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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

Fresh and Fabulous

One of best things I've discovered since moving to Madison is the The Farmer's Market. Growing up in a city where the only "fresh" fruit one could find was located in the produce department at Cub Foods, I was in heaven when I first discovered the Saturday morning bliss that is fluffy, fresh baked loaves of bread and crisp veggies that had been plucked from the earth just hours earlier.


Recently, I was very surprised, and delighted, to find out that the Capitol Square is not the only Farmer's Market location in town. Hilldale Farmer's Market, open every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 7 am until 1 pm, features farm fresh produce, jellies and jams, flowers, cheeses and much more. The location alone (have you tried to park down by the Capitol on a Farmer's Market Saturday?) makes this the perfect place to browse on a beautiful, sunny morning.

This year in addition to farm fresh produce there will be “buskers” added to the markets Saturday morning mix. Busking (a British term) is the practice of doing live performances in public places to entertain people for donations and tips. This should bring a new level of excitement to the market. I’m personally looking forward to the musical offerings of the accordionists. Yes folks, accordion players! If you ask me, that in itself makes a trip to the Hilldale Market worthwhile!

Hilldale Steals

Each week I spend time perusing the latest and greatest Hilldale has to offer and have made friends with many shop-owners along the way. Not only do I hear about the hottest new arrivals, I am often times the first to hear about upcoming sales and promotions. Such a wealth of information is meant to be shared! Check the blog ever Monday for a list of steals and specials.

This Week:

Cornblooms: Purchase any Brighton necklace and bracelet and you can choose any pair of Brighton earrings for free! (Thru May 11th)



Zuckerman Jewelers: 50% off selected jewelry styles

Rupert Cornelius: Select items are 50 to 75% off

Pendleton: Receive a free tote bag with every purchase over $149.
Tunic Sweaters for $49.99 and V-Neck Shirts for $29.99

Christopher & Banks: Regular price skirts are 50% off
Capris for only $29.99

A Bonus is Never a Bad Thing

Clinique Bonus Time has been one of my favorite things since about the age of eight. When I was young it meant the chance to play with makeup, my mom handing over a bright floral bag full of samples. Now it means makeup and perfumes that are small enough to tuck inside even the tiniest clutches for easy touchups on the town.

Well the time is upon us once again! From now until May 3rd, receive your bonus bag when you make a purchase of $21.50 or greater. The cute floral print tote contains two lipsticks, a blush and eyeshadow compact, their best selling mascara and moisturizer, along with a sample of their gentle face cleanser. Hit up the Clinique make-up counter at Macy's to scoop up your bonus bag before they are all gone!

Environmentally Friendly Fashion

It is officially Earth Week and I am trying to be even more environmentally conscious than usual. However, as a full time student with an internship and a part time job, let's just say I have very little time to be replanting forests or sewing a dress made from recycled cotton. I do plan of doing my part though, and eco-centric, a environmentally friendly line found at Terese Zache, has made planting a tree as simple as buying a t-shirt.

For every eco-centric t-shirt purchased, American Forests will plant a four year old tree to help reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuels in the air. Talk about shopping with an impact!

Eco-centric is fun, fresh t-shirt line, dedicated to the use of organic materials and earth friendly technologies. A sweatshop free manufacturer, eco-centric produces luxurious organic cotton t-shirts. Each shirt features a digitally printed nature photograph that captures a different seasonal interpretation. I am in love with a burnt orange t-shirt, that features a spotted tiger whose realism blows me away. Doing good for the earth never looked so good!

Spring Jewelry Tips and Tricks

I am a firm believer that jewelry can make or break an outfit and is worn best when the piece is a reflection of it's owner. I wore a pair of huge, chunky plastic earrings to our Sadie Hawkins dance my freshman year of high school. Although today I would not be caught dead in them, that night they were the perfect compliment to my outfit and I wore them with my head high and a giant grin on my face. My point; wear jewelry that makes you feel like a million bucks, and you will personify that image. With that in mind, here are a couple hints for matching your jewelry with your wardrobe.

1. If you are wearing a dramatic piece, make it your only piece. I love bright colored gem stone necklaces and sparkling chandelier earrings, but wearing more than one of these items at a time is overwhelming.

2. Wearing a simple, understated outfit with a bright necklace or earrings will draw attention to your face. I love using this trick on a first date, when you will be talking during a sit down dinner. It is a great way to play up your natural beauty and draw attention to your eyes and smile.

3. Gems are a hot commodity this spring. After a winter season filled with chunky cocktail rings, I am excited for a more natural trend. Beautiful precious stone necklaces, in shades such as cobalt blue and sapphire are a great addition to any spring outfit. Dress down the trend by pairing a necklace with a simple cotton sundress or dress it up with your favorite party frock and sassy pumps for a night out on the town.

Looking to add some new pieces of jewelry to your collection? Stop by Woldenbergs to peruse their many different collections. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

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.

Looks Like Tom is No Longer the Top Gun of Aviators

Ray-Ban originally developed the aviator in 1937, the teardrop shaped glasses modeled after the smoked-lensed flying goggles that Ray-Ban made for the Army and Navy at that time. However, it wasn't until Tom Cruise sported a pair in Top Gun, that aviator glasses truly became sexy and iconic. Today, Chrome Hearts is once again reshaping the image of the aviator, giving the look a punk rock makeover.



Founded by biker enthusiast Richard Stark, Chrome Hearts produces edgy, high-end silver jewelry, leather clothing and furniture. The luxury products embody a gothic motif, featuring fleur-de-lys, daggers and floral cross designs. Chrome Hearts' sunglasses also feature their gothic motifs, and are often seen on many young celebs, such as Grey's Anatomy hunk Justin Chambers, model John Morrison and new mom Jennifer Garner.







Personally I'm more a 'pretty in pink' kind of girl, but something about the precise detailing and intricate design of these glasses makes me want to go over to the dark side. Just sporting a pair would make anyone feel a little bad ass. Ready to unleash your rocker star persona? Than scoop up a pair of Chrome Hearts shades at Ulla Eyewear and let your inner bad girl (or boy, for that matter) roam free.












**Celebrity images courtesy of Celebrity Sunglasses Finder.