June 2010 - Posts

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Boutique Blondie

• City-Chic Artist and Farmers Market

  Metro Market Atlanta - Artist and Farmers Market
  Buckhead Design Building
  June 26 - 27
  11a.m. - 5p.m.
  Free Admission

  Shopping is a favorite Summer pastime. Unfortunately, mixing the sweltering city heat with bright colors and tons of passersby can be a little less than relaxing. So what's a fashionable girl to do? Boutique Blondie recommends Metro Market Atlanta!
  

  Located in the old Buckhead Design Building, this indoor market is a haven of cool temps, hot fashion finds and farm-fresh foods! Modeled after a European street fair, the corridors are lined with artisan works and plenty of delightful dishes. Whether you're shopping for quirky pottery, statement-making accessories or hand-crafted furnishings, the Metro Market has it all.

  In addition to fantastic pieces, you can pick up organic and locally-sourced produce, recipes and gardening products. Care to get your hands dirty? Each week, the Market offers numerous demos and classes on everything from cupcake baking and DIY herb gardens to how-to yoga and dance. Classes fill up and quickly and prices vary, so check the schedule and register early.

  As an added bonus, the Market offers children's activities and classes. Tots of all ages will love the art, music and cake decorating classes as well as Mommy & Me yoga sessions.

  The Buckhead Design Building is located at 2133 Piedmont Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30324.

  Posted Jun 25 2010, 03:50 PM by Alyson Kate with 1 comment(s)

  Filed under: shopping, accessories, Atlanta, organic, fashion, pottery, food, classes, DIY, demos, herb garden, baking, Metro Market, farm-fresh, Lindbergh, Metro Market Atlanta, indoor, yoga, furnishings, hand-crafted, children, children’s activities, street fair, painting, Buckhead Design Building, dane, locally-sourced, produce, Artist and Farmers Market, Mommy & Me, cool temps, cupcake, gardening

• René René Boutique Injects Vintage Glam into Atlanta’s Closets

  René René
  Vintage-inspired dress boutique
  Little Five Points
  
  Breaking news: René René is the fabulous fashion find for hour-glass ladies! Tucked into the bustling heart of Little Five, this innovative designer has been an Atlanta mainstay for 23 years. Fitting sizes 2 through 12, every stitch is designed, manufactured and sold right here in the city.
  
  Infused with vintage inspiration, René's sleek silhouettes conjure images of old Hollywood glamour. Fashioned from carefully chosen fabrics, these original dresses skim and conceal just the right places, effortlessly highlighting your favorite features. In chatting with owner and designer René Sanning, she confessed the secret of her fluid fashions. "I cut shape into my designs, mimicking a woman's natural curves." Let me be the first to say - hooray and hallelujah! Finally, affordable clothes that are made to fit me.
  
  Thanks to her keen sense of wearability, every René René design is a basic piece with just a extra touch of glam (think vintage buttons and removable bows.) It's this attention to sophisticated detail that makes the René boutique a wardrobe staple for office attire. Yet with just a quick accessory swap, you can flee the cubicle for a fun night out. Speaking of accessories, René also sells handmade hats and jewelry fashioned by local artisans.
  
  Should you manage to tear your eyes from that saucy little number in the mirror, you'll realize there are only three or four of each design in the shop. Adding to the thrill of the find, René makes only a handful of each creation, so every piece you buy is a limited-edition original. So chic!
  
  Insider tip: René loves seeing her creations come to life. Should you pop out of the dressing room to twirl in the 3-way mirror, she may just meet you with an armful of fun things to try next! 
  

  Posted Jun 16 2010, 04:21 PM by Alyson Kate with no comments

  Filed under: boutique, shopping, accessories, vintage, Little Five Points, jewelry, dress, glam, original, Rene Rene, local, shop, hats, office attire, basic, hour-glass, Hollywood, limited edition, retro, outfit

• Shop Virginia-Highland

  Whether you're looking for a cool Summer date or searching for that elusive finishing touch, Virginia-Highland has the answer. Packed with shops, restaurants and plenty of people-watching, this neighborhood is a must-visit!
  

  For some hands-on fun, check out:
  Wired & Fired - A great way to get your hands dirty! Choose from over 200 pre-baked pottery pieces and paint your masterpiece. The bisque shapes range from traditional plates and bowls to quirky figurines and even a few sushi pieces. The studio welcomes food and drink, and yes - that includes alcohol.
  
  Highland Woodworking - offers classes in the art of woodworking. Learn to turn a bowl, guild a frame and much more at this Atlanta mainstay. Hand-crafted pieces are also available for purchase, as are specialized tools of the trade.
  
  The Cooks Warehouse - Pots and pans and knives, oh my! A treasure trove for kitchen enthusiasts, you'll find excellent cookware, delicious recipes and more. All three locations offer gourmet cooking classes at many skill levels. This month, try your hand at cake decorating, grilling or quick dishes.
  
  Knitch - the one-stop knitting niche! Here you'll find spool upon spool of luxurious yarns and fabrics. Interested in trying your hand at a fun pair of knee socks? Sign up for a few classes - bonus tip: after class, all students receive 10% off any purchase.
  
  Urban Cottage - A "creative lifestyle boutique" filled with fun, affordable furnishings. This eclectic store has inspiration in every nook, perfect for those clamoring away from the build-by-number flat boxes. With help from this store, you can make anywhere feel like home.
  
  Belly General Store - A guilty pleasure, to be sure! Tasty treats and unique pieces abound in this enticing shop. From fresh flowers and fruits to house-made cupcakes and breads, the array of sweets is mind-boggling. Pick up a few jars of preserves or honeys when you're in need of a last-minute gift. This shop is refined simplicity at its best.
  
  Want to find own way around? Here's a complete list of Va-Hi shops. 
  

  Posted Jun 07 2010, 02:47 PM by Alyson Kate with 2 comment(s)

  Filed under: boutique, shopping, neighborhood, Virginia-Highland, gift, home, pottery, flowers, knitting, Knitch, shops, recipes, D.I.Y., Wired & Fired, Urban Cottage, Highland Woodworking, retailers, sweets, linens, Belly General Store, classes, kitchen, DIY, The Cooks Warehouse, alcohol, baked goods