Posts tagged birthday

Recipe for the Ultimate FashioniSTA Birthday

Birthdays are the greatest day of the year—but can also be the most stressful. It’s the one day that is all about you; as a fashioniSTA, there’s pressure to make it fantastic. Picking out the right outfit, party location and activities (not to mention creating your birthday wishlist) can be completely draining. However, after having just celebrated my own birthday, I’ve perfected the recipe to a fun, chic and successful fashioniSTA birthday.

Step 1: The Wishlist

I love making wishlists. I make them for Christmas, my birthday, and even various seasons—okay, maybe I’m a little overzealous. Still, if it’s your birthday, you want to receive gifts that you’re actually going to use, right? My birthday wishlists have completely changed since I hopped aboard the Pinterest train. Virtually any store can be accessed online, so you can just pin your favorite items straight to your very own birthday wishlist board. I start pinning my wishlists early and often, so there are lots of options for gifts by the time your birthday rolls around (and also because pinning is madly addictive). Once you’re done, all you have to do is send your wishlist board to your friends and family to give them a nudge in the right direction ;) . Need some inspiration to get your Pinterest board on the right track? Check out our own “Night Out in Style” board for ideas!

Step 2: The Outfit

There are two days of the year when it’s okay for a fashioniSTA to get decked out in sequins: New Year’s Eve and your birthday. I have a crazy obsession with all things sparkly, so I obviously took advantage of the day and donned a green, long sleeved sequin mini dress. I paired the dress with simple black booties and a blazer, along with minimal jewelry—it was a hit. Not quite as excited about sequins as I am? Not to worry! Try a sparkly top with skinny jeans and killer pumps or a simple little black dress with fun statement jewelry, and you’ll still be a glittering birthday fashioniSTA.

Step 3: The Party

Every fashioniSTA celebrates her birthday differently, especially depending on your age and what day of the week it falls on. If you want to have a blowout event, you need to start this step fairly early on. Creating a guest list, planning food and drinks and finding a venue takes a lot of time—but is definitely worth it! Having a chic birthday bash is the ultimate way to celebrate in style. While I’m all for big parties, I had a milestone birthday last year (and rented out a hip bar to celebrate it), so this year I decided on a more intimate dinner with my closest girlfriends. Myself and nine other girls got dressed up and headed to the gorgeous Boston Waterfront, where we enjoyed specialty cocktails and fantastic new American food. My biggest suggestion when going to a birthday dinner with a large group is to go somewhere that has an extensive cocktail list (everyone has their own drink of choice) and a menu with plates to share. Also, pretend not to notice when your friends ask the waiter for a birthday dessert—it’s always more fun to act surprised when everyone starts singing happy birthday!

~Alyssa, fashioniSTA

(Image credits: tavernroad.com, thrillist.com, curioos.com/galaxyeyes/Abstract/Swim/000014152)

A Very FashioniSTA Birthday

Earlier this week, this fashioniSTA celebrated a very stylish birthday (not to mention a double birthday for my fashionable twin sister as well). Friends and family gathered on a waterfront restaurant roof deck overlooking Boston’s harbor where the sun was shining and the sangria was absolutely delicious. To dress for the occasion I wore a white form-fitting Nicole Miller number, while my sister opted for a flowy feminine look in soft pink silk chiffon. FashioniSTA friends arrived in sundresses and full skirts covered in florals, lace, and summer stripes.  It was quite the party.

On your birthday it’s your time to shine, and at your party you are already the center of attention so make sure you dress the part.  Don’t be afraid to wear a bold color or to steal the show in sequins. Play up your personality and show off your own unique personal style.  Here are some fabulous looks for a fashioniSTA birthday party:

LWD: The little white dress is easily summer’s version of the LBD.  It’s classic, elegant, and chic, and is the perfect dress for any special occasion- especially on your special day. The little white dress allows you to accessorize in a way that really shows off your personality, like adding some personalized Alex and Ani bangles or a statement necklace. There are many options of silhouettes, fabrics and details, so chose something that flatters your figure and that you feel comfortable in.
FashioniSTA picks: Susana Monaco, Alice + Olivia, Nicholas.

Be Bold: Another option is to wear a bright color which really puts you as the center of attention on your birthday. Neon has been a huge trend this spring and summer, so if you’re feeling daring, don a dress if the super bright shades. If trends aren’t your thing, try a dress in a summery shade of coral or yellow. Wearing a bold color exudes confidence and shows a fun, playful personality.
FashioniSTA picks: BCBGMAXAZRIA, Herve Leger.

Sparkle and Shine: At STA we love anything that sparkles. If you really want to shine on your birthday, wear sequins. A little sparkle will never go out of style.
FashioniSTA picks: Parker, MICHAEL Michael Kors.

~Lisa, fashioniSTA

We’re Celebrating 324 Newbury Street’s Birthday with a Party!

Our 324 Newbury Street store is turning 2, and you’re invited to celebrate!
Join us on Thursday, March 22nd from 7pm – 9pm for cupcakes and 20% off your purchase in honor of this special birthday.
Come and celebrate in style!

Second Time Around
324 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02115
617-236-2028
www.secondtimearound.net

Be a Fashionista Birthday Girl!

In honor of our very own FashioniSTA’s birthday (Marisa) and that of our FashioniSTA boss (Jeanne), we want to make sure that everyone on their birthday looks fierce! This is the one day of the year that you can wear whatever you want without worrying about being too over-the-top or too much of the center of attention. In other words: Bring It! It’s easy to wear something that is just “nice,” but on your birthday, don’t pass up the opportunity to shine, however you choose to celebrate! Even if you just see your birthday as making it another year, if you put the emphasis on yourself and wear something that you’re excited about, I guarantee it will make your day feel truly special. There’s also no rule against planning your birthday celebration around your outfit…

Dinner Out
There’s nothing like a low-key (or elaborate) dinner with family and/or friends to make you feel loved on your bday. If you’re planning on going somewhere on the fancier side, don’t be afraid to really dress up. I’m not saying to walk into the restaurant in a ball gown, but I’m just saying that no one will ever fault you for wearing sparkles or a tiered dress on your big day. A great way to tone down a sequin/metallic minidress for dinner out? Pair it with a black cashmere cardigan or a structured blazer. Or take this look inside-out and go with a sequin blazer and a black dress. To tone it down further, go with a great pair of flats in an interesting material, such as patent leather or velvet. You’ll still shine, but you won’t feel as self-conscious if you’re not used to wearing head-to-toe sparkles everyday. You can also go with a simple dress and add sparkly shoes for an even more subdued look.

If you aren’t a sparkle person, go with a sleek silhouette, whether it’s a minidress or liquid leggings, accented with a statement piece. This is the time to try out that bauble necklace or studded leather jacket, Anything that is risky or you might be self-conscious to wear in the everyday is perfect. This is your special moment, you can get away with anything!

Super Sweet Party
This type of celebration takes the center-of-attention concept to another level. If you’ll be dancing the night away, obviously comfortable shoes are in order, but you should also go for a non-fussy outfit to make way for your fabulous dance moves. Try a sleek bandage dress or one with cut-out or sheer detail and go dramatic with the accessories. For dancing the night away, an embellished cuff is your best option because it’ll stay in place, unlike loose jewelry. With a sleek dress, outrageous shoes are always an option. They don’t have to match perfectly, this is your time to wear those vibrant, metallic platforms that have been sitting in the box. Word to the wise: if you’re planning on serving alcohol, leave the suede in your closet. Feel free to also use your hair as the ultimate party accessory, no one is going to tell you that glitter highlights (thank you, Beyonce) or sparkle hairspray is too much. Nothing also says you’re the birthday girl like vibrant eye shadow or glitter eyeliner, just don’t overdo either one, you’re not a fairy and this isn’t Halloween.
Should your party be more of an intimate soiree, a la Blair Waldorf’s sweet seventeen, go with some drama. Try an over-the-top feminine Betsey Johnson dress, or anything with a dramatic A-line skirt (go for it in black for a less extreme look). You’ll exude femininity and style, making you a true birthday fashionista.

Shopping Party

Go for the gold with a party like this, since this type of soiree is strictly FFO (For Fashionistas Only). This event is almost like a private spa party, which is becoming increasingly popular, only instead of racking up facials, you hit the sale racks. While it’s definitely a good idea to keep your outfit simple for something like this – no one wants to peel off 17 layers to try on a tank top – showing up in head-to-toe black spandex should really only be reserved for Black Friday. Go with flats to make trying on shoes a cinch, and combine those with a bold sundress (weather-permitting of course) or Just keep your garments loose, you can always go with a belted tunic and then lose the belt while you’re shopping.
You may be wondering what kinds of places offer these fabulous shopping extravaganzas. A lot of smaller boutiques are always willing to work with their loyal customers to set up private shopping experiences, I know that at Second Time Around, we definitely love it when customers request this.

Night In

Whether you’re celebrating with a spa night with your girlfriends, or a home-cooked dinner and a movie with your significant other, you can still radiate with that birthday sparkle. Since you’ll be in the comfort of your own home, Nothing says “Birthday Queen” quite like a tiara paired with yoga pants, or you can sofa-glam up your outfit with a pair of leggings and an elaborate tunic in a bright color or with festive embellishments. Should you want to be the belle of your own private ball, feel free to go all out with that fabulous dress you’ve been dying to wear. Anything goes when you create the party rules!

Remember, anything is possible on your birthday, especially style-wise. On this day, you get a magical power to create your own dress code, so choose something that you’ll love wearing and will make you feel like a true birthday girl!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

Happy Birthday Thayer Street Store!

We have more to celebrate than just the coming of spring, it’s our first anniversary!

Come celebrate our birthday with extra savings!

Head on down to Thayer Street to save 30% on items new for Spring!*

Thursday, March 24th from 7-9pm
294 Thayer Street • Providence, RI

We will be blasting the tunes and providing light fare and cocktails!

Hope to see you for our super sweet fashioniSTA birthday!

*Offer excludes new arrivals. Not to be combined with other offers.

Happy Birthday 324 Newbury Street!

We have more to celebrate than just the coming of spring, it’s our first anniversary!

Come celebrate our birthday with extra savings!

Head on down to our newest location on Newbury St to save 30% on items new for Spring!*

Thursday, March 24th from 7-9pm
324 Newbury Street (downstairs), Boston, MA

Enjoy the beats of DJ E-Marce (THROWED!)

Light fare, and cocktails provided.

Hope to see you there for our super sweet fashioniSTA birthday!

*Offer excludes new arrivals. Not to be combined with other offers.