What is Fashion

I started this blog thinking that it would be a good outlet for me. A place where I can talk about fashion freely. This was my first time "blogging."

This blog helped to give me some credibility. I have a love of fashion. I would love to find a career in fashion. So when people ask me if I have done or if I am doing anything in fashion now, I at least can tell them, I have a fashion blog.

Writing this blog has allowed me to search and discover a lot of other fantastic websites and blogs. There are some wonderful sites that talk about the latest trends, where to buy the best deals, and how to wear fashion. One thing that I did notice, (and I probably knew this already), but there is very little out there that discusses fashion related to small towns like West Hartford, (where I live).

A lot of the fashion floating around in cyberspace is geared towards those who may feel comfortable walking to town in their latest hipster outfit. In small towns like West Hartford, most people won't take notice, or they will automatically assume you are not from around here. On many occassions people have asked me if I am either from NYC or I bought my outfit from there.

In West Hartford we suffer from the trickle down effect. I have always found West Hartford to be quite trendy, great town with NYC like restuarants, and some fashion foward boutiques. And the fashion that we have available to us is "watered" down city looks. And how often to we get to really wear these cool outfits, a gala here or there? An occasional ladies night out? Not even. West Hartford is a family town and with family comes comfort. Do we want to be pushing that stroller with 4 inch knee high velour black boots? Running after the kid with a some high end strappy sandal, bending down to pick something off the ground with our very low rise $200 jeans?

So the end question is ...how can one become "fashion" in a small town like West Hartford without everyone telling you to open a boutique, or become a personal shopper?

Shopping in Hartford County

Aside from West Farms Mall, there are some great shops located throughout Hartford County.
Why not support our local shops!

Here are some of my favorites:

Homeward Bound
http://homewardboundstyle.com/
77 isham roadwest hartford, ct 06107860.233.9500

A wonderful and eclectic selection of merchandise includes:comfortable sofas and chairs (including the only fully organic, high-end line available), live edge table designs, India hand-blocked exclusive bedding, romantic chandeliers, Red Flower bath, painted cabinets from India, beaded animals from Africa, stuffed animals from Peru, Sarah Perlis handmade jewelry, ELM Designs from Iceland, Chan Luu fashions and jewelry, distinctive tableware, hand-blown glassware…and so much more.
They also offer custom furniture and complimentary design service

Kimberly Boutique
http://www.shopkimberly.com/
986A Farmington Ave.West Hartford, CT(860) 523-4894

From the perfect pair of jeans to an incredible evening gown, you will find fabulous fashions at Kimberly Boutique. This extraordinarily friendly shop offers a great selection, including contemporary and classic options as well as tasteful takes on new trends

They are offering some great discounts now:

Spend $200 and get $25, spend $300 and get $50, Spend $400 and get $75 and spend $500 and get $100

Niro Boutique

http://www.nirodesigncenter.com/couture.html

NiRO Couture, LLC241 Asylum Street Hartford, CT

860-724-NIRO

NiRo Couture, LLC is a full service retail establishment with a main objective of client satisfaction. Our designs aim to capture the essence of style, function, and personality and celebrate them in a way that a fashion house has never attempted before. NiRo Couture will provide customers with quality materials, innovative designs, and affordable prices. As one of very few establishments in the area, customers are introduced to an environment where clothes are designed and created with them in mind. NiRo will provide specialty services along with its impeccable selection of fashion. Service include: Image Consulting, Beauty Enhancement Services, Closet Therapy, Fashion Styling, and Personal Shopping

BANGLE & CLUTCH

http://www.bangleclutch.com/

40 W Main StAvon,CT 06001 (860) 284-4233

What's Hot ? Accessorize at bangle and clutch with this seasons hottest trends in jewelry and handbags. We offer the greatest selection of one-of-a-kind accessories and clothing that simply can't be found anywhere else. Our experienced sales staff will show you how to create your own unique style. Come in ordinary, and leave extraordinary

Japanalia

http://japanalia.com/

990 Farmington Avenue,West Hartford, CT 06107 860-523-7722

JAPANALIA ON ONE! 11 Whitney St. Hartford, behind CVSCT 06106860-232-4677

Each design evolves for the fabric with clean, spare lines achieved through minimal cutting. In an abstract way, the garments preserve the tradition of the kimono cut in which four narrow panels of fabric determine the width of the kimono. This refined size concept can work to the advantage of every woman or man

COCO LILY LLC
http://cocolily.com/

Avon, CT

Is a Connecticut based contemporary boutique created in 2007. It began with two moms' passion for bringing together the right mix of upscale clothing, unique gifts and tabletop to make the perfect venue for our store.
We are proud to exclusively carry greenbeads and Emily & Ashley fine jewelry to complete a look for any occasion

Oh La La

51 E Main St Avon, CT 06001-3821 860-674-0798

They offer a great mix of trendy fashion and accessories. Prices are great and the clothes are always changing.

Fab'Rik Teen Consignment Boutique

www.fabrik-kur.com

36 LaSalle RdWest Hartford, CT 06127(860) 232-8336

For those looking for great deals:

Almost everything is 50 to 75% off, and everything is in excellent condition. They offer great designer-prom- dresses, jeans, shoes, bags, shirts, shirts and jackets.

Need SHOES!

So I am on the hunt for some great shoes. I must admit, shoes have never been my thing. Don't get me wrong, I do love them, but I often find myself buying something that seems amazing and then end up not knowing how to wear them, or finding them uncomfortable, etc...

And of course with shoes, you wear them outside, scratch the bottoms, and poof they are yours whether you like it our not.

Well..unless you are like one of my friends who just returned a pair of awesome boots, (retail aprox $200) after one year of owning them, (and wearing them, I personally scrubbed the bottom of the boots for her) to Nordstrom!! She had the receipt still and got her money back. I was definitely impressed!!!! You just never know.

Either way, I have vowed that I will never buy shoes again unless I do my research to ensure that I get the best possible price...should I down the road throw them to the back of the closet and kick myself for ever thinking they were worth $$$$.

So, as of today, I am on the hunt for a great pair of black leather calf high rugged military inspired/riding boots.

I found this great pair on one of my fav sites zappos.com only to find them much much cheaper on sublime.comhttp://www.sublime.com/.

Zappos.com: Steve Madden Buck for $141. 64 with free shipping and handling

Piperlime.com: Also Steve Madden Buck for $114.99 with free shipping and handling

Mind you on Piperlime, they only carried the dark brown, but my gosh, what a price difference!!

And it does not stop there!!

Same shoes, though only in the brown suede but for $105!!!!!!!! found at footnotesonline.com

Can you stand it??

COUPON CODES!!

I certainly have not started my holiday shopping yet...but maybe some of you have!

Please do not forget to visit some of the sites below. They could save you tons of money!

http://www.retailmenot.com/

http://couponcode.com/

http://www.fatwallet.com/

http://www.budgetfashionist.com/

http://www.couponcabin.com/

I personally love couponcode.com because they seem to have the most comprehensive selection. If you can not find your store, go to your favorite search browser and type in something like:

victoria secret coupons or rei coupons

Chances are you will find plenty!!

Happy Shopping!!

Homeward Bounds Events

West Hartford
December highlights at Homeward Bound!!
enjoy
festive food & wine
fabulous raffles
have your gifts wrapped in eco-friendly burlap trimmed with fun,
colorful raffia ribbon.
friends & family weekend
dec. 5 ~ dec. 7
join us for a cocktail party
kick off, 6pm dec. 5
20% off all full-priced
items in the store
special shopping events
local realtors
dec. 2, 3-8 pm
holiday stroll
dec. 4, 5-9pmSanta & Mrs. Claus, carriage rides, food,
performers and more!
Jewish Community Center members & employees
dec. 7, 5-8 pm
friends & neighbors
dec. 11, 6-9 pm
de-stress…sip some
tea, bring your
list…we’ll do
the rest