West Hartford Grand Opening Celebration!
Jan 31st
We’re welcoming West Hartford into the STA world!
Join us on February 2nd from 5-8pm as we toast our newest location with music, wine from Wine Cellars 4, light fare from The Burger Joint, and an additional 20% off all items!*
Stop by for a new outfit, to scope out the designer pieces or just to meet your new neighbors!
Second Time Around: West Hartford
977 Farmington Ave
West Hartford, CT 06107
*Does not apply to 50% off clearance items.
FashioniSTA File: SAG Awards
Jan 30th
Awards season is in full force, and we’ve spent the last 24 hours taking in all the highs and lows of last night’s SAG Awards. While this awards show was pretty subdued – read: boring – there were a few stand-outs (and fashion stand-offs). From the cut-outs to the dramatic drapes, just because the fashion wasn’t as exciting as other awards shows, doesn’t mean we can’t dissect it…and hope that the Oscars really brings the style drama that we’ve been craving.
One of the biggest trends of the evening was white/off-white dresses. It says something about an awards show when even the main trend of the night is colorless. From Kristen Wiig’s ill use of neckwear to Viola Davis looking stunning in a sweetheart neckline, this trend ran the gamete from the bad to the good. Naya Rivera’s silver-shaded, plunging neckline number made this Glee girl look her best yet, while her costar Lea Michele donned a less shiny version of the same shade in a Versace molded gown with a high slit. Sarah Hyland also wore an almost identical shade with her dove Temperley dress, featuring just the right amount of beading. Then there was Julianna Margulies and Katrina Bowden wearing practically the same dress, Zoe Saldana in haute couture, and Linda Gray in an off-the-shoulder gown. We lost track counting how many people wore an almost identical shade of off-white. Did everyone confuse this event with a wedding?
Best Dressed
Enough of the fashion analysis, we’re going with Rico Rodriguez as our best dressed. This little man has the charisma of a true Hollywood star and the manners of a Jane Austen character. And since everyone else decided to leave the glamour at the door, Rico has stolen our hearts.
Runners-Up
Emma Stone in a girly Alexander McQueen (lose the bag and it would look even better) took a fashion risk and came out on top. And Kyra Sedgewick’s bright cut-out Pucci number was a slam-dunk for the actress, going fashion-forward while showing off her new tattoo (and amazing body), all without going over-the-top.
Worst Dressed
Busy Phillips in SIMONE by Katie Nehra really took the cake for worst dressed, wearing a caftan-like dress that belongs more on a beach than a red carpet.
Best Newcomer
Ahna O’Reilly in Nha Khanh was the perfect addition to the red carpet this year. With the dramatic back and the crimson color, this dress certainly wasn’t boring, but wasn’t too showy for someone not directly nominated.
Best Couple
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski were the perfect couple on the red carpet, with just the right amount of attention paid to their outfits and each other. Emily in a bright green Oscar de la Renta lit the carpet on fire, while John was her perfect counterpart in a classic tuxedo.
Stay tuned for our Oscars coverage in a few weeks!
Hot Toddy Tuesday at Mott Street!
Jan 30th
Shop, sip and SAVE!
Escape the chill with a cozy hot toddy and our winter clearance sale this Tuesday, January 31st from 7-9pm at our Mott Street store!
Winter items are 50% off, and we’ll be giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky shopper!
Second Time Around: Mott Street
262 Mott Street
New York, NY
212-965-8415
www.secondtimearound.net
www.facebook.com/STAMottStreet
www.twitter.com/STANolitaNYC
Dress to Impress & STA
Jan 23rd
The ultimate style challenge is finding new ways to wear the same pieces that you have in your closet. Suz Stephenson, a very special FashioniSTA friend, has taken this challenge on to the greatest degree, and has enlisted STA’s help.
For the entire month of January, Suz will wear the same dress each day, using it to create 31 unique, individual outfits. Through donated accessories, she has reinvented this L.L. Bean dress into an outfit for any occasion. Whether you’re going to a job interview, a night out, a normal day at the office or a networking event, Suz is successfully proving that it doesn’t take a wonder-closet to pull off style. And one of the best things about this endeavor? At the end of the month, Suz is giving all of her donated pieces to Dress for Success, an organization that helps women reenter the workforce.
Maybe it’s our STA mantra, but we really connected with this project as a way to show people how to be frugally fashionable. Suz has encouraged women to watch their wallets while building a career-appropriate wardrobe, and we love that she’s also a fan of resale! She told us, “Shopping second-hand allows you to determine which higher-end qualities are worth spending money for… without making a large investment.”
We provided Suz with some STA-approved pieces to help her create two work-appropriate, yet stylish looks, including a belt in the first photo and the statement necklace in the second one. Check them out!
This Thursday and Friday: Westport and Greenwich Girls’ Night Out Events!
Jan 18th
What’s better than a Girls’ Night Out? Adding shopping!
Join us this week as we host two events especially for our Connecticut ladies, complete with wine, light fare and 20% off your entire purchase!
On Thursday, January 19th, stop by our Westport store from 3-6pm to partake in the STA festivities.
Then on Friday, January 20th, we’re heading west to Greenwich for another event from 3-6pm!
Thursday, January 19th – Second Time Around: Westport
135 Post Road East
Westport, CT 06880
203-557-3733
Friday, January 20th – Second Time Around: Greenwich
6 Greenwich Ave
Greenwich, CT 06831
203-422-2808
www.secondtimearound.net
FashioniSTA File: Golden Globes 2012
Jan 16th
This year’s Golden Globe Awards was all about bold statements and futuristic flair. From silver metallic moments – that we saw on Nicole Richie and Lea Michele – to art deco details – as seen on Selma Hayek and Claire Danes – statement accents were everywhere. Even those who donned nude gowns for the occasion ramped up the drama with oversized skirts (Charlize Theron and Piper Perabo) and large-scale jewelry (Heidi Klum). And of course fringe hit the red carpet yet again, this time taking on celebs such as Emma Stone and Busy Phillips.
Ashley’s Picks
Best Dressed: Freida Pinto in a teal, textured Prada. I’ll admit that I like when actresses go more timeless than trendy, and I think this gown had the best of both worlds. The classic shape was slightly modernized with the fuller silhouette at the bottom and the smaller accents, such as the belt and her stunning Chopard lattice choker. The texture was the perfect detail to make her stand out in the best way possible.
Worst Dressed: Lea Michele in a silver Marchesa concoction. Some people have been fawning over this risky move, and I’m hoping that those people get their eyes check out soon. Instead of a smart risk, this is too over-the-top, and Lea stirs up memories of Cher in Bob Mackie.
Rookie of the Night: Shailene Woodley’s Marchesa dress was an unbeatable mix of age-appropriateness and gorgeous detail. The structured bodice with the illusion neckline was a shining example of how to dress a young Hollywood actress.
Most Improved: Nicole Kidman in Versace redeemed herself a million times over from her missteps last awards season (remember the white Dior)? From the studs to the body-hugging silhouette, this dress proved why Versace is such a fashion powerhouse.
Kim’s Picks
Best Dressed: My absolute two favorites of the night were Salma Hayek in Gucci and Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham. Hayek may get panned for her risky art-deco choice, but I thought she pulled it off beautifully while Winslet proved that Old Hollywood is always in style… her touches of gold were flawless and her clutch was a perfect match.
Worst Dressed: Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace — seriously, how dated! I am a firm believer that one can never be tooooo matchy-matchy, but Jolie’s hideous outfit tonight has shaken that belief to its core. The worst, however — hands-down — is Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhullier. That print should never hit the red carpet, nor should it ever grace a dress so formal. You took a risk, Gellar, and it failed.
Rookie of the Night: Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen — I may not particularly like her dress, but I’ll certainly remember it. Bold lines make for a bold choice, and I’m not sure if she pulled it off or not. But it certainly caught my eye! I’d also like to nod my hat to Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci… very fitting for her character, and very well put together.
Most Improved: Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann… Swinton arrived last year in a questionable Jil Sander get-up that was part dress / part boardroom, but this year she made some major strides. She clearly enjoys going for a slightly androgynous look and this year is no exception. However, she softens the blow with a fabulously wild hairdo and beautiful jewelry by Fred Leighton. Baby steps, Swinton, but you’re getting there.
Kristen’s Picks
Best Dressed: Claire Danes – I have a love hate relationship with Claire Danes. Yesterday it was love. Her J. Mendel dress, coupled with simple jewelry, was nothing short of perfection, and the cut out back? Swoon.
Worst Dressed: Zooey Deschanel in Prada is my pick for worst dressed, not because of the dress necessarily, but the hair. Usually I’m all for glam throwback looks especially when it comes to hairstyles, but this custom-made bold dress deserves a simple updo.
Rookie of the Night: While I think she always looks great at award shows, my rookie of the Golden globes Goes to Sarah Hyland of Modern Family in Dolce & Gabbana. I’m all about the lace! Sarah was able to pull off an elegant strapless dress while maintain her youthful charm.
Most Improved: Laura Dern – Known for her effortlessly hippy-ish style, she kicked it up a notch this year! Her emerald sparkle Andrew Gn dress was just the right amount of classy and sexy, she looked radiant when accepting her award.
Stay tuned as we cover all of the other award shows this season!
Now Accepting Spring Consignment!
Jan 16th
Can’t wait for warmer weather? Neither can we!
All stores are now accepting Spring consignment, so bring your transition pieces – cardigans, light-weight jackets, pastels, etc. – to help us get started on switching seasons! Get a head-start on your spring cleaning by weeding out your closet, then cash in on the items you won’t wear again by making an appointment at your nearest STA.
Don’t live close by? Consign online! Learn more here.
New Year’s Style Resolutions: Try New Trends
Jan 9th
Look at a photo of yourself from five years ago. Did you just wear that same outfit last week? If so, maybe your resolution should be to infuse a little freshness into your wardrobe. New trends don’t have to be difficult or fussy, making just a few fashion swaps can brighten your wardrobe and help you put together outfits that are easy yet stylish. 
The key to leaping into the fashion pool is to take it slow. Pick a trend that’s easy, such as sheer details or statement necklaces, and incorporate it into an outfit that you already wear. Adding or substituting just one piece can instantly brighten your look and open up your perspective on expanding your style. Don’t feel like you have to wait to try a trend with a specific outfit, just start with a neutral outfit and add a trendy piece to the mix. You can try the tuxedo trend with a tux-inspired blazer, a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Or you can pair patterned tights with a basic sweater dress for a basic look with a twist. For those who are cautious about trends, it’s all about easing into them.
An easy way to try out a new trend is to do so in black. It’s a safe bet when trying something new, since it goes with everything and tends to mute louder trends while staying chic. For instance, if you’d like to try out wearing colored denim, pair your pants with a black top, shoes and accessories, ensuring that your look won’t be too busy or overstated. Or take a black tweed blazer and a black pair of pants and accent them with an oversized statement necklace to take on this trend. As you begin to get more comfortable with trying out new trends, you can take it up a notch. You can integrate these pieces with more complex and monochromatic outfits, mixing textures and even incorporating more than one trend into your ensemble. Before you know it, you’ll be color-blocking your purple jeans with your red sweater and a blue belt.
An important point about trying new trends: Don’t spend your whole shopping budget on these items. If you realize that you don’t like it or it quickly goes out of style, you’ll be happy that you stuck to a budget and bought an inexpensive version. Where’s the best place to try out trends for less? Second Time Around, of course!
Have you tried out a trend recently? Let us know about it on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/STAconsignment)!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
New Year’s Style Resolutions: Make the Most of Your Closet
Jan 6th
Closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? That seems to be a common problem among the style-savvy, even those with stuffed closets big enough to rent out as a spare room. The best way to start with this is to make sure your wardrobe is organized (see our first style resolution blog post for tips). Once you’ve completed that, key pieces that could put together an outfit won’t be lost in the back of your closet. Put items that you’d like to wear but never do in the front of your closet to help you keep them in mind for all future outfits.
Also, look at the pieces that never seem to make it into your wardrobe rotation and figure out why. It could be that there’s a missing puzzle piece, like the right tank or accessory, to pair with the garment to make it wearable for you. This year, resolve to fill some of those style holes by picking up pieces that will complement and complete items that you already own, saving you money and helping you to get the most of what you have! You could also not be wearing these items because you don’t know how to style them. To help with this, next time you’re perusing through a magazine or you’re surfing Pinterest, be on the lookout for how people style similar pieces. It could inspire you to pair your own items with a color or accessory you never thought of before. If the pieces that you’re not wearing just intimidate you, this is the year to break them out! Become fashion fearless in 2012, you can always pack a backup outfit just in case.
Since Kate Middleton fluttered into our lives, repeating outfits has not only become acceptable, but it’s encouraged. To increase your chances of wearing the same pieces over and over, make sure you’re taking care of them in the best way possible. Start with a quality laundry detergent, even if you only plan on using it for delicate items (you can still wash your sports bras and t-shirts with the bargain brand). Try Woolite or any green detergent, like Mountain Green, none of which will harm items that are categorized as “delicate.” Wash color-saturated items inside out (such as denim) to prevent fading, and always hang these items to dry. To keep bras in their best shape, wash them in a lingerie bag rather than just throwing them in the washing machine. These bags cost about as much as a candy bar, and you probably already have one in your house. And remember, the dryer should only be used only for items that you wear to work out.
How do you make the most of your closet? Tell us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or on Twitter (@STAconsignment)!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
Style Resolutions for the New Year
Jan 5th
Take control of the new year by taking control of your style. Start off your new year with your own style resolution, and prepare to make this year the beginning of making you even more fabulous than ever. We’ve got plans for four style resolutions to help you along the way, and we’ll be bringing you one each day in the easiest way possible. And besides, if 2012 is the last year, why not go out incredibly stylish?
Organize and Stylize Your Closet 
Take on the new year with a new closet. You don’t need a new wardrobe to have this, all you need are a few supplies and upgrades to your current closet. If you’re ready for a closet clean-out, click here to get inspiration and tips! If you’re not ready for an overhaul just yet, a few tweaks can really open up your closet and make your mornings about a million times easier.
First of all, make sure you own enough hangers, and use ones that won’t break. When you switch from plastic, brittle hangers to either wooden or velvet, your whole closet will just feel better. This is a great little detail that will keep your clothes in better condition (hello, no hanger snags in the fabric) and will motivate you towards your dream closet. After picking up the piles of clothing off your closet floor, put them in order on the racks by organizing them by category. Keeping all of your blouses together, dresses together, skirts/pants together (etc.) will ensure that you won’t find a rogue Nanette Lepore halter hidden behind your winter coat once summer’s over. If it’s helpful for you to organize your clothing by color, go for it, but if you think that you’ll glaze over a section of black tops assuming they’re all the same, mixing it up might be better for you.
Don’t skimp on organizing your shoes and accessories either. Got scarves sitting in an overflowing basket? Are your belts looped around a hanger and falling off? Are your shoes mismatched and living on your floor? Grab some stackable boxes, a sharpie and some blank labels and get to organizing. Throw your scarves in one box, your belts in another, even your costume jewelry in another. Label the sides so you don’t go fishing through them in a morning rage, and you’re on your way to closet perfection! (How easy is that?) Take those shoes decorating your floor and line them up on a shelf. You’ll have all of your shoe options in front of you, giving you the best chance to create an outfit people will be talking about for weeks. If you’re short on space, picking up a one-tier shelf that goes on the floor will at least maximize the space you do have. Organize by color, occasion or heel height, whatever will help your style process the most. Grab your boots that are slouched over and put a rolled magazine in each boot to keep it standing tall.
The final details will add icing on top of your style cake, giving your closet the TLC that it needs. Line your shelves with scented shelf paper, or add sachets to your drawers and shelves to give your closet an oasis vibe (anything to make getting dressed less stressful). You can also throw some cedar chips into your closet, they’re inexpensive and they’ll keep your clothes away from pesky moths. Go the extra style step and hang an inspiration board on your closet door or wall (find out how to make one here) for an instant style pick-me-up.
Have a closet organizing tip that you’d like to share? Tweet us (@STAconsignment) or post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/staconsignment) and let us know!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA