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

Fall is Almost Here!



If you’re looking for inspiration in updating your wardrobe for the upcoming season, you’re in the right place! We’ve got everything you need from our very own CRAVE women. From the perfect accessories to the trendiest colors, this list will give you exactly what you need, and exactly where to find them!

Layer on the jewelry

This fall is all about accessories that pop! Go big with necklaces, wear multiple bracelets, and layer up on rings. Lola’s Urban Vintage will help you to be fearless. The accessories found here are one-of-a-kind, so you don’t have to worry about running into someone with the same bold pieces as you! Made using vintage jewelry, hardware, and other unexpected pieces, Lola’s necklaces will make you stand out and will be the highlight of any outfit!

Sheer pieces

Sheer tops combine risky and feminine to make a beautiful match. This comfy combination will boost your confidence whether you’re running errands or at lunch with the girls! Wear an oversized sheer tee, like Crush Boutique’s Daftbird Sheer Oversized Cropped Pocket Tee, over a tank top or pretty bandeau to turn heads on the town!

Cutaways

Cutaways allow you show off a little more, and they don’t compromise sophistication IF you do it the right way. This trend could work with any item in your closet, from shoes to dressy tops. Try Mint Julep’s Plenty Frock by Tracy Reese Delaney Dress for a daring, but classy addition to your wardrobe!

Two Girls Shop


Opposites Attract.  And in this case, create a successful, distinctive shop in the small city of Salem, MA.  Pia Schoeck and Emily Edelman, the owners of two girls shop, offer everything from unusual vintage home décor to cozy jeans at their new location. two girls shop has moved to 320 Derby St in Salem, MA.  Be sure to join them in celebrating this exciting move on September 13th at 4:00 PM with their ribbon cutting, champagne, and sweets! Fellow Salem native Lisa, the founder of “Wunderbudder”, will also be there to share her beautiful products!

Let’s get to know the duo a bit better:

Where do you find such a unique collection of items?

The two girls are always looking and searching for special merchandise. We feel strongly that good style does not necessarily need much money but creativity and fantasy. Having said that, the sky is the limit when trying to find products.

In what ways do you both work together as one team?

We are a classic example of opposites attracts: our up bringing, backgrounds, styles and personalities are very different. Yet we manage to have one vision, one concept for our store. We embrace the differences, respect and enjoy each other and feel the store is a great gift to each other.

What are your ultimate goals for the future of two girls shop?

The ultimate goal is to meet the customers’ needs and evolve with them and try to stay current with product and our philosophy in the store. And of course continue to always have fun with our store!!!

What are your most popular products or services?

Vibrant colored tubtrugs, hot pink snail watering can, porn for women books, recycled overnight totes, kitchen whimsys.

How do you spend your free time?

What free time??

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?

Not realizing from the get go that everyone does not share our same positive outlook, that healthy competition is not something to be threatened by but embraced and used as a source of growth.

Be sure to visit Pia and Emily at their new location, e-mail them at twogirlsshop@gmail.com, or check out their Facebook page!

Shine in Topaz


Friends and co-owners of Cambridge’s Topaz, Stephanie Dunn and Evelyn Levy, know that jewelry is a mode of expression.  With a specialty in the “elegant and offbeat” these women know that every girl CRAVES a little something for herself every once in a while, hence their reminder that “not every gift has to be given away.”  With a specialty in sterling silver and semi-precious stones, Topaz has just what you need to adorn yourself in only the finest jewelry, regardless of your budget.  Let Stephanie and Evelyn make you and your personality shine at the ‘Paz.  For more information on this gem of a jewelry store, head on over to Topaz at 11 Dunster St. in Cambridge or at topazcambridge.com.  In the meantime, take a sneak peek into the lives of the women who adorn Cambridge with only the finest and most fun in accessories:

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Serene, classy, cutting edge

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Our friendship combined with a love of jewelery

Who is your role model or mentor?
Any woman who has made it on her own, starting at the bottom, against all odds, and reached the top of her game, such as Barbara Walters, Martha Stewart and Oprah

What is your indulgence?
Carving time out from family and work to do girlfriend travel

Satisfy Your Senses at Matsu


Dava Muramatsu is dedicated to helping women get in touch with their inner elegance.  At her upscale Back Bay boutique, Matsu, located at 259 Newbury St. #2, Dava encourages women to “play when you get dressed up.  Play, period.”  “Indulge your essence” with “life enriching style” and allow Dava to be your guide.  With a gorgeous selection of clothes and accessories from Dava’s vision, you’re sure to find your style and a little bit of soul at Matsu.  Head on over to Newbury Street today to find out what you’ve been missing.  For more information visit www.matsuboston.com.  In the meantime, learn a little more about the mind behind Matsu below:


What do you want your customers to feel?

I want people to feel opulent about themselves.  One way I access and inspire people is by triggering their senses – all five senses.

What can people expect when they walk in your store?

When you walk in the first thing that hits you will be the smell.  When you leave you’re just haunted by it…Smell can bring you places.  It can bring you so much.

What makes Matsu different than other stores?

One reason this store is different than most is that it is in-tune to the soul.  Soul you cannot purchase.

Anything you CRAVE for summer?

Calleen Cordero sandals.  They feel somewhat Roman.  They’re studded and handmade.  They’re really like jewelry for the feet.

Sweet Summer Accessories


Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means!  Time to snag some sweet shades, a hat for the heat or any other accessories that suit your summer fancy.  You may even score that cute sundress you can’t get off your mind at one of these secret spots!  Check out these Boston-area locales for your summer style hunt.  You’ll be in the sand, out on the lake or at your Memorial Day BBQ in the fashion you CRAVE! What better way to kick off summer?

Habitwww.habitshop.com

This stylish shop in South Boston offers everything you could ever want – and more!  With a wide variety of fashions from the designers you CRAVE, including Any Colour You Like, Scrapbook and Haven, you’re sure to find the summer style that screams YOU and won’t break the piggy bank. Owners Pamela Santorelli and Leila Moore are dedicated to bringing you the best in style at an affordable price.  Right now, we CRAVE Big Buddha bags – perfect for all your beach needs!  Head on over to South Boston and make this cute shop a Habit.

Nomadwww.nomadcambridge.com

Vintage and tribal prints are in!  For a cultural and colorful experience that will leave you with awesome accessories for the summer, head on over to Nomad, located in Cambridge’s Porter Square.  Cute shoes, colorful totes and playful jewelry – whatever you’re after and whatever you’re style, Nomad has you covered and adorned with only the best.  We CRAVE Melissa shoes and a BBDakota strapless dress – what could be better for a day at the beach?  Don’t let us decide for you, conjure your “urban nomad” and head over to Porter Square today!

Moxiewww.moxieboston.com

Do you have Moxie?  No, we’re not talking about Maine’s finest carbonated beverage.  We’re talking about the store and the fine, fearless, feminine attitude that comes with it!  Spice up your wardrobe with some with accessories from Moxie, which boasts locations in Beacon Hill and Wellesley.  Weather you’re after the cutest headbands of the season, sunglasses or clutches, Owner Karen Fabbri and Manager Kristen Caldon of Moxie have your back with their “fashion-forward” selection.  We CRAVE any pair of shoes from this sweet boutique – you can’t beat the spirited collection at Moxie.

Get Creative with CreateGirl Julieann of Jace Interiors


Julieann Covino of Jace Interiors will deliver the style you CRAVE.  This “creative girl with a love of interiors” is sure to help you craft the perfect environment in your home to suit your functional needs and personality.  Best of all, Julieann believes everyone can enjoy a design dream in their home for an affordable price.  Whatever your needs are, Julieann “CreateGirl” is there for all of your interior design needs with the mantra: “Your Home, Your Style, My Assistance.”  Head on over to jaceinteriors.com today.  In the meantime, learn more about the creative connoisseur below and start forming your design fantasies today!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Affordable, Creative, Inspiring

What are your most popular products or services?

The Design Session is the most popular service. It’s an affordable few hours of brainstorming and easy solutions. A great jump start to any design project!

People may be surprised to know…

With only a few quick changes any room can be transformed. Rearranging furniture, painting or adding accents can easily pull a space together.

What is your indulgence?
Accent Pillows, Coats, Bags and really great food!

Adore yourself, adorn yourself!


What better way to celebrate you than with gorgeous jewelry that shows off your personality, best features and serves as a crafty conversation piece?  At CRAVE, we believe in celebrating the true you.  Whether you’re an earring kind of girl, a necklace lover or a sucker for charm bracelets, we have you covered. Adorn yourself  with selections from these Boston-area jewelry designers.  You’ll have everyone “ooohing and ahhing” in no time!

Athalia Originals – athaliaoriginals.com

Designer Emily Hirsch brings her vision for gorgeous elegance in silver and stone to Athalia Originals.  Emily’s passion for design speaks through her pieces, which include silver earrings, charm bracelets and necklaces.  We CRAVE the toggle necklace featuring a sweet selection of natural stones.  Check out the jewelry connoisseur’s Website to check up on her latest events or arrange a home party to spark the creativity of your jewelry-loving guests.

Topaz – topazcambridge.com

The crew at Topaz in Cambridge encourages you to “reinvent yourself…the difference is in the details!”  At this distinctive stop, which specializes in silver and semi-precious stones,  you’ll find an eclectic “playground” of unique pieces and the opportunity to shop for offbeat, yet elegant pieces that speak to your individuality.  We CRAVE everything in the the Ayala Bar line.  Be sure to score some sweet accessories including handbags, wallets, clutches and scarves to accompany your finds!

Tis TiK – shoptistik.com

In Mayan, “tistik” means “A warm welcome to you.”  That’s exactly what you can expect when you visit this fine jewelry hot spot with locations in Harvard Square, Dedham and Legacy Place.  Owner Perla Brito Cuevas has jewelry in her blood – her family owns a well-known jewelry store in Perla’s native city, Taxco, Mexico.  Boston jewelry lovers are lucky – Perla’s distinct vision, passion and selection for the finest jewelry brings unique pieces from Mexican jewelry designers and artisans right to their backyard!  We CRAVE the wooden jewelry collection from Estela Corona.  Don’t let us choose for you – head over to Tis TiK today to score the perfect pieces for you and an amazing cultural experience in the process

Beautiful, Bright, Blissful – We’re Craving These Blooms


As hibernation comes to an end, what better way to celebrate the sun than with a bunch of your favorite flowers?  Whether you’re after the perfect peonies for mom, a carnation corsage for your prom-goer, a budding bouquet for that springtime wedding, or a pick-me-up for yourself, the greater Boston area is blooming with fantastic flowers.  Be sure to check out these flower shops we CRAVE.  With so many budding options, you’ll be smelling the roses all spring long!

Fiddlehead Flowers - fiddlehead-flowers.com

Simplicity, elegance, style – at Fiddlehead in Salem, owner Jacqueline Albanese takes pride in each and every arrangement that goes out her doors.  Jacqueline and her team use the highest quality flowers and unique containers in their hand-crafted creations.  In addition to the breathtaking blooms you take home in their arrangements, the Fiddlehead crew brings their beautiful buds to you with patio gardening consults and plantings.  Whatever your flowering needs may be, Fiddlehead Flowers is sure find the florals to fit you.

Bow Street Flowers - bowstreetflowers.com

With her focus on “beautiful flowers,” owner Shelley White and team cater to each and every customer’s floral fantasies with Old World artisan style and standards from their Somerville home base.  Be sure to check out the spring collection at Bow Street, which features gorgeous peonies, sweet pea, hydrangea, lilacs, freesia and ferns.  Take some time to visit Shelley’s store, where her creations are displayed with her personal collection of rustic antiques.  At Bow Street Flowers, blooms are always bold, beautiful and bountiful.

Mimosamimosastyle.com

Teresa Fung brings her vision to Mimosa, located in Boston’s South End.  Characterized by “clean lines of Asian design,” “the lushness of European bouquets,” and “the natural beauty of fresh flowers,” you’re sure to find top-of-the-line blossoms for all your floral needs.  If you’re after sophistication tailored to your taste, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for at Mimosa.  Stop by for a visit to experience Teresa’s talents for yourself.  You won’t be disappointed!

Moxie


Boston’s most-fashionable shoe and accessories aficionados feed their cravings at Moxie. Moxie’s selection is always engaging, flirty, strong and fabulous.  With selections from top designers like Tory Burch, Cynthia Vincent, Loeffler Randall, Foley & Corinna, Kooba, and Beirn, there is no better way to top off your warm weather wardrobe this spring than with the perfect Moxie accessory!

Continue reading to learn more about this fabulous business and its savvy owner, Karen Fabbri, who will be featured in our upcoming CRAVE Boston Guide!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Vibrant, Feminine, Playful

What are your most popular products or services?

Tory Burch Flats, Loeffler Randall Platform Pumps and Booties, Foley & Corinna Bags

How do you spend your free time?

Playing with my children, sharing wine and good food with my husband and friends, volunteering with organizations that move me.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?

Vegas, Baby!

Put a Spring in Your Step with these Hot Colors



When we think of spring we think of pastels and floral prints, but those just seem a little too passé and boring. What will you be wearing this spring to spice up your wardrobe? Here are some of the color trends that you won’t want to miss out on. Pick up a few bright accessories that are both trendy and timeless.

Turquoise – We’re pretty sure this is on EVERYONE’S hot-list, along with other aqua-colored hues. This vibrant color turns every outfit up a notch, making you just exude that cool confident aura that will make you the center of attention. Splurge on a Jamie Joseph brightly colored stone ring. We love this Sea Blue Chalcedony Ring for a beautiful eye-catcher.

Light Pink – More specifically, champagnes and corals are two “light pinks” that won’t have you gagging on pastel and cotton candy. Champagne is the closest you can get to a nice neutral color while adding a little pop! And for coral, try some of Cara Lyndon’s hairpins, we recommend Coral Wheel . Whether your hair color is light or dark, this feminine flair will turn heads.

Yellow – In every shade and size. Add a dash here or there or a big bright bag to have everyone around you smiling. Evoking sunshine and happiness, everyone could stand to integrate this cheerful color into their wardrobe or even their home. Try a bright throw pillow to add to your living room, we like the yellow Gloria pillow from Henry Road. The great thing about throw pillows is, when spring is over, you can just throw them back into the closet until spring comes again!

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