rather a busy weekend.

Dragonfly Boutique

The Dragonfly Boutique in Boulder is going out of business. They have a wonderful $10.00 rack (I just bought a cute skirt there) and they are offering 50%. They are passionate about their services and know every item they have. They go up to a 3x. Super cute!

They are hoping for a miracle and being able to beat their impending closure. Sad that the economy is forcing boutiques out of business!

Bohemian this Winter?

Lucky Magazine had a picture of a cute bohemian little piece in their latest issue and the chic fashionista blog said bo-ho is back this year. So, I ask... what the hell is bohemian all about?

High Heels

multi-print shirts or skirts

jagged edges

Cultural

big jewelry!

Give me chiffon or give me...

Ok, no need to be dramatic. I just love Chiffon. Look at how cute this is. This would carry over from summer to fall so easily!

They are shoes, they are boots, they are SHOE BOOTS!

The only way I can describe these is that they are boot-shoes. I saw a brown pair the other day and have been looking form them ever since.

I found this cute Guess boot. See what I mean? I love it!

Vince Holiday Collection

I am loving it. While I am overly cautious about f'n up the leggings with sweater look I think I might actually purchase this Vince sweater:

This is from the Vince "Holiday" or Winter 2009 collection.

Very hot.

Philosophy has new makeup!

I love me some Philosophy. And not the Foucault type-the skin care brand!

Here is the scoop:

Philosophy has unleashed the new Supernatural collection which is designed to make you look healthy. It is full of the pinks and read that will make you look like you eat enough niacin and folic acid even if you don't. It's better than a waif look!

However, I have to let you know that when my gigantic bottle of Inner Grace turned to alcohol I did not receive a response email from customer service.

Sweaters with Tights

This looks circa 1990 but as with all late-eighties and early nineties trends this one is back, too.

This from Diane Von Furstenberg.

I dig the sleeves on the sweater and the larger, loose turtle neck.

However, you know this is going to go badly. Eventually someone will open the door to the frump and we are going to see long t-shirts and sloppy looking tights that are way too tight.

It's coming. I promnise. You know we just talked them out of those tights like five years ago.

Big Shouldered Jackets

Marc Jacobs and others are introducing big-shouldered jackets for fall. The eighties are all over the place and I am not sure I am ready to take this fashion risk!

I borrowed this pic from the bag snob blog.

Again, I am on the fence with this one. I like the more vintage looking jackets that are coming out for fall. Real vintage, not 80's vintage.

Symmetry-nah!

Asymmetrical is 'it'! This year's red carpet dresses were full of dresses that featured asymmetrical designs: off the shoulder, shoulders that are different, one side that is embellished and the other side wasn't. The trend has hit the boutiques. This is from Helmut Lang

Bright Tights

Wanna be fashion forward? Wanna take a risk? Here is something that I am considering: bright tights with an outfit of subtle color.

That seems to be the rule-to wear the bright tights with beige, brown and black. Not another bright color or the same color (an all purple dress with purple tights will make you look like the fruit of the loom grapes).

Plaid!

I have been waiting since Jr. High for Plaid to come back in. Here it is ladies. Make it girly, or make it a boyfriend look. But plaid is fab!

Yellow!

I have been noticing so many yellow tops for fall. Honey yellow in particular. The color has enough brown in it that it mixes well with brown-think the equestrian brown jacket, jean skirt and brown boots with a flowing yellow top underneath. The same yellow top could be used with jeans on casual friday at work. Then, if you wanted to dress it up you could wear it with black slacks to make it to a classy friday night dinner social. Here is an example from Nordstrom's: Nanette Lepore's "Bell Tolls" blouse

Isaac Mizrahi's Style Book

I just read Isaac Mizrahi's How To Have Style.

There are some things that I think could be updated since the book came out. That said, I love the book. He is so positive about fashion and women. Here is an abbreviated version of his message:

1. You can look good no matter how much you intend to spend.

2. You can look good no matter your size or height.

3. You should have pieces that are classic in your wardrobe and use them.

---up until here this is probably common sense----

4. Try on lots of things from lots of places before you buy something.

5. Take a friend who can be truthful. Not one of those friends who says you look good when you show up in your pajamas.

David Kahn Jeans

Regina's in Castle Rock features David Kahn Jeans. The big hype about David Kahn Jeans is that they are supposed to help your booty look fab. I am going to try it. I have a less than spectacular behind so if they work for me, they will work for anyone!

What is 'in' for fall?

Regina gave me some ideas about what is exciting for Fall this year:

Pleats are back for fall

Ankle pants/skinny pants

Long sweaters and wraps

Tights-done right

High waist, straight leg jeans

The Boyfriend Look

Blazers with Jeans

Big Purses

(This all reminds me of early 90's/late 80's-stuff I had in my closet in high school and jr. high :) )

Prada Resort 2010

OH my! You must go to the Prada website and check out the Resort 2010 line. It is absolutely gorgeous. I love the khaki, pink, light blue and yellow pallette. There are these heels in the line that I would torture my very own little precious feet for. They are pink with flowers.

Beautiful.

Yummy Prada!

View Regina's In Castle Rock

Look at these pics for what you can expect when you visit Regina's in Castle Rock..

Regina's in Castle Rock

I spoke with Regina, the owner of this cute little Castle Rock Boutique, for August's featured Boutique. Regina's is full of cute, sexy looks that can be worn in versatile settings: comfortable hanging out at a BBQ, work, nights out. The boutique has clothing, evening wear, shoes and accessories. I loved the way that some of her items were already put into outfits that were edgy but safe.

Regina's is the epitome of what Boutiques offer that mall stores do not: Personal Service. While I was wandering around and speaking with Regina, a customer came in and Regina pointed her towards the things that she already knew that this shopper would want. It was obvious that getting to know Regina would be a good fashion move.

Regina is one of those people that is comfortable with her style. But, she points out, having style doesn't always mean buying an entire new wardrobe. A few good accessories will always update some of the old classics in your closet. If you want to update your wardrobe, know what you already have and add a few things to your classics. She really is reasonably priced with some shirts starting at $24.oo. She always has a sale rack and I plan on checking it out frequently.

I loved the shoes at Regina's. I loved the bag's. I loved the sexy little underthings. But, I have to say that the best part of Regina's Boutique is the selection of clothing that is comfortable, fun and full of style all at once.

Brighton Purses

I popped into a Brighton store the other day. I usually don't look at Brighton but there were a pair of earrings that caught my eye.

I didn't get the earrings but I have to say that something about their purses really impressed me.

They use a round magnet as a clasp that is very strong. I loved opening and closing the purse.

I spoke with a woman who was working there and she said that she loves working at Brighton because they have been very understanding with family needs and vacation time. It always makes me happy when a company is good to it's employees!

Denver, the new New York, Paris, LA

Denver is growing into it's own little design mecca. And, it should! Coloradans are unique. We love our mountains, changing seasons, being outdoors and being fashionable.

Here are some Colorado Designers to check out (not all from Denver):

DVLP Clothing

Summer Jackson Eropersona

Laura Maves ART

Swear Jar Design

In fact, Denver will be hosting it's own Fashion Week on October 9th:

http://denversfashionweek.com/

Fancy Tiger Sale

Fancy Tiger Boutique in Denver will be holding a sale with a DJ featuring Denver Designers and drinks :)

August 7th

7-10 PM

14 South Broadway!

Feels Wrong...

Teeth whitening in the mall. That just feels wrong to me. There you are with your mouth wide open facing everyone who is walking by. I feel like the nether regions of my mouth are just as private as my other regions.

I think we should just go to the dentist. What do you think?

I love reversible clothing!

Autumn Teneyl made this cute top that is reversible.

Maybe it is just a throw back to my college days, but I still love it when I can expand

my wardrobe with a reversible shirt or skirt. I also love how the sleeves come over her hands and the thumb sticks out-very sexy. Oh, and it is reasonably priced: $78.00.

Ollie Sang Baby!

Wow! Colorado Designer, Lauren Chlebowski has some great pieces for Ollie Sang. I was lucky enough to discover the brand at Cali and Mo a couple of weeks ago. They were very excited to see the fall line up of Ollie Sang Coats that will be coming out this year. While browsing their website I found this beauty.

And this one is a little less funky/hip and more classic/formal

Boutique Sale!

Regina's in Castle Rock will be participating in Margaritas and Mark Downs on July 30-31st! Go say hi, have a drink, grab a few great new tops!

Donna Fashions

One brand that I found at a Boutique is Donna Fashions. They are located in Canada. Their website is slightly annoying. It is set up to flash the clothing lines at you. Don't let that stop you from locating a Boutique near you with their clothing. It is very well made. Almost everything is lined and the stitching is strong. I love the Ready To Wear collection that they have for work clothing. They include a wide range of sizes and they are true to size. Check out their lines and where to buy their clothing on the website:

Donna's Fashions

What will I miss about summer? Cute Kate Spade jewelry on the counters of course.

Because it is 24 carat gold, it almost justifies the price for me. $98.00 Ouch!

Boutique Find

I bought this outfit at Jasmine Boutique before they closed. It is comfy and I just have been wearing it as I do normal things (go to the post office, grocery store, etc...) Just goes to show that normal suburban moms can go to the Boutique and get nice things. Boutiques are not just for the overly trendy skinny girls!

Denver, Boulder Boutiques?

Do you know of a great Boutique that I should visit? I love exploring unique clothing stores so drop me a comment and tell me about your favorite spots!

Wedding possibilities

I am to be a guest at a February Wedding. Thus, I am out shopping.

I found this top that I absolutely love. Sorry dressing room pictures are not that great but this JS Collection top ($158) has a delicate black lace over a pink satin material.

Now the question is: with pants or skirt? Leave a comment with your opinion!

Leave a comment!

Yummy Prada!

I was browsing the perfume counter at Nordstrom, Park Meadows and I asked for a sample of Prada's original scent (pink box). I love it. I was expecting a huge price tag on this baby but it was only $74.00 for the 1.7 and $100 for the larger bottle. It is not overpowering and would be a great day or night perfume. It is the perfect mix of sweet flowers and sandalwood.

New Find!

I was shopping at the Outlets in Castle Rock and I happened into the Cabi outlet, which is a store I normally would not have gone into because the window display seemed too teeny-bopper for my taste. But, in the spirit of trying new clothes and my personal agreement not to let my perceptions of size scare me away, I went in.

I loved it.

They have reversible clothes. I have one reversible skirt and I do actually reverse it. I was thinking, in hard times like these, why shouldn't we be buying reversible clothing? We can increase our wardrobe by only buying one piece!

I haven't bought anything yet to take a picture of but I absolutely love their website!

Here it is:
www.cabionline.com

Quality not Quantity

So Isaac Mizrahi said on The Fashion Show that people should buy quality not quantity. I have to admit, most of my pre-Bella at the Boutique wardrobe consisted of 75% off sales at Target. Nothing wrong with that-it is what we all have to do once in awhile. But, then I added up all the $7.00 jeans and $5.00 t-shirts that I don't wear anymore or that fell apart and I realized that I could afford a really nice pair of jeans. I splurged on a pair of not-your-daughter's jeans at Nordstroms.

The Nordstrom's sales woman suggested that you buy the size smaller than you normally wear to get the 'tummy tuck' effect of the inside panels of the jeans.

Not Your Daughter's Jeans happens to have contest for a free pair of jeans on their website: www.notyourdaughtersjeans.com

Enter to win!

OPI wonderful!

I love OPI Polish because it is strong and they really set the tone for the season when they release their new colors. An OPI bottle of pink that I bought a couple years ago is the only bottle of nail polish I ever used completely. This year, one of their lines is inspired by denim it is called "A Bright Pair." I just bought A Grape Fit by OPI nail polish. I love it.

A Grape Fit!

This rich purple was made for you.

OPI is releasing a new line of Matte nail polish. I actually am digging on it.

You can check it out on their website: http://www.opi.com/

I also listed some of my favorite OPI colors on the Bella Boutique through Amazon-link is at the top of the page.

Dressing for a wedding

I am on assignment. I have to think about what I am going to wear at a February wedding in PA. My partner will be in the wedding and dressed formally. How do I match that and also feel comfortable. I have a black formal dress but I think that it might be too formal as it was a former bridesmaid dress.

I looked at EHow.com to gather some advice:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2139245_dress-wedding-reception.html

To answer their questions,
1. I believe it will be a formal wedding but most of the guests will be slightly more than casual.
2. I haven't seen the invitation yet so I can't really gather much from that.
3. It is February so my favorite summer green dress won't work. (Dang!)

I am going to the Boutique! I will post some things that I try on.

Dansko if you are on your feet all day

When I am not blogging I am teaching and that means that I am on my feet all day long. I love cute shoes but most of them hurt after second period. I found that Dansko is best for long days. I know that doctors wear them under scrubs, thus hiding the plain look of the shoes. I began to look for something a little more trendy in the Dansko line. I found these:

Oh, I should mention that a couple of years ago the insoles of a pair of my Dansko's fell out. I called the company and they sent me the things that I needed to repair them free of charge. I love when companies are behind their products!

Socially Responsible and Eco-Friendly Fashion

How to be socially responsible and eco-friendly and fashionable.

Gap and Nike have come under criticism for their workplace conditions in developing countries. But, they are the big names and probably not that unique when you look at the fashion industry at large. And, creating fabric is not always ecologically friendly. The solution seems so far out of reach but there are a few small steps that you can take to be socially responsible, eco-friendly and fashionable.

1. Sew your own clothes. You create your conditions and get to design it yourself.

Ok, I know that was unreasonable. I hate sewing. Fabric is often more expensive than just buying a shirt at Target. And, who has the time?

I will start over.

1. Buy recycled clothing. Check out Anvil Knitwear. Their clothes are super cute.




2. Buy organic clothing. I see organic cotton clothing at Whole foods and there are a plethora of online retailers selling organic. Organic content means that less pesticides and chemicals are seeping into the ground and water.

3. Alpaca. They are cute. The fiber is warm and soft. I love wearing alpaca sweaters in the winter. Pair it with turquoise and you have a sexy Santa Fe look. Check this out from http://www.purelyalpaca.com/

Why Alpaca?

Alpaca clothing is an Earth Friendly renewable resource... Soft padded feet, not hooves reduces soil erosion. Efficient digestion allows for lower feed levels and great compost. Alpacas are camelids (in the camel family), consuming less water. Renewable elegant hypoallergenic fiber provides natural clothing for all.

4. Vintage. The harm is already done. You are reusing :)

5. Boutiques. Boutiques often boast locally created goods which means that your product did not have to travel from across the world to get there. And, you aren't giving money to a large corporation because boutiques are more often than not, locally owned and operated.

6. Buy at art and music festivals. One of my favorite designers, Autumn Teneyl started out in local shows. Little to no overhead, no lights, no big building to heat and air condition. Plus, you get something really unique, probably hand made, and local.

7. The jury is out on this one for me but I have been tossing around the benefits of buying clothing from MLM sales companies like Cabi. At least I am helping to support a (most-likely) woman and the storage of clothing is in her home. However, it still has a large transport and a large company so who knows how their clothes are made.

Any other ideas?

August Boutique Interview

For August I will be interviewing the owner of Regina's Fashions in Castle Rock. Regina's clothing is very hip with a lot of tie-dye rock star looks. I imagine myself walking out of Regina's interview in Jeans with heals and a rocking new tank!

Philosophy

I love Philosophy. I use their moisturizer and sun screen. The body scrub is amazing. For Christmas, I got a bottle of Inner Grace-the big one the 2 oz spendy version-from my partner. Now, I have almost .25 left and it smells like alcohol. I have emailed Philosophy because I actually want to see how they handle it. A good company stands behind their products when something isn't right. If I am putting all this crap on my face, I want to know that if they find out something isn't right with those products that they will stand behind those, too.

I will keep you posted on their response. Keeping my fingers crossed for now!

What you won't read or see on Bella...

I write this blog because I love shopping at boutiques. I love the fact that they are women-owned (usually) and that they are small businesses-which means they have to put their customers first. I also love that they carry higher quality clothing that I won't see on every single person in Denver. But, I also know why they don't do better. Often boutiques are intimidating for women because you are not as likely to be the anonymous shopper browsing through the same ol' store (you could replace Gap, Old Navy, Macy's or Target here). Because they are local and small boutiques are more personal and as a shopper you have to get accustomed to that. Unfortunately as a society we have moved away from the mom and pop restaurant and the home town clothier. That said, I know that women will only enjoy boutiques if the people in the boutiques are personable and they seem like they can trust them to tell them that they might need a Spanx to go under this shirt.

Therefore, you will not read or see on Bella:

A. A Boutique in which I don't feel comfortable. If I go in to a Boutique and the salespeople-it doesn't have to be the owner-don't make me feel comfortable- you will not read about it on Bella no matter how much I like their brands, displays or their clothes.

B. If the clothes are so expensive that I won't even take a second look, then you won't read about it on Bella. I have a higher threshold than most for prices so if it sticker shocks me, it will sticker shock others for sure!

C. If the clothes are plain, shapeless and look like something I would buy at a department store then I am not going to review it on Bella.

I don't want to write about things that I don't like. I want to keep it positive! I skipped over a Boutique today because the clothes were blah and the sales lady was sort of distracted by a necklace and acted put out when I approached her and said hello. If I have to beg for a hello then I don't want to trust you to tell me that I should try on a different size or that I have picked two browns that don't really match.

Boutique Sale!

Irresistibles Boutique in Castle Rock is having a Moving Sale!

Boutique Cali and Mo

New (to me) Boutique!

I popped into Cali and Mo today. What an amazing little Boutique! The store is about half vintage and half new merchandise. Some of the merchandise is repurposed vintage materials like these beautiful bracelets by Babes and Hussies.

I was also delighted that Cali and Mo sells a lot of local product. These bracelets are made in Colorado. As with this Autumn Teneyl dress which is sewn in Colorado and probably seen at a music festival on a dancing beauty or even in a vendor's tent. Save yourself the dirty feet and just go to Cali and Mo.

According to Cali and Mo fashionista, Katie who works at their Park Meadows location, Cali and Mo is named after the co-owners who live in Cali and Missouri and are just two girls looking to make a living. Ali hand makes lamps out of vintage materials. This particular lamp includes a vintage wedding dress and shade. This lamp would look so sexy in a bedroom.

At the back of the boutique hangs a vintage coat that is over 100 years old and as Katie said, "was worn before the titanic sank." If you love it but can't justify the money just use the Boutique's lay-away plan. They give you three months to pay anything off. I like the sound of that-they might just be getting a lot of my Christmas business!

Here is the coat that I am thirsting for. Look at the arms, what a beautiful shape.

I usually get a little worried about size in boutiques because often they don't carry anything over a 14 but Cali and Mo goes up to 3x on some of their designers. These sheer shirts would look cute over jeans and a camisole.

Want something unique? A bag that only you have. My mouth is watering over these bags. George, Gina and Lucy bags are handbags made in Germany and Cali and Mo have a very small collection, they buy unique pieces and for most styles they only buy one bag. That means that not everyone who has been to Coors field will have seen your bag. I am digging on this colorful bag.

Cali and Mo will help you stand out, look trendy, and have fun while shopping. Katie says that they will be bringing in an exciting new Tarina Tarantino line for the fall. Tarina Tarantino is girly, goth, hip and chic all at the same time. Her colors are bright, feminine or both. I am going back to Cali and Mo to check that out!

Cali and Mo have 3 stores in Colorado. Their original store is on the 16th street mall. The other two stores are in Cherry Creek and Park Meadows. If you don't live in Denver, they have a website: http://www.caliandmo.com/index.htm you can shop there. But, you won't get to see the beautiful displays and talk with the all-knowing and delightful Katie!

Perfume Samples at Nordstrom

I have figured out how to get perfume samples sans the cardboard! Nordstrom will give you a vile if you ask for a sample. I don't think that the perfume manufacturers are making those little viles anymore but if you want to really get a feel for how the perfume will interact with your own personal chemistry, ask your Nordstrom's sales person to give you a sample to take home. I thank the perfume goddess for Nordstrom.

Sunglasses

It is time to replace my huge Paris Hilton-type Fossil Shades circa early 2008.

Ani Difranco's drummer, was wearing shades like this at the Mile High Music Festival. I am going to try them on and see how they look on me! I have been waiting for these to be back "in" ever sense Tom Cruise made that one movie... You know the one!

These are Mosley Tribes Alliance shades.

Denver Clothing Boutiques?

Anyone have any good boutiques around Denver that I should check out? Leave a comment!

Perfume Samples

I hate perfume samples on little cards. I want a vile that I can take home, put it on when I am clean, wear it for a day and see how it goes. This whole business of trying to find my new scent is so frustrating!

RIP Jasmine Boutique

The Jasmine Boutique started this whole transformation. I was just going to the post office when I saw a huge banner stating that the boutique was going out of business. I walked in. Because the prices were low, I was willing to try things on that I would normally have thought would never fit. I am between a size 14 and 18 depending on the brand of clothing and usually boutique clothes are just sized too small to work for me. What was meant to be a pop in and look ended up being an hour and a half of trying on beautiful clothes. I pulled out the mastercard and spent 300 on what was over 650 dollars worth of clothing. I bought this the first day I was there. It is a halter, I put a little black tank under it and I later bought these leggings to go under neath it. I know that it is still a little on the frump side, but at least I am experimenting with color!

Sorry I am still trying to figure out how to work the picture function on this computer!