Fall into Fringe

poncho // $148 vs. $42

booties // $188 vs. $150

lariat // $111 vs. $51

throw // $79 vs. $35

crossbody bag // $195 vs. $39

Maybe it's the foliage, or just the reminder that cooler temps mean layering, but fall tends to influence me to look at fringed items.  You have a statement from one simple addition to a piece and have automatic movement. Today we've rounded up items at both high and low to warm up your wardrobe and hubitat alike!  Comment or tweet us your favorite item(s)!

- Meredith

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Week of October 13

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C O L U M B U S  D A Y

Have the day off? Now is the perfect opportunity to check a few things off your Fall to do list. Or, you can sleep in and finally catch up on all of the fall show premiers. Any favorites so far? We've heard a few good things about How to Get Away with Murder, The Affair, and Blackish.

B E A U T Y

We are excited to join our friends over at Follain on Thursday evening for their event with Snap Top Market. Hope to see you there!

Many times, beauty comes from the inside out, and we are loving The Skeptic's Guide to Meditation as a way to get started on a mindset makeover. 

And....what the eff is raw shampoo?

G O A L S

This post from The Kitchn is a serious wallet saver - 10 Tips for Creating a Grocery Budget and Sticking to It. They're also teaching us how to cook our favorite fall vegetables.

And now that we've gotten a sneak preview of how awesome Society of Grownups is, we are definitely going to sign up for our financial checkups at their Brookline office - the first is free!

Oh ya,  don't forget to order Goldfinch from the library for this month's book club! 

P A R T Y

We are thrilled that #JUGsNightOut sold out in two days - but if you didn't get tickets, definitely get on the waitlist in case extra spaces open up. Also, our after party is going to be at a TBD North End location. We just got the news that Goody Glover's is closing and can't host us that night, sadly. 

Have a great week.

- Cameron

Week of October 6th

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Happy Monday, gals!  Are you also still on a high from the Pats win last night?  We are chock full of updates today:

I N T E R I O R S

I've always been somewhat obsessed with home decor and renovations.  After following Genevieve for years (no, really, remember her from Trading Spaces?!), she is constantly evolving.  I listened to this podcast the other day and she is truly an inspiration.

Tomorrow marks the release of Elements of Style, written by local blogger Erin Gates.  I pre-ordered my copy six months ago, and can't wait to explore what must be as special as her blog!  I'll say it now, it will be an affordable hit holiday gift this year!

L O C A L

Soooo we have not yet seen Gone Girl, but can't wait!  We're glad Ben remains to be a faithful hometown guy!  Let's be honest, not many (true) Bostonians would be any other way...

I don't always looks at these home tours, but this charming RI cottage is too cute to miss!

It seems like Faneuil Hall will be catching up to other retailers with a modern makeover.  We wonder what will stay!

Cameron, Suzanne and I are stoked to help celebrate the launch of this start-up's expansion in Boston Thursday night!  Updates to follow!

S E L F

Here are some great pieces of advice regarding success from some of the most successful women out there!

I love finding a new blog with a refreshing take on reality.  This is complete with applicable suggestions on how to embrace adulthood and all of its (fun and not-so-fun) responsibilities.

Ever need motivation to not skip that morning workout?  I gotta start taking my own advice, and I found a great list of how to not make excuses.


S H O P P I N G
Us city girls won't be buying a new car anytime soon, but this is an interesting list to see what is recommended to buy this month for savvy shoppers.

Speaking of smart shopping, here is what is in season right now for fresh produce.

Did you know that Madewell is not a newer brand?  The history of this retailer is an interesting one, from right here in New England.


Wishing you a great week!!

- Meredith

Review of Blue Apron

Readers!  We have a treat for you today!  Since the JUGs are a bit rusty in the cooking arena, we wanted to bring you fresh content on that lifestyle subject from someone who knows far more about it, and a service that makes the process easy enough for us to follow.  So... we have a guest blogger for you today!  Take it away, Alie!

What’s better than a home cooked meal on a chilly fall night?  Not much, but if you’re like me, prepping and planning for your night of domesticity might have you throwing in the towel and reaching for the take out menu.  Sure, browsing for recipes is a great way to kill those slow afternoons at work, but the trip to the grocery store and the schlep home can take the fun out of actually cooking.  Plus, what’s worse than finding a recipe that sounds great but requires a ton of ingredients you don’t already have?

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Enter Blue Apron.  Once a week they will deliver pre-measured ingredients for three meals right to your door.  Opt for 2, 4 or 6 servings (depending on whether you’re just feeding yourself or a whole family…or having a dinner party!) and it will arrive on the day of your choosing.  The food is packaged in a way that keeps it fresh and cold even if you’re not home to accept the delivery.  Every ingredient is labeled and all the extras – like spices, sauces, condiments, etc. – are measured out in little containers and put in one of three “knick-knack bags” (one for each meal).  The only thing you have to provide is olive oil (and a kitchen.) From there, you follow the recipe which is very straight forward and comes on a piece of thick, glossy paper, complete with step-by-step pictures and tips. Most meals I have cooked are complete within 30 – 45 minutes.

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I love the service, and use it about once a month.  You can opt in or out each week and there is no subscription fee.  It is $9.99 per person, per meal, so one week for two people (shipping included) is $59.94.  Obviously, whether or not this works out to be cheaper than a trip to the grocery store for ingredients for three meals will depend on your current cooking habits. For me, living by myself with a relatively sparse pantry, this is cheaper, and I end up with enough food for 3 dinners and 3 lunches for the week. 

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I do wish that the menu options were more flexible.  There are vegetarian and omnivore options, and you can opt out of any types of meat or fish you don’t like.  However, each week they make two menus available, one vegetarian and one for omnivores.  Despite being a meat eater, I’m still a big veggie lover, and oftentimes I’d like to have two vegetarian meals and one meat one, or vice versa.  Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose between the two menus.  Another small grievance is that I hate chopping vegetables! I would love if they came pre-chopped, but I do understand the freshness factor involved there.

Despite those two little gripes, I highly recommend the service.  The ingredients are fresh, high quality and in many cases, local.  They clearly list their suppliers right on their website.   (As an upstate New Yorker, I already buy a lot of my produce directly from Samascott Orchards at my farmers market, so it’s great to know I can get the same high quality produce in my Blue Apron box!) Even if you’re not up for the full Blue Apron experience, check out their recipes! All of them are available for free, and I have yet to make one that wasn’t absolutely delicious.  Bon Appetit!

-Alie

The content of this post is the opinion of the author and such that JUGs editors support.  If you are interested in guest-posting, be sure to reach out to us for requirements and guidelines!

- Meredith

The Lace-Up: Love It or Hate It?

// inspiration //
L to R // black // nude // burgundy
R to L // taupe // navy // magenta // fog gray

You know when you see one (luxurious) item and everything else just falls to the wayside?  Well, that is what happened when I first saw this wish-list item of suede Aquazurra flats.  They're staying on the fantasy fashions pinboard, though.  And, as a somewhat heel-hater, because I am trying to add more heels to my shoe collection, I've rounded up much more budget-friendly options with mid-to-high heels, depending on your preference.

What do you think of the lace-up trend?  If you love it, would you need to have the heel or prefer the more literal translation of a ballet flat?  Let us know by commenting below, or via twitter // instagram!

- Meredith

Who [Are Those] Gals: Nicole and Heather of Ku De Ta

One of our favorite places to shop, KuDeTa, is a name most of you must know from the South Boston location as a must-visit shopping venue.  We recently had the chance to talk with the owners at a local cafe.  It is amazing how quickly their brand has grown, and we look forward to supporting their successes, especially with recently-opened second location!  Read on for more! 

Nicole Cronin (L) and Heather O’Connell (R), KuDeTa

As told to JUGs July 23, 2014

Okay, this is probably the first thing people ask you, but we’re dying to know the story behind the name KuDeTa, do tell!

We were the first clothing store to open in South Boston.  So, the words “coup d'état” means “revolution,” and the tagline for our store is that “the fashion revolution starts here,” except it is usually spelled a different way, so to mess everyone up, we changed the spelling from the French way to Asian writing.  So, until we put up accessories and clothing next to our storefront logo, people, at first, thought we were a sushi restaurant!  

Please walk us through your backgrounds, and the joint decision to become business owners!

Nicole founded KuDeTa in 2006, and I had graduated from URI with my bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Merchandising and Design in 2007.  After graduating, I was working at a job that I didn’t like at all. One day I just couldn’t continue with my then job and literally just drove away. I drove to Southie and applied as a waitress at The Boston Beer Garden and walked across the street to apply at KuDeTa. I met Nicole and [then store General Manager] Molly.  Later that week I was brought in for an interview and was hired.  I started out very part-time, just three days a week as a Sales Associate.  From that, it grew to an Assistant Manager position then General Manager and eventually buyer/  When the opportunity came to open a second location, Nicole offered me an option to partner with her in Chestnut Hill, which I couldn’t pass up!

So, how it all started for me was I didn’t go to school for fashion, I went for liberal arts.  I always loved fashion, I always loved looking at magazines.  After college, I was bartending, making great money and told myself I just had to grow up.  I  got my real estate license and figured this is what I’m going to do, make a big sale [and be happy doing that].  Then, on the weekends, I found myself sitting down with fashion magazines.  My husband would say to me, “You know, you really need to read the real estate section, this is what you do now.  But, if you want to do something else just go with it and I’ll support you.”  I knew I didn’t want to read the real estate section, so one day driving through Southie, he said to me “Go with it and do it now, or don’t do it at all” (referring to opening a boutique).  So it was a huge, huge risk, to go for it, so but I did, and now we’ve been in business for eight (!) years.  Heather and I just have such a great harmony.  I can completely trust Heather to run the store, and she is part of the reason we opened the new location.  Plus, we’d love to expand more, 4, 5 stores, maybe even a private label!  We want to be trying new things and expanding our brand.  We’re not buying for 100 Heathers, or all Nicoles, we’re buying for every type of girl. There are so many different styles meshed into one store.  

We think you were one of the leaders in turnaround of East Broadway (back in 2006), not an easy task!  How did you decide on boutique locations, in Southie and now in Chestnut Hill?

From the beginning, the South Boston community was super supportive of KuDeTa.  Back in ‘06 when I opened the store I did so because there was nowhere to shop in South Boston. I could see that it was something the community needed. If you wanted to go shopping you had to take a cab, bus or train downtown. Opening KuDeTa made it easy for girls to stop in and grab a last-minute outfit for a night on the town or a gift or whatever they may have needed that night. As we grew so did our brands and labels we carried and we became more of a shopping destination for women not only in South Boston but also throughout the city. We were able to bring downtown styles to South Boston, so now women don’t have to go far from home to shop designer brands and the latest trends.  The developers of The Street actually approached us. We’ve always talked of expansion but it was a question of where was the right fit for us. After many meetings, research and planning we decided that The Street would be perfect for KuDeTa.  There’s still a feel of small business (Polka Dog Bakery, Portobello Road) as well as national brands (Lululemon, Intermix), which creates an incredible mix in one intimate location.

Starting where we did has prepared us for what has come now, and we’re constantly trying to grow our client base in CH just as we did in Southie, which we know takes a lot of work, but know it’s worthwhile.  We’ve already had return customers within our first month of opening in Chestnut Hill and look forward to continuing to grow the store and brand. So far, so good!

How do you feel each store location caters to its local demographic?  

South Boston has more moderate price points in comparison to Chestnut Hill.  When we decided to go into The Street, being able to keep prices moderate was a major factor in store #2.  South Boston is a more a mix of young professionals, whereas in Chestnut Hill we’re able to elevate our price point a little bit and bring in lines such as 525 America (a great knitwear line), Bella Dahl (huge Celeb following) and Mother Denim. Plus a lot of Australian brands like Lovers and Friends and Keepsake for more edge, and a higher price point.  It’s been fun to bring in pieces that we may not have thought about offering before.  In the same breath, it’s been great to test the waters in Southie first and see how things are so relevant to our customer base.  

Who do you look to for inspiration, either personal or business-related?

I would say Kate Moss, I’ve always loved the way she dresses. My family inspires me to work hard, I learned a great work ethic from my mom and dad.  Nicole has definitely guided me. I was a just a little one in the beginning, all wide-eyed.  I also learned a lot from Molly, the former General Manager, who laid a lot of the company’s foundation.  I also get a lot of inspiration from media, in seeing what other people are doing, like other Boston boutiques; there is such a great synergy!  When you see others doing great things, it makes you want to do the same, it’s really a healthy competition.  Just like our boutique neighbors in both locations, it’s inspirational!

What are your favorite aspects of your work?  Least favorite?

We both think being your own boss is awesome, although also challenging since everything falls on your shoulders. I feel like I’m always glued to my phone making sure everything is running smoothly at the store but I want to be available as a resource, too.

We must applaud you on your low-pressure approach to customer service. Too often, local boutiques have snobby or pushy team members representing their personal brand, which is a real turn off to the shopping experience.  How did you establish this with those you employ?

That’s been my goal from the beginning.  When women walk in, we welcome them and generally suggest they browse, and after trying something, they seek our opinion, and we’re able to naturally help women feel like their very best self. I’ve had customers say that coming in to shop at KuDeTa is the best part of their day, and I try to keep that in the back of my head when helping customers. We just like to have fun and want people to feel comfortable, I think that resonates at both our stores.  Even if you want to come in for a chat, we’re here for you!  

From your website, we saw that you host Girls’ Night Out, that sounds so fun!  Tell us more!

We host Girls’ Night Out sessions during the week, from 7-9 at our Southie location. We provide wine, hors d'oeuvres and 20% off all store merchandise and you just need to have 10 women minimum, which is our one requirement. We have a lot of customers who do it every season, we’ll put on your favorite music and just run with it. In Chestnut Hill we close a bit later, so we’re still finalizing hours, updates will be on our website.

What do you see next for KuDeTa?

We definitely want to open more stores, continue looking into doing a private label and

anything to brand ourselves as a business.  Anything is possible! We’re never going to stray from who we are. Of course right now, we’re focused on Chestnut Hill, then we’ll be taking over the world!

Any fashion predictions for the future of Boston style?

Boston is constantly evolving, there is an influx of young, interesting people. With all the European influences, we’re ever-changing. The city is growing so much, and we’re going to see a big influence in that.  People are having more fun with style than before. I think we’re going to see different types of styles than what we’re used to, more experimentation. 


Are there any upcoming promotions we can let our readers in on?

Your readers can sign up via our website for the latest updates as well as social media.  We’re also on Boutikey, which is a great way to find out about flash sales.

JUGs Quickies:

Favorite line/item that you carry

Pink Martini is my favorite line right now, their piece have great flair.  I’m also a big denim fan, mostly True Religion and Mother.  Lovers and Friends is a great new line, too. Free People, I just love everything they do.  They have this white dress with black embroidery that definitely makes me feel like a “10,” it is killer!  I also love Alternative Apparel for classic, simple back-to-basics, especially when it’s hot out!  Their prices are reasonable, too, for such great pieces.

Favorite food spot/watering hole in Southie

The Playwright // I’m a Lucky’s girl!

Favorite food spot/watering hole in Chestnut Hill

Davio’s // Del Frisco’s, they have a great number of options for vegetarians!

Most inspiring female to you today

Vivienne Starlite, 3, she’s my best friend (and daughter)! // My mother. And if we’re going non-personal, I’m a big Oprah fan.

Last book you read (our blog initially started as a book club):  

The First Phone Call From Heaven, by Mitch Albom, I just love all of his books! // All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner, it was a great summer read, and the author has ties to New England, which is always relatable.

Dream brand collaboration

Red Valentino // Samantha Wills (Australian jewelry designer on my radar), found via Instagram

What are you waiting for?! Get yourself to one of KuDeTa's fabulous locations today!

- Meredith

photos courtesy of KuDeTa's instagram page and website

Dreamy Denim from Urban Outfitters

As avid readers of the stylish blog, They All Hate Us, we JUGs have become quite the fans of distressed denim and how veristile the look can be. Paired with a peplum top and heels and you're shabby chic glam. Paired with sneakers and a comfy tee or sweater and your the real American girl. 

So, what's not to love? Um, making them! If you're like me, I hate buying jeans and trying to distress them myself. Not only is there the risk factor in the possibility of wasting money on your newly ruined pair of jeans, but it also takes a lot of effort and generally comes out looking forced. 

Luckily this fall Urban Outfitters has the answer to our distressed denim dreams. With numerous options of BDG ripped jeans (all under $100), we're set for fall. My top picks to buy: this white pair and this light wash pair.  

I can't wait for tailgate season. I'm busting out the white pair with a comfy gray sweater and my black slip on vans, fo' sho!

- Suzanne

Fall Flats

From left to right:

Obsession Rules Lindy Flats, $29  //  Seychelles Well Known Flats, $90  //  Nine West Byteme Peep Toe Flats, $69  //  Nine West Speak Up Pointy Toe Flats, $79  //  Report Simka, $80

Forever 21 Laser Cut Loafers, $20  //  Steve Madden Cecile, $79  //  DV by Dolce Vita Geo, $79  // Halogen Kylie Flat, $52

- Suzanne

Hustlin'

It's hard to compete with some of the "dream desks" shown on Pinterest as not everyone works from home, has an unlimited budget or has a cute office. In fact many of us have budgets or other common constrictions like close proximity to others and maybe even a really ugly cubicle. But no matter the desk set up or the location, we can all admit that work can take a toll on oneself and we all need to create our personal "happy zones" in order to get through the day. 

I think some of the best remedies to uplift an exhausted work spirit is some perspective, organization and spunk. Perspective can remind you that whatever your latest work drama, it is not the end of the world, organization can make it easier to tackle the next task and a little spunk can make you smile through even the most mundane tasks. 

Here are some of my top picks as of late towards achieving a clean, organized, peaceful and uplifting work spirit:

1 // Be Present Print from shopampersand $40

2 // Rifle Paper Co Botanical Desk Calendar $16

3 // Poppin Desktop Set $51

4 // Poppins Signature Ballpoint Pens $12 

5 // Just Sayin' Post It's $4

6 // All Seeing Eye Hand Amulet from mudpuppy $48

7 // Metallic mason jars with succulents $17

8 // Arrow file folders $10

- Suzanne

Daily Read: Date Eats

Us JUGs have respect for sarcasm and it always feels like a win when you find others that feel the same way.  When I came across the blog DateEats last week, I was instantly hooked and immediately read each post.  As someone in the singles "scene," dating opinions tend to be heavy since it is a pretty serious topic.  The (anonymous?) author of DateEats, however, refreshingly sheds some humor on dating in Boston.

The author, "Chief" also rates restaurants in recommending them as date venues for his readers, which is always helpful advice, especially for a first date, in addition to remembering this. Other favorite tips of mine are here, here and here, great examples of why manners are so important and valued.  I had to laugh reading this, because this happened to me on a first date and was one of the main reasons why I didn't want to see the guy again (don't get my wrong, I respect getting a bargain, but the mention of the discount 4x was overkill).

Now, I have to wonder, with the blog continuing, "Chief" must still be single, right?!  Even if he's been scooped up, let's hope the snarky reviews and recommendations keep coming!  With all of the North End mentions, it's tough to find something I do not like about this blog.  Whether you need ideas on where to dine, or a guy's perspective on the beast that is dating, or simply want a laugh, bookmark it today!

- Meredith

all photos from DateEats

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

left: vest // tank // capris // kicks
center: headphones // watch // brush set // crossbody
right: leather moto jacket // chambray // jeans // pumps // booties

Truth be told, I'm not blown away by this year's selection from the Anniversary sale at Nordstrom.  However, with a careful eye, you can find some staples to take you from summer to fall and day to night.  The main thing I do like about the sale is that former prices are posted so you can blatantly see your savings, which end August 4th!  Which item(s) are you thinking of picking up?

- Meredith

Easy Breezey Summer Style

Sunglasses:  Super $269 //  t-shirt: Madewell $30  //   skirt: Urban Outfitters $29  //
sandals:  Steve Madden $100

Giveaway: The $50 Home Makeover

Win this book!

Just Us Gals is giving away Shaunna West's new book, The $50 Home Makeover. West is the writer and designer behind one of my favorite DIY and decor blogs, Perfectly Imperfect, a blog full of tutorials and decorating tips for creating the perfect and livable home.

Shaunna also writes for Country Living and for Houzz.com. She and her blog have been featured on The Nate Berkus Show, as well as in  Flea Market Style, HouseBeautiful, Apartment Therapy, and Design Sponge.

The $50 Home Makeover offers 75 fun and creative projects (all under $50) that will help give any space a stylish, modern look—without having to blow your budget, including:
• Step-by-step instructions with full-color photographs.
• A key to denote how long a project takes, how much it costs, and the level of difficulty.
• Before-and-after photos of the finished product.

From an Antique Door Table to Reclaimed Wood Wall Art, each DIY project will beautify your space in unexpected ways, and you'll finally get to make those big improvements that you've wanting to.

H O W   T O   W I N

• Follow JustUsGals on Instagram and Twitter.
• Leave a comment below! Tell us what your latest DIY home makeover project was.

Good luck!
The contest winner will be announced via Twitter on Tuesday, July 22 at noon.

Summertime Sleepwear

paisley // striped set // navy chemise
lace trim // eyelet set // citrus slip

So, we're in July now, and it. is. hot.  Now is not the time for college t-shirts, sometimes that cotton is just still too hot.  Instead, try silky, light, fabrics that won't hurt that sunburn from earlier in the day, and are not too heavy when under the covers in an AC-induced slumber.

Which is your pick for the best summer sleepwear piece(s) in order to keep cool?

- Meredith

Week of June 30

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F I T N E S S 

Only a few days left to get your bikini bod ready for the Fourth of July weekend! Try out the free Bootcamp Fitness and Zumba classes at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End. Or if those aren't your thing checkout these 3 Up and Coming Fitness Trends (including one of our favorite workouts). 

Thinking about making a diet change? Going Vegetarian Can Cut Your Diet's Carbon Footprint in Half!

C A R E E R

• How to Save $100K to Buy an Apartment
• How to Live the Good Life on a Budget 
• 7 Reasons to Become Financially Fearless

L O N G  W E E K E N D

Whether you are staying in town for the fireworks or going on a mini vaca this week, it is sure to be a festive and exciting 4th of July. Make sure to pack right for the weekend - don't forget sunscreen and a copy of Cuckoo's Calling which is our next Book Club read! 

If you don't have plans yet, register for one of these awesome parties in the city!

- Cameron