Keep the Oscar Buzz Going

My Sunday night was spent analyzing one Oscar gown after another, my favorite being Best Actress winner Marion Cotillard's stunning Jean-Paul Gaultier mermaid dress. My only complaint of the night is that Ellen Page did not win an Oscar for her portrayal of a pregnant teen in Juno (however, she did win a Spirit award on Saturday). If you have not yet seen this charming indie film turned Oscar winner for Best Screen Play, you need to get to Sundance this instant! I will be there seeing There Will Be Blood, starring Best Actor winner Daniel Day-Lewis. Also showing, Oscar nominee Persepolis, an animated feature film based on the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. Movie times for all three films can be found at http://www.hilldale.com/now_playing.html.

Finding My Fashion Mecca

Yesterday I wandered into the back room of Woldenberg's for the first time. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. As a self proclaimed girly girl with a weakness for dresses, this backroom was officially my fashion Mecca. One dress in particular stood out among the rest. This pink chiffon dress by Carlos Miele has officially topped my retail wish list. With it's delicate princess cut and hem that falls perfectly above the knee, this dress makes me want to call up five of my closest girl friends for a night of cocktails and frivolity.

Keeping the Tempo

Wednesday night I was invited to attend a fashion show and trend preview at Terese Zache with the ladies of TEMPO, an organization encouraging the advancement of women to executive positions in business, public service, academia and the arts. Terese, having just returned from a trip to New York City, showcased some of the hottest looks for spring, noting up and coming trends along the way. Members of TEMPO modeled the looks and received many cheers and whistles from the group as they strutted their stuff on the imprompto runway.


I was very excited about two particular looks for spring. The first was this all black ensemble by Iris, featuring high waisted pants and a cute bolero crop jacket. High waisted pants are making a comeback and I really love this pair with its crisp lines and tailoring. Paired with the cropped jacket, the dressy outfit could just as easily be dressed down with a fun bright colored top.


I also fell in love with this flirty silver wrap dress by Kay Unger. This dress, flattering to all body types, is perfectly cute with its fun polka dot print and full skirt. I believe dresses will be appropriate everywhere this spring, not just for special occasions. Designers are creating dresses that can be worn from running errands in the morning to informal dinners in the evening, a trend that I am loving!

The event was certainly a success, as I overheard many TEMPO members commenting that all their events should be this fun! There is something about a glass of wine and a small fashion show that puts everyone in a great mood! I'm now more excited than ever about all the spring fashion that we will start seeing in the stores in the next couple weeks and months!

Raffia Done Right

Bright colors have begun to appear all over the mall as spring collections have arrived in the last few weeks. One of my favorite spring pieces is this orange raffia purse from Australian designer Helen Kaminski. Not only is the boho chic tote cute and stylish, but its cotton drawstring lining makes is perfectly functional as well! The purse, along with a variety of other Helen Kaminski hats and bags, is available at Terese Zache.

The Future's So Bright....

All anyone talks about these days is the record snowfall that we are experiencing here in Madison. Add some blistering cold and it is enough to make any fashionista wish for the coming days of sunshine and bright, airy dresses. So maybe it was wishful thinking, but something drew me to the Kieselstein-Cord sunglasses on display in Ulla Eyewear.

The frames are some of the chic-est I have seen. Each one embodies glamour, with leather and jewel accents that add just enough flair to each frame. I would not expect less from a company whose main production is jewelry. Who doesn't want to add a little glam to their everyday eyewear? Right now the frames are marked down 50 percent, making it the perfect time to scoop up a pair to flaunt all summer long.

Delightfully Drinkable

While strolling through Kirlin's Hallmark today, trying to pick out the perfect Valentine's Day cards, I stumbled across something so much cuter...customized martini glasses! The two on display were Valentine's themed, handpainted and covered with shimmering pink and red rhinestones. After exploring further, I found an entire display of themed wine, martini and pilsner glasses. My only complaint was that I hadn't found them sooner, after spoting a martini glass with a 21st birthday theme that would have been a perfect present for my friend Alyssa this past Friday. The glasses cost around 25 dollars and are the perfect solution to anyone looking to find a last minute Valentine's Day gift. Cheers!

Welcome to Ciao Bella!

Welcome to Ciao Bella!, your personal guide to all things fabulous and happening at Hilldale Shopping Center! Do you know where to find the hottest fall bag or what length skirt will be all the rage for spring? How about where to find that one-of-a-kind piece here in Madison? Well today is your lucky day, because you have just stumbled upon your own personal shopper...me!

So who am I? My name is Jill and I am a fashionista with a wicked eye for all things hot and happening in today's apparel world. I have gone to school for both fashion design and journalism and am excited to keep you informed and updated on all the wonderful things happening throughout Hilldale, Madison's hottest shopping center. So start clicking and begin finding ways to enhance your own personal style, letting your most beautiful self shine through. Ciao Bella!