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Shop the Fendi Baguette Pop-Up

The fifteenth anniversary of the iconic handbag continues with an online pop-up.

October 22, 2012

To fête the fifteenth anniversary of its Baguette bag, Fendi has launched an online pop-up shop where fans can find the newest Baguette bags, as well as a plethora of anniversary items, like a T-shirt and foulard with sketches by Karl Lagerfeld, a DIY kit to create your own custom Baguette, and more.

Released in 1997, the Baguette (designed to be tucked under the arm like a loaf of bread) is an enduring “It” bag. Its icon status was cemented in an episode of Sex and the City—the one where Samantha gets thrown out of the Playboy mansion for accusing a bunny of stealing her Baguette. And in the Fendi Baguette tome released this summer, Carrie herself (Sarah Jessica Parker) mused on the bag’s fashion footprint. You can purchase the book in the pop-up.   

Most notably honoring this momentous anniversary is designer Silvia Venturini Fendi’s limited edition Geometrica blue-and-white striped canvas Baguette. Just 100 are for sale. Venturini Fendi is also the subject of a special video, “The Art of Embroidery,” created in collaboration with artist Maurizio Anzineri for the anniversary. Get a look at some of the pop-up stock above, or visit baguette.fendi.com. The pop-up will be live through January 2013.

—Valeria Boucas

 

Dress Like James Bond

Men can snag the chic peacoat Billy Reid designed for Daniel Craig as 007.

October 22, 2012

Daniel Craig will return to the silver screen as James Bond on November 9 in Skyfall, the latest adaptation of Ian Fleming’s spy hero adventures, which also stars Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Dame Judi Dench, and Albert Finney, and introduces two new Bond girls, Bérénice Marlohe and Naomie Harris. You can catch Craig wearing this Billy Reid Bond Peacoat ($695) in the film. We can’t promise that you’ll look as good as Craig in the peacoat, but you’ll definitely have 007 bragging rights. This gorgeous 100 percent wool navy blue coat is cut in a trim fit with a peak lapel and horn buttons. Lightweight and short, the coat is a perfect choice for transitional weather, wet days, or bringing international criminals to justice. 

—Jessica Ferri

 

American Field Pop-Up Market

Shop American-made wares, sip micro-brewed beers, hear live music, and more.

October 19, 2012

Head to the South End from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 20 and 21 to attend the inaugural American Field Pop Up Market, sponsored by Made Movement and American Made Matters. Enjoy exclusive product offers, food trucks, live music from New England bands, micro-brewed beers on tap, and hot shaves while shopping for menswear and lifestyle goods that have all been manufactured and produced in the United States.

Presented by Boston-based Ball and Buck, a menswear brand founded by Babson graduate Mark Bollman, this unique and all-American shopping experience strives to inform consumers about the impact their purchases have on our country’s economy.

By featuring more than 30 local artisans and heritage designers that are dedicated to authenticity and supporting our economy, Bollman and the event’s sponsors hope to raise awareness for local brands, fuel pride in the “made in the USA” label, and promote renewed interest in American-made products. The Historic SOWA Power Station, 560 Harrison Ave.

—Kenah Cooper

 

Mario Testino’s In Your Face

A coffee-table tome inspired by the photographer's current MFA Boston exhibit.

October 18, 2012

Throughout his 30-year career, fashion photographer Mario Testino has photographed some of the world’s most famous faces. Whether he’s working with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Wills and Kate for short) or the indefatigable Kate Moss, Testino always captures the essence of his subjects, no matter how inaccessible they may seem.

In celebration of our own MFA Boston exhibit of Testino's work, Taschen has published In Your Face ($60), a collection of photographs from the exhibit. Not only does this gigantic coffee-table tome include some of Testino’s most famous work—including behind-the-scenes shots of Kate Moss, fashion pictorials with Gisele Bündchen, and Jennifer Lopez’s androgynous boxer spread—you’ll also find intimate moments from his personal life.  

Whether for someone who has tracked Testino’s career over the ages or for someone who’s just discovering his incredible body of work, In Your Face would make a great gift this holiday season.  

—Jessica Ferri

 

Tips from a Runway Makeup Artist

Clarins guru Christopher Truffa doles out skin and makeup advice for Boston beauties.

October 09, 2012

  
Christopher Truffa  

Fresh from spring 2013 New York Fashion Week, Clarins head makeup artist Christopher Truffa brought his beauty expertise to Bloomingdales at The Mall at Chesnut Hill last week. Among the makeup advice Truffa dolled out, we learned that “better skin needs less makeup,” and that a solid beauty regimen starts with an alcohol-free toner, Clarins’ Beauty Flash Balm, and a good eye cream, such as the brand’s super restorative Total Eye Concentrate, which doubles as an anti-ager and an eyeshadow base. Further beauty chat with Truffa delved into day-to-night makeup transitions, trend forecasting for next spring, and cold weather skincare.  

You just returned from the spring shows in New York. What was the hot makeup look you saw over and over again?
CHRISTOPHER TRUFFA: Sultry eyes with a dusty nude lip. We saw lots of nude lip variations that included shades of light coral, nude, and a dusty rose.

What’s essential for an easy everyday makeup look?
CT: Tinted moisturizer and a light liquid eyeliner. For a foolproof line, try the new Clarins 3-Dot Liquid Liner, just on the top eyelid, not underneath, and bronzer, such as the Clarins Bronzing Duo, followed by your own signature lip gloss color.


What’s the best way to shake up your daytime look for a night on the town?
CT: By adding Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. It will wake the skin up and keep you looking ready for whatever the night may bring.

The incoming cold weather can take its toll on skin. What’s the best defense?
CT: Keeping skin hydrated and protected using a daily regimen of serum, such as the Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Serum, day cream for your individual skin type, and a day screen. [That] will take care of your skin for the long haul.

—Jessica Laniewski

 

The Boston Cocktail Summit

Learn how to make your own vermouth, order the perfect glass of wine every time, and more.

September 05, 2012

In a town known for its clam chowder, cream pie, and loyal sports fans, it may be a surprise to some that Boston is one of the world’s most renowned cocktail destinations. From the early days of the now defunct B-Side Lounge in Cambridge to the establishment of Barbara Lynch’s esteemed Drink in Fort Point Channel, the region has won numerous accolades and media attention for innovative cocktailing.

The Boston Cocktail Summit (October 4–6) was established to celebrate the art and science of drink—from beer to wine to spirits. The three-day summit will be held at The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers and the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, as well as a host of restaurants. With more than 40 educational seminars on subjects like “Making Your Own Vermouth” (by Eastern Standard’s Jackson Cannon and Kevin Martin), “How to Order a Great Wine Every Time” (by Legal Sea Foods’ Sandy Block), and “The Subtle Nuances of Vodka” (by renowned mixologist and author Tony Abou-Ganim) there is something for every kind of drinker.

Special events include Rémy Cointreau’s Liberty Libations event at the new Boston Tea Party Museum, Bacardi’s 150th anniversary party, and Jim Beam’s Bourbon Country BBQ. Ticket prices range from $25.00 to $55.00. For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit bostoncocktailsummit.com.

Boston Common Libations Editor Brandy Rand will be teaching “Women and Whiskey” and “How the Spirits Industry Works,” as well as be on a panel entitled “Drinking for a Living.”

—Brandy Rand

 

Tiffany Turns 175

Happy Anniversary Tiffany! The famed jewelry house celebrates its colorful 175 year history.

September 03, 2012

Tiffany Tanzanite Ring, $20,000.

Founded on September 14, 1837, Tiffany & Co. has long been revered for its collections of rare and precious stones. In 1876 company founder Charles Lewis Tiffany was intrigued when he met Dr. George Frederick Kunz, a young gemologist who traveled the world in search of the most magnificent stones, and he decided to use Kunz’s rare jewels in his collection—even though colored gemstones were rarely used in American jewelry at the time. This was one of the moves that would ultimately establish Tiffany & Co. as a leader in the industry to this day. Today we celebrate the brand’s 175th anniversary with a new collection of colored gems. “Colored gemstones have played an important part of the brand’s 175-year legacy and have helped solidify Tiffany’s place as an American institution and world-renowned jeweler. We pay homage to that fact this year with newly crafted jewels featuring Kunzite, Morganite, Tsavorite and Tanzanite—all introduced to the world by Tiffany & Co.” says Jennifer Sciolto, Tiffany & Co. group director for the Boston market. Each of the four gems is handcrafted into an array of high-quality settings to create the perfect eye-catching yet tasteful accessory. Copley Place, 617-353-0222.

—PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TIFFANY & CO.


 

A Tomato Tipple at L'Espalier

Tomato water, basil, and sweet Lillet make up this seasonal cocktail.

August 30, 2012


The Nightshade Cocktail

Late summer’s bumper crop of ripe tomatoes is perfect for sauces, salads, and yes, cocktails. Beyond the classic Bloody Mary, chefs and mixologists have been using tomato water as an ingredient to capture the very essence of the fruit at its peak. Case in point: L'Espalier beverage director Erich Schliebe’s Nightshade cocktail, which was served at chef Frank McClelland’s recent Apple Street Farm-to-Table Tomato Dinner in Essex.  

Schliebe describes his inspiration: "When tomatoes are great, there's a wonderful balance of sweet, acid, and texture. McClelland noted that the final product mimicked the flavor of a still-warm yellow tomato, with Lillet for sweetness, lemon juice for acid, and brandy for body. “We added tomato water to reinforce the idea, and basil to give it something simpatico," added McClelland.

You can get a taste of the Nightshade at L’Espalier and Sel de la Terre in Natick, or you can try your hand at home mixology with Schliebe’s recipe.

Nightshade
SERVES ONE

2 basil leaves
3/4 ounce lemon juice
3/4 ounce brandy
3/4 ounce Lillet Blanc
1 ounce tomato water*
2 dashes orange bitters

In a mixing glass or shaker tin, muddle basil leaves. Add lemon juice, brandy, Lillet Blanc, tomato water and bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain in to a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a Sweet 100 tomato and a husk cherry.

For the Tomato Water: In a food processor or blender, purée about four pounds of ripe red tomatoes with a tablespoon of salt until they resemble a coarse purée. Pour the mixture into a large piece of cheesecloth and secure and tie the ends to form a sack. Using a wood spoon, suspend sack over a bowl and drain for at least eight hours. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth sack. Discard the cheesecloth and reserve the tomato water in the bowl. It will keep covered and chilled for four days in the refrigerator.

—Brandy Rand

 

New on Newbury: Skirtin Around

A brand with a beach feel is infused with a city vibe at its new Newbury boutique.

August 20, 2012

The new Skirtin Around boutique on Newbury Street.

The preppy brand Skirtin Around, well known in Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and New Canaan, Connecticut, now brings its colorful apparel to Newbury Street, where Bostonians will have a chance to pick up its fall offerings. “The Boston Skirtin Around was approached slightly differently than our other stores,” says Courtney Barfuss, store manager and daughter of brand founder Lisa Barfuss. “While our island locations have a vacation feel, the Boston store has more of a city vibe.” There are warm wood floors and white and navy striped accent walls, as well as a larger selection from the brand’s fall line (compared to the Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard shops). The location also features a shoe salon, with brands such as il Sandalo, Isaac Mizrahi, and perfectfor- fall Däv rainboots. Slip into the brand’s Kelly coat and wool capes, both with classic gold closures, and the boatneck dress made in boldly patterned silk or cotton. 221 Newbury St., 857- 350-3758

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE EMMERMAN

 

The Country Club at Area Four

The Cambridge spot celebrates its first anniversary with lawn games, cocktails, and ice cream.

July 31, 2012


Homemade ice cream at Area Four

With the last few weeks of summer fast approaching, our social calendars are more jam-packed than ever. Worth making room for is The Country Club at Area Four, which promise lawn games, cocktails, and old-fashioned ice cream in celebration of the spot’s one-year anniversary.   

Get a group together for a game of lawn darts, bocce, croquet, and more on the green at Technology Square. Afterward, try Area Four’s summer cocktails, such as the Vermont-made vodka, cranberry, and prosecco Cape Codder or the gin- and cucumber-based G & T. Don’t leave without a cone of homemade ice cream, served on the sidewalk patio between 2:30 and 5 PM, Monday through Saturday. Flavors to try are peanut butter and mixed berry sorbet twist, strawberry, and spearmint. 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, 617-758-4444

—Jamie Emmerman

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