Get some ‘Brass in Your Pocket’

GOT BRASS IN POCKET
GOT BOTTLE I’M GONNA USE IT
INTENTION I FEEL INVENTIVE
GONNA MAKE YOU, MAKE YOU, MAKE YOU NOTICE

Chrissy Hynde is one of my all-time favorite Rocker Chics.
From the early days, I felt connected to her. I couldn’t belt out the tunes like she did, but we had some similarities.
I went to Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio in the early 70’s, she attended Kent State University in Kent, Ohio during the Kent State shootings. We were practically neighbors, sisters.

I always loved her look. The dark shag, I had it.
A black leather bomber jacket and a plain-jane tee. I had it.
She rocked it. We noticed. We wanted to be her….still do.

Don’t say it! I know what you’re thinking. “I can’t wear that”.

Instead, you can still VISUALIZE yourself as a FUN, unleashed and unrestrained woman of the new millenium.
Re-create Chrissy with skinny jeans, (shredded or not), boots (flat or hi-heeled), but definitely, a plain white tee and a necklace that will pull it all together, such as this one.

Mixing the soft, classic style of gray south sea pearls with the hard rock edge of chains, and you’ve got that GLAM ROCKER CHIC look so prevalent this Holiday.

GOT MOTION RESTRAINED EMOTION
BEEN DRIVING DETROIT LEANING
NO REASON JUST SEEMS SO PLEASING
GONNA MAKE YOU, MAKE YOU, MAKE YOU NOTICE

(CHORUS)

GONNA USE MY ARMS (stacks of bangles, leather wraps)
GONNA USE MY LEGS (boots, stilletos)
GONNA USE MY STYLE (Ah, yes, Style…uniquely yours, create it and own it)
GONNA USE MY SIDESTEP (Swagger girl..)
GONNA USE MY FINGERS (Short clean nails with OPI nailpolish..my fave, Lincoln Park after dark)
GONNA USE MY, MY, MY IMAGINATION (run with it…)

‘CAUSE I GONNA MAKE YOU SEE
THERE’S NOBODY ELSE HERE
NO ONE LIKE ME
I’M SPECIAL SO SPECIAL
I GOTTA HAVE SOME OF YOUR ATTENTION GIVE IT TO ME

This will definitely get some of everyone’s attention…it’s like a piece of art worn around your neck..not so much like the Pretenders chic, maybe a little tamer. Still it’s glam and it’s rockin.

And then there’s this one…….

So go for it…Get some ‘Brass in Pocket’
What have you got to lose?

*The tune, Brass In Pocket (I’M Special) by The Pretenders hit number 14 on the U.S. pop charts in May of 1980.

What are some of your favorite style memories from the 70’s-80’s? Share your comments..just for fun.

Rock Your Gypsy Soul 2009

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Spoiled Chics The Boutique Receives 2009 Best of Sewickley Award

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spoiled Chics The Boutique Receives 2009 Best of Sewickley Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 — Spoiled Chics The Boutique has been selected for the 2009 Best of Sewickley Award in the Women’s Accessory & Specialty Stores category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org

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It takes a Village…Where are you??

It takes a Village....Where are you?

Everyone needs a reality check on the state of the local economy and specifically, the communities in which we live. Everyday we are hearing about this store going out of business or relocating elsewhere. Daily we hear of the impending closure of one store or another. A Sewickley resident, former local business owner and now loyal customer, Dolores Bassett states it succinctly and perfectly.
“Consider the impact on property values across the board, both residential and commercial, as business closings increase due to lack of support. There will be a negative impact..”
Mrs. Bassett adds, “Businesses can’t survive without the support of the residents in our school district. ..whether it’s to buy groceries, gifts, we the residents need to spend a portion to maintain the Village. We need to protect our property values..there is value in having a quaint commercial district.”

Much to my dismay, I learned again today of another business merchant in the Village who is considering the relocation of his/her business to another area where the rent is commensurate with the potential customer base. Mrs. Basset agrees that “property owners need to face reality that rent charges are too high for the current economy. Rents were established in the 90’s when the GNP was growing 10-20% a year. Now it’s a negative growth yet rent is based on growth that existed in the 90s–they need to adjust rent downward to fit the current economy.”

She also adds the issue of Convenience: “You can’t put a value on commercial business conveniences.”

As a business owner, I’m sure I can speak for my neighboring merchants that we work hard and bring quality products. We try to offer VALUE for your money. We travel to various markets, we work hard to find that value for you.

It takes a community, to support a business district–where are you?

If you care..get plugged in and support the initiative to
Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.

Save your local economy…three stores at a time.

I received the news this morning that our Norman Rockwell-esque Village is again losing a wonderful and vibrant business. I was sick in the pit of my stomach to hear the news, and with other merchants on the verge of closing or leaving, I started second guessing the viability of our own shop.

I took a deep breath, said a few prayers, and decided to use my drive to work as quiet time to detox my brain and
let my soul breathe.

I arrived at work, still not feeling like myself, thinking about the viability and life of our own little shop that has become part of this Village. Speaking with other merchants and store owners on the street, the word was out. Another empty storefront. “Did you hear that (this one) is closing at the end of the month?” “So and so is hanging on by a thread..”Depression, Fear, Panic and other negative thoughts set in and ate away at me.

But I choose to pull myself out of the negative aspirations and speak on a positive note.

“Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words….your words become your actions. … your actions become your habits..your habits become your character… your character becomes your destiny..”

Then I found the 350 Project online.
With the last 4 separate customers that came into the store, I began comversation and mentioned the 350 Project and it’s premise of ‘Save 3. Spend $50′ .

They loved it. They each were inspired and took several fliers to pass out to their organizations, friends, other merchants, and then spent $203.71 between the the 4 of them. I joked that they exceeded their commitment, and thanked them for their business.
Not even 20 minutes later, one of my neighboring merchants just came in ecstatic that one of the women who I spoke to, delivered the same flier to him, told him about the promotion and spent $50 at his shop. And this was just over a matter of a couple of hours..imagine what 30 days could do. It works!

It takes one person to start the trend. YOU. Present a Challenge to your community.
If every resident would Select 3 independently owned business that they would miss if they were gone, stop in and say hello, and Spend $50 between the three, over 30 days…a great percentage will go back to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures…plus…it helps to keep these businesses around.

Pick 3. Spend 50. Save Your local economy.

Visit the350Project.net

http://www.the350project.net/supporter_graphics/350_project_web_panel.jpg

Fashion Color Report 2009: Staying Fashionable on a Budget

Every season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colors. Like a painter’s palette, FALL 2009 offers choice and diversity but the unique integration of colors is what makes it so appealing.

Get some great fashion advice from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn and other designers on how to stay fashionable on a budget. Learn everything you need to know on selecting the best color for your skin, hair and personality.

Pantone Fashion Color Report 2009

Update your foundational pieces in your wardrobes with a pop of color. Take your neutrals and add a scarf in burnt sienna. Add a cobalt blue bag to a basic black sheath..and take it a step further with a crisp white men’s shirt under it. Charcoals and purple. love it.

In these economic times, when we’re all trying to make the best of what we have..incorporate color! www.spoiledchics.com

KUERO Bags transmit life,energy and passion..

When a friend of mine, Alma Lleras, a former dancer with the American Ballet and now a jewelry designer, invited me to meet her handbag designer friend, I said yes, with trepidation and a little hesitation.

But when she walked into the store and we met for the first time, I knew that we had come upon something special.
Ana Velazquez, born in Canada to Nicaraguan parents and raised in Nicaragua, is a beautiful Latina. Growing up in a creative family, Ana’s mother is a fashion designer, and her grandmother, a jewelry designer.

” I’m inspired by my country, my family and aesthetic pleasures…Nicaragua’s history has produced strong, persistent, loving and hardworking people, people with dreams and a unique perspective of life”…
Like Ana, her bags are works of art, transmitting life, energy, passion, and a postive attitude.

KUERO, meaning ‘leather’ in Spanish, is launching in Pittsburgh, Pa. and is now available at Spoiled Chics the Boutique in Sewickley.
Master Representative, Randy Gray and Associates will roll out the line to other U.S cities beginning in January 2010.

More KUERO pics..

Teen designer,Twisted Metal

At 13 years old, Alex Krosovic has accomplished more than most people twice his age. Excelling in academics, running cross-country, playing 4 instruments (piano, guitar, sax and trombone), fishing and kayaking, I wonder when he has time to create jewelry.

He’s been designing jewelry since he was 10. Wrapping and twisting wire into intricate shates and designs, the name “Twisted Metal” was a no brainer.

Depression glass hand wrapped in sterling silver wire pendants

His sterling silver twisted wire rings grew in popularity and were so highly coveted that Blocher Jeweler of Ellwood City, Pa. (his hometown), partnered with Alex who began designing one-of-a-kind pieces and offering jewelry repair for their patrons.

During a brainstorming session at Spoiled Chics the Boutique in Sewickley, Pa., a collaboration of ideas ensued which will result in a new, hip, edgy collection of jewelry. Featuring details such as multi layered chains, mixed metals, leather strands, his current line of bone, wood, stone and ‘river glass’ will take on a whole new chapter of style.
Alex Krosovic, Twisted Metal, and his business partner/mom, Sondra Krosovic, also a designer,”On the Rocks Jewelry” will both be featured at a Trunk Show:
Date: September 12, 2009
Time: 10am-5pm
Place: Spoiled Chics the Boutique
350-1/2 Beaver St.
Sewickley, Pa. 15143
412.741.0977

Trunk Show info on Facebook

It all comes down to…The Hat!

San Diego Hat Co., Ultra braid Xlarge contrast Brim

I am so envious of women who can just plop a hat on their head and look absolutely stunning. I am one of many women who, no matter how hard I try, I just can’t pull it off. I believe that there is an art to wearing a hat, one that I haven’t discovered.

However, there are lot’s of great reasons to wear a hat. A hat is a great accessory that will pull an outfit together, a simple sheath dress with a cute wide brim and you’re ready for all the Kentucky Derby parties.

There are certain rules that usually apply when selecting a hat:
Face shape and proportions for example, small face, small hat, wide face, wide brim

Skin color: The color of your hat should either complement or flatter your skin tone. If your skin is pale with rosy hues, then a pink or red or rust-colored hat would look nice on you. If your skin is dark or with yellow tones, you can wear just about any color hat but do try not to stick to just black.

Another very important reason is that a hat provides ample protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Skin cancer pevention and education has become more prevalent as we are becoming more aware of the dangers of exposing the skin to the sun. Not to mention the age spots, sun spots and freckles that appear on one’s complexion as a result of ‘laying out’.

Despite all the ‘rules’ about wearing a hat, I say, if you feel confident in a hat, if you love it and it makes you feel good, then forget all the ‘rules’.
San Diego Hat Co. available at Spoiled Chics the Boutique

Where Did You Get That?

There is nothing better than being in a conversation that starts with, “Where did you get that…” whatever it is…I LOVE THAT. Perhaps it just validates my good taste, that getting older doesn’t really mean that style and fun has to go out the window. Isaac Mizrahi put’s it best, “Taste is a good thing to have, but spirit is better”.

Florals for example, have always been a happy, FUN, Spring/Summer trend.
Florals can be mini-prints, oversized, retro, bright or muted. I prefer something floral that will POP my wardrobe, such as the great necklace above, in metal petals, daisies, roses and carnations..with crystal, enamel, and pearls.

Always reaching for ‘black’ in your closet? That’s fine in my book, but make sure it’s a memorable piece..a great vest, a boyfriend jacket, a slick dress, and maybe add something white..keeping it sleek and simple..and a great RED lipstick. (no-brainer)

Khaki more your gig? Don’t go monochromatic or you’ll disappear into your surroundings. Add some spice with pomegranate, deep yellows, leaf greens.. A Big Buddha bag in teal..colorful, inexpensive accents, such as layers of beaded necklaces, lariats and scarves will pump up the volume!

“Mix a color with a neutral. and it will work-trust me”.-Isaac Mizrahi

Bottom line, adding florals or color to neutrals gets attention, but putting it together with style, seals the deal.