On weekends it’s important to realize that just outside of Boston lie some Spreedia-green pastures. No, not just Cambridge. Cross that bridge, and keep going.
Topping my list of Boston suburb boutiques is Viola Lovely in Concord, MA. I paid a visit to their store in late August and was instantly smitten—you can tell when I start petting things around the store (the least of which was owner Lisa Cancelli’s adorable weimaraner).
There are in fact two Viola locations (the original, which is significantly larger, is in Wenham, MA), but I hit up the one in Concord, hoping to pair it with a visit to the Concord Museum which just wrapped up an Annie Liebovitz exhibit. The Concord location started out as an extension of the original shop, and was mainly comprised of shoes and accessories until the people of Concord said “clothing!” and so, clothing they had. The brands are luxurious, and both boutiques are packed with emerging designers that you won’t find in department stores: Handbags by Tila March and Jerome Dryfuss, denim by Mother, boots by Golden Goose, scarves by Leigh & Luca, and clothing by Yigal Azrouël, Veronica Beard, Giada Forte, Smythe, and everything else I could ask for in a closet.
On weekends it’s important to realize that just outside of Boston lie some Spreedia-green pastures. No, not just Cambridge. Cross that bridge, and keep going. Topping my list of Boston suburb boutiques is Viola Lovely in Concord, MA. I paid [...]
P.S. You know what’s even better than fashion trails? Puppy trails.
In honor of Boston Fashion Week (Sept. 27-Oct. 6), Spreedia has teamed up with the Boston Fashion Trail to bring you some boutique exclusives in the categories of men’s apparel, women’s apparel, jewelry, and lingerie. Check ‘em out below and [...]
Few of us are capable of seeing the forest for the xylem. Two people who do? Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg, the former MIT students behind the mind-blowing Nervous System jewelry line, who draw inspiration from natural phenomena to create intricate earrings, bangles, necklaces, and rings. Each piece in their collection is named after a cellular muse: radiolaria, dendrites, ammonites, xylem, etc. Having flashcard flashbacks? Me too.
The creative process goes something like this: The team at Nervous Systems chooses a naturally-occurring cellular pattern (in items like plants, skeletons, honeycomb, and basalt), then determines algorithms for mimicking the pattern in computer models. The team then uses acid, lasers, and 3D printers on materials like stainless steel, silicon, nylon, rubber, and plated chromium to achieve the desired form.
And because some things are best left un-paraphrased (especially on topics of science), here’s a look at a few pieces from their fall 2012 collection in their own words:
Ammonite
This stainless steel and laser cut acrylic collection is inspired by the interlocking suture patterns of ammonite shells.
Nudibranch necklace, $95.
Hyphae
Hyphae is a collection of 3d-printed nylon artifacts built from rhizome-like networks.These intricate pieces are inspired by the vein structures that carry fluids through organisms, like the veins of leaves or roots of plants and even our own circulatory system.
Vessel earrings, $42.
Xylem
This collection* is inspired by leaf vein networks. Using computer simulation, we explore different modes of venation: the straight and parallel veins of grass, the bifurcating gingko, the radial lily pad. We also imagine impossible leaf forms that cannot exist in nature: clean, geometric shapes, leaves with multiple stems, and patterns that remind us more of dragon fly wings or city street grids.
*Fun fact: I discovered this line, while shopping in Xylem (no relation), the fantastically geeky gift shop in Kendall/MIT area that was recently added to Spreedia. Check them out here.
Root earrings, $40.
Dendrite
Inspired by the way coral grows, our computer simulation aggregates tiny circles to create delicate branching forms in this stainless steel jewelry.
Full moon series #1044, $60.
Cell Cycle
A revolutionary collection of 3d-printed jewelry inspired by the mineral skeletons of diatoms and radiolarians.
1-layer center ring, $15.
For the Cell Cycle series, I’d suggest creating a one-of-a-kind piece:
Prices vary based on each item’s material. Head over to n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com for details and a major science lesson.
Few of us are capable of seeing the forest for the xylem. Two people who do? Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg, the former MIT students behind the mind-blowing Nervous System jewelry line, who draw inspiration from natural phenomena to create [...]
After a few months of anguish patiently waiting, I’m psyched to announce that Good has re-graced the brick-lined path to boutique nirvana known as Charles Street. The new-and-improved shop is now nestled in a whopping 1,000-square-foot space (the former Judith Dowling Gallery), which is 4 times the sizes of their previous spot down the street. This is where you say: “Size isn’t everything! How could Good get any good-er?” Well, it did.
Owner Paul Niski kept the essentials along with Good’s simple aesthetic, but with more space comes more merchandise, meaning 60% new vendors for you to fawn over. In the front of the shop, tried and true Good fans will recognize designers from the first incarnation: semi-precious and precious jewelry by Melissa Joy Manning, Phoenix Roze, and Mizuki, and bags by Sara Barner and B. May.
What’s become considerably more apparent in this new space is Paul’s eye for home goods (which he’s been honing for more than 30 years). Pegging his new collection as “New England modern style,” Paul’s mission is to showcase American artisans and pay homage to local craftsmen in a world diluted with mass-produced garbagio. There is more vintage cabinetry, new glassware and entertaining pieces, and new hand-crafted furniture. One standout here is the gorgeous “modern heirloom” furniture by the newly-launched brand Richard Watson, designed by Brooke Richard and Laura Watson in Brookline, and built by Shaun Bullens in Pawtucket, RI. Good is currently featuring their 6-foot-tall chestnut highboy, hunt table, and milk stools. You’re gonna swoon.
Also new is an extended selection of garden items, baby goods, and men’s accessories (including vintage 1970s Ray Bans, manly murses and watches). Women will be pleasantly surprised to see the introduction of clothing: a single rack of edited closet staples that complement Good’s mastery of classic-meets-contemporary silhouettes. The cashmere sweaters, everyday T’s and silk/cotton dresses are all in simple shapes, and provide the perfect collective canvas for Good’s accessories.
Now, photos:
Good
133 Charles St.
Boston, MA
(617) 722-9200
Far away, but desperately needing Good-ies? Check back in October, when they’re slated to launch an e-commerce site.
After a few months of anguish patiently waiting, I’m psyched to announce that Good has re-graced the brick-lined path to boutique nirvana known as Charles Street. The new-and-improved shop is now nestled in a whopping 1,000-square-foot space (the former Judith [...]
When I do my daily closet stare (see also: refrigerator stare), a few colors are notably absent: red and pink are among them. I guess I’m not head-over-heels for either on its own… but together? Now that’s a color combo that cuts to the core of me. It’s unexpected, youthful, and even more fun to wear on dates that don’t rhyme with ebruary ourteenth. It’s a pairing that makes my head go, “whatchu talkin’ bout?” until my heart gives a resounding “HELLS yes.”
Below, is a recent red-pink purchase of mine. You may recognize these yummy oxfords; the swoon-worthy shoe by the Office of Angela Scott that I sung praises to here. If you happen to be in Dallas, check out her brand new boutique!
Photo credit: The Office of Angela Scott.
And here is a future must-have from Mara Hoffman’s Spring 2013 collection. It will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine:
Photo credit: Style.com.
When I do my daily closet stare (see also: refrigerator stare), a few colors are notably absent: red and pink are among them. I guess I’m not head-over-heels for either on its own… but together? Now that’s a color combo [...]
Photo credit: Tim Gilman. Nebula bowls: small (9″ diameter), $38; large (15″ diameter), $95. Both at Abodeon.
Stopped in Abodeon the other day, and gravitated to these “Nebula bowls.” They’re comprised of dried glue, and handmade by artist Tony Wurman in his Manhattan apartment. Perfect for popcorn and entertaining with other dry foods*, they’re light as a feather and won’t break when you chuck them across the room if the Pats/Sox/whoever lose. On a classier note, they’re a very pretty housewarming gift, and no two are the same.
*Meant for dry foods only. Don’t toss in the dishwasher or microwave.
They’re art! They’re bowls! They’re… not blown glass. Photo credit: Tim Gilman. Nebula bowls: small (9″ diameter), $38; large (15″ diameter), $95. Both at Abodeon. Stopped in Abodeon the other day, and gravitated to these “Nebula bowls.” They’re comprised of [...]
My grandma told me never to wear socks with sandals. Yours may’ve said, “Don’t wear white after Labor Day.” But a slew of current designers proved my Grandma wrong (granted, she was referring to my Tevas), so I’m gonna prove yours wrong too. You’ve heard of “winter white,” but saying that reminds me of Mariah Carey in Aspen, so I prefer “fall white,” even though it lacks the same alliterative allure. Cream/bone/ivory tones against some foliage? Stop. It’s so good.
Lauren Moffatt dress, $395 at Flock; Mother Denim in The Looker, $195 at In-Jean-Ius; 525 America sweater, $156 at Crush Boutique.
My grandma told me never to wear socks with sandals. Yours may’ve said, “Don’t wear white after Labor Day.” But a slew of current designers proved my Grandma wrong (granted, she was referring to my Tevas), so I’m gonna prove [...]
