Browsing Tag

Back Bay

BOSTON, FASHION

Fashion Update: Forever 21 Opens on Newbury Street

Forever 21 by Jessica Gioglio

Have snow boots, will shop!  While the weather may have postponed Forever 21’s January 8 grand opening event on Newbury Street, it didn’t discourage Bostonians from flocking to the trendy chain in search of fashion-forward bargains.

Located at the top of Newbury Street between Hereford Street and Mass. Ave., Boston’s Forever 21 boasts a whopping four levels, three of which are dedicated to the ladies and one at the very top to the gents.  Upon entry to the shop, I was struck by something that I don’t usually see at Forever 21: well-done visual merchandising.

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BOSTON, FASHION

Fashion Update: Anthropologie’s Newish Store in Harvard Square

During a fantastically long walk from the Back Bay to Harvard Square, I was delighted to stumble upon Anthropologie’s new store. Located in the old Crate & Barrel space on Brattle Street, the store may carry the same merchandise as its Boylston Street counterpart, but shopping in the airy, multilevel store offers customers an entirely unique experience.

I’ve always admired Anthropologie’s ability to create a signature retail personality; the interior of their stores go above and beyond to translate its hip, bohemian, feminine, stylish and worldly character. The innovative decor at the Cambridge store lives up to the brand’s quirky yet cool vibe, from the funky bed pictured on the left, to a pile of books and book pages glued upside down across a wide area of the ceiling – a work of art in its own right.

What differentiates the new Cambridge location from the Back Bay store are their layouts. The Back Bay store has a more distinct entrance marked with a dramatic, large door that’s very noticeable along bustling Boylston Street. Inside, there are two levels divided by a grand, sweeping staircase. In Harvard Square, the entrance is simple, but the store’s five levels are lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for lots of natural light. Plus, wandering around the five levels made the shopping experience feel more like a treasure hunt, which I loved.

The more I think about it, the stores really are perfect for their respective neighborhoods. Definitely check out Anthropologie’s new Harvard Square store the next time you’re in the neighborhood and let me know if you agree or disagree. I personally can’t wait to go back and see how they each get decked out for holiday season.

Anthropologie is located at 48 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

BOSTON, EVENTS

Monday, October 18: Community Running with Social Boston Sports

The warm temps in Boston this past Sunday afternoon reminded me just how enjoyable the fall season can be for running.  Luckily for us Bostonians, Social Boston Sports, the community of young professionals who live, work and play in the Boston area, is still bringing together runners of all levels every Monday at 6:30 p.m. for FREE three, five and seven mile group runs along the picturesque Charles River.

Appropriately named Community Running, Social Boston Sports hosted their initial group run on March 29, 2010, and will continue to host runs as long as there’s local demand.  Runners meet up at McGreevy’s on Boylston Street and are divided up depending on their desired mileage goal of three, five, or seven miles.  After pounding the pavement, all runners are welcome to hang at McGreevy’s for a post run bevvy and socializing.  Running experts from Saucony and City Sports will be on hand for tips, or to help devise or adjust training charts.

For more information on this event, please click here.  McGreevy’s is located at 911 Boylston Street in the Back Bay. Please note that the runs leave at 6:30 p.m., so arriving slightly beforehand is strongly recommended.

Social Boston Sports Community Running

BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE

The Work Week in Boston: Monday, September 20 – Thursday, September 23

While walking through the city this weekend, I couldn’t help but notice a great energy in the air.  Whether generated by the crisp fall air, returning college students, or store windows filled with fabulous fall fashions, it made me realize that there’s no time like the present to enjoy Boston.

Boston Wine Week

Luckily, there are a variety of fun events scheduled from Monday through Thursday this week that involve wine, fashion, rubbing elbows and indoor mini golf.  Here are my top picks:

Monday, September 20 – Raise a Glass to Boston Wine Week

From September 20 through September 26, more than twenty participating restaurants in Boston are offering a minimum of six wines at $9 per glass, or $32 per bottle as part of the first annual Boston Wine Week. With the goal of making amazing vino more accessible to the masses, Bostonians can start their week in style by sampling wine and gobbling up complimentary pizzettes with the Second Glass at BiNA Osteria on Monday from 6-7 p.m..  For more information on participating restaurants and events throughout the week, please click here.

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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!