A Fabulous Fit

Ananda Salon and Spa is not the only Hilldale business supporting a great cause this month (see Tuesday’s post). Macy’s has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen fund to hold a Fit for the Cure event at Hilldale. Wednesday April 23rd, from 10 a.m to 7 p.m., customers can be fitted in a Wacoal or DKNY Underwire bra by a Walcoal fit specialist. Just for trying on a bra, Wacoal will donate two dollars to breast cancer research, along with another two dollars for every bra purchased during the event.

Personally, I recommend the DKNY “Belle du Jour” balconette underwire bra, a romantic piece with adorable lace detailing. However, there are many different shapes and styles that are sure to please everyone’s tastes.

Kitson Kicks

Although L.A. is one city I'd prefer not to live in, I would sure love to spend a week scouring the city's endless fashion boutiques and shops. One of the city's hottest, Kitson L.A., is always stocked to the brim with quirky t-shirts and funky accessories, much of it worn by young celebs and seen in gossip magazines. Their shoe line is hard to find, many of their online carriers selling out of the sneakers just as soon as they can get them in. You, however, are in luck as Morgan Shoes is now carrying a few of Kitson's hottest canvas sneakers. These kicks, so rightly named the "diva" and the "prima donna," are now available for purchase. You'd better hurry in and scoop up a pair before they're all gone!

Hilldale Cut-A-Thon

Just after declaring to a friend that, as a poor college student, I was too broke to even get a decent hair cut, the perfect opportunity fell into my lap. This Sunday, April 13th, Ananda Salon and Spa at Hilldale is offering $20 haircuts to benefit the Alliance for the Great Lakes, an organization dedicated to water quality and conservation in an effort to "ensure a living resource for all generations." A salon quality haircut for twenty dollars that benefits a good cause? I wanted to know more, so I went to Ananda to get all the juicy details.

Here's what I discovered...

Not only is all of the $20 dollars for the haircut donated directly to the cause, so is the stylist's tip, because they are all donating their time for the day! This is so incredibly refreshing in an age where many businesses claim to support a cause, but then donate very little of the actual profit. Along with donating their time and skills, the stylists are also whipping up their favorite melt-in-your mouth treats to be sold in a bake sale manner, all profits also going to the Alliance for the Great Lakes. The Cut-A-Thon is from 11 am to 6 pm, with nine stylists on at most times. Walk-ins will be welcome all day, but I would schedule an appointment now by calling Ananda at 244-2161.


Can't make it Sunday, but still want to help the cause? Ananda is holding a silent auction throughout the month of April, featuring many different products, services and gift cards. They are also partnering with Aveda's national campaign for clean water, by selling these sweet lavender scented candles for only ten dollars a piece. With 100% of the profits being donated to charity, they are the perfect item to brighten up your home as we move into the spring and summer months!

Spice Up Your Monday

It's the Monday morning after a beautiful weekend and, if you are anything like me, you would rather be back outside enjoying the sunshine and grilling some burgers. My suggestion is to spice up your Monday (or Tuesday or Wednesday...) by grabbing some Southwestern fare at Pasqual's over your lunch break. Already serving devoted patrons in two locations (on Monroe Street and in Verona), Pasqual's recently opened a new location at Hilldale. Serving up the best southwestern food in town (I highly recommend the guacamole burrito), Pasqual's is dedicated to incorporating original recipes that "brought the southwest to the midwest." Pasqual's Hilldale location also features Gallup!, their little jewel of a cafe that serves locally roasted Ancora coffee and a host of delicious, fresh bakery items. Now, along with your scrumptious lunch, you can scoop up a cup of some of the best coffee in town for a caffeine kick sure to get you through the rest of your afternoon.

P.S. When warmer weather arrives, you'll be able to sip Margaritas and dine 'al fresco' on their outdoor patio. Just one more reason to be excited that summer is finally on the way!

Press C9 for an iPod Shuffle

Skittles and Dr. Pepper are two of my favorite vending machine treats, but imagine a vending machine that feeds...iPods? Yes, you heard me right, iPods, along with digital cameras, earphones, and video cameras. All are available in the new electronic vending machine found in Macy’s. The machines, called Zoom @ Macy’s, are a product of Zoom Systems of San Francisco and have been released in over 180 Macy’s around the country. The machines are equipped with a touch screen that allows customers to browse pricing and then pay with a credit card, before an robotic arm grabs the product and safely delivers it. Although a much bigger impulse buy than a bag of M&Ms, these iPod products come calorie free. Enjoy!

Gone North

As I have mentioned before, I am a self-proclaimed girly girl. So after moving to Madison, I tried to ignore one trend that was everywhere on campus...The North Face jacket. To me, these dark colored, streamline zip-ups were no match for my canary yellow peacoat with toggle buttons. However, after wearing a friend's North Face jacket while watching one particularly cold outdoor soccer game, I realized why the line was so popular...I was warm. A practical trend in Wisconsin, North Face products combine durability and warmth with designs, that even I must admit, are stylish for sportswear. However, when I went to purchase one last spring, I was surprised to discover The North Face store did not have a Madison location. How was this possible, when half the University of Wisconsin campus could be the company's spokesmodels? After searching many sportswear stores for the right size, style and color, I was finally forced to order online and wait for my jacket to be delivered. A frustrated shopper no more, I am happy to announce The North Face store has since opened a location right here at Hilldale. Now those looking to slip into one of their functional, sporty jackets for spring can do so at their own convenience.

A Little NYC Flair Comes to Madison

New York City is my favorite place in the world. If you don't believe me, you can just take a peek at the Big Apple tattoo decreatly tucked behind my right ear. So you might imagine my delight, when I discovered two NYC designers would be hosting a trunk show this Thursday and Friday at Woldenberg's. Lauren Wimmer and Rebecka Fröberg, both jewelery designers, will show a dazzling selection of their stunning work, which will be available for purchase.

Wimmer handmakes all her pieces, which consist of semi precious stones, sterling silver, gold filled wire, gold filled chain and antique brass. Her pieces explore the concepts of "light and weight". I am expecially a fan of this interlooped bracelet, the Des Cuff, with it's intriguing texture and coloring.

Fröberg's work has a spiritual feel, her work inspired by the myth and folklore of her native country, Sweden. A Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, Fröberg founded her jewelery studio in 2006 and creates delicate jewelery made of precious metals, either in solid 18 or 14 karat gold or sterling silver. This necklace, entitled "Snowflake in Cloudberries," would make any woman feel like a queen.

To see more of Wimmer and Fröberg's designs and to meet these two young, up and coming designers, stop by their Trunk Show at Woldenberg's, this Thursday and Friday, the 27th and 28th from 10am until 5pm. See you there!

A Ciao Bella! Facelift

Drum roll please....

Welcome to the new and improved Ciao Bella! Hilldale. Amber Urick, a senior fashion student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, created this adorable, iconic shopper just for the site...and I couldn't be any more ecstatic! Amber will be graduating in May with a B.S. in Apparel Design and Development, with great strength in hand sketching. If you would like to know more or are interested in Amber's designs, email her at uricka@uwstout.edu.

I Would Camp Out for Camper

Born on the island of Majorca, with locations all over the world, Camper is known for their quirky shoes and geocentric approach to design. Currently crowned one of London's hottest lines, Camper believes, "luxury is in simplicity." Cornblooms carries this exclusive brand; a wide array of designs available in many different colors and styles. Personally, I can't wait to scoop up a pair of these jewel-tone, ankle strap pumps, whose mosaic print and cut-out heel make them a definite standout for Spring.

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.

Doing the Bunny Hop. Hop. Hop.

Easter is right around the corner and that brings to mind a few of my favorite things...easter egg hunts, colorful candies nestled in bunny shaped baskets and crisp, white cotton Sunday dresses! Everyone has their favorite Easter memories and I am sure many new ones will be made this year. Looking to find those perfect easter basket accessories or a place to take adorable pictures of your children in their favorite new Easter outfits? Fear not! I searched out the best Hilldale has to offer this season.


Tristan and Hopper are making quite the splash at Photo Express. These live rabbits are cute as buttons and available for pictures all week long. Getting your kids to smile in their Easter photos will be no challenge once you add these furry little friends to the equation.


Still haven't picked up Easter baskets? My favorite are these from Kirklin's Hallmark. In fabulous pastel shades with quirky phrases and an adorable baby chick, they are the perfect container for all your favorite candies and trinkets. While there don't forget to scoop up cards, available in a wide array of Easter themes!


Cute baskets and nothing to put in them? Head to Play Things, whose selection of toys, books and gadgets is astounding, leaving you with never ending possibilities. If you can stand the music, these play instruments are a must! They are the perfect toy to transition from indoor to outdoor play this spring. I happen to be crazy about board games, so imagine my delight when I found the largest selection of games I have ever seen. You are sure to find one to please the whole family!

Whatever fills you Easter basket this season, I hope the day brings lots of smiles and new memories for everyone involved. Happy Easter from Hilldale!

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.