DailyCandy Boston

11 Things Bodkin Designer Eviana Hartman Is Loving Right Now

2010-02-09T08:30:00Z

An organic list of loves from an ecochic designer.

So Flocking Cute

2010-02-08T16:00:00Z

Quail Bridal Launches

When it comes to the bride choosing frocks for her maids, all they’ve really got is a wing and a prayer.

Which is all they’ll need now that Quail has a new collection of dresses just for the occasion.

A passion project for L.A.-based designer Michelle Williams, the festive line balances its fashion-forward sensibility with classic silhouettes for the kind of dress you’re bound to wear again (yes, for serious, promise).

But the awesomeness doesn’t stop there: Williams is ready and willing to accommodate outrageous requests (say, match the trim color to a sentimental T-shirt) at a price that’s easy to swallow (from $200).

So go ahead and start with the strapless A-line, double-tier skirt, and sweetheart top in silk florettes or organza. She’ll happily tweak designs along the way to suit your style.

Because that puce poly number sure was for the birds.

Available online at quailbridal.com. To see styles, check out our gallery here. Maids who purchase a dress in February will automatically enter the bride to win a free getaway dress of her choice from the collection.

We’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away a dream wedding — worth a whopping $100,000 — to one lucky couple. To enter, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimatewedding.

Bird Watching

2010-02-08T15:59:00Z

Quail Bridal is a passion project for L.A.-based designer Michelle Williams, and the festive line balances its fashion-forward sensibility with classic silhouettes for the kind of dress you’re bound to wear again.

Suitor Up

2010-02-08T09:00:00Z

Suitor Personalized Stationery and Calling Cards

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of a VP title, that brown-eyed handsome hunk in marketing, and a butt like Jessica Biel’s.

You want it all.

Add to the list Suitor, a new line of personalized stationery and calling cards, as well as folded notes that convey “Hi,” “Because,” or “Thanks a ton.”

Designer Jessica Murnane took the old-fashioned notion of a man courting a woman by leaving a calling card or writing beautiful love letters and gave it a crisp, contemporary twist for all occasions.

She starts with thick, bright white stock and finishes with classic letterpress fonts in black ink. The result is a unisex collection that is sophisticated and understated.

Be warned: It costs a pretty penny.

Then again, you can’t put a price on happiness.

Available online at suitorlife.com.

It’s your biting cynicism that we love most. That’s why we made you this special Anti-Valentine’s Day guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Suitor

7 Anti-Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

2010-02-07T15:30:00Z

Here's the Plan

2010-02-07T07:45:00Z

What to Do This Week

It’s the sweetest thing.

INDULGE
Valentine’s Dessert + Wine Pairing
What: How2Heroes whips up delectables like chocolate raspberry mini-cupcakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries to match Central Bottle’s dessert wines.
Why: They’re the perfect couple.
When: Tues., 6-8 p.m.
Where: Central Bottle Wine + Provisions, 196 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square (617-225-0040).

SEE
In the Mood for Love
What: Start your engines with a complimentary screening of the uber-romantic 2000 Wong Kar-wai film starring Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung.
Why: Free love.
When: Tues., 7 p.m.
Where: Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, 24 Quincy St., Cambridge (617-495-4700).

EAT
Fins to Gills
What: B&G Oysters takes sustainable eating to the high seas with tapas-style offerings like octopus torchon, salmon belly bacon, and smoked trout pate.
Why: Come out of your shell.
When: Sun. & Mon., 5-10 p.m.
Where: 550 Tremont St., South End (617-423-0550).

PLAN
V-Day Menu from Healthy Habits Kitchen
What: Dodge the cheesy couples by ordering in a romantic meal (think cherry- and apple-braised pork medallions and brandied shrimp).
Why: Mention DailyCandy for $5 off.
When: Order by Feb. 9.
Where: 36 Washington St., ste. 2, Wellesley (781-235-6325).

SAVOR
Candy Box Cake from Sweet Cupcakes
What: Treat your mom/lover/own damn self to a heart-shaped cake (red velvet, chocolate, or vanilla) containing tiny fondant sweets.
Why: Think outside the Russell Stover box.
When: Order by Feb. 10 to orders@sweetcupcakes.com.
Where: 49 Massachusetts Ave., Back Bay (617-247-2253); Zero Brattle St., Harvard Square (617-547-2253).

Jacket Required

2010-02-05T14:15:00Z

Guy French Jackets Launch

Guys have it so easy. They throw on a blazer and — just like that — they’re dressed for a party.

But girls in Guy French have it easier. The brand-new line of jackets makes you feel pretty and put together.

Inspired by and named after women the founders know and admire, the first collection consists of nine pieces. There’s Camille, a gray relaxed wool and silk number with roll-up sleeves that perfectly embodies a Parisian who works in crisis management, and Christine, a structured style comprised of navy wool with an attached silk scarf collar for drama.

All handmade and available via e-mail or at one of the upcoming trunk shows, prices range from $275-$470, which is more than reasonable for such craftsmanship.

You should have no problem manning up.

To order, e-mail sales@guyfrench.com. To see styles and trunk show dates (under “Purchase”), go to guyfrench.com.

Take cover: It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Peruse our lingerie arsenal to organize your panty raid.

Photo: Courtesy of Guy French

Lingerie Look Book: 25 Reasons to Undress

2010-02-05T00:00:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2010-02-04T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Take a breather.

RELAX
Yantra Mats
What: The cotton creations are lined with 8,820 tiny pressure points designed to improve circulation and increase mental clarity. There’s talk they may even help with metabolism, too.
Why: It hurts so good.
Where: Online at yantraway.com.

BUY
Layer Cake Shop
What: Girly e-boutique stocked with everything you could ever need for baking, from cookie cutters and food coloring to doilies and toppers.
Why: Get baked.
Where: Online at layercakeshop.com.

SUPPORT
Help Haiti Art Fundraiser
What: Popular blog Booooooom has compiled great artwork from Betsy Walton, Hannah Stouffer, Gemma Correll, and more — all of whom have pledged to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Haitian charities.
Why: Raise the roofs.
Where: Online at booooooom.com.

USE
SarcMark
What: Download it for $1.99 to indicate when you’re being sarcastic in e-mails or over IM. That’s a small price to pay for keeping friends.
Why: Like you’d even get it.
Where: Online at sarcmark.com.

WEAR
Gel Lip Stains
What: Tarte’s newest product supposedly increases the moisture content in your lips by 6,000 percent – so your pouters appear plumper and healthier.
Why: Kiss, kiss.
Where: Online at sephora.com.

LISTEN
Concrete Jungle
What: The super-smart Nigerian/German singer Nneka just released her first U.S. album. You might recognize “The Uncomfortable Truth” from one of our videos.
Why: Hip-hop hop, and you don’t stop.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Yantra Mat

The Weekend Guide

2010-02-04T11:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

You can dance if you want to.

BOOGIE
Salsa Thursdays at Masa
What: Hoof off the flautas and margaritas to the deejayed sounds of old-school and contemporary Latin rhythms.
Why: Newbies can take free lessons courtesy of Salsa Boston.
When: Thurs., 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: 439 Tremont St., South End (617-338-8884).

SEE
Nirva Trunk Show
What: Local designer Nirva Derbekyan offers a sneak peek of her beauteous spring frocks.
Why: Free bubbly and Hotel Chocolat truffles sweeten the deal.
When: Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Stil, The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill (617-527-7845).

NIBBLE
Finally Friday Menu at Clink
What: Fuel up for the evening’s festivities with well-priced apps like veal and ricotta meatball sliders, steamed mussels with fennel and bacon, and $1.50 oysters.
Why: Better early than never.
When: Fri., 3-8 p.m.
Where: 215 Charles St., Beacon Hill (617-224-4004).

SAVE
Union Park Street Winter Sale
What: South End neighbors Michelle Willey, Looc, Aunt Sadie’s, Gracie Finn, and Old Japan join forces to offer 10-75 percent discounts on clothing and home accessories.
Why: Celebrate the joyous union.
When: Sat. & Sun.
Where: 8-22 Union Park St.

SHOP
Cabin Fever Indie Gift Show
What: Hunt for creative V-Day prezzies from clothing and pottery to stationery, courtesy of 70 local artisans.
Why: They’re crafty, and they’re just your type.
When: Fri., 6-9 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 460c Harrison Ave., South End. Free parking at 385 Albany St.

Photo: AFP / Getty Images

Write On, Wanderer

2010-02-03T17:00:00Z

HazelMail Virtual Postcard Service

Hi bunny!

Paris rocks. Dinners at Itinéraires, late nights at Curio Parlor, crashing at glam Park Hyatt. For someone who’s not working or meeting with clients or going to the gym, I sure am busy.

So busy there’s no time to buy postcards or find stamps. Which is why I’m sending this postcard from my BlackBerry. Cool, right? (I took this photo crossing the Louvre last night.)

I’m using HazelMail, an app (yeah, another damn app) that turns my photos into postcards. I choose a pic, add a background and border, pick a font, write the message, et voila: a real live postcard delivered to your door. Works for iPhones, too.

It costs a few bucks, but HazelMail has cheaper bundle rates. And it’s worth it — so much more personal than a crap tourist shot of the Eiffel Tower. And no mad scramble at the airport to find a postbox.

All to tell you how much I wish you were here.

Available online at hazelmail.com.

Going somewhere? Not without stopping by the Travel Desk first, you’re not. Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

And did someone say sales? To London, Belize, and Bali? Why, yes! Someone said DailyCandy’s Winter Travel Sales, to be precise.

Felt Up

2010-02-03T14:15:00Z

Fiat Luxe Felted Soaps

The last time you lathered up with a hirsute showering buddy, you felt far from clean.

Wash away that lingering grossness with a new fuzzy friend: Fiat Luxe’s felted soap.

Wrapped in naturally antifungal wool, the fragrant bathing beauties act as cleansing agent and washcloth in one.

Energize with hand-grated amber resin from India, soothe skin with the vibrant calendula citrus blend, or refresh your senses with lavender buds.

As you scrub, the felt magically shrinks along with the soap, reshaping the miniature works of art. Once you’ve whittled your way down, simply slit the colorful casing and insert a new bar.

The result?

Sudsy balls you can’t wait to get your hands on.

Available online at fiatluxedesigns.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Fiat Luxe

Heart-Shaped Deals

2010-02-02T16:00:00Z

From us. To you.

19 Gifts for Your Valentine

2010-02-02T14:00:00Z

Shooting practice with Cupid in an hour? Ready, aim, fire away.

That's What She Wed

2010-02-01T14:15:00Z

DailyCandy Weddings Launches

Dearly Beloved Readers,

We’re here on bended knee, finally ready to pop the question: Wanna join DailyCandy Weddings? It’s a new weekly e-mail hopelessly devoted to your big day.

Take the leap and you’ll receive unconventional inspiration (boozy snow cones, modern ketubahs), floral trends (rhinestone bouquets), and new designers (bridesmaid frocks you’ll actually wear again). We’ll keep you prenuptually preoccupied with fresh ideas on how to make your wedding day, well, yours.

To sweeten the deal, we’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away an Ultimate Wedding — with a whopping $100,000 budget — to one lucky couple. The day of perfection will be brilliantly organized by our favorite A-list planner, Jo Gartin.

Love is forever, but the clock is ticking, so hop to.

It’s vow or never.

To sign up for DailyCandy Weddings, go to dailycandy.com/weddings. To enter the Ultimate Wedding contest, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimate wedding.

In It to Win It

2010-02-01T06:00:00Z

Enter the Ultimate Wedding Contest

Choreographed ceremony entrances. Morning weddings. Slutty bridal gowns.

Some decisions should be left to the experts. If you win the Ultimate Wedding contest, yours could be in the capable hands of an A-list planner.

We’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel to give away a dream wedding — worth a whopping $100,000 — to one lucky couple. This day of perfection will be organized by Jo Gartin, who’s planned the nuptials of Kate Walsh, Elizabeth Banks, and an upcoming Bachelor (so she can handle even the most demanding leading lady).

To enter, answer three questions and upload a photo on Crate & Barrel’s website by March 31, 2010. Couples are encouraged to run their own marketing campaigns; the 50 finalists will be those with the most votes. A panel will then select the lucky Mr. & Mrs.

Gartin will bring the winners’ Ultimate Wedding to life — from designing invitations, choosing a locale, and setting the scene to creating a menu and picking a band.

You’re welcome. This one’s on us.

To enter, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimatewedding.

Here's the Plan

2010-01-31T11:00:00Z

What to Do This Week

Wintertime and the livin’ is cheesy.

NOSH
Nacho Average Monday
What: Chef Brian Poe reinvents the king of bar snacks with crazy innovative toppings (fried clams, applewood bacon salsa).
Why: You’re a nacho, nacho woman.
When: Mon., 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake, 384 Boylston St., Back Bay (617-859-8555).

INDULGE
From Glam to Gourmet
What: Get a weekday blowout at Leon and Co., then flit down the street for a prix fixe meal at Il Casale (both for $75).
Why: You’re all tressed up with somewhere to go.
When: Tues. Blowout, 3-5 p.m.; dinner, 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Leon and Co., 84 Leonard St., Belmont (617-484-4777); Il Casale, 50 Leonard St., Belmont (617-209-4942).

SAMPLE
Quartet of New England Vineyards
What: Learn the joys of drinking local (Newport Vineyards, Westport Rivers) during Ashmont Grill’s weekly four-course wine club dinner.
Why: There’s no place like home.
When: Mon., 6:30 p.m.
Where: 555 Talbot Ave., Dorchester (617-825-4300).

SHOP
Luna Boston Clearance Sale
What: Nab still-of-the-moment bags, shoes, and accessories from Botkier, Cynthia Vincent, and Modern Vintage at up to 75 percent off.
Why: Mention DailyCandy and get an extra 10 percent markdown thru Thurs.
When: While supplies last.
Where: 205 Newbury St., Back Bay (617-262-3900).

LISTEN
Haitian Earthquake Victims Benefit Concert
What: Eleven local bands (Freerider, Gold Star Morning) gather for a fund-raising effort with apps and a silent auction.
Why: The $15 cover goes to the American Red Cross.
When: Wed., 6 p.m.-1 a.m.,
Where: Precinct, 70 Union Square, Somerville (617-623-9211).

Photo: ginnerobot / Flickr

Flower Power

2010-01-29T21:00:00Z

Roses are red and violets are blue, but all you want is an aesthetic that’s just right for you. Whether you’re an earth angel or a haute hipster, there’s a floral focus to suit your style.

The Wedding Planner

2010-01-29T18:45:01Z

Wedding planner extraordinaire Jo Gartin is a master at setting the scene. (She even wrote a book on it.) So we went to her for advice on how to bring the day you’ve fantasized about to life.

Put a Sock on It

2010-01-29T14:15:00Z

Chair Personality Socks

Overheard in your dining room …

Floor: Hey new chair, you’re looking mighty sturdy.

Chair: You’re quite polished yourself. Should we do something about it? (Wink.)

Floor: Not unless you use protection, mister!

Chair: I wouldn’t even think about touching you without my new Personality Socks. They fit snugly around my legs, and they’re thick — so I won’t make a mark on you that could last forever.

Floor: Phew. And I see they come in stripes, tube, or argyle designs.

Chair: For your pleasure.

Available online at charlesandmarie.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Chris & Ruby