A Trip to Nili Lotan

When Israeli-born designer Nili Lotan was invited to join the esteemed Council for Fashion Designers for America, the honor was not so much a culmination as it was the beginning of an exciting chapter for Nili. Founded in 1962 by Eleanor Lambert, the same woman who established the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, the CFDA is currently headed by president Diane von Furstenberg and vice president Michael Kors. Today, membership is limited to fashion’s most cutting-edge and established designers who are either American or, like Nili, “international designers who are currently based in the United States. (CFDA.com/members) “Based in the United States” could mean a lot of things, so we set out to see where we could find Nili here in New York City!

 Our inquiry led us to Tribeca and down a pristine and well-known NYC street, Duane Street, where all the charm of Boston’s Back Bay mingles with that unmistakable NYC pulse. Cobblestone streets give away to metal stairs as we walk up to the Nili Lotan storefront, but not without admiring the eye-catching window display. Eight signature garments from the Spring 2013 collection dance in the window, carefully suspended from hangers in a scene as charming as the space just beyond the threshold. 188 Duane Street is formally refered to as a "space," as it is both Nili’s studio and boutique...as soon as we walk in, we can just tell that special things happen here. Sunlight bounces the whitewashed floors and rustic tables that display denim alongside coffee table books and framed photographs. Tucked away in the corners are sweeping white tents that also happen to be dressing rooms. As if they were not already intriguing enough, we later learned that said dressing rooms are constructed from parachutes!

The elegance you see on the hangers of the main floor reflects the magic that happens downstairs. When a boutique doubles as a studio, there is a certain innovation that floods the entire space. While creativity is intangible, the carefully selected art and books that dot the store remind us that there is a very real vision for this aesthetic, both of which are generated right downstairs. The official summary of 188 Duane Street articulates how “Lotan often exhibits artwork in the store seizing the opportunity to promote artists while sharing her personal love and appreciation of art.” (nililotan.com) As we thumbed through pages of striking photographs, it was clear that Nili’s special relationship to art comes out through her clothing.

While you might have to take a trip to New York City to visit this enchanting spot on Duane Street, you can experience Nili’s designs for yourself at your favorite Womens Boutique here in Newton Highlands! From the perfect cargo jacket to steely grey denim, a Luxadora can count on Nili Lotan for pieces that are as utilitarian as they are sleek. Not too long ago, we featured a washed navy military vest in one of our favorite spring outfits (see here), and guilty as charged, that vest is one of those pieces we would happily wear eight days a week. While a New York getaway is at the top of every Luxadora’s wish list, quench your thirst for that one-of-a-kind Nili Lotan aesthetic with a trip to LuxCouture! 

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All photographs courtesy of Nili Lotan. 

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Caroline de Marchi's "Savoir-Faire"

In French, the term savoir-faire refers to a person's skilled finesse, translating literally to "to know (how) to do or make." At LuxCouture, we love this expression not only for is obvious French allure, but also because it refers to both style and craftsmanship, as demonstrated by one of our favorite Parisian designers, Caroline de Marchi. On her website, Madame de Marchi has a special link titled SAVOIR-FAIRE; click the link and a video pops up. For the next three minutes, we Luxadoras get to then watch how a Caroline de Marchi handbag transforms from a concept and a sheet of leather into a stunning bag that epitomizes French chic.The film starts with a craftsman carefully tracing an outline onto a strip of leather and follows the dozens of steps that go into each Caroline de Marchi piece. Watch as another craftsman hammers pieces of leather into place, carefully stitches seams together, and expertly finishes each edge. From start to finish, the production of a Caroline de Marchi handbag is as special as the bag itself. One of Sari's favorite designers, Madame de Marchi is known not only for her leather handbags, but her statement clutches, and here at 9 Lincoln Street, we just cant stop ogling these Caroline de Marchi treasures!

While a Luxadora never needs an excuse to introduce a dash of color into her life, spring's canary daffodils and indigo hyacinths make these gorgeous clutches seasonable in more way than one! When it comes to color, every Luxadora has a different threshold; one Luxadora opens her closet to a sea of neutrals while another comfortably mixes her gem tones and primary colors. Whether you love your bold colors or are firmly planted in the neutral camp, a Caroline de Marchi clutch will find a happy home in your closet. Neutral Lovers, use one of these clutches to accent your head-to-toe grey outfit; Color Queens, introduce another complimentary hue to your outfit with one of these exotic skin clutches!

For she who swears by her black however, LuxCouture has the perfect Caroline de Marchi piece. Subtly metallic python pops against black suede in this Caroline de Marchi clutch that is timeless in every sense of the word. Whether you use this clutch as the finishing touch against your favorite Little Black Dress or grab it as you dash out the door in your November boyfriend jeans (styled here), this clutch will always kick your outfit up a notch.

Stellar craftsmanship and distinctive versatility make a Caroline de Marchi clutch the ultimate statement of Parisian style and luxury. As your destination for Boston Luxury Handbags, LuxCouture takes pride in our thoughtful curated collection of Europe's top designers. Stop by 9 Lincoln Street to discover just how special a Caroline de Marchi piece really is!

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Weekend Outfit: Transition Dressing 2.0

April is here, Luxadoras, which means that it's time to take Transition Dressing to the next level! April calls for retiring our furs and pushing the winter parkas to the back of the closet to make way for the layering pieces we rely on to keep us chic as Spring heats up. Transition dressing refers to two simultaneous transitions: Mother Nature's transition from winter to spring and fashion's transition from Fall/Winter to Spring/Summer. Here's the kicker though, a lot of the time, fashion doesn't necessarily listen to our dear Mother Nature, because let's face it, cream linen skirts and darling floral dresses may pop up in April issues of our favorite magazines, but even the thought of bare legs before 70 degrees is enough to send us reaching for our warmest cashmere sweater! So how does a Luxadora handle these two transitions while remaining perfectly put-together? As Boston's one stop shop for luxury clothing, LuxCouture is a womens boutique that knows just how to handle the age-old Transition Dressing dilemma! At 9 Lincoln Street, we've put together an outfit that has April written all over it. By mixing textures within a similar color palette, this outfit will keep a Luxadora a step ahead of the trends in a seasonally appropriate way.

This layered combination features all of Spring's favorite details while staying seasonally appropriate for those unpredictable April temperature swings. We've focused on mixing textures in this outfit: floral embroidery on this breezy Lola Parker silk top reminds us that warmer days are right around the corner while the tough blue-charcoal canvas of this to die for Nili Lotan vest keeps this look grounded in Mother Nature's seasonal realities. No matter what the calendar reads or Vogue may say, it is ultimately the weather that determines whether or not a look is seasonal. Even in mid May, a brightly patterned sundress can still look out of season if it's barely fifty five degrees out. At LuxCouture, we help our Luxadoras put together looks that are always appropriate leaving our lovely ladies dressed for every occasion.

A hood under denim or canvas is one of our favorite cool-girl looks. This cozy hoodie by Crown Jewel adds an extra layer of warmth and kicks up the cool factor on this outfit du jour.

The only thing better than a well-loved cashmere sweater is a cashmere skirt. This piece by Humanoid is one of our favorite transition pieces at LuxCouture. Cream, taupe, and grey replace black and more black as the season's neutrals. The colors of this skirt keep it appropriate for fashion's Spring while the lightweight cashmere makes it a perfect answer to Mother Nature's idea of "spring."

 

Together, these pieces take Transition Dressing to the next level! In this look, we've worked within a dynamic color scheme of neutrals: the fawn brown Crown Jewel hoodie picks up the warm cream and taupe in our Humanoid cashmere skirt, streamlining the various silvers and grays in our Lola Parker tank and our piece-de-resistance, the Lili Lotan vest.

Finish this April ensemble with jewels from one of LuxCouture's most special collections, LizaBeth Jewelry! A LizaBeth necklace dresses up even the simplest of tanks as Liza's signature chains add an elegant edge to this outfit. Liza's innovative reworking of the classic pearl-and-chain combination makes LizaBeth Jewelry nothing short of a Luxadora favorite. A mèlange of chains and pearls is the best way to finish any outfit, especially an outfit built around the the same colors as Liza's creamy pearls and oxidized chains. LuxCouture has been lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with Liza which you can read here! Stop by LuxCouture for more tips on Transition Dressing and to check out the latest pieces at your source of Boston Luxury Clothing!

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Paris Comes to Newton Highlands: Épice Scarves

In 1999 Bess Nielsen and Jan Machenhauer created what would come to be a game changing company in the world of accessories: Épice Scarves. Almost fifteen years later, Épice Scarves is not only one of fashion's favorite accessories, but also the poster child of perfectly refined taste and accessible Parisian flair. Though Bess and Jan hail from Copenhagen, Épice is undeniably French. Beyond their flagship at the Palais Royal, Épice Scarves stay true to the French eye for subtly and sophistication while also drawing upon and the co-founders' Danish roots and multicultural experiences. Épice Scarves have been a fixture here at LuxCouture for several seasons, though these delicious scarves fly out the door of 9 Lincoln Street almost as soon as they arrive off the UPS truck. One look at the latest batch of Épice goodies explains why a Luxadora can never have too much Épice in her life!

An Épice scarf instantly brings spring to your wardrobe without ever making an outfit look contrived or overdone. Épice patterns are playful and refined all at once, and the feathery cotton and linen means that you can wear an Épice scarf even on the warmest Spring day; season-appropriate textiles are a Luxadora's secret weapon when it comes to stylish and pragmatic dressing. Your favorite womens boutique will show you the countless ways to style your new spring treasure: try a pair of dark wash Paper Denim & Cloth skinnies with one of our statement jackets and a Myriam Schaefer handbag for an easy answer to spring's unpredictable temperature swings. Come evening, drape your Épice scarf around your shoulders in that killer LBD from LuxCouture, and finish the look with an exotic skin clutch. From python to pullovers, there's nothing that an Épice scarf can't handle!

Can't pick a favorite? Don't worry, we can't either! Come to 9 Lincoln Street to try on every Épice scarf until you find your proverbial glass slipper! Swing by LuxCouture to catch up on the latest fashion news  and ooh-and-aah over these gorgeous pieces!

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Boyfriend Jeans: The Secret to Transition Dressing

When it comes to boyfriend jeans, there are three reasons why denim’s slouchy superstar has carved out a special place in the Luxadora’s heart...

Reason Number One"Street Cred!" Guilty as charged, browsing street style blogs is one of our favorite pastimes here at 9 Lincoln Street. We love our Vogue as much as the next fashion conscious lady, however there’s something far more inspiring and personal about seeing what women are actually wearing rather than what a stylist pulls for a shoot. From Stockholm Streetstyle to The Sartorialist, boyfriend jeans continue to pop up on every major style blog, worn by street style stars and the well-dressed anonymous alike. With boyfriend jeans, a Luxadora’s outfit is instantly street style worthy, so let’s take a look at some of our favorite inspiration shots:

Photo via tommyton.tumblr.com

Cuffed just so? Check. Playing with proportions? Check. Sartorial perfection? Check. This girl absolutely rocks those jeans. Here are a few more style snaps to get you inspired?

via stylerain.tumblr

A simple pump and your favorite black sweater make boyfriend jeans appropriate for every occasion. 

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This Luxadora shows us how a statement bag and a touch of monochrome make boyfriend jeans as sharp as a pair of tailored black trousers. 

 

Reason Number Two: Comfort! There’s nothing quite like a killer pair of skinnies, but every Luxadora knows the feeling of relief that comes with peeling off those second skin jeans and slipping into her pajama pants; cue the sigh of relief. As flattering as our favorite skinnies may be, boyfriend jeans can be equally as flattering and exponentially more comfortable. Your legs will fall head over heels for the freedom of a pair of boyfriend jeans, and your closet will also thank you; there’s no statement quite as chic as a quality pair of boyfriend jeans paired with a dainty ballet flat or point toed pump!

The LuxCouture boyfriend jean! The latest denim addition by November. 

Reason Number Three: Transition. It’s always the most difficult to put outfits together during that precarious time between seasons. The calendar may say spring, but with temperatures barely scraping a chilly fifty degrees, how do you dress for spring when it still feels like winter? Enter the final reason why boyfriend jeans are a Luxadora’s best friend: boyfriend jeans are versatile enough to be worn twelve months of the year. A warm July evening? Wear boyfriend jeans with a strappy gladiator sandal, a breezy camisole, and stacks of Sisco Berluti bracelets. The dead of New England winter? Wear boyfriend jeans with layers of charcoal and grey cashmere sweaters from LuxCouture, and finish with a chunky pair of Elisanero boots. For April, we’ve put together the ultimate transition outfit, an outfit tailored to the season's unpredictable temperature swings, an outfit that reflects a Luxadora’s style savvy and astute taste.

So let's get dressing! First up, the piece of the moment, the boyfriend jeans! A Luxadora can always count on November to turn out the most perfect wash; a pale blue with warm undertones, these November jeans pull from opposite sides of the color wheel. Warm oatmeal and cool blue not only give these jeans a gorgeous, distinctive wash, but also allow a Luxadora to wear her warm crimsons and sierras just as easily as her cool cobalts and violets with these perfect pants. Slouchy and feminine all at once, these November jeans are the ultimate boyfriend jeans. 

 

 

There’s a common myth in fashion that you have to pair contrasting silhouettes. For example, these boyfriend jeans can allegedly only be worn with a fitted top. Not true Luxadoras! In fact, pairing similar silhouettes is one of the simplest ways to take an outfit from predictable to stunning. Wearing a loose top with a relaxed boyfriend jean demonstrates that a Luxadora trusts her sense of style enough to break fashion’s conventional rules. In other words, when it comes to silhouettes, sometimes more is more, which is exactly why we’ve paired this swingy sweater by IL by Saori Komatsu with our favorite boyfriend jeans. 

Part of why these two pieces work so well together is that both pay attention to fit. While this Saori Komatsu sweater may be oversized, the sleeves, neckline, and even the knit itself allow for a loose piece with shape, with style. Furthermore, what’s not to love about this mèlange of textures and yarns? Hailing from Japan, Saori Komatsu is one of our favorite new designers here at LuxCouture.

While the toasty sables and taupes in our Saori Komatsu sweater emphasize the warm tones in our November boyfriend jeans, this statement python tote both out the blues in these jeans and finishes this look with a punch! Many an exotic skin handbag has passed though 9 Lincoln Street, and we can honestly say that this tote is one of our most exquisite pieces to date. Usually exotic skins are reserved for a precious clutch or evening accessory. While there’s a time and place for our favorite evening clutch, a little three by three square of python is just not enough! This tote by exotic skin experts Mahl and Ross gives a Luxadora her necessary dose of python. Roomy durable, there is no reason why a Luxadora can’t carry this bag everyday, although then again, a girl never needs an excuse to wear her exotic skins!

LuxCouture is Newton Highlands' fashion mecca! From exotic skin handbags to street style necessities, leave it to LuxCouture to make getting dressed a highlight of your day. Stop by 9 Lincoln Street to try on this Luxadora-approved outfit, and pick up your pair of boyfriend jeans just in time for April, the quintessential month of "Transition Dressing!"

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LuxCouture Exclusive: Myriam Schaefer Handbags

After winning Best of Boston Handbags several years running, LuxCouture continues to curate a one-of-a-kind collection of European handbags. One of fashion’s handbag titans, Myriam Schaefer never fails to leave us gawking at her sleek silhouettes and updated European classicism. With a resume as impressive as her namesake bags, Myriam repeatedly demonstrates that she is one of the most talented handbag designers of the generation. While working alongside Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, Myriam designed the infamous Balenciaga City bag, a bag that has become synonymous with the Balenciaga house itself.  Since starting her own line, Myriam continues to reinvent traditional architectural silhouettes, never failing to create bags with just the right amount of Parisian slouch while maintaining the sophisticated maturity of a structural handbag.

LuxCouture owner Sari Brown is the ultimate Luxadora. We caught Sari before she left for New York City last weekend and just had to take a snapshot of her picture-perfect outfit! Impeccably put-together per usual, Sari shows us how an outfit can be tasteful, functional, and chic.

 

While we love Sari’s Paper Denim& Cloth jeans and her toasty warm leopard lined parka, it’s her Myriam Schaefer handbag that steals the show. The pinnacle of Parisian luxury, a Myriam Schaefer handbag is an investment that lasts a Luxadora a lifetime. All too frequently however, that Investment Piece ends up spending more time tucked away in a Luxadora's closet, safe from any spontaneous rainstorms, renegade cups of coffee, or any other hazard that could result in a lethal stain on said investment piece. Here’s the thing though Luxadoras...we only live once, so we might as well live life to the fullest, right? Life is too short to keep your favorite pieces stashed away for safekeeping! Sari’s Myriam Schaefer bag travels everywhere with her. From Paris to New York to 9 Lincoln Street, Sari’s Myriam Schaefer handbag is worth its weight in gold in terms of functionality, craftsmanship, and elegance.

The latest Myriam Schaefer handbags just arrived at LuxCouture this weekend, and needless to say, they will be gone in a flash! Try taking a hint from Sari’s outfit du jour and using your Myriam Schaefer bag as a practical, stylish replacement for those canvas totes. Whether you’re looking for The Perfect Bag or searching for a way to introduce some Parisian luxury to your current collection of handbags, LuxCouture is New England’s source of Myriam Schaefer handbags. Stop by 9 Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands before these stunners are all sold out!

Follow LuxCouture on Twitter @LuxCouture9

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Whitney Beads Trunk Show

The ladies of 9 Lincoln Street have spent the past two days ogling Whitney Beads during LuxCouture's exclusive trunk show! Since the collection first arrived in Newton Highlands, we have been having too much fun putting together stacks of bracelets, layering up pendants, and hopelessly trying to pick our favorite pieces! Whitney Beads is the latest collection to find a home here at your favorite women's boutique; designer Whitney Rooker thoughtfully mixes diamonds, earthy stones, and vintage elements to create stunning pieces that are the epitome of subtle elegance. The striking aesthetics and gorgeous textures of Whitney Beads jewelry are reason enough to load your wrists with these bracelets, however the story behind Whitney Beads is just as compelling as the jewelry itself. The proud mother of three, Whitney Rooker started making jewelry following the devastating death of her cousin Major Joseph "Trane" McCloud. After losing Trane to a 2006 helicopter crash in Iraq, Whitney's first bracelets were made for family members. These inaugural bracelets were intended to remind Trane's loved ones of his inimitable spirit. As said on her website, "The beautiful beaded bracelets supported the continuous circle of life, with one single bead being different than the others reflecting the missing loved one." (whitneybeads.com) Anyone who had ever lost a dear friend or family member can relate to the Whitney Beads story; a Luxadora can wear a Whitney Beads bracelet for her passed loved one too.

The wild popularity of the original "memorial bracelet" galvanized Whitney to legitimize her undeniable talent as a jewelry artist. As the story goes, strangers on the street would buy Whitney's jewelry right off her wrists, a telltale sign that it was time for her to officially start her own line; "'They buy it right off me!'"  exclaims Whitney on her website. (whitneybeads.com) Since founding Whitney Beads, Whitney has expanded beyond the bracelet, also making dainty pendants and adding a sophisticated touch of whimsy to traditional bohemian elements. Whitney's unique aesthetic makes her jewelry the perfect choice for any Luxadora: mix one of her diamond studded bar bracelets in with your collection of gold and silver bracelets for an unexpected, tasteful splash of bohemia or use a Whitney Beads bracelet as a grounding neutral in a colorful wrist of Sisco Berluti gems!

Consider these photographs a teaser of the complete Whitney Beads trunk show! Stop by 9 Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands to see the entire Whitney Beads collection. From delicate chokers to statement necklaces, the Whitney Beads trunk show is the ultimate opportunity to refresh your jewelry collection just in time for Spring! The trunk show ends at 5pm on Saturday, so be sure to stop by LuxCouture and place your order!

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Thinking Spring

With Valentine's Day officially behind us, a Luxadora can finally start to set her eyes on Spring! Coming from your New England-based women's boutique, the following statement may be hard to believe, but trust us, it's true: late February is one of our favorite times of the year. While the leftover grey snowbanks may not be the most inspiring thing on the streets, late February gives us a precious window of time to actually start putting together our realistic Spring wardrobe. It's one thing to pick up that hot Spring piece here, or that runway necessity there, but when the time comes, a Spring wardrobe is all about mixing those überchic statements with Spring pieces you can restyle again and again. We like to think of our closet in three parts: the statements, the staples, and the cross-overs. A statement piece may be that once-in-a-lifetime European handbag; a staple may be your all-time favorite Crown Jewel tee, and a cross-over is a piece that can double as a statement and a staple depending on how you style it. The cross-over happens to be our specialty here at LuxCouture; we know how much our Luxadoras appreciate a piece that can go the distance in terms of both durability and versatility. While every Spring wardrobe needs a smattering of statement pieces and a solid foundation of basics, the cross-overs are where the fun happens. The Luxadora's wardrobe has just the right balance of all three types of pieces, however she knows that she has to get out ahead of the season in order to snap up the favorites she will reach for all Spring. LuxCouture is your destination for staples, statements, and everything in between, so let's gear up for Spring with some of our favorite inspirational pictures to set the tone for warm gusty breezes and purple crocuses!

Vogue

 

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This Luxadora ups the ante of her outfit's gorgeous simplicity with a bold clutch; totally love this look for Spring!

vogue.com

 Zac Posen leaves us craving April afternoons with his quintessential and ladylike florals! So elegant. 

via Free People tumblr

Stockholm Streetstyle

Top model Karlie Kloss is just as stunning off the runway as she is on it. Chatting away on her phone, Karlie show us how her beige dress is the ultimate cross-over piece; belted with flats, it becomes a statement look in itself, however she could just as easily layer the piece for a completely different look. 

via On Parade

Glamour Mag UK

Nothing says Spring better than baskets full of roses, enticing garden hideaways, and the most exclusive Spring collections at LuxCouture! Take advantage of these final weeks of winter by stopping by 9 Lincoln Street to finalize your Spring 2013 wardrobe!

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The Magical White Blouse

Oh fashion, forever keeping us on our toes. Just when February is finally starting to give way to more temporarte sunny afternoons (which of course, means breaking out some new Spring favorites,) Fashion Week steals the show and gets us once again thinking about layers of knits and leathers that we'll have to wait another six months to get our hands on (and another nine to wear).  Fortunately however, we have scoured the Fall 2013 runways so far and picked out one of Fall 2013's looks that is actually wearable now. We want to keep our Luxadoras not only up to date on fashion's latest blockbusters, but also a stylish step ahead of the trend du jour. Leave it to your favorite women's boutique to bring you the season's necessities two full seasons before said just-can't-live-without-it pice is even identified as such! So simple, so tasteful, The White Blouse has always been a piece hanging in the closet of every fashionable woman. While The White Blouse may not be splashed across Lincoln Center as the spotlighted trend of the season, we saw different interpretations of The White Blouse across multiple collections. Though its purest button-down form was only seen a handful times, multiple designers extrapolated from this basic design and encorporated different elements of The White Blouse into their Fall 2013 collections. Let's take a look! 

DKNY via style.com

 Model of the moment Cara Delevingne opened the DNKY show in crisp layers of camel and navy, and what do you know, a quintessential white blouse. While the blazer-blouse-and-overcoat combination may be a tried and true classic, this combination is updated with intentionally boxy silhouettes and subdued colorblocking. All in all, this look exemplifies how a traditional white button down can become a contempoary statement when paired with the right blazer and a pair of Elisa Nero shoes.

DKNY via style.com

Taking another page out of the DKNY Fall 2013 handbook, Miz Karan demonstrates how a white blouse can provide the perfect base for piles of luscious layers that achieve that coveted Oh I Just Threw This On! effect. In this case, The White Blouse is not only a key element of this stellar example of je ne sais quoi, but also highlights the gorgeous textures and shapes of the two other layers. With a new white blouse from LuxCouture, you can draw inspiration from this look and give your favorite winter overcoats a second life as we come down winter's home stretch.

Karen Walker via style.com

Looking next to English darling Karen Walker, The White Blouse takes a turn for the feminine in accordance with Walker's whimsical, sixties-inspired aesthetic. While we happen to love the oversized three-quarter length sleeves of the above top, this look shows how The White Blouse can be modified to become the ultimate layering gem. Here,The White Blouse is adapted to turn an oversized vest into a stand-alone outfit. Though this Karen Walker piece is more of a dress than a vest, the fit through the torso reminds us of some of our favorite vests...plus what's not to to love about oversized lapels on any garment! Statement vests can be as thrilling to wear as they are difficult to style; you have to have just the right combination of volume and angles in order for the vest to hang just-so. A white blouse with the necessary flair can accentuate the striking shape of a vest in a flattering and stylish way.

Diesel Black Gold via style.com

From day to night, The White Blouse can do it all. Diesel Black Gold shows us how a Luxadora can not only use her white blouse to tone down a killer pair of leather pants, but also how The White Blouse is appropriate for any hour of the day or night. Once again, the designer modifies the traditional white blouse to fit their specific outfit need, however the principle of the white blouse remains, and chances are, a bright white button down would look just as stunning as this tuxedo-style blouse. With pieces by Europe's most exclusive designers, LuxCouture has some delicious leathers to go with our unbeatable selection of white blouses. While we are firm believers in the power of the classic button down, we also know that an oversized men's shirt is not what the Luxadora wants; our white blouses are subtly feminine and inevitably flattering. Whether you are looking for fitted or blousy, 9 Lincoln Street is your spot for the perfect white blouse and all things chic!

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Live From NYFW: Parkchoonmoo Runway Fall 2013

As the past forty-eight hours have demonstrated, a blizzard is no match for Fashion Week!! New York City has been buzzing since Thursday as editors, It Girls, bloggers, and photographers from around the world have flocked to the Big Apple for their Fall 2013 preview. Nemo may have dumped a foot of snow on Manhattan, but nothing can stop the whirlwind of patterns, paparazzi, and parties that is NYFW! If anything, the storm has made for a Fashion Week more memorable than most as fashion's best dressed are united by more than their astute taste and spot-on sense of style, but also the experience of tiptoeing through the slush in those statement heels! As the official LuxCouture dispatch, we've been catching all the action from downtown at Milk Studios to uptown at Lincoln Center where last night, we attended the official runway show of one of our favorite designers, Parkchoonmoo. On blustery but magical snowy evening, the only thing more enchanting than the snow was the layers of monochrome we saw on the Parkchoonmoo Fall 2013 runway. There's a palpable enthusiasm at Fashion Week, think of it as the official convention of mutual fashion appreciation; everyone puts on their best, and you just can't help but appreciate each show goer's own unique flair. Fashion lovers pull out all the stops for NYFW, and as soon as we arrived at Lincoln Center last night, we could just feel the pulse of Fashion Week that waited inside, snow and everything. 

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LuxCouture live at Lincoln Center!

Camera in tow, we crunched our way through the snow and inside to the main Fashion Week area. We were greeted by free bottles of SmartWater, the latest copy of Womens Wear Daily (WWD), and of course, toasty temperatures to unfreeze popsicle fingers. We also arrived early enough to get to in somw topnotch "people-watching," an added bonus of course. Once in line for Parkchoonmoo, casual outfit admiration quickly turned into all out sartorial bliss as we saw everything from gemstone loafers to head-to-toe cobalt and of course, scores of exotic skin handbags. Never a dull moment at Fashion Week, and we love it.

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Once inside The Studio, rows of guests waited eagerly for the lights to dim and the bass to pulse. Photographers in "The Pit" were adjusting tripods and testing flashes in preparation to properly document the iminant Parkchoonmoo perfection. In the meantime, tweets were flying and Instagrams were a-snapping as NYFW (#NYFW) doubles as a social media mecca. One of our favorite Fashion Week moments is the split second when suddenly the main lights go down, the spotlights turn up, and the always avant-garde runway remix starts to stream out of the speakers. For that one collective minute, the entire room holds its breath before exhaling in a universal sigh of awe as the first Parkchoonmoo model saunters down the runway.

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Demoo's background in both industrial design and fashion was obvious in her Fall 2013 collection. While Demoo's industrial-design-gone-vogue has been repeatedly hailed as both her signature and strong suit, her most recent collection offers the next iteration of her compelling creative vision. Structural silhouettes were layered over simple turtlenecks as the designer paired contrasting fabrics against industrial-inspired shapes. Slouchy pants accentuated the geometry of statement tops while also softening such stark angles in a wearable, refreshing way. While we could stare at Parkchoonmoo's "wearable architecture" forever, what we really loved were the voluminous and cozy knits, a complimentary departure from the collection's bold geometric shapes. By offering such streamlined diversity, Demoo demonstrates her artistic dexterity and her ability to design a dynamic collection that both expands and emphasizes her signature strengths. 

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Photos via The Cut

In spite of the textile genius at Parkchoonmoo, what we loved the most were the shoes! Behold Luxadoras, practical, comfortable, functional footwear that is runway approved! Although, with LuxCouture's collection of NewbarK shoes, our Luxadoras are quite literally one step ahead of the comfortable, fashion-forward footwear trend! Leaving the show, we felt so fortunate to have been a part of such a spectacular display of style and chic both on and off the runway. Still drooling over the Parkchoonmoo Fall 2013 collection, we have also started our official countdown calendar until this collection arrives at 9 Lincoln Street!

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Our Instagram of the Parkchoonmoo finale.

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Oh Lincoln Center, snow suits you! 

LuxCouture is not only your source for fashion's most exclusive pieces, but also your one-stop shop for NYFW updates! Stay tuned for more from Lincoln Center and New York City, and in the meantime, stop by 9 Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands for fashion week necessities like Paper Denim & Cloth jeans!

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Tokyo Comes to Newton Highlands

Thursday may have officially kicked off New York Fashion Week (whose whirlwind of events calls for the appropriate nickname of 'New York Fashion Weak'), but fashion meccas around the world are getting ready for their own upcoming fashion extravaganzas. While the traditional "Fashion Month" consists of New York, London, Milan, and Paris, Tokyo has recently been added to the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week repertoire. Cities across the globe host their own fashion weeks, however to get the official Mercedes-Benz sponsorship indicates that a city's up-and-coming scene has credible weight in the industry. While LuxCouture consistently curates a niche collection of Japanese designers, we are eager to see how the upcoming Tokyo Fashion Week spotlights some new faces and fresh talent. Furthermore, Tokyo Fashion Week also means that we will get to see the latest masterpieces from one of our most exclusive designers, Saori Komatsu. Fortunately for our Luxadoras, there's no need to wait until March to experience the magical artistry and unexpected geometry of Saori Komatsu's line, "il by Saori Komatsu." Lucky for us, brand new pieces by this Japanese designer arrived in Newton Highlands just this week!

Excuse us while we swoon! Komatsu's contemporary feminine aesthetic pulls on our heartstrings in all the right ways. A delicate eyelet-inspired knit is updated with tangerine applique, adding an unexpected contrast that sets this piece apart as not-your-average-cardigan. We love how Komatsu's innovative use of shapes and color reinterprets a soft feminine fabric rather than overrun it; such thoughtful applique work actually highlights this fabric's detailed etchings. Check plus.

While you can't go wrong pairing this cardigan with your favorite Goldsign jeans and some Elisa Nero shoes, we like to up the "It factor" even more with one of our exotic skin handbags and a chic pair of trousers. Regardless of your style, the ladies of LuxCouture will help you wear this piece in a way that is totally "you." 

This stunning image from the Saori Komatsu lookbook demonstrates that these "Spring" pieces are wearable year round. Such an intricate, show-stopping coat can be a summer focal point over a breezy white top and elegant white pants come June, but until then, there are plenty of ways to weave this piece into your transition wardrobe. Inspired by the impeccable styling of this il by Saori Komatsu look, we would recommend wearing this coat with multiple shades of grey. One of our favorite neutrals, grey is still perfectly appropriate for winter while the textured coat starts to hint at March's warmer months. LuxCouture specializes in helping our Luxadoras wear their favorites all year round, and this Saori Komatsu coat is no exception. Stop by 9 Lincoln Street before this exclusive piece is sold out!

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NewbarK: Certified Luxadora Necessity

LuxCouture knows that our favorite pieces are only as good as how much we love to wear them. So maybe that sequin jacket that you just had to have really is wearable art, but if it has been sitting in your closet for the past five years, was it really worth the investment? Similarly, we all know that invincible feeling of wearing a killer pair of four inch heels, but at the end of the night, blistered toes and cramping feet can overpower the fashion-forward perfection of said shoes. At LuxCouture, we scour the world to bring you fashion's most desirable pieces, pieces that are as wearable as they are chic. With flexible soles, buttery leather, and playful patterns, NewbarK Shoes demonstrate that cutting-edge fashion can be classy, comfortable, and chic all at once; comfort and style do not have to be mutually exclusive. A healthy lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with fashion which is why we bring our Luxadoras pieces that help her feel good, be comfortable, and of course, look fantastic! As the epitome of wearable luxury, NewbarK shoes are the latest addition to your favorite womens boutique, and we could not be more excited!

Since Maryam and Marjan Malakpour (the sister design duo behind NewbarK) launched their inaugural collection of shoes in 2009, the brand has come to be synonymous with pragmatic luxury. Both sisters have individually garnered formidable reputations as stylists in the industry, Marjan for big-name musicians like The Dixie Chicks, and Maryam for brands such as Costume National and celebrities Heidi Klum and The Rolling Stones. The sisters' extensive hands-on experience and sharp creative eye naturally translates into a line that in four short years, has become a beacon of wearable chic.  Whether you turn to NewbarK for relief after a mandatory couple hours in heels or decide to finish your outfit with a fashion-forward flourish, a pair of NewbarK shoes is the Luxadora's ticket to keeping her feet healthy and her closet cutting edge. 

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Spotted: fashion mogul Mary-Kate Olsen wearing NewbarK shoes! (Venti Starbucks not included...)

Photo via OlsensObsessive.net

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No stranger to painful footwear, supermodel Rosie Huntington Whiteley turns to NewbarK for some fashion-forward comfort.

On NewbarK's own website, they have launched a project inviting loyal NewbarK fans to submit photos of their NewbarK shoes in action. The official gallery shows NewbarKs across the world as one pair walks the beach in Greece with their owner, and another pair hangs out with the owner's dogs on the other half of the globe. We want to see your NewbarKs in action too Luxadoras! Stop by 9 Lincoln Street to pick up your to-die-for pair of NewbarK flats, and then send us a picture of your NewbarK adventures! Email it to us or Tweet at us @LuxCouture9 !

 

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Trend Update: Spring's Favorite Color

Green is the name of the game this spring Luxadoras! Fashion Month kicks off in NYC next week, and while the Fall 2013 collections will obviously have us swooning, it's also easy to forget that we've barely had a chance to digest let alone wear our Spring 2013 pieces! The Luxadora strives to balance the current season with the impending season as well which is why we've decided to spotlight one of Spring 2013's headlining trends while also keeping out eye out for Fall 2013 necessities. Let's take a quick trip down memory lane and return to the buzzing excitement of last fall's Fashion Month and its Spring collections...

Rag & Bone Spring 2013 via Vogue

Kenzo Spring 2013 via Vogue

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2013 via Vogue

Yes Luxadoras, the fashion kingdom has spoken, and green it is! At first, we were slightly ambivalent about the formidable presence of such a bold color, but after sitting with the idea through these nippy New England winter months, we've decided that green may just be the most exciting trend of late. What we love about green is that it is fresh (no pun intended,) and it is a notable departure from the predictable florals-and-pastels combination that we've seen splashed across the pages of fashion magazines. At the same time, green is an appropriate nod to the very florals that we've seen perhaps just one too many times. Don't get us wrong, what girl doesn't love florals; green though, says "spring" in a subtle, understated way. 

While an emerald green trench coat may not be the easiest way to pull off this Spring's color du jour, LuxCouture brings you unique pieces that make dressing for the season simple. With this jawdroppingly gorgeous python clutch, LuxCouture's collection of exotic skin handbags allows you to integrate green into your wardrobe in a way that is just as chic now as it will be three, four, ten seasons from now. That's why we love exotic skins; a Luxadora's exotic skin handbag will always be in vogue.

This particular piece is by Italian python experts Mahl & Ross. After working for powerhouses such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace, these two women set out to create a bag "designed to tell its very own story," a bag that "collects the moment lived far beyond seasons." (mahlandross.it) This philosophy resonates with us here at 9 Lincoln Street; what we love the most about our favorite pieces is how they could tell stories for days. This python masterpiece is one for the ages, and the fact that it is right on par with Spring's hottest trend is an added bonus!

This is a one-of-a-kind piece at LuxCouture, and while we will soon be receiving a new shipment of Mahl & Ross directly from Italy, you definitely don't want to wait on this oh-so-necessary piece! Stop by LuxCouture in Newton Highlands to snap up this clutch and discover what other fashion-forward goodies await you at 9 Lincoln Street!

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Introducing Yasuko Azuma

It's no secret that a designer's work is their preferred medium of self expression. How exactly a designer translates their experiences and perspectives into that piece however, is a process as personal as it is distinctive. What exactly does a designer want to share with their audience? Which poignant memories drive the creation of a particular piece? How does a designer's past shape their future as an artist? The answers to these questions are complex and fascinating, and these answers are ultimately what gives life to each designer's unique aesthetic. As we welcome Yasuko Azuma to LuxCouture's formidable collection of jewelry designers, we took a look at the inspirations and influences that make Azuma's jewelry refreshingly understated yet ironically gorgeous all at the same time. 

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Azuma's Japanese upbringing is an integral part of her creative process as Azuma translates her most precious childhood memories into her jewelry. A mental snapshot of time spent in the garden with her grandmother leads to the oh-so-subtle textures in a Yasuko Azuma ring, textures that mimic the organic textures of soil and flower petals. Though Azuma initially studied to work with textiles, her experience in the garment industry proved to be unfulfilling; Azuma's time as a designer within a large company unveiled her desire to channel her unstoppable creative energy into her own project. In order to fulfill on this vision, Azuma left Japan for New York City where she studied jewelry at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in the 1990's. 

W Magazine

By 2003, Azuma's own collection had launched, and in the decade since, this Japanese designer has collected an impressive spread of publicity and well-earned recognition for her work. From W to GQ, Azuma's jewelry has created a special niche as Azuma offers an avant-garde take on traditional diamonds. What we love about Azuma's work is how she reinvents luxury for the forward-thinking Luxadora. Azuma's diamonds have her signature "diamond dust" finish, a slightly matte texture that accentuates the stone in an eye-catching and unusual way. When asked about her this "diamond dust," Azuma describes her "texture as 'trying to capture the moment on an icy cold day in winter when the motion in the air sparkles when it freezes' " (yasukoazuma.com). Through a distinct process, she "replicates this feeling with light hammering which creates a glimmer of matte and shine" (yasukoazuma.com). This description will instantly come to life when you see the latest collection of Yasuko Azuma jewelry here in Newton Highlands!

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Get ready to be wowed Luxadoras...our jaws hit the floor of 9 Lincoln Street when we saw this perfect stack of Yasuko Azuma rings! Made from 18 karat gold, glittering diamonds, and sterling silver plated with black rhodium, these rings stand out as a necessary jewelry staple. Diamonds are perfect for any occasion, and when framed by such inspired settings, diamonds take on a whole new meaning as "a girl's best friend." Thanks to Azuma's one-of-a-kind artistry, the diamond proves that its versatility can be as legendary as its glamor. Stop by your favorite womens boutique to fall in love with these mesmerizing jewels by Yasuko Azuma!

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LizaBeth Jewelry: Out of This World

Since we spoke with Liza of LizaBeth Jewelry, this talented designer has continued to elevate her game as one of fashion's rising jewelry stars! Back in July, we had the chance to personally speak with Liza and learned the ins-and-outs of her creative process, a process that gives life to her one-of-a-kind pieces. Inspired by the aquamarine shades in the ocean and her own beautiful surroundings in Texas, Liza creates jewelry that is both personal and ageless. A nouveau take on "industrial chic," LizaBeth Jewelry is an inevitable conversation starter; the unusual and elegantly eclectic combination of chains and pearls is a statement worth making. Liza is passionate about her jewelry, and that love comes through in every one of her pieces. LuxCouture is a longtime fan of Liza and her beautiful jewels, and we were utterly delighted upon the arrival of Liza's gorgeous new spring pieces! While we may be known for our Best of Boston Handbags title, collections like LizaBeth Jewelry make the the jewelry selection at 9 Lincoln Street on par with our one-of-a-kind collection of handbags!

What started off as an infatuation with a vintage Chanel chain has evolved into a jewelry line as inspired and inspiring as that original chain itself. Liza works with an assortment of pearls and diamonds to bring an understated glamor to a weighty-yet-feminine chain. While a LizaBeth necklace is a stellar way to dress up a pair of Goldsign Jeans, we are firm believers in "more is more" when it comes to these LizaBeth pieces! Some chains are smaller than others, so when a Luxadora decides to wear several LizaBeth pieces at once, the result is a dynamic and fashion-forward look that is most definitely Luxadora-worthy.

In addition to her statement pearls, Liza also played with a celestial motif in her Spring 2013 collection. Diamond-dotted suns and moonstone-accented crescents dangle from signature LizaBeth chains and bring a tasteful touch of whimsy to even the most buttoned-up of outfits. A Luxadora knows that elegance does not mean taking oneself too seriously; she knows that just the slightest hint of whimsy can propel her outfit to the next level of chic. For the Luxadora, fashion is fun, and she is always on the hunt for pieces that reflect that philosophy. 

At 9 Lincoln Street, "fashion" and "fun" are our two favorite words in the dictionary, and you can count on your favorite women's boutique to introduce you to designers who share this perspective!  From Myriam Schaefer Handbags to LizaBeth Jewelry, LuxCouture is your source for the Spring's "It" accessories, accessories that remind us just how much we love fashion!

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Luxadora Favorite: Bagllerina Flats

Guilty as charged, the arrival of our beloved UPS man is one of the day's most exhilarating moments here at 9 Lincoln Street. All week we've been waiting with bated breath at LuxCouture, waiting for the shoes that will take our wardrobes to a whole new level of style and practicality. Today is finally the day Luxadoras, today Bagllerina flats arrive here in Newton Highlands! 

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Inspired by your traditional ballet flat, Bagllerina flats are updated for the fashion-forward woman on the go. With a clever name to match the stylish functionality of these flats, Bagllerina flats are a necessity for every Luxadora regardless of age, aesthetic, or lifestyle! Let's play through a couple difference scenarios that leave Bagllerina flats as the solution to the Luxadora's everyday dilemmas. Scenario number one: it's a blistering cold January day, and the sheer thought of wearing anything other than snow boots and an Epice Scarf makes a Luxadora shiver before she even steps outside. What's a Luxadora to do? Once she arrives at said destination, she isn't going to want to shuffle around in her warmer-than-warm snow boots for the entire day, but even her favorite pair of Vic Matié Shoes are too big to put into one of her European Handbags. And then she remembers: her Bagllerina flats! Chic enough for any occasion and flexible enough to pack away into her favorite Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Bagllerina flats are the answer to this Luxadora's dilemma. And so, she pops a pair of Bagllerina flats into her bag, and off she goes, braving the cold and fully equipped with her "chicret" (chic + secret = chicret) weapon of choice: Bagllerina flats!

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Scenario number two: our resident Luxadora has just enjoyed a fabulous night out on the town with her special someone and friends. Decked out in that perfect Little Black Dress courtesy of her favorite Womens Boutique, our Luxadora has had a night filled with meaningful conversation, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and stellar moves on the dance floor. Now time to head home to her own cozy abode, our Luxadora can feel her feet talking back after her night out, and she's just not sure if she can stand another minute in those three inch heels! What to do? Naturally, she can't go home barefoot, but wearing those heels for the entire walk home is simply unbearable! And then she remembers: as she was dashing out the door, she stashed a pair of Bagllerina flats into her Exotic Skin clutch! Easily packable, a pair of Bagllerina flats fit perfectly into her evening bag, wedged between her wallet and lipstick. As she replaces her heels with the Audrey-Hepburn-esque chic of Bagllerina flats, the Luxadora establishes herself as a woman who cares about elegance, yet is pragmatic enough to take care of her feet while maintaining that signature, übercool sophistication of a Luxadora.

There is no more appropriate name for these flats than Bagllerina...ballerina flats nimble enough to put in your bag. We are head-over-heels here at LuxCouture, and will only fall further in love when we try on our pairs later today. At such a reasonable price point, these flats are destined to sell out in a flash so stop by LuxCouture this afternoon to claim your pair before they're all gone!

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Parabellum: Leather Perfection

From the empire waist to the hourglass cinch to the low-slung tomboy look, belts have spanned practically the entire torso over the past couple seasons. Just when you feel like you've finally figured out how many centimeters your belt has to be from that button hole and from that pleat (and so on and so forth), the trendy lightning rod strikes again, and your skinny waist belts are ushered out by a round of masculine belts for the tomboy trend du jour. How exhausting! Fortunately Luxadoras, your favorite boutique not only understands this dilemma, but also has come up with the remedy: introducing the perfect leather belt from Parabellum. A Parabellum belt will last a lifetime; its impeccable quality makes it nearly indestructible and its classic silhouette makes this piece hardy enough to withstand fashion's ever-changing tides.

Menswear and womenswear strike a perfect balance in Parabellum Leather Goods. Founded by the innovative duo of Jason Jones and Mike Feldman, Parabellum upholds their commitment to producing the highest quality leather goods in a local and sustainable way. Parabellum takes pride in their materials and rightfully so; these leather connoisseurs have pioneered the use of buffalo leather as an original and durable alternative to more commonly used leathers. The use of buffalo leather is also reported to be "more humane" than traditional leather practices (parabellumcollection.com). For Parabellum, process is just as important as the final product as they proudly describe each element of design and construction, ultimately resulting in a breathtaking leather piece. The quality and craftsmanship of a Parabellum leather belt reflects the astute attention that went into the creation of that piece. 

Parabellum's use of avant-guarde materials extends to the hardware and accents in their belts. With indestructible "military grade ceramic" accents and copper buckles, all of Parabellum's components are made here in the United States. Each copper buckle undergoes the "Nine Step Process," a labor-intensive practice performed by US-based copper craftsmen. In this sense, a Parabellum piece is more than just the ideal belt, but also the product of artistic collaborations resulting in the signature quality, luxury, and sustainability of a Parabellum leathers.

Photo via Stockholm Streetstyle

Photo via Kate-the-Great

Turning to the world of street style, these Luxadoras exemplify how to wear a belt in a way that will never go out of style. These ladies have cinched their belts practically and timelessly, and this is exactly the aesthetic you can achieve with one of Parabellum's gorgeous belts. Each of these Luxadoras wears her belt in an understated way, yet at the same time, her belt clearly makes the outfit. Whether you tuck the edge of your tee into a belted pair of Goldsign Jeans and or use it as the finishing touch to accent your uber-chic Epice Scarf, a Parabellum belt will inevitably bring that elusive touch of fashion-forward sophistication to every outfit.

LuxCouture is due to receive a shipment of Parabellum's signature leather bags later this week too! Stop into 9 Lincoln Street to discover what makes Parabellum leathers so special and who knows, maybe you'll be the lucky Luxadora to get her hands on one of Parabellum's delicious bags! 

Follow LuxCouture on Twitter @LuxCouture9

 

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Surviving Winter with Himatsingka Bracelets

It's just about that time of the year when a Luxadora starts to feel like she has been wearing the same bundled-up combination of jeans and sweaters for too many months. Don't worry Luxadoras, this phenomenon, which your favorite Womens Boutique refers to as "The Winter Slump," is completely normal. When it seems like winter has been here for too long and yet there is not yet an end in sight, it is far too easy to toss your fashion consciousness out the window and stick with the same old repertoire of outfits. Fortunately, LuxCouture is your ticket to combating New England's infamous Winter Slump! While the cold may have settled in for a few more months, LuxCouture is receiving new shipment several times a week, and our shelves are stacked high with pieces that will both resurrect your winter wardrobe and jumpstart your Spring wardrobe! 

One of the easiest ways to bring some oomph to your favorite winter staples is with a wristful of exclusive bracelets from LuxCouture. While we may be known for our Exotic Skin Handbags and extensive collection of Boston Luxury Clothing, LuxCouture also takes pride in curating a stunning collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry. Joining favorites like Ann Dexter Jones Design and Sisco Berluti bracelets, Himatsingka is the latest collection to arrive at 9 Lincoln Street and the perfect solution to beating The Winter Slump!

An Indian artist who studied at both Parsons and Rhode Island School of Design, Priyadarshini Himatsingka works with a mèlange of materials to create pieces that are "poetry for the body" (himatsingkacollection.com). Her monochrome pieces are eclectic and elegant all at once and are the perfect way to mix up your daily wristful of gems. Whether you wear a hammered sterling Himatsingka bracelet for a splash of metallic or go black-on-black with an armful of diamond-studded Himatsingka bangles, Himatsingka Jewelry is guaranteed to refresh a Luxadora's winter wardrobe leaving her once again excited to get dressed in the morning. Even if you can't bear to go out without your toasty-warm favorites, a wrist of fresh jewelry will revamp your wardrobe in a way that makes winter all the more tolerable. LuxCouture knows the power of a little touch of sparkle, and with a thoughtful and extensive collection of jewels, 9 Lincoln Street is the Luxadora's answer to the biting January wind!

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Our Inspiration: Ann Dexter Jones

 

At LuxCouture, we find inspiration not only in the pieces that arrive here at 9 Lincoln Street, but also in the people, in the designers behind these beautiful works. A designer, philanthropist, hostess-of-the-mostess, traveler, and mother, Ann Dexter Jones has a breadth and depth of talents that is nothing short of remarkable. Warm and engaging, Ann is more than just a jewelry designer, but also a quintessential "people person" who brings out the best in others. Growing up in a family that valued a global perspective as well as artistic innovation, Ann's inherent curiosity and creativity blossomed out of her multicultural upbringing. LuxCouture loves to hear how a designer's childhood influences their work, and as the story goes, Ann's father, a musician, doctor, and kindred creative force, "put his finger down on a spinning globe and chose the nearest point in the British Commonwealth: Australia" (annedexterjones.com). Just as her father did to her, Ann has passed her own wanderlust and artistic intuition on to her own family.

Ann with three of her children, Mark, Charlotte, and Samantha.

(Photo via Zimbio)

Ann's five children share her multi-faceted creativity: daughter Charlotte Ronson is an established designer who has shown at New York Fashion Week for the past several seasons, and daughter Annabelle Dexter-Jones inherited her mother’s creative dexterity as her talents range from acting to modeling to designing. Check out Annabelle’s delightful interview with one of our favorite beauty blogs, Into the Gloss here! Ann's daughter Samantha Ronson and sons Mark Ronson and Alexander Dexter-Jones are all influentially involved in the "It" music scene as DJ's and artists, and needless to say, there is never a dull moment for this talented and dynamic family!

(Photo via Gotham Magazine)

As one of her many skills, Ann Dexter-Jones' talent as a jewelry designer is exceptional. Her work has been featured across fashion's top publications including Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar. In addition to being one of LuxCouture's long-time favorites, Ann is also a personal friend of Sari's, and nothing makes us happier to see one of our Luxadoras gain the recognition she deserves. Ann's jewelry is about more than just the piece on hand; her work is the synthesis of her diverse experiences and her one-of-a-kind inquisitiveness, and her gorgeous pieces are one of the many ways that she shares those experiences with others. In this sense, an Ann Dexter-Jones piece is more than just an eye-catching bracelet, but a tribute to the generosity and curiosity that has shaped Ann's life, the very values that she also inspires in others. 

Check out this model's bracelets...they should look familiar! Ann has several different collections under Ann Dexter Jones Design, and her ID bracelet has unequivocally become a smash hit. From editorials to the red carpet, Ann Dexter Jones' ID bracelets have quite literally topped the list of editors and It Girls alike. One of fashion's darlings, Amanda Brooks, considers herself a certified ADJ fan, just take a look at her top five necessities!

Here at 9 Lincoln Street, we are thrilled to carry some of Ann Dexter Jones' most exclusive pieces. Ann's signature ID bracelet sold out instantaneously, and several more are currently en route to Newton Highlands from New York City where all of Ann's pieces are made. As Ann has previously explained, the ID bracelet is a direct product of Ann's travels and expressive creativity, "no matter what open air market or shopping mall in which she found herself around the world, the ID bracelet always represented a traditional mark of young love and commitment" (annedexterjones.com). Ann believes that "[T]his phenomenon is something...[that] should be celebrated" (annedexterjones.com), and her bracelets are a way to do just that. The ID bracelet garnered immediate success, as rumor has it that Kate Moss bought one of Ann’s first ever ID bracelets directly off her wrist at son Mark’s wedding!

LuxCouture is your destination for fashion's most coveted pieces, including jewelry by Ann Dexter Jones! Whether you're looking to add an ID bracelet to your wristful of gems or seeking a striking yet understated stand-alone piece, LuxCouture will help you pick out the perfect Ann Dexter Jones bracelet. We also have a limited collection of rings by this fabulous designer; stack them up or wear one solo! A piece by Ann Dexter Jones is also a fashion-forward way to make a contribution to a variety of impactful causes as the designer donates 20% of profits to charities such as Harboring Hearts and Literacy Partners Inc. Read up about these causes here and here!

As your favorite Womens Boutique, LuxCouture is all about bringing our Luxadoras fashion's most desirable pieces, pieces that will make a statement today and ten years from now; an Ann Dexter Jones piece is a piece for a lifetime. Even more so, Ann embodies what LuxCouture is all about: fashion, fun, and contribution. Whimsical, romantic, and chic, an Ann Dexter Jones bracelet is an inevitable Luxadora favorite, and we can't wait to show you these beauties in person. Stop by LuxCouture, and while you're at it, snap up a pair of Paper Denim & Cloth jeans...Ann herself is a fan and owns a pair! Take a trip to 9 Lincoln Street before we're sold out...of both jeans and jewels!

Follow LuxCouture on Twitter @LuxCouture9!

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Lars Andersson Spring 2013 Trunk Show

**UPDATE: TRUNK SHOW EXTENDED THROUGH SATURDAY!

We will be taking orders for the Lars Andersson Spring 2013 Collection through Saturday, January 19th.

Back in September, Lars Andersson captivated the Luxadora's imagination with his Spring 2013 runway show during New York Fashion Week. After attending the show, we could not stop dreaming (or gushing!) about Lars' latest collection of handmade knits inspired by his Swedish roots and love for New York City. Buttery oatmeals and soft greys were layered and draped to create a collection that might just be Lars' best yet. Here at your source of Boston Luxury Clothing, LuxCouture has been counting the days until the Lars Andersson Spring collection arrives on our Lincoln Street doorstep; today was finally the day! The entire Spring 2013 collection is at LuxCouture for a limited time during our exclusive Lars Andersson trunk show!

Thumb through a rack brimming with gorgeous knits and delicious textures as you inevitably fall in love with that piece you just know will become your new favorite sweater. While the for-purchase pieces won't arrive in store for a few more weeks, we are currently taking your orders for this enchanting collection of knits! Try on the runway collection and test drive some potential favorites with a pair of Elisa Nero Shoes or Goldsign Jeans to see how a stunning Lars Andersson piece will fit into your wardrobe. At LuxCouture, we help you weave exclusive runway pieces into your closet in a realistic and fashion-forward way, a task made easy by Lars Andersson's super-wearable and strikingly chic Spring 2013 collection!

While the collection samples come in a fawn brown, each piece is available in three possible colors: grey, sage, and lavender. Each tone picks up on the right subtleties in a Luxadora's eyes and complexion, so what may seem like an understated color will highlight all the right nuances when worn! Such easy neutrals make a Lars Andersson piece a worthwhile all-season investment. 

Lars can also do specific alterations just for the ladies of LuxCouture. Whether the sleeves are too long or you're uncomfortable with the open knit on the piece you just have to add to your closet, we can have your piece altered so it is perfect in every sense of the word.

This knitted cami is too darling to pass up, and if layering a tank underneath doesn't feel quite right for you, we can easily have it lined instead! Behold the beauty of a LuxCouture trunk show: when we order your pieces, we make sure you get exactly what you want. 

This sweater-jacket crossover exemplifies Lars' intricate craftsmanship at its finest. No detail is lost on a Lars Andersson piece from the elegance of the neckline to the hem that is daintily curled just-so. It's one thing to watch a piece sashay down a runway on a model, but seeing how the piece actually falls in person is where the rubber meets the road! With the functionality of a leather jacket and the coziness of that sweatshirt you've had forever, this Lars Andersson top is just one of many highlights waiting for you at 9 Lincoln Street! It's not too late to place your trunk show order; pop into LuxCouture tomorrow morning to pick out your favorite Lars Andersson gem, or give us a call at (617) 969-5600. 

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