The Perfect Present

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! I don’t know about you, but I’m looking for the perfect gift to show my mother how much I love her. Don’t you worry; I have plenty of ideas that you might like to give your mother too…

There is nothing better then a relaxing day in the spa. Hilldale has multiple spas that offer gift certificates. Whether you get your mom a gift certificate for a massage, manicure, pedicure, or hair treatment she’s bound to love it. Face it ladies, we all love to be pampered! You can even make this special gift a day of beauty for you and your mother to share. She will love to indulge and bond at the same time with her child. Dolma’s rejuvenation, Anaala Salon, and Fancy Nails are a few options you can choose from.

If you want to give your mother a spa feel without spending all the money, Bath & Body Works as well as L'Occitane En Provence both offer multiple pampering packages. Find the perfect fragrance for your mom and treat her to an already made package of shower gel, body lotion, fragrance spray, a candle, and a scrub or be creative and make your own package for her.  Don’t be afraid to ask for some assistance.

Treat your mom to a fabulous meal at any of our great restaurants at Hilldale. The restaurants range from Sushi to sandwiches and everything in between! By then the weather should be nice, so enjoy your meal at one of our restaurants with outdoor seating like Pasquals or Great Dane (which also both serve a Sunday brunch.)

David Bacco is featuring their  "For the mom who has everything..." Mother's Day chocolate special.  Buy your mom a beautiful and tasty chocolate surprise that she will certainly love.

You can never go wrong with a nice card or stationary.  Write a meaningful message and show your mom how much you care.  Sarah B. Fine Stationary and Hallmark are both great places to look. 

If none of these ideas appeal to you or your mom, try a Hilldale gift certificate where your mom can come spend the day and your gift wherever she chooses! 

Spring Fever

Although it may not feel like spring, spring is finally here! Soon enough the sun will be shinning and we will all be ready to whip out our spring dress wear. As fast as the weather changes, so does fashion! Lucky for you, this fashionista is ready with this seasons new spring trends! Not only will I tell you what's hot, but I will even show you where you can buy my personal spring favs.

Color is certainly the most apparent seasonal change. In every style magazine, they all feature this seasons "It" color. I don't know who decides what color's hot and which is not, but whoever decided yellow for this season is a golden goddess. Yellow is the perfect spring color; Bright and BOLD! All shades of yellow have been featured on the hottest runways; everything from a greenish-yellow hue to a shinny yellow school bus and everything in between. Bright colors are always fun, but when worn with the wrong colors, they could become a disaster. I suggest pairing your brights with something more subtle like denim or white. Although black is a subtle color, brights (especially yellow) should not be worn with black (thats a little too 80's for us ladies!) Keep in mind not to go overboard with your brights. One vivid bright yellow item is enough to pop an entire outfit, there is no need blind everyone with an entire bright yellow ensemble!

*Jessica Simpson @ Macy's

Who said you had to have a boyfriend to wear boyfriend style clothes? Boyfriend blazers, cardigans, ties, and baggy jeans are all the rage for this season. Katie Holmes started this look when she was photographed in multiple fashion magazines wearing hubby Tom Cruise's jeans. The boyfriend look works when paired with tailored feminine classics. This is key! Unless you balance your menswear with something feminine and flirty, you will end up looking like a girl dressed in guys clothes with no style (blah!). A nice pair of high heels looks great with slouchy rolled up jeans. Or even try a tuxedo jacket with an evening gown. This is your time to get creative.

*Joe's Jeans @ Anthropologie

Patterns in general are on the rise in the fashion world, but our daring fashionistas are mixing and matching different patterns. Don't be afraid to wear stripes and polka dots together anymore! As long as your mix remains in the same color family, be adventurous and try this look this season.

*M Missoni @ Woldenbergs

If you're sick and tired of your typical little black dress, have no fear...this season jazz up your LBD with some white. Black and white dresses have officially taken over spring 2009! If you want to spunk up your black and white dress a little bit more, add a bright color heel to your outfit.

* Three Dot, Suzi Chin, and Joseph Ribkoff @ Jan Byce

Handing Over the Fashion Reigns...

Two things always signify fall to me, classes beginning again and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC. Well I can successfully report that I survived my first day of classes and sit giddy with anticipation over fashion week, meaning that Fall really has arrived. Unfortunately, it's arrival means the end of my time interning at Hilldale. That's right, I am officially handing over the blog reigns to another fashion savvy blogger.

However, I couldn't do so without first leaving you with a few helpful hints to keep in mind when piecing together your new fall wardrobe.

1. Argyle is the print of the season. Love it. Own it. Rock it. Preferably on a sweater.

2. Tasteful lace. Buy a shirt with flirty lace the reveals just a touch of shoulder or a little bit of back. This will also be a great
piece for layering as our weather gets colder.

3. This Fall it is all about the waist. Accentuate it with a tailored pencil skirt, cinched trench coat or leather belt.

My final piece of advice...no matter what pieces you invest in for Fall, make sure they compliment your personal style and make you feel like a million bucks. If you love them and feel great in them, then you will wear them with confidence and a smile and that is the best look of all!

Ciao Bella!

Twinkle Toes

Last night I walked out of my apartment into the soft summer heat wearing nothing but a breezy summer dress and smile. Goodbye winter layers, hello summer! It is around this time every year that magazines showcase summer tips and trends, ranging from the hottest new colors for your wardrobe to the latest technology in bronzers. There is one thing that always makes the list and in my opinion is always the perfect summer accessory; a great pedicure.

Not only do pedicured toes make any pair of heels or sandals more fabulous, the process can be a mini vacation in the middle of a stressful week. Some people get massages, I get pedicures. Fancy Nails, now at a new location inside Hilldale, is the perfect place to retreat for all your nail needs, especially the perfect pedicure.

There is nothing better than sinking into a plush leather chair and dipping your tired toes into a warm bath of soothing bubbles, not to mention the foot massage. I happen to be partial to the classic look of a "French" pedicure, but for those looking to make a color statement, choose a bright polish from OPI's new spring/summer line India.

Those looking to give their toes a little beginning-of-summer tlc, can head to Fancy Nails for a discounted pedicure. Blog readers can print this entry and bring it into Fancy Nails anytime between June 16th and 18th to receive 10 percent off their pedicure. They do take walk-ins, but to secure a spot call (608) 233-5436 and schedule an appointment. So, treat yourself to a "pedi-cation" and see how just a little bit of polish can make the summer sun seem that much brighter.

Note: To print only this article, click on the "Twinkle Toes" link (found on the left side of the page) before printing

It's All in the Details

Having finally tucked away our mittens and peacoats, you are probably in the market for a spring jacket. Some of the hottest coats for spring come down to the details. From girly ruffles to cowl necks, it is the little touches that set certain pieces apart from the rest.

This spring trench by RoFa Moden features ruffled sleeves that update a classic, making it both modern and feminine.





This blaze orange jacket by Cole Haan reminds me of something an adventurous hiker would wear...if she was also avid fashionista. With it's dramatic cowl neckline, a feature rarely seen on this type of apparel, this jacket makes a fabulous statement for spring.





Find both of these spring jackets, along with many others, at Terese Zache.

Who Needs April Showers with These Flowers

Last weekend we certainly had the April showers, but you don't have to wait until May to see the flowers. These Lily Pulitzer flats, available at Woldenberg's, are the just the pop of color and fun that any spring wardrobe needs.

Sheer Luck

Marc Jacobs and Luca Luca filled their Spring 2008 runway shows with layers upon layers of floating transparent fabrics, everything from tops to skirts to pants made their debut, deeming sheer looks as one of this seasons hottest trends. Silk organza, tulle, chiffon and liquid jersey are just few of the fabrics being incorporated this spring. The almost-risque trend is best worn discreetly (under a blazer or jacket) or layered (over a slip or cami), as I did with this chic top by Carlos Miele, found at Woldenberg's. If you are still not confident about the concept of transparent clothing, incorporate a piece into your look subtly by purchasing a top with sheer sleeves or ruffles.

Globe Trotting

I would love to say I have ridden a gondola in Venice, scaled the Great Wall of China or had tea with the Queen in England, but in reality, I have yet to leave the United States. Luckily, one of spring's hottest trends is global inspired prints and silhouettes. Now, with a little exotically inspired styling, I can look like I've traveled the world after just one afternoon of shopping! This kimono-inspired shift with bell sleeves and cinched waist may look like it came from Japan...but it's actually found right here at Jan Byce! Indulge your inner jet setter this spring and scoop on a few items with international flavor, but make sure to maintain a balance in your outfits and pair the items with more neutral pieces.

Singing in the Rain

Puddle hopping and umbrella toting will become common place in the next few weeks as melting snow and rain showers make everything extra wet. With all the precipitation, there is no better transition jacket from winter to spring than the trench coat. This coveted classic gets a revamp this spring, with detailing that adds femininity and charm. Those who already own a trench should consider adding a brightly-colored number that will add some pop and pizazz to their wardrobe. You will certainly turn heads if you indulge in this red stunner by Burberry, that I found while perusing Woldenberg's new spring arrivals. However, if you do not already own one of these fashion staples, invest in a classic tan, black, or cream colored trench that will transition from year to year. Find one that falls at mid-calf level, with a crisp, tailored fit. I love this classic black trench with bow front closure by Cole Haan, available at Terese Zache.

Not Just Your Average Joe's Button-down

Another fashion must this spring season; the shirt dress. Shirt dresses mimic men's wear styles, while maintaining a subtle femininity. Many incorporate collars, button fronts and cuffed sleeves and define the waist with a belt or tie. The perfect addition to your spring wardrobe, this is a silhouette that can easily be taken from the office to happy hour with a quick change of shoes and accessories. This polka dot shirt dress by Anni Kuan features a tied waist and delicate button front detail. It is one of the many chic spring frocks arriving at Terese Zache on an almost daily basis.

Bold and Beautiful

Every spring, as dark cumbersome winter ensembles are shed, bright and cheerful wardrobes once again begin to emerge! This season bright, vibrant colors are the hot ticket. To pull off such a strong statement, pair one colorful piece with neutrals to balance the look. Wearing more than one bold item at a time brings the outfit from fierce to fearful. One of my favorite ways to incorporate brilliant color into a wardrobe is by adding a scarf, such as these I found while perusing the fresh arrivals at Rupert Cornelius. Scarves add an effortless chic to any ensemble and allow you to incorporate a new spring fashion trend without dramatically updating your whole collection of clothing.

Springing Forward

Spring will have officially sprung March 20th and that means it is time to start evaluating the new warm weather fashion trends. So what are the hottest looks for spring? Floral fashions with punchy, bright colors will be seen everywhere in the coming months. For more fashion dos for spring, check out my posts for the next two weeks. Each one will be dedicated to a spring fashion trend and will feature pieces found right here at Hilldale.

In the meantime, give your closet a spring cleaning, using tips from InStyle magazine found at: www.instyle.com/instyle/trends/hotfinds/0,,1175636_1,00.html. Cleaning out your closet clutter makes shopping for new spring looks even more enticing! I recommend sorting all your clothing into three piles: one to keep, one to mend, and one to give away. Keep all items that fit correctly and that you wear on a regular basis. Items that need to be hemmed or mended should go in a pile to be tailored as clothing that fits well, no matter the style, is ten times more wearable and flattering. The last pile should consist of items you have not worn in the last nine months, do not fit correctly or are out of date. Donate these items to Goodwill, your sister or a friend. Giving your closet a good spring cleaning will make you will feel better about yourself and your wardrobe moving into the spring months!

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.