Ciao Bella! Hilldale

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Because Summer Deserves a New Wardrobe...


So I admit, I have been holding out. I do have another favorite shop at Hilldale that I have yet to write about. Those of you who have not yet been to Anthropologie need to get in the car immediately and make your way to this boho-chic wonderland. One step into this clothing store is all it will take for you to fall in love. Bright colors and cheerful music make you instantly happier...and that's before you have even begun looking at the wide array of flouncy sundresses and delicately detailed tops Anthropologie carries.

A wide variety of clothing styles and options, makes this store the perfect one stop shop for summer. There is something for everyone, from the fashion daring to those looking for some simple basics. I recommend stocking up on cotton halter dresses in bright prints and well-tailored capri pants, two summer wardrobe basics they carry in many different colors and shapes. I scooped up this blue geometric print dress and floral cotton corset, both of which I love!


However, clothing is not the only reason to stop into Anthropologie. Scented candles, beautiful bedding and 50's style housewife aprons are just a few of the many other items that can also be found. So whether you're looking for an outfit to carry you through this summer's wedding circuit or the perfect gift for your BFF's birthday, Anthropologie has got the goods.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Rock and Roll Footwear

This month's issue of Self magazine featured a pair of "rolling" shoes; tennis shoes with completely arched bottoms that are meant to give you a thorough full-body workout when you walk. I skimmed over the article, picturing the L.A. type firming and toning as they walked the city in these new-age shoes. Imagine my surprise when I arrived at Hilldale this morning to see those very shoes, prominently displayed in the window front of Morgan Shoes. Created by MBT, physiological footwear, the footwear is designed to simulate walking barefoot on a sandy beach, a sensation the company claims is "a very comfortable feeling, that also challenges the whole body". MBT claims that wearing the footwear can have a multitude of benefits including posture improvement, increased muscle tone and the release of back and joint pressure, all while burning calories with each step.

After trying a pair on and taking a few laps around the store, I began to understand where the company was coming from. The arched soles of the shoe force you to use muscles you would not when walking in the average flat. However, they remain comfortable, because they are essentially tennis shoes with great support. The company offers the shoes in many styles, including sandals, and is constantly updating their collection with new options and colors. Stop in and try out a pair at Morgan's Shoes and see for yourself what the sensation is all about.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Buzzed Into Ulla

Emmy Fink has become a local celebrity here in Madison. Her weekly updates on the Madison CW, 'Buzzed In with Emmy Fink', are always cheery and upbeat. I am particularly fond of her new series, Buzzed Into Fashion. This week she featured our very own Ulla Eyewear, talking about the hottest new trends and frames. Click here to check out the interview!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Rooftop Release

So after a week-long sabbatical from the blog, also known as the finals week I spent in College Library, I am happy to announce that summer really is right around the corner. Case in point; the season opening of the Rooftop Bar at Sundance Cinemas tonight, May 12th. I am very excited to sip a chocolate martini and taste a few items from their new menu, all while taking in a brilliant sunset. If you've never checked out this west-side hot spot, I highly recommend you grab some friends and unwind after work with a cocktail from their full bar. And for those of you planing a ladies night on May 30th to celebrate the "Sex and the City" movie opener, take advantage of Sundance Cinemas online ticket reservations and claim your seat now. This way you can be sipping rooftop Cosmos with the girls before the show, instead of camping out in line for six hours. Now that is very New York chic indeed!