Posts tagged holidays

Black Friday: A Day to Remember

It was well worth it ladies. Black Friday was everything it promised to be, and more.  50% off everything? Are you serious?  Needless to say we had some trouble controlling ourselves. But that’s what Black Friday is for.

Once the floodgates opened at 7am I went straight for the shoe department. I certainly scored there, Marc by Marc Jacobs heels, BCBG wedges, and Delman flats! (some shoes you just have to wear out of the store…)  Both the Marc Jacobs and the Delmans were a steal for just $50 (85% off their original retail prices!), I could hear the choir singing with rejoice.

Despite all of our planning, nothing could truly prepare us for the big day.  Now cradling my shoes, I got a bit frantic during the next phase of my attack, running from rack to rack of clothing trying to find my size.  There was no time to waste, I had to fish through before someone else grabbed the Chanel dress of my dreams.  And like taking candy from a baby, my dress went home with another girl.  Hard to complain, I still left with two beautiful tops, an STA statement necklace and cocktail ring!  All together it came to under $70.  I’ll take it :)

Unsurprisingly, the girls managed to clean up as well, with a beautiful Moncler coat for $150 and Charlotte Olympia flats for $75 (again, both were almost 90% off their retail price). It’s a Black Friday miracle.

While we definitely managed to rack up a grand total, it was more than worth it.  It’s the one day of the year where you can go a little crazy.  Besides, on Black Friday, what happens in STA stays in STA.

Black Friday Countdown: 1 DAY!

Well tomorrow is the big day!  I’m happy to say my prep has gone amazingly well, but still smoothing out some of the details.  I’ve been scoping out the stores and stalking (admittedly) the STA Facebook pages for all of the newly consigned pieces.  I’ve got my heart set on some great items, and tomorrow’s my big chance!

We’ve got limited time.

The opportunity to get 50% off everything in the store only lasts from 7am to 10am!


So here’s the schedule for tomorrow:

6:00 am: Wake up
6:30 am: Grab the girls and head to Newbury St.
6:50 am: Outside STA 176 Newbury and eat a quick, energizing breakfast (yogurt?)
7:00 am: STA spree!
7:55 am: Walk to STA 219 Newbury St.
8:00 am: Shopping spree at STA 219 Newbury
8:45 am: Starbucks break (crossing fingers for no line)
9:00 am: Spree at STA 324 Newbury St.
10:00 am: Celebratory wrap-up brunch with the girls

I’ll definitely be heading back to STA on Saturday morning for free mimosas and 30%-50% off.

Black Friday’s like our birthdays, it’s a weekend-long event.

As expected, I’ve got my eye on my wish list items at each store.  While they might have already sold, I have faith that they’ll come in again.  Hey it’s the holiday season … wishes do come true.

176 Newbury: Burberry scarves spotted, Michael Kors essential wristlet, and helloooo Louis

219 Newbury: Stunning holiday dresses, calling dibs! Burberry scarf second spotting, Milly cross body, and statement necklaces galore.

324 Newbury: I see you, Tory Burch flats.  Cocktail rings, check!  And a gorgeous Jcrew flower necklace.

I may more excited on Black Friday Eve than Christmas Eve … STA knows my style better than Santa anyways.

Black Friday Countdown: 7 Days

We’re almost there fashionistas!  Just a few more days until Black Friday, only the best day of the year for us shopaholics.  I have to admit, I’m getting more and more excited by the minute, but I’m also getting nervous!  There’ll be so much to shop for, and so little time!  I can’t go in without a plan.  It’s time to assess my closet and figure out exactly what I need to track down on the big day.

There are 10 items I definitely can’t go home without on Black Friday.

The List:

1. Statement necklaces
2. Plaid (Burberry) scarf
3. Timeless loafers
4. Holiday Party Dress
5. Cross body bag (appropriate for day and night!)
6. Costume rings
7. Anything Louis Vuitton8. Black Jeans
9. Classic Blazer
10. Killer (but comfy) Flats

… and 11. Anything with tags is a perfect gifts for friends

Make your lists ladies, time is running out!

Photo Credits: pintrest.com

Festive Dressing – A Holiday Dilemma

Whether you’re a college student home for the holidays, a young professional going to Christmas dinner at your significant other’s home for the first time, or a hostess expecting all of your extended family in your home, dressing festive (appropriately!) is never an easy task.

Lucky for you, festive is my specialty. Put down the ubiquitous Santa hat and choose one (or two, or all three) of these ways to bring some holiday cheer into your wardrobe for the next four days.

Baroque Details

Bring one of our favorite fall 2012 trends into your holiday arsenal. A little gilded Baroque-inspired detail (like the above gold jacket by ASOS) goes a long way during the holiday season. Best when paired with simple black pants and knee-high boots, this brings a bit of festive shimmer to your gift-giving look. You can take this look a little further with a gold-gilded skirt or dress in a Baroque print, or a two-toned lace dress - one color for the lace overlay and another color underneath - will give you the same effect. Want just a dash of this? Try a set of antiqued-gold bangles like these Amrita Singhs, or an embellished clutch to top off your outfit.

The Perfect Manicure

Blame our Pinterest obsession for this no-fail way to bring a subtle holiday hint to an outfit. The best part about this is you can keep it super simple if you’re short on time. Cranberry red, pine green, a gold glitter accent? There’s no better hand to have when reaching under the tree. If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, break out the toothpicks and tiny brushes to paint on stripes, snowflakes, or bows. We’ve found great tutorials for keeping your manis festive at Goose’s Glitter blog, Do Not Refreeze blog, Nails Helensvale, and Chickettes (for those of you who love nail decals). And don’t forget! Make sure to check out our Get Your Holiday Spirit Pinterest board for lots of holiday beauty inspiration.

The Never Fail Stand-By

‘Tis the season for red and green. We can assure you, this look is possible without looking like an extra from Elf. Start with a festive red or green cashmere pullover sweater, like the Michael Kors featherweight style above. Pair with crisp white pants, or a neutral black skirt for a timeless look that’d make even Kate Middleton’s holiday looks jealous. Prefer a dabble of festive color? Try a tartan headband or dark red and green gemstone jewelry for a modern take on traditional holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays (and make sure to check out our Holiday Tips of the Day on Twitter at @STAConsignment)!

-Meredith, FashioniSTA

What’s in Season: Winter Dares for Every Style

When the temperatures drop, it’s tough to muster up the energy to shop or put together an outfit. This season, however, the top trends are designed to keep you looking your best even when it’s cold outside.

Faux fur is making its way into retailers everywhere, ensuring that no one will be left out in the cold this year. Try this out with a faux fur color on a rich-colored jacket for a look that is decidedly now. If you’re not into fur of any kind, you can still take a dare this year by breaking out the white. From scarves to sweaters to even white denim (gasp!), winter white is having its moment, helping fashionistas everywhere break the rules and look good doing it.

The rich oxblood color that was everywhere during the fall is also sticking around for winter. The luxurious tone of this color can turn an ordinary cardigan into a statement piece or a suede handbag into a must-have. Try one piece out or do an entire monochromatic ensemble, you can’t go wrong with this color! This is also a great style to sub in during the holiday season. Instead of a traditional red dress for your holiday party, grab an outfit in lush oxblood, and don’t forget to throw the burgundy on your lips as well!

For this holiday season, it’s all about the sparkle, of course! Pair a sequin dress with a blazer for a modern look, or try out the shimmer with a sequin peep-toe shoe. Not a glitter girl? Not to worry, spikes are also in, giving any outfit a touch of embellishment that is more tough than girly. Go with a sweater with a spiked shoulder or a bag with a few spiky details to really nail this trend.

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

All Wrapped Up: 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Days of Style

To keep with the season of giving, we’re wrapping up four days of style in a neat little blog bow. Whether you were camped out in front of a Hallmark holiday movie this weekend or burning the shopping candle at both ends, here’s some holiday style cheer to brighten up your look into the new year!

Third Day of Style – Primp Your PJs
Styling your sleepwear isn’t just for opening presents on Christmas (or Hanukkah) morning. Although you might not have a photo-op every morning to make you jazz up your jammies, investing in nightwear doesn’t have to begin and end with what you wear out of the house.
Of course it’s easy to throw on sweatpants and a t-shirt and hop into bed. However, it’s just as easy – and comfortable – to throw on a satin pajama set, they’re all elastic-waist! If you’re hesitant to give up your t-shirt, I sympathize with you, so start small. The best part about stylish pajamas is the fact that they pretty much look the same on everyone. You can grab a pair of printed PJ pants or shorts from a bunch of stores, no matter what your age or body type. From Aerie to Victoria’s Secret to Neiman Marcus, you can stock up on your favorite patterns and fabrics without having to empty your bank account. Go with classic satin with contrast piping for a timeless winter vibe, or bold floral to infuse some warmth into the season, or try a quirky print by Primp to liven up your bedtime routine. For an extra dose of style, slip on a pair of lined slippers that look more like ballet flats for a polished look.
With just a quick change, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll feel better when you wake up in the morning. Another perk? You won’t be embarrassed staying in your pajamas all day, don’t pretend you actually like putting in the effort to get dressed when the weekend comes. And who knows, maybe this will inspire you to host sleepover parties (what, you thought that you were too old for them?).

Fourth Day of Style – Braid Your Own Way
Braids have been popping up everywhere, from the runway to the red carpet to my house when my sister is there. This is another easy trend that anyone can try, plus it’s versatile enough to go from day to night.
To easily try out this trend, you can take a small section of hair from anywhere on your head, braid it, secure with a small elastic and you’re done. How easy was that? Try it out at first on a section behind your ear to take it slow, or work a piece in front for a bohemian look. If you know how to French braid, expand on the single braid by taking a small section right at your ear and do a tiny French braid that curls behind your ear. Part your hair to the opposite side and you’ve got a classic style with a twist.
To take it to the next level, you can step into the French and fishtail side of the trend. Tons of celebs – from Kristen Stewart to Miley Cyrus – have been stepping out in a low fishtail braided to one side and styled in front of the shoulder. If fishtails aren’t your thing, take a French braid into nighttime by braiding one side of your hair, stopping at the nape of your neck and gathering all of the hair into a low ponytail a la Rachel Zoe. Go asymmetrical by doing a large braid on one side, a smaller braid on the other and gathering both into the ponytail.
For the advanced hair connoisseur, go with multiple braids styled into an up-do for a unique and fresh look. You can French braid a couple small sections across the front of your hairline, then finish off the look by pinning everything into a low, tousled bun like Rachel McAdams (flower optional).
Whether you go with a basic low braid over your shoulder or an intricate French-braided up-do, this trend is a great way to subtly upgrade your regular hairstyle!

Fifth Day of Style – Stack ‘Em Up!
If you think wearing one piece of jewelry is fabulous, adding more will onlymake you exponentially more fabulous! (It’s math.) We’ve all seen the girls who wear an armful of bangles and look like they just stepped out of Harper’s Bazaar. Well, now with just a few additions, you can look just as good.

To try this trend inexpensively, first look to your own jewelry stash. Take a few bangles and put them together, making sure to mix up widths and textures. Go bold by mixing metals or keep it classic with similar color schemes and a single bright bracelet mixed in. There’s also so many ways you can wear a watch or a statement bangle, but if you pair either with a couple of thin bangles in a similar color scheme, you’ve got a fresh new look. If you happen to have a couple of really nice bracelets, those can look great as well in smaller groups so that each piece still gets to shine.
Got a bunch of thin rings lying around that you never wear? Stack three or four of them – depending on width – on a single finger and you’ve tried out the trend from your own jewelry box. You can also seek out stackable rings pretty easily, just look for bands in a uniform shape all the way around for maximum stacking potential.
This is an easy tweak for any ensemble, and it instantly makes you look chic with a few simple additions. Voila! You’re making the most of your accessories and spicing up your normal outfits.

Sixth Day of Style – On Dasher, On Dancer, On…Blazer
In the fashion reindeer lineup, Blazer would be guiding the style sleigh. I would not be exaggerating to say that wearing a blazer has simultaneously improved my style and made it a thousand times easier to get dressed in the morning.
A blazer is like an instant style-maker that can work with any outfit and make you look put-together at a moment’s notice. Feeling uninspired and just want to something easy? Throw on jeans, a tank and a blazer. Want to be comfortable? Leggings and a jersey tunic might make you look slightly homeless, but you pair a blazer with this combo and suddenly you’re a style star. Modernize a shift dress by throwing one on and adding stackable jewelry (see above). Even going out at night, arming yourself with a blazer makes you unstoppable. Pair a cropped version with a sequin dress to tone down the sparkle, or invest in a sequin blazer to pair with a basic black ensemble for a nighttime event.
Easy chic at its best can be found in the form of one article of clothing. And with about a bazillion different versions, anyone can find one that works.

Did you try out any of these trends and want to share the results? We’d love to see! Post on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or Tweet us (@STAconsignment) with photos or comments!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

Second Day of Style – Get a Holiday Glow

Are you vacationing in Bali this holiday season? Me either. However, if you’d like to fool people into thinking you just got back from an exotic location, or if you just want a little extra color, stay tuned. Today is the second day of style, and it’s all about completing your look by achieving the perfect faux-glow…just in time to take on every end of the year event you’ve got scheduled.

The safest option for tanning is always UV-free, whether it’s a spray, lotion or just an excessive amount of bronzer. (Think you can’t bronzer your entire body? Think again.) If you have the time and the resources, getting a custom airbrush tan is the best way to achieve a flawless glow. This can take a little research, and if you can’t find the right airbrush place, a spray-tanning booth works great too. Before any appointment, make sure to exfoliate and moisturize with a water-based lotion for the best results. I have found that if I have an event, it’s best to get an airbrush tan two days prior or go to a spray tan booth 24 hours before the event.

There’s always the do-it-at-home option, which wins the most convenient category. If you’ve never done it before, it might be a little much to use a self-tanner right away. You can start slow with a gradual tanning lotion, I like L’Oreal Sublime Glow, and go with a shade category slightly darker than your natural color. So if you have fair skin, go with the Medium skin tone option for a better result.
If you’re ready for self-tanner, cream is the way to go over mousse, which can leave you with very little color. I like Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream since the bronzing agent in it allows you to see where you’ve already applied it. I’ve found that applying it in straight lines – rather than a circular motion – creates a more even application. You can also try an at-home spray, which usually works best on isolated body parts like your legs unless you happen to have a steady hand and a lot of practice. Sephora has great options for you brave tanners, and enough choices to match any desired skin tone. If you have a willing friend, he or she can be your best secret weapon when spraying yourself, making sure that it’s applied evenly. With the right product, this can also be a great last-minute option. I’ve seen Sally Hansen’s Perfect Legs work a miracle at the eleventh hour, since it’s an instant spray and not one that you have to let sink in.


If you don’t want to deal with sprays or lotions, there are little things you can do to flatter any complexion. Wearing navy or purple hues will complement a fairer skin tone, while sporting something in an orchid shade will actually give you a slightly tanner appearance. You can also apply a subtle amount of bronzer for just a little color boost to your face and shoulders. Take any bronzing brush, blow off any excess bronzer, then sweep it across your face in what I like to call a 3-pattern. Start in the middle of your forehead, and sweep the brush over your brow bone and to your temple, creating a “3” shape over the side of your face. Repeat on the other side and you will look naturally sun-kissed just in time for your event arrival.

Just like the perfect blow-out (which is another post coming soon), a tan is just another finishing touch on top of your perfect party outfit. Let us know what your faux-glow secret is on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or sound-off on Twitter (@STAconsignment). Until tomorrow, party fashioniSTAs!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

The STA Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Stumped as to how to be the best Santa this year? We’ve compiled a list of our stores’ best gifts, all sure to put you on the nice list for years to come. From small accessories to designer finds (new with tags, of course), all of these items have been fashioniSTA-approved and are available to purchase over the phone just in time to slip under the tree! Check out http://www.secondtimearound.net/locations.aspx for a list of all the stores and their phone numbers!

STA Stocking Stuffers
Stick any of these items into someone’s stocking and you’ll know the true meaning of holiday cheer.

New Marc Jacobs Mini Wallet $99 at Lexington Ave NYC store

Longchamp change purse $25, makeup case $29 at Atrium Mall store

Diane von Furstenberg headband $59, at Lexington Ave NYC store

Yellow ostrich-emossed wallet $19, at Brookline store

New Coach leather wristlet $39.20, at Hoboken store

New Coach leather wristlet $39.20, at Hoboken store

It Only Looks Like You Spent A Lot…
Want the glory but none of the expense? Here are some items that will gain you ooohhh’s and aaaahhhh’s without the hefty bill that’s usually attached!

Burberry scarf $99, at 219 Newbury Street Boston store

New Ugg shearling boots $49, at Hoboken store

Cejon rabbit fur scarf $59, at Brookline store

Miu Miu handbag $199, at Upper West Side NYC store

Tory Burch python Reva flats size 7 $149, at Englewood NJ store

TSE cashmere sweater with fur trim $183, at 324 Newbury St Boston store

Tom Ford sunglasses $129, at Philadelphia store

Swarovski cuff $128, at 176 Newbury Street Boston store

Givenchy bracelet $69, at Newton store

Big Spender Santa
You cannot get your mother a vacuum for Christmas and have her not take it the wrong way. Are you now without a gift to give her? Go the extra mile with these suggestions, just don’t tell her they were a third of their retail value!

Burberry down coat XS $329, at Charles Street Boston store

Hermes cuff $499, at Thompson Street NYC store

Bottega Veneta ostrich woven handbag $1479, at Englewood NJ store

David Yurman diamond bracelet $2500, at Chicago store

Hermes scarf $239, at Englewood NJ store

Louis Vuitton Papillon $399, at Englewood NJ store

To: Me, Love: Me
Whoever said it was wrong to shop for yourself during the holiday season clearly never saw these.

New Christian Louboutin shoes sizes 36-41, at Thompson Street NYC store