Bright, Shiny and New Year’s

Say what you will about New Year’s Eve, but even if you subscribe to that Amateur-Night philosophy, can you really say no to a night where a little sparkle is a requirement? I, for one, cannot, but I know there are lots of you out there who grimace at the mere mention of the word “sequin.” But, even for the sparkle-phobic, there are some easy ways to integrate a little bright-and-shiny into your wardrobe tonight – and none involving any body glitter. A few suggestions:

Hair Care: A glittery bauble in the hair is an easy, inexpensive way to dress up your entire outfit without draping yourself in head-to-toe sequins. You can pick up baubles ranging from embellished bobby pins at Ferdinand to serious hairpins at places such as Material Objects (500 Congress St., Portland, 774-1241), where I spotted a vintage one in silver and blue. Of course, if you’re in a hurry, CVS or any of the teeny-bop mall shops can suffice. But, caveat emptor, you don’t want to be the third girl at the party with the same sparkly headband. For the true hair-venturers, I suggest a feathered clip, also from Ferdinand. While these aren’t shiny, definitely add a bit of brightness and wow. And, it’s my personal pick for end-of-year hair.

Make-up: A little shimmer goes a long way, so for a natural, but still festive look try M.A.C.’s eye shadow in Honey Lust, and Benefit’s 24k Sexy Gold Lip Gloss for a midnight-ready pout. (Snag both at Macy's.)

I'd hate to leave the men out, so guys, I emplore you, please avoid the Philbin-esque shirt-with-sheen-and-matching-tie, and instead get your shine on with a nice pair of cuff links or a watch. And, if it makes you feel better you don’t even have to use the word sparkle. (But please also refrain from using the word bling.)

Lastly, with this weather, I'm leaning towards pulling whatever I wear together with some snowshoes. If I can find them in platinum, of course.

A happy, safe, bright and shiny New Year to all!

This gift can be exchanged

In my family, the phrases “it can be exchanged” or “I saved the receipt” are so often used they are running jokes not only at Christmas, but on any gift-giving occasion. No, my family isn’t self-deprecating to a fault; rather they just want to make sure you look fabulous, whether in a L.L. Bean chamois or a cocktail dress.

But, if you’ll allow me a few moments of retail pride, I have to say I’m quite impressed with the my family's shopping skills of late. Dare I say that my own must be genetic? Grandma found the double-net fishnets in black I’d been looking for everywhere, and my sister gifted the sold-out-everywhere M.A.C. holiday set I’d been eyeing. Snaps all around, but the gift-giving Oscar this year goes to my aunt for the riding boots that found their way under the tree.

While I have no intention of adding equestrian activities to my New Year’s resolutions, I’ve had riding boots on my wish list for a long time, but didn’t want to fork over $100s. But a little shopping destiny took hold a few weeks ago and these boots found me in a most unlikely place . . . A Saturday evening production of Les Mis by Bangor High School.

Sitting in row two, I had a great view of the play (my cousin L. played a lovely Lovely Lady), but I was also afforded a close-up look at the costumes. During “One Day More” I noticed Javert had on some great boots. Really great. Just what I’d been looking for, in fact. At intermission I immediately asked the costume mistress (luckily she’s also my Aunt J.) about the boots. Just on loan, they were used and for sale at a bargain price at the local tack shop. They were on the market! Total bonne chance.

And though I really wanted to buy the boots right off Javert as soon as he jumped the bridge, I ended up leaving the play empty-handed. But I could tell from my aunt’s smile that I might be seeing the boots again. And, indeed on Christmas morning there they were, newly buffed and shined, looking even better than they had on stage. Fantastique!

So, that's my Christmas fairy tale. Do tell, readers: What was your most fabulous Christmas gift?

Ladies. Love. Bean (Boots)

Late night at L.L. Bean is one of my favorite only-in-Maine activities. Sure, Portland may turn in shortly after midnight, but just up the road is a place that never sleeps. And, truthfully, late night is the only time to go. No battling parking or crowds, the employees seem happy for the company, and you can try on all the fur-trimmed bomber hats you want without people staring. Well, with less people staring.

So, two Sundays ago I found myself in search of boots. After a year of battling against it, I was giving in, and officially reintroducing myself to Maine winter. A big step for me, I have never purchased Bean Boots. Growing up I had them, sure, but as soon as I was able to speak up about my snow-appropriate shoe preferences I put a stop to it. So, this was big. But, I was ready. After getting caught out in heels during the last storm, I quickly realized the peril I was putting myself in traversing the streets in anything but a solid, flat boot. Plus, walking around the store, all these pairs of vintage boots were displayed – these long-loved, wool-socks-sticking-out, tall Bean boots. This could actually work. And keep me upright on those slippery sidewalks.

Up to the women’s department I went, where a gold-star goes to Katie for her help and for showing the beat-up Fryes I was wearing a little love. I ended up choosing these toasty-warm shearling 10-inch BBs, and while lovely, I couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed that they weren’t taller…

But, downstairs in men’s! It was an a-ha moment, that, really, well, again, it was good that there were only a few people in the store. And, to George and Patrick and the other employees of the men’s shoe department, thank you for humoring me (and helping me lace!) as I debated between the 14-inch and the 16-inch boots. Gracious and full of good advice, the Beans men helped me decide on the 16s. (See below right.)

Technically hunting boots, these aren't as warm as the shearlings, but I can pick up some shearling inserts and then I’ll have made no compromise. Perfection.

And, the past couple weeks have indeed been blissful in my new boots. My feet are warm. I fear no snow bank. And, rather than sacrificing my wardrobe, I’ve been building outfits around the new boots. Clearly, Beans is the new black.

You, Rogues

Rogues Gallery, a t-shirt company that got its start in Cape Elizabeth, comes to Space this Saturday for one magical day of sample sales. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. you can buy the designs of Alex Carleton at bargain-basement prices.

A thinking man's t-shirt, Rogues Gallery will transform that oh-so-ordinary jeans and tee uniform into something a bit more intriguing. Carleton uses vintage tees as canvas, redyes them and then hand prints images torn from the pages of history – some New England, some nautical – all twisted just enough to offer a bit of commentary to the consumer. And, with retail prices that range from $49-$150, cashing in on the sample sale prices tomorrow will no doubt make your wallet happy.

So, if you're still searching for the perfect gift for that t-shirt lover on your list I'll see you there. I'm looking forward to a very Rogue Christmas this year.

Mad, Mad Merriment

The Old Port shops stay open late tonight for Merry Madness, the annual shopfest that pairs wining, a little dining and fashion. All personal favorites.

The Madness begins at 5 p.m. over at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront (65 Commercial, at the corner of Commercial St. and Franklin Art.). Compare lists with fellow shoppers as you mingle, munch on on hors d'oeuvres and purchase your collectible wine glass (that can be refilled as you shop from store to store). With free parking and door prizes, there's really no place else to be for happy hour. Oh, and free horse and wagon rides will take you through the Old Port so you don't even have to walk. Shopping purist that I am, I generally prefer to stroll, but I think there might be something to a horse-drawn lap for window shopping and strategic purposes. Plus, I love a good holiday-lights tour.

So, grab your list, put on those Bean Boots and meet me there. You may even get Seen!

Much 'a-Do'

Real quick: Tonight is Space Gallery's Shop-a-Do. Crafts, art and music all rolled into one evening of local artisan love. And not in that weird hippie way. Just in that fun, lots of new and thoughtful gift possibilities for your loved ones kind of way. No gift cards, real gifts.

Ferdinand and Alex Argo's fUSE will both be there, along with more than 30 vendors. For the t-shirt set, there's Small Victory Studios or if it's art your after try Justin Richel's Amazing Talking Paintings.

So, go. Shop. Be Merry. And come back and tell me what you bought!

Gift Bliss

Tomorrow is the craftstravaganza Blissful Revolution. Among the sure-to-please vendors will be Fuse jewelry by local artist Alex Argo. See below for a pair of her earrings, which are striking, eco-chic choices for your pierced-eared gift-ees.

Alex fashions the pieces out of paper (recycled from magazines, for example), so they are super light and very earlobe friendly. I already own two pairs myself and know that my friends are counting on receiving their own pairs from me this year. She’ll be at the fair just on Sunday, so plan your shopping trips accordingly.

If you can’t get down to Biddeford, you can also find Alex among the other artists at Space’s Shop-a-do on Wednesday, or she’s restocking her display at Ferdinand, which is currently sold out.

…And speaking of Ferdinand, if you caught PPH’s iHerald on Monday you got a glimpse into one of my most favorite Portland shops. Proprietor Diane Toepfer offers the harried gift-giver one-stop, affordable shopping without sacrificing style or thought.

Look for her “fashioned by Ferdinand” label for items Diane has made herself (check the squirrel or reindeer tees or my personal favorite, feathered headbands!), or “found by Ferdinand” for her stock of vintage jewelry – fun post earrings, pendants and a small selection of clothing and handbags. Not only for the ladies, Diane stocks men’s and children’s clothing, along with some selected housewares.

To Portland, with Love

Last weekend I went to New York, looking to do a little holiday shopping for my loved ones and also squeeze in a little retail therapy for myself. New York, the shopping mecca and all decorated for Christmas too – what’s better? Well, truthfully, I left feeling as though Portland might be.

Of course, to be fair, you can’t go to New York and not have fun shopping. My favorites this time around: Edge*nyNOHO, an indoor market filled with local designers and their work, had some affordable yet still fantastic pieces, especially the Andy Collins Jewelry that feature flowers cast in resin. Also fun was Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn. With racks and racks of women’s and men’s, there was everything from true vintage to gently-worn H&M, and all was bargain- to reasonably-priced, such as the peep-toe brown and gold heels I found for $16.95. (Of course I can’t wear them in this snow, but whatever. Details.)

But this weekend of battling long lines, tacky tourists, irate-at-the-tacky-tourists NY-ers and giddy-at-the-finally-favorable-exchange-rate Euros left me daydreaming of cobblestones and my favorite local haunts. So, a happy ShopLocal-ite anyway, I returned home with renewed shopping energy. I’m going to start at Akari, where I spied some great, oversized Jan Michaels rings. And they are adjustable too, so no sneaky finger-measuring needed. Perfect for the jewelry lovers on your list.

I’ve got a list of stores to hit this week, but I want to know…Where are your favorites?