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BOSTON, FASHION

Fashion Update: Coat-Obsessed at Zara

High Collar Double Breasted Coat, $169, from Zara

With a highly trafficked store on Newbury Street and suburban stores in Natick, Burlington and Peabody, Zara is slowly making a name for itself in Massachusetts.  While the chain may be newer to the area, my obsession with the brand started during my semester in London around six years ago, when I visited the store’s locations throughout Europe, including Paris, Rome and Barcelona.  At present, Zara sells clothing for men, women and children in Boston, but I’m hopeful that they will eventually bring their supercool Zara Home extension to the U.S. one day!

Since Zara opened in Boston, I’ve found myself gravitating toward their gorgeous blazers and jackets.  Well-tailored and fashion forward, a great jacket or blazer is an easy way to embrace seasonal trends, or extend the wearability of your favorite summer pieces.  This season, my wishlist is focused on classic pieces that I don’t have in my wardrobe yet, including a tan high-collared double-breasted knee-length coat that can play double-duty between the workweek and weekend.  At $169, the wool-angora blend seems reasonable.  To view this coat on Zara.com, please click here.

Gathered Neck Coat With Belt, $129, from Zara

Also on my wishlist is a cozy black and white fall tweed jacket with a gathered neck and belt.  I love jackets with a high neckline and this one checks off all the right boxes with its figure flattering tailoring, hidden buttons and waist cinching belt.  At $129, this wool-polyester blend coat is also affordable.  I can just see it now with black pants and a colorful sweater for work, or skinny jeans during the weekend.  Honestly, anything *but* the ensemble that they have it styled with on their website (re: socks and sandals are not my thing)!  The jacket is gorgeous in person and the Zara.com website photo does not do it justice.  For more information about this jacket on Zara.com, please click here.

Unfortunately, U.S. customers cannot purchase from Zara.com, but a store visit is always worth it.  If visiting the Newbury Street store, I highly recommend going early before it’s jam-packed and not as organized.  I’ve also been to the Natick Collection, which is smaller and much less hectic.  It’s also a great location to hunt down coveted pieces that are already sold out from the Newbury Street store.  Happy Shopping!

BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION

May 15-16: SoWa Open Market Returns to the South End

SoWa Open Market by New England Open Markets From Flickr

It’s baaack!  The SoWa Open Market is kicking off its seventh annual “season” in  Boston’s South End on Saturday-Sunday, May 15 and 16.  This weekend, more than 140 vendors, including clothing and accessories designers, photographers, artists, local farmers and bakers will descend on 460 Harrison Street to sell their wares under bright white tents in an open air market setting.

In addition to the outdoor market, there’s also a specialty SoWa Vintage Market, located in the former brick warehouse behind the market.  After this weekend, both markets will be open every Sunday through October 30 – excluding Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day weekends.  The event is free to attend and there’s free parking available in the lot adjacent to the market.

FASHION

Attention Bargainistas: Nordstrom Rack Sets up Shop in Framingham

If there’s one thing that I know about, it’s where to shop for clothing bargains. As a former Nordstrom employee, I was so excited to hear that Nordstrom Rack is opening a new store on Thursday, April 8 in Framingham.

Though not as well known in the Boston area, Nordstrom Rack has become a widely respected destination nationwide for deals and steals. While I wish it was more accessible to downtown Boston, Nordstrom Rack’s location in Shopper’s World is one more incentive for a designer deal hunting jaunt. Add in the temptations found at Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx and DSW and there’s a good chance that you won’t come home empty handed.

For more information about the opening of Nordstrom Rack, please click here.

BOSTON, FASHION

The Good, The Bad, and The Muffin Top: Boston Men Comment on Women’s Fashion

Think that men don’t care much about what we wear?  Think again.  Inspired by a conversation I had recently with a male friend at the Liberty Hotel after a woman walked by in over-the-knee black leather boots, lacy black tights, and a skintight red mini dress, I sat down with a few guys to hear their opinions on women’s fashion.

Turns out that guys do pay attention to what we wear, and their opinions are actually pretty funny.  When the aforementioned scantily clad woman walked by us at Clink, I expected a leer, but instead I saw a look of shock and horror register on my friend’s face.  He even went so far as to joke that she may be a woman “on a mission,” or worse, a call girl.

Apparently, less is more.  The guys I spoke to do want to see evidence of a rockin’ figure, but they don’t need or want all of your goodies hanging out.  Save that for later, preferably behind closed doors.  One of their top pet peeves? The dreaded muffin top!  Not only do they notice, but it’s also a major turnoff.  Clothing that could pass for maternity wear was also highlighted as a frustration.

Basics aside, we delved deeper into fashion and trends.  One insightful male listed a gripe as, “fashion for the sake of fashion.”  Overly trendy is not appealing unless it also happens to be figure flattering.  He bluntly continued, “If your outfit doesn’t make me want to sleep with you, then game over.”  Doesn’t Patti Stanger of Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker say that in every episode?!

Then, things just got nit picky.  Take leggings for example – apparently these guys think skin is in when it comes to your gams.  Yes, even in the middle of a Boston winter.  Full tights aren’t horrible, but forget about three quarter length tights – these guys abhor them.  They also didn’t understand the appeal a fur coat, with one male saying that it reminded him of a, “Seventy year old Russian woman.”  Something else that men think prematurely ages you?  Too much makeup.  Yes, they do notice a caked on face.

Finally, the age old debate over women’s shoes began.  Most of the men at the table could care less about your choice in footwear, unless of course you happen to be sporting Uggs, which sparked a far too lengthy debate at the table.  One shining star, however, admitted that he thought women’s high heeled shoes were sexy, but then again, he is originally from Montreal.

Take these comments as you will, and by all means, let me know if there are any other trends that I should inquire about.  These guys are extremely eager to share their opinions and I love it.  Thanks for your help guys!!

BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION

Saturday, March 6: BOLDFACERS, Neiman Marcus Host Socialite Pop Up Store at the Copley Place Mall

Curious what fabulous local philanthropists wear to Boston’s chicest events? Just in time for the spring social season, BOLDFACERS is hosting a Socialite Glamfest Pop Up event with Neiman Marcus to benefit Mass General Hospital, Boston Ballet and more.

From 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., browse gently used red carpet-worthy frocks from Linda Pizzuti Henry, former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey and other inspiring local ladies.  Held in the Center Court at the Copley Place Mall, cocktails, light bites, complimentary nail polish changes and blowouts are also up for grabs.  For more information, please read the full article here.