Beyond Boston Chic

I am loving these warm days that we’re having. I know it can’t last though.  Boston weather, from what I remember over the years, is indecisive.  One minute it’s hot, other times it’s freeeezing.  During this warm spell, I’m enjoying seeing everyone bring out their spring best.

I took this photo of Barbara in May of 2010. I very much debated whether or not to include it in my exhibit at the Boston Center for Adult Education, but unfortunately it didn’t make the cut.  This isn’t to say though that I’ve stopped loving Barbara’s liberal use of color.  I love this outfit, and will use it as inspiration for dressing this morning.

If you get a chance, stop by the BCAE to see the exhibit. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I’m in love with the color red and never knew it—that is up until about 2 years ago.  I had a friend come over from California for the first time, after we finished catching up, she looked around the living room before saying, “Wow, you really like the color red.”

“No, not really,” I responded.

“You don’t like red?”  I shook my head.  “Tini, your candle votives are red, the accent pillows on this couch is red, your computer is red, so is your phone. Should I also point out the shoes you’re wearing?”

Darn it! She was right.  When I really took stock a large percentage of my accessories were, you guessed it, red.  I thought I loved all colors equally, but one color in general has my heart.  I’ve really been trying to break free from the grasp of red.  I mean, purple and maybe yellow seem like friendly colors….Though I don’t know how successful I’ve been over the past two years with my new decision.  Just a few months ago, I picked up a red wallet in Spain and there was that vintage red Coach bag I got off of Ebay a while ago.  I’m trying though!

Hope you had a good weekend!

xoxo

A few bloggers and I decided to meet up for brunch a few weeks ago.  Why Lani, Najeema, Sami and Kristen?  Well, they’ve all seen me in some version of dolled up, sweaty (we kinda work out at the same place…or in the case of Sami, she often runs into me while I’m taking the train home after gyming it) and….hmmm…well, I like ‘em.  We all have different styles and it was nice to catch up outside industry events and via comments on our own blogs.  A bit of girls time, especially over brunch and mimosas is always a good idea.

I along with 6 other Boston bloggers were featured in this past Sunday Boston Globe.  On Sunday, as we were heading for lunch at my mother, my Twitter account started blowing up with congrats.  It turns out that I had forgotten to remember to remember to blog and Tweet about the feature.  Dope!  So, here is a photo of feature and photos from behind the scenes.  Honey very kindly accompanied me on the shoot and took some behind the scenes photos.  He also provided a bit of comic relief between takes.

We all got to chat as we waited to start.

The line up from the left:  Me!  (But you knew that) Marissa of The Well Appointed Catwalk, Emily of SoAnthro, Courtney of Those Graces, Liana of New Brahmin, Zoe of Fashion is Freedom, and Erin of Elements of Style. Take a few minutes to visit their blogs!  They are a bunch of fun ladies.  And as you can see from Liana sticking her tongue out at Honey, there was a bit of revelry to be had at the shoot.

Marni Katz and Veronica (right) of the Globe as we finalized the concept.  A huuuuuge thanks to Marni, Veronica and Mitch our photographer.

It’s style profile time again!  This time around, I met up with design woman extraordinaire, Jessica Sutton.

You know how you have a 6th sense that you’ll like someone of whom you know, but have never met? And then you actually meet them and they are way cooler than you could have imagined!  Well, that’s Miss Jessica for you! Now, I’ve always admired her work from afar, so it was more than a treat to catch up with Jess last week at her apartment in Somerville.

I’ve asked her to fill out my modified version of the Proust Questionnaire (I’m pretty sure Proust never asked anyone for their beauty secrets)  and have taken some photos of her house to share with you as well.

Happy Friday!

Occupation:
Owner of JSGD, co-founder of Directory B

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Southern NH – in Salem and then Derry.

What inspires your sense of style?
Not only am I lucky to be surrounded by so many creative and stylish friends but I also get to run a site and business that allows me to get lost in blog-land most days, so inspiration is pretty endless.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than watching my dog, Oscar, run – whether in the sun, the snow, or on the beach. His pure happiness brings out my own.

Favorite article of clothing or go to outfit?
I tend to spend most days in a t-shirt, skinny jeans and either my favorite Clarks Desert Boots or my Rachel Comey Riding Boots.

Could you share the name of your cobbler? Tailor?
Ahh I need a new one! Shawmut Taylors in the South End was my go-to for years but I recently moved to Somerville and am looking for someone nearby (although it’s still a pretty quick ride to the SE).

Favorite shopping hunts?
Flock is generally my first stop. No matter how many times I peruse the racks, I always find something I missed the previous visit. Dani and the girls are always adding amazing pieces and carry a bunch of lines you can’t find anywhere else in the city. Not to mention, Oscar loves to play with Bo and Rosco, the store pups.

Blogs or websites you go to for inspiration?
Ahh there are SO MANY GOOD BLOGS! Luckily, running a blog directory (Directory-b.com) allows me to discover tons of new ones all the time. Some of my daily haunts include Park & Cube, MAIYA, Style Like U… local favs like New Brahmin, EOS, Flux… music favs, Stadiums and Shrines, AWD Castles, Flashlight Tag… not to mention my total blog/designer crush, Bri Emery of  Design Love Fest. Yeah, sorry this list could keep going for days. Serious.

Dream career/job/assignment?
I’m doing it! I LOVE my clients and couldn’t be happier running my own business – it really is the best decision I ever made.

Most overly used word?
Lately it’s “wonky” or “work-around”… or combination of the two, “wonky-work-around”.

Anything that you avoid wearing?
To be honest, I kinda steer away from anything too trendy these days. Owning my own business has me on a budget and I’m proud to say, my shopping habits have changed greatly in the past few years. There was a time I’d drop tons on trends that never lasted but somewhere towards my late 20s, I saw the light and have chosen to pick pieces I can see myself wearing for years.

Favorite quote?
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We ARE spiritual beings having a human experience.” -T. deChardin

Favorite book?
I can barely find time to finish a book these days. It’s embarrassing.

Favorite book store?
Flipping through some design mags with a shot of wheatgrass and a grilled cheese at Trident is always a treat.

Which living person do you most admire?
My parents. Both have taught me so much about how to love.

Beauty secrets?
Natalie at Unique Verve on Newbury. She recently started me on a daily vitamin E ritual with Environ products that has made a huge difference. Sidenote: BEST facials in Boston, hands down.

What do you love about living in Boston?
I love this city more and more everyday and have built some truly amazing friendships over the course of 12 years here. The trick to any city is carving out your niche – make what you want out of your surroundings – there is beauty and inspiration everywhere.

Favorite restaurant in BOS?
Alex [Jess’s Honey] and I love grabbing seats at the bar and ordering a long, delicious dinner – there’s something more intimate sitting there vs a table. We recently hit up East by Northeast and did their 8 course tasting menu – so good. Taberna de Haro is a fav too… but nothing beats my man in the kitchen.

Pet peeves?
I hate when towels get that mildew-y smell if wet too long.

The quality you most admire in a man?
Ambition.

The quality you most admire in a woman?
Confidence.

If one word could describe you, what would it be?
Driven.

What defines success for you?
Being proud of my work and how I handle my clients (and friendships) is everything to me. If I can fall asleep happy every night, I’ve succeeded.

Perfect day in Boston?
We have a Sunday morning ritual that includes sleeping in, walking to grab coffee, a stop by the dog park or wandering the neighborhood and then cooking a big breakfast together – I look forward to each week.

Here’s what Jessica’s wearing:

• Ladakh cardigan from Flock
• AA tank
• OAK NYC jeans
• Pour La Victoire pumps
• Agate necklace from Anthropologie