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INVITATION to our Summer Trends Happy Hour on 5/15 at Stoney River! Plus, a Chance to Win a Major Prize!

3 May

I’m excited to invite you to our

Summer Trends Happy Hour Event

 at Stoney River!

Wednesday, May 15th, 5 to 7 pm

Join me on the outdoor patio at Stoney River for drinks and appetizers, enter for a chance to win a $250 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card and Styling Session with me, see hot summer styles and 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.

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

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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L’Occitane

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!

GURU Style Star: Kenzie

2 May

From her hot-pink tutu attached to her onesie to her tiny Converse sneaks — 3-month-old Kenzie exudes cuteness!

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 Now for the full reveal!

Kenzie’s outfit and sneakers are from Spencer’s via hand-me-downs from her 3-year-old big sis.

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Mom, Jessica, stood in for Kenzie’s Style Star Q&A!

Describe Kenzie’s style:

It’s just my style, so I had to put it on her and see how it works.

What do you like most about dressing a little girl?

The bows and the pretty tutus and dresses.

What’s your favorite store at Towson Town Center?

Hot Topic because it has my most favorite clothing, music, makeup, everything – my style.

What about when it comes to shopping for Kenzie?

I would say Spencer’s because they have everything like Hot Topic does, so she can match my style.

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

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

FEBRUARY 2013:  2/28 Gary Davis.  2/21 Alli Province.  2/14 Danielle & Dave Epstein.  2/7 Beverly Alexander

GURU Style Stars, Towson Town Center

February 2013 Style Stars

 

Trend Alert: PRINTED SHORTS!

1 May

Animal Prints. Florals. Dots. Stripes.

Have you noticed all the printed shorts around the mall? I’m spotting them everywhere in varying lengths and styles.  

Here are just a few finds from Francesca’s Collections, dELiA*s  and The Limited. 

These two pairs had just arrived when I popped into Francesca’s Collections (Level 4)!  Bring out any of the colors in a multi-hued striped pair like these by adding a tee or tank in one of the colors featured or finish with a white top. Just about any color tee or tank will work with a floral print like this one.

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Francesca’s Collections

At dELiA*s (Level 1), you’ll find a display with printed shorts in the spotlight and more choices throughout the store! You can make your outfits multiply fast with a few pairs of patterned shorts and different color tanks.

dELiA*s

dELiA*s

Here’s a closer look at some of the fun patterns, including a cheery Ikat pattern, multiple florals and a muted animal print.

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Over at The Limited (Level 3), I found standout shorts of varying lengths.

Show your Stripes

Show your Stripes

Note the  pattern play of dots and stripes in this outfit. If you want to try mixing patterns from top to bottom, dots and stripes in the same color story are an easy way to go.

Pattern Play

Pattern Play

Here’s another take on dots at The Limited in a longer style. These are the Metro shorts. They also come in solids.

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Spotted with Dots!

This neutral pair is subtle and stands out all at once! Dress up a style like this one with a jacket and sandals or pair them with a tank and flip-flops for a more casual vibe.

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Dress a pair like these up or down…

If you could wear any of the shorts featured in this post on the next warm day, which one would you pick?

GURU Spotlight on Sunglass Hut!

30 Apr

It’s the candy store of sunglasses! You’ll find just about every flavor of frames you can imagine at Sunglass Hut (Levels 3 & 4).

Sunglass Hut has locations of levels 2 & 3.

Sunglass Hut has locations of levels 3 & 4.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in store.

Stand out in this baroque-inspired round style by Prada. Before I reveal the front, I have to show you the view from the side!

Baroque-Inspired

Baroque-Inspired

This style is available in neutrals and even comes in purple. Perfect for next Ravens season!

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 Prada

While we’re talking sports — he can show off his Orioles spirit with these folding wayfarers by Ray Ban. They also come in seven color options.

Folds down to pocket size!

Folds down to pocket size!

These Ray Bans feature the option of changing out your lenses. It’s about fashion and function. You can change up your look and also use different lenses depending on the weather. Dark green can be good for a sunny day and you may want to switch to a brown or blue gradient lens on a cloudy day. Plus, if you’re rough on your sunglasses, you can easily replace the lenses without getting a new pair of glasses.
Interchangeable Lenses!

Interchangeable Lenses from Ray Ban!

Sunglass Hut carries a number of polarized options including these two pairs by Maui Jim. A store associate tells me that polarized lenses cut the glare, make you squint less and make everything you see more clear and crisp. She says it can also help prevent cataracts. The pair featured on the left is a women’s sporty style. The men’s pair, on the right, can be worn casually and for dressier occasions.

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Maui Jim

Before I sign off, I have one more glam pair to show you. These styles are from the Chanel Chain Collection and have standout chain detail. Choose from a more demure shape or bolder look.
Go glam with Channel!

Go glam with Chanel!

The good news is that there isn’t one sunglass trend. It’s best to go in and play with different styles and see what works best for the shape of your face and for your needs.

Eddie Bauer’s new store is open! Live your Adventure!

26 Apr

Have you checked out Eddie Bauer’s new home on Level 4?  

Here’s a peek at the new digs. As you walk around the store, you can’t help but feel inspired to want to LIVE YOUR ADVENTURE! The focus of the new store is apparel and gear designed with adventures in mind.

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New Home on Level 4!

The store opened on 4/25 and invites you to a Grand Opening event Wednesday (5/1). The first 100 customers on 5/1 will receive an iTunes Digital Code with a $10 value. No purchase necessary. One per person. The code must be activated by 5/31/2013.

Plus from 5/1 though 5/5, save 25% off EVERYTHING and take a moment to enter for a chance to win the “ultimate adventure.”  You can fill out an entry to win a dream trip and even get to cast your vote on the destination. The choices include Nepal, Morocco, Machu Picchu, Alaska and Dolomites. The grand prize will include a guided trek, airfare and lodging for two along with a $1,000 cash allowance and a $500 Eddie Bauer Outfitter gift card. No purchase necessary to enter. Please see associate for full details on the savings and on the sweepstakes.

At Eddie Bauer, you’ll find the clothes and accessories you need for your next adventure — whether it’s a local one or to a far away destination!

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And, more fun news to tell you about — Stop into the store on 5/4 and 5/5 for a FREE WATER BOTTLE. While supplies last.

Can’t wait to hear what you think about the new store!

GURU Style Star: Sofia Rutka! Plus, an Art Opening!

25 Apr

I met this week’s GURU Style Star at an art opening! Not at a museum or gallery… but at Towson Town Center!

I’ll introduce you to our Style Star in a moment. But, first I want to show you a standout wall paper drawing that you’ll find on display on Level 2, near Crate & Barrel. It’s called “Loop.”

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“Loop”

Local artist and visual arts professor at Towson University, Amanda Burnham, who is pictured below, created the large-scale piece.  As you look at the installment, you’ll recognize elements of Towson. ”I was thinking not necessarily about specific references, but a general feeling — awnings and crosswalks and signage that are more evocative of what’s around and less deliberate,”  says Amanda. Some specific depictions, like the Tower on top of Stephens Hall at Towson University, were included as “anchors.”

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The display marks the launch of the IMACT program by Maryland Art Place  (MAP), a local non-profit contemporary art center. “IMPACT is a new, public art program developed to extend Maryland Art Place’s programming to broader audiences,” according to the center’s website.

Amanda says she enjoyed having kids and adults alike come up and talk to her while she was creating this piece on location. “It was great to hear little comments and have that back and forth.”

Stoney River provided the appetizers and Chick-fil-A provided the desserts at the opening for “Loop.”

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Appetizers from Stoney River & Desserts from Chick-fil-A

As I mentioned, I spotted this week’s GURU Style Star at the “Loop” opening! Meet Sofia Rutka. She is the program manager at Maryland Art Place.  Sofia is wearing a geometric print dress with drape sleeves. The boots add a fun touch. “I pretty much always wear boots,” she shares.

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Now, for our Q&A:

Describe your style

Usually it’s pretty classic. This is actually loud and trendy for me. I do a lot of jeans and basics. I love shoes! Shoes are my big statement usually.

What are your favorite stores at Towson Town Center?

I like J. Crew because they are classic and have all the basics. Also Madewell.  They’re a little more young and hip, and I like them a lot.

What trends are you excited about for spring and summer?

I like the patterns that are out right now — the geometric patterns like this dress, the more ethnic prints and that kind of thing. I don’t like pastels or florals. So it’s nice to see something else happening.

If I sent you on a $1,000 shopping spree at the mall, what would you buy?

Probably a new bag. I would go to Coach and buy a bag. I just love their handbags and I could use a new one.

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

APRIL 2013:  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

FEBRUARY 2013:  2/28 Gary Davis.  2/21 Alli Province.  2/14 Danielle & Dave Epstein.  2/7 Beverly Alexander

GURU Style Stars, Towson Town Center

February 2013 Style Stars

Next week’s GURU Style Star wasn’t even born yet when I started this Style Star series!  Meet a little cutie next Thursday! 

You’re invited to the Diane von Furstenberg 2013 Collection DEBUT at GapKids TOMORROW (4/25)!

24 Apr

You’re invited to a special event TOMORROW (4/25) at Gap!

The Gap (Level 3) is celebrating the arrival of Diane von Furstenberg’s second limited edition collection for babies and kids. Doors will open tomorrow at 9 am. Shop the new DVF collection, enjoy light refreshments and there will be coloring books to keep the little ones busy so you can shop! The event runs from 9 to 10 am.

The colors and patterns are playful and bold!

Credit: Gap.com

Credit: Gap.com

And, while you may wish that the DVF Collection could come in your size too (l do!), enjoy special savings on other items! At the event, receive 25% off your purchase, excluding DVF items.  You can then use your savings throughout the day.  Some exclusions apply. Please see store for details.

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DVF quantities are extremely limited. The Gap will not be able to accept any holds on DVF items. Here’s a peek at some more of the adorable styles!

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Along with new DVF collection debuting, COLOR, COLOR and more COLOR is in bloom at Gap right now! Have you seen the Skimmer pants? This cropped look comes in khakis, denim and a variety of fits. The toughest part is deciding on a color!
Broken-In Straight Khaki Skimmers

Broken-In Straight Khaki Skimmers

Here’s the Skimmer style in a printed khaki! These are just two of the fun prints you’ll find!

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Printed Skimmers in Denim

Shopping for shorts? They’re equally colorful! I have my eyes on the bright green.
Tough to pick just one!

Tough to pick just one!

Are you planning to attend tomorrow’s event? Again the 25% savings is good on non DVF collection purchases.

You’re invited to WALK THE RUNWAY WITH OUR COMMUNITY STARS!

23 Apr

You’re invited to Walk the Runway with our Community Stars at a special event, presented by Towson Town Center and United Way of Central Maryland.

On May 8th, enjoy an evening of  light fare prepared by restaurants at Towson Town Center, wine tastings from local wineries, exclusive one night only shopping incentives and a special fashion show with “community stars” showcasing the hottest looks of the season.  Plus, each guest will receive a special swag bag.

The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and will be in the Level 1, Grand Court. Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door.  100% of the proceeds benefit United Way of Central Maryland, including the Access to Healthy Food Initiative. 

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May 8th, 5:30-7:30 pm

To reserve your tickets in advance, click here.

All guests are asked to bring two healthy food items to benefit the Access to Healthy Food Initiative.

GREEN WEEK: Final day to enter Sweepstakes! Plus, reusable containers at Macy’s!

22 Apr

Happy Earth Day!

Once upon a time, I went through a ton of little baggies!  Not anymore! I think I’ve had the same box of small plastic storage bags in my kitchen for at least a year. I’ve developed a sizable collection of reusable containers and use them daily for packing trash-less school lunches, carrying my own on-the-go meals and more!

Plus, the containers help me keep my leftovers organized in the fridge.  This way they don’t get lost and therefore tossed!

I recently hit Macy’s to check out the reusable container options there. If you’re just starting a collection of reusable containers, a storage set can be a great way to go! You’ll get a variety of shapes and sizes. It’s also often more economical to buy many containers at once.

The Sistema containers, by Martha Stewart, seen below as a 16-piece set, are BPA free and come with easy to use locking clips. I don’t know about you, but I get frustrated when the lids that are supposed to partner with certain containers require any effort to lock into place.

16-piece set

16-piece set

The Sistema containers can go in the refrigerator, microwave, freezer and dishwasher. You’ll find a wide selection of options, including this 3-piece Lunch on the Go set.

Lunch on the Go!

Lunch on the Go!

Here’s a look at some of the other container options I spotted in store. The Salad to Go set even comes with a container to hold your dressing, a mini fork and knife. I have this one and use it often!

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GURU TIP:  When dining out, if you usually pack up some leftovers to take home, consider keeping a reusable container in your purse so you can skip the Styrofoam box.

I have two more fun eco-friendly finds to show you from Macy’s. Go orange and green with these Orioles tumblers by Tervis. The lids and straws are sold separately. I love that that the straws come in packs. That way, if you lose one, you have another at the ready.

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For Keurig users, have you heard of My K-Cup? Keurig offers an eco-friendly and convenient reusable coffee filter.  Fill the filter with your favorite coffee and use it again and again!

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Today (4/22)  is the FINAL DAY to enter our GREEN WEEK 2013 SWEEPSTAKES!  You can enter for a chance to win a $50 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card by leaving a comment on any blog posts that run from 4/15 through TODAY (4/22). A winner will be selected in a random drawing. Open to U.S. residents, 16 or older.  Entry dates: 4/15 through 4/22.  For the Official Rules, click on this link.  Limit one entry per person.

Here are links to more green-themed posts, featuring LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, Starbucks, TOMS Shoes at Nordstrom, Aveda and The Body Shop.

GURU Style Star: Donald Williams II! Plus, our GREEN WEEK 2013 Sweepstakes!

18 Apr

I noticed Donald Williams II’s colorful plaid bow tie before I even took in the rest of his outfit.

This week’s GURU Style Star looks like he could have walked straight out of a fashion spread!

Donald Williams II

Donald Williams II

Donald, a world religions teacher at St. Paul’s School for Boys in Brooklandville, scored his bow tie from Nordstrom. It’s by Ben Sherman. His yellow and white pinstripe button-down is also a Nordstrom find. His red-orange chinos are from J. Crew. He also found his Sperry Top-Siders at Nordstrom.

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Here’s our Q&A…

Describe your style.

I would say preppy is how I dress all the time for work and everywhere I go — except for Saturdays when I’m doing yard work.  I try to stay classy.

Tell me what you like about wearing bow ties.

It makes one distinguished. It’s an art and it’s really classy. It takes us back to times when men always used to get dressed instead of wearing jeans; men would always wear suits.

What is your favorite store in the mall and why?

My favorite store in the mall is probably Nordstrom Rack, because you can purchase everything at a discounted price… It’s a classic look. It’s not trendy but it’s classic. It’s timeless.

What do your students think about  your style?

They admire and are inspired by my sense of style.  More of my students have started wearing bow ties since I’ve come onto campus… I’ve been told I may get voted best dressed teacher of the year.

How has your style evolved?

It’s gone thorugh a number of changes. I’ve gone through a lot of life changes myself. In grad school, I started wearing bow ties everyday. Every time I wore a suit or khakis and a shirt, I would wear a bow tie to dres it up.  As an undergrad, I was wearing more urban and rugged wear — more trendy… The way I’m dressed right now takes me back to my high school days. I went to Mt. St. Joseph High School. We would dress like this all the time (minus the bow tie).

It’s our green themed week on the blog. What do you do to go-green?

I go paperless on all my bank statements.

Have you entered our GREEN WEEK 2013 Sweepstakes? You can enter for a chance to win a $50 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card? You can enter by leaving a comment on any blog post that runs from 4/15 through 4/22. A winner will be selected in a random drawing.

Open to U.S. residents, 16 or older.  Entry dates: 4/15 through 4/22.  For the Official Rules, click on this link.  Limit one entry per person.

Here are links to more green themed posts featuring AvedaStarbucksTOMS shoes at Nordstrom and an eco-friendly cooking technique class coming up at Williams-Sonoma.

Interested in seeing more GURU Style Star features?  Here are recent Style Star posts. You can also visit complete  GURU Style Star archive

APRIL 2013: 4/11 Bailey Susic,  4/4 Kristen Luther

April 2013 GURU 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

FEBRUARY 2013:  2/28 Gary Davis.  2/21 Alli Province.  2/14 Danielle & Dave Epstein.  2/7 Beverly Alexander

GURU Style Stars, Towson Town Center

February 2013 Style Stars

Do you think you should be a Style Star? Leave me a note in the comment section and tell me a little bit about your style! 

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