Browsing Tag

Splurge

BOSTON, FASHION

Fashion: Newbury Street Agent Provocateur Sale Starts June 30th

Photo Courtesy of the Newbury Street Agent Provocateur

‘Tis the time of year when sales abound. While I love the idea of a proper sale, nothing disappoints me more than when markdowns are hyped, only to arrive at the store to find a meager rack with random sizes. In hopes of helping local fashionistas find sales worth their time and hard earned dollars, I recently got a sneak peek of the upcoming sale items at the luxurious lingerie boutique Agent Provocateur.

The cheekily named ‘Reduce ‘n’ Seduce Sale’ kicks off on Thursday, June 30, and I can verify that an ample amount of exquisite lingerie and nightwear will be marked down. Reductions will be up to 50% off and are available while in stock. Sale options range from classic and refined, to the (ahem) more flirty.

During a recent visit with the nice gals at Agent Provocateur , I got a firsthand look at the sale items and the overall boutique experience. Located at 123 Newbury Street just below the street level, stepping into the boutique makes one feel like they’re in a glam pink and black boudoir. From the overly plush carpeting, to the lacy motif on the walls and black chandeliers, I couldn’t help but appreciate the thought that went into creating a signature experience for Agent Provocateur shoppers.

Helpful associates, like the lovely Betsy and Nicole, add to that experience. Decked in figure flattering coats and hosiery, their job is to make even the most shy customers feel comfortable. Only one size of each lingerie item is displayed throughout the store, allowing associates to best help shoppers select the correct size and recommend similar options. It’s this personalized attention, combined with in depth of knowledge about lingerie construction and fabric choices, that keep well heeled Bostonians coming back each season.

Agent Provocateur is located at 123 Newbury Street, between Clarendon and Dartmouth. For more information about the sale, please visit the Agent Provocateur website. Happy shopping!

During The SavvyBostonian’s visit, she was given the deliciously smelling Agent Provocateur Maitresse  fragrance as a gift.

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.

RECIPES

Something Sweet: Mini Tiramisu Cupcakes

Mini Tiramisu Cupcakes

I recently made these for a friend’s birthday and earned rave reviews.  Though more time consuming than your average cupcake, the delicious flavor makes it worthwhile!  The recipe as written will generate approximately 40 mini cupcakes.

 

Ingredients:

1 package of french vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients needed to bake the cake (e.g. eggs, oil or butter)

Espresso

Confectioners’ sugar

Kahlua

2 (8oz.) Containers mascarpone cheese – I used coffee flavored

1 (8oz.) Container lite cool whip

2 Squares dark chocolate (60-70%)

Unsweetened cocoa powder

Ground cinnamon

Mascarpone Layer

Mascarpone Layer (can be made the night before): Mix cool whip, both containers of mascarpone cheese, 3 tbsp. kahlua, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon and 1 square of finely grated dark chocolate.  Stir until blended thoroughly.  Store in refrigerator until needed.

Cake: Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Prepare cake mix as directed.  Stir in one tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon.  Pour cake batter into a pyrex measuring cup and fill mini foil muffin/cupcake wrappers 3/4 of the way up.  It’s important to use the foil ones because they will hold any excess liquid from the espresso/kahlua mix later.  Try to bake between 12-15 cupcakes at a time for 20 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean in the center.

Allow Cupcakes to Cool Completely

Allow cupcakes to cool completely.

Espresso: Prepare espresso – you’ll want around 1/2 a cup brewed.  Once finished, pour into a small bowl and add 2 tsp. confectioners’ sugar and 2 tsp. kahlua to taste.  Allow to cool completely.

Coring Out the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, use a paring knife to cut a dime-sized hole in the center of the cupcake.  Do not cut all the way through to the bottom of the cupcake.

Coring Out the Cupcake

Soaking the Cupcakes: Pour 1/4 tsp. espresso mix into bottom of each hole.  Once through all of the cupcakes, add another two or three 1/4 tsps. to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the hole.  I found it easier to coat if you pick up and turn the cupcake.  Allow to sit for dry to 30 minutes.

Frosting: Using a pasty bag, or this easy decorating squeeze containers from Crate & Barrel (click here), first fill the cupcake hole and decorate the top of the cupcake.  Top with additional finely grated dark chocolate shavings.

Store in refrigerator until serving time.  Enjoy!

For more of my recipes, click here.

FASHION

Lust: Glenda Cuff by Charm & Chain

Glenda Cuff by Erickson Beamon

I’m a girl that appreciates bling without having to shell out serious dough for it.  I recently saw this gorgeous, sparkly cuff in a DailyCandy email.  I want it, I need it, I simply have to own it…..but it’s $475.  Well, it’s actually closer to $357 with a 25% discount from DailyCandy.  Though too rich for my taste, a girl can dream that an affordable knockoff exists somewhere in cyberspace, right?

http://www.charmandchain.com/products/glenda-cuff