Newport: Boutique Hopping, Holiday Shopping

My holiday shopping has gone really well so far this season--if only I was just as productive when it came to finishing my homework! Here's a walk through of what I have bought so far, as well as my boutique hopping activities from today:

Yesterday (Thursday)

I went to Closet Revival off Broadway in between classes. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my class-heavy days, so I usually don't go off campus till after, but I had the sudden urge to go for a drive that led me to a store (of course!). I found two handsome plaid scarves that are 1970s vintage revivals. I kidnapped my father's old scarf, which is of the same period, and it's quite stylish. 

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The total cost for both scarves would have been $35, but the owner was kind and took $5 off.

Today (Friday)

My boutique hopping started immediately after work. Apothecary Newport was my first stop--I had a complimentary makeup application by Olivia, a Stila makeup artist. I am a devout customer of Bare Escentuals when it comes to the basics--foundation, blush, bronzer, powder--but I have been looking for a line that has eye makeup that stays in place. Olivia used the "in the know" eye shadow palette to create the smokey eye look. She also used nude lipstick and gloss, a look I have always averted, but it added a nice softness to my complexion. 

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The Big Reveal

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I did not end up buying the products Olivia used for the makeover, but I definitely took notes. Before I left Apothecary, I picked up my go-to bareMinerals Blemish Therapy and got a holiday goody bag filled with beauty samples. 

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Holiday sets by bareMinerals!

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Beauty samples from bareMinerals and Mario Badescu and a copy of Newport Life Magazine

After a mini-study break to read Guy de Maupassant's Bel-Ami, I was happy to figure out that it was the Bellevue Holiday Stroll to promote small business holiday shopping, so I made a spontaneous stop at Laura Jean Denim Shop. Since I will be writing an article about the boutique next week, it seemed like a good idea to stop in and familiarize myself with the luxury brands sold there. There was a cute knit sweater dress by MinkPink I tried on and put on a wishlist at the store. I also talked with Laura Flynn, the owner, and the other boutique associates over hot cider and Christmas cookies before heading out to meet a few friends at Starbucks.

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From Starbucks, we went to a holiday shopping party at Jack Wills. I have been really good about buying local lately, but there is something about Jack Wills that I still cannot resist--it's amazing! I bought a gift for my boyfriend and received a holiday goody bag with a set of headphones, a beanie, and a wallet. 

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My boyfriend wanted to know what he got for Christmas--he'll have to wait 25 more days to find out!

Today is definitely marked as one of the most successful days of shopping in Newport, or most successful day of shopping period. 

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Today's Outfit

Wilton: Some Retail Therapy and Eating Real Food

Today was amazing for several reasons. The first being that my chipmunk cheeks have nearly disappeared, which made me socially presentable. The second was the realization I could lightly chew French toast, which meant that I could start eating real food. The third was knowing my parents and I were going to the mall in the afternoon.

I remembered the emotional benefits of retail therapy--it truly does wonders to lift up spirits.

To my father's dismay, my mom and I spent more time shopping than he would have liked, but my mom and I scored great deals at Bare Escentuals, Victoria's Secret, and Forever 21. I am currently obsessing over the red jacket from Forever 21.

We ate lunch at Brio, an Italian restaurant next to The Cheesecake Factory. It was a perfect day to sit outside and enjoy the last days of summer. I ordered salmon and angel hair pasta for an entree. For dessert, my mom and I split a small creme brulee.

Needless to say, I was happy to have a nice meal with my parents outside of the house. Eating Ramen noodles and organic applesauce in bed can only sustain a girl with a fierce appetite for food and adventure for so long.

I want to try to get a head start reading some novels for school--Madame Bovary has been on my reading list for a few years--but whether or not I actually will is debateable. 

Lace Back Cardigan, Gap; Halter Top, Energie; Shorts, Banana Republic

Neon eye shadows from the Bare Escentuals beauty counter

More neon colors at Victoria's Secret

Shoe-gasm at Forever 21

Brio

"Grilled Salmon and Angel Hair Pasta with tomatoes, green onions, asparagus, pesto, and scampi butter sauce "

Creme Brulee

One of the reasons why I love Victoria's Secret, because of all of the freebies and discounts. I received a free pair of  underwear, a $10.00 discount off a bra, and a free T shirt with the bra. Not bad.

Red Blazer, Forever 21, $27.80

Apothecary Newport

Beauty Boutique and Spa Relocates Closer to Salve

Apothecary Newport moves to Memorial Blvd.

Apothecary Newport is now a few trolley stops closer to Salve! The boutique known for its fun and upbeat experience moved from Broadway Street into a larger space down Memorial Boulevard next to Jimmy’s Saloon and past 7/11.

The new location has two floors that accommodate both spa and retail services.  The second floor is solely dedicated to spa services such as waxing and facials. Apothecary’s spa director, Haley Gill, says the additional space upstairs will help the business grow.  Already, Apothecary has added an airbrush tanning service using St. Tropez products as seen on the reality television show, The Hills. Gill also says that massage will be an available service. “Before, we could not offer massage […] but now we have the staff to do so.”   

On the retail floor, Apothecary offers makeup applications and sells a range of beauty products and small accessories. Some of the makeup brands Apothecary sells include Bare Escentuals, stila, The Balm, and Julie Hewitt lipstick. The boutique also carries skincare lines Mario Badescu, Murad, and REN skincare.  More additions to the first floor are soon to come. There will be a new lash and brow bar where girls can choose different color eyelashes for special occasions. Gill says the lashes “will be great for the holidays” for adding an extra touch in the evening.    

The boutique makes a great effort to treat every client’s individual beauty needs, including those of Salve students. “Between the ages of 18 and 24 your skin goes through many changes and we have an educated helpful staff that can work with students on all their skin care needs,” says Jenni Graham, Apothecary’s owner.  “Our makeup artists are up on all the trends so we teach girls how to do a smokey eyes and what lip colors compliment their skin the most.” Apothecary also offers Salve students a 15% off discount on all services Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Despite the move, Apothecary Newport maintains the spa atmosphere that customers will recognize.   The local convenience combined with what Gill describes as that “home feeling when you walk in” truly makes the boutique special. Their new bubbly pink space adds to the girl-to-girl experience Apothecary Newport wants every customer to benefit from.  Upcoming events at Apothecary Newport include their grand opening holiday party on Friday, December 9th and a Black Friday sales event.

Apothecary Newport

Beauty Boutique and Spa

39 Memorial Blvd, Newport RI 02840

401.324.6253

“Feel beautiful. Look Stunning.”

To stay updated on any special promotions and events, check out their website and “like” their Facebook page.