CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

Best of Resort Wear

January 27, 2010 by Suzanne N. | Comments (0)

While the weather outside is still frightful, inside Boston’s best boutiques hot-hued Resort Wear is in full bloom! It’s beginning to look a lot like spring!

J. Mode At this Best of the North Shore boutique, shoppers peruse a stylish selection of summer separates: ethnic print sundresses, airy tunics, hammered metallic cuff bracelets, floral embroidered wrap dresses, figure flattering designer denim and bold, tribal inspired necklaces. For effortlessly chic, feminine silhouettes perfect for work or play, visit Salem’s J. Mode.

1154 Lill Studio Can’t find the handbag of your dreams amid the lush floral prints and hot patent leathers? No problem! For the woman who knows what she wants and isn’t willing to settle, 1154 Lill Studio offers custom bags! From style to fabric to trim, customers get total design control of their tote in a fun and easy process after which 1154 Lill manufactures and ships the product in just a matter of weeks! And voila! You have created an accessory that truly reflects you and your style.

Moxie Spring showers abound in Boston! So for a chic umbrella, stop by Moxie.  While you’re there, admire their wide selection of accessories galore: shoes, sunglasses, hair clips, handbags – oh my! There is no better way to top off your warm weather wardrobe than with the perfect accessory!

Ku De Ta Looking to revitalize your warm weather wardrobe on a budget? Ku De Ta is the place for you! Stop by this South Boston boutique for chic, unique, and reasonably priced springtime separates. But be warned: It is very difficult to walk by without going in and it is even more difficult to walk out without purchasing some fabulous finds!

Leokadia From the moment you walk down the front steps to the patio filled with bright flowers and an antique bench from the Tulleries Garden in Paris you know you’ve stumbled upon a jewel. And you have. Leokadia is a dream come true for fabulous footwear obsessed fashionistas. Its well-edited collection of some of the best European designer shoes has savvy Boston gals buzzing with delight! Whether you CRAVE a feminine ballet flat or a tough metallic gladiator wedge, Leokadia has all your feet need to be chic this spring.

Seed Stitch Fine Yarn

January 23, 2010 by Suzanne N. | Comments (2)

Want cozy slippers? Or warm, soft mittens? No need to hurry to your nearest accessories store – you can make them yourself during the January and February classes at Seed Stitch Fine Yarn!  From far and wide, fiber artists and those who knit and crochet flock to this exceptional Salem boutique owned by Salem locals, Courtney and Robbie Heath.  Whether you are a stitching amateur or a many-year veteran, Seed Stitch Fine Yarn is sure to provide you with all of your knitting and crocheting needs, from a wide array of yarns, patterns, accessories, classes, inspiration and more.  Specializing in natural fibers, from luxury cashmere to workhorse wools, Courtney’s discerning taste assures you always receive the highest quality materials.  The store’s helpful and welcoming staff (and Courtney’s young daughter, Mazie, a frequent Seed Stitch visitor) can assist you, whether you’re working on your first or five-hundredth project.

Continue reading to learn more about this savvy businesswoman who will be featured in our upcoming CRAVE Boston Guide!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Creative. Inspirational. Welcoming.

What are your most popular products or services?

What I think people like most about Seed Stitch is the atmosphere, the comfort they feel when they walk in.  Our customers are welcome to come, sit and work on a project any time. Regardless of skill level we’re happy to help them.  I think it’s this sense of community and openness that attracts so many customers to the shop.

What is your indulgence?

Chocolate. Plain and simple.

What do you CRAVE in business? In life?

Creativity, inspiration, laughter, and contentment.

Check out Seed Stitch Fine Yarn at:

21 Front St. Salem, MA 01970

978-744-5557

And on Twitter @seedstitch

Boston’s Best Sources for Glamorous Couture Evening Wear

January 20, 2010 by Suzanne N. | Comments (0)

In search of a glamorous gown, elegant evening wear, or flawlessly coordinating pumps and accessories?  These stores are guaranteed to leaving your CRAVE-ing your next shopping spree!

Serenella

This Best of Boston winner houses luxe pieces from internationally acclaimed designers such as Versace, Narciso Rodriguez and Roberto Cavalli.  Looking for formal evening wear?  This is your one-stop-shop for gorgeous gowns and effortlessly chic modern accessories.  The constant variety of sophisticated trends ensures shoppers find something new every time they visit.  For the ultimate shopping experience – the décor is lovely and the sales women are quite friendly – visit Serenella’s Newbury Street boutique.

Holiday

Holiday is home to some of the loveliest designer ready-to-wear and accessories.  Shoppers are pleasantly delighted when they step into the store for the first time and discover Holiday’s own off-the-rack signature collection and “Pretty Little Vintage” label.  Shopping for a extraordinary occasion?  Holiday’s expert tailors will also custom make clothes or gowns for you!  Drop in to their Charles Street boutique or make an appointment for a luxurious shopping experience you are sure to relish!

Betsey Jenny

Nicoel Miller, Anni Kuan, Paul Cormack – Oh My!  Betsy Jenny, located on both Newbury Street and in Newton Centre, has a plethora of designers from which to choose when shopping.  The staff is creative and can work quickly, so shoppers are guaranteed a fabulous frock in time for their special fête.  And don’t miss out!  Join their mailing list to hear about their marvelous trunk shows!

All dressed up and nowhere to go?  Come to one of our CRAVE Boston events!

Best of Boston Gyms and Trainer Tips

January 18, 2010 by Suzanne N. | Comments (1)

For busy women, having a career and staying in shape is a lot to jungle!  Add family and friends to the mix and it feels like there is not nearly enough time in the day to exercise!  So CRAVE has compiled a list of the best gyms and studios in Boston plus exercise, health and wellness tips from some of their best trainers and instructors – all guaranteed to leave you CRAVE-ing your next workout!

Modern Pilates

Master Instructor Lisa Johnson is the founder and owner of Modern Pilates in Brookline. She is always expanding her Pilates knowledge and has trained in Toronto, London, Sydney, Chicago, Phoenix and extensively in California. Lisa is the first Pilates instructor to be accepted as an educational affiliate of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This very busy woman is also the originator of the “Pro Zone” column in Pilates Style magazine. Is there anything she doesn’t do?  Apparently not!  Lisa has recently launched the Modern Pilates Instructor Training program. With so much to do in so little time, what are this busy woman’s workout secrets?

1.  Blitz some extra calories by doing cardio first.  Your heart rate will stay elevated throughout the weight lifting portion of your routine and you’ll burn extra calories without any additional effort!

2.  Kegels are your abs best kept secret!  Doing kegels while doing crunches will detonate any pooch.  Also, try doing your ab exercises at half your normal speed.  The slower you go, the more time those muscle fibers have to contract and the sooner you’ll be svelte and sassy.

3.  To look dazzling and sexy, do Pilates!  Pilates immediately improves posture so you looking taller and thinner and clothes drape better.  If you’re trying to tone quickly, Pilates three days a week for two weeks will flatten your tummy, tone your arms and leave you feeling graceful and lithe!

Healthworks Fitness Centers for Women

This fabulous all-female gym has it all: challenging cardio classes, personalized training, mind/body sessions, spa treatments, a book club and more!  With so many Boston-area locations, getting there is the easy part!  And don’t worry about having to stay all day.  Back Bay Healthworks Fitness Director, Bonnie LeFrank, stresses that workouts do not have to be 60 minutes, and that this all-or-nothing mentality can derail fitness goals quickly!  Instead, she says, carve out 15-20 minute pockets during your week to exercise at a high intensity. Intensity outweighs time for best results.  Try setting the alarm for 20 minutes earlier and spend that time working out.  Or do dumbbell exercises while dinner is cooking!

Core De Vie

For more than fifteen years, Ellen Comerford has strived to help people surpass their own perceived health and wellness limitations. She is a Holistic Health Practitioner and the founder of Beacon Hill’s Core De Vie, Boston’s only Master Trainer owned and operated Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis and Pilates studio in Boston.  (If you haven’t tried Gyrontic or Gyrokinesis, your workouts are missing out)! Ellen, who weaves her holistic health into all of her teachings, tells CRAVE: ADD to your diet! “It’s called the crowding out effect,” she says. “Most people are told to avoid a list of foods, such as bread, white flour, and sugar.  A better idea is to Add in…Water, greens, whole grains, fruits (real food)!  When we add in nutrition packed whole foods, the junk has a way of dropping off organically!” Sounds yummy to me!

Prana Power Yoga

After achieving it all – an Ivy League BA, an Ivy League MA, a great family, a great job, and more (wow!), Taylor Wells realized all of these triumphs and accomplishments did not fulfill her.  Then she found yoga.  Now, Taylor works as President, co-founder and co-director (with her husband, Phillipe) of Prana Yoga Studio in Newton so she can give the gift of yoga to other busy women!

Taylor’s tip? Get on your yoga mat as often as possible! She says, “When people tell me that they are “too busy” to practice and ask me how I “do it all and fit in a yoga practice daily,” I tell them that I’m too busy NOT to practice every day.  Your yoga practice will not only transform your body, mind, and Spirit and help you to achieve inner peace and joy, but it will also “create” more time in your life.  How does it do this?  By helping you to become more focused, calm, and drama-free – immediately!  After your very first practice!  And it just keeps getting better and easier!  Just show up to your mat, Sister!” Namaste!

Back Bay Yoga Studio

Lynne Begier, director, founder and a teacher at Back Bay Yoga, has been a dedicated yoga student for almost two decades, studying many styles of yoga including Forrest, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin and Anusara.  In 2002 she opened Back Bay Yoga where she encourages transformation through shedding the unimportant and embracing challenges. Lynne inspires her students to be strong, have fun and find their own flow on the mat and on the street.

Lynne’s tips to combat “do-it-all” syndrome?

1.  Commit to one class without fail.  Sometimes we women set high goals, like “I am taking four yoga classes these week.”  While some weeks you may be able to, those standards can set you up for defeat.  Committing to one class that you won’t miss removes the stress.

2.  Bring a Friend! The best way to do yoga is to make it your night out with a friend. Nothing is better than a great yoga class and sharing a yummy meal afterward. It will be more fun and you are more likely to stick with it.

3.  GO CHEAP! Back Bay Yoga Studio offers 6 weekly community classes for ONLY $5 Cash. This will help you keep your costs down and STAY fit and healthy all year long.

With all of these extraordinary exercise options, you are sure to sweat throughout this cold Boston winter!

Are you a Good Wife?

January 8, 2010 by Suzanne N. | Comments (2)

What makes a good wife? According to Hilary Glynn, a modern-day good wife is a sexy, domestic goddess, a powerful career woman, a caring mother and a doting wife. Those are some high standards! So Hilary created Good Wife apparel for the woman who “does it all” and needs a chic, comfortable outfit in which to do it! Good Wife apparel is perfect for the gym, errands, and relaxing on the couch with friends, family or a good book. Made from the highest quality cotton, Good Wife clothes are both extremely comfortable and sexy. Each piece is hand-embellished so it is as unique as its customers and features the adorable, conversation-starting Good Wife logo.

Hilary can also help you host a fun event your friends will never forget – a Good Wife Party! Complete with private shopping and styling, a specialty drink menu, a juicy conversation-starting questionnaire, and of course, party favors, Good Wife parties are a fabulous and festive way to have a girls’ night in or celebrate an engagement.

Continue reading to learn more about this savvy businesswoman who will be featured in our upcoming CRAVE Boston Guide!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Comfortable, Sexy, Unique

What or who inspired you to start your business?

My girlfriends! I had T-shirts made as favors for a Girls’ Night party I hosted.  They were an instant hit!

Who is your role model or mentor?

My mother put herself through college and graduate school, and had a successful career, all while raising us by herself.

What do you CRAVE in business? In life?

I crave success and happiness…doing something I believe in.  This is true for both my business and personal life.