Sometimes smarter means lining up better options. And if there is anything worth researching, it’s how to have the deepest, comfiest, most glamorous night’s sleep possible. We scoured the globe (on our digital flying carpet) for the best in bedding, beds and bedroom wall art.

Why restrict art to walls?


Design firm No One You Know is based in Bondi Beach, Australia. Down under they really understand the art of a stylish night’s sleep. No One You Know’s hand-printed duvet cover sets are made from high quality cotton with a 250 thread count, because as they say, “anything you sleep with should not only look good, it should last for a long time too.“ Word.

You deserve it.

Anything from Gandia Blasco in Valencia, Spain is all right with us. Their adult “tepees” (Tipi Giganto) and interpretive illumination are as fabulous as anything Philippe Starck ever made. But the daybeds are especially appealing as schedules become increasingly hectic and the daily news makes it more and more tempting to stay in bed all day long.

Gandia Blasco Daybed: 80” x 80” x 80”. Made of Anonized Aluminum and movable canvases of plastic fabric.

Rest Easy

The ABC Carpet and Home Home and Planet line for the bedroom is made with a commitment to sustainability, energy conservation and decreasing the impact of production on the planet. Of their organic bath and bedding ABC says quietly, “When life seems to spin out of orbit, seek the wisdom and renewal of mother earth.“

And for your vertical inspiration…

L’Affiche Moderne, a web source for limited edition posters and fine art prints by French artists, sells the work of photographers, graphic designers and children’s illustrators. The range and quality are mind-boggling, and the prices won’t keep you up at night.

Now, go get a good night’s sleep. You need your smarty rest.

Erica Corsano is one of Boston’s most visible and beloved bon vivants. She somehow seems to be out everywhere and chained to her desk editing the new and improved Stuff Magazine all at the same time. With just days to go before Boston Fashion Week and her Stuff Mag. After Party series begin, she’s busier than ever, but we managed a chat on email between deadlines and meetings and fittings and whatnot. A true original and an advocate for Boston’s fashion industry, Erica’s stuff, we found, is as entertaining as her Stuff.

Miss: First off, we hear you moderated the Fashion Group International Encore Fall 2009 Trends Report Screening at the MA College of Art and Design on Sept. 18th, do we need to call you “Miss Corsano” now, or “Teach”?
EC: Ha, ha. I’m cool with Erica, but Miss Corsano does have a nice ring to it! The students were great, really well-informed. It was fun. I think I’d like to do some part-time teaching… Stay tuned!

Miss: What trends did you discuss?
EC: We viewed the Spring 2010 FGI trend report video and discussed it with the students. Topics included: trends that work in Boston, style on a budget, how to best prepare to work with the press as fashion professionals, and the best way to use this kind of report and websites like Style.com and local fashion spreads in publications like Stuff for research and inspiration.

Miss: Do you look at subversive and off-beat trends or mostly mainstream?
EC: I’m always interested in finding the perfect balance of underground and mainstream fashion. Style is an expression of oneself. Dressing well should never just be about following trends…it should be about expressing yourself and incorporating the latest trends into your look with grace and ease. If liquid leggings or ripped denim aren’t your thing, you shouldn’t be wearing them.

Miss: Phew. I am definitely not a liquid leggings girl. What do you find design students most want to talk about with someone like you, an influential editor?
EC: They want a job! Or they want to know how to go about getting a job! A lot of these kids are looking for practical advice about their future careers. It’s SO important for professionals to share their knowledge with students.

Miss: Stuff Magazine is sponsoring an After Party series during Boston Fashion Week - what do we have to look forward to?
EC: We’re partnering with Brown Forman (think yummy cocktails with Chambord) and some of the hottest venues in town. Think great energy, incredible DJs, VIP hosts, signature cocktails and eye candy galore!

Miss: Where will the parties be, who will be there and how late will they go?
EC: The venues are 33, Vinalia, Alibi, The Liberty Hotel, City Bar and Bond. They run from 9pm to whenever the venue closes! The events are open to the public but the crowd will most likely be made up of local VIPs, readers, fashionistas and budding fashionistas! For a full schedule, check out bostonfashionweek.com and for daily fashion week coverage head to stuffboston.com/fashionweek.

Miss: Can we wear the new kicks we got at Bodega or is there a fashion week dress code?
EC: You should be yourself and express yourself. If your idea of fashionable and chic equals kicks from Bodega, then go for it! I’d say a safe bet on the dress code is “casual chic” meets “cocktail attire”.

Miss: Now, about you… How will we find you at your parties? Feathers? Sequins? Neon?
EC: Well, I’ll be dressed by Diesel, Reiss, Daniela Corte, Sara Campbell and Twilight…So I’d say it’ll be a fun mix. Some nights you’ll find me in jeans and a blazer (my signature look) and on other days I’ll rock tall boots and a cocktail dress. I’m hoping to snag some fabulous necklaces from my friend Camilla [Gallacher]. She designs a line called Millie&Me — it’s so much fun!

Miss: Camilla sells her jewelry at Looc - we love it too! Describe one of your most memorable fashion faux pas, the more mortifying the better…
EC: Oh lord… I grew up in the late 80’s early 90’s so there’s got to be a few hundred, but here goes. Looking back, I’m totally mortified by the fact that I used to wear a white leather jacket with fringe and matching white leather fringe boots. Oh and I loved wearing my acid- washed pencil skirt… It was during my glam rock phase!!

Miss: If Stuff Magazine were a celebrity, who would it be?
EC: Yikes, tough one! Maybe Drew Barrymore… she’s a free spirit who loves life. Her style is upscale-meets-edgy; I love that about her. She’s kind of spastic and totally quirky, but in the end of the day totally gets the job done. She can be elegant or underground and she’s totally unpredictable… I love that.

Miss: How do you feel about fashion in Boston, is it evolving? What excites you the most?
EC: I can’t tell you how many times I have asked people that very question…not so easy to answer when the tables are turned! I think Boston has totally evolved. It started a couple years back with an influx of small, independently-owned boutiques (Dress, Habit, Twilight, Stil and the list goes on). I think women in Boston have become more fearless with their style, which is great. The boys…they need a little bit more help! I’m excited for Boston Fashion Week, especially the Sam Mendoza and Daniela Corte fashion shows. I’m also excited about checking out Flock, a new boutique in the South End.

Miss: Now for the fun stuff. Who would you rather? (I know you like European men, so I have to ask…)

Miss: Beckham or Nadal?
EC: Nadal

Miss: Jude Law or Robert Pattinson?
EC: Jude Law

Miss: Prince William or Harry?
EC: Harry—party harty!

Miss: Spanx or push up bra?
EC: Spanx, I’m a curvy gal!

Miss: Red lips or red eye shadow?
EC: Neither!

Miss: Fur or faux?
EC: Fur as long as it’s not mink

Erica Corsano is the Editorial Director of Stuff Magazine.

There are times for the delicacy of understatement and times for telling it like it is. In critique of my work, well, I appreciate understatement; but in matters of sustenance I prefer a direct approach. That is why I appreciate the clearly stated intentions behind Barbara Lynch’s Fort Point bar, Drink. No one wonders why they are there.

The small sign a few steps below street level says “Drink” so I do what I’m told once inside. It’s easy to relax in the dimly lit space with its low slung bar, perfectly spaced pendant lights and enough exposed brick to keep the room feeling comfortably rough around the edges. There’s an air of prohibition about it. It’s the kind of place you want to stay until “everybody knows your name.“

Of course, that “Drink” command doesn’t stop me from indulging in another favorite past time: eating. One plate of my favorite drink accompaniment: crispy grilled cheese mini sandwiches topped with caramelized onions, and I’m cozying up to the bar like Norm. Other favorite cocktail companions include the fries with garlic aioli and steak tartare with toast. This was one of my favorite restaurants to match with gift ideas… hope you find something for that special someone you might have met at a dimly lit bar, many years ago.

1. Originally designed in 1948 and still looking just as current, Aarne Cocktail Glasses will be a treasured addition to the drink cabinet of anyone on your list. the clean shape and weighted bottom earned the design a place in the collection of the MoMA and a gold medal at the Milan Triennale in 1954. Guaranteed to make even your most inventive cocktail look deliciously easy to swallow Abodeon sells cocktail ($40 pr), all purpose ($45 pr) and champagne ($45 pr) glasses.

2. Kiki de Montparnasse’s Love is Blind Blindfold ($125) is the perfect accessory for a night on the town should it stretch into the morning.  May be highly necessary if the rose tinting on those alcohol goggles isn’t quite rosie enough.  Available at Barney’s, Liberty of London, and of course Kikidm.com. (P.S. readers, if you have never surfed around Kiki de Montparnasse’s website or visited her stores give yourself a little treat right now. Have some fun and try not to get into trouble.)

3. Don Carney Zodiac Stationary ($8-120) from Bell Invito Letterpress Studio. One should always be prepared in case that newly struck bar-side conversation starts (or ends) with “So, what’s your sign?“

Our 12 Days Holiday Gift Guide includes gift suggestions inspired by many Boston area restaurants. Check out:
Pomodoro
Toro
Scampo
No. 9 Park
Woodward
Ole Mexican Grill
Stone Hearth Pizza
Franklin Cafe

Drink
http://www.drinkfortpoint.com
348 Congress Street, Boston 02210
617-695-1806

Along with our Twelve Days Holiday Gift Guide, Misstropolis has teamed up with cult-status New York designer Sondra Roberts to give away a luxury handbag to a lucky reader! 

Sondra Roberts bags are beautiful yet affordable, hip yet elegant, versatile yet occasion-appropriate. We considered a number of different bags for the giveaway and landed finally on the Porthole Raffia Shopper with black patent trim for its larger size (we all have lots of baggage to tote around) and shape (gorgeous hanging from a shoulder at any height).

Our giveaway bag… we’re happy to give it to you - but will you be able to give it away???

We asked our readers why they would like to win this bag, and who they would like to win it for. We received a slew of responses, some of which made us laugh, some made us tear up and some just made us wonder if we should reconsider posting our email out on the web… But the winning response is one of the tearjerkers.

Robin, I think I deserve this purse. I’m currently 6 and a half months pregnant, and was left by the baby’s daddy when he found out I was pregnant. I haven’t talked to him in 4 months. I’ve been freaking out about being able to afford anything on my salary, especially beautiful, frivolous items for myself. It is strictly must-haves-only for this lady. The thing that best qualifies me for this purse is the fact that I constantly lug around a big jar of tums (for my heartburn), water (I’m always thirsty), and snacks; this purse seems ideal for carrying such items in style. Please pick me!!!
Thank you, Dominika

See what we mean? Dominika Kielbasinska we hope you enjoy the remaining weeks of your pregnancy and we hope that daddy comes to his senses. In the meantime, use the bag to carry all those necessities in style and send us pictures of you and the bag - and the baby when it comes!

THE BAG
The raffia “Porthole Shopper” so named for its porthole shaped handle and appropriateness for warm weather cruising, is from the SR Sondra Roberts and retails for $94.

We gave the bag a test drive to make sure it was Misstropolis-worthy. Here’s a write up from the team: “It’s on the large size, falling from shoulder to hip. The raffia is a pretty straw color and authentically imperfect, as raffia is supposed to be. The texture and tone of the natural material are quite interesting paired with the smooth black patent leather details. The black patent handle forms a comfortable arch which fit nicely over all the different shoulder sizes in the office. The clasp is a thick teadrop shape with a bamboo buckle, part of the island/holiday motif, for which this bag is designed. It’s roomy but surprisingly light and not at all bulky.

The design holds up well under pressure. We loaded it with 20 odd magazines, (think beach vacation) a wallet, phone and bottle of water and thanks to careful construction, the bag kept its shape. We have to have organizational help inside any bag and the side pockets on each side keep small incidentals (pill boxes, wine delivery boys’ business cards) handy. It is the holidays after all!“

DISCLOSURE:This bag was supplied by Sondra Roberts. But rest assured that our post was not reviewed by Sondra Roberts prior to posting.

Misstropolis has been excited about the opening of the Ames for some time, because despite being part of the Morgan’s hotel chain, it is conscientiously and definitively Bostonian. The Ames building at one Court Street in the financial district has a rich history -  owned by Frederick L. Ames, a powerful capitalist and owner of Ames Manufacturing, designed by Shepley Rutan & Coolidge in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Ian Shrager tried to buy the building but was too late; the current financiers, including Dover’s Eamon O’Marah got there first, and it’s all the better for the city. Their multimillion dollar renovation has transformed the historic landmark into a unpretentious gem both residents and visitors will adore. ~ Robin Hauck

Story has it that the Ames family had a tavern in the building they called Woodward. Morgans, along with two legends of the Boston restaurant industry, has brought the concept back with a modern, manly update. As Travel and Leisure wrote, “Mistral’s Seth Greenberg and Mark Goldberg are behind The Woodward, which serves up small plates—like cheesy mushroom toast and short-rib pot roast with parsnip and carrot—that you can really sink your teeth into. It’s a modern-tavern concept, with Victorian curios lining the walls. The house ale, created by New Hampshire’s Smuttynose brewery, is available by the growler. One or two of those and your stay at the Ames may (sorry, Ben Franklin) be as long as a winter’s night.“

Inspired by Woodward, here are three gift ideas for the men on your list:

Since the Ames is located in the heart of the Financial District and the look of Woodward is inspired by Gentlemen’s clubs of yore, I wanted to include something a modern day gentleman might wear after hours. This Nom de Guerre Cardigan ($695) can be had on Stel’s new online store or in the store itself at 334 Newbury Street, Boston.

2. Bar of Gold designed by Arik Levy ($79). I’m sure there are already plenty of these in the Financial District, but I like that this one is marked with the date women were first allowed to enter the London Stock Exchange, which was, shockingly, 1973!  This gilded piece is meant as a doorstop, but I’d place it at the center of the table for all to ogle.

3. Our Pinstripe Linen Scarf ($102) For a man or woman who likes classic power-suit fabric minus the power suit.  Trimmed with a batik print for a dash of color and reconfigured as a perfectly rumpled, linen-soft scarf.  Available at www.patchnyc.com.

Woodward
in the Ames Hotel
1 Court Street
Boston, MA
617-979-8100

Romance, quality and tradition are the hallmarks of Barbara Lynch’s No. 9 Park. There is something about the scale, the setting and the muted color palette of the interior that transports me directly to Europe every time I walk in the door.

Of course the amazing wine list and the menu help with that too.  The cuisine, an innovative mix of French and Italian, is some of Barbara Lynch’s very best.  I’m not big on Chef’s Tasting menus (neither my wallet no physique can quite stomach them) but if you’re into that sort of thing, this one is fantastic. Seven courses of pure indulgence.

As anyone who knows the Barbara Lynch Gruppo properties knows, Barbara is no wuss when it comes to meat. No. 9’s entree menu includes a Petite Sirloin with braised veal cheek and bone marrow pudding and a milk fed porcelet. She is also a genius with seafood; the native codfish with parsley crust, smoked mussels and clams and the swordfish with pinenutes, preserved lemon and Medjool dates get me so excited I always have to order last so I have enough time to make up my mind.

With such European elegance on the brain, I bring you the latest of our 12 Days Holiday gift guides. Our culinary inspired journey through your holiday shopping list just keeps getting better!

1. Adding a touch of class and elegance to the lowly (yet highly fuctional) skewer, these Baroque Skewers from designer Luki Huber ($72) are perfect for the person who wants everything to look its best.

2. Philip Crangie’s paradoxical (delicate yet tough) cuff ($1896) is the perfect sentiment a Francais for your special someone. This might be one to forward to your hubby or significant other. Available in Boston at Barney’s and E.R. Butler.

3. While in Paris I love to visit Astier de Villatte at 173 rue Saint-Honore. You can read a bit about it on our PATCH blog. The Folk Vase ($300 ) is a wonderful gift because of its timelessness and ability to fit nicely with any decor.  This line of ceramics is quintessentially French to me….classic, elegant and understated.  So simple and so beautiful.  A whole table of these traditional shapes rendered in go-with-everything white would be a knock out but I also like the idea of one key piece throwing a design punch on it’s own.

Next up: Woodward at the Ames Hotel

No. 9 Park
http://www.no9park.com
9 Park Street
Boston, MA 02108-4804
(617) 742-9991

Siobhan Carew, the owner of the cozy, nine table Hanover Street restaurant, always impresses me with her incredible warmth and hospitality. She makes every guest feel special and seems to do it all so effortlessly, a true gift knowing how much work it is to be a perfect host. Siobhan is one of the hardest working people I know, so I have tremendous respect for her. And yes I also have tremendous respect for her calamari, her baked cod fillet and her seafood fra diavolo! As the name implies, the red sauce at Pomodoro is nothing short of magical, so really you can not go wrong.

Best of all she has that laugh and smile and wicked sense of humor…key word: wicked. I could go on and on.

Enjoying a meal at Pomodoro in the North End is like digging into the best homecooked meal - if, of course, your Mother happens to be amazingly skilled at crafting delicious Italian food with a twist. Oh, and your family home is stocked with a major wine cellar.

Siobhan Carew, the owner of the cozy, nine table, Hanover Street restaurant, always impresses me with her incredible warmth and hospitality. She makes every guest feel special and seems to do it all effortlessly, a true gift knowing how much work it is to be a perfect host. Siobhan is one of the hardest working people I know, (she also owns the Irish pub Matt Murphy’s and Pomodoro in Brookline) so I have tremendous respect for her. And yes I also have tremendous respect for her calamari, her baked cod fillet and her seafood fra diavolo! As the name implies, the red sauce at Pomodoro is nothing short of magical, so anything with red sauce is a Don’t Miss from the menu.

Best of all she has that laugh and smile and wicked sense of humor…key word: wicked. I could go on and on. Pomodoro is the inspiration for the first day of our 12 Days Gift Guide. Cozy up and enjoy the delicious fun of checking gifts off your list early.

The Hudson Bay Blanket from Woolrich is cozy, warm, traditional and classic but still manages to look contemporary and it has the colors of the Italian flag!

I admit the Hand-sculpted pasta fork by Joe Spoon available at the Society of Arts and Crafts on Newbury Street in Boston is rather literal, but I am a big fan of this guy’s work. Each piece is totally unique and sculptural like a piece of jewelry, plus the pasta prongs look sort of scary which make it an intriguing gift for certain people on your list…

A Fornasetti plate from Moss is quintessentially Italian, but with a twist and sense of humor….very much like Pomodoro.

Wednesday, the gift guide goes to Toro.

POMODORO
http://www.pomodoroboston.com
319 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113-1820
(617) 367-4348

On October 2 Daniela transformed an industrial space in the South Boston A Street Lofts into an urban oasis of ambiance, attitude and style.

On the last night of Boston Fashion Week last month, the local fashion-crazy crowd was ready to celebrate. It had been a winning week by any measure, exceeding even intrepid BFW founder Jay Calderin’s expectations. Turnout had been high, many events were either full or sold out, and the media had taken to the week’s festivities like Arianna Huffington to a political showdown.

Daniela Corte’s October 2 “Urban Oasis” party and fashion show was the icing on a glamorous cake. Staged in a transformed industrial loft in South Boston, her show displayed her signature sex appeal, her willingness to take calculated risks and her mastery of her craft, from start to finish.

Mingling before the show, guests sparkled with anticipation. The atmosphere was glam, the huge, high-ceilinged loft packed with beautiful people. Fellow Boston designer Sam Mendes confered with Daniela. His show, just a couple days prior, had also been a sell-out success.

Local fashion legends Gretchen Monahan, owner of Gretta Luxe and Alex Hall, Editor of Fashion Boston also spent time with Daniela backstage, preparing to introduce the show.

A native of Argentina, Daniela Corte has been dressing women in Boston and beyond for nine years from her Newbury Street studio. Her signatures include bold color and construction, flattering fits, wearability and sex appeal.

My favorites are her dresses - feminine, flirty and very flattering. (Luckily) one does not have to look like the pictured models to wear these dresses. Daniela designs for real women with real curves and real imperfections. Her clothes sculpt and flatter. They can be as sophisticated as the wearer wants, and as fun.

Stylist Alisa Neely of Scout, my fashion week companion and a frequent contributor to Misstropolis, made a telling observation. “There are more men here than at any other show this week,“ she smiled. Hem lengths aside, Daniela Corte knows how to dress a woman to attract the opposite sex. Publicist extrordinaire Chris Haynes, sitting next to me could barely keep his jaw from dropping open, and neither could we!

Purples, greens, fuschias, blues and metallics where the prominent colors in this show. But additionally Daniela nailed the black and white. There are as many pieces in her collection for the woman on her way to the office or business travel, as the woman on her way to Ibiza for a tropical getaway.

As Alisa wrote in her Scout blog after the show, “Though her runway looks were styled to be super sexy, keep an open mind, Daniela designs for the every woman. The fabrics and prints she uses are beautiful, her main goal is to make her clients feel good and usually they feel just as sexy as those runway models, without needing to show quite so much skin.“

Daniela’s new swim line was a big hit at the show. Six pack not included.

You can find Daniela Corte’s latest collection at Gretta Luxe in Wellesley and Boston and Stil in the Chesnut Hill mall. But the very best way to experience Daniela is to visit the urban oasis of her studio and work with the designer yourself.

Daniela Corte
91 Newbury St. 3rd Fl. (until January 2010)
211 Newbury Street (from January 2010 on)
Boston, MA 02116

Sample Sale Hours:
Thursday, December 3: Noon - 8pm
Friday, December 4: Noon - 8pm

“I have always been into jewelry, even before it was a thing,“ she says, “I was piling beaded bracelets on my wrists years ago as an ethnic statement.“ Now she is making her own jewelry, called Nymph, laden with meaning from her ancestry, her passions and her experience.

Dava Muramatsu is going with the flow. Not long after her psychic told her to “stop bending the water,“ she surrendered to a creative impulse she says she’s been aware of for many years.

Now that creative impulse drapes around her neck in long strands of raw diamonds and antique wooden beads and wraps her wrists in turquoise, aquamarine and ancient prayer beads. “I have always been into jewelry, even before it was a thing,“ she says, “I was piling beaded bracelets on my wrists years ago as an ethnic statement.“

Her new line, Nymph, available at her Newbury Street boutique Matsu, is thus laden with meaning from her ancestry, her passions and her experience. Draped over river rocks and layered on driftwood, the Nymph “Nile” collection glows from glass cases bookending racks of clothing by Comme des Garçons, Lilith, Rozae Nichols, Inhabit and Majestic.

In almost everything she does, whether she verbalizes it or not, Muramatsu challenges the status quo. Her personal style as well as the environments she creates in her store and her home speak to authenticity, careful selection and high end design. Nymph is new in that it is jewelry, but Muramatsu says its a natural evolution of what she’s been doing all along - even going way back. She graduated from art school and says jewelry making feels like “painting with beads.“ She has always been inspired by nature, spirituality, mysticism and mystery and has been drawn for years - while working with artists such as Lena Skadegard - to the invisible powers of stones.

Nymph, she says again and again, is “antique everything. Vintage. Raw cut.“ She wants everything to feel like it’s been dug up out of the earth or discovered in a tomb. But she says (and here’s that nice tension) it’s also about heirloom quality and high end design. She acknowledges that anyone can string beads. With Nymph she wants to create unique pieces which will hold their value over many years. “Anything that popular doesn’t interest me…“ she laughs. “Give me elegance, have it worth your money.“

Hand-made or specially sourced clasps link strands of raw gems - everything from earthen wood beads to raw diamonds to something she discovered for the first time - moss aquamarine. Vintage diamond beads punctuate the strands where antique meets contemporary and earthen meets celestial.

Muramatsu insists Nymph will include only limited edition and one of a kind pieces. “We will never mass produce.“ It’s like the difference between truffles and white mushrooms. Truffles must be foraged, excavated and cared for. Truffles can be found shaved or drizzled in oil over dishes in fine restaurants, whereas the common white mushroom, commercially grown on massive farms show up on pizzas in cafeteria lines and on salads at McDonalds.

The Egyptian theme brings with it that rich paradox of the invaluable treasure hidden beneath the earth in an ancient tomb. Though the dirt may roughen it, the years may age it, it is still treasure. Though it is not new, it is as valuable as any man-made bauble. The tension between the natural order of decay and the infinite value of gemstones is I find one of the most exciting elements of Muramatsu’s collection. This is also what differentiates it from much of the other bead work out there. The authenticity comes from the deepest places - the soul of the artist, influenced by her past and the earth responsible for the creation of the stones.

With the Museum of Fine Arts Boston’s current exhibit The Secrets of Tomb 10A about the unearthing of the contents of an Egyptian diplomat’s tomb, and National Geographic’s feature about Egypt’s animal mummies called “Pets of the Pharoahs,“ the Egyptian theme is certainly timely.

The entire Nymph Nile collection can be found at Matsu 259 Newbury Street, Boston, starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 22.

All photographs by Ginger
ginger de Vegh photography

Jay Calderin’s ever-evolving Boston Fashion Week has offered a full schedule of events to keep resident fashionistas busy this year. Everyone I’ve asked agrees this has been the best BFW yet, kicked off in high style last Friday with the getsugar/Misstropolis party at the Beehive and the Fashion Boston party in the South End hosted by the W and fabulous Jack Yeaton.

As for fashion shows, there have been some standouts, including “The Launch” which spotlighted five of the city’s rising stars. Check out style writer
Chris Muther’s Boston Globe piece on the show.

But even long time followers of Boston Fashion Week had never seen anything quite like Sam Mendoza’s Tuesday night show. Even 360, the ICA’s second anniversary party - though gorgeous, stylish and exceedingly fun - sourced designers from beyond. Brian Reyes, Chris Benz, and The Olsen twins are very obviously not from Boston. Sam Mendoza is, and proud of it.

Staged dramatically on the two balconies of the Liberty Hotel’s cathedral like lobby, the show drew a crowd of hundreds. Though the theme of the show was dark wave disco - Siouxie and the Banshees, Joy division, The Cure, Bauhaus - the mood was not as moody as one would expect. Sam’s dresses, and he showed nothing else, were like him - free, fun, light, airy unexpected. The dark wave was balanced by the lightness of the clothes.

Sam’s technique is still developing, his staff is small and the collection was extensive, so some of the clothing looked like it had been sewn in a rush. A few of the hems were just-cut raw, strings flowing, captured by spotlights tucked in cornders between guests’ seats. But that rawness was part of the excitement. It was as if Sam invited the audience to be part of the process, or at least to witness it. Sam’s work, his passion, his intensity came through in all of the looks he sent out into the balconies, worn by models in Phillip Lim-esque black, bobbed wigs.

As evidenced in his show last year as well, Sam loves color, he loves draping fabric around the body and he loves making women feel beautiful. None of his models wore undergarments, and many of the dresses were see-through. Translated to the street for you and me, this means layers. But on the catwalk, the sheer fabric was sensuous, adoring and feminine. \

Misstropolis guest William George, the owner of James Joseph Salon on Newbury Street put it this way, “Sam is more than a great designer.  He’s an entertainer that knows how to throw a party too.  I especially like his sense of color and draping.  Some of the panels of color mixed and reacted to each other as the model walked.“

Videographer Patrick Faloon captured it in this short:

Here, at Scampo after the show, are Patrick and Chris Muther.

Designer John Ross of PATCH NYC commented on Sam’s confidence with color. “The pieces where he combined two or three saturated colors were some of my favorites. I also liked his more draped dresses in the silks as opposed to the heavier brocades. He definitely knows how to showcase a woman’s body and I like that he pays as much attention to the back as the front…some of the crisscross back treatments were really nice.“

The Princess Leia inspired dress at the very end was one of my favorites, but then, I’m a sucker for drama.

Misstropolis ticket winners were Victoria Groves and William George, owner of James Joseph Salon on Newbury Street.

Here’s what Victoria had to say about the show:
“Everyone got a front row seat, and we were able to see the models turn a few corners in all those flowing fabrics… My two favorites were the plum-colored, frilly, high-necked halter and the dove gray cape that added a little romanticism to all the modern, asymmetrical lines of the other pieces. And I have to say that Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “Kiss them for Me” is perfection (and highly undervalued, I think) so it was a treat to hear it while looking at Sam’s fabulous designs.“

Her plus-one, Kristen Marvelle also had a great time, “...the double-floored runway gave me this feeling of royalty marching, sort of this unending stream of dark elegance. It was cool to see such a stylish group of people come together. I loved being surrounded—in person—by people I’m usually just blog following!“

Sam Mendoza’s line can be found at Stil in the Chesnut Hall Mall.
www.mendozamendoza.com

You’ve begun waiting guiltily for your fall issue of Vogue to hit the mailbox. But nearing the end of August, it feels like summer is just getting going and you’ve still got weekends at the beach to gear up for.

For dining al fresco, golfing, perusing farm stands, walking on the beach and downing cold Corona’s there is a much beloved, highly anticipated wardrobe. Here is our Hers and His Packing Guide for the last of your great summer getaways.

Her’s

Swim suit

OndadeMar’s white halter bikini is on BlueFly for over 60% off. Perfect for enhancing your end of the summer tan (natural or otherwise).

Towel

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The towel by Alex Katz is big enough for you and a friend.

Sundress

Cover up with Velvet’s tie dye sundress on sale at Kate Boutique.

Shorts

J Crew’s destroyed denim shorts look good on everyone and with anything. At the end of the summer and into fall, you won’t want to wear anything else.

Sandals

Henry Cuir’s exotic-modern wrap sandals are on sale at Barneys. Wrap em up now…

His

Shorts

Casual and navy - can’t beat these longer length shorts from Saks.

Sneaks

Distressed sneakers that look better the more you wear them and beat them up.

Tee

Cheap and easy, and lots to choose from. Tees from Target.

Polo

Twist on a classic - a http://shop.pacsun.com/Pinner-Black-Polo/index.pro?cm_sp=cross_cs1-_-sale_guys-polos-_-Pinner-Black-Polo” title=“three button polo”>three button polo no one else at the bar will be wearing.

Hoodie

We love this hoodie from Hurley - warm, dark and handsome - like your surf instructor!

Still, the woman who many believe is redefining Nantucket style says she can love it because she can leave it. It’s no accident that Godfrade’s glamorous boutique on Federal Street in Nantucket is called Gypsy. She would fit perfectly into Julia Chaplin’s recently released book Gypset Style. The subtitle “Gypsy + Jet Set” captures some of the essence of Paola and in a way, of her boutiques.

From the first time she stepped foot on the island, Paola Gonfrade loved Nantucket. Vacationing with friends in 1986 she first experienced the beaches, the town, the people, the light that would inspire her for the rest of her life. “From the beginning,“ she remembers, “it was a take your breath away kind of thing.”

Still, the woman who many believe is redefining Nantucket style admits that she can love it because she can leave it. It’s no accident that Godfrade’s glamorous boutique on Federal Street is called Gypsy. She would fit perfectly into Julia Chaplin’s recently released book Gypset Style. The subtitle “Gypsy + Jet Set” captures a bit of the essence of Paola and of her boutiques. But even gypsies have a home in their hearts, and Paola Gonfrade’s is Nantucket.

Gonfrade’s first business on the island was a color studio which she ran successfully for ten years. With her calming demeanor and unique sense of style, her salon clients turned into close friends, who soon wanted guidance on more than their hair color. “Makeup, hair, wardrobe, it’s all one picture,” she says. “You gotta know how and why to wear it.”

Besides dressing other people, like most top stylists, Gonfrade also avidly shops for herself. “I call it my crack habit,“ she laughs. So opening a boutique felt like a natural evolution. After running both the color studio and the original store on Main Street for a couple years, she was able to close the salon to focus entirely on the store (and of course, travel.)

Gonfrade now oversees three Gypsy locations: two in Nantucket (the main store on Federal St. and the Outlet in the original location on the second floor of 47 Main St.) and one in the Ferragamo Building in Palm Beach, FL. The stores carry labels like Rick Owen (“That thin leather, it’s flying off the shelves.”) Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Alaia (“The knits do really well here.”) Alexander Wang, and for the fall, Givenchy who she predicts has designed the next “it bag” after a long dry spell for it bags, and more.

A gypsy is never tied to one style. A traveling sponge, soaking up the vibes, the colors, the textures of far flung locales Gonfrade reflects that worldiness with her personal savoir faire. “My style is “not the quintessential Nantucket preppy look,” she deadpans, quite possibly from beside a rack of Rick Owens leather. “My parents used to call me their little gypsy. They could never write my name in pen in the phone book.“ But it’s Nantucket style all the same, it’s just her Nantucket style. One thing Gonfrade will never do is lock that idea up in Nantucket reds or cable knit sweaters.

Gonfrade, who takes numerous buying trips throughout the year says she figured out early what Gypsy’s niche would be. She buys for women like her. “I imagine packing different duffle bags. Nantucket, St. Barts… I think, ‘what would be in that suitcase? Or that one?” The clothing in the store is a reflection of her carpe diem philosophy. And “people have really responded to it.”

Gypsy’s merchandise is constantly evolving. “The thing about fashion is that it changes every three months. We are constantly searching for newness, new designers.“ Her goal is always to bring in the new, but carefully. Part of Gypsy’s appeal to shoppers is that it is extremely well-edited. And she gets to adorn her clients in the fun stuff. “People want specialty pieces. They don’t come in here for basics. We love hard to find pieces, cocktail and event dresses and one-off pieces.“

Long before the recession made it trendy, Godfrade was encouraging her customers to get creative and reinterpret their existing wardrobes. Use alterations, mix different elements. “Put a beaded jacket with distressed jeans and it takes on a whole different look.”

Since it opened, Gypsy has fielded criticism that it is “not Nantucket enough.” Whatever that means. “Nantucket is not the same thing to every person,” she says. The store is a reflection of her Nantucket. She taught herself Auto Cad so that she could do the store design herself. The floors were stained to match a piece of driftwood she found on the beach. The pale colors of the interior mirror the cool Nantucket sky. “It is Nantucket she says. “It’s amazing how many different vibes Nantucket has.“

“Fashion shouldn’t be too much work,” she says. And with her as a guide, it isn’t.

Paola’s Nantucket - “all in one loop near Cisco Beach!“
Favorite beach - Cisco
Favorite Market - Bartlett’s Farm
Favorite place to stop for a drink - Cisco Brewery
Favorite Fish Store - East Coast Seafood. (“People in the know call it 167 because that is the only sign - it’s a old piece of plywood painted white with black numbers, 167 for 167 Hummock Pond Road.“)
Favorite restaurants - See the Don’t Miss List on the homepage.

Tonight, Wednesday, July 22, designer and man about town Sam Mendoza is throwing a (super big gay dance) party with a twist. It will have the fabulous fashion show, six drag queens and mad, hot dj - D’Hana. But more glam than all of that combined is the twist of generosity Sam is adding to the evening by doing it all for an important local cause. Sam’s Super Big Gay Dance Party tonight will benefit Fenway Health.

Mendoza first learned about Fenway Health from a new friend he met at a bar (“as with all things in my life” he deadpans). He wanted to support a local organization doing important work in AIDS research and awareness. “My reason for wanting to focus on such an organization was because of how the disease has effected my family” he explains. “My cousin Benji, a very talented actor, died in the early 90’s of AIDS when I was young. He was a beautiful and shinning part of our family and his passing left a scar on everyone’s hearts. My brother, cousin, and I are committed to upholding his memory through our own work in art, music, and fashion. This event is my first step toward doing more direct work in the fight against AIDS in his memory.“

Fenway Health’s stated mission “is to enhance the physical and mental health of its community, which includes those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, the people who live and work in our neighborhood, and beyond.“

“Fenway Health does amazing work in AIDS research and awareness. They pioneered new ways of reaching the GLBT community of all ages and backgrounds regarding physical and mental health… Gay, lesbian, bi, trans, older, middle aged, young, white, black, hispanic, professional, homeless, treatment, prevention, everything. They reach out to everyone in need of support and do what they can to enhance their quality of life. The GLBT community is a diverse one. The work that is done within this community doesn’t just effect people if they’re queer, it effects everyone one way or another”.

Mendoza says too many people his age (men, women, gay or straight) often want to give back to the community but can’t swing the expensive tickets to charity galas, parties or auctions. He approached Fenway Health with an idea he knew that crowd would embrace for a price they could afford. “A big, wild dance party with 6 drag queens in custom Mendoza gowns strutting the runway and performing: that’s a fun night!“

“It’s all about targeting this untapped audience for a good cause while also promoting awareness for the programs that Fenway Health offers to them… And the $10 to get in goes straight to Fenway Health”.

Fenway Health is a full service health provider with primary and specialty health care, including include:HIV/AIDS, obstetrics, gynecology, gerontology, podiatry and nutritional counseling; chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture, violence prevention and recovery; and family and parenting services, including alternative insemination. They have a wide menu of services related to addiction, crystal meth, safe sex, nutrition and general wellness. A community hub, Fenway Health sponsors workshops and series such as the Living Well series for gay and bisexual men and the Boundless series for lesbians, biwomen and transfolk.

So, join the fun tonight and kick up your heels knowing all proceeds go to a vital local cause. As Mendoza says, “We truly are lucky to have them as neighbors”.

The Super Big Gay Dance Party
Hosted by Sam Mendoza
Benefiting Fenway Health
At Underbar, 275 Tremont Street, Boston
Doors open at 9pm, Fashion Show at 11pm
Tickets $10. 100% of proceeds go to Fenway Health.

As professional stylists, Alisa Neely and John Ross see so many things in so many stores and on so many websites that they can definitively say what’s worthy of your loved ones and what’s (definitively) not. This week Alisa and John lay out their top five gifts for dads just in time for the big day on June 21st. 

Alisa’s Top Five Dad’s Day Gifts

5. We love companies that do one thing and do it well. Bonobos is just that. Bonobos makes pants and they make them to fit. The men we know who wear Bonobos don’t want to wear anything else. Now Bonobos makes shorts and bathing suits too, all with the same right-fit philosophy.

4. For brand new dads or dads or grandfathers-to-be, Amanda Cease of Dedham-based Callahan’s Closet offers a unique take on the age old tradition of handing out cigars to celebrate the birth of a baby. These genuine cigar boxes filled with hand-made burp cloths and bibs might even entice Dad to take a midnight feeding or two.

3. Let’s face it guys look hot in hoodies we especially ones like this one with leather elbow patches and leather trimmed front pockets from Rogues Gallery.

2.  Spice up his father’s day with these fantastic circa 1960’s Playboy glasses from Acquire in the North End. He’ll enjoy that water break from mowing the lawn so much more.

And for that Dad to whom all others simply pale in comparison… give him the Dad’s Day equivalent of an all-out shopping spree at your favorite boutique.

1.  A mac daddy man space with a home theater to call his own. Call on TOAD, the top A/V outfit in the area to get him wired, and then let Dad spend the whole day enjoying his man-cave.

John’s Top Five Dad’s Day Gifts

5. Set of pewter cheese knives from Hudson with a selection of cheeses from Boston Cheese Cellar in Roslindale.

4. Leather clad measuring tape from the Sundance Catalog.

3. Cool, unmeltable Whiskey Stones from Lekker with a nice bottle of scotch.

2. A durable carryall from Filson.

5. Pipe needle point by PATCH NYC (you KNOW I just had to stick something PATCH in there)!

Cynthia Rowley was in town last Thursday for the opening of her first ever Boston boutique. Misstropolis sat down with the down to earth, approachable designer to get the 411 on her vision for the store and how she ended up in our fair city.

Later that evening Rowley hosted “Fashionably Late” at the Liberty Hotel where Bostonians got a look at her spring line and grooved to the live sound of The Beets, the hipster band from her Fall 09 video.

Most of us know Cynthia Rowley as a designer of modern, feminine women’s clothing. But she does so much more than design clothes, in fact she has her hand in just about every proverbial pot you can imagine. In addition to women’s wear she designs shoes, handbags, eyewear, belts, dishes, baby gear, umbrellas, color cosmetics, and fragrance. The Boston store joins others in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and East Hampton, and over 50 in Japan. Her uber successful Whim line sells like hotcakes at Target.

And just when we thought she couldn’t add any more to her repertoire - she asked if we had seen her customized bikes. Yes bikes!

AN: What do you think of Boston style?

CR:  I think it’s great. Urban and fun, it feels like my customer

AN: So who exactly is your girl then?

CR: She is any age, she is creative, artistic and possesses an indie spirit.

AN: How did you decide to open up on Newbury Street?

CR: In every city I open in I look for “the street” - the one that is known for shopping… It has always to me been Newbury Street.

AN: We love the coziness of the store, why did you decide to go for a smaller space rather than something larger?

CR: In this economic time it seemed silly to open something overly grand. This store feels like a little jewel box.

AN: We saw the bikes featured on Gossip Girl, Why bikes?

CR: They are eco- friendly and great for city living. These bikes use the latest [bike] design. They are fun. We even do the tandem bikes for families.

AN: Speaking of families, you have 2 girls, any thoughts of doing a kids line?

CR: My kids are great, they love to help me with the design process and come up with some great, creative ideas and yes, look for Hooray by Cynthia Rowley at Babies R Us.

AN: Sounds great! Thanks, and welcome to Boston, we’re thrilled to have you!

Cynthia Rowley
164 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
617.587.5240
Boston@cynthiarowley.com