Thursday, December 20, 2007

Christmas Comes Early to French Pharmacie

I had one of those moments today where you feel like the Fashion Gods are looking out for you. I decided to head to French Pharmacie today for a last-minute Christmas gift (no, not for myself), and as I walked in, my favorite salesperson Jessica was just getting off the phone with owner Stacy Kosene. Stacy had called to say that all the fall and winter clothing and shoes was now 50% off. That's right, 50%.

So run, don't walk to FP while the selection is still good. I picked up three fabulous dresses, pretty much for the price of one (yay), and the most incredible boots EVER.

I nearly passed on the boots because I got stuck in them in the store - thanks, Jessica, for helping me yank them off - but after a quick consultation with a shoe repair, I think they can be stretched just slightly to accomodate my slightly pudgy calves. And, serious diet season starts in one week, so hopefully my calves will be the first spot to slim down. Unlikely, but you never know. One fashion prayer was answered today; maybe a second one will be, too.

Seriously. Stop reading and go to FP. Now. You'll thank me.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Jonesing for New Shoes

Ah, December. The time of year when thoughts turn to...no, not mistletoe and holly and all that holiday stuff...but spring fashion.

I guess technically it's resort, but savvy fashionistas shop early before the hottest styles sell out. I don't know why, but I tend to get more jazzed about resort wear than the spring collections when they make their appearance in a few months.

This season, I'm particularly lusting after some new shoes. Prada's new heel - that's sculpted like a flower - is unbelievably gorgeous. I mean, really spectacular. And I also love YSL's decidedly non-hippie take on the platform sandal. These remind me of the cork platforms I had in grade school, but in a much cooler and more sophisticated form.

I'm headed to Chicago for the Christmas holiday, so will be able to scope both of these glorious shoes out in person, on Michigan Ave. Now if Santa will just stuff my stocking with cash...

Monday, December 10, 2007

French Pharmacie Blog

French Pharmacie and its owner Stacy Kosene have started a blog - www.AreYouChicEnough.com.

Check it out! It's very fun - write ups on French Pharmacie events, along with photos and descriptions of Stacy's favorite things.

Almost as good as IndyStyle...

Being Indypendent

So, I see lots of cars driving around all the time with those bumper stickers that say, "Be Indypendent. Buy Indy art." And I have to say, I'm really impressed with the art scene here in town. There are lots of interesting places in town to go see, buy and even make art, and I continue to be amazed at the affordable prices.

This past Friday was another "First Friday," when many of the galleries in town host opening events. While living in Chicago, I attended a few gallery walks in River North (I used to live in the neighborhood), but was always really discouraged by how pricey everything was. Yes, I saw lots of pieces I loved, but never for less than like 5 large...which can be a little tough to stomach, particularly on a PR-girl's salary.

So imagine my glee at discovering The Harrison Center, where the majority of works at every show are under $1,000 - typically WAY under. If you've not attended any Harrison Center openings, I highly recommend it. Last Friday's was just how you want it to be - a big crowd of interesting people, with music, art and free wine. Yay!

From there, I headed down to Fountain Square. I hit Big Car Gallery, which is always interesting (and makes me feel very hip just for knowing how to find it on the second floor of the Murphy building) as well as Alchemy. Alchemy is cool - a combo salon and art gallery. I never see a lot of people in there getting haircuts, but the art hanging in there is worth a look. Alchemy was hosting a silent auction of works donated by local artists to benefit the First Friday opening events. I guess the money made pays for the cheese trays or something. Anyway, I felt a little guilty getting away with a giant and very cool painting for $250 - after all, these are starving artists, right? But hey, it was for a good cause. Now I just need to figure out how to get it home...

Friday, December 7, 2007

Fun Night at French Pharmacie

French Pharmacie hosted a holiday open house last night, which was of course fabulous. Even though I didn't win any of the door prizes (like a Balanciaga wallet or a cute fur hat), I drank plenty of champagne and made new friends with some fellow fashionistas.

FP has started to receive some resort wear, and it's very cute. Lots of Tory Burch and 3.1 Philip Lim. I purchased a very cute Philip Lim dress that I can wear now with a black turtleneck underneath and some black tights (thanks to Stacy Kosene for that great suggestion), and then pull it out for parties in spring/summer on its own. I think it would be perfect for, say, a wedding on the beach in Naples, FL - should such an event crop up on my social calendar in '08 (fingers crossed).

There's also some GREAT stuff on sale at FP right now, including a ton of jewelry marked down 50%. That's right, 50%. So of course I couldn't resist snapping up a ring I've had my eye on essentially since I moved back here in April. Merry Christmas to me! And it looks great with my new dress.

So if you've still got a little money rattling around in your pocket after your holiday shopping, head to FP and buy yourself something shiny to put in your stocking.

Tonight is First Friday, so I'll be attending the opening of the Indianapolis Art Center show at Barnes & Thornberg (11 S. Meridian), followed by the Harrison Center and possibly Big Car in Fountain Square. Should be fun!

Monday, December 3, 2007

Project Runway Dress is at Steve and Barry's

And guess what - it's cute. Especially for $19.98. There's nothing else in the Bitten line right now worth a second glance, sadly, but the winning Project Runway dress is worth snatching up. Even just as a pop culture collectible it's worth $20.

Other than that, Bitten is a disappointment right now. There were a couple of jackets that looked like they had a cute cut, but the fabric is super cheap. I know, I know...what do you expect for $19.98? But I'd rather spend a little bit more for better fabric.

All in all, I had some good luck this weekend. Saks has started its designer sale, and the "premier" designer shoes (Prada, Manolo, Chanel, etc.) have been marked down 30%. Also, J. Crew has some cute stuff in the store right now - I fell for a bright orange wool blazer that's very reminiscent of the prepster stuff that Balenciaga had in the fall line. Definitely worth a look.

Don't feel like it's an emergency to trek to Lafayette Square to pick up your Project Runway dress. Steve and Barry's had a ton of them (thank you, Steve and Barry's for actually making enough of what's sure to be a hot item) in all sizes.

Happy shopping!