Shop girl
There's more to Anchorage retail than polar fleece and Croc clogs. Fashion-obsessed shopper Leslie Boyd will spot hot trends, scout the shops and bring you the cool goods. She doesn't mind doing the footwork if she can shop for cute shoes along the way.
Contact: lboyd@adnmail.com
Think pink and shop for a good cause - 5/28/2007 9:56 pm
Runway show shows off bold summer colors - 5/28/2007 9:15 am
Nice day for a cheap wedding - 5/22/2007 10:36 pm
And the winner is … - 5/21/2007 7:39 am
Fashion flaws to knock your Crocs off : Which answer won $100? - 5/21/2007 7:26 am
Shoe sale through Saturday - 5/17/2007 11:09 pm
Get your runway walk on - 5/17/2007 11:02 pm
Attention shoppers! - 5/14/2007 8:00 pm
Haute on the horizon: Color your denim - 5/14/2007 7:23 pm
Homer consignment shop finds Fringe fashion niche - 5/14/2007 7:26 am
Shop Blush from home, work or anywhere - 5/13/2007 11:00 pm
Trendspotting: It’s a polka (dot) party! - 5/13/2007 11:24 am
Croc Watch: When a wedge works better as a doorstop - 5/10/2007 8:52 pm
For love of Mom - 5/7/2007 9:04 am
Tell us what you hate and win - 5/6/2007 11:48 am
Cinco de Craft-o - 5/4/2007 10:27 am
Ladies’ night - 5/4/2007 10:25 am
Dreamy dropoffs mean stellar shopping - 5/3/2007 11:28 pm
Shop First Friday's handmade handbags - 5/3/2007 11:13 pm
Plain Jane moved (but not far!) - 5/2/2007 6:59 pm
Think pink and shop for a good cause
Posted: May 28, 2007 - 9:56 pm
Skinny Raven Sports and Her Tern boutique are hosting the second annual Think Pink Ladies Night on Wednesday. It’s a special after-hours shopping night with a pink theme, and the blushing hue will show up on everything from running gear to sweet treats to eat while you shop.
Think Pink is a fundraiser for the Alaska Run for Women, a community running event that raises money for breast cancer and other women’s health issues. All proceeds from purchases at Skinny Raven and Her Tern from 5-8 p.m. during Think Pink will be donated to the run. read more »
Runway show shows off bold summer colors
Posted: May 28, 2007 - 9:15 am
Anchorage will never have a fashion week -- at least the kind of fashion week you'd find in New York, London or Los Angeles. But this summer we do have a few events that will make us feel as if we're a little less Carhartt and little more couture. We'll see a lot of bright colors, trunk shows and sales.
Lulu E. Bebe boutique will kick it all off Saturday with the Bright Runway Show. If you've been to one of the boutique's events in the past, you know that it's a major fashion production. I chatted with boutique owner Lorena "Lulu" Roberts about the trends we'll see on her runway and how she's stepping up her summer show. read more »
Nice day for a cheap wedding
Posted: May 22, 2007 - 10:36 pm
An e-mail request for some shopping help:
My daughter is getting married June 30th and we need a dress. Where is the best place to find a dress that will not cost us an arm and leg? She is very simple in taste and likes the sweetheart style with an A line skirt. I sure could use some advice.
My cheap chic suggestion for the bride-to-be is Isaac Mizrahi’s new bridal line for Target, which includes several simple gowns for under $160. This one is my favorite. If you're willing to spend in the $200-300 range, also check out a few choices in J. Crew's bridal collection. The dresses are simple and elegant, and they still won’t break the bank. read more »
And the winner is …
Posted: May 21, 2007 - 7:39 am
Congratulations Vickie Pamplin! While it was easy to empathize with the brutal honesty of most of the rants, it was hard to ignore Vickie's method of pointing out all of our fashion flaws through her poem The No Mirror Girls. Vickie will get a $100 gift certificate to the Dimond Center.
Thanks to everyone who participated. At the very least you have convinced me to check myself a little more closely before I head out the door in this town!
Fashion flaws to knock your Crocs off : Which answer won $100?
Posted: May 21, 2007 - 7:26 am
What fashion trend would you like to see die and why? It was safe to assume that when this question was posed to readers on the Shop Girl blog there'd be a range of answers and a lot of ranting. It was an unfiltered chance to air our neighbor's ugly laundry and call each other out for any freakish fashion sights.
Mom jeans, flip-flops, Crocs, logos and too much skin: It was all up for derision. A couple of readers, I discovered, are footwear snobs after my own heart. And several of you tackled the mystery of what's happened to nice medium-rise pants that sit just below the waist.
The word "trend" was applied loosely (Were sack dresses and stains on your shirt ever really a trend? If so, I missed it.), but it didn't really matter. In the end, it seems we were calling for simple self-respect and a little practicality, and some even suggested we simply look in the mirror. read more »
Shoe sale through Saturday
Posted: May 17, 2007 - 11:09 pm
Her Tern is now hosting a little sale each week where they’ll feature a different brand at a discount. So head to Her Tern through Saturday for 25 different styles of Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes and A to Z Tees at 20 percent off.
Get your runway walk on
Posted: May 17, 2007 - 11:02 pm
The local fashion show season is here – yes, we actually have fashion shows, but more details on all that later – and right now Lulu E. Bebe boutique is looking for independent models to appear in the Bright summer show on June 2.
The model call is this Saturday, from 3-6 p.m. at the Egan Convention Center (555 W. Fifth Ave.) It’s open to all ages. They’re looking for models sizes 2-8 and you must be able to walk in heels. If you go, wear jeans, a black top and heels.
For information, call Lulu Roberts at 522-5858.
Attention shoppers!
Posted: May 14, 2007 - 8:00 pm
Tomorrow Plato's Closet will celebrate its grand opening. That means you can shop the racks instead of just selling your clothes.
Go get ‘em, bargain hunters!
Haute on the horizon: Color your denim
Posted: May 14, 2007 - 7:23 pm
Yellow, jade, fuchsia and kelly green – no color is off limits in the latest denim development. read more »
Homer consignment shop finds Fringe fashion niche
Posted: May 14, 2007 - 7:26 am
If what comes to mind when you pair the words "shopping" and "Homer" are Salty Dawg Saloon hoodies and the alpaca sweaters you can buy on the Spit in the summer, then your next trip south should include a stop at The Fringe.
Inside a quaint circular-shaped house on Homer's Pioneer Avenue, the consignment shop is filled with hangers, racks and shelves that hold an eclectic collection of fiber art, consigned clothing, vintage pieces and a collection of comfy, cotton pieces designed with understated Alaska flavor. read more »
Shop Blush from home, work or anywhere
Posted: May 13, 2007 - 11:00 pm
Boutique Blush’s Web site is sporting a redesign that includes a new online store, and the first 100 customers to place an order will get 10 percent off their purchase. You can register to receive the e-mail newsletter here, and check out blog updates here. And who wouldn’t love Blush for this: Shipping for Alaskan shoppers is always free!
Trendspotting: It’s a polka (dot) party!
Posted: May 13, 2007 - 11:24 am
Ginormous polka dots – I’d tell you to look for ‘em, but they’re kind of hard to miss. Here are some online picks from Anthropologie, Shopbop and Forever 21. Locally, you can connect all the dots at Nordstrom (I spotted a variety of styles and print sizes), and the are a few dresses, including this one, at Lulu E. Bebe. read more »
Croc Watch: When a wedge works better as a doorstop
Posted: May 10, 2007 - 8:52 pm
While this is bordering on adorable, these are questionable.
Meet the Croc Sassari, a wedge heel of rubber -- uh, I mean croslite -- that is advertised with the slogan “more beauty, less beast.” Yikes! read more »
For love of Mom
Posted: May 7, 2007 - 9:04 am
Hey kids and dads, consider this your warning. You still have almost a week to gear up for Mother’s Day, which is Sunday, May 13 in case you hadn’t checked the calendar yet. To help, here’s a sampling of gifts, all found locally, that are fresh and a lot of fun. So don’t waste any more time getting your shop on to honor all the magnificent mommas in your life.
Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque by Alaska Glacial Mud Co. ($37.75) read more »
Tell us what you hate and win
Posted: May 6, 2007 - 11:48 am
Please tell me you aren’t passing up on a chance to win free money to shop? If I could enter this contest to win $100 gift card for the Dimond Center, I’d be calling everyone out on the hairstyle with the little bang pouf, high-heeled, lace-up ankle boots and the midsection action that occurs when your waistband is too low and too tight (my friends like to call it “the muffin top”).
It’s all fair game here, and it’s simple. Tell us about the fashion trends that make you cringe, and you’re entered to win. And if someone has already mentioned the style you love to loathe, no fear, there are plenty of ways to tell us why. Now, get to ranting! read more »
Cinco de Craft-o
Posted: May 4, 2007 - 10:27 am
Anchorage Craft Mafia is hosting its biggest and wildest craft show of the season, Mafia Mayhem, on Saturday. The event will feature crafty local vendors, door prizes and “more moxie than your Aunt Millie!” If that’s not enough to lure you, keep in mind the Cinco de Mayo special on Corona, tacos and burritos.
They've got everything from industrial jewelry to chocolate and doggy goodies. Seventeen vendors will be there, including Dos Manos, One World Designs, Annie’s Arts and Follies, Bella Boutique, Moonshine Designs, Screaming Yeti Designs, Alaska Leash Company, Catherine Stewart’s fused glass jewelry, the Fairy Guidemother (a woman who dresses like a fairy to do psychic readings), and massage therapist too. read more »
Ladies’ night
Posted: May 4, 2007 - 10:25 am
The Body Café is giving you an excuse for girls’ night tonight with Spring Fling, an open house for the ladies. Stop by to check out the location and grab the goody bag with makeup, and skin care, massage and nail products. They’re also offering paraffin hand dips, makeup demonstrations from Cor Cosmetics, and lots of Cinco de Mayo munchies.
The Spring Fling is tonight from 6-9 p.m. The Body Café is located at 3105 Lakeshore Drive in the Lakeshore Towers, building B. read more »
Dreamy dropoffs mean stellar shopping
Posted: May 3, 2007 - 11:28 pm
From the ladies at Clothesline Consignment:
Closet cleaning season means great consignments for The Clothesline. Some new items include: Coach purses, five pairs of size 7.5 Cole Haan sandals, 2 pairs size 32 Rock & Republic jeans, size 9 designer shoes -- Marc Jacobs, farylrobin, Via Spiga, etc. -- and hundreds of other new items!
Shop First Friday's handmade handbags
Posted: May 3, 2007 - 11:13 pm
Her Tern Boutique will host artist Marci Nelson and help launch her new line of ak starfish co. skirts. Also check out Nelson’s famous hand-sewn silk handbags and new T-shirt styles. Reception is from 5-7 p.m. Her Tern is located at 811 W. Eighth Ave. For more information, call 278-8376 or check here.
Bella Boutique’s featured artist is Gretchen Ciccotti, who makes the Junebugz vintage-fabric handbags. The handbag ogling will be complemented with caramel apples, mini cupcakes and bubbly. Reception is from 5- 9 p.m. Bella Boutique is located in the Ship Creek Center, 333 W. Fourth Ave., Suite 8. Find more information here or call 644-4989. read more »
Plain Jane moved (but not far!)
Posted: May 2, 2007 - 6:59 pm
If you haven’t been to Plain Jane Consignment’s new location, make a trip. In early April the Midtown boutique moved three doors down from its previous spot (from Suite E to Suite H) in the Great Alaska Mall off Northern Lights Boulevard and A Street. The new digs are a little bigger and almost double the rack space. And believe me, they are already full of super-fab finds.
Plain Jane Consignment is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. read more »
Made me happy on Monday
Posted: April 30, 2007 - 10:46 pm
I recant my previous self-limiting theories on ballet flats. Now that I found the perfect pair – or three perfect pair and counting – I adore them.
Best of all, it’s one more magnificent thing to shop for. So, here’s my favorite find that got me through my Monday: The Dolce Vita Piped Ballet Flat is $120 at Shopbop and comes with tomato, sky or lemon piping, or snag ‘em for $99 at South Moon Under with magenta piping. read more »
Blue Jewel a good fit for denim lovers
Posted: April 30, 2007 - 7:24 am
Boot cut, flare, embroidered, embellished, skinny leg and distressed: A visit to Blue Jewel is like attending seminar in denimology.
And the man behind this new women's boutique knows his denim.
"People talk about fetishes," owner C.J. Lewis said. "Denim and shoes, that's just it; I know my jeans." read more »
Free money to shop!
Posted: April 25, 2007 - 9:19 pm
If the scent of leather handbags or a perfect-fitting pair of jeans doesn't motivate you to hit the mall, could you be convinced if someone gave you money just to shop? Keep reading.
You can win a $100 gift certificate to the Dimond Center and all you have to do is share your fashion-related rant with us. Answer the question below by posting a comment and be entered to win.
What current fashion trend would you like to see die and why? I’m sure you know what my answer would be ...
Trendspotting: Eyes are open wide for eyelet
Posted: April 25, 2007 - 7:30 am
The Milly floral eyelet baby doll dress in white (and another version in yellow) at She; the Gap’s white circle eyelet or navy floral eyelet empire-waist frocks; Banana Republic’s eyelet sundress; the Kenzi jacket with cream-colored eyelet layer at Blush; and eyelet accents on tunics and tanks pretty much everywhere else I went last weekend: It’s safe to say that eyelet is a spring staple.
Also spotted: crocheted pullovers and vests. Is it funny that these two looks are hanging on racks near each other? It’s like baby girl and grandma got together to plan the season’s trends. read more »
Get your garbage on sale
Posted: April 24, 2007 - 10:49 pm
Renewed clothing boutique Garbage is having a sale to make room before new shipments arrive from Los Angeles. All items with red price tags are 50-percent off. But make sure you keep the first week of May in mind when the new arrivals will include summer clothes from Guess, Lucky, Bebe, Steve Madden, Coldwater Creek, Talbots and Ann Taylor.
Garbage is at 304 G St. Hours are 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday to Friday; 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
She Boutique aims to tempt, indulge fashionistas
Posted: April 23, 2007 - 7:43 am
Listing off the labels that are hanging on glossy white hangers inside She Boutique sounds more like the roster at a slumber party or a mani-pedi get-together than a roundup of high-end women's designers.
And when I said "It's like girl porn" as a way to sum up my first peek inside, owner Tina Briley laughed and said, "Yup!" read more »
Rummage through Plato’s Closet for bargains
Posted: April 23, 2007 - 7:38 am
The proof of a Plato’s Closet was in the piles of clothing taking over the front counter last week, the garbage bags and boxes that still had to be sorted and the rainbow of jersey-knit T-shirts and denim in every shade of indigo already arranged on racks.
“Oh my gosh!” said Diana Ede, Plato’s owner. “Look around. It’s amazing. We’ve been getting pretty nice stuff.
“And then sometimes you get a surprise like that,” she said as she pulled a brown Prada cross-body purse from a plastic garbage bag and stacked it with a Southpole down coat and a jean skirt. read more »
Be an eco-friendly fashionista
Posted: April 22, 2007 - 11:09 pm
I did two things today that, shamefully, I know I should do everyday. I got my coffee made in travel mug this morning and when I checked out at the store I packed my groceries in canvas bags.
So in honor of Earth Day, here’s a collection of cute cotton totes that will keep you out of the plastic-bag business:
Sunday shopping
Posted: April 21, 2007 - 8:08 pm
Get the look on sale: Help The Look celebrate 25 years in business by shopping the sale! Through the end of April all clothing, from new arrivals to clearance merchandise, will be 25 percent off. The Look is located in the Metro Mall at 570 E. Benson Blvd.
Fashion-Able Soirée: For a dose of fashion, you can check out the Fashion-Able Soirée, which includes a fashion show with clothes provided by Nordstrom and a silent auction, at the Anchorage Sheraton Hotel Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $40 and the event raises money for the Armed Services YMCA. read more »
New upscale boutique opens tomorrow
Posted: April 20, 2007 - 12:49 pm
If there’s anything that signals how much our local shopping scene is flourishing, it just may be the opening of She Boutique, an upscale women’s shop with a fun ultra-feminine atmosphere and fantastic designer lines.
I got a sneak peek of the boutique and met owner Tina Briley earlier this week. And believe me, Briley has put together a first-class shop with styles and selection that will make you salivate. (Just don’t get any drool on the Ella Moss rack before I have a chance to shop it, please!) So pack your plastic (it is a designer boutique) and get ready to spoil yourself because She opens its doors for the first time Saturday at 10 a.m. read more »
