Hello to all the lovely and stylish people who read my blog.  i just want to thank you for reading and commenting and enjoying my musings on retail and clothes and jewels and the like.

I’m adoring a (somewhat) new jewelry line that i’ve become involved with called Stella & Dot.  and i’m happy to pass on a 25% off discount to you – my blog friends!  Enter FAMILY09 at checkout.  Good only Nov 25 – 27.

There are so many lovely items in this collection that i’m crazy about – thought i’d point out a couple of my favorites to add a little “somthin’ somthin’ ” to your holiday wardrobe.

i jsut got the Heirloom Bracelet for myself and it’s stunning.  it really looks like a vintage piece that’s been handed down for generations and ended up in your jewelry box.  it fits a little loose – has a slightly heavy feeling – as if it’s real diamonds!  it’s very decadent.

the Adrienne Chain earrings and sexy hanging from your ears.  kinda glam, kinda rock-n-roll and very eye-catching.  adds great sizzle to a simple and sleek outfit. 

the Natasha Bib necklace is a true show stopper.  it’s mix of fine bead work, sparkly gems, pearls,  and silk flowers make it hard to stop staring. 

And though all of these will add pizazz to your holiday outfit – keep them circulating on regular days too!  a tank top and jeans never felt so special when paired with any of the above (but please – not all!).

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

xoxo

~kate

i thought it would be fun to write about actual boutiques!  and in light of the screwball economy – thought i’d chat about a lovely discount boutique in San Francisco called My Roommates Closet.

the concept is simple – it’s billed as a “boutique outlet” – with new merchandise at 50% of the original retail prices.  it’s like one giant sales rack.  boutiques that need to make room for new goodies can consign their overstock with MRC and at the end of each month they’ll receive a check for all items sold (at 50% of the MRC sale price). 

as a shopper – it’s a wonderful way to find those items that are just a wee bit out of your price range for at least 50% off.  the sizes are a little choppy – since these are just those few items that didn’t sell through at their original home.  but it’s a way to discover wonderful bargains and consider yourself lucky if you locate an item you had longed for at your favorite store!

as a boutique owner – this is a great way to move merchandise and bring in some cash.  perhaps you chose wrong for your clientele – sometimes an item simply needs a new home with a new set of shoppers to sell quickly.

finally – the shops are gorgeously appointed.  not your typical grungy second hand store.  you’ll feel you’re in another high-end boutique but with much lower price-tags.

if you’re a boutique owner looking for a place to deliver your unsold merchandise, contact the gals (Cate & Suzanne) at MRC to see if they can help you.  they currently work with over 35 botuiques in San Francisco, New York, and LA.

it’s no secret that i adore color.  walk into my closet and you’ll think you’ve stepped into the remnants of a rainbow explosion.  this is only one of the reasons why i’m smitten with ViviDot, a darling line of fabric covered earrings, necklaces, brooches and more.  the line has got some serious personality and i think her pieces would add fun & sass to any boutique.

the recession-friendly prices rock.  the line retails from $5 – 45 retail.  the result is an irresistable sale.  great gifts too!

and there is a sense of humor here that i dig.  for example – the “ouch” ring pictures an image of a band-aid.  kitschy – but cute.

the flower brooches are definitely my favorite item – i think they’d add just the right amount of pizazz to a jean jacket, a tank top, a lapel or a handbag.  whimsical  – yet modern – they have flair without being too girly.

When ready to place an order, you can choose from items in her store – or create custom items - for those who like a more tightly edited, personal selection.