Posts tagged Christmas
Dear Santa…
Dec 25th
I’m sure you’ve been anticipating a rather extensive list, as usual. But as a fashioniSTA, what else do you expect? For your convenience I’ve narrowed it down to my top ten items. You can find every item on my list at STA. And while you’re there, maybe you’ll even get some more ideas! So here it is.
A Fashionista’s Christmas List:
- Chanel Earrings (STA 324 Newbury St.)
- Fur Vest
- Tory Burch Boots (STA Philadelphia)
- David Yurman Crossover Ring
- Juicy Couture Watch (STA Haddonfield)
- Louboutin Pumps
- Alice and Olivia Sequin Dress (STA Englewood)
- Hermes Cuff
- Valentino Kaleido Gem Tote (STA South Miami)
- Louis Vuitton Scarf
Now I know fashion isn’t really your forte, so I understand if this list is a little intimidating to tackle. So if you can’t get them, it’s okay. I can always go to the…
SALE at STA the day after Christmas! From 9am-12pm everything at STA is 50% off!
Then after 12pm, there’s 20-30% off the entire store!
As a present for myself, I’ll be hitting the after Christmas sale at STA. I promise I’ve been good all year. Merry Christmas Santa.
Sincerely,
A FashioniSTA
Photos from STA Facebook pages and pintrest.com
‘Tis the Season to Sparkle
Dec 20th
It’s officially the season of shopping, and we couldn’t be more excited. Okay, so maybe it’s about shopping for gifts, but we all still deserve to spoil ourselves now and then. After all, what better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with a festive wardrobe? Whether you’re attending or hosting a party this season, it’s time to start planning that perfect party outfit. And if you’re not quite sure how to give your look that holiday feel, add some sparkle and experiment with sequins!
Whether you go all out, or try just a touch, sequins are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. It’s hard to go wrong with a sequin dress, which can work for both formal events or your casual soiree. Try all-over sparkle or a dress with sequin details! This statement dress makes it easy to pair with all of your go-to basic accessories. To mute the sequined number, pair it with rich textiles, like leather or velvet. It will tone down the sequins while still giving you that holiday formality.
If that seems like too much too soon, take a shot at sequin separates. A top, skirt, blazer, or even pants are all amazing holiday pieces. The possibilities are endless, but be careful not to out gleam the Christmas tree. Pair these dazzling separates with basic pieces. A sequin skirt is just right with a black sweater. Or throw on a sequin blazer over a t-shirt and jeans for an instant party outfit! For an even muted take on this look, pair it with traditional holiday pieces, such as a tartan skirt.
If you already have your favorite LBD set aside for the festivities, introduce sequin accessories as something special for the holidays. Heels or a clutch are a great way to add a little glimmer to your timeless looks. While sequin-covered attire might seem like a bold purchase, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. After all, you can bring them out again for New Year’s! And even though trends change over the years, the holidays will always be a season to sparkle.
Black Friday: A Day to Remember
Dec 2nd
It was well worth it ladies. Black Friday was everything it promised to be, and more. 50% off everything? Are you serious? Needless to say we had some trouble controlling ourselves. But that’s what Black Friday is for.
Once the floodgates opened at 7am I went straight for the shoe department. I certainly scored there, Marc by Marc Jacobs heels, BCBG wedges, and Delman flats! (some shoes you just have to wear out of the store…) Both the Marc Jacobs and the Delmans were a steal for just $50 (85% off their original retail prices!), I could hear the choir singing with rejoice.
Despite all of our planning, nothing could truly prepare us for the big day. Now cradling my shoes, I got a bit frantic during the next phase of my attack, running from rack to rack of clothing trying to find my size. There was no time to waste, I had to fish through before someone else grabbed the Chanel dress of my dreams. And like taking candy from a baby, my dress went home with another girl. Hard to complain, I still left with two beautiful tops, an STA statement necklace and cocktail ring! All together it came to under $70. I’ll take it 
Unsurprisingly, the girls managed to clean up as well, with a beautiful Moncler coat for $150 and Charlotte Olympia flats for $75 (again, both were almost 90% off their retail price). It’s a Black Friday miracle.
While we definitely managed to rack up a grand total, it was more than worth it. It’s the one day of the year where you can go a little crazy. Besides, on Black Friday, what happens in STA stays in STA.
Black Friday Countdown: 14 Days
Nov 15th
Around the middle of November, I have a little extra spring in my step. Right around the corner is the most wonderful day of the year: Black Friday. Since the bigger retailers now start their sales on Thanksgiving night, it gives me the perfect opportunity to get my general gifts out of the way and spend the rest of the day making the world (and my closet) a more stylish place. STA always runs a big sale for a couple hours in the morning, so I’m gearing up to shop the best for less for my closet and a select number of gifts for my most fashionable friends. For the next couple of weeks, you can get the inside look at our extensive planning process!
Countdown: 14 Days…let the planning begin!
Taking on a sale of this magnitude is impossible to do alone, so I’ve enlisted the help of my best shopping buddies.
Meet the Team
Anne
Strength: Quick and efficient shopper. Can sort through an entire store’s inventory in record time to capture the best, hidden pieces. She knows what she does and doesn’t like and won’t waste any time over something that isn’t absolutely perfect.
Style: Classic with a touch of chic
Go-to’s: Jackets and Jewelry
Jeanne and Catherine
Strength: Two shoppers in one. Jeanne and her sister are an inseparable pair, so we let them go do their sister takeover of STA. With twice the eyes, twice the hands, and twice the style expertise, they are unstoppable when it comes to Black Friday. Don’t try to battle them for a piece. They will win.
Style: Sophisticated and trendy
Go-to’s: Shoes and Handbags
Laura
Strength: Pro gift-giver. Laura has a knack for knowing exactly how to match personality to style, both for herself and her friends. When I’m ready to take a breather after snagging my own pieces, I’ll definitely be going to Laura for help with picking out gifts for the rest of the girls. (And my mom on speed dial of course.)
Style: Preppy and Feminine
Go-to’s: Dresses and Tops
We’ve got a great team assembled, but it’s still essential that my black Friday execution is flawless and foolproof. The girls agree that we’ll hit the three STA locations on Newbury street.
Route:
1) 176 Newbury St. Boston, MA
2) 219 Newbury St. Boston, MA
3) 324 Newbury St. Boston, MA
Can’t forget to factor in walking times! Calculated a 3-minute walk from STA (1) to STA (2). 6-minute walk from STA (2) to STA (3). And since I’m hoping Starbucks won’t be as crowded as usual, we’ve budgeted in a five minute coffee break in between stores two and three.
Bonus tip: We’ve already started our seasonal Black Friday work-out plan, walking two miles a day to build up our stamina for the real event.
Check back in with us next week as we tackle our closets and holiday gift lists to come up with the perfect Black Friday shopping list!
8 Days of Style to Celebrate the Season
Dec 21st
In honor of Hanukkah, we at STA bring you the 8 days of style! Each day we will outfit you (hardy har) with a style survival tip to get you through the busy holiday/New Year’s season. From bronzer to bowties, we’ll help you create memorable entrances and festive ensembles people remember even after the New Year’s champagne has worn off.
First Day of Style – Silver Belles
Gold may be the signature metallic of the season, but for a slightly different spin on sparkle, opt for silver this holiday. One of the best things about silver is that you can pair it with bright cranberry for a fresh, festive look, or style it with black for a classic NYE ensemble. A silver dress will always be a refreshing change from the sea of normal holiday red and basic black dresses at events. For an everyday look, pair silver with winter white for a stunning professional palette. Go with a silver skirt and a white cashmere turtleneck, or try a silver blouse with winter white wool pants to channel a stylish ice queen. To try a darker approach, pair darker silver with black for a twist on a classic color scheme.
Don’t stop when it comes to makeup either. Using a gray and silver palette, you can create a smoky eye, adding subtle silver sparkle over the lids. If smoky isn’t your thing, colored eyeliner has made a comeback, so grab your silver pencil and go to town. Try top only, bottom only, or both to make your look fashion-forward at your own pace. Should you be completely fearless, go all out with the silver lip trend that has hit the runway. Make sure to add extra gloss on top for a shiny finish so people know it’s high fashion and not hypothermia.
Looking to mix your metals? Weaving together silver and gold is not the fashion taboo it once was, and it’s all about the shades that you have to work with. I’m not a huge fan of mixed metal jewelry because I think the contrast between the two tones tends to be too stark. Start with softer shades of silver and gold, making sure that you’re leaning more towards light slate and champagne tones. Try a few soft gold bangles and alternate them on your arm with lighter silver bracelets. Or cinch a champagne matte dress with a pale silver belt. Stay small to avoid looking like you got dressed in the dark.
You can also use this trend to update your beauty routine. Want to try something just a little different for a night out? Grab a two bottles of round glitter nail polish, like these at Sephora, one in gold and one in silver, and paint your ring finger nails silver and the rest gold. Layer on the coats for full-on glitter and prepare to bring on the holiday sparkle!
Tell us your take on silver on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or Twitter (@STAconsignment). Until tomorrow, fashioniSTAs!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
The STA Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide
Dec 20th
Stumped as to how to be the best Santa this year? We’ve compiled a list of our stores’ best gifts, all sure to put you on the nice list for years to come. From small accessories to designer finds (new with tags, of course), all of these items have been fashioniSTA-approved and are available to purchase over the phone just in time to slip under the tree! Check out http://www.secondtimearound.net/locations.aspx for a list of all the stores and their phone numbers!
STA Stocking Stuffers
Stick any of these items into someone’s stocking and you’ll know the true meaning of holiday cheer.
New Marc Jacobs Mini Wallet $99 at Lexington Ave NYC store
Longchamp change purse $25, makeup case $29 at Atrium Mall store
Diane von Furstenberg headband $59, at Lexington Ave NYC store
New Coach leather wristlet $39.20, at Hoboken store
It Only Looks Like You Spent A Lot…
Want the glory but none of the expense? Here are some items that will gain you ooohhh’s and aaaahhhh’s without the hefty bill that’s usually attached!
New Ugg shearling boots $49, at Hoboken store
Cejon rabbit fur scarf $59, at Brookline store
Miu Miu handbag $199, at Upper West Side NYC store
Tory Burch python Reva flats size 7 $149, at Englewood NJ store
TSE cashmere sweater with fur trim $183, at 324 Newbury St Boston store
Tom Ford sunglasses $129, at Philadelphia store
Swarovski cuff $128, at 176 Newbury Street Boston store
Swarovski cuff $128, at 176 Newbury Street Boston store
Givenchy bracelet $69, at Newton store
Big Spender Santa
You cannot get your mother a vacuum for Christmas and have her not take it the wrong way. Are you now without a gift to give her? Go the extra mile with these suggestions, just don’t tell her they were a third of their retail value!
Burberry down coat XS $329, at Charles Street Boston store
Bottega Veneta ostrich woven handbag $1479, at Englewood NJ store
David Yurman diamond bracelet $2500, at Chicago store
Hermes scarf $239, at Englewood NJ store
Louis Vuitton Papillon $399, at Englewood NJ store
To: Me, Love: Me
Whoever said it was wrong to shop for yourself during the holiday season clearly never saw these.
New Christian Louboutin shoes sizes 36-41, at Thompson Street NYC store