Stella's Grand Opening Weekend!

Ladies, prepare yourselves for a fabulous weekend at Stella's of Saratoga. We are celebrating our opening April 9th and 10th, and would love for you to come and enjoy the goodies we have in store for you.

Friday night from 5:00- 8:00 pm enjoy cocktails and musical entertainment by Chantal Kurchner, a regular singer at Prime Restaurant. Looking for the perfect summer sandal? Buy a $5 raffle ticket for a chance at winning a pair of Jack Rogers sandals, with all proceeds going to Saratoga Bridges.

Our Saturday all day event is equally exciting, with a musical performance by Rich Ortiz and complimentary foot massages with purchase.

More importantly, the event is a chance to scope out the hottest shoes in Saratoga and support a new local business. Hope to see you all there!

Stella's of Saratoga

Looks like work is getting done behind the paper!

Stella’s of Saratoga, the newest shoe boutique to hit Saratoga Springs, NY, will be opening in March 2010, just in time for the newest spring and summer trends. (Thanks, Laura; you have answered the prayers of shoe-deprived women everywhere!) By then, I will be ready to stuff my winter boots in the back of my closet, get that desperately needed pedicure, and run over to Stella’s to find the hottest shoes in town. The owner, Laura Farrar, already owns the contemporary clothing boutique Violet’s of Saratoga – a local favorite – and my only shopping destination. Laura decided to open Stella’s in response to a high demand from customers and other Saratogians requesting a new local shoe store. I’m guessing online shoe shopping wasn’t feeding the need. I know shipping is free at Zappos, but shoes need to be touched and tried on before purchase! People continued asking, and like any good businesswoman, Laura replied with Stella’s of Saratoga.

Located only a few doors down from Violet’s, much thought has been invested in the appearance of Stella’s. The store features weathered read and turquoise fixtures, which will display the fabulous new shoes. But the most impressive decorative element of the store, as well as Laura’s personal favorite, has to be the 6-foot tufted round sofa where customers can try on shoes in ultimate comfort. Covered in a neutral textured fabric with tapestry throw pillows, the majestic settee sits under a gorgeous chandelier with amber beads and glass shades that beautifully reflect the light, and giving us women a chance to see our well-styled feet in the best environment.

Soon to be Stella's of Saratoga!

Patrons will be able to choose from a range of moderately priced labels like Jack Rogers, Miz Mooz, Seychelles, Vince Camuto and Naughty Monkey, as well as high-end labels like Cole Haan and Frye Boots. (Those metallic Jack Roger sandals will definitely be my go-to sandal for the summer. Plus, I’m super excited to join other Frye followers and become a Frye addict. Adorable black studded booties are already on my radar!) Stella’s will carry sizes 6-10, and additional sizes can be special ordered. But Laura is not stopping there! Stella’s will also carry fine leather handbags by Cole Haan, Dulce, Jack Rogers, and Vince Camuto.

After my last online shoe purchase disaster, a pair of black leather booties with a heel that basically crippled me for a day, I am ecstatic for the opening of Stellas! Think about it: a plethora of labels and styles and a comfy sofa to try them on so you know the shoe fits. I’m going to try to not go crazy and buy the entire size nine shoe selection. But I’m pretty sure my shopping approach will be similar to a wooden plaque in Violet’s of Saratoga proclaiming the wisest words I have heard: “Life’s short. Buy the damn shoes!”

First Day in NYC!

Today Laura and I traveled around Soho checking out the boutiques before the shows tomorrow. After walking around on the cobblestone and seeing the numerous clothing boutiques, home decor stores, and gallery's I have a new goal in life... I want to live in Soho! I mean, who doesn't want to walk out their front door and have Anna Sui, Nicole Miller, Louis Vuitton, and Catherine Malandrino boutiques at your fingertips? (In case you were wondering... I do. Very, very, very much.)

Anna Sui's window

On another note, I learned, not all boutiques are camera friendly. Who knew taking pictures in Catherine Malandrino's boutique was off limits? Before I found out from a sales representative, I managed to snap a few pictures of cool displays and gorgeous clothes. (Yes, girls... I was chastised by an ill dressed representative for all of you!) So please, appreciate and treasure this rare glimpse into the C.M. store.

Talk to y'all tomorrow!

Has animal print gone too far?

So, first instinct is to not embrace the trend of animal print leggings. I'm not dissing animal print (one of my favorite pieces is an animal-print jersey dress), but who looks good wearing it? Even if you are long-legged, the amount of the print causes heads to spin... not a good reaction.

New Years Looks!

Hi everyone! Saratoga.com posted this article I wrote for their website. Happy reading.

New Years is a time for friends, family, champagne, and of course... fashion! Ring in the New Year with an impressive ensemble, and since December 31st is the final night of the holiday season, go all out, with sequins, beading, and pumps and platforms galore!

Some of the beautiful girls from Violet's of Saratoga have modeled these trends, among other pieces, sure to make an impression.

Meredith is ready for a night on the town in a dress adorned with beaded moon and stars, (French Connection, $348) and black platforms, (Seychelles, $90). A sparkly BCBGeneration clutch ($68) is perfect for holding your belongings.

Katie is in a chic French Connection jumpsuit ($168) accessorized with a multi-chain gold plated necklace ($130) and black drop earrings with gold accents ($68), both by Kendra Scott. Animal print platforms by Seychelles ($98) and a brocade-patterned jacket by Free People ($148) complete the look.

Virginia looks stunning in all sequined dress by French Connection ($398). She effortlessly pulls off the extravagant dress with simple silver dangly earrings (Kendra Scott, $68) and pewter pumps (Seychelles, $90) that compliment the grey tones in the sequined pattern.

Chantal’s frock is demure and elegant, but still modern with the sheer bodice, a new trend for spring 2010 (Max and Cleo, $150). Her Kendra Scott earrings ($75) and pewter Seychelles ($90) pair nicely with the simple silhouette of the dress.

In a dream world, all of these pieces would be in my closet, but unfortunately I have bills to pay. (I would be willing to exchange cable for that French Connection sequin dress, but that wouldn’t fly with my ESPN obsessed boyfriend.) However, incorporating a few of these festive pieces, I’m still thinking sequins, will update any girl’s wardrobe. And after purchasing all those gifts for others, don’t we deserve something for ourselves?

Holiday Dresses

The time has come for holiday parties and events of all types. You may have a family event, a work party, or a festive holiday party to attend. Each occasion requires different look, which is why I have styled three different holiday looks to give you some ideas. If these looks are not your style, stop by the store and let us help you put together an ensemble. Happy shopping!

Spend time with your family looking fabulous in a BCBGeneration black dress ($118 ), stunning red floral Nakamol necklace ($250) and animal print platforms ($98) from Seychelles.

Look professional and polished for a work holiday party in a simple black dress (Susana Monaco, $275), but still trendy with a chain hardware embellished handbag (High Fashion Handbags, $80) and Kendra Scott earrings for $98 complete the look.

New Years is not only a time to celebrate the upcoming new year, but to make an impression with your ensemble. You will not disappoint with French Connection's Moonscape Dress ($348) featured in the December issue of Lucky Magazine and dangly Kendra Scott earrings ($75). A white faux fur coat will keep you warm (MM Couture, $148) and a sparkly BCBGeneration clutch ($68) is perfect for holding your belongings.

Have a safe and happy holiday, and don't let the cold weather stop you from making a fashion statement!

Make a Wish Night

On December 15, 2009, Violet's of Saratoga will be hosting its first 'Make a Wish Night' holiday party. Let us help you create a wish list for the holidays, and we will send it to your personal 'Santa.' We will also host a raffle for a free pair of designer jeans, and the proceeds will go to the Make a Wish Foundation. The foundation has been granting children with life-threatening diseases personal wishes since 1980.

Remember to come dressed in your best Violet outfit for the chance of being named Violet Fashionista and a visit to Stella's of Saratoga before the grand opening.

Click on the poster for more information!