Playthings New Digs!

Next time you’re cruising the hallowed halls of Hilldale be sure to stop and check out Playthings new digs. Yes, Virginia not only is there a Santa Claus, but there are currently two Playthings locations here at Hilldale. The newest kid on the block is next door to University Book Store at the south end of the atrium. This beautiful new space hosts a myriad of delights designed to tickle the fancy of both the young and the young at heart. Nancy Nigl and her crew have added even more depth and breadth to what was already Madison’s best toy store.

The store now boasts an incredible selection of fashionable infant wear, and the chicest selection of “diaper” bags I’ve ever seen…they’d be great for holding a laptop, or as an uber-sized handbag! The store also carries some really cool accessories by Paul Frank that sport that face of that cute monkey Julius! Check out the new assortment of fun stuff at the new Playthings!

Anthropologie Is Having a SALE!

Looking for something to spice up your crib, unleash your inner decorator at the Anthropologie Home Sale!

Clinique Bonus - THE WOW FACTOR

NEW! FREE Clinique gift with your Clinique purchase of $21.50 or more!
Your gift, a $50.00 value, is FREE with any Clinique purchase of $21.50 or more.

The Bag: An elegant modern silver metallic cosmetic bag with accents in a green geometric print. Perfect for all your fall essentials.

AVAILABLE AT MACY'S THRU OCTOBER 26TH!

Tie One On...

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a well-dressed guy and I am prone to become especially weak in the knees for a man wearing a real bow tie.
HELLO…James Bond!

I just happened to be in Woldenberg’s earlier today when BAM! I ran straight into a case filled with an outstanding assortment the most fabulous silk bow ties this side of the Mississippi. Spectacular specimens of sartorial splendor from a company called Carrot and Gibbs. Carrot & Gibbs was founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 1987 by Neil Borin. Their bow ties are created from specially selected imported 100% silk fabrics, predominately woven and printed. Each tie is individually cut, sewn and pressed by hand here in the United States. And rather than a metal clasp at the back, you will find mother-of-pearl buttons, which can be used for both adjustment and attachment if required.

Actually, my most favorite thing about bow ties is tying them.There’s just something swell about reaching around a mans neck(heads close, captivating cologne) manuvering the silk looped between my fingers and voila, with the lightest of tugs it becomes a bow…

shaken, not stirred and with just a hint of intrigue!

Finally Fall...

Even though the calendar said that fall began over a week ago, it really feels like the season switched on us in the last 48 hours. I’ve come to the conclusion that there will not be another day this year that will require the use of my air conditioner. I am also facing the fact that this is the weekend of the great summer-fall wardrobe “change out”. You know, when you pack up all of your cute summer t’s, shorts and sandals in your under bed storage containers and move your summer frocks to the guest room closet and your winter clothes back into your bedroom closet. The good news is you always discover some really cool outfit you forgot you had, but…. in order to actually wear it out in public new accessories must be had. That’s of course where our good friends at Cornblooms come in. A pair of new shoes always adds some perky “flava” to what was last season’s fashion sensation. Lately I’ve become quite enamored of a line of shoes they carry from Remix of Los Angeles. This company makes authentic vintage reproduction shoes and they really are quite the thing and positively sexy! It’s been said that everything old is new again and a pair of these shoes on your feet will definitely update your autumnal look!

Hilldale Fashion Week

Spot the Red Dress at Hilldale Fashion Week!

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!

Summer Sidewalk Sales Update

The sale has begun and it is the perfect time to scoop up a cute pair of heels and a new dress to wear out on one of these hot summer nights! I stopped through the mall today and checked out all the sales merchandise, so you will know exactly where to begin. Happy shopping!

Terese Zache: Up to 80% off selected merchandise

Jan Byce: Up to 75% off selected merchandise

Morgan Shoes: 40% off discounted shoes

Buddy Squirrel: 1/2 price red dot sale

Woldenberg's: 50-70% off selected merchandise

Rupert Cornelius: These scarves for $9.99 and up to 75% off selected merchandise

Pendleton: Up to 50% off selected merchandise

Cornblooms: Discount shoes galore, plus take an extra 20% off all boots

A Couple Brazilian Treats...

It has happened. I am becoming my father. As long as I can remember, he has been taking his parishioners (he is a pastor) out for a day of boating, fishing and conversation calling it "work". I would always smile and say, "Sure Dad, call it what you want."

Just a couple days ago, I went out for cocktails with the girls and called it just the same; work. After realizing how many amazingly refreshing summer cocktails the various restaurants around Hilldale have to offer, I thought it only fair and helpful to you, my loyal readers, to search out the best of the best. This of course meant vigorous research on my part, many grueling hours spent sipping and critiquing. But I was willing to accept such a laborious task, if it meant that you, dear reader now will know exactly which bar stool to grab when craving a local brew or a chilled margarita...

With that said, I started at the Great Dane, one of my favorite spots at Hilldale. Yes, there's the ridiculously tasty food, great service and their famous house-brewed beer, but I have a more important reason for visiting...the Brazilian bartender, Filipe, (my secret crush) and one of the sweetest bartenders in the business. As if stopping in for a smile and great conversation is not enough, this charmer has also got his own signature drink...and a fabulous one at that.

It is called a Capiroska and it's one Brazilian treat you shouldn't miss this summer! Filipe starts by muddling sugar and limes in the bottom of a rocks glass before adding a lot of ice and sweet Reyka vodka to complete the cocktail. I heartily suggest you enjoy your Capiroska on the Dane's outdoor patio in one of their very comfortable loungers. Also, take a cue from me, grab some coworkers and find some way to call it work. Happy sipping!

Sidewalk Sales

Maxwell Street Days aren't the only place you can find a bargain this weekend. Hilldale Sidewalk Sales start this Thursday, July 17th and run through Sunday, July 20th. If deals from all your favorite stores (like up to 80 percent off selected items at Terese Zache) isn't enough, your body will thank you for shopping in the air conditioning on this hot summer weekend. Check back Thursday for the detailed scoop on all the steals and deals happening this weekend!

A Race Worth Running....

Lately I have heard lots of victory stories from friends who have trained for and run marathons. I always listen contently and then give the same response, "I have such respect for you, that is just one thing I could never see myself being able to complete." Never much of a runner, I would prefer to throw on a pair of four inch stilettos and dance my calories away with a cute boy. Then it happened. I found my race. Kelly Ripa's first annual High Heel-A-Thon. The 150 yard dash, which requires racers to wear heels of 3 inches or higher while running, was held this morning in New York City and benefits the March of Dimes.

Although I didn't make it to NYC for the race this morning, it did inspire me to buy a new pair of heels (what a great reason, right?) and run my morning errands in them with pride. Looking for a little high heel inspiration? I suggest picking up one of these great pairs from Macy's.




Jessica Simpson "Neona" Peep Toe Pump




Steve Madden "Lockd" Pump

Simply Golden

So summer is in full swing, and between the madness of class, a couple jobs and all the rain we have had my tan is not as golden-brown as I would like. While some of my college-aged cohorts spend their mornings lounging by the pool or throwing around a frisbee, I have been spending my hours inside classrooms and office buildings. In a desperate attempt to look bronzed in my swimsuit this Fourth, I took the necessary measures and found a tanning bed.

While browsing through tons of offers at numerous tanning salons in Madison, I remembered my boss Leslie had mentioned a well kept Hilldale secret. Edward's Salon, a quaint little beauty parlor in the basement of Hilldale that offers more than the best perm in town; they have a tanning bed. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Who doesn't have a tanning bed these days?" Most places do, but few are rarely used (Edward's cliental are mostly sassy silver foxes) and inexpensive to boot!

I made my way over this afternoon to find out if the rumors were true. After filling out a tiny bit of information and paying a measly five dollars, I can officially report that my skin is now bronzer and more swimsuit ready for the weekend! I will definitely be investing in a package for the summer. Twenty five dollars gets you six tans, while $35 gets you ten. So get over to Edward's Salon for a little glow and enjoy the holiday weekend flaunting your best summer accessory!

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

Finding the Golden Ticket

Growing up, my mom used to claim I couldn't really be her daughter because I didn't like chocolate. I was a vanilla girl and proud of it. Over the years my tastes have changed and much to my mother's great delight I now adore dark chocolate almost as much as a new pair of heels. Almost.

This recent obsession is why I am excited to tell you all about the recent opening of David Bacco Chocolats here at Hilldale! Bacco has been one of Madison's most respected chocolatiers, most recently creating edible delights for Cocoliquot. Now closed, he has opened his own shop right here at Hilldale, and is creating quite the stir around the mall. After repeatedly hearing about the endless, beautifully-crafted sweets the shop has to offer, I was more than excited to go explore.

I was not disappointed. From the second you walk into Bacco's quaint little shop, it is impossible not to feel like a small child in a candy store. It is the refined wood finishing and glass cases of decadent chocolates that pull you back to reality and make you realize that you are no longer a child, and this is no kid's candy store.

I encourage everyone to stop in and taste a few (or all) of the exotic chocolates themselves. They might look too good to eat, but trust me, the experience goes way beyond the visual!

A Different Kind of Pucci

When I hear Pucci I think geometric print dresses in brilliantly bold colors, like any true fashionista would. However, there is a completely different type of Pucci that is doing more for women than making them red carpet ready. Pucci's Gallery and Custom Framing at Hilldale not only sells beautiful artwork and prints, but is the exclusive carrier of Sticks, a line of handcrafted wooden furniture and art. This month Pucci's and Sticks have come together with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help the fight the battle against breast cancer.

Sticks has created a special edition "Hallelujah Lady" (one of the company's signature sculptural pieces) that will be available for purchase only through October. For each "Lady" purchased, Pucci's and Sticks will each donate $100 to Komen for the Cure. Though there are many ways to join the fight, this beautiful sculpture strikes me as a unique and personal way to honor that woman in your life who is or has fought the battle against cancer.






Pucci's will be holding a reception this Thursday, June 12th, from 5:30 to 8:00pm, to preview the "Hallelujah Lady". Receive 5% off any orders placed that night. During this time, Liina Keerd, Madison's Race for the Cure poster artist, will be available to autograph Race posters which will be for sale and a drawing will be held to win a $100 Pucci giftcard.

Personally, I plan on scooping up one of these Pink Ribbon bracelets, by local jewelry designer Dianne Fitzgerald, which will also be available at the reception. I may not be physically running the race, but I am going to make sure I am along for the ride!