Downtown Susie Brown

Fashion: June 2009 Archives

Farrah_Fawcett_iconic_pinup_1976.jpgShe was such a P.Y.T.

As troubled as they may have became in life - they left their mark with their talent and style.  No one will ever forget the "Farrah" hair of the 70's or Michael's glove, red leather jacket or moon walk of the 80's.

This week's giveaway winner is....

Beth

 "I would love to check out this new store and get a new suit!"

Congratulations!!!

Have a great weekend everyone...  I have the urge to go to Vapor or Mare to dance to some 70's and 80's music!  Anyone else??? 

{Sorry for the late post... need to get used to the summer schedule - or lack thereof!}

 

 

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You work hard at the gym.  Faithful to your boot camp buddies, do your crunches, run 3x a week, yoga, pilates, kick boxing, tennis, and what about spin class?  Forget about it - you must lose 5 pounds with the amount you sweat.  For what?  Bathing suit season.  It's here, it's short, and it's time to flaunt your results.  The yellow polka dot bikini may not be your choice, so this weeks giveaway will help you choose the right suit for you...

Make a comment for your chance to win a $45.00 gift certificate to The Clothes Line.  They will help you in your quest for the best look to suit you this summer.

Make a comment to enter to win!

 

Seychelles-Sandals.jpgYou know what I'm talking about... Big white sneakers, fanny pack, nose in a map.  Although the last one may be unavoidable the other two must be avoided at all cost.  Am I suggesting 3 inch heels at Disney {seen that} or that you should refrain from all comfort and practicality?  Certainly not!  Sensible shoes can be comfy and chic. I found these sandals by Seychelles at Violet's which serve both needs perfectly.  These will easily go from day to evening, shorts to maxi dress with ease. The soles have a nice cushion and support so you can take in all the sightseeing, shopping, and strolling without the dogs barking.  Do Saratoga proud - leave the white sneakers at home {well, unless you plan on working out} and show off your Saratogian Style...
t bags orange and blue dress.jpgMy husband, my girls, Aggie's. Shari Voce Jewelry, T- Bag dresses, and traveling...  Guess what???  They all go together.  Yes folks, I'm packing my bags and heading off to... well, I'm not telling you that... yet.  But, trust me, there will be nice beaches, amazing food, good wine, strong coffee, lazy days, gorgeous scenery, a birthday {not mine} to celebrate, scenic views, and lots of fashion to take in...  Come join me {at least cyberly} this week as I pack and take off...where???   

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Life is Good for this outdoors lovin' guy.  Comfort and function is high on this guys list.  He likes the softest tee's, the more worn in the shorts the better and he refuses to wear big boy shoes on the week end.  Nope, it's all about being on the lake, in a tent,  getting his hands dirty in the garden, or just lounging in the back yard for this guy.  Embrace his casual style with a new tee from the Gap or Life Is Good on Broadway - they have so many fun tee's, hats, sweatshirts and much more great gear with snappy sayings on them.  Of course I love the one's that play with words and phrases like "All Those Who Wander Are Not Lost".  Jake's simple message of optimism will lift your spirit and Dad's.   New Reef flip flops from Saratoga Shoe Depot and he's good to go.  Looking for a special gift for this dad?  How about a sporty watch by Swiss Army found at N Fox Jewelers.  Now he's comfy and stylin' {just don't tell him}!

Gourmet-Dad-2---Father's-Da.jpgHe likes to cook, you like picnics.  He cooks, you take the kids for the day while he is the master of his universe, or at least the kitchen.  He cooks, you clean {again}.  It's Father's Day.  Don't pull a Kate Gosselin {I'm nothing like her!} - let him have his fun.  Supply him with a Putnam Market gift card to get the hard-to find gourmet cheeses, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, meats, pastas, WINE, and so much more...  Then get him a great cooking tool {Le Creusent pots} or one of these very cool picnic essentials by Gourmet Getaway {wine carrier} or Picnic Time {picnic basket} from Compliments to the Chef {it is picnic season and you are due for an updated picnic tote - you'll - I mean - he'll love it!}.  Add some tickets to a SPAC event {he loves the ballet - right?} and you'll have another picnic to look forward to.  A Vineyard Vines seersucker button down along with some crisp new shorts from The Pink Paddock will give him that polished summer look you feel in love with.  Sounds like a win-win gift to me... 

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All Spa City dad's look forward to Opening Day {July 29th} and spending some time at the track...  Make sure he's ready with all the essentials for a winning day!  A subscription to the Daily Racing Form and a nice pen will make sure he's more informed when he does his handicapping {let's face it enny meeny miny mo can only go so far}.  A cool linen shirt from Banana Republic and a dapper straw hat by Scala found at La Sartoria on Broadway will make him look like he's heading to the winners circle instead of hanging out on the rail {nothing wrong with that}.  A few cigars from James & Sons Tobacconists and a cooler filled with a 6 pack of his favorite beverage and some snacks from Putnam Market will ensure a good time whether he wins or loses {although he's a sure-thing in your eyes}.  This is the perfect gift for your track loving dad!

{the inspiration for this board?  My own dad who loved the track and a good cigar}

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I love the wrap dress.  Erin went out of her comfort zone with this dress and has had amazing results!  She looks sexy and confident!  The wrap style plays up her girly figure in a very sophisticated way.  Spanx and Fashion Tape is a girl's best kept secret for keeping things where they need to be.

I wanted to play up the color because it's all about color this season {especially orange and bright yellow}.  I used the same blue peep toe wedges from the shop your closet post to play up the blue in the dress, but added an orange clutch, chunky necklace and fun flower cocktail ring to add pop!  Take risks and have fun with color - it isn't always about matching.

{Dress from Frivolous, Necklace and clutch from 80 West, Spanx and Fashion Tape can be found at Frivolous}

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In Erin's Words....
"Thank you so much Susan!  Who knew shopping could be so much fun!  I love how we went through my closet first and decided which things work for me and then got rid of things that did not.  And then to the shopping!  I can truthfully say I did not expect to find much downtown to fit me .... but Susan knows what she is doing.  It was great to shop with Susan because she knows the stores and store owners so well.  These people are great!  So helpful and not scary at all!!!  
 
 I love all my new clothes ~ they are so comfortable and mix with all my clothes I already own.  When we were going through my closet Susan was surprised at the clothes and accessories I already had but never wear...Susan then asked me, "What are you waiting for?"  Well, I am not waiting any longer.  I have been stepping it up and wearing my cool jewelry and hats. Why not?    I have a great life and now I can look good while I am enjoying it!
 
Thanks to Maria for my great hair, I love it!  Much appreciation to Amy and Mary at Spa Cascada..  I love my make up and brows! Thanks to all who came to my big reveal and donated so generously to the Franklin Community Center food pantry".
 
Erin and her husband Mike, through their party raised $900.00 and donated two boxes full of much needed non-perishable food items to Franklin Community Center. Erin is truly beautiful inside and out!
 
A special thanks to Kim Purdy for taking all the pictures!!!
 
The winner of this week's giveaway and the start of an enhancement of their own is...
 
Rebecca..
Her comment was... "My daughter Alice {referring to my grey roots} said "Mom - it looks like someone dropped a powdered doughnut on your head"!
 

Enjoy SaratogaArtsFest this week end!! 

 See you next week when we will celebrate DAD! 

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Pictures by Kim Purdy

We all have those moments when we feel like we have NOTHING to wear. This is when having the wardrobe staples comes in very handy.  We took these classic khaki trousers that Erin already had in her closet and paired it with a black wrap blouse that Erin has had, but never wore.  The blouse is the perfect silhouette for Erin.  The wrap style works well because the v-neck adds length to Erin and flatters her bust.  The top hits her right at the hip line and shows off her waist.  The wide leg trouser adds balance to the whole silhouette giving it a classic and polished look.  We made it Erin's own by adding funky jewelry.  The chunky coral necklace and fun blue peep toe shoes adds just enough color to make it appropriate for any summer event!

{Coral necklace from 80 West}

 

 

erin---after-blue-wrap-whit.jpg Taaa dahhhh!!!!  Doesn't she look great?! 

Nothing says summer better than white.  Crisp, clean and light is just what we are looking for on hot summer evenings.  But, when the sun goes down it's best to be prepared with a soft light weight wrap.  This is the perfect summer evening outfit for Polo, a dinner party, or a night poolside with friends. I love how the all white layer adds length to Erin, while the wrap when tied defines her waist.  Silver chain necklace and matching earrings add length but are light weight and don't over take the outfit.  A bold cuff and fun beaded bracelets complete the look.

{Pants, tank and wrap from Violet's of Saratoga.  Earrings and Necklace from Frivolous.  Silver cuff, beaded bracelets are from Erin's closet!}

erin-enhancement-blue-wrap-.jpg erin-blue-wrap-black-skirt.jpg Erin raves about how comfortable and easy this outfit is to wear.  The truth is you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.  Erin can easily chase after her three boys in this cool cotton black swing skirt that shows off her great legs!  We paired this with her white tank {above} layered with a light weight blue tank. On cooler days or evenings at the baseball field she can layer on her blue wrap {above}, and a funky bright scarf to brighten up the ensemble.  Dainty jewelry adds just the right detail.

Having key pieces in your closet will make mix and matching easy.  This blue wrap will get tons of wear.  To show how different it can be I tied it in the back for the second look and it gave it a much different look and feel.

One of these essential wraps can be yours!!  Stop by Violet's of Saratoga, tell them DTSB sent you and they will give you 20%  off a wrap in the color of your choice - they have a plethora of colors to choose from!!  Run don't walk... 

{Skirt, white tank , and scarf are from Violet's of Saratoga  Blue tank from  Old Navy  Jewelry is Erin's own} 

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{Before - coffee at Saratoga Coffee Traders to talk strategy}

Mother, wife, Saratogian, all around do-gooder.  Great laugh.  Loves to hang with her family and friends.  Enjoys the simple pleasures of life - BBQ's, watching her boys play baseball, Blue Moon, walks through town, gardening, her husband's quirky sense of humor, but best of all...  embraces change.

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{the unveiling party - picture by Kim Purdy}

We shopped her closet and downtown.  We consulted Amy Snider at Spa Cascada and Maria {my favorite hair stylist} for make up, brow, skin care and hair suggestions.  Did we find a look to match her lifestyle and personality?  Come back all week and you be the judge...

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The adorable and fashionable owner of 80 West, Barbara Macina, wearing one of the many great dresses she carries at the store now located at 510 Broadway.

  80-west-baubles.jpg I'm a huge fan of Barbara's baubles.  A great way for you recessionistas to liven up your summer wardrobe.  Look cool and current in last year's dress when you add these trendy and affordable accessories.  Your secret is safe with me...

80-west---tiffany-cowboy-ha.jpg  Oh, did I mention she has hats?  For the track, pool, or street.  The ever stylin' Tiffany in one of my favorites.  Love the classic plaid on the cowboy style.  Giddy up!!!

80-west-dress-grand-opening.jpgHow cute is this dress?  Clearly this 80 West fan knows how to wear it and the shoes were perfect.  Yes, 80 West has shoes too!!!

 

What's you favorite fashion term?  Guests had fun filling a wall with words that describe their favorite fashion term or expression.  Savvy, Sophisticated, Stylish...hmmmm those sound familiar.. {the beautiful interior design of the new location was done by Beverly Tracy Home Design - oh so Elle Decor}.

Much luck, Barbara in your new location!!! 

A gift to all DTSB readers... Mention this post and Barbara will give you 20% off your next purchase at 80 West! 

Now that's a good way to start the week...

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DOWNTOWN SUSIE BROWN

Stay-at-home mom who left her job in the fashion industry in NYC to raise 3 wonderful girls, but never lost the passion for fashion. My husband and I were lucky enough to move to a small town that has an amazing downtown that offers a big city lifestyle. I will highlight here where to find the latest trends, great gift ideas, and delicious food and drink! All the THINGS I LOVE about downtown Saratoga Springs. Enjoy!


QUESTIONS? ASK ME ...

my email susan{at}downtownsusiebrown{dot}com

{Interested in an enhancement or fashion consultation?  Email me for rates}



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