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BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION, NIGHTLIFE

The Work Week in Boston: Monday, September 27 – Thursday, September 30

The Swapaholics Boston - Fashion Week Sip & Swap

Time flies when you’re having fun, right?  The weekend may have passed in the blink of an eye, but Boston is once again keeping the work week interesting.  In addition to nightly events for Boston Fashion Week, there’s networking with Boston World Partnerships and a lively night of belly dancing at The Beehive competing for your presence this week.

Monday, September 27 – Closet Couture at the W Hotel
Ever open your closet only to declare that you have nothing to wear? Happens to me frequently while playing the “outfit game” before work. Whether you’re seeking a fab find or a fun night out, head to the W Hotel on Monday night from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. for a fashion show featuring both high and low end pieces from Second Time Around.  An after-party with Stuff Magazine and a Second Time Around Pop-Up store kicks off immediately following the fashion show at 10:00 p.m. Admission is free and the event is 21+.

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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.

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

On the Town: The Beehive

The Beehive by Amanda K. from Yelp

With its eye-catching entrance reminiscent of a vintage theatre, funky bohemian decor and live jazz, walking into The Beehive instantly transports you into an eclectically hip party. Located inside the historic Cyclorama on Tremont Street in the South End, this multilevel venue caters to the dinner, drinks and weekend brunch crowd.

Unless you have a dinner reservation, try to visit The Beehive before 10:00 p.m. on a weekend evening, or you may find yourself stuck in line outside. Once inside, there is a smaller upper level bar, but I recommend traveling downstairs, a vast former boiler room which has been transformed into a boho chic space.

Beehive Julep by sushiesque from Flickr

Once settled downstairs at the bar, be sure to grab a drink menu before ordering. In addition to its hip atmosphere, The Beehive boasts an innovative drink menu, from six different champagne cocktails, to my personal favorite – The Beehive Julep (all $10.50/ea).

The Beehive is easy to locate at 541 Tremont Street in the South End alongside the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA).  Open seven days per week from 5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., check The Beehive’s website for special weekend brunch and afternoon hours by clicking here.

BOSTON, RESTAURANTS

Coppa: Italian Small Plates in Boston’s South End

I recently popped into Coppa on a Monday night for a light meal. I’d already been at an event with appetizers and was tempted with the prospect of a small, yet flavorful nibble. The problem was, after savoring one small plate of pasta, it just left me wanting more.

Coppa Restaurant, Boston by Bellyglad From Flickr

Coppa is located on Shawmut Ave., a quiet street in Boston’s South End. The restaurant itself has a neighborhood feel and a cozy atmosphere. Tables are aligned close to one another, making it an ideal spot to visit in parties of two. Plan to wait with a larger party, as Coppa does not take reservations. However, as discovered by savvy locals, you can swing by, put your name in and come back later when your table is ready.

Even on a Monday night, Coppa was packed with a lively crowd. My wonderful dining companion and I didn’t want to wait for a table, so we sucked it up and took quite possibly the worst two seats in the house, which are located along a small side bar directly to the right of the entrance. At first, we felt like we were encroaching on the hostesses space by the door, but they couldn’t have been more kind and gracious.

I ordered a small bowl of the fettuccine with a wild boar ragu and my friend the spaghetti alla carbonara with smoked pancetta, sea urchin, farm egg and scallions. Both were fantastic. I adored the fat fettuccine noodles and the leftover wild boar ragu was so good that we kept dipping our bread into it. We also appreciated the carbonara’s melt-in-your-mouth sea urchin. Similarly notable was their hot buttered rum, which put any other hot toddy I’ve ever tried to shame.

Coppa is located at 253 Shawmut Ave. in Boston’s South End. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.coppaboston.com/