The Week of September 30th

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E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Although I was pretty late to the Breaking Bad band wagon, I am going to miss some of my favorite guys like Jesse and Walt.  This is a cute video to check out that wraps up past seasons in a matter of minutes.  Now, onto other favorites like Eastbound & Down and Homeland. I just heard that Orange is the New Black was renewed for a second season, with many questions to be answered if you've seen the premiere season of the Netflix series.

Similar to this summer's tour, JT quickly added a second night to his tour here at the Garden.  I highly recommend seeing him live!  Although, this coming from a) lifelong *NSYNC fan and b) lover of digital shorts and impressions, just take my word for it.

After weeks of waiting, the construction is over in Kensington Palace.  Moving day for the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge and baby George is right around the corner!

L O C A L
So far, the arts project movement in providing pianos in public areas of the city has been a hit!  What do you think of this?  As great as it is for skilled pianists to actually play for the public, one has to wonder about late-night "songs" after last-call...  They're around the city here until October 14th.

Eeeek, October starts tomorrow!  Here's a list of places to go apple picking this fall, a great excuse to escape the city for the day.

We have a blogger potluck dinner on Friday night with some of our favorite local gals we've been looking forward to for weeks now.  Saturday is bringing us an afternoon of pampering, too!  Be sure to follow our updates on instagram and twitter for more on both.


S H O P P I N G
J.Crew Factory is offering up to 40% off. At Madewell, you get an extra 25% off of sale items with code HELLOFALL, and free shipping off of all orders.  Might be time to pick up a classic season-to-season piece like I did recently.  Also, today is the last day for an extra 25% off at Piperlime, with code EXTRA, so get after it for those fall essentials!


S P O R T S
Our Sox are sitting pretty in awaiting the announcement for who they'll be up against in the Wild Card.  The announcement comes this Friday, and is between the Rays, Rangers and Indians, pending games tonight and Wednesday night.  Now, to get tickets to a fall game...

- Meredith

Sunday's True Confession: I Watch Trashy TV

Boston Gals Love San Francisco

I've always heard that Bostonians love San Francisco (and vis versa) - so I had to go there myself to check it out. Here are my favorite shots of our Pacific side sister city!

- Cameron

Foundations of a Bedroom Makeover

As I've mentioned, I moved into a place this month that needed a little TLC.  Not to toot my own horn, butttt I LOVE the colors I chose and am truly amazed with the progress thus far!  In referencing my inspiration photos, I knew that things would need to start in neutralizing the space, an oddly shaped one at that, and then start to layer on accessories (more on that to come!) as finishing touches.

The first step was to clean the place top-to-bottom (I couldn't have lived with painting over dust).  Done.  Next, the paint job.   If you watch any HGTV, you know one of the main recommendations in a space refresh is paint color.  It automatically changes a space and also affects your mood.  I can't say it has been too fun to wake up hungover to blue light everywhere you look... until you look at the purple floor, that is!

Here's a snippet of how things are coming along since the difference is pretty dramatic, and just plain pretty!  I can't wait to show the finished product!

Here's a before shot, along with a close up of the bizarre color choices by the last tenant.  It was a LOT brighter than it appears:

taken when touring the apartment...

items from Brimfield earlier this month!

And the after:

What do you think??

- Meredith

4 Fashion Bloggers to Follow

This Fall my mission is to love every outfit I wear. I want to dress to my best - using current closet items as well as doing some smart buying. That means I need to stretch my dollars far by buying only staples and trying new and previously unthinkable combos for my separates and accessories.

For real life outfit inspiration I love to look at my favorite style bloggers and see how they are creating flattering silhouettes with pairings that I otherwise would never have thought of. Who do I look to for these ideas? Here's who:

H A P P I L Y   G R E Y

How cute is Mary? My sister recently showed me Happily Grey and honestly I thought I was maxed out for style blogs. After checking out Mary's style I just had to add her to my feedly list. The best part about Mary's outfits is that most items are within a practical gal's budget with picks from Nordstrom, Forever 21, Zara, Top Shop and the works. Her outfits are always fresh - never just a re-working of another blogger's outfit (eh hm we all know we've seen those). And to top it off, her style is eclectic and bold - two of my favorite combos!

F A S H I O N   T O A S T

Rumi Neely has been blogging since the early days and her efforts have surely paid off as her blog Fashion Toast has grown to be one of the top rated. I myself have just come across Rumi, but who's counting blogger followship days? Though late to her game, Rumi has become something like that older girl that I adored in high school to me. There is so much I could say, I just don't know where to begin and where to end. She is badass. She has the coolest pictures, effortless outfits and super cool hair. I just want to be like her. I have to stop myself there but I encourage you to check out her blog if you haven't before.

C I T Y   T O N I C

It used to kill me that all style bloggers seemed to be from NYC or LA, so I am super excited to root for my Boston gal, Jessye of City Tonic. I love her Boston-chic wardrobe and especially admire how she dresses up jeans with killer heels, tops and a cute jacket to really take things day to night. I already have a few future outfits up my sleeve thanks to her!

L U E L L A  &  J U N E

Lastly is Bradley of Luella & June. I love so many things about Bradley including how adorable her site and graphics are, her personal style, and I love how she cites one of her main style icons is her mother. Personally I think she is closest to my everyday style, or what I aspire it to be, as it is so fresh and casual and often includes a really fun (and often bright) pop. Her home decor posts are also amazing and as expected her house tour on The Glitter Guide is also a must read for any of her admirers.

Who are you style muses? What do you look for in a style and fashion blogger?

- Suzanne

photo sources: happily grey  //  fashion toast  //  city tonic  // luella & june 

Daily Read: Boston Eco

Nope, its not a blog. Or magazine. Or even a website. BostonEco is an online community that uses facebook and twitter to grow sustainability initiatives. I subscribe to these feeds because it is the most all-encompassing green-themed outlet in the city. Following BostonEco is the best way to find out about upcoming events and connect to social entrepreneurs in the city.

BostonEco was founded by Janet Morgenstern Passani in 2009 in an effort to bring together information from all of Boston's green companies and organizations - it is a MUST follow for all socially-aware gals!

- Cameron

Daily Read: SMP Living

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In growing up on fairy tales, it only seems natural for us gals to fantasize about our "happily ever after" every now and then, no matter how futuristic that day may seem.  Move along, Pinterest, there is another cowgirl in town...

Chances are you have heard of the umbrella site of StyleMePretty, a well-known "ultimate" wedding blog. The site has its own magazine, vendor directories and every resource a bride could need at her fingertips in their "Little Black Book."  Fellow Boston gal Abby has compiled a mecca of creative sources for gals in our city and beyond.  This is a hub of information that is all well and good, but again, not applicable to a lot of gals out there who are not quite at that point...

Enter: Style Me Pretty Living.  No matter what your relationship status, this is a must-read.  It is is my newest favorite source of "hubitat" ingenuity.  As someone who always loves snooping at real estate and interiors whenever possible, I quickly added SMPLiving to feedly since I just moved to a new place that needs A LOT of updating in order to make it my own.

The home tours are especially great since featured spaces are tastefully curated for city dwellers on a budget.  Amidst my own apartment rehab of sorts, Amber's home was especially a point of inspiration for me in choosing a color palette and selection accessories for my space.  I'm excited to share the finished product in a few weeks!

Go peruse the blog for yourself!  You'll get lost (in the best way) for a while!

- Meredith

The Week of September 23rd

Hello gals! Today I am thankful to say I have a short week ahead of me as I will be heading down to Nantucket for a long weekend to enjoy the Fall weather and work an event (more to come on this later). For those of you sticking around, I have Fall activities on my brain. Here is a list of recommendations to get your "Fall on" as well as a few other happenings around the city this week.

T H E   G R E A T   O U T D O O R S

Having gone to college in upstate New York I had access to some amazing trails in the surrounding Adirondack Mountains which, unfortunately, I took for granted. This Fall it is my goal to go hiking at least two times. For those of you that are interested I found the site Everytrail.com, which has a list of hikes with reviews, difficulty level and average time, to be very helpful for planning. Here is a list of hikes around the Boston area if you are looking to stay more local than the NH, VT trails.

You can't really say you celebrated a New England Fall without apple picking now can you? Nashoba Valley Winery has wine annnnd apple picking...boom.

A R T S  &  E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Thursday the ICA is hosting an Artist Talk with designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of famed clothing brand Proenza Schouler. Tickets for members and students are $15 and non-members are $20. The talk starts at 6:30 and is not to be missed.

Time to squeeze in your last few shows for the year at Bank of America Pavilion before it gets too chilly! Kid Cudi will be throwing down this Friday - check stub hub for any leftover tickets. 

Season 3 of Showtime's Homeland starts Sunday at 9 p.m. and I personally cannot f'ing wait. Sorry gals, no spoiler alerts here. Any of you devils that have read them, get away form me!!

E A T   M E

Last week the Beehive's new sister restaurant, The Beat Hotel opened up in the heart of Harvard Square. Like the Beehive, The Beat Hotel offers an eclectic and sensory overload interior, delicious food and an awesome jazz lineup every night. 

Have a great week gals! Check in with us via twitter and instagram to find out the latest JUGs' updates. Be sure to share what you've got going on as well! 

- Suzanne

photo source

Sunday's True Confession

Recap: Fall for Madewell

This past Wednesday night, I hosted an event with one of my favorite stores, Madewell.  Being the sister store to J.Crew, it is nearly impossible for me to pass by without stopping in when strolling down Newbury Street.  This event was a great chance for a selected few to get their newest designs on a dime!  I was able to craft the guest list to allow for intimate shopping among friends.  And, to compliment the retail experience, the store treated everyone to manicures as well as fall-inspired maple bite-sized cupcakes from neighbor Georgetown Cupcake! 

I ended up with a great season-to-season staple, recommended by one of Madewell's tasteful in-store stylists.  There's no doubt I'll have this dress for years to come.  The customer service at this location cannot be beat!

Be on the lookout via twitter for the next event, in the coming months!

- Meredith

Latest Obsessions

As many of you may know, I just moved into a new apartment (hence all my latest obsessions being home decor related)! Anyhoo, the crisp air is making my toes freeze in the a.m. and I am desperately trying to figure out a rug to buy for my small sized living room. I want something gender neutral with a graphic pop, but a pattern that won't make the room look bite-size! What do you all think? 

Also note that I have a new puppy and want an accident friendly (and affordable) option...

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- Suzanne

Fashion Spotlight: Let the Great World Spin

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Fashion is probably not the first thing that came to mind while reading Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin, but after finishing the book, I started thinking about how the 1970s are relevant today. Last week, designers at New York Fashion Week showcased quite a few '70s inspired looks. All of a sudden, '70s florals and loose silhouettes are all over pinterest and fashion blogs. Long skirts and billowy sleeves are perfect for transitioning to fall. I also love the v-neck cuts, which are flattering on everyone!  

illustrations courtesy of Reminisce Magazine

- Cameron

Local Gem: Patch NYC

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There is just one word to describe the South End neighborhood of our great city, darling.  There are brick lined streets with brick facades, dog-friendly boutiques and restaurants well worth the reservation.  I could go on about how much I love it all (let's not forget the amazing real estate!), but I want to focus on a store new to me, Patch.  The brand is not new to those of you who follow big names in home decor, but it may be familiar in their past collaborations with popular retailers like Target, Anthropologie and West Elm.
A few weeks ago during the South End's annual sidewalk sale, Suzanne and I wandered around to check out local sales.  After navigating our way down a seemingly unassuming path and courtyard, we came across the shop by surprise and began exploring.  In person, this store is a unique experience.  The owners, Don Carney and John Ross, crafted the store (only one of four stand alone locations!) on quaint Waltham Street.

Don and John offer many items not commonly seen in other boutiques, a great spot for picking up that statement piece for your gallery wall, bookshelf or coffee table, as you can see below.

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Martha Stewart Living magazine have considered Patch “Equal parts irresistible home goods and artistic inspiration,” and they could not be more accurate!  Our friends at MSLiving featured the store this month in their latest issue.  Be sure to go grab a copy today in print or digital versions before you head to the store to shop for yourself!

- Meredith

Photos by Matthew Williams. Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living. Copyright © 2013. For more great finds, check out www.marthastewart.com

Discussion Questions for Let the Great World Spin

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Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin is a profound, thought-provoking read, and now that we've read the stories, its time to answer the questions:

1. If you had to give the book a letter grade, what would you give, and why?

2. Why did McCann set the stories in the 1970's?

3. In what way were the main characters from each story similar? How are their stories tied together?

4. The New York Times says this book captures the "soul" of New York. Do you agree?

5. Why does McCann open the book with a description of Philippe Petit's tightrope walk? How does this set the scene for the stories to come?

6. How would these stories have been different if the book took place in Boston rather than New York?

7. Why does the book jump forward in time at the end? What is the purpose of this?

8. Would you agree that Let the Great World Spin is an American masterpiece? 

BONUS: Who would you cast as the main characters in a movie version of the book?

- Cameron

Week of September 16

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Gals, there is so much going on this week! We are heading full force into fall, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't maintain a bikini-ready body, so make sure to check out Ali Baldassare's last free cardio pilates bootcamp tonight at 6:30 on the Greenway. But if you can't make it tonight, there are also some free outdoor yoga options later in the week. 

N E W  B E G I N N I N G S

This is also a good week to start thinking about the future - specifically, Boston's future. Yep, its time to start talking about the mayoral race. If you're not sure who the candidates are or who you like, consider attending the candidate forum on Tuesday night at the Boston Public Library. The topic the candidates will be discussing is something important to all gals - transportation.

Speaking of the future, I'm excited to announce that I got a new job! I am feeling totally inspired and would love to share my current inspirations with you JUGs readers. Plus, September is the perfect time of year to get motivated. 

C A R E E R   E N E R G I Z E R S

- How to Negotiate Like a Badass

- Presenting Your Best Self

- 23 Things Women Should Stop Doing

- Getting Paid What You Deserve at Work

- Networking Etiquette

- How to Kick Butt at Work

- How to Know When its Time to Look for a New Job or Career

D E S K  E N E R G I Z E R S

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- Cameron

Sunday's True Confession: I Use Men's Razors

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I prefer to use men's razors instead of those "made" for women.  Men's razors often have more blades before the women's hybrid hits the market and tend to be more affordable.  "Borrowed from the boys," indeed!

NYFW '13: WISH I WAS THERE

 

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- Suzanne