Is your Game on for Grilling Season? 7 Ideas from Sur La Table!

20 May

Just one week to go until what always feels like  the kickoff to outdoor entertaining season! As we head toward Memorial Day, I’m featuring a series of posts to get you ready!

First stop — Sur La Table (Level 2) — where you’ll find a well stocked supply of grilling accessories!  Even better, several items are already on sale!

The BBQ section is front and center!

The BBQ section is front and center!

I’ve never heard of a Stuff-A-Burger set! It comes with a press to help you stuff your burgers with the likes of caramelized onions and bleu cheese or basil and prosciutto.  The basket is built to hold stuffed patties. Added benefit — you can flip four burgers at one time!

Stuff-A-Burger

Stuff-A-Burger

Here’s a crowd pleaser!  This is a rack and smoker specially designed for making stuffed chili peppers!  You can do 24  jalapeños at a time. It’s designed so your peppers won’t fall over while you’re cooking them. You can put wood chips on the tray under your peppers for a smokey taste. It also comes with a corer.

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Want the taste of a smoker without the investment? The Moistly-Grilled Smoking Platform will give you the smokey taste you crave while using a gas grill. “The perforated base and wood chip tray allow heat and flames in to produce smoke quickly, creating a venting system that controls the amount of smoke in your grill,” according to Sur La Table.

Sur La Table

Turn your grill into a multi-tasker!

You can also achieve that smokey flavor with the Hickory Grilling Plank. The plank helps your meat or fish hold moisture as well.

Another way to get that smokey flavor

Another way to get that smokey flavor

No need for an early grilling curfew! This clip-on grill light will make it easy to grill after the sun sets!

Grilling after dark

Grilling after dark

Maximize your grill’s real estate and minimize your job with the Chicken Leg & Wing Rack. Just hang the legs and wings from the hooks and let them cook. No need to turn them over.

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Grill more at once!

 Sur La Table also has a wide range of marinades and rubs.

Flavor

Create Instant Impact!

What is your favorite meal to grill?

I’ll be back tomorrow with outdoor serving pieces from Crate & Barrel!

Scout Bags at Kokopelli!

18 May

Scouting for that bag that will perform?

Kokopelli (Level 4) just starting carrying Scout Totes by Bungalow.

The patterns and colors are vibrant and fun. You’ll find graphic prints, paisleys, floral designs and more! They come in all shapes and sizes from little cosmetic pouches to lunch totes to mega carry everything bags! Plus, scout bags are even water resistant.

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Scout by Bungalow

I’ve carried these bags for years and my original totes are still going strong. During the summer, I usually have one of the larger totes packed up with towels and sunscreen, ready to go. If you’re like me and lose your keys in your purse, the little cosmetic bags are the perfect home for the essentials you don’t want to have to dig around to find.

Are you a Scout fan?  Let me know what you think of the bags…

Beach Accessories at Nordstrom!

17 May

Ready for pool & beach season?

I can’t get enough of the warm weather accessories I’m seeing at Nordstrom. These bags just make me smile!

The two patterned totes below are by Banago. Or, be transparent with the Bensimon bag!

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If you are wishing for more of a sun kissed look before baring a swimsuit, you can get a full body glow with the Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzer.

Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzer

Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzer

I’m all about chameleon clothing. My favorite beach standbys in my closet are two maxi skirts. Along with wearing them as skirts, they also pull double duty as strapless dresses. Plus, they came with detachable straps for yet another look. But, I may have to stray from them this summer for a look like this one… The belt on this striped dress (or skirt depending on how you wear it) can morph into shoulder straps.

Convertible Dress

Stripe Convertible Cover-Up Dress

If you’re doing a simple solid suit, consider going bold with the cover-up!  This water color motif one comes in multiple color options.

Watercolor style!

Watercolor style!

Did you catch my swimsuit post from Everything But Water from earlier in the week? Here’s a link.

Plus, if you’re searching for that 11th hour Preakness look, here is some inspiration when it comes to dresseshats.

GURU Style Star: Sheena Jones & Summer Trends Happy Hour Recap!

16 May

Thanks to everyone for making our Summer Trends Happy Hour event at Stoney River last night (5/15) a hit!

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Guests mingled over drinks and appetizers, enjoyed a mini fragrance ritual and tried out a summer lip look. Plus, models showcased summer’s hottest trends.

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Special thanks to Stoney River, L’Occitane, Bare Minerals, Lilly Pulitzer, Francesca’s Collections, Banana Republic and BCBGMAXAZRIA!

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I also spotted this week’s GURU Style Star at the event.  Meet Sheena Jones.

Sheena Jones

Sheena Jones

Sheena’s white jeans and coral top are both Nordstrom Rack scores! Love her coral flats and statement necklace!

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Here is our Q&A:

Describe your style: 

My style is a bit classic with a little bit of pop.

If you could go back to any decade for the fashion, what would you pick?

The ’90s. You could be so free. You could wear a paint splattered shirt, stone washed jeans… No one cared in the ’90s. Everything happened in the ’90s.

If I gave you $1000 to spend anywhere at the mall, what would you buy?

Shoes, jeans, you can never have enough jeans, purses, accessories… Accessories can make an old outfit look new!

One lucky guest from the Happy Hour event will get to go on a shopping spree. Colleen Kochesfahani won a $250 Shop Etc. Gift Card and a Styling Session with me in our drawing. Watch for a feature on our shopping trip in a future blog post….

Winner of the Drawing

Winner of the Drawing

Need to catch up on recent GURU Style Star features. Here are links to recent posts. You can access the full archive here.

May 2013:  5/2  Kenzie, 5/9 Amy, Emerson and JoAnn,

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May 2013 GURU Style Stars

APRIL 2013:  4/25 Sofia Rutka, 4/18 Donald Williams II, 4/11 Bailey Susic,  4/4 Kristen Luther

April 2013 Style Stars

April 2013 GURU Style Stars

MARCH 2013:  3/28 Oral.   3/21 Brutina.   3/14   Regina and Christina.  3/7  Caroline Tracy

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March 2013 GURU Style Stars

 

 

Ready to Strut that Swimsuit? Tips for matching your suit to your shape!

15 May

The countdown until swimsuit season is here. Are you ready? 

It can be overwhelming to take the plunge and head to the dressing room with a stack of suits to try — especially when you’re not quite sure what styles are most flattering for you. Audrey Jimenez, an Everything But Water Style & Fit Expert offers these tips on matching a swimsuit to your shape. Everything But Water (Level 3) is a year-round source for the hottest swim looks.

MONOKINI, CUTOUT STYLES

“Monokinis, part of the chic cutout trend, are a sexy, daring silhouette that show some skin while providing some tummy coverage,” reveals Audrey. “They help create the illusion of curves.” She suggests this style for boyish figures.

Cutout Style

Trina Turk
Courtesy: Everything But Water

TANKINI

The tankini can work on all figures. You have the comfort of a two piece but with more coverage. Audrey reports, “Shirred tankinis additionally provide figure-flattering magic, disguising figure flaws.”

Bleu | Rod Beattie & Everything But Water exclusive La Blanca Courtesy: Everything But Water

Bleu | Rod Beattie & Everything But Water exclusive La Blanca
Courtesy: Everything But Water

BRA-SIZED

Suits that come in bra sizes are great for any woman. They’re especially helpful for women with larger busts. The sizing on bra-sized suits often goes up to 32F+. “Many designers are taking the guesswork out of fitting the bust with expanded bra-sized offerings. Larger cupped suits have sizing and inner construction that caters to a larger bust,” describes Audrey.

Tommy Bahama  Courtesy: Everything But Water

Tommy Bahama
Courtesy: Everything But Water

BLOUSON

“This borrowed-from-ready-to-wear style is both forgiving and sophisticated,” says Audrey of the blouson suit style. “The flattering silhouette disguises midriff issues or love handles. It also creates interest for smaller chests and flatters larger busts.”

Everything But Water

Jantzen blouson
Courtesy: Everything But Water

Everything But Water features many coverup styles  — including dress styles and pareos. The pareos can be tied multiple ways!

Coverups! Courtesy: Everything But Water

Coverups!
Courtesy: Everything But Water

Coming up on Friday, I’ll have beach accessories from Nordstrom.

Topping off Your Preakness Look: Hats from Macy’s

14 May

It’s a tough call. Preakness Fashionistas — I want to hear from you on this one. Do you start with the hat and then find the dress… or do you find a dress first?

Wait until you see the incredible hat selection at Macy’s!

Off to the races!

Off to the Races!

Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find in store. I’m seeing lots of black and white, bold pinks and sunny yellows!

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Along with all the big brimmed hats, you can also get into the spirit with a fascinator!

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Looking for a dress to go with your hat? Check out my finds from Lilly Pulitzer, Caché and and Ann Taylor.

Primping for Preakness: 12 Dress Ideas!

13 May

Are you on the prowl for a dress to wear to Preakness this weekend?

I hit Lilly Pulitzer, Caché and Ann Taylor for inspiration. Here are 12 finds!

The Lacina Dress at Lilly Pulitzer in Just Add Mint is a surefire head turner — whether you’re going to Preakness or entertaining at home! Note the crochet floral detail around the neckline and on the back of this classic shift.

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Just Add Mint

Lace is a hot trend for spring and summer. Dresses like these can take you to Preakness and then to any summer fete! From left to right, this is the Tabitha Dress in Sunrise Orange and the Barbara Dress in Sunrise Orange Two Tone Truly Petal Lace.

The Tabitha and Barbara Dresses

The Tabitha and Barbara Dresses

The Lonnie Dress in Sand Bar Blue Iridescent Daisy Lace has the feel of looking at a lace pattern through a magnifying glass.

The Lonnie Dress

The Lonnie Dress

At Ann Taylor (Level 4), here’s another standout lace option! The Lace Horizon dress is traditional with a twist with the sorbet colored stripes.

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Lace Horizon Dress

The Paisley Border Shift Dress is done in refreshing blues and greens.

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Pretty in Paisley

Check out this flirty number. With its ruched waistline, The Floral Print Chiffon Crossover Dress hugs in just the right places.

Flirty Floral

Flirty Floral

Black and white is a big trend this season. The yellow really stands out against the black and white on the sunny Botanical Print Dress.

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Botanical Print Dress

Next stop — Caché (Level 4). Yellow pops again in the Black and White One Shoulder Maxi Dress. Add a statement necklace in any color to this dress and you’ll have a new look! Any color works with a dress like this.

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Nothing basic about this black and white!

If you love bold colors, consider a look like this Pleated Hi-Low print dress.  The hi-low hemline is trending once again this year!

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Hi-low Hemlines are In!

The Blue Striped Maxi Dress skims your shape and is pulled together with the figure flattering belt. Stay cool in the simple, elegant White Pleated Layer Dress.

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Blue Striped Maxi and White Pleated Layer Dress

Coming up tomorrow, it’s time to talk Preakness hats. Wait until you see my finds from Macy’s!

 

INVITATION to our Summer Trends Happy Hour on 5/15 at Stoney River!

11 May

Where will you be on Wed., 5/15

from 5 to 7 pm?

Join me for a Summer Trends Happy Hour Event at Stoney River!

 I will draw a name at the event for a $250 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card and a one-on-one Styling Session with me! And, there’s more…   

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At the door, you’ll receive a gift bag to take home with a voucher for your first drink on us!  Stoney River is generously providing the appetizers.

Plus, see hot summer styles from Banana Republic, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Francesca’s Collections and Lilly Pulitzer! Enjoy a mini fragrance ritual from L’Occitane featuring its new collection and try out a summer lip look from Bare Minerals!

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We will do the drawing for the  $250 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card and Styling Session toward the end of the event. If your name is drawn, you will need to be present in order to win.

Your drink voucher is good for any one drink from the Happy Hour menu. Choices include beer, select wines and a list of premium well drinks. For additional drinks, enjoy Happy Hour prices of $3-5 on any drinks selected from the Happy Hour menu.

An RSVP is required. The first 50 people to RSVP to me at towsontowncenterguru@gmail.com can attend. When you RSVP, be sure to include the first and last names of everyone in your party.  The event is for ages 21+.   Please be advised that space is limited to 50 guests. 

Hope to see you at the event!

Mother’s Day at PANDORA! Plus, enter our Mother’s Day 2013 Sweepstakes!

10 May

Looking to remind Mom that she has a piece of your heart? Pandora (Levels 3 & 4) offers an extensive Mother’s Day collection designed to help you express your sentiments.

This is the Piece of My Heart Charm. Choose from a son or daughter themed one. The charm says Mother on one side and Son or Daughter on the other. The Mother/Daughter one features red enamel.

Piece of My Heart

Piece of My Heart

It’s easy to start a Pandora bracelet for Mom. The bracelets are beautiful whether you have one charm, a handful or many. If you’re just starting Mom on a bracelet, consider choosing a few charms that will always make her think of Mother’s Day.

Pandora Sterling Silver Bracelet with Barrel Clasp

Pandora Sterling Silver Bracelet with Barrel Clasp

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Charm Mom with a some charms that will speak to her…

Here are links to more Mother’s Day gift ideas for handbags at Michael Kors; gift sets from L’Occitane, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and Yankee Candle; and jewelry at Tiffany & Co. Plus, here’s a link to my Mother’s Day gift segment on WBAL-TV.

Today (5/10) is the final day to enter for a chance to win a $50 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card in our Mother’s Day 2013 Sweepstakes!  All you need to do is leave a comment on any blog post that runs from 5/6 through 5/10.  Open to U.S. residents, 16 or older. For the official rules,  click here.  Limit one entry per person.  Good luck!

 

GURU Style Stars: Amy, Emerson & JoAnn

9 May

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for Mother-Daughter pairs to feature as GURU Style Stars. I was excited when I spotted an even better find — three generations!

Meet Amy, Emerson, 4, and JoAnn! Love the pink — especially on a dreary day.

And yes, this trio paid a little visit to Lilly Pulitzer! That’s why they came to Towson Town Center on this day. Amy and Emerson live in Howard County, and JoAnn is from Catonsville. I’ll show you what’s in two of the bags in a moment…

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Amy, Emerson and JoAnn

JoAnn, Amy’s mom and Emerson’s grandmother, scored her pink rain coat at Gap. It really pops over her navy cardi, white tee and jeans.

Three Generations!

Three Generations!

Amy’s python print sweater and jeans are both J.Crew finds. Her necklace is from Ann Taylor. Her turquoise bag is Michael Kors.

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Little Emerson is wearing a sweet plaid top from Gymboree with jeggings and crocheted flats. She’s lucky her little shoes aren’t in my size…

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On this shopping trip, JoAnn bought Amy and Emerson these matching Lilly Pulitzer dresses as birthday presents!

Mother & Daughter Dresses

Mother & Daughter Dresses

Now for our Q&A:

Describe your style:

Amy: Casual, comfortable clothes with a little bling! I always wear jewelry.

JoAnn: I would say I’m more conservative, preppy.

What are your favorite stores at Towson Town Center?

Amy: Lilly Pulitzer and J.Crew. I like J.Crew for my everyday. Lilly for dress up, especially for summer!

JoAnn:  I like Talbots and J.Crew.

How do you two influence each other’s style?

Amy: I would say now I influence her. Years ago she influenced me more. I keep her up to date on new styles while keeping her dress age appropriate.

JoAnn: I do have some taste she can’t take credit for all of it.

Amy: You do have good taste, mom.

How have you influenced Amy’s style?

JoAnn:  I’ve influenced her to be a shopper because I’ve always been a shopper.

Amy:  I would say the biggest influence is you always told me to dress appropriate and not to be a showy person, not to wear revealing clothes.

Amy, who is also a mom to two boys, ages 6 and 8, is having her family over for a cook out on Mother’s Day. Do you have your Mother’s Day shopping done? Here are links to gift ideas for handbags at Michael Kors; gift sets from L’Occitane, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and Yankee Candle; and jewelry at Tiffany & Co. Coming up tomorrow, see my finds from Pandora. Plus, here’s a link to my Mother’s Day gift segment on WBAL-TV.

You have through tomorrow (5/10) to enter for a chance to win a $50 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card in our Mother’s Day 2013 Sweepstakes!  All you need to do is leave a comment on any blog post that runs from 5/6 through 5/10.  Open to U.S. residents, 16 or older. For the official rules,  click here.  Limit one entry per person. 

Here are links to recent GURU Style Star features. You can access the full archive here.

May 2013:  5/2  Kenzie

APRIL 2013:  4/25 Sofia Rutka, 4/18 Donald Williams II, 4/11 Bailey Susic,  4/4 Kristen Luther

April 2013 Style Stars

April 2013 Style Stars

MARCH 2013:  3/28 Oral.   3/21 Brutina.   3/14   Regina and Christina.  3/7  Caroline Tracy

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March 2013 Style Stars

 

 

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