Fall Footwear Shopping at Matt Bernson

The shoe fits at Tribeca-based footwear brand 

My first Matt Bernson purchase was late September at their Westport store during their end-of-summer sale. I needed a more durable, stylish pair of sandals, so I chose the black Athena leather sandal. It took one day at work to break-in the leather for a comfortable fit.

With this in mind, it only made sense to go back to Matt Bernson for fall/winter footwear.

I've been holding off fall shoe shopping for at least two years because I haven't been able to find anything that looks different from the rest. Every fashion girl has the basic black Chelsea boots and the white Adidas sneakers, but I've been holding out for something else.

I need shoes that stretch to accommodate the top part of my feet, which have widened from running on the sales floor over the years. The black leather Baez boot has a matte, oil finish that lends its stretch. 

The white Phantom sneakers took a few nights to think over. How practical are white sneakers in New England weather? 

... 

When it comes down to it, aesthetic practicality is irrelevant for these shoes. They are comfortable. Besides, the bold oxblood suede chevron adds a unique detail that stands out for the right reasons.

I bought the sneakers during their Black Friday sale, but the brand is holding a major 50% off sale on their website using the code "CYBER50"—check it out!

Find of the Week | 23

I didn't go out on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but I made up for it on Sunday...

Shopping on Sunday actually works out, because most businesses end up extending their sales from Black Friday or Small Business Saturday through the weekend and the craziness dies down. I shopped small at The Apothecary Newport, Kristina Richards Studio, and Maison DNA, then went to Gap and Jack Wills for chain stores. Here are the goodies I scored on my mini shopping spree...

I needed a new laptop case--there's actually a cute strapless dress in the same print. 

Thornaby 13-inch Laptop Case, available at Jack Wills

I've been looking for new heels to wear to do double-duty at the office and after-hours. Now that Kristina Richards Studio has turned her Newport location as an outlet store for the winter, I had to stop in and see what shoes were on sale...

Cynthia Vincent Leopard Pointed-Toe Pumps, available at Kristina Richards Studio

The Apothecary Newport had a lot of great deals going on throughout the weekend, including discounts on a several popular skincare and makeup lines, as well as specials on gift cards. I picked up a new perfume and took advantage of two gift card offers.

Tocca "Florence" Travel Fragrance, available at The Apothecary Newport

I had intended to only pick up one pair of pants at Gap, but I ended up stocking up on dress socks and also bought a scarf. I bought a similar scarf last year and wore it death--I plan on doing the same with the new one.

Cozy Plaid Stripe Scarf in Vintage Navy, available at Gap

Slim Cropped Pants in Cast Iron, available at Gap

My two favorite things that I bought today are from Maison DNA, the vintage shop on Spring Street. I bought a vintage Pierre Cardin wallet and a vintage navy cable knit sweater that was made in Ireland for Deauville, France. A picture of the sweater on the ground doesn't do it justice, so I found a picture of a new cardigan that follows a similar concept... 

Pierre Cardin vintage wallet (1970s)

Photo Credit: Jennifer Skog (Three Bird Nest)

Newport/Narragansett/Wickford: Black Friday Deals

Go local this Black Friday! There are a ton of Facebook posts on holiday deals this weekend, so here is a list of Black Friday offers from my favorite boutiques in southern Rhode Island:

Source: google.com via Mia on Pinterest

Gossip, 16 Main Street in Wickford
Special Offers valid Friday, Saturday, Sunday:

• FREE $38 free people hairclip WITH ANY PURCHASE!
• FREE $68 top WITH $50 PURCHASE!
• FREE $168 coat WITH $200 PURCHASE!

Source: google.com via Mia on Pinterest

The Apothecary Newport, 39 Memorial Boulevard in Newport

Gift Card Specials valid Friday, Saturday

• 1 Hour Microdermabrasion Facial: Regularly $125, Friday/Saturday Gift Card Price $75 (limit 3 per customer)
• St Tropez Airbrush Tanning Session: Regularly $38, Friday Saturday Gift Card Price $20 (limit 5 per customer)
• 1 Hour Enzyme Facial and 1/2 Hour Massage: Regularly $125, Friday/Saturday Gift Card Price $85 (limit 3 per customer)
• 1 Hour Makeup Lesson: Regularly $75, Friday/Saturday Gift Card Price $38.
• Brazillan Bikini Wax or Extreme Bikini Wax: Regularly $55, Friday/Saturday Gift Card Price $38 (limit 3 per customer)

Source: google.com via Mia on Pinterest

Laura Jean Denim Shop, 198 Bellevue Avenue in Newport

Adriano Goldschmied (AG) Sale valid Friday only

• 50% off select AG 
• 10% off all full-price AG

Jack Wills, 170 Thames Street in Newport

Black Friday Sale, valid Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

• 30% off merchandise

Source: theinspirationroom.com via Emanuel on Pinterest

In addition to these retailers, here's a list some other businesses that support Small Business Saturday:

Narragansett/South Kingstown/Wakefield

One More Time Consignment

Brewed Awakenings Coffee

KC Shoes at the Pier

Nana's Gelato & Ice Cream and Candy Shop

Warm Winds Surf Shop

Turtle Soup Restaurant

Spa Mosaic

Bella Brow

Newport

Green Envy Boutique 

Sole Desire

Holy Smokes Smoke Shop

Shape Up Newport

Jane Pickens Theater

Closet Revival

White Horse Tavern

Kristina Richards

Mad Hatter Bakery

Cupcake Charlie's

Celebeautique Hair Salon & Spa

To find a list of businesses in your area that are supporting Small Business Saturday, please click here.

Shopping Green/Local/Fair Trade for Christmas 2012

Last year, I wrote a Christmas wish list that had nothing to do with local, Fair Trade, or green shopping whatsoever. This year, I hope to shop only local and/or green for the holidays and beyond.

To be honest, I have been refraining from shopping at clothing chain stores. I have browsed through so many stores during the semester, but I cannot bring myself to buy them because I don't know if I can trust their ethical practices in their clothing production. The only place where I have bought clothing in recent months is Wish Newport, the designer consignment boutique downtown.

With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday a few days away, here is my shopping plan for the weekend:

Crosswynds Traders, Narragansett, RI (local)- I haven't been in here for a while, but I will definitely want to look at their selection of Lucky Brand, Juicy Couture, and Urban Outfitters.

Green Envy Boutique, Newport, RI (local/green/Fair Trade)- This is where I plan on getting "smalls"--jewelry, tea, etc--for friends' gifts. Also, guilt-free shopping because it's an entirely sustainable boutique.

Wish Newport, Newport RI - Obviously.

Laura Jean Denim Shop, Newport, RI (local) - When I went in last week, there were beautiful cashmere sweaters, the cutest Frye boots, and the oh-so-perfect pairs of J Brand jeans. I plan on spending paycheck here on a cashmere sweater or a couple pairs of leggings. It will be so worth it.

Island Books, Newport, RI (local)- Picking out some new reads for my relatives and little cousins would be great. Probably my favorite bookstore.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Jack Wills, Newport, RI (green-ish)- I know they are technically a chain store, but they are a foundation member of the Ethical Trade Initiative, which makes me feel better shopping there... Also planning on spending a full paycheck here as well...

Source: jackwills.com via Mia on Pinterest

Renee Bowers of the Fair Trade Federation, whom I interviewed for my journalism assignment on Fair Trade, referred me to a holiday gift guide assembled by the Fair Trade Federation, which contains all sorts of beautiful Fair Trade certified products to give this season. The gift guide has categories ranging from home decor, women's apparel, bath and body and more.

Source: fairtradefederation.org via Mia on Pinterest

Some of the brands are very familiar--Guayaki Yerba Mate is listed with its mate gourd; Equal Exchange is listed with its organic spicy hot chocolate; One Mango Tree is listed with its hand-loomed scarves; and Dr. Bronner is listed with its organic body care products.

Other products listed include an eco-leather briefcase by Jolica, raw shea butter by Ojoba Collective and Gone Global Cruelty-Free Leather iPad Case by Handmade Expressions.

Green America also has a green holiday gift guide, which can be accessed by clicking here.

I hope that you consider shopping green this holiday season!

Black Friday Haul

This was the Black Friday weekend so far. I didn't wake up at 4am, but I was still able to get great deals in the afternoon yesterday and today. I also bought a few gifts for my family and my boyfriend, but here are some of the things I got for myself, check it out:

Jack Wills, Newport

Fishergate Passport Cover 

(retail $11.00)

~**~

Macy's

                                       

(Left) Coach Tasha Boot and (Right) Nine West Rocha Pump in Black

(Retail: $128.00, $79.00)

I also bought nude pumps by Style&co. and a black pinstripe suit, but couldn't find the pictures online.

~**~

aerie by American Eagle

(Right) Drew Push Up and (left) matching tanga in Turkish Blue 

(retail $44.50, $12.50)

(Left) Open Stitch Dolman in Sandstorm and (Right) Softest Cable Dolman in Red

(Retail: $39.50, $49.50)