Hints of Style

Ideas for what, when and wear

Attention Getter

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Have you ever driven down a street that you’ve been on hundreds of times only to look over and see a house you’ve never seen before??

That’s how I feel about the store True Blue on Elm Street in New Canaan.
I’ve had many a mocha at Starbucks across the street; a couple of cones at the old Baskin Robbins when it was next door; and even a few fried pieces at Chicken Joe’s.

And just about a week or so ago, I finally stopped noshing and ventured into this stylishly, high-end boutique.

There I found contemporary designer pieces from BB Dakota, Ella Moss, and 3 Dots.
AG, Big Star, Citizens of Humanity and J Brand were offered to every jean and cord lover’s delight.
Jewelry, accessories and a very savvy sales staff completed the store’s polished appearance.

So next time you’re feeling like a latte, cross the street for a grande True Blue boutique.

True Blue since 1996

inviting interior

Spring 2012

a sea of scarves


True Blue information through the New Canaan Patch website

Categories: General

Snake Charmers

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Last week I popped into Bling in Darien to grab a present for a friend’s birthday. The store was filled with jewelry, accessories and other fun treats that make gift giving a breeze.

Unfortunately, they make “self-giving” a breeze as well! I found a wonderful python print belt to wrap around a solid cardigan or enhance a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Perfect finishing touch to a simple outfit.

This spring, there were plenty of pythons on the runways and in the magazines…and there’s even more in the slithering through the stores.
Here’s a few snake pieces that will charm your spring choices.


Snake Print Strap Sandal @ Zara in Westport, Greenwich and www.zara.com


Annabel Wedge by Sam Edelman @ Shoes n’ More Greenwich, Westport, Ridgefield, New Canaan


Jack Rodgers Python Sandal @ Calypso St. Barth in Westport and www.calypsostbarth.com


Coach Hamptons Weekend Straw Clutch @ Macy’s in St


Rafe Roopal Linen & Python Satchel @ Lord & Taylor in Stamford, Trumbull, Danbury; and Tina Dragone in Westport


Michael Kors Jet Set Python Tote

Spring into Stripes

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It was about 3:30 am when I heard a strange coughing noise coming from my son’s bedroom. Half asleep I walked to his room only to find our dog standing over a pile of what was his dinner…revisited on the Elizabeth Eakins cotton stripe rug.
I quickly jumped into action and started to save the beautiful hand dyed, handwoven masterpiece that now was covered with hand picked Farm Stand Selects kibble.

Luckily, when I examined the rug at a more reasonable hour it looked almost perfect. And seeing that they’re reversible rugs, I’ll sleep better tonight.
Hopefully the pup will, too.

But the moral of this story is that I LOVE stripes. That’s why I was drawn to the Elizabeth Eakins rugs – impeccable quality and design combined with my preferred striped patterns.

I’ve already purchased a few banded beauties for spring….here’s a few more for ideas.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in stores soon…


Nenuphars Embroidered Applique Striped Dress from Romyda Keth @ Atelier 360 in New Canaan


Verbatim Tank from Anthropologie in Westport, Greenwich, West Farms and www.anthropologie.com


Opalina Skirt from Tory Burch @ Tory Burch in Greenwich; Erika K in Darien


Pierre Hardy Stripe Platform @ Barney’s NY www.barneys.com


Mini Deano Bag -Classic Tote from Scout @ Etoile Gifts in Wilton; Gracious Gator in East Norwalk; Silvers of Westport

Categories: General

O-R-E-O

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I really wanted to do a new post early this morning, but seeing that its National Procrastination Week I figured I had some time.

But not as much time as our beloved Oreo cookies have had on stores’ shelves all around the world.
Oreo celebrated it’s 100th birthday yesterday.
In reading some of the facts regarding the cookie and its origins, I came across a little tidbit I guess I had overlooked…the floral pattern on the front of each chocolate wafer.

As a child I always concentrated on the twisting and seperating of the two cookies as to enjoy the cream filling first, never stopping to peek at the “cover.”
According to Kraft foods, the imprint is a combination of 12 flowers (each made of 4 triangles), 37 dots, and 12 dashes.

Although the florals in the Spring 2012 collections didn’t include any noticeable triangles, dashes or dots, they did offer quite a few orchids, daisies and roses to complement the season.
As with the Oreo, you’ll be seeing these styles blooming on stores’ “shelves” all around the world.

Here’s a few in our own backyard….

Alice + Olivia

banana republic

Zara Floral T

Dolce & Gabbana

Julie Jewelry


Natalee Sheath Dress from Alice + Olivia @ Lucy’s in Westport and Ridgefield


Floral Flutter Top @ Banana Republic in Westport, Stamford, Fairfield, Trumbull and www.bananarepublic.com


Zara Floral Printed T-Shirt in Greenwich, Stamford and www.zara.com


Dolce & Gabbana Hi Wedge Floral @ Loehmann’s in Norwalk and www.loehmanns.com


Julie Jewelry Eve Earring @ Darien Sport Shop in Darien and www.dariensport.com

Anorak-nophobia

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When I was a little girl, the word Anorak conjured up such negative images in my mind. Oversized, shapeless windbreakers that made a scratchy, swishing noise when your arms rubbed along your sides as you walked.
I’m pleased to announce that I’ve moved on and rid myself of those nylon nightmares. Today, not only am I thrilled that they’ve made a fashionable recovery into this Spring’s 2012 season, but I also confess to owning 2 anoraks that I enjoy wearing in the rain as well as the sun.

Of course, mine are made of cotton…just not to keep me up at night ; )


Trina Turk Hamptons Anorak @ Erika K in Darien; Snappy Gator in Fairfield; Tog’s in New Canaan


Weathercast Hooded Anorak @ Kohl’s in Norwalk, Fairfield, Ridgefield, Trumbull and www.kohls.com


Ripstop Anorak @ Anthropologie in Westport, Greenwich and West Farms Mall


Diya Windbreaker Anorak from Lauren Active @ Ralph Lauren in Greenwich, New Canaan and www.ralphlauren.com


Michael Kors Cinched Waist Anorak @ Michael Kors in Greenwich, Danbury and West Farms


Mossimo Hooded Anorak @ Target in Stamford, Trumbull and www.target.com

Categories: General

Spring 2012…Class of 2012

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Couture and ready-to-wear designers and their staff work for months prior to each new season’s collection to pull off the perfect performance on the runway.

And believe it or not that’s about how long it took to coordinate all the components involved in the Brien McMahon high school fashion show.
From the parent volunteers to the models; from the M.C.’s script to the playbill; from the raffle prizes to the raffle tickets….it all took time, thorough organization, and tons of patience.

But what a great show it was. The kids seemed to enjoy preparing for the show and parading down their runway. Each one felt confident and looked fabulous all while raising money for their senior class graduation.

Kudos to everyone involved!!

future models

Categories: General

Up on Main Street

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I popped into Benefit on Friday with my good friend’s daughter to peek at some new lip glosses. While there, the staff was buzzing about their recent trip to a new local store, Caren Forbes.
Comments such as,
” Oh my gosh, I just got the best earrings!”
“That bag was so great I wanted it in both colors!”
“Maybe next week I’ll get that striped mini dress!”

I had heard that there was a new stop on the block, but I had yet to pay a visit…until I was persuaded by the buzz.

This way to Caren Forbes

We ventured across the street and up the stairs to the 2nd floor where a small boutique was pleasantly filled with new spring arrivals, a variety of jewelry and even a few sale pieces left from the fall collections.
I didn’t know where to begin as there were so many wonderful pieces vying for my attention. Colorful, organic shaped bangles on one table, straw clutches and ruffle front purses on the next.
I decided to be methodical and shop from left to right making sure not to miss any treats tucked in along the way.
And that’s exactly what this new little gem offers-a little treat that you can indulge in without the guilt.
Caren has turned her passion into an actual environment where customers can browse, shop, and be inspired for upcoming seasonal trends.

Pop in and upstairs at 111 Main Street and see what all that buzz is about.

colorful array of accessories

Pretty, pale pink purse

Great finds for you or someone you know

And the Winner is…White

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I think there was something in what Reese Witherspoon said during her interview on the Live with Kelly Ripa show.
When they were discussing how celebrities choose what to wear on the red carpet for the Academy Awards, she stated “…the most important thing is the actress’ incredible performance, and all we look at is the dress that she’s wearing for 2 hours. Are we missing the message??”

I couldn’t stop thinking about that message. Who am I to say what’s the “Best and Worst” of the evening and who “missed” in their statement-making selection.
But what I can say is that there was a definite trend spotted throughout the aisles….white.

Last night Gwenyth Paltrow wore Tom Ford’s one shoulder, long white sheath and cape, Rooney Mara had a “breathtaking fashion moment” in Givenchy, and Octavia Spencer sparkled in Tadashi Shoji.

This spring, designers have exhibited a variety of trends from vibrant colors and color blocking to tribal patterns and animal prints (which we’ll discuss at a later date)….to the pureness and simplicity of white.

Now that’s a color message you won’t want to “miss” for spring!


Narciso Rodriguez Shirtdress @ Barney’s NY, Neiman Marcus in Westchester, and www.yoox.com


Halston Heritage Twist Front Dress @ www.revolveclothing.com & Saks Fifth Avenue

Halston Heritage


FP One Sunburst Maxi Dress @ Free People in Greenwich, West Farms, and www.freepeople.com

Sunburst Maxi


Or Stella McCartney’s short, white elegant, but simple day dress @ Mitchell’s in Westport

Stella McCartney


Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, offers a refreshingly light, easy to wear dress @ L’Armoire in New Canaan

Christian Siriano

Categories: General
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